Frozen Moon Chapter 3: Promise of Dreams Act II
2.0 UPDATE: Fully revamped. No longer just a filler chapter, but now has important story segments in the second half of the chapter as well as Lupien's developing relationships. The first half of the story is the same, with some minor touches fixed. Tiffania has been removed completely, aside from a small plot mention for later chapters.
Also, I wanted to touch upon the way this fanfic has been written. In the previous chapters, I have been writing in third person limited, the perspective focusing solely on Tabitha. This was to practice my writing, because my original Change my Destiny was written in first person, which I had been doing for well over five years. I had forgotten how to write in third person, but now have enough grips to stay in an Omniscient style. Expect many overlapping perspectives in future chapters. Hope you enjoy!
1.5 UPDATE: While going over this chapter once more, I realized that I made a glaring mistake including Tiffania in this chapter, and actually added in details here that were from in Change my Destiny, regarding Tiffania's familiar, Fenrir. To be honest, he's really a side character at this point and I have no real purpose for him in this story, so I'm taking him out. I'll have Tiffania summon something else or someone else at another point as originally intended.
Regarding Tiffania, in the original concept, Lupien was to meet only Longueville during his night patrol, and the two were to discuss current events and such. But as I was writing, it seemed implausible to me that Tiffa would stay in Albion, with it being in civil war overrun by monsters, although I have come up with something that could make it viable. In the end, I'm taking her out for now.
Also, expect this chapter to be updated with more story. I wanted to upload this change as soon as possible, so it's a bit incomplete. Just keep an eye out, and review!
UPDATE: Unfortunately, this chapter is focused mainly on establishing the relationships for Lupien. There is a lot that I have planned for him and much more that I wanted to execute, so story had to take a backseat. Still, this should be enough foreshadowing to get you all excited.
Enjoy and review!
…..
Albion
Nine flipped over another body, examining the remains. It was Rorek, one of the newer mages of Albion. She let out a soft sigh as she close his dead eyes, feeling annoyed at the loss of another prospective aid. Finding mages for Chimera experiments was not easy, and many who were brought to their cause were blackmailed. Those who converted without such underhanded methods were few and far in-between.
Still, she had a job to do.
"You didn't need to come. I am more than capable of completing this task on my own." Nine said to the figure behind her. Walking with a silenced grace, Cromwell let out a soft sigh, examining the wreck that Nine's battle had caused. Nine looked into the man's now glowing blue eyes.
"I know full well that you are, but it is of no concern to me, my child. I came here to hear of his progress." His smooth baritone sent a small chill down her spine. She quietly squandered it, steeling her heart once more. She stood up and knelt before Cromwell, reporting her findings. Nine relayed everything, from the experiments to his break out. Cromwell continued his walk as she spoke.
"Ah, that is good. So Lupien's blood is indeed a powerful catalyst… We will need more from him if we are to continue. And for the vessel to be summoned as well… this is most interesting indeed. I must say though, I'm quite sad at the loss; I'm tired of using this body. This Cromwell will soon be of no more use to us." He let out a small, but savage smile. Nine couldn't help but blink.
"He… was summoned? That's what the green light was?"
"Indeed, my child. Both the vessel and your brother were taken by the summoning ritual. It will be somewhat of a struggle to find them, but I assure you that we will find them. Oh yes, this will bring much progress to our plans…" He let out a soft, evil chuckle, before facing Nine again.
"Everything shall proceed as planned. Begin phase two, and find the vessel." Nine nodded.
"Yes father."
….
Tabitha POV
Tristain Academy, two days after the summoning
Tabitha avoided another strike as Lupien rushed her down, keeping the pressure with various kicks and swipes with his claws. She had tried to retaliate with her own magic, but using the void to accelerate her speed and fight off Lupien's skill with her staff had been keeping her rather occupied.
The open space of the Vestri court whistled as the wind blew by, Lupien's strikes sending bursts of air with each deadly thrust. The surrounding second years watched with anticipation, their familiars at their sides, using their free void day to spend time with their familiars and watch the exciting match.
"Come on, kiddo, keep up with me! Or is it true that mages don't know how to cast and move at the same time? That's a rather glaring weakness." Lupien taunted, a feral smile stretched across his face. Despite his callous words and his wild fighting style, their spar showed he was a shrewd tactician. He had defeated her and Saito many times in the past two hours.
