I run my hands over my face and through my hair, staring up to the ceiling.
"That could've gone better." I mutter. Sadly, it doesn't respond, I was hoping the drywall would continue the conversation. Dulling my headache seems even less likely.
Wisps of blue catch my eye, dragging my attention away from the barren ceiling
"You think?" The bastard responds, a grin plastered on his face as he floats into view. "Getting on people's nerves seems to come naturally to you, let alone when you're panicking. Not exactly a good person to do it too this time around."
"Bah, fuck yourself." I grumble, waving my arm about through his body, a shudder forcing it's way up my spine as I do so. I pray it'd get him out of my face, yet the ghost seems content to laze about despite it. "I panicked, thought I had to do something. That's more than you could say."
"A knee jerk response is often worse than a delayed one, or none at all. Besides, I left the previous conversation so you could have your little chat with the brat. I didn't feel a need to poke my head up again."
"Why not? You could've been there for moral support."
"'We both know I wouldn't have been able to do much myself. I thought it'd be best to avoid the conversation entirely." He rolls his eyes, though he shifts away. I move myself upright, rubbing at my eyes, looking over to him.
"Maybe your snark could've helped, who knows." I say. He raises an eyebrow, but says nothing in return. I sigh, hand slipping from my eye to the back of my skull. Rubbing it doesn't help the ache much, tch. "Fuck it, I'll roll with the punches when it comes back to bite me in the ass."
"Winging it seems to be the default for you." He hums, translucent fingers tapping against his chin. "Although, maybe it isn't all bad news there."
"Hm? You think so?"
"There's a possibility, yes, assuming that he isn't lying, or decides to change his mind. It gives him less time to cobble together whatever plans and schemes he has up his sleeves. Less time to look over whatever he's cooking up, might leave some holes in." Adrian continues, shrugging soon after. "That does cut both ways though, now you have less time to prepare yourself."
I hum and nod, scratching at my chin. It's less time for others too, though that'd differ from person to person. The Captain's the one trying to find out what's going on, and the Stranger seems the type to tell someone where to look when he wants to be found. Maybe I should tell him to focus on preparing when he's found rather than trying to find him.
Theatrical bastard that he is, he'd probably find glee in showing off that 'performance' of his. I wonder if him being pissed would help us in the end though, depends on how thorough he'll be.
"Of course, you're hardly the type to prepare, so it means little to you." The prick says with a chuckle. I roll my eyes, giving him a dismissive wave.
"I'll make due with what I got."
"Mhm, I'm sure you will." He clicks his tongue, eyes narrowing as he stares into the floor. "The kid standing her ground when he spoke to her was surprising though, can't say I expected that from her."
"Heh, neither did I." I admit, my lips curling up into a smile. That familiar feeling of pride blossoms in my chest as I recall the memory, accompanied by a flush of warmth. No hesitation with her, just an immediate and determined 'no'. How lovely!
I feel like I should've praised her more for it, she did a good job. Too busy stressing over the Stranger and trying to get her safe to think of much else. Ah, there's time to do that later
She can be real determined when she wants, or stubborn, whatever word fits better. I wonder if I've rubbed off on her, though I wouldn't want to take credit for it.
"What a dopey looking grin you have, that proud of your kid, hm?"
"She's not my kid." My lips dip into a frown, heart twinging in my chest. Tsk, damned prick.
"Really? That's not what you thought when you were picking her up."
"Was this before or after you said that Kathrin was cute?" His jaw clamps shut, body stiffening. It works in silencing the man, and being amusing to boot.
"Hm, maybe I'm misremembering it." He says after a moment, words slow and deliberate.
"Maybe I am too, it's always possible."
"Memory is quite the fickle thing for us, isn't it?"
"Mhm, you could say it's a fault we share."
"It wouldn't be the only one." He says with a chuckle, though it sounds particularly flat. "Just one of many Id say, assuming either of us realize it."
"Or want to talk about it." I mumble, idly scratching at my arm. "It doesn't feel right to load our troubles off onto others when we should be able to shoulder it ourselves."
Maybe that's why I haven't told Anna about my magic shenanigans yet, among other things with other people. Can't imagine how it'd feel to know what lies at the end of what someones doing, with the bastard being too stubborn to stop.
