The pressure which hung over the large circular council room was heavy, a mixture of tension, aggravation and frustration which kept growing more as time passed. The negativity, along with the dark sky and the continuously falling rain visible through the open archways, kept the mood grim and low. Not a word had been spoken for what seemed like hours, the present eyes averted from each other while opinions on what had and hadn't happened were kept to one self. No one had the heart or will to share their thoughts, or found it unwise to do so.
King Oakheart Sheran Sharm of Sadida sat on his temporary throne with a solemn demeanor, carrying the weight of a heavy burden. His tired looking eyes wandered from the floor to his daughter who stood quietly beside him, to then shift towards the threatening weather outside and the two representatives which sat further away. So many chairs within the room stood empty. The sight alone made things more sour than they already were. Nearly everyone who was invited to attend this urgent council meeting, be it a representative or a ruler, hadn't accepted the summons... to Sadida's biggest disappointment. But while it was the king who was frustrated by the many empty chairs, it was his son who verbally and visibly expressed it.
"None of them have come, father. None!" Lightning cut across the grey clouded sky after the prince's obvious but loud statement, adding a dramatic effect to what he tried to make his own father aware of. He pulled his attention away from the almost empty space in front of him to focus on his sire rather than the burning anger he felt, not holding back on speaking spitefully. "This proves how important our kingdom is to any of them. Even the king of Bonta-!"
"Has sent us Master Joris," Oakheart interrupted with a mildly stern expression and an incline of his head, before he weakly but appreciatively smiled to the small ambassador," who will be of invaluable assistance." The representative of Bonta sat with his hands folded before him on a tall chair which held a carving of Bonta's coat of arms. The chairs on either his sides were void of any presence, making him look smaller than he actually was but he still held a flair of importance. Bonta truly was the only one to willingly step forward and attend the council after the invitations and pleas for help were sent out, but then... Oakheart shouldn't forget that it was also Bonta which held the prime responsibility over retrieving the Eliatrope Dofus and shared the same continent as Sadida. The very same continent which was falling victim to a flood; Joris had to attend. At least he held Oakheart's undying respect, which made the master's presence this day all the more reassuring.
It had been a painful and embarrassing day for almost everyone present, the wait for the other representatives to arrive unbearable. Master Joris arrived earlier this day on behalf of his king, but his welcome was stiff and cold; the loss of the Eliatrope Dofus caused some of the trust and belief in him to wither, as expected. "I know the leaders of the world and the Council of Twelve hold your kingdom in high regard, Your Majesty," he said humbly while peering past his gloved hands towards the Sheran Sharm family, though was hardly phased by the scoff the prince gave in response.
Armand couldn't help but to grin wryly with obvious distaste after hearing Joris' flattery, saying with a hint of mockery while he motioned for the empty chairs on either side of the Bontarian master and the Eliatrope ambassador," of course, Master Joris. Their empty seats stand as proof of their so called 'high regard'!"
The female Eliatrope, who sat poised and void of expression on the tall chair bearing the symbol of her people, clenched her hands tightly together in her lap as she withstood Armand's snapping and growling. She understood his frustrations, but there was too much going on to feel any compassion for him specifically. They hadn't seen eye to eye for a long time, Gods knew it had been years, but the prince was unbearable these last two days… even for someone with her patience. "My king will arrive soon, Your Royal Highness, though I doubt he will be receptive and appreciative of how you have dealt with the situation."
Alys slightly opened her eyes to glance towards Armand while she spoke, seeing Oakheart held a glint of guilt before he looked away to focus on his daughter instead. There was too much he had no control over, and while he showed to have second thoughts and remorse on what had been done, it wasn't enough to calm the disappointment Alys felt. She spent the night before in the guest quarters, having felt unwelcome after she was informed about the situation at hand. There was repulsion for actions and decisions she was deliberately kept out of, and she did wonder several times during the early hours of the night as to why she was still present… but she knew exactly why she remained and would sit through the offense and embarrassment.
"We had no choice..."
