The heavy stench of ink fills the air, almost suffocatingly so, the tip of my quill scratching against the paper. The flame beside me flickers for a moment, dark illumination taking hold over the page for a brief moment, white feather fluttering with the twist of my wrist, the ink within the tip running dry a moment after.

Dip the tip into the inkwell.

Wait a moment, let the excess drip off.

Resume writing.

The journal is a surprisingly hardy thing, likely imbued with some sort of magic from Herself, an extra boon on top of a gift, for a favour of mine that I'm more than thankful for. She didn't need to do anything more than just that, nor did she need to allow me to have it in the first place, though I won't deny a gift from her.

She wished for me to write down my own thoughts, to be sure that I'd be able to remember them at a later date, should I potentially forget. Such a request from her doesn't stray too far from its original selfish purpose, though the difficulties of such wouldn't have mattered regardless. I'm not quite sure why she's asked for such a thing, but I haven't asked why, she is a… peculiar woman, though never unwelcome.

"You're not pushing yourself to stay awake, are you?" She whispers into my ear, silken voice low and filled with mirth, a trail of ice running up my spine while my ears twitch. I can hear her softly chuckle as she shifts closer, arm wrapping around my shoulder, her cheek pressing against mine.

"I'm well aware of my limits, Miss." I reply with a hushed whisper, the heat in my cheeks flaring up as the tip of the quill dances against the paper, her giggling filling the air. She hums soon after, her hand squeezing my arm as she continues to press against my cheek.

"Mhm, if you say so deary~" Her voice takes on a teasing, almost flirty tone, the damned heat in my cheeks betraying huff that escapes my throat, half hearted scowl on my face. Bloody Demon woman. The tune she hums is a soft one, a melodious and pleasing noise in the dead of night. I can see her full red lips curled into a smirk in the flickering of the light out of the corner of my eye, eyes barely hidden behind her hair dancing with a mischievous glee, fingers trailing up to my shoulder. "I've quite the interest in your… culture, lets say, would you mind teaching me a bit more about it later? I won't pry into your little diary there, of course~"

"Should you wish for it, I don't mind assisting you." I respond flatly, pausing for a moment to gather my thoughts before driving the tip into the page. She's a small distraction, though I'd never oppose her presence. I hear the woman 'tut' as she pulls herself away, shivering as the cold bite of the night digs its teeth into my cheek. She lightly digs her fingernails into my flesh as she drags it past my shoulder, neck, through my hair, resting her hand atop my head. The flush returning flush in my cheeks bat away the cold as I turn to look up to her.

"Miss?" I force myself to keep my voice low, my head tilting slightly, and into her hand. She chuckles and looks down to me, lips curled up into a coy little smirk.

"That's not the question I asked, little dear~" She speaks lowly, her head tilting back with an eyebrow raised, fingers digging into my head. I purse my lips together, my ears twitching as a finger glides across the edge of it. Bloody demon woman. "You're adorable when you're flustered, dear."

My muscles tense as she coos, a gentle sigh escaping my lips as a light feeling stirs in my chest, her hand is warm, and welcoming.

"I would not be opposed t-" Her eyebrow raises further, lips slanted into a half frown as she continues to stare down at me. A heated huff passes through my lips, the demon woman's stoic facade falling for a moment as she giggles, bloody woman. "I'd like to teach you about basitin culture some time, Miss."

"Thata boy, that wasn't so hard, was it?" I tear my eyes away from her face, lips curling into a grimace. She coos once more, fingers gliding alongside my ear. I loathe the way it twitches, the way it feels so soothing. Do I really deserve such a thing? It seems strange, is this how humans are? She's a rather peculiar human, from what I've observed.

"I suppose not." I reply shortly, twisting and pinching the quill that still rests in my grip. Damned woman, do you want me to write down my memories or not? Her hand slip from ears to cheek, directing my sight back towards her, spare hand cupping the other side of my cheek. She hums as a thumb brushes over my cheek, gentle eyes squinting as she looks into mine. The burning in my cheeks return with a disturbing vengeance, body half lax and half tense, her lips morphing into a soft smile.