"Don't underestimate me." Replied Tabitha, but Lupien's grin only widened, as he dodged another swipe from Tabitha's staff. With a controlled strike, Lupien slapped her behind, making Tabitha shoot up in embarrassment and shock.
"What was that kiddo? I can't hear you over the sound of me spanking you!"
"Come on Tabitha, you can do it!" Shouted Kirche, the rest of the second year girls throwing their hands up as they cheered for Tabitha. Louise merely sighed as she sat in her seat, wanting to join in the cheering, but at the same time not wanting to cheer like the rest. Tabitha silenced her retorts, berating herself slightly for taking the bait of his excessive taunts. She needed to set the pace of the match. Do something he wouldn't expect.
A plan formed in her mind.
She didn't want to use her void spells, and she had always managed to keep a tight lid on her element. Not even Louise nor Kirche knew that she had the power of the void, or that Tabitha had discovered that Louise was a void user as well. However, Lupien was leaving her with no choice. She was desperate.
Copying his movements, Tabitha parried another strike from Lupien. Surprised, yet still moving, Lupien let out a loud "Good, you're learning!" Before attacking her with another kick. She dodged, delivered her best back kick, but Lupien still moved faster than her, managing to twirl around her strike by bouncing off his rear foot.
"I have you!" Shouted Tabitha. Manipulating her energy within, Tabitha lifted her staff and blasted Lupien with all her might. Lupien raised his hands to block, but to his surprise, he wasn't sent flying. Instead, he fell to the ground, his dark red tunic, cotton pants and leather boots suddenly extremely heavy.
"M-My clothes?! Now that's an interesting spell! Why didn't you do it before?" He asked. Tabitha didn't bother replying, intensely focused on her spell. She looked down for a split second.
"Watch out Tabitha!" Warned Saito. But it was all for naught; Lupien let out a fierce roar, breaking Tabitha's concentration. She stumbled back, her spell breaking, and Lupien dashed forward, grabbing Tabitha by the arm.
Resigned to her fate, Tabitha let out a small grunt as her face was thrown into the ground once more. She coughed as she pushed herself up, spitting out the dirt that forced its way into her mouth.
"And that's thirty losses. I win the bet." Said Lupien.
"Hey, that's not fair! She had you! How is it possible that you can move like that?!" shouted Louise. Kirche kept her relatively calm, but Tabitha could tell her friend's patience was running thin at the losses. Lupien merely gave the ladies another of his smug grins.
"What is impossible for you washboard, is more than possible for me."
"W-W-W-WASHBOARD?! HOW DARE YOU CALL ME THAT?!" Louise replied. She let out another strangled series of insults, trying to force her way out of Kirche's grip so she could choke Tabitha's newfound familiar. Chuckles emerged throughout the crowd as the remaining onlookers began to leave. Soon, only Siesta, Kirche, Louise, Tabitha, and the familiars remained.
Siesta, a maid assigned to Louise after a certain class incident, decided to refill Saito's tea, fearing the wrath of the little spitfire. Tabitha sighed as she pushed herself up, only to be surprised as Lupien gently lifted her to her feet.
"Are you alright, Tabitha?" he asked. His eyes were stern, but his voice betrayed him. He was concerned, if only slightly. Tabitha let out a soft hum of approval, nodding her head. She couldn't help but feel rather intimidated by him. He was very handsome.
It's too bad his attitude was a whole other story.
"I see; then do you know why you couldn't beat me, kiddo?" He asked with a small smirk, the kindness in his voice vanishing, returning to the teasing comments that she had come to attribute to him. Tabitha gave him a small frown.
"Stop calling me a child." She replied.
"And when I see an adult, I'll refer to you as such. Now, since we are only a day and some with this new partnership, I will give you the benefit of the doubt for now, but I will say this once: I sorely dislike repeating myself." He gave her another arrogant grin. "Now then, my little master, once more: Do you know why you couldn't hit me?" he asked again, playfully using the word master.
Tabitha couldn't help but roll her eyes. Yes, his attitude was so charming indeed.
"You were too fast. I couldn't keep up." She panted. Lupien let out a small chuckle.
"Of course, that is the common conception, but you are incorrect. In battle, warriors clash with each other in ways that push themselves to the physical limits. One learns to manage their space, to anticipate patterns, to bait for openings and maneuver the opponent across the field; just like you learned this past session, and quite quickly I must say. But you feel it in yourself, don't you? The limits of your physical body."