"As you said," Alys nodded, trying to show understanding but it was difficult to give after what had happened. She pinned her gaze on Joris who had been unfazed by her objections and kept a strange distance from her ever since his arrival, the pang of betrayal she felt making her feel queasy. "Pardon my bluntness, Your Majesty, but if you and the other kings of the World had approached the Eliatropes sooner, this wouldn't have happened."
She tilted her head towards the silent Amalia to prove her point, the begrudging motion causing Oakheart to slump a little in his throne with a deep sigh. She spoke true; this was a mess… The Eliatrope ambassador had every right to be disapproving about how the events had unfolded. At least she hadn't stormed out and broken any alliances with the unsettling development. She was still giving it a second chance because she cared for the Sadida kingdom and the ties they had with the Eliatropes. He was grateful for it.
A sudden flickering of sparkles and shifting silhouettes in the middle of the room claimed everyone's attention and distracted them from the rising frustrations, some showing a mixed reaction to the peculiar and sudden phenomenon. Curiosity was sated when the effects of the used recall potions wore off and three familiar adults and two young children materialized before the present party, though not a word was uttered. The moment the new arrivals found their bearings after getting magically transported, one of them was quick to bend through a knee and bow with deep respect before the royal family of Sheran Sharm.
"Greetings, powerful Sadida," Evangelyne said with her head held low before she swiftly rose to a standing and took in the room she, her lover and children were sent to after Otomaï gave them the recall potions to comply to Sadida's summons. A smile formed when she saw Amalia standing beside the king, but the expression of delight faded all too soon with the realization that the princess and her family looked as if they had gone through the depths of Shukrute. Amalia didn't even seem excited to see her friends again, her eyes glued onto the floor.
Otomaï made certain all five members of the Percedal family were present after they drank the potions he himself had brewed, before he straightened up and spoke as if he took his temporary position as Sadida's emissary rather seriously," Yugo's party should arrive sho-"
The grand alchemist was interrupted when the very foundations of the Tree shook with what felt like a minor earthquake, something large and heavy landing roughly in the council room with a poof of smoke and sparkles. It caused the empty chairs to rattle and the new arrivals to flinch, especially Otomaï, who was a little too close for comfort to whatever appeared out of thin air and made an impactful entrance. It was a four wheeled vehicle of some kind that wobbled a little after landing, bearing several shovels at the front and the feather insignia of the Brotherhood of Tofu.
Alys recognized the monstrosity that was Ruel Stroud's modified digger machine, the vehicle having stood parked beside the inn for the duration of Ruel's half year long visit, as he indulged himself in the company of his best friend Alibert and the free meals that came with it. She blinked at the rather unexpected but rather spectacular entrance, before quietly observing the reunion which followed after the old Enutrof leaned out of his van and greeted everyone loud and heartily.
"Hello everyone!"
The Percedal children were ecstatic to see Ruel while Yugo dove at Tristepin in greeting from one of his Zaaps, soon joined by Adamaï to cling onto the Iop with happy laughter. It had been a while since the members of the Brotherhood of Tofu last saw each other. It truly showed as their greetings were heartwarming and sweet to behold... if the current situation wasn't so bleak. Their laughter and smiles did not ease the thick and tense atmosphere which hung over the council room, nor did it change the fact that many chairs remained empty and the rain continued to pour with accompanying thunder.
King Oakheart cleared his throat to gain the attention of the new arrivals after the caused commotion, their glee not shared with the Sheran Sharm family, but especially Amalia, who deliberately kept herself from partaking in the reunion. "I welcome you, saviors of the Sadida Kingdom," he said to bring some order to the room, the members of the Brotherhood quick to calm down and stand at attention as he continued to speak," we've requested for your presence during these grave times. Master Otomaï, I'll let you explain the situation to our friends."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Otomaï nodded in understanding, the small smile he held disappearing as suppressed worries began to brood and bubble towards the surface. It was finally time to clue the new arrivals in on why exactly he had brought them to Sadida, having kept the true reason from them on behest of the king. "Ogrest, my son and keeper of the six Primordial Dofus, broke out into tears a few days ago. The consequences of his crying have been catastrophic for the Sadida Kingdom and the surrounding areas; the whole forest got engulfed and flooded. The flora and fauna it held… almost everything is gone."
