Eisso wasn't quite sure how to tell anyone to leave without panicking them more. He couldn't exactly say there was an assassination attempt—it probably wasn't the first time someone was about to be murdered inside castle grounds, but it probably wouldn't be the last time, either. Instead, he decided to see if the others could help.

When he explained the situation, they all agreed; since they were dismissing the guests to avoid further panic, it would be best if they could get it done fairly quickly. Eisso accompanied Noire for the first few people, quickly explaining that the festival had to be closed early, then they went their separate ways to divide and conquer.

Eisso eventually ran into Ocielle.

"I saw someone nearly dragging a freakin half-dead person," Ocielle said bluntly as soon as she noticed him. "Am I allowed to ask a single question? WHAT THE FREAKIN DAMN HELL WAS THAT ABOUT?!"

"I'm…not comfortable explaining," Eisso replied. He wasn't even sure if he was supposed to be explaining.

"Start heading home," Ocielle said. "And be glad it wasn't you. I'll find your sister and send her home, too, but I'm going to get some advertising in so I'll be there after dinner."

"…okay," Eisso said. He started making his way outside. It took him a bit longer, since he still tried to ask everyone to leave. Thankfully they didn't need much convincing after he gave a brief "Robin requested that everyone leave for the time being."

The walk home was…a bit scary, actually. Eisso rarely came to and from the castle without anyone there. Oddly enough, the farther away he got from the castle, the more paranoid he became. About halfway there, he wanted to stop for Kenzie, but decided against it since she could take another route home. At least the streets of Ylisstol weren't completely deserted—a lot of the people were still at the castle.

Just the outside of Ocielle's shop made Eisso prefer the castle. He never did like returning here after school, especially after a bad day. He more-or-less got used to the blood involved—even if he refused to see a lot of it—but he would never be able to get over the fact that something, even if it was animals, were killed here regularly. But it was better than no house.

Eisso went straight to his and Kenzie's room, fed his rabbit, and waited by the window. Kenzie came home and joined Eisso in their room, sitting on her bed.

"That was an...eventful morning," she said. "Did Ocielle curse at you, too?"

"Three times in a single sentence," Eisso replied. "Not directly at me, but still. Do you think it scared her?"

"Definitely," Kenzie said. "I'm pretty sure it scared everyone. If she wasn't the least bit concerned, she would've let us stay longer."

"I'm not even sure if I find that reassuring," Eisso said. "At this point, we're more of a help than a bane. You are, at least." He paused for a few moments. "I wonder if she'll let us go back to the castle again."

"She will," Kenzie said. "She was a friend of Mother, and knew how much it meant to her for you to learn magic. Even if our safety was questionable, Ocielle wouldn't pass up free teaching as opposed to actually paying someone to do it. Until it's confirmed that it isn't safe, she'll let us be."

Eisso nodded, and silence fell over them. Eventually Kenzie stood up.

"I think I'm going to go out to the forest," Kenzie said. "Do you want to come with me?"

"Sure," Eisso replied. At the very least, it would keep his mind off things. It wasn't always wise to dwell on the question of death.

"Meet me outside," Kenzie said. Eisso nodded, and went outside to wait.

…

It was nice outside, all things considered. Eisso was sure that the festival would probably just be moved outside, if the majority of the people still wanted to celebrate. Near Ocielle's shop was a little forest; Eisso used to play in it all the time when he was younger. Every now and then, he would go back just for old time's sake, or to clear his mind.

Waiting for Kenzie didn't take long. She came out with a bag; Eisso guessed it held snacks for later.

"I left a note for Ocielle," Kenzie said. "As long as we don't come across any hunters, we're good."

Eisso nodded, and followed Kenzie into the forest.