Authors notes: A almost completely new chapter this time around! I've only kept tiny bits of the old one :)
After infiltrating the old prison and planting something incriminating inside Edward Thornton's chambers, Dagran returned to Yurick's room. There he contemplated what Asthar had written in his journal while he waited for news from his comrades.
There was no longer any doubt about what happened that night. He had learned the truth, and now he finally understood the general's behaviour that day in the turret control room.
Though, the longer he sat there waiting on news regarding the mission, the more worried he got. So, he put what he had learned tonight into the back of his mind.
Chapter 11: The Escape.
''What's taking them so damn long?'' Dagran muttered to himself as he paced back and fort in Yurick's room. He had returned here immediately after planting a necklace which used to belong to his little sister in Edward's room. Someone was supposed to report back to him before he could return to the bar. Though, he had yet to hear any commotion coming from the Great Hall and that worried him greatly. The less time Tifa spent with the inquisitor, the better.
Dagran heard footsteps approaching the door, so he quickly hid behind a set of rich blue curtains. They flowed down to the floor, in a pool of silks. The door opened and Yurick walked inside. A grim look greeted him. ''How did it go?'' He asked anxiously.
Yurick's face paled slightly as he saw Dagran emerge from his hiding place. He took a step back. Not quite liking the idea of standing too close to him while delivering the news, ''Tifa has been badly hurt...''
''What happened!?'' Dagran demanded to know, his fists clenched at his sides. Hazel eyes glaring down at the floor. ''You lot were supposed to watch her...to protect her.''
''The plan worked too well! He fooled us all, including her!'' Yurick spat out frustratedly. The reproachful look he received from Dagran was not needed. He was so angry at himself for being careless and for failing to be there for Tifa. ''He attacked her, but she managed to fend off his rape attempt, but he almost strangled her before I got there...''
Dagran inhaled sharply when hearing this. Memories from his past flooded back with full force. He blocked the images of his slaughtered family and focused his thoughts on Tifa. She was still alive and that was what was most important right now. Her well being. ''How is she?'' He asked worriedly.
''I don't know the full extent of her injuries, but they were not life-threatening. Lowell's concerns were valid. Edward is trying to talk his way out of it. He has denied everything and claims he acted in self defence.'' Yurick explained as quickly as he was able.
''That filthy bastard...'' Dagran muttered and slammed his fist into the wall. His breathing was heavier, as he had trouble containing his anger. ''Is that all of it?'' He tried taking deep breaths to calm down, not noticing the worried look on Yurick's face.
''That's not all...'' Yurick let out a tired sigh, ''Both of them are being kept here under guard at the castle until further notice. There is one problem though, Edward has guards loyal to him, so Tifa is still in danger...''
''Do you know where they put her?''
''They put her in Jirall's old bedroom.'' Yurick answered uncertainty. Observing as his friend removed the dagger he had brought with him. Then he replaced it with one of the short swords from the small weapon stand he had placed by his desk. He did not mind that Dagran borrowed one of his swords, but he was curious what he was planning. ''What are you planning to do?''
Dagran was going to get Tifa out of here and to safety no matter what. Even if he had to blow his own cover. Her well being was his priority, he should never have put her in this situation in the first place. He was going to try to use the fact that there were corrupted guards within the castle when getting her out of here. ''I'm going to break into her room and kidnap her.'' he smirked.
Tifa looked around the spacious room she had been put in. A large bed with a canopy stood to the right, and there was several storage cabinets too. Several book cases stood lined on both sides of the door, and two red sofas with a small coffee table dominated the middle of the room. On the left side of the window, two elegant screens cut off the corner of the room. She found a toilet and a small sink behind them. She took out her handkerchief and wetted it, gently washing her face with it.
''Ow! that hurts...'' Tifa moaned painfully as she looked at her bruised face in the mirror above the sink. Her reflection did not make a pretty sight. Her right eye had suffered a black eye and was swollen. The side of her mouth was also swollen and she had a small cut on the side of her forehead. The cut had finally stopped bleeding, but looked nasty. She had to somehow clean out the dye from her hair, or escaping would be hard. She would be recognized with this red hair, but she was exhausted and in too pain to wash herself.
The healers Zael had promised had yet to come and she could not fall asleep. That would leave her completely vulnerable. The guards outside her door could very well be working for Edward, she could trust no one inside this snake's nest. She limped over to the closet, hoping to find something she could change into. All she found was a flowery nightgown, which looked just like a hospital gown. At least I don't have to worry about anything showing...