"That-!" Yugo couldn't believe his ears, but there was no denying that Otomaï wasn't over exaggerating, the torn looks on the royal family's faces attesting to the truth behind his words," that's not possible!" The Eliatrope couldn't contain his bafflement or disbelieve and quickly summoned a Zaap to gather the required proof, refusing to believe the Fecan alchemist. Yet what he found after exiting the portal made his heart drop and his face pale, the truth hitting him hard with an ominous view through one of the council room's open archways. The stormy dark water spread out before the young king, with only but a few treetops sticking out of the unruly surface. He could see it with his very own eyes, but it still remained hard to grasp or comprehend that the kingdom of Sadida got largely submerged.
Alys watched the boy return to his friends and family with slouched shoulders and head held low after he reluctantly accepted the truth, a pained grimace on her face as she couldn't fully hide how sorry she felt for him learning about Sadida's fate in such an abrupt way… and he still had yet to learn of the all other problems which accompanied the flooding of Sadida. How she wished she could have informed him beforehand. Her turquoise colored eyes moved towards Joris seated across of her after Yugo retook his spot next to Adamaï, the Bontarian master returning her glance without a hint of guilt, care or remorse. All his eyes held was observation while he intently watched the briefing and unfolding events. His disregard made her stomach clench and unable to look at him for too long, her gaze slowly lowering down to her lap while she suppressed a shudder of dismay.
"Unfortunately, the worst has yet to come," Otomaï said somber after Yugo returned to the others," the water levels have risen immensely. Another crying fit from Ogrest could wipe out the entire Sadida Kingdom." It was indeed dire and time was running out. His son had been this world's boogeyman for years, a destructive force that literally tore land masses apart thanks to the empowerment of the six Primordial Dofus he held in his possession. Nobody had been able to stop Ogrest for two centuries, not even Ogrest's own father.
"Yugo… we've studied all the solutions available, but only one seemed viable to us," Oakheart swiftly said after Otomaï finished talking and shifted his attention to Joris while his conscience grew all the more heavier, knowing full well what would come next," Master Joris?"
Joris appeared thoughtful when the king gave him the floor by only mentioning his name and title, but the pondering look in his eyes only lasted for a short moment. He understood what needed to be said and what to expect from it. "To counter Ogrest," he began, sounding calculated and clear," the Kings of the World asked of me to collect the six Eliatrope Dofus."
Alys closed her eyes when the truth was brought to light towards the Eliatrope king and the attending Brotherhood, hearing Adamaï be the first to audibly express his objection with an expected anger and offense. "What?! How dare you?" He glared towards Joris with a vexation which was present in all the attending Eliatropes, though it was only the young dragon who acted to his anger rather than hold it back like Alys had wisely done. "Those Dofus belong to our people!"
"Let him finish, Adamaï," Yugo said more calmly, hearing Adamaï disapprovingly growl before he glanced to Alys with hesitant uncertainty. He could see she was tense, a frown visible under her pale blond bangs while her hands remained in her lap, her head held low and eyes cast downwards. "Alys, you knew about this...?" he asked quietly, not wishing to accuse her of withholding such important information from them. Surely she hadn't?
The female Eliatrope shook her hanging head before she slightly rose it to see her younger brothers and softly spoke with a voice that betrayed how she felt," I am sorry, Yugo... I was informed about the matter shortly after I arrived in Sadida yesterday. I didn't receive any details beforehand. We were all kept in the dark." She felt guilt, guilt for not having been able to prepare Yugo and Adamaï for this shocking revelation. Oakheart said he didn't wish for the Eliatropes to be humiliated during this council meeting and that he therefore tried to warn her, but even if the other representatives hadn't been cowardice or selfish to attend, it would still have been insulting and embarrassing.
"I know we should have asked you first," Oakheart attempted to stop the accusations and the situation from escalating," you are a king too, Yugo, no matter that most of your people are not present on this world..." His words were but a measly bandage for a deep wound. No matter that he considered Yugo a fellow king, most of the other rulers did not share Sheran Sharm's view on the matter. The decision to keep the Eliatropes unaware until the very end was deliberate and showed how much faith others held in them.
