My eyes fling open, a rush of adrenaline filling my veins as I jolt upright, heart thundering in my chest. I squeeze my eyes shut and place a hand over my heart, keeping my breathing as level as possible.
It feels like it takes far too long for my heart beat to settle, ragged breaths tearing through my throat, eyelids slowly flickering open. The blanket that covers me is a familiar and welcoming sight. I sigh to myself and lay back onto the bed, staring into the ceiling.
That's not exactly the best way to start a dream, is it? This is gonna be great.
"Rise and shine, sleeping beauty." His voice fills the silence, blue wisps sparking in front of me. His face pops in from… wherever he comes from, I guess, a cocky smile on his face. "Enjoying yourself?"
"I'm feeling just peachy." I grumble in turn, raising a hand to wipe the smile off of his face. It passes through him harmlessly, as always, a tingle running up and down my arm. "Lemme sleep in for a bit longer, prick, it's warm here."
"C'mon you waste of skin, you got things to do in here." One of his spectral fingers passes through my head, much to my displeasure, my brain freezing for a moment as a shiver runs up my spine.
"Prick." I mutter underneath my breath as I shuffle about, legs dangling off of the side of the bed. Dive into the memory, wake up.
I'll have to keep in mind to deal with the corruption that'll accompany it. How fast would that build up, anyways? Would it depend on the length of the dream, or would it be dependent on the dream itself? Would it depend on anything at all, maybe it's just random. Bah, consequences I'll deal with later.
"So, are you looking for any memory specifically, or are you gonna wing it?" The ghost questions, translucent body swirling around me for a moment before zipping away, leaning against the bookshelf. I wonder why he does that, it's not like he can feel it.
"It's a vague idea." I respond with a shrug, pushing myself off of the bed, claws flexing onto the carpet below, shuffling my way over to the bookshelf.
"So you're winging it, got it." My hands brush over the spine of a book before yanking it out, rubbing my hand against the blank cover. I close my eyes shut and take in a deep breath. One, two, three, release. I want to learn more about the Stranger, whatever I can. It's just a memory, so why do I feel so nervous? "Hey."
I open my eyes and look upwards, facing the ghost. There's a small smile on his face, a surprisingly soft one.
"I'm here to help if you need it, though I really hope you don't cock it up somehow." He… assures I guess, in his own special way. It's very him. I let out a soft chuckle, lips curling up into a smile.
"Alright, let's get into this."
The book trembles in my grasp, a low humming noise coming from it as I crack it open, familiar light burning within.
…
Birds chirp, a soft breeze washing over me, the stench of rain and damp moss filling my nose. Initial hesitation aside, this place is… rather soothing, I suppose. Even so, it's hard to sit still, not when I have so much to do. But, she did suggest it, and as such, I'll do whatever she believes is the correct move, regardless of what it may entail.
Though, I could do without the dog nipping at my heels.
"You look real uncomfortable, ya know that?" The Strangers comment breaks the fragile peace, my ears twitching, the beginnings of a scowl crawling it's way onto my face.
"Your presence is the reason for that, Stranger."
"Me? I thought that we were friends, Little Knight, you wound me!" Mock hurt drips off of his tongue, the cheerful tone of his does little to hide the facade, I can feel the man's boots stomping against the dirt both around and in front of me.
"Delusion of that nature is a cause for worry, perhaps you ought to speak to someone about it. You wouldn't want it to interfere with anyone's business, would you?"
"So you worry about me, then? I'm honoured, truly!" A heated huff blows through my nose, a brow twitching as I crack an eye open. The Stranger squats in front of me, resting his head on a hand, the faint morning light reflecting off of his cloak. After seeing it for so long, I've developed a small interest in how such a thing works, to obscure one's visage seems like a rather useful tool indeed. Perhaps he's skilled in such things, enough to catch her attention. I wonder, is such magic easy to break?