''This clearly isn't my day.'' she let her hand fall to her side again. Wincing from the careful movement. How she would wrestle herself out of her gown she hadn't a clue, but a nightgown would be a better alternative while attempting to escape than a heavy ball gown. She just hoped that tackling her corset would not do her in, she was barely keeping herself from collapsing as it was.
''Here goes nothing-–'' Tifa reached behind her, to tug down the zipper and the door suddenly burst open while pain exploded behind her eyelids.
''Tifa!'' Dagran called out as he saw her stumble. He immediately dash over and caught her, carefully cradling her to him. Mindful of her injuries. Hot searing anger boiled within him as he looked down into her bruised face. Her lip was caught between her teeth as she tried to breath through the pain. He noticed moisture at the corner of her eyes. She must be in so much pain! Which told him that she has yet to be attended. After all she had been through tonight, and his former childhood friend hadn't even made sure she was properly attended? Curse him!
''Hello,'' Tifa tried to smile, to lessen the worry in his eyes, but groaned instead. She braced herself as he helped her to stand upright again. She noticed Yurick over by the door. Worry and guilt sculpted his face. ''Stop looking like that guys, it's not anyone's fault. I'm fine, just a bit tender.''
''Don't lie to me, you're far from fine...'' Dagran scolded her with a frown on his face. He did not like it when she hid her emotions behind that smile of hers. She would always shield her worries and pains from others, putting everyone else ahead of herself.
''He's right, you know. It was a close call tonight, you could have been killed. Don't make light of that, you scared the hell out of me when you coughed up blood earlier. I'm sorry for letting you down, I should have been paying more attention...'' Yurick sincerely told her.
''Blood? Damn it all to hell...'' Dagran spoke through clenched teeth. Regret and worry simmered slightly above anger inside him. His emotions was like a maelstrom, ever changing and strong. He looked at her bruised face again and reached out to caress her cheek. ''Clearing my name was not worth this...''
''It will be in the end.'' Tifa closed her eyes as she felt him softly touch her cheek. A warm soothing energy took away some of the pain. He'd cast cure on her, healing her face and head. Since it was a mere level one cure, it only dealt with the area one touched while casting. The cut and bruises on her skin healed and faded slightly, but it was enough to make her feel a little better. ''Much better...'' she told him and smiled.
''I'm sorry to interrupt, but the guard change will happen any time now. Let's get on with the kidnapping, shall we?'' Yurick interjected softly while making sure to keep his senses sharp for any incoming guards. ''Mess up the room while I prepare for your departure...''
''Kidnapping?'' Tifa asked looking confused.
''Yes, I decided to use the of existence of corrupted guards to our advantage. We make it look like you were attacked a second time. After a little while we let them know you are safe. This way there will be no arguments in favour of you being held at the castle as they failed to keep you safe.'' Dagran quickly explained and turned from her.
He set out to mess up the bed. Making it look like a struggle had taken place. A pillow thrown on the floor, and the sheets and blankets in a state of disarray. He even did a number on the few trinkets that used to stand on the bedside table. One was turned over and another lay broken on the floor. As a finishing touch he took out a knife and cut himself, dripping blood on the sheets and onto the floor. Before he healed the wound he opened the window, making sure to smear a little blood on it too.
''Sometimes I wonder how your brain works...'' Tifa commented offhandedly as she observed the two men work. She had managed the great task of fetching the nightgown and took a breather before braving to attempt changing into it. She was rewarded with a arched eyebrow for her comment from Dagran, ''You know, how you can manage to always turn stuff into advantages.''
''It's a gift.'' Dagran replied dryly and turned towards his friend, ''Clear on my end, how about you Yurick?''
''I'm done too.'' Yurick replied with a grin, standing up from the floor. ''This will take you where you wanted to go. I will stay behind to erase the circle after you are gone, then make a new one at the bar as you requested.''
''Some kind of teleportation?'' Tifa asked curiously looking back and fourth between the two guys. ''How come we never used those before?''
''Yes, and that's cause only mages can create them, and unless you know a mage you have to pay good money to hire someone to do it for you.'' Dragran answered informatively and grabbed two towels from a small pile behind the screens. ''You can change out of your dress when we reach our destination. Walk over to the circle and I will be with you shortly.''
''Sure thing.'' Tifa smiled and slowly walked across the room.
''Thank you for your help, Yurick.'' Dagran said gratefully as his friend walked over to him. ''I need to attend to her, so I'll see you at the bar tomorrow.''