Prince Armand was quick to add his own thoughts to his father's attempt to soothe the Eliatropes' anger however, making the king's words for naught," a king who doesn't age, and whose subjects we've never seen."
"I don't like the tone of your voice, Prince Armand!" Adamaï growled while pointing a claw at the prince, black smoke rising from his flaring nostrils as he shook with rage. For others to have taken the Eliatrope Dofus without permission… it was unacceptable! And to be mocked for their people being stuck in another dimension was just as worse.
"Calm down, Adamaï," Yugo said sternly with a hushed voice before he continued with a mature tone to take on the responsibilities of the crown he was supposed to wear," I do sympathize with the problems of the Sadida kingdom, no matter the actions taken." There was no choice but to comply. He had to if he was to save Sadida from annihilation; to go against the taken decisions and bicker would only delay any help the leaders were expecting to get from using the Dofus. The pride of their people could be dealt with later, and he guessed Alys thought the same as she was still present after being withheld from the truth. "Master Joris, what have you done with the Eliatrope Dofus?" he asked, unable to stop himself from scowling a little as the situation remained dire with a bitter aftertaste.
"Nothing," the small master said almost nonchalantly," they were all gone when I arrived."
A sharp gasp left Yugo when Joris brought forth the truth. Gone? How was that even possible? "But…" he looked as perplexed as Adamaï, their eyes large with bewilderment. Joris couldn't be right. Those six Dofus were well hidden with only but a few individuals knowing about the locations and their existence. This had to be a mistake. His shocked expression hardened with accusation when he glared towards Joris," that's impossible! Each of them were hidden in a safe place."
Joris shook his head as if to object to what Yugo was saying, keeping his elbows propped on the top of the table while his small hands remained folded together. The young king could try and find excuses all he liked; the Dofus were missing all the same. "I've tried to track them down, but only managed to find two so far," he said, as if it would ease the grief or anger caused," an old enemy has them; the Count Harebourg." Lightning lit the room with a blinding white light when it struck the air, the thunder which instantly followed only adding to the tension which kept on growing. The name Joris shared did not ring many bells among the members of Tofu but that didn't stop him from continuing his explanation," he keeps them in Frigost, an island of which he is the absolute master."
"And this... count... made us a proposition," Oakheart filled in, glancing sideways to his daughter while his voice grew rougher and began to stammer," he… He…" He couldn't say it, no matter that it had been one of the more prominent thoughts and worries weighing on his mind. He could see her face distort as she could no longer hold a blank expression, the reality of what was to happen becoming too much to bear.
Armand showed a hint of sympathy when his father struggled, before he finished what the king couldn't utter," he will give us the two Dofus in exchange for the unification of Frigost island and the Sadida Kingdom."
It was Evangelyne who was the first of the Brotherhood to understand what Armand was insinuating, her eyes round with the surprise she felt. "No... Amalia, he asked for your hand?" The Cra looked distraught to the one she grew up with and had looked after, while others of the group had a different reaction to the news.
"Hey, that's great!" Tristepin suddenly called out with an enthusiasm which did not fit the dark atmosphere that brewed within the council room, a broad smile on his face," Amalia is going to get married. Congratulations!"
"Pinpin!"
Evangelyne's scolding voice caused Tristepin's cheery mood to instantly flip over to confusion with an accompanying flinch, his whole posture changing as he was uncertain of what exactly happened. "What...? Did I say something wrong?"
The silence which followed was short but heavy, but it was Yugo who was the first to break it as he asked Amalia with a reluctance anyone present could almost taste," and... and you accepted?" He looked as if he was about to crumble, the revelation making his stomach turn and his chest tighten. An arranged marriage… For Adamaï it was a familiar scene as they had gone through this before, but for Yugo it was a nightmare; the one he had grown affectionate towards, and yet kept his distance from, was suddenly so very far out of his reach.
"Of course I accepted, Yugo," Amalia bit his way, sounding bitter when she finally spoke after standing silently beside her father," it is my duty as a princess, and a small price to pay for saving our forests."