Lupien began to walk around Tabitha. His hands rested behind his back, gently held together as he took in the scenery around them. Tabitha couldn't help but be confused. Where was he going with this? He stopped, his back facing the group.
"Tabitha, I want you to throw away all those thoughts about yourself. I want you to forget the limits of your physical body for now, and focus on this." He pointed towards his head. "Your mind."
"But wait, what does her mind have to do with any of this? Are battles not won by those who are stronger than others?" asked Kirche, confused as well. Flame let out a soft croak, while Saito, Louise and Siesta shared Kirche's look. Lupien looked back, a soft smile on his face.
"I was able to feel your emotions in our fight, Tabitha; that is the beauty of battle." He turned towards Tabitha again. "You were too focused on trying to defeat me, when you should have been focused on learning from your mistakes." Lupien faced them again, gesturing for Tabitha to take a seat at the table with the others. She warily sat down, the girls quieting down as Lupien's explanation went on. Siesta poured Tabitha and Lupien a cup of tea, and for a small, quiet moment, they drank.
"The entire reason I began to train you and Saito, Tabitha, is because it allows me to reach into your heart and mind, and communicate with you wordlessly through the dance of battle. When I fight, I see a person's very being. I see their anger at being tricked; I see their caution after a parry; I see their panicked aggression at being overwhelmed; I see their yearning for that critical strike when I only have a few slivers of stamina left. Fighting allows a person to share their entire psyche with you, and it allows an unfathomably deep conversation through the medium of our bodies that could never be achieved with words."
Tabitha couldn't help but awe at his wisdom. She had never considered battle to be anything like he described, yet when she thought more deeply about it, she could see what he meant. Her respect for his prowess grew immensely.
"So when it comes to me, and more importantly you both, it should not about winning or being good or successful or any of that. You and I shouldn't care about the fact that this is just training, because that doesn't make a difference. What matters is that you allow yourself to reach higher levels of thought, and express those thoughts through the techniques I teach you. It's the art of the mind, so to speak, and you should be drawn to it. Focus on learning. Expand your mind, think! Don't just act and react, but instead analyze, learn…. and only then, will you be able to hit me."
Leaning back in his chair, Lupien took another sip from his tea. Tabitha pondered on his words, before her thoughts were interrupted by the school bell, signaling morning classes were over. For the girls and Saito, however, it meant time for other plans. Kirche, Louise and Saito rose from their seats, dusting their uniforms. Siesta began to clean the table, neatly putting everything away in a large suitcase, while Louise, and Kirche prepared to head back to the school entrance.
"Alright then, I suppose that's enough for today. We'll see you two at the entrance later, when the princess comes. But in the meantime, come on Louise, let's go try on your new clothes!" Said Kirche ecstatically, dragging off Louise. Louise let out loud cries of resistance as she was pulled against her will, Saito and Flame following closely behind. Lupien nodded to them as he watched Tabitha pull out a book; The Hero of Ivaldi.
"No! I refuse to try on your shameful underwear! My family will not have its honor stained by such impurities!" Louise cried out. Kirche couldn't help but laugh as the familiar of Louise bowed his head low.
"I'm sorry for ruining your clothes." Saito apologized sheepishly.
"Oh, come on Louise! I'm sure that it has all been forgotten. I must say, I didn't know you were hiding such a pretty little thing underneath that uniform!" Slapping Louise's butt, Kirche gave Louise a sly grin as Louise's pelvis thrust forward involuntarily. Louise glared at Kirche as she held her behind.
"Ow, hey! That wasn't funny! And w-w-w-what do you mean f-forgotten?! M-my-my P-p-panties fell off during class! That was so embarrassing!"
The pair continued to rant at each other as they walked back to the entrance, Flame and Saito soon following. Tabitha remained with Lupien at the table. She gave him a look, making Lupien shift uncomfortably. What was that about? Tabitha was about to ask, but she was cut off.
"Will you be remaining here in the Vestri court, sir Lupien, Miss Tabitha?" asked Siesta. Lupien shook his head.
"Yes. I need to go over some things with Tabitha." Lupien replied. Siesta gave a small smile.
"Then I will return later with some water. For now, I have to help prepare Miss Valliere's lunch and laundry. Take care!" With a swift curtsey, she left the court and back to the kitchens. Lupien sat silently as he pondered over his tea. The two sat in silence for a long moment.
"Saito is not normal." Tabitha broke the ice first.