''It's nothing, just take good care of her. '' Yurick answered sincerely, his blue eye resting on Tifa's retreating form. ''She risked her life for you...''
''I promise...'' Dagran replied by laying his hand on the younger man's shoulder. His face hardened slightly when seeing her limp. ''I know my promises don't have the same weight as they used to, but I want to rebuild what we once had and regain the trust I lost.''
''I think that goes both ways.'' Yurick said seriously, his gaze shifting from Tifa to his friend. His features softened as he saw the sincere look the other man's eyes. ''Though I have to say, if someone deserves your trust, then it is definitely her.''
''She earned that some while ago. It is I who need to be worthy of hers.'' Dagran smiled and walked past Yurick before he could answer and gently grabbed hold of Tifa's hand. Activating the small stone in his other hand.
Yurick watched the pair disappear in a bright flash of light. He thought about what Dagran said before he left. He had already put his trust in them. The old Dagran would have handled everything on his own, but what happened two years ago had changed him. He cleaned off the circle from the floor and took a last glance around the room before closing the door behind him. The two guards they knocked out before where still out cold so he simply melted into the shadows and made his way to the bar.
When the white flash subsided, the pair found themselves in a small cave. The green eerie light from the healing spring lit up the dark space. Its light dancing on the walls and ceiling, creating shadows that moved in a strange rhythm. The temperature was warm and the air slightly humid, and the sound of running water was the only sound except for their own breathing that could be heard.
Exhaustion finally caught up with Tifa and her legs gave out from under her. Dagran was quick to catch her, carefully scooping her up into his arms. ''You all right?'' he asked worryingly. Quickly carrying her closer to the spring, gently lowering her onto a large rock. ''I've got you, please relax now. This healing spring combined with your magic will make you right as rain again.''
''Truthfully? I don't know...I think so.'' She answered, seeing the worry etched into his eyes. She looked down on her feet, cursing her own weakness. What happened tonight had scared her, she could not deny that, ''But right now, I'm just very tired and in pain, both which is easy enough to remedy.''
Dagran nodded his head, not really knowing how to respond to that. He knew more was going on beneath the surface, but he was unsure what to do about it. All he could do was to make sure she felt better and be there for her, and hope she would open up if she needed him. He took the nightgown from her and placed it next to the two towels he brought with them on the ground. Then he set out in search for the candles he had left the last time he was here. He fished them out from a natural hole in the wall, and quickly set them around the cave. Their light chasing away the eerie green shadows. ''Why did you let yourself be beaten like that? I have sparred against you and you are a formidable fighter.'' He asked her bluntly.
''At first I held back, I did not want to defend myself. If I had done that, then they would never have taken the charges seriously. I've been taught that with dangerous opponents to stay calm and study them. Get to know their behaviour in a fight. Problem was that when the others did not show up, and I saw the seriousness of the situation, I did not stand a chance. He was a enemy that required me not only using my hands, but my legs too and the dress made it impossible to fight back properly. He know how to render someone completely defenceless, so all I could to was to keep myself alive.'' she explained.
''You didn't answer my question.'' Dagran said irritatedly and looked down into her face. ''We both know that you could have handled him, if you had defended yourself from the very start.''
Tifa gulped as he stared down at her. His angry eyes seemed to demand an answer and she found herself panicking under their close scrutiny. ''I did it for you.''
''Care to elaborate?'' He asked her with a confused look on his face.
''You have done so much for me. You took me under your wing and became my friend. You gave me a place to belong to in this world, and I wanted to repay your kindness. I know how much it means to make a past wrong right again.'' she gave him a sad kind of smile.
''Fool...'' Dagran bent down and hugged her. His arms carefully closing around her and his head resting next to hers, ''I appreciate that, but I don't want to get my revenge at the cost of you.'' he leaned back again and looked into her burgundy eyes. ''I care about you, don't you know that?'' he told her, his voice a mere whisper.
''I...I...I'm glad.'' her voice wavering a little. His words giving her hope. Perhaps she had a chance with him after all? Maybe that woman he and Lowell spoke of is of the past. All she could do was continue being herself and hope something would changed.
''Um...this is so embarrassing, but I can't...do this myself.'' Tifa blushed and gestured vaguely to her dress. Her eyes downcast, she could not stand to look at him while making such an embarrassing request, ''Can you...um...help me?''