"Is there a reason that you've chosen to follow me about, or are you lonely?" I question him, voice low and flat. The best way to deal with this man is to play along, and to not show him that he gets under my skin. It didn't take too long to learn that lesson, but he always manages to burn at my patience too effectively for my liking. It's a skill of his, much to my displeasure.
"What, can't I follow a friend about, to spend some time with them? Besides, if I was truly lonely, then I could always chat up my partner, after all~"
"Keep your debauchery to yourself!" I snap at the man, lips twisting downward into a scowl. Such a reaction only serves to give the man amusement, much to my immediate displeasure, his laughter filling the air. That's the one string that he can pull to get a reaction out of me, and I loathe it. Can't kill or hurt him, she'd be rather upset, I can't believe I have to 'play nice' with this man.
"You're rather high strung, you know that? Is that typical for basitins, or is it just you?" He leans forward as he questions me, his tone almost seems serious, or at least, willing to listen. Hm.
"I've my reasons, and those are ones that I'll keep to myself. But yes, willing discussion of one's private life to those outside of it is frowned upon, public display of affection more so." It's not too far from the truth. It feels odd to speak about the island with another, with someone that isn't her, the culture difference between races is... odd, I suppose. It was quite a shock to both hear or see it, and to partake in such things on rare occasions. She's taken a liking to quizzing me about it, too, and I've been more than happy to divulge such things to her.
Even if some questions are beyond inappropriate. I can still feel my cheeks burn from the memory, bloody demon woman.
"I see…" He trails with a hum. "But this isn't public, is it?"
"No, it is not." It could be a lot more private if he wasn't following me about, but here we are.
"Then surely there's not too much wrong with ribbing a friend, no? It's just some fun after all, and in private."
"Because it is you."
"Hm, that'd go for anyone that isn't her, wouldn't it?"
"Correct." I hope that he's smart enough to have known that long ago, I really would be worried if he only just realised it now. He hums once again, boots shuffling into the dirt as he niches closer, leaning ever so slightly forwards. "What?"
"Why is it that you treat her so highly, Little Knight? I've never seen such dedication before." My body tenses, glaring down on him with a furrowed stare. He holds his gloved hands up, palms facing me. "Hey now, there's no need to look at me like that, I'm just curious is all. You can just say no, and I won't force you. Can't, either, masks know that the lady would have my neck in a noose real quick."
I snort at the thought, knowing how she's like, a noose would be far too kind an end, perhaps he's being optimistic. I don't respond immediately, humming to myself, mulling over the thought. The fact that I'm considering telling him about anything related to her is… surprising, perhaps I'm going soft. She would find this amusing, wouldn't she?
I suppose it couldn't hurt, perhaps it'd stop his pestering, or at least, sedate his curiosity for a time.
"She gave purpose and reason, a drive to live where I once had none. She was one to show me care when others deemed me replaceable. I owe many things to her, my life included, that's why I hold her above all else." She was there when no one else was, a guiding light when my eyes were covered by smog. The buzzing at the back of my skull and the ache in my bones are constant reminders of their little experiments, one that I almost lost myself in. And she brought me back, enough to batter away that feeling. It feels odd to speak of it, and yet, it's… a rather nice feeling, like a weight off of my chest. I shan't tell him that, though, I don't want to stroke his pride any more.
"Yeesh, that sounds like real heavy shit." He pipes up, leaning backwards and planting himself into the dirt, legs crossing over one another. Looks like he's making himself a bit more comfortable. Quite the casual response, not surprising.
"Mn, I suppose. What of you, then?"
"Huh?"
"Are you here through a drive of your own, or did you manage to skim your way here through good fortune? You seem the type of man who'd take life rather easily.." I question him, hands laid in my lap. He hums, hand reaching up into his hood.
"You're not entirely wrong. Truth be told, it was part luck, part curiosity that's led me here. I've never been the most serious of individuals, I'd rather spend my time laid back and relaxing, a drink of the hood stuff to one side with a woman to the other, but the way someone uses their magic and other oddities that're specific to them? That's fascinating enough to grab my attention, but how a certain individual uses their magic even more so. Your Lady is quite the curiosity indeed, the way she uses her magic so foreign, I can't help but be a bit nosey." He responds, his voice bright and cheerful. Foreign?
