Author's note: Wow. How in the world did playing Dawn of Sorrow make me want to continue my Lament of Innocence based fanfic? M'heh…ah well. I may as well since some people are hounding me down to continue. XD My writing style is probably going through a changing frenzy due to the large gaps in the times I finish them, so I'm sorry in advance if it's bothersome.
Err…Castlevania's owned by Konami, kiddies. However, I'm sure you all know that by now if you're taking the time to read fanfics. ;P
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"You know…you worry too much."
"I do not…"
Noah and Denek strolled down the market place of town. Noah worried for his recently pessimistic friend. Taking him out was the least he could do. It looked like he needed time away from the soot-filled shack of the blacksmith's shop. The aroma and burn marks of metal and fire caked onto the boy's clothes made it evident.
"Yes. You do. Your older sister's just fine. You really should relax once and awhile."
"Ridiculous…"
"Is it really? Listen to yourself. You're acting like a stubborn old man, yet you're only fifteen."
In defeat, a stubborn pout adorned Denek's face, his eyebrows and lips quirked and his nose scrunched. He uttered under his breath bitterly.
"Noah, I really should be home…" Denek groaned out as he kicked a pebble along the dirt streets.
"Oh, come on. I just finally got you to leave the place, but…if that's the case," Noah started, his lips pulled into a wide grin, "May I see Marielle's spellbook once we're there?"
"What…? Why?"
Taking hold of his arm, Noah took Denek out of the crowded market. Down one alleyway, they stopped. Leaning close, he made sure to answer with caution to avoid the risk of being overheard.
"I'm sorry for calling it witchcraft before," he whispered, "I want to see if I can learn a thing or two."
Caught off guard by this, Denek's eyes widened in disbelief. Not likely going to happen. You can barely read your way out of a -memorized- prayer, he thought to himself.
"Augh…alright. Just be careful with it."
"Since when am I not careful?"
"Do you really want me to dignify that with an answer?"
Back home, Denek kicked off his boots by the door then released a slow grunt as he stretched. Heading down the hall, he decided to go to his bedroom to change his clothes.
"Wait in the dining room. Don't. Touch. Anything."
"Pssshaw…yes, sir."
Despite the order, Noah couldn't help but take one of the daggers from the counter to examine as he sat down by the table. The blade itself seemed unfinished and the leather wrapped around the hilt was loose. Curious, he peeled away the strip of leather alittle to find Denek's signature written on it from the inside.
Noah admired whatever Denek would create. This was the first time he had ever seen an unfinished product from him since he'd always hide his work until he was done. He ran his fingertips along the metal. After taking a few moments to inspect the piece of work, his expression grew in awe to realize that the colour of the metal of the blade and hilt were different and seemed abnormal compared to Denek's usual work. It wasn't iron or bronze, but something more precious. Things he'd never suspect Denek to afford.
"Silver…and white gold…?"
"Hey…"
Startled by the voice, Noah placed the dagger on the table, nearly fumbling it to the floor at first. He turned to see Denek robed in a fresh cloth tunic and pants, wiping his face with a clean wet rag.
"Den, I was jus-"
"No need."
Sitting down next to him, Denek placed the rag down and took the incomplete weapon in his hands. His attention focused on the piece of metal and leather, Noah feared that he had angered him. He opened his mouth to apologize, but was stopped again, a hand suddenly clasping his mouth.
"Forgive me," Denek said before Noah could then drew his hand away from him. "I'll try to relax…for you."
Glad to hear this, the young archer reflexively threw his arms around the blacksmith's son in a hug cheerfully. After an awkward pause, Denek released a sigh then encircled his arms around him in return. Unfortunately, this opened the opportunity of being sucked into a closer embrace. Seconds after this, a giggle emitted from a corner of the room. Instantly, Denek shoved Noah away, throwing him off his seat.
"Hehehehe, you two are funny!" Isabelle shrieked in infantile glee, her hands held together just below her lips. "So cuuuute!"
Aggravated, Denek dropped his unfinished weapon on the table then snatched his little sister from the floor. He grits his teeth as he grasped his hands on the small child's shoulders, his face crimson red from embarrassment.
"Don't barge in like THAT."
"Why, Denny? I live here too!"
"Because-…" he goes silent, realizing that he had no answer to say.
Noah got up from the floor then sat back down. He chuckled softly, embarrassed as well.
"So…how about that book?" Noah asked in attempts to stray the two away from a potential sibling squabble.
"Oh…right…right…"
Setting Isabelle down onto a separate chair, Denek rose from his own seat. He advanced towards Marielle's desk then opened a draw quietly. Taking out the spellbook with care, he ran his fingertips along its cover to feel the symbols embedded on its rough leather cover. Returning to the two, he placed the book in front of them then flipped to a page as he settled back down upon his seat between them.
"Now then…let me explain…"
He taught them how to read the elemental symbols then noted that even if they could read it, that would not mean they could cast anything to begin with. Isabelle treated this moment as if it were story time whereas Noah was completely dumbfounded, his eyes nearly spinning as he stared at the pages Denek presented.
"Okay, okay, Denek…let me try something simple before you continue…"
Balling one hand into a fist a few times, Noah closed his eyes. Chanting a small incantation, he held his fist in front of him. Upon opening his fist, a tiny flame hovered just above his palm. Isabelle squealed in delight to see his success.
"Noah…" Denek said in surprise, "Open your eyes…"
He obeyed, squinting at first. Once seeing the fiery glow, his eyes shot open and his jaw dropped an inch. Triumph was a rarity to his eyes. Especially when it is something he's done himself. Inhaling lightly, he blew the fire away then rubbed his hands together.
"It was warm, but it didn't hurt. It actually…felt nice."
"That means you did it right. Whoa…I'm impressed."
"Thank y-HEY. That sounded sarcastic!"
The two boys glare at each other playfully then began to laugh. Isabelle couldn't help but join in as well. However, their joy of accomplishment is interrupted by an abrupt stomp to the floor. Jerking their heads, they found that Marielle was standing by the doorway. Her eye drew in rage and her breath almost produced an audible hiss.
"Put that away!" She snapped.
Bewildered by her behavior, Denek stowed the book back into its place obediently.
"Marielle, I'm sorry."
Giving no acknowledgement to the apology, she walked over to him, fury infesting her usually kindhearted face. Suddenly, she grabbed one of his wrists then slapped his face with the back of her hand. She held harder, shockingly almost crushing bone. The room fell silent. It was enough to cut a hole into Denek's heart.
W-…why…? Denek looked into his older sister's face, his expression almost shriveling into horror. Her face was almost demonic. Once invitingly attractive eyes were replaced with that of wrath and the pupils were slit almost like that of a cat's. What's…happening to you!
Utterly confused, Denek held back the urge to cry, tears lining his eyelids. Upon seeing this, Marielle seemed to snap out of it, her eyes normal again. Realizing what she had done to him, she released his wrist gradually and stepped back. She held her hands over her mouth then shook her head hastily.
"Denek…Denek…I…I didn't mean to…!"
Tears flowed down her cheeks as she spun around to race towards her bedroom. Her weeping echoed the entire house before she slammed the door shut. Isabelle clung to Noah in fear, lost by the sudden conflict.
"I…wouldn't have asked if I had known this would happen," Noah frowned regretfully. "Will you be okay…?"
Silence.
"Denek?"
Silence.
"Denek…?"
Denek gave no reply. His expression was vacant and heartbroken. For minutes, all he could do was stand there, staring towards Marielle's bedroom door in a distance.