My chest stings, and my heart feels heavy. I have to bear it, but I can at least share it with myself, right?
"Mm. We should've talked about that sooner at least, if nothing else. Hindsight is twenty twenty though."
"Better late than never though, plenty of room here if you wanna take a seat." I say with a wink, shifting a paw underneath the blankets. "Comfortable too, gets my highest recommendation"
He scoffs, but moves over regardless, taking a seat at the end. Neither blanket nor bed shift beneath him. I didn't expect it to, yet, part of me dared to hope. Not sure why.
"You know I can't feel this, right? No nerves to bounce off of at the moment."
"Hey, it's the-"
"Thought that counts, yeah yeah." He cuts me off, waving dismissively. He crosses his legs over each other, an elbow digging into his thigh and resting his chin on a palm. "We might as well keep on with clearing the air."
"Mhm, ask away. No interruptions this time, hopefully." I wouldn't bet on that chance though, given my luck. Adrian lets slip a snort of laughter, seems like he'd agree.
"Your little buddy, the other other one in your head, do you have any idea who they are? Assuming they'd have an identity in the first place." He pries further, tilting his head to the side. He hums for a moment before chuckling. "What a thing to have to ask, can't imagine the others would have to do it."
"Probably not, I wish I could relate to them. As for the friend, I do have an idea, at least." He raises an eyebrow, leaning forwards.
"Oh? Care to share?"
"I reckon you can guess who."
He's silent for a while, before it seems to click, eyebrow raising further.
"Really? You think that it's her of all people?"
"Mhm."
"Why? Of all people, why the Partner?'
"It's a gut feeling I have, I guess." I say, pursing my lips together. "Maybe. I'm not entirely sure, but still."
"A gut feeling? Is that honestly what you're basing this off of?" He questions, lips twisting downwards.
"Its more than that, it-" I cut myself off, snapping my jaw shut. Is it more, or is the intensity of that feeling just blinding? "Have you ever had that feeling, when something happens and you can only see it a certain way? Like any other possible decision or option seems so impossible, or so unwanted that your immediate reaction is to discard it?"
I resist the urge to gnaw at the inside of my cheek, or to bite at the nails of my fingers, even as the nerves inside wriggle and writhe, as if yelling at me for talking about it. Stop squirming dammit
"Maybe I am wrong, i-it's always possible." I continue, forcing the words out. Why's it being a problem now? It's just words.
Stress, that has to be why, right?
"...I have, yes." Adrian answers, his eyes flickering away from me. "You could be wrong, yes, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't understand the feeling."
"Really?" It catches me off guard, and puts the nerves in my chest at ease, at least for now. "What'd get you to feel like that?"
"The thought of control. Of our body, I mean." He answers. His face scrunches up, as if tasting something sour. "It feels wrong, as if breaking some law. I might bitch about you not listening to me, but I prefer it over the alternative."
"Do you have any idea why?"
"Not a clue, do you?"
I hum to myself, drumming fingers against my thigh. I know that it feels like the only option, but why? I could see what Cleon meant by letting Mabel go to do as she wishes, even if she may be hurt in the end, as much as the thought unnerves me. I can at least attempt to convince myself.
But this? There's nothing, no reprisal for another thought, like running into a brick wall, the thought process stops there. But there has to be a reason for that, right? Maybe it's something even deeper in my head.
Ingrained so deep that it transcends dying.
"I don't have much, but I reckon that it's probably stuck in there." I jab my thumb towards the bookshelf. "More I dig through there, the better chance I have of figuring things out. This included.
"Business as usual then?"
"More or less." I shift about and push myself off of the bed, though I still keep an eye on Adrian.
"Alright, better not waste too much time then." He says with a nod, though his eyes narrow soon after. "Try to focus on what's important, if you can. I know your hearts begging to remember more about the Partner, but the Stranger's the one in front of us at the moment, not her. I know you'll look for it anyways, but just try not to use all your time for it, would you?"
His body looks stiff, the look in his eyes serious. Almost pleading.
He looks concerned above all else. Something he doesn't seem to want to admit to verbally.
A strange feeling stirs in my heart. Strange, but not unwelcome.
"I won't lose sight of it, promise. And I won't lose to the likes of him either." I say with a nod, hands clenching into fists with a fire in my chest.