"D-do you require anything, Miss?" I wince internally as I stutter, Her smile curling further upwards. Of course she'd hear that, naturally, if only just to rib at me some more.

"Mn, nothing really dear, I'm just checking up on you, there isn't a problem with that, is there~?" A question with only one answer that she'd take. I huff and relax my face into her hands, there's no choice but to submit and let her do as she will, not that I'd do anything else. Masks damned this woman, surely that other humans aren't like her, right? The ringing of her giggles brings me out of my thoughts for a brief moment before she leans into me, a soft, warm feeling pressing against my forehead. The burning of my face feels as if my furs have been set aflame as her lips linger, a soft sigh escaping my lips as she softly drags her nails under my chin.

She pulls away, after what feels like an age, a confident smile on her lips as she giggles once more. No doubt at the red in my cheeks, damned woman.

The spot on my forehead tingles, pleasantly so, though I'd rather not admit otherwise.

"Am I well, then?" It feels like a struggle to get those words out in a level tone, though I force it anyways. An amused look flashes across her eyes for a moment, a thumb brushing over my cheek rhythmically.

"As always, my dear, though you know I give closer attention to my favourites." Her voice is as soft as always, as loving, the warmth in my chest swells as I nudge my face into her tender hand. I can hear a sigh from her, one of hopefully happiness, a hand trailing back up to my ear, cupping it gently, massaging it. "Although, I believe it's time to be off to bed myself, I'll hold you to your promise some time later~"

The warmth in my chest turns sour and cold as she pulls herself away, the warm grasp replaced with an uncomfortable chill. I loathe it, though it does bring me to attention rather quickly. I sit up stiffly, nodding in acknowledgement

"Very well, do you require anything before then, Miss?" She hums, a finger raised to her chin as she looks skyward, tapping her finger against herself.

"No, I don't believe so, although…" She trails off for a moment, a mischievous smile on her face as she stares down to me, eyes flickering between me and the journal. I can almost hear the woman at the cusp of giggling, though the smile persists instead. "You should get some sleep soon, dear, I have some visitors I wish to introduce you to. They'll be useful to things I plan to do, you'll be on your best behaviour, right dear?"

I don't know if that's a question or an order, instincts tend to conflict with thoughts whenever she asks me such things. As confusing as she is, at least there's certain things that're constant, an offer is just that, despite what my gut says. Even so, her smile enchanting, her words honey, it's more than just difficult to deny her.

"I promise that I'll be nothing less than cordial, Miss." I finally respond to her, assure her, a small smile creeping its way on my face. Her smile seems to widen even further, from dazzling to warm, although cocky.

"We'll see what happens then, won't we? Good night, my dear." She winks as a purple haze envelops her, stepping back and into the dark of the room, wisps of purple lingering in the air for a while before dissipating entirely. Strong, strange, and more than capable of handling herself, why she picked me off from the ground I've never figured out an answer, though I wouldn't have it any other way.

My hands shake as I bring it up to my head, rubbing the tip of a finger against the still tingling spot that burns into my forehead, bringing it down to look over it. I rub it against my palm, my eyes squinting as I examine it.

There's no physical mark left behind, at least, one that I'm capable of rubbing away. So why does it still tingle so? Magic, or perhaps something else.

I don't know. I don't understand.

Back to work, I'll finish this, then return to my room.

I shake my head clear of thoughts and shift in the chair, returning my sight to the page. My hands hover above the page as I look down to it, with a blinking stare.

A large blot of ink smothers the pages, obscuring and ruining the both of them, the tip of my quill snapped off, dried ink clinging to it.

I run a finger over the pages, rubbing it against the ink before pulling away, it's as dry as the rest of the ink.