"What do you mean by foreign?" I've both heard and thought of several ways to describe her, foreign is a new one.
"Ah, I don't suppose you know much about magic, do you?"
"No, we're not able to use magic, so I haven't given it much thought." Other than enchantments that is, weapons and baubles imbued by magic are interesting enough, though I can't imagine they'd work for me.
...though not even that's true. I've both heard and seen things before she saved me, unnatural things that debase our very existence. I might work with and for the Templars, I try to keep a lid on my emotions for the most part, but even they test my limits. I've lost control once, and only once, never again.
"Ah, truly? Must be biological differences between races, then, how curious. Anyway, I won't bore you with the nitpicking details about it then. Her magical prowess is rather... Odd to see, to feel in the air, without a doubt strong, but just off putting enough where it's noticeable." He continues to explain, nodding along with him. Strong but strange, definitely sounds like the woman.
"I wonder why she decided to take you on."
"You don't know?"
"I don't question her decisions, if she truly believes it's for the better. She's a strange woman, who sees things in a strange light, maybe she sees a use for you that neither of us can see, I'll trust her judgement." Maybe that's why she picked me out, too, I've never questioned that too deeply. Whatever the reason, I'd hate to disappoint Stranger doesn't respond, nor does he budge, and I can feel him staring at me. "What?"
"Out of the times we've spoken, that's probably the closest you've been to a compliment."
"In what way was any of that a compliment?"
"That you trust me, of course!"
"How did you, through all of that, gather that I trusted you of all people?"
"And through your own words, you trust her decision in me, therefore you trust what I do in some aspect, no?" I close my eyes shut, my ears twitching as the man laughs aloud, a deep barking noise that only serves to further ruin the peace. I can't beat the man, no matter how much I wish to, she wouldn't be very happy with it. Lucky bastard. "Come now Knight, surely you know I jest?"
"You certainly play the role of a fool rather well, perhaps it's a position you were made for." I open my eyes to stare at the man, a hand pressed against his chest, over where his heart ought to be.
"Ah, straight to the heart, you wound me!"
"If mere words do you physical harm, then you're a rather fragile person indeed. You're the type to use your words to worm your way out of terrible situations, aren't you?"
"I'll have you know that I'm more than capable of handling more violent matters myself!" He shouts, an indignant inflection in his tone of voice. A small huff blows through my nose, lips twitching upwards as I stare.
"Is that so, Stranger?"
"Naturally, though my strength doesn't lie in my physical capabilities, I've been in my share of brawls on occasion. Why do you look at me like that? Do you not believe me?" I raise an eyebrow, keeping focus on the man. He sounds far from convincing, and his tone doesn't quite help his case.
"Do you believe your magical prowess to be of use in combat, Stranger?" I ask, fingers flexing, digging into my pants. He pauses for a moment, hand rubbing against his chest.
"Well, heh, I'm not completely sure. I haven't been forced into a situation where that's needed for quite some time. My specialty lies in more subtle means, you know?"
"Subterfuge and back stabbing, you mean." It doesn't come out as a question, and he seems to notice that. The man shuffles about in the dirt, the hand to his chest moving to the back of his head, rubbing gently.
"Yeesh, you don't have to say it like that. I just find there to be more value in those ways. Brute force as the only option can only get you so far, and I'd like to keep my hand varied." His voice is hasty, as if to cover up his tracks. It's amusing to get under his skin, though not my intent. An enjoyable outcome nonetheless.
"I don't mean it as an insult, Stranger. She is very much the same, perhaps that's why she chose you." It doesn't seem too far fetched, but it's at least plausible. That seems to put the man at ease, though, a relieved exhale coming from him as he deflates.
"Give me a heart attack, why don't you. Why do you ask anyways?"
"Curiosity for the most part. I assume that you haven't been practising such things, either?"