"Of course, that much was obvious, with the limbs of a firedrake." Lupien replied, but Tabitha knew from watching Saito's demeanor. His responses were slow and almost lifeless; yet his abilities in training were far beyond what even she had expected, and even more so than what should be possible for him.
Tabitha noticed Lupien grip his tea cup tightly, the porcelain cup straining under the pressure. She guessed he felt the same.
"Reconquista… are they related?" Tabitha asked. Lupien gave her a grim nod. Tabitha leaned forward.
"Please tell me."
Lupien remained silent, pondering on what he should tell her. To Tabitha's ire, this was a very sensitive subject that he did not wish to discuss. He made it clear the previous night.
"I thought we already discussed this." He replied, shaking his head. Tabitha frowned, her fists clenching tightly. Her emotions surged within her.
"Am I not your partner? Did you not say that we should use each other for our own gain? Then that's what I'll do. I respect you Lupien, and your free will, but I won't back down from this. I need to know: what is Reconquista planning?" The words tumbled out before she could stop them, her annoyance at Lupien's secrecy rising. Lupien cursed.
"... Very well."
Lupien began from the beginning of his capture, telling Tabitha of the experiments done to him. Outwardly, she showed no emotion, but inwardly she cringed.
"But why?" She asked, shaken. Lupien let out another sign.
"To create an army of Chimeras. Abominations made by the mixture of human blood and limbs with animal blood and limbs. Their sole purpose is destroying. What do they want to destroy? The world." Tabitha frowned again, troubled. She hesitated for a moment, before asking her question.
"...Is Saito a chimera?" Lupien couldn't help but grin.
"You're very perceptive. Yes, I believe he is."
If Saito is what we could expect from the more capable Chimeras, then he being spirited away is lucky for us. It would hinder their experiments. The lifeless and doll like Chimeras that were used during the civil war were enough to overwhelm Albion… I don't want to think of the possibilities of a Chimera with self-awareness."
Silently, Lupien drank his tea. Tabitha wondered what he was thinking.
"…The rebellion. How do you know about it?" Tabitha asked. Lupien sighed.
"Unfortunately, I was not there during the battle, but I heard rumors during my capture, which was several months beforehand. I was staying in Albion with… A family friend." Lupien paused. Tabitha wondered who it could possibly be. Lupien shook his head before continuing.
"Even before the war, Reconquista's experiments were going strong, but nothing like Saito." Lupien stirred his tea, pondering. "To be honest, I don't even know why she pursues such means. All I know is that she wants power." He gripped his tea cup tighter. "I have to stop her." Tabitha gave him a confused look.
"She?" Tabitha asked. Lupien looked away, but Tabitha kept her stare firm.
"You always mention a she. Who?" Tabitha asked again. Lupien sighed.
"...my sister, Nine. She was the one who spearheaded the experiments done to me." Tabitha's eyes widened in shock.
"Your sister?"
"Yes. Not everyone comes from happy families. Even when we were young, we were never close. She would always be planning big, and always trying to do something crazy. I put her down every time, except..." Tabitha leaned forward. This is the first time Lupien spoke about his family.
"...never mind. I don't wish to speak about it." Said Lupien. Tabitha nodded, respecting his privacy.
"My family… isn't all happy either." Replied Tabitha. He began telling him about the elders, recounting the events of her training with them. She noticed Lupien shake his head in disgust.
"Power hungry humans... They're all the same." He muttered. "We have to stop them." Tabitha nodded.
"We will. But for now, we wait. My uncle needs to prepare for our arrival." The pair resumed drinking their tea, pondering on the information they were given. Tabitha began reading while Lupien began meditating. The silence stretched on, but it did not bother either of them, who had grown to like the routine they shared.
As Tabitha read her book, she couldn't help but draw a comparison to Lupien and the girl in the book, who was captured by a dragon. He, too, was once imprisoned, left alone in a dark cellar with nearly no hope of survival. An imprisonment done by none other than his sister.
She didn't know why, but she couldn't help but ask.
"…What was your home like?"
Lupien didn't reply at first, but Tabitha could tell she interrupted his meditation. His breathing pattern changed, his eyes opening slowly.
"We lived in the forests of Lothlorien, south past the Romalian Sea. It was a beautiful place, filled with meadows and glades, springs and waterfalls. We called it The Undying Lands, because of the magic that was cast on it. The magic protected our way of life during seasons."