I turn a page with a thwip, squinting and staring at the opposite side. The ink hasn't seeped through the pages, at the very least, another magical enchantment perhaps?

I let out a heated sigh and close the book shut, shoving a cork and sealing the ink well shut, looking over the broken tip of the quill. I could resharpen this, or obtain an entirely new one. I don't feel comfortable entertaining the thought of asking Her, I've received plenty, and to ask for more is nothing but a greedy venture.

I tuck the book underneath my armpit and blow out the candle, grabbing the inkwell and turning away. I best work on my attentiveness later, should it be possible, how I managed to not notice such a blunder won't be acceptable out in the field. When di-

A flash of Her eyes appear in my mind, shifting from one point of interest to the next, the unsung whispers of her giggling echoing alongside it.

My cheeks burn anew as my lips morph into ad scowl, shoving the door open and marching through the shadowy halls.

Bloody demon woman.

….

The muted sunlight pours in through tinted windows, fingers impatiently drumming against the hilt of my blade, sight glued to the door. I pray that they're not holding Her up, for their own sake.

"Come on, deary, there's no need to be so impatient, right here and now~" Her honied voice fills the air, her hand brushing against mine and tearing my attention away from the doorway, full lips curled into that teasing smile of hers. My face burns, the woman chuckling as she takes my hand into hers, squeezing lightly. The throne she sits upon is an ornate wooden thing, she lazes against it laxly and easily. Far less gaudy than the ones I've seen pompous plump lords sit upon, it suits her.

"It feels as if they're taking far too long to arrive, Miss, whoever they are." I respond gruffly, looking back towards the door, an ornate and overly large looking thing, I assume it to be made as such for a reason.

"Or they could be arriving just on time, you're so impatient~" A dainty sounding sigh echoes in my mind, her hand falling from mine. The warmth will be missed, though I'd refuse to admit it, she has more than enough to rib me for. "They'll be arriving just riiiight..."

I look down to her, a cocky smile on her lips, her fingers pressing against each other.

"Now." She clicks her fingers together, and as if on cue, the doors swing open. The hinges of it squeaks and groans as it's forced, a robed figure strutting forth and into the hall. The deep black cloak of the ambling figure doesn't shine in the early morning light, glowing crystals strapped to the collar thrum with a blue light. Someone capable of using magic, then? They don't smell like a keidran, but what use does a human have with mana crystals? Perhaps their cloak is enchanted with magic. Their hooded face is concealed in dark, even as he steps closer, the sunlight can't seem to reach it.

Enchanted it is, then, to obscure his face at the very least that's no natural occurrence.

"Here I am, dear, I shan't leave a lady waiting on me after all." He speaks as he bows, an over exaggerated and theatrical gesture, an arm to his gut with the other splayed outwards. His voice is clear and husky, and his words force the hair on the back of my neck to stand on end. My hand clutches and kneads the hilt of my blade, only relaxing as She touches my arm.

"Now now, I've already warned you about displeasing my little knight here. You're here out of the kindness of my heart and necessity for my needs, you can be removed rather easily, and you'd do well to remember that." Her voice is cold and unwelcoming, the air around us seems to chill, and the smile doesn't reach her eyes. She's been speaking of me elsewhere, then? I pray to the masks that it's of good things.

"Yeah yeah, I heard you the first time, nothing wrong with ribbing the furball here, right? Gotta be all buddy buddy and all." His demeanour changes as he stands up straight and shrugs. The fire in my chest burns, gritting my teeth and squeezing the hilt. This is the company that She wishes for me to accept, to be appropriate to? I've naught but contempt for this man and the wish to run him though

And yet I promised Her that I'd be on my best behaviour, stabbing a visitor seems far from that.

Bloody demon woman.

"I've nothing to say to you, state your business and leave." I smother the fire as best I can, speaking flatly. I look to her out of the corner of my eye, her smile furthering ever so slightly. I did good then, right? That was the correct thing to do? The man sighs, a gloved hand reaching up and sinking into the darkness that conceals his face.