"I guess I'm out of practise, I've been busy with other thi- what are you doing?" The man cuts himself off as I stand upright, hands brushing down over my legs, removing bits of dirt and grass stuck to it. Hands move to my sides, fingers loosening the straps to undo it all, metal falling to the dirt with a thud soon after. "H-hey, I know I mentioned biological differences and all, but I'm not that interested."
"Don't flatter yourself." I say with a scoff, black coat falling alongside the steel, a cold breeze brushing over my chest. "Hit me."
"Wha?" I mightn't be able to see his expression, but I can feel it from his voice, and the way he nudges away from me.
"Hit me, strike me with magic, however hard you see fit. Let me see your strength, or lack of it." I command. Either I can take the hit with relative ease and that shows that he's lacking, or he shows that he's capable of a show of force if nothing else. Some are easier to fool than others. "You wish to have a varied hand? Then your cards ought to be intimidating enough to bluff if nothing else."
"Well, if you're sure then." He mutters, though he at least hops up onto his feet. I grunt and nod, arms held to my side, fingers twitching. I'm more than sure.
He claps his hands together, deep blue sparks jolting from hand to hand as he pulls them apart, his muttering barely audible over the magical din. I've seen him channel his magic before, is such a thing a requirement that he's forced to do, or preference that makes the process easier for him? Either way, being forced to channel leaves him open and vulnerable, perhaps that's something he can work on too.
I see the magic pool around his hands, the edges of it wavering for a moment as he holds his hands to the sky.
"Spark." His voice distorts as he brings his fists down, a thunderous bang ringing in my ears as the deep blue magic zips through the air.
I've already prepared for it, but it cuts deep. I can feel it burrow its way into my chest, a burning sensation exploding inside. I grit my teeth and keel over, though I refuse to fall to my knees, no matter how much I feel my legs shake, clutching at a fist full of fur on my chest..
Grit your teeth, suck in the pain.
Hold.
Release.
The feeling that sweeps through my body is a cold one, it washes away the pain, for the most part. I can feel the more stubborn parts of it lingering in my chest, a dull throbbing pain that echoes in my bones. I've been through worse, this is manageable.
A tense hiss pushes its way past my teeth, my jaw unclenching soon after, knuckles digging into my chest, rubbing away the pain. Fur feels slightly singed from that, it'll fix itself soon enough.
"Are you, uh, alright?" The Stranger questions, a half outstretched hand between the two of us.
"I'm fine. Was that the best shot you got, or do you still have more in you?" I can hear the man sigh, a hand reaching up to rest on his chest. Was he worried? How curious.
"I'm- hah, I have more magic in reserve, that just took a lot out of me is all, and I didn't want to use everything I had. I was worried that I damn near killed you or something." Ah, so he was worried then. Likely because she'd have his head in the end, an understandable reaction. My knowledge of magic is rather lacking, so I'll take him at his word for it.
"Basitin biology, we've innate magical resistance. It's rather useful, especially in dealing with unruly types, ones who rely on magic a bit too much." I explain. Of course, there's a limit to said resistance, though he doesn't need to know that. He shuffles about, the hand to his chest reaching up to inside his hood.
"How fascinating…" He trails off, and I can hear him humming soon after. I'm not sure if he got the underlying message behind what I said, though I pray that he realizes it sooner rather than later.
"In a typical fight, I don't think that anyone would give you enough time to allow that thing to happen, in most circumstances anyhow. But, from strength alone, I suppose it was acceptable." I speak my thoughts, hand still rubbing my chest. He's silent for a while, the chirping of birds echoing throughout the clearing. "I'm not going to ask 'what' again, Stranger, spit it out."
"Now that was an actual compliment, thanks Little Knight!"
"Are you normally this daft, or am I the unfortunate sod that's stuck hearing your blattering today?" I bark at him, a mix of a growl and a scoff slipping into my voice. I ignore the Strangers chiding laugh, face contorting into a snarl as I snatch up the cloth.