Yugo had to stop himself from saying more when he noticed Amalia was not going to listen to him or anyone else who would make the attempt to change her mind, knowing she wasn't able to with the position she was forced into. He learned this much from when Alys went through something similar a few years back. It was as difficult then as it was now, though... this time it felt much worse.
His heart ached while Armand continued to speak in his father's stead to not linger on the proposition made and make the situation clear," the Count wishes for the princess to be accompanied by only a handful of people for the wedding. He demanded that the Brotherhood of Tofu will act as her escort."
The sudden raising of Tristepin's arm and him jabbing a pointing finger forward made everyone look at him in mild confusion, his voice demanding for the remainder of anyone's attention," who does he think he is? He buys Amalia's hand and then dares to make demands?" He weakly clobbered the palm of his hand with a fist while he carried a grin, smirking with a shining confidence," I have another idea! We go to his island, break a few of his teeth and then return here with the Dofus."
"And create an unprecedented diplomatic incident? Yes, a very bright idea," Armand said while sounding too calm for his usual doing, but there was sarcasm present within his reaction to Tristepin's plan. Still, he seemed amused. Perhaps he did favor the idea a little.
Tristepin turned a little more serious after Armand was the only one to audibly disagree with him, though it was difficult to ignore how most looked towards him with a similar objection," we have saved the world more times than an Iop can count, and Amalia was with us during it all. She is not an object we are exchanging here. Marriage is sacred and-"
"Be quiet, Tristepin!" Amalia interrupted the Iop, the look on her face almost as dark as the dreadful weather visible behind her through the open archways," my decision on the matter is final. If you aren't coming with me, then I will go alone to Frigost." She kept herself poised when she stepped forward with her staff for support, thawing from the spot she had obediently and quietly stood for so long. She made her way through the gathered group of people in the center of the room, her eyes deliberately kept forward while everyone watched her. The sympathy, pity, disagreement and admiration they felt towards her remained unspoken, hanging in the air like a thin veil which clung to the princess' back.
When Amalia left the circle the two long tables and many chairs formed, it was Evangelyne who spoke up and broke the silence," we will accompany you, Amalia, you know this… We are your friends, you can count on us. Don't you all agree?" She glanced towards the other members of the Brotherhood after her words made Amalia halt in her stride, seeing them nod and grin while Yugo showed no reaction and kept his back turned to the princess.
It was difficult to hold back the tears after her friends offered their support wholeheartedly, yet she forced them back when an appreciative smile crept onto her lips. She was afraid she had to go through this nightmare alone. Thankfully she was wrong. "Thank you... In that case, I will get ready," Amalia said before she continued her way to leave the council room, wishing to leave as soon as possible, yet wanting to stay just as badly.
The whole room began to stir after the princess left to begin preparations for the journey at hand. The king rose from his seat after he gave his son a solemn and tired look before taking his quiet leave, though Armand followed after him to not linger. Nothing more needed to be said; everything was decided for and everyone knew what was expected from them. Amalia was to depart this very day and time was running short.
Evangelyne left her children with Tristepin and Ruel after the royal family left the council room, the female Cra wishing to support Amalia during these troubling and difficult times. They were good friends, almost like sisters. It only felt right to be at her side...
After the room grew quiet and the remaining members of the Brotherhood gathered around Ruel's digger, Alys made her way around the long table she sat by to walk up to Yugo, the boy keeping himself at a distance. She lay her hands on his shoulders after she stood still behind him, her thumbs gently rubbing them while she remained silent and observed him. What could she possibly say to him at a time like this? Guilt gnawed at her, her disapproval lingering in the background. The situation truly wasn't in their favor, especially his. She inspectingly glanced to Adamaï, the dragon worryingly watching his twin brother and surely thinking the same as the female Eliatrope. She parted her lips to speak to Yugo, to ask if she could do anything for him, but not a word left her as Yugo slipped away from her with a sudden step forward.
The young king didn't say anything when he left the council room with his head held low, allowing Alys and Adamaï's concern for him tog row. He took the news about the missing Eliatrope Dofus and Amalia's upcoming marriage badly, but then who could blame him? This wasn't easy for anyone involved... It was particularly nauseating for some.