"Ay ay ay, guess I shoulda expected that, both of you are sticks in the mud." He speaks so casually, so flippantly, is that confidence born from ignorance or pride, I wonder. I squint and examine the enigmatic man, and around him, did She not say that there'd be visitors, not just the one?

"I was under the knowledge that you'd be accompanied by others, or is it natural to expect less than thought from you?" I raise an eyebrow as I stare where his face ought to be, drumming my fingers against the hilt once more. She snickers beside me, the edges of my lips curling upwards at the chiming noise. Such a pleasure fades as the man lets out a bark of laughter, raising a hand to his chest, over his heart.

"Hah! You got bark, it seems, and I've heard plenty about that bite of yours. I'm not one to lie, though, the 'gift' I offered to your lady here is a bit more than difficult to lug around, and the other one…" He trails off for a moment, rolling his hand, as if thinking over his words. A wise decision, wiser than I'd have thought from him. "She's indisposed as of this moment, surely you two understand, correct?"

I say nothing in return, for I don't quite get what the man means, looking over to Her instead. Her lips are pursed into a thin line, though she rolls her eyes, nodding afterwards.

"What you and your 'partner' do is none of our business, nor do either of us care for it. You speak of that gift of yours, the one that I require, but you've yet to show it. You wouldn't keep a lady waiting, would you?" She questions the man, one that requires an answer. He'd be wise to not keep her waiting.

"Of course, I wouldn't be a gentleman if I did something like that, would I? No idea why you wanted this thing, but who am I to judge." He responds with a chuckle and a shrug, clasping his hands together and stretching, the cracking of his bones echoing throughout the hall. He raises his hands above his head before clasping them together once more, the wash of a dark blue wave washing over his body, collecting between his hands, morphing into an orb of magic. It grows and grows, sparks of magic arcing off of his body and into the ground around him. I purse my lips together and grip the hilt of my blade ever tighter, dragging it out of its sheath ever so slightly, looking over to Her. She remains seated in her throne, legs crossed and resting her cheek in a palm, overlooking the spectacle, legs crossed over one another.

I've been around her long enough to see many masks of her own, I've both untrue and genuine reactions to things that happen around her, generally uncaring but amused by the way of things.

But I've never seen her look so bored before, her eyes lacking the light that usually dances behind it, is this something that she's seen before?

Or is she just unimpressed with such a display? Nonetheless, however strong this mage may be, I'll be the first to dive in, should things go awry.

The dark orb ceases its growth, magic oozing off of the thing as if a thick smog, hovering between the man's hands. He stumbles for a moment before turning around, forcing out the orb from his hands. It hangs in the air for a moment, shuddering in on itself as it dilates, growing ever further. It morphs into a darkened archway, wisps of dark blue flowing off of it. A portal, perhaps? Is such a thing that difficult to create?

"Bring it forth!" He barks aloud, and the shuddering of the door is his answer. The portal shudders and pulsates, the shrieking of metal grinding on metal emanates from the dark. Something bubbles and forces itself through it, the man stepping back and out of the way. The portal pulses once more as something's shoved through it, thudding against the carpet beneath it. The 'gift' is covered by a thickened curtain, standing high above the man that stands beside it.

"And just like that, here you go, just as I promised." His voice sounds strained, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. My ears twitch as she hums in response, rising from her seat before disappearing in a mist of purple. She reappears beside the gift, a hand trailing up and down the heavy cloth, a small smile on her lips. "Ay ay ay, maybe I shoulda got one of those gate keys…"

"Just as you promised, you've done well, Stranger." The man seems to beam at the compliment,

"Naturally, I'm more than strong enough to take care of issues you may have, should you require it." His response is haughty and proud, chest puffed out in pride as he presses a hand to his chest. I may not see his face, but I can imagine him looking over Her with a lecherous gaze. By the masks, that man makes my blood boil, am I expected to work with this… thing?