"Come on, don't be like that, it's just-"
"A jest, ribbing between friends, friendly banter, I'm more than aware of how you go about conversations with me, and your attempts to get under my skin." I cut him off, scoffing afterwards. I throw the coat over me, the warmth that accompanies it is an enjoyable one. A gift to be cherished.
"Well, you just got me all figured out, don't you?" He chuckles, his hands clasping together with a dull clap, resting behind his head.
"Perhaps you're just too predictable." I mutter, reaching down to the chestpiece. Cold steel on equally cold hands, strapping it back onto me feels second nature by this point.
"Me? Predictable!?" He shouts, a hand returning to his chest to clutch at the cloth. He sounds genuinely insulted by that, good, his own feathers deserve to be ruffled every so often. "What about me is predictable, Little Knight?"
"A few things come to mind, your attitude towards tasks at the forefront."
"Bah, that's just you being a strict bastard about completing those 'tasks' far ahead of time. I get my jobs done on time and when asked, so what's the issue?"
"It's best to finish what's required earlier, rather than later. You're the type that's… easily distracted too, lets say." My fur bristles for a moment, lips dipping into a frown. Easily distracted is an apt term for him, though it sounds far lighter than it should. Too soft.
"Ah, but can you really blame me for that? Is it truly my fault that I'm a man with needs?" He says, a light chuckle following his words soon after.
"Yes." Especially when I can hear it all from the library. A disgusted shiver runs up my spine from the memory, it's aggravating to hear it when I'm trying to focus.
"There's nothing wrong with a little stress relief, Little Knight, perhaps you should incorporate something similar into your life. Might help with you being less of a stick in the mud."
"Me coming here was for that purpose, but here you are, a thorn in my side."
"You have my most sincere condolences, Knight! You know, my Partner's fantastic at working out the little kinks in ones body, perhap-"
"Not. Another word." I growl through gritted teeth, flexed claws digging into my arms. The building bile in my throat tastes sour. The man has the audacity to laugh too. I know enough of his Partner to be sure that I never want it to touch me. I didn't even need to see under the hood to smell the stench of it.
I truly wish I could beat the man. The least he could do is keep his degeneracy to himself.
"By the masks, you are fun to mess with. I suppose that position's reserved for your pretty Lady, no?" I grit my teeth, a snarl slipping out through it. I feel my cheeks burn, and that gives him more fuel to add to the fire.
"Is this amusing to you, Stranger?"
"Oh very much so, it's hilarious. Methinks that your Lady would appreciate it too, if she was here."
"If she was here, then this would be a slight bit more bearable." She would also willingly join in, odds are that he already knows that, though. Bloody demon woman.
"Ah, surely there's something I could do to have my presence be 'more bearable', as you say. Within reason of course, as a testament to our budding friendship!" I snort as he finishes speaking, crossing my arms as I stare.
"I don't want anything from you."
"Nothing at all? It doesn't have to be something physical like a gift, it could be a question about something you want to learn, and not even that has to be about me. From one friend to another, I just wish to show willingness to share information, even if you do not wish to accept it." He motions with his hands towards himself as he finishes speaking, the tips of his fingers resting on his chest. I stare into the black void.
"There is one thing, actually."
"Oh? Then let's hear it!"
"I want to see your face."
"...eh?" That question seems to catch him off guard, the man leaning backwards, it's a slight motion, but noticeable. Does such a question frighten him? "Why do you wanna see that of all things?"
"Getting cold feet from the offer already, Stranger?"
"N-no, not at all!" He waves his hands in front of him frantically, my ears twitching as his voice wavers. A curious reaction indeed. "I've no qualms with showing myself off- I do look fantastic, it's just not what I expected from you at all. Why do you want to see my face?"
I hum to myself, fingers tapping against my arm.
"Curiosity. Besides, you've seen my face, why shouldn't I see yours? It's a simple enough request, is it not?" I continue on. Part of me is curious as to how the man looks, though the main reason is to know how he looks in general, should there be a need to know such information. The odds of it being useful is low, but best to know a little than nothing at all.