"Its forests were nothing like the trees of the rest of Halkeginia. During what you would call fall, the leaves would not wither; instead the leaves would turn a white marble color. The trees and bark were rough and dark brown, healthy during spring, but became smooth and dark maroon during fall weather as it shed its bark. The lakes and rivers gave us clean and shining water, blinking like stars on the eve of the full moons." Lupien gazed up to the sky, his eyes yearning. "I miss it very much."
"….Was it destroyed?" she couldn't help but ask. He didn't reply, which was more than enough for her.
Later that day, the entire student body had gathered at the front entrance of the school. Neatly organized into a square, Principal Osmond and the faculty stood at the entrance gate, while the students and servants of the academy stood evenly divided on both sides.
"Our Queen the Royal Highness Princess Henrietta, has arrived!" the announcement echoed throughout the area, as the elegant white horses, with hair as fine as silk, strode into the school, pulling the pink and purple satin carriage along.
The door was opened gently, and the huge crowd of students that gathered leaned closer to look. A servant stepped out first, before she stepped out, and everyone around Tabitha gasped in amazement. Tabitha quickly looked over to Lupien, who merely stood with his arms crossed.
"Hm. So that is King William de Tristain's descendant… interesting." he muttered. Tabitha gave him a look of surprise. He knew of Tristainian culture?
Tabitha's attention shifted back as the Princess exited the carriage. She wore a pure milky white dress that swept over the floor as she walked, a silky purple cape draped over her shoulders, and her white collar embedded with emerald crystals as green as her eyes, a soft smile on her fair face. Her smooth violet hair flowed in the breeze as she walked towards the principal and the staff, who were all on their knees as a sign of respect.
"W-Wow, she's very beautiful." Said Saito, standing beside Louise. Kirche, on Louise's other side, let out a snort.
"She's not that pretty."
"What's what I hear? Is it jealousy? You really would scrape the bottom of the barrel, wouldn't you Zerbst?" said Louise, giving her a sly grin.
"Y-You shouldn't fight… I think both Kirche and the Princess are very beautiful." Said Saito. To his distress, Kirche began to coo over him, while Louise began a quiet stream of insults and threats, making Saito's head fall in fright. But before it could get out of hand, Tabitha put a hand on Louise's shoulder.
"Not now." She said. Still, it was enough for Louise to calm down. "Saito deserves more respect." Tabitha added, giving her friend a disapproving glare. Louise bent her head in shame, Saito giving Tabitha a thankful stare. Kirche sighed.
"Well, at least the princess didn't notice your bantering." She replied, making Louise flinch. She didn't have a reply for that.
…..
Omniscient POV
That night, Lupien wandered the halls of the Academy, his mind lost in memories. The dark halls of the castle like school were nearly empty, the students having returned to their dormitories for rest and recovery. His discussion with Tabitha made him remember many things about his former home. The night it had been burned to the ground. The night his mother died, and he had been left for dead.
He hated himself that day, and from that day onward. His very being burned with the hate for all that made him weak.
Shaking himself free of dark thoughts, Lupien took a look at his surroundings, a stark sigh escaping his lips. Where was he? He began to wander the halls, searching for the way he came, when his nose caught whiff of a particular scent.
It was an old scent, one that he came to know very well.
Following it, Lupien stealthily traversed the campus, his boots making naught but a muffled slap as he jogged. Soon, he found himself in a long hallway, a familiar face examining a large door. Her long green hair flowed as she pushed up her glasses, her long nose crinkling in annoyance. At first, Lupien couldn't believe his eyes. Yet, the closer he examined her, the more he came to know.
Meanwhile, Matilda, known as Miss Longueville, examined the magic she placed on the giant doors before her, the vault of Tristain's Academy. Inside were all sorts of valuables, just waiting for her to steal. But to her their value was trivial. No, she only needed the money. Information on Reconquista did not come cheap.
The rumored Staff of Destruction would also no doubt be an aid in her quest as well.
"It's almost time…" She whispered. Even without touching the doors, she could feel the magic within and around it. Layered yearly with protective magic by each and every teacher that had ever been hired in Tristain Academy, it was not easy to break. She had known this when she flirted with Osmond, allowing her to attain the position as his secretary. She had known this when she spent months of planting her own magic within the walls, weakening it and allowing her minor control over the barrier. But it wasn't enough. She was running out of time.
Reconquista is slowly spreading its influence… with the war in Albion over, it's only a matter of time before they strike other countries… I won't be able to find him…
"M-Matilda?" a voice broke through her thoughts. No. It couldn't be. Upon hearing that name, a name she had long abandoned, by a voice she had yearned to hear, the woman once named Matilda froze, her head slowly turning to the source.