"I've seen stronger." Her quip is quick, and nips the man's pride in the bud, visibly wincing, hand to his chest turning from a proud fist to a splayed hand, over his heart.

"Ah, such abuse, do you treat your little knight the same or something? Besides that, why did you want this thing anyways? Care to entertain my thoughts?" That is a question that I can't help but wonder myself, though I'd rather not voice it.

"I treat my favourite as I should, for I enjoy his presence and oddities." She answers after a moment, pulling away from the cloth. My heart swells as my chest puffs out, my cheeks warming. She enjoys me, truly? Ah, such words from her… "Although, this gift isn't for me. Care to come down here, little knight?"

I pause for a moment before marching down the stairs, standing beside Her with an eyebrow raised.

"A gift, Miss?" I can't help but wonder what sort of gift this would be, what could fit into something so large?

"Mhm, from me to you, deary. I want you to improve in any aspect, for I adore to see you grow, and there's one thing I wish to see you learn." Her voice is low and husky, a sweet whisper into my skull as she leans into me, my ears twitching as her breath flows against it. "How to control something, someone."

"...c-control?" I loathe how my voice sounds like a hushed whisper to her, throwing a glare at the chuckling man.

"Mhm, after all, wouldn't you like to give the orders around some time? Especially to those Templars~?" Her grip on my shoulders is soft, gentle, and the smile on her face enticing. Control? Such a thought seems… more than odd, and a part of me seems disturbed by the idea. I've never thought I'd have the aptitude to do so.

But she hasn't led me astray, and I've done all I can for her, is this why she's given me this gift? To be able to gain control over something, someone that the Templars won't be able to take away from me. Something I decide where my orders rank above those degenerates... Whatever this thing is, it couldn't be a keidran at least, that much I'm thankful for.

"How should we start, Miss?" The smile that beams on her face warms my heart, and the mashing of her lips against my cheeks warm even further, her arms wrapped around my neck into her warm embrace.

"That's my favourite! This person right here will be your underling, someone that you will raise from how they are now, to someone who will follow your orders." She releases me from her grasp, the chill of the room is a poor replacement. She brushes past me and raises her hand to the cloth, encompassing it in a deep purple hue before throwing it to the side.

The gift is a cell, a portable one placed upon a slab of metal, thickened dark metal bars entrap the thing within. It- The person, for she said as such, is something that I could mistake for a monstrous thing, straining my neck to look up to the face of it. His body laid bare for any to see, swaying and shifting side to side with an uneasy stance, his muscles look as thick as my skull, and his clouded eyes lack the light of life.

Just what is this thing, who is this thing? I've never seen a human so giant, nor so grotesque to look at. Even a keidran has a face that looks human enough, what could've happened to this thing?

"Snnrk, your face is adorable, deary~" Her voice brings my from my thoughts, her warm hands brushing and rubbing my face, a smile adorned on her lips.

"I…" I trail off and purse my lips together, looking over the giant. I'm expected to order this thing around? It doesn't look as if it'd understand my words. But, a gift from her won't be wasted. If she believes me capable of teaching this beast of a man, then that is my objective. "I won't let you down, My Lady."

"I've faith in you, dear." Her smile is warm and genuine, and it sets the flame in my chest alight, as well as the determination within. I won't let her down, not now, and not ever.

"Huh, I'm shocked that worked out so well." The man pipes up, much to my dismay. I should've expected him to shatter the moment

"Did you doubt my plans, Stranger?"

"Not quite, just confused and concerned is all, good luck taming this little bastard. At least the ferals here have some instinctual thought."

"I don't need luck." She has wished this gift to me, and I'll accomplish the task at hand, for there is no other option. I spare a glance to the man, his chest heaving with a sigh as he shrugs.

"Alright alright, you do you, I won't get in your way. That'll just hurt the both of us, ya know?" So long as he doesn't interrupt Her plans, then we'll be on good terms, though I've no doubt that he understands that.