I imagine that there's spells to change one's appearance, though. Perhaps that'd be useful to keep in mind too.
"Hm, very well then. I wouldn't want to disappoint, now would I?" He says with a chuckle and a bow. He jolts upright, hands cripping the hem of his hood. He lingers for a moment before throwing it back with a flourish, the magic around it crackling before fading into the air. A distinctly human face greets me, a few shades below pale, his pink lips curled up into a cocky grin, pearly white teeth bared. His face is a neat, but dainty thing, with a small nose and a sharp jaw. His eyes are a clouded grey, though it sparks with mischief and amusement, not too unlike how her eyes do. Thick and soft white hair lays atop his head, looking more like a barely well kept mess than anything else, windswept to one side, spiking out at odd angles. It's a very memorable face, good. He lets out a sigh, a hand running through his hair, his smile still staining his face. "Ah, to feel the wind on one's face, it's a pleasure so easily forgotten, though I imagine it to feel different from one being to the next. So? What's your verdict, Little Knight? Does all this satisfy your curiosity, does your mental image of me match up with reality?"
"Keep the hood on." I say with a scoff, and a dismissive wave. I take small pleasure in the hurt look on his face, even if it's just an act.
"Ah, another wound to the heart, does it ever end?"
"Not in your life, Stranger." The mocking hurt on his face fades away, turning relaxed and calm, though a lopsided grin still remains. Even his face relays a look of confidence, perhaps it's his natural state, then. "We ought to return to her soon, though, no doubt she has more tasks for us."
"Hm, that's likely, you wouldn't want to keep her waiting, would you?" His lips curl up into a grin, a teasing tone in his voice as he winks. I feel my cheeks bunch, pinching the bridge of my nose, ignoring his cackling as best I can while he throws his hood up, obscuring his face once more. I don't give him the response he wants, twisting away to march onwards, towards the exit.
This was a pleasant enough experience, despite the annoyance.
But there's things to do.
…..
"Lower it, slowly." The beast's guttural groans fill the air, his arms tensing and flexing as he keeps his hold on the marble statue onto the wood. Dust kicks up from the area as he plants it down, my nose twitching as it snakes upwards, the beast stumbling away from it soon after. Sweat coats his skin, veins pulsating around bulging muscles.
"Ah du gud, boss?" It mumbles, saliva spilling out of its gaping maw. It's a disgusting sight, my lips twisting up into a scowl. To teach this thing human etiquette in a way it can understand is far from a priority, and I don't believe it possible myself. That being said...
"Acceptable." I respond. It's done its job with no hassle, and without a word of complaint, better than some around here. It lets out a dopey giggle, a simple sound and response for a simple beast, but that's no surprise. I turn my sight upwards, away from the brutes ugly visage,looking over the marble structure. It's a tall and dense statue of a dark beast with a gaping maw. It almost looks like a dragon, though something's off about it, enough to notice at least. I've no idea of its true use, just that it has its own magical properties and that it'll be used some time later. She wanted it here before that'd happen, and so here it is. That being said, I wouldn't have been capable of carrying it alone myself, nor would I allow my Lady to stoop so low to drag this thing around.
"Wha du next, boss?" It asks, and I can hear it shuffling next to me. Mn, does it need to do anything else? I don't believe so.
"You've naught else to do, take a break, do as you wish, just don't break anything, understand?" I turn to look over the beast, out of the corner of my eye. It stands there dumbly, eyelids slowly blinking, no doubt processing the words.
"Ah do, nothing?" It mumbles, scratching the top of its head. No wonder the Stranger had this on hand, he'd feel kinship around something as daft as him. I hum, fingers tapping against myself. I've nothing else to do myself either, I believe.
...Bah, I really am going soft, no doubt thanks to her.
"You have free time, I suggest you use it wisely. If you wish, you can wait in the library for me later into the night. Perhaps I can jam some semblance of humanity into your thick skull." I'd appreciate the challenge if nothing else, see if whatever this is can be something almost human in the end. It still stands there, staring with it's dull eyes. "What are you waiting for? Go have a break."