''Of course.'' He answered far more calmly then he felt. He watched as she slowly stood up and presented her back to him. Without further delay, he tugged her zipper down, revealing the white corset underneath. He took a firm hold of the dress and slid it down over the crinoline and layers of skirts. Then he took out a sharp knife from his belt and shredded the remaining skirts and the crinoline itself until it lay in a mess at their feet. Even though he thought about her modesty, and worked fast, he allowed himself a single, short glance of her beautiful body. As his fingers worked on the strings of her corset he asked her, ''Can you handle the rest by yourself?''
Tifa hugged the corset to her chest when it finally came loose. Shielding herself the best she could. She took a deep breath, loving the feeling of being free from the restrictive undergarment. ''Yes, I think so.'' she replied.
''All right, though, I'll sit at the edge so I'm close by if you need me.'' he informed her and started to remove his pants and boots. When he caught her starting he simply winked at her. ''Oi! Don't stare like that.''
''Ha! Look who's talking.'' Tifa immediately retorted when his gaze wandered from her face. She smiled when he immediately turned around and sat down at the edge of the spring. She tip toed closer and poked him in the back. ''Eyes closed now.''
''As the lady requests.'' he agreed with a warm chuckle. Feeling happy she was well enough to tease him. He heard her enter the water and in his mind's eye he could imagine her before him. How her lovely hair floated around her lazily in the water. He was surprised when feeling her settle before him, between his legs. He reached out until his hand came in contact with her head. ''Feels nice doesn't it?''
''Hmm, hmm.'' he heard as he began helping her clean out the dye from her hair. A charge of magic swirled around them and he immediately felt when she released her healing spells. The air seemed to warm around them and he thought himself feel how some tension left her body.
''Tifa?'' Dagran asked, letting his hands rest on her bare shoulders.
''Yes, Dagran?'' she asked uncertainty.
Dagran took a deep breath, relieved that he could not see her right now. This was hard on him as it was. He had never entertained the idea of courting anyone before. He may not know much about love, but he did know what he felt for her was important. She was important, and he could not turn his back to giving them a chance. He was also fairly confident that she felt something for him too, but he refused to do anything until his name had been cleared.
''There is something I'd like to discuss with you, after this business with Thornton is concluded.'' He told her seriously. His hands gripping her shoulders lightly when feeling her tensing. ''No need to worry, I think it is something that you'd like, or at least I hope so...''
''Can you at least give me a hint what it's about?''
''The future.'' she heard him say before going submerging herself one last time before going up. The water was lukewarm and very relaxing. She could not deny that she was both worried and anxious about what he might want to discuss with her, but she decided today was not the right time to ponder about it.
She broke through the water's surface again and brushed her wet bangs from her eyes. Her smile widened when seeing Dagran standing there with his hands outstretched to the unseen. A towel hanging over his shoulder. She noticed he had already put his pants back on. His eyes were still closed and somehow the relaxed expression made him look younger. ''Thank you.'' she said gratefully and took his outstretched hands.
''Don't mention it...'' Dagran murmured as he hauled her up. He felt her tug the towel from his shoulder and move past him so he opened his eyes again. He busied himself by putting on his socks and boots while hearing her move around behind him. He blew out a few of the candles nearest the spring and gathered them.
''I'm done.'' she announced.
Tifa stood there in her elderly and very flowery nightgown with tousled hair. Trying to dry her hair with her towel. Many would call the sight she made ridiculous, but to him she was beautiful. ''You look much better, a little pale but the bruises have faded some.'' he told her with a smile.
''I feel much better,'' she agreed, her hair between the soft towel, ''the spring worked wonders on me.''
''I'm glad to hear it.'' He answered while blowing out the rest of the candles and placing them back into the wall where he found them. He fired a fireball at the remains of her ball gown, watching it turn to dust before he looked around the rest of the cave. When he was done he noticed Tifa standing beside the white teleportation circle, her fingers quickly braiding her damp hair. ''Ready to return to the bar?''
''Hmm, Hmm.'' Tifa tiredly bobbed her head. She stepped into the circle beside him, hooking her arm in his. She was tired and she looked forward to getting some rest after this long and trying day. She closed her eyes when he pulled out the stone and the white light shun bright, feeling the magic beneath her feet whisk them away.
The rescue had been a success, but questions still lingered in Dagran's mind. Why had Zael and Calista not sent a healer to help Tifa? And why had Zael not done a better work with the island's knights, had his childhood friend become corrupted by politics too? Or Was it all a coincidence?