"Assist us, and we'll assist you, a sound offer, don't you think Stranger?" She extends her hand out to him, her lips curled into a polite smile. He hesitates for a moment, the giant's menial grumblings echoing throughout the hall before he clasps his hands in hers.

"A deal it is, let's not mix personal life with business then, hm?"

"I never planned to do such a thing, your name here is Stranger for a reason, and you'll call my little knight as such for said reason too, understand?" Her smile turns terse as my heart swells with light, her hand squeezing the mans. Those who know her should, those who shouldn't should know better. There's a delight in knowing that extends to me, too, does she truly really see me as that important?

"Let's pray that our 'friendship' is fruitful then, hm?"

"I hope that prayer of yours holds true, for your sake."

…

A familiar warmth rouses me from the depths of sleep, a groggy feeling weighing on my skull as I bring the source of the heat closer to my chest. It shuffles in my grasp, letting out a soft squeak before returning to slumber.

At least she's not having another nightmare, and if she's dreaming, I hope that dream is peaceful. I lay still for a while, just holding the girl in my arms, sluggishly forcing my eyes to open. My lips curl into a smile as I look down to her, a peaceful mound of hair and fur, her ears twitching occasionally as I breath, her breathing soft and undisturbed.

That was…

Something. That was definitely something. At least we learned something useful, right?

Learning something useful indeed, I don't think I've had a memory last that long, or leave me feeling so fucking spent... That was Claude, right? That's, not exactly I thought we'd have met, not how I hoped we'd have met.

Come on, you've seen the man face to face, he's a bit more than memorable in terms of looks. I guess that explains why he calls you boss, he didn't look like there was much going on his head back then.

I curl my arms around the kid and squeeze softly, pursing my lips together into a thin line, the warmth from her doesn't mix very well with the thoughts that stir in my head.

That doesn't seem like a good thing, not at all. That woman's words rung true in the end, last I saw him, he was all too happy to help me. All because I lorded over him and helped him when he needed it most, given the push by that woman.

A shaky sigh forces its way out of my throat, squeezing around the kid once more, a hand cupping and massaging an ear, something warm to distract me from the pit in my stomach.

It feel disgusting, but at that moment, I could feel how fucking joyous I was to be given the chance. Is that who I was, someone to be molded into the vision of her? Or was I more to her, did she treat me as a favourite for a reason?

Who the fuck was that dude, too? Something about him rubs me the wrong way, even now. Is he someone that's gonna pop up and bite me in the ass? If he's with the Emerald Lady even now, then who knows how much shit he's got his fingers in.

Fuck, it's too early in the morning for this shit, I'm barely awake god dammit.

Not that being awake would help you anyways, you dunce. Don't go and give the both of us a headache.

Useful ribbing, as always. I sigh once more, resting my chin atop the girls head, the edges of it flickering upwards as she squeaks. God, this kid's fucking adorable.

What am I then, chopped liver?

Sadly you're stuck with me, the kid's just… I dunno, she helps keep my head on straight, at least, as straight as it can be. Besides, you're a bit too blunt to be soothing, Adrian, you got your own special kind of help.

Tch, everyones a critic.

She squirms in my grasp for a moment, a soft sigh coming from her before settling down, her fur brushing against mine as she rests her face in the crook of my neck.

So, what's the plan for today?

I'm not sure, honestly. I'm still not used to the thought of having so much free time, maybe I should hang around the house, help out Anna where I can.

Other than that, though?

Ich, I can already see where this is going.

I smile lightly, nuzzling my cheek against the kid before pulling away, pressing my lips against her forehead. She mumbles in her sleep, her lips curling up into a soft and radiant smile before bringing her closer once more, my hand pressing into the back of her head. I'll keep this girl encompassed in warmth and ward off anything that might disturb her, until she wakes up.

I promised her, after all.