That seems to kick it's brain into working, its head shaking up and down as it nods before twisting away, oversized body swaying side to side. Perhaps I should try to find a fix for that, too, before he breaks anything.
"Would you look at that, that's just downright adorable to see~" A sultry voice whispers into my ears, giggling soon after, a shiver running up my spine as I jolt upright. Warmth snakes around my neck, hand pressing against my chest, gently nudging me back. The back of my skull presses against something soft, the warmth of burning cheeks matching with the sensation that surrounds me. "You've come so far, I'm so proud~"
I open my lips to speak, but a heated gasp takes its place instead, my throat clogging up as her arms continue to snake around me, bringing my close. Something soft presses against the top of my head, another giggle following soon after. Her hold on me persists for a while longer before she finally lets go, a chilling void replacing the warmth. The world turns to a blur as I swivel about, turning to face her.
"Mistress, how may I help you?" I try to keep my voice as level as possible, ignoring the blood that rushes to my cheek, and the flutter in my chest as her lips curl up into a delighted smile. She rests a hand on my cheek, brushing a thumb through my fur,
"Ever so eager to assist, aren't you dear?" She coos, her voice like silk against my ears. It's terribly difficult to regain composure, especially when she leads off like this, she's no doubt enjoying this. I'll complain later.
"Naturally." I choke out instead, stifling the feeling in my chest. She chuckles, her hand sliding upwards from cheek to ear, I can feel her hand cupping it. It's tingly, and that feeling runs itself across my senses. It's… it's really nice. Soothing.
"Mhm, you're my favourite for a reason, dear. To answer your question though, while I don't need anything, I would like for you to accompany me for a while. I need to have a little chat with the little Stranger after all, and you would make it that much more bearable." She continues on, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint, the fingers around my ears lightly digging into it, massaging gently. I don't trust my voice, nodding instead. Not even he can smother the delight of being around her. "I thought so, come along now."
She drops her hand from my ear, the longing in my heart a brief one before she clasps my hand in hers, dragging me along. Her hand always feels so soft, so pleasant in mine. I hope she enjoys the feeling as much as I, though I know the chance is low.
My grip on her tightens ever so slightly, cheeks burning. If she notices it then she doesn't show it, guiding me through the winding halls. She always moves with grace, even as her body sways from side to side, though I keep my eyes forward as much as I can. Bloody woman wouldn't let me hear the end of it if she caught me looking too long.
We finally approach a door, its stature rather small when compared to others in this place. It glows a deep purple before clicking open, the woman dragging the both of us inside. It's a strange room, bookshelves stacked to the brim with books and parchments alike, a heavy stench of ink and alcohol linger in the air, it smothers the senses. It's almost similar to the library, though far more open, and even here I can see rune linings etched into the floor below. It's rather dark, remnants of light flickering through whatever cracks it can find.
"Hello there~!"
"Gah!" There's a yelp, the sound of something smacking the floor soon after, far off into the room, hidden behind the mound of books and paper. It's not the Stranger. . "J-just a moment!"
"There's no rush, dear. I'd have knocked, but I thought I'd be expected, did the little Stranger not bring me up?" She replies, a smile still on her face. She pulls me close to her, planting her hand atop my head instead, a shiver running up my spine from the touch. I know why she's keeping me close, it's for the best.
"N-no, sorry! He's not here, I'll be over there in a second." The voice sounds hasty, soft grunting and the sound of things being shuffled about filling the air. The sound of claws thud against wood, coming ever closer to the two of us. My muscles tense, and the grip she has on me tightens, softening ever so slightly as she hums, it's a soothing sound. I don't deserve the gesture.
The figure rounds the corner, the body obscured by it's cloak, a diminutive replica of the Strangers own, though it lacks complexity.
A shame that it lacks the hood, too.
"How may I help you, Miss?" It asks, head tilting to the side, lips curling up into a fanged smile.
The golden eyes shine in the dim light.