"I'll talk with him," the ivory scaled dragon offered while throwing a quick glance to Alys as he was ready to go after Yugo, the nod and small smile she gave him enough of an approval. She would let the brothers have a heart to heart in their own way and at their own pace. They understood each other well, always in sync... they were bound to get through this together. Adamaï was quick to chase after Yugo, the issue of the taken Dofus still pressing down on him. Although there was nothing he could do about the situation, he still wasn't receptive of how the matters were handled. It was too sneaky... but if the chance to turn everything around would present itself, he would definitely take it.
"So you're coming with us to Frigost, then?" Ruel asked as he leaned over towards Alys, the woman standing close by him and Tristepin while she looked after the leaving dragon.
She snapped out of her pondering and worries after Ruel asked her a valid question, before she rapidly blinked with her eyes to regain her senses. Was she coming along? She didn't really have a choice in the matter, did she? She glanced towards Joris when she caught him getting off his chair and head for the exit rather than join the conversation, a small frown forming. "I have to..." she answered while her eyes followed the small master, the wonder about where he was going spooking through her head and spiking when he rounded the corner and disappeared from sight. "This is a political matter," she continued to keep her nerves and curiosity in check and prevent herself from going after Joris," I can't possibly stay behind with two of my people's Dofus being used as bartering chips in an arranged marriage... I have absolute faith in the Brotherhood of Tofu, Ruel, but this has become far too personal."
"I get it, I get it," Ruel said while nodding in agreement before he reassuringly patted the wooden hull of his digger," this precious baby's got enough space to house the Brotherhood, and extra." He winked to the two toddlers as they looked at him expectantly with their strict mother not there to object, the delighted cheers they let out pleasing him enough as he hoarsely laughed at their enthusiasm. Even Tristepin seemed eager for what was planned. "You're welcome on board," the Enutrof said to Alys with a nearly toothless grin, receiving a weak but appreciative smile in return.
"That's good and all, but… we somehow need to get your digger outside first, Ruel," Tristepin said, being rather observant for the Iop he was.
Ruel spun around to look at the large vehicle that was his mobile home, examining it with a certain cluelessness before he suddenly grabbed for his bald head and groaned loudly in dismay. Tristepin was right; his precious invention was stuck at the highest level within the palace, with no possible way of casually driving it out. Curse that alchemist's recall potion. He should have trusted his gut and have driven everyone here.
Alys turned her focus back towards the exit of the council room when Ruel whined about the newly arisen problem, her eyes narrowing as she had to admit to herself that she was heavily troubled by all that had occurred. There was much to worry and think about… Yet at this very moment her mind was trying to make sense of one particular concern, and it wasn't about the displacement of Ruel's digger. "If you'll excuse me, Ruel, Percedal… I have a matter I need to attend to before we take our leave," she softly and apologetically said before she brushed past the group to leave the room she unwillingly spent several long hours in, not waiting for anyone's approval.
She wanted answers. Three months of silence, three months of worrying… all to find out that the one she was worrying for had gone behind her people's back to retrieve powerful relics. She felt betrayed, her trust damaged. Did she ever feel this way towards the master of Bonta? He never gave her a reason to… Goddess, nothing felt right about this. There was the complete understanding that he only followed orders and did what was asked of him, but Joris had never been cruel or cold towards her, always apologizing for any offensive behavior or actions… until this day.
Her swift pace through the many corridors she crossed abruptly halted when she caught a glimpse of blue, orange and white from the corner of her eyes, finding three short figures standing upon a grassy balcony which overlooked the depressing view of a flooded Sadida. She took a few rapid steps back to hide herself from sight after she found Yugo, Adamaï and Joris conversing with each other, the volume of their conversation soft.
"-very important if you go out of your way to ask me for help," Adamaï's voice sounded after Alys brought her back against the wall and listened in on the conversation, remaining close to the open doorway she saw the trio through. The falling rain hitting the leaf overhang of the balcony almost drowned out their voices, but she could still hear them clear enough to pick up on what was being discussed.