"I'd hope not, I'm stuck with the results too." He says with a scoff, leaning back against the wall. His body visibly relaxes as he does so, though. That's good at least. "Thanks, for talking about all this tonight."
"It's alright, I ought to do it more often honestly." And with a few others to boot. Sometime soon, probably.
"...sorry, too. I probably shouldn't make light of that." He continues, a strangely bashful look appearing on his face, fingers scratching up and down an arm. Huh? Wha- ah, right.
"It's fine, honestly."
"Mn. You're too forgiving."
"And you're too harsh."
"A problem we don't share then, hurray." He says with a chuckle, eyes closing with a soft sigh. He completely relaxes into the wall, the back of his head touching the wall with a dull thunk.
Conversations over then, good to have had it.
I walk over to the book shelf, hands grazing over the blank spines. I hum to myself, hesitating for a moment to think, ignoring the tugging in my chest.
What should I hope to look for, though? The Stranger spoke of some mission for me last time, didn't he? Maybe I should shoot for that, and hope I find something there.
A bit of me still hopes to find out more of the Partner, as much as I try to ignore it. That should be a secondary objective, a bonus, not the main one.
I take in a deep breath to steady myself before pulling a book away from the shelf.
Let's get to it.
…
I raise the cup to my lips, keeping my eyes closed and mind clear as I take a sip from it. I've little want for too many luxuries, I'd admit to a preference for this. What a wonderful thing, this blueberry tea is. Sweet and fruity, with a slight tang to it that clings to my tongue.
It's a soothing thing for both body and brain, to myself anyhow, and it's a wondrous distraction for the self. One preferable over the alternative.
"I don't want to be here as much as you do, Knight." An ear of mine twitches as a voice speaks, my lips dipping into a frown.
"For a moment, I forgot you were here. I'd like to go back to that moment."
"Alas, neither of us gets what they want, life is truly cruel." She continues, finishing with an exaggerated sigh of disappointment. I sigh to myself, the gentle peace in my mind shattered. I crack an eye open, looking over the animal. Its golden eyes look a tad dulled at the moment, half lidded and tired, claws idly trailing a circle against the table.
"Do not scratch the table." I warn it. "We are not meant to be animals here."
Strong and stocky as it may be, it's not quite claw proof, not as if there's much space to claw up to begin with. This is a small table in a small room for private meetings, hidden away from prying eyes. Visiting nobles and guests and whatnot would see the other, more grandiose one to suit their tastes.
A single lantern from above illuminates the rather empty room, though it's all we need. This one's just for us, four seats on a square table for four members, not one more.
"We are not meant to be humans either, yet you pretend otherwise." It rebuffs with a tired drawl and a sigh, edge of its lips quirking upwards.
My eye twitches.
"I wonder why you haven't been removed yet."
"Because I have my uses, I can only assume the same for you, it's certainly not your wonderful personality that's kept you here. Ugh, I wonder why I haven't poisoned your drink yet."
I snort.
"As if poison would do me in." I say, raising the cup to my lips. I'll take what meager soothing I can from this babbling. "I'd drink it regardless, solely so you can see how useless you are."
"Do stop fighting, children. We're here on business after all." Another interrupts, confident and loud voice belies silent steps as he steps past my sight.
"Welcome back, Master." It purrs, eyes shifting from tired to mischievous in a blink, a soft smile on its face.
"A pleasure to be back, my dear." The Stranger says in turn, taking a seat beside the animal. Irritation spikes in my chest.
Many words I wish to let loose at both of them linger at the tip of my tongue, but it's best to hold those down. I finish off my cup instead, letting it rest on the table.
"Are we to begin soon?" I ask, clasping my hands together. The Stranger hums, an idle hand resting on the foxes head.
"Mhm, when your Lady gets here anyways. She shouldn't be too long." He answers, voice sounding rather lax.
"Mn. I don't think she should be moving about so soon."
"Why not? She's a mage herself, she likely knows how to deal with mana burn. While she may feel a grand headache for a while, she'll be right as rain, so long as she doesn't strain herself."
I frown. I know little of magic, but I feel it safe to assume that dark magic would be a bit more dangerous than what he suggests, especially the lingering effects.
…Unless he doesn't know, that is. I know of his fear and worry of dark magic. Given his rather relaxed