In which Luca is released from the Budehuc jail and grows impatient with Yun.
The contents of this chapter are based on a series of comment threads from April 14th, 2005.
"Tch. What took you? I thought you said they approved my release."
Luca stepped into the sunshine as they exited the castle sublevels. Finally fresh air. He wasn't exactly sure who 'they' were, but it didn't matter who comprised Yun's council. He was free. His brief stint in jail was longer than he would've liked, but at least now he wouldn't have to concern himself with the meddlesome child mage teleporting him against the prison's stone floor again.
He gave his hilt an absent-minded pat, reassured to have his sword once more. It was the first thing Yun presented him with once she released him from the cell, as if he somehow 'earned' the right to receive his weapon.
"I'm sorry that I haven't had a chance to drop by," Yun said, "I've been a bit busy and haven't really had that much free time."
"Is that so..."
He frowned as he watched her. She drew a deep breath, bathed in sunlight and stretching her arms upwards like a climbing strand of ivy. Not once did she turn back to look at him. She seemed to be in a good mood, but if it was due to his release it certainly didn't feel like it.
Yun's visits had been on a steady decline, and whenever she did visit, she seemed mentally absent. Even the obnoxious garrison commander was dropping by more frequently than his supposed 'girlfriend'. Granted Cecile's company wasn't entirely unpleasant. She tended to spend more time rambling on about nonsense rather than actually passing along food. With only the voice of the True Beast Rune to speak with, Luca was willing to tolerate nonsense, so long as it meant keeping Yun satisfied. But the shaman's social calls had fallen to few and far between, and less visits meant less chances to procure more information about her visions.
"Hmph," Luca squinted as his eyes adjusted to the light. "You're hiding things from me."
"W-what?" Finally she turned to face him, eyes wide with surprise.
"Don't lie to me. What has gotten you so busy? Is someone loading you up with work to do? Because I'll gladly put my sword through his throat."
"You'll have to forgive me, with Master Thomas gone—"
"Gone? Who offed the maggot?"
"He's alive, Luca. He just resigned as castle master."
"Heh. About time he realized he wasn't cut out for the job. That means this place is without a leader, I take it."
Luca's mood improved at the news. Of course, he'd be even happier to run his sword through Thomas instead, but just knowing that the man who reminded him of Riou was gone was good enough.
"Don't go getting any ideas," Yun ascended the stone staircase to the courtyard, the spring in her step returned. "I'm certain he'll be back before we know it."
"Another vision?"
"No, I don't need the spirits to show me something I already can feel in my heart."
How pathetic. He made no effort to restrain a snort.
"Besides," Yun continued as though she hadn't heard him, "I've also been busy planning an upcoming picnic… possibly even a fishing trip, depending on who is interested. I'm quite busy!"
He bristled. "A picnic? Why was I not informed?"
"Well..." her eyes darted away, and he suspected it had nothing to do with the small cluster of birds perched atop the lottery board. "Watching Sir Fred working so hard actually gave me the idea. I think a rest is just what he needs. It has been quite busy as of late. We're all chipping in to help with castle tasks. I think with all the recent work, it just… slipped my mind."
He cracked his neck and leaned against the lottery shop. The old woman behind the counter gave him a dirty look. The knowledge that he fell so low in Yun's collection of priorities that he wasn't even included in the invitation list did not sit well with Luca. Granted he didn't normally care about stupid things like picnics, but…
"Fred? And… you?"
"That's correct. Although there are some new arrivals who may want to join us—"
"Heh… I see," he grabbed a loose strand of her hair, giving it a light tug before allowing it to slip through his fingers. She winced. "Don't worry, Yun. Poor, busy Fred… I'll find Fred and have a nice and gentle talk with him. But don't be surprised if you don't hear from him for a long time."
Isn't it time for a little bloodshed?
The True Beast Rune whispered in his ear. Burning hunger bubbled up inside at the thought of a proper clash. His fingers twitched, and a molten hot tremor rushed through his veins. It didn't have to end in death. Just a little bit of bloodshed. Just enough to remind everyone who he was and how pitiful they were in comparison. And if Fred just happened to die of blood loss afterwards, it was his own fault for being so weak.
"L-Luca! It's not like that!" Yun cried. "Please don't think such things. I thought that it would be fun to have a rest and enjoy the spring weather."
A different sort of burning sensation ran through his blood as he studied Yun. Hands grasping at the fur trim of her skirt, dark eyes averted and nervous—she was visibly uncomfortable, much to his disgust. There was no way to get the information he wanted if she was going to be cagey.
The True Beast Rune persistently needled at him. He allowed himself a brief, sweet moment to imagine pressing the edge of his blade against her throat until all the secrets of her prophecy spilled along with her blood—
Luca released the hilt of his sword the moment he realized his fingers were clenched in place. Perhaps it was reflexive. Maybe out of habit. But it was dangerous. If he wasn't careful, the rush would overtake him, and he needed her if there was any chance at seeing more of her visions.
"Tch. 'Enjoying the spring weather,' huh…" he said.
Her gaze wouldn't meet his. "There's nothing else. I promise. So please… don't be unkind to Sir Fred," she said, her lips set in a firm line.
"You're making it out like I'm going to hurt the man. I told you, I'm going to have a nice and gentle talk with him. If he gets hurt, that's his own problem."
"And you make it sound like it's his fault, when it's actually mine. If anything, you should speak to me and not him."
"Making demands of the prince of Highland again, Yun?" He caught her chin in a coarse hold, then tilted her head up so she couldn't look away. "I'd like to speak with this Fred anyways. He'll be in good hands, don't you worry."
Yun averted her eyes. "You're telling me not to worry, though you know I'm going to worry either way. You have a short temper and a horrible violent streak... Why would I not worry about my friend?"
"Are you saying you can't trust me when I say he'll be in good hands?"
"I..."
Luca leaned down and roughly kissed her, an irritated display of dominance, not affection. She was his woman. His word was final. "You forget," he growled, "I own you."
She reluctantly looked back into his eyes.
She doubts you.
"We all make mistakes. Except me. But don't let it get you down, Yun. I'm in a good mood today. I'll forgive you for this transgression."
"Everyone makes mistakes, Luca. No one is perfect. Not even you," Yun bit her lip. "But please, don't take this situation the wrong way. If you hurt him…" she trailed off and broke eye contact once more.
"Tch," Luca released her chin. This wasn't entertaining anymore. "I promise you, I won't lay a finger on him," he said.
She offered no response. Her eyes lingered on his hand by his side, almost as though she could sense the mounting hunger radiating off the True Beast Rune from beneath his gauntlet. He quickly turned away and allowed his cape to cut the space between them with a sharp flourish. "I don't think you realize the position you're in, Yun. I don't appreciate wasting my time. "
"I'm well aware," she said quietly. "The one who doesn't understand is you, Luca."
He gazed across the courtyard, taking in the bustling scene as people went about their business. They had no idea how quickly everything could turn to flames and death if he desired it. Just knowing they were powerless against him sent a shiver of anticipation up his spine, but the high was short-lived. There would be no bloodshed like that if Yun's visions were to be believed.
"This better be worth it. Because if not, I will make it worth my time by blade and blood, regardless of what you saw."