"We managed to discover the location of the first two Dofus thanks to Otomaï's efforts, and I have my suspicions for two of the others. I would like for you to come with us to confirm my suspicions."
Adamaï could be heard smirking in response to Joris' request. "Think you can handle things without me, bro?"
"I'll try to survive," Yugo's said in response, a tinge of jest hidden in his words although it didn't sound very convincing towards the female Eliatrope. Her heart reached out for the boy, knowing full well he was dealing with many problems. She would shoulder each of them to take the weight off him if she could, but this was something he had to deal with on his own.
Alys took a deep breath to give herself courage once a silence fell across the balcony, her heart racing. Another deep breath to try and take on a confident approach before she stepped into the doorway and folded her hands across her stomach, the stoic expression she carried nothing but a mask to hide what she was thinking or feeling. "Master Joris..." Her sudden but soft spoken voice made all three present turn their head towards the Eliatrope, the curiosity they felt for her unexpected appearance rather apparent in their postures," a word in private, if you please."
Joris gave a small nod to comply before he inclined his head a little towards Adamaï and Yugo, saying apologetically," excuse me, Master Adamaï. I will meet with you shortly."
Alys gave the boys a small smile when Joris came towards her, though it instantly faded when she turned around to lead the way to somewhere more secluded. There was much they needed to discuss, but there wasn't enough time to do so if he was to leave soon with Adamaï and Otomaï. This was her only chance for the time being and she didn't wish to lose it, needing it to ease her heart from any concerns and dark thoughts.
"Lovers' quarrel," Adamaï snorted with a grin after the two went inside, eyeing a uncharacteristically quiet Yugo from the corner of his eyes. His brother was truly troubled by the idea that Amalia was going to wed someone else. Even if Yugo were to confess his true feeling to her, it would be too late all the same. They had gone through a similar situation with arranged marriages they weren't able to stop before, but this was different; this time it were Yugo's personal feelings which were on the line. Affection was complicated… and not just for Yugo. "I bet it stung that Joris didn't tell her about gathering the Dofus."
"It stung us all, but…" Yugo said with a sigh and turned to his brother," at least they both understand how important loyalty and duty is. Joris did what he was asked to do, and Alys remained here to assess the situation even after she learned the truth. They'll work it out…" Unlike him and Amalia. "At least they try and fix the mistakes made. If Joris is right with his guess, and all goes according to plan, we will have at least four of the Dofus retrieved. Let us hope you won't come across any trouble, Ad."
"Don't worry, bro. Nothing can go wrong with Joris and Otomaï by my side. We'll find those Dofus. I promise."
Joris' eyes wandered as he quietly followed after Alys, taking in the path and surroundings she guided him through until they found themselves in the dead end of a hallway. The end of the corridor was somewhat dark with the bad weather outside and the large open windows hidden behind leaf curtains, settling the atmosphere on something gloomy. He glanced upwards to the female Eliatrope when she came to a slow stop, her bare shoulders rising while her hands dropped down to her sides. He waited for a moment to see how the situation would unfold before he brought his gloved hands behind his back and straightened his spine. "What is it you wish to discuss with me, Lady Alys?"
Alys took a deep breath to calm her nerves and rapid beating heart after Joris spoke up so formally, slowly turning to look at him while asking quietly with a deep grounded plea which matched her anguished expression," why didn't you tell me...?"
She saw him raise a brow in the darkness of his hood, as if the question took him by surprise, before his eyes closed and he tilted his head slightly forward, understanding what she was asking about. "It was an undercover operation, Lady Alys. It was to be done under complete secrecy by the King of Bonta's orders; there was no possibility to involve you sooner."
"Please, enough with the titles, Joris…" Alys said softly, almost whispering the words as she knelt down before the small master to bring herself to his height, like she always did when discussing something of importance. Her eyes narrowed while her eyebrows were brought together into a frown, the turquoise orbs fluttering over his appearance before they rested on his hidden face," we agreed a long time ago that we would meet every political situation diplomatically, no matter our own involvements, but this… This is too personal for me to quietly accept and push aside. You know how important those Dofus are to my people, especially Yugo and Adamaï. To me… Why…?"