Lupien stepped from his hiding place, his eyes wide in disbelief. Matilda's eyes widened just the same.
"L-Lupien?"She asked, her voice trembling. "Is it… Is it really you?" Matilda asked.
She didn't want to believe it. But here he was, standing before her.
Lupien smiled, the first real smile in a very long time, one that she had dreamed of seeing every night. A face that he had longed for, and nearly forgotten in his rage. He ran up to her, taking her in his arms.
"Matilda! You're alive!" he whispered, relieved immensely. Lupien held her tightly, taking in her scent, one that he had come to love and cherish. Emotions surged in his heart as he tried to find the words to say, yet content with just being able to hold her again.
Stiffening at his touch, Matilda slowly embraced him. His touch was real; she recognized his smell, the way he held her, the callousness of his hands and the tender way he spoke her name. Tears came forward silently, warming Lupien's shoulder.
"It's really you... It's really you! I was so sure that you died…" she wept, her tears staining his shirt. She held tightly onto him, her words becoming incomprehensible sobs. For several moments they stayed wrapped in each other's arms, not wanting time to pass. Matilda was the first to let go, much to Lupien's sadness, cupping his face in her hands. Matilda examined his features.
"It's really you… I don't know what to say, this is so unexpected…" She said, slightly embarrassed. Lupien smiled again, replying, "Why not tell me how you got here? Where are Tiffania and Wales? Did they come with you?"
Matilda began to tell him about her journey to Tristain. After being ambushed by Nine in Albion all those months ago, Matilda, Tiffania and Wales and managed to escape the last boat and travel to the La Rochelle port, where Wales paid for their travel. However, only Matilda was able to board before they were attacked again. Tiffania and Wales fought off the enemies, allowing Matilda to escape.
That day, she vowed to find the ones responsible for this, by any means necessary.
"After I arrived in Tristain, I scoured for information, doing everything I possibly could to gain information on your whereabouts. On the side, I managed to secure a position as Principal Osmond's secretary, and have been working for him ever since…" She wrapped her hands around him again, relishing the feeling. "I had heard the rumors of Miss Tabitha summoning a Werewolf, but never in my mind did it occur that it would be you…" She said, fiddling with the heart shaped locket around her neck. Lupien noticed, a soft smile growing on his face.
"You still have the locket?" He asked. Blushing, Matilda nodded. The two remained silent, enjoying each other's company. Deep down, Matilda wanted to ask what had happened to him, but at the same time she didn't want to ruin the moment.
"So why are you here? Was there something on your mind?" Lupien asked. Lupien could have sworn she stiffened as he asked, but it was gone as fast as it came. Was he seeing things?
"I was on patrol. Recent news have told us a thief by the name 'Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt' has been stealing from many prestigious nobles. Today was my turn to patrol the area." She replied. Lupien didn't notice, but inside Matilda panicked, and almost let her secret slip. Lupien eyed her warily, before brushing it off, much to her relief.
"Alright then. What about these doors? What's behind them?" He asked, examining them. He let go of Matilda to take a closer look. She walked beside him, taking his hand in hers.
"This is the Tristain Academy Vault. It's said to hold many treasures that have been bestowed upon the school by the royalty. We have no doubt that Fouquet will be targeting the valuables, but until then we are to remain on guard." Her panic deepened inside her. If Lupien got too close, he would be able to sense her magic. She needed to get him away from it.
Roughly pulling him away from the doors, she grinned lustfully at Lupien.
"Come on, let's go to my room." Grinning back at her, Lupien planted a kiss on her forehead.
"With pleasure."
Arms linked, the two headed down the hall, Matilda eyeing the Vault as they passed. She would have her chance to steal the staff and valuables during the Familiar's festival, three days from now. She just hoped that Lupien wouldn't be there to stop her.
…..
Albion
Nine prepared her dragon for flight, buckling the saddle down comfortably on the wind dragon. She had prepared basic supplies for her travel; food and water for herself and her dragon, her wand, her daggers and some back up gold in case she needed to spend. She thought about it, and although she had no need for the money, it wouldn't hurt to have some just in case. Tristain was still three days travel away, and she wanted to make a few stops in Germania to pick up more weapons she had ordered.
"The staff of destruction, huh? This is going to be interesting." She whispered to herself. Jumping onto her dragon, she grasped the reigns, and took flight. Phase two had begun.