Joris cocked his head a little while he listened to her, having an observant look in his eyes after she brought herself closer to him. He seemed hesitant at first, uncertain of what was laid out before him, until he thoughtfully kneaded one hand in the other behind his back. "You know there was no other way."
"No other way…?" she sounded and looked baffled, withholding the urge to lay her hands on his shoulders and look him in the eye," Joris, you disappeared for a little more than three months with a written apology which had no context. I knew you were on an important mission by order of your king, but I never would have guessed you were retrieving that which we had purposely hidden. Even Atcham and Kerubim were involved... What made you think that keeping it quiet from me was going to make it any better?"
"You would have objected if I had told you," Joris said with a sense of confidence, as if he knew for certain what Alys' reaction would have been," it is why we kept it quiet; we knew that if we were to seek your or Yugo's approval, you wouldn't accept at first. It would have delayed everything, even more so than it already has. You witnessed Master Adamaï's reaction in the council room. Who is to say it wouldn't have been the same if we asked you first?"
Alys looked completely perplexed when she heard him, slowly and almost unnoticeably shaking her head as she stared at him in disbelief. Something wasn't right… "You are acting strange," she muttered, looking confused as she tried to put the puzzle together," I have noticed you are behaving distant towards me and I don't know if it is intentional, but… I expected of you to know me better than to assume I would ignore a plea for help, especially after all we have gone through together. Sadida means a lot to me, Joris, you are aware of this… it was my home and the very place this life of mine began. It was where we met… I would have helped retrieve those Dofus if only you had asked me; you know this to be true. Why would I have said no when so much is at stake?... Why would I ever say no to you?"
She saw him blink as he took in every word she said, weighing them one by one to get the meaning behind them. He remained silent however, the kneading of his hands having stopped while he stood still before her. She couldn't read his face or guess his thoughts and it troubled her deeply. Was he understanding how she felt? The pounding of her heart refused to cease while the seconds crept on by, her hands trembling as she kept them in her lap, one clasped over the other to hide her growing distress.
"This isn't right..." she said with a shake of her head to break the silence, sounding torn while remaining knelt before him. She didn't want to be desperate towards him, but something felt wrong and out of place. There hadn't been a single apology or a hint of care on Joris' behalf this day. What ever happened during those three months of his absence to have caused this sudden strange rift between them? It was like she didn't know him anymore, as if he was a stranger to her. It hurt her more than she wanted to admit. "You expect me to trust you blindly, and you know I do so with my life and without question, but now… Goddess, Joris… I entrusted you with my-"
Her talking was interrupted when Joris suddenly leaned closer by taking a small step forward and one of his gloved hand brushed across her cheek, causing her to retract in startle as it was unexpected to be touched by him in such a manner. His fingers felt warm, the soft caress sending electrifying shivers through her whole being, until the softness was replaced with the warmth of his breath. Her eyes widened when he locked his lips with hers after he tilted his head far to the side and drew her into his hood by cupping the side of her face, his movements fluid and swift. She sat completely frozen, not daring to breathe or move as she was overtaken by astonishment, perplexity and an overwhelming sensation of confusion.
Was this truly happening...?
The tension ebbed away when the realization sunk in, her wide open eyes slowly falling shut as the desire to give in to the master's approach washed over her. But just when she was about to surrender herself to him, he pulled away from her as smoothly as he had lured her in. It took a moment for her to come to her senses, her mind hazed until reality came crashing down and the shock pushed itself through the fuzzy feelings the short moment brought forth. She rose a hand to lay it over her mouth while she stared at him with a deep blush, his warmth lingering like a tingling sensation, yet her trembling fingers never touched her lips as Joris suddenly spoke while facing away from her.
"We will talk further when I return," he said before he slightly turned his head to look past the edge of his hood towards Alys, her hand remaining suspended before her agape mouth as she was speechless; he had completely stupefied her," so hold that thought." As he began to walk away to meet up with Otomaï and Adamaï and left the female Eliatrope distraught and confused, a wicked broad grin grew within the darkness of the hood.
That went better than anticipated.
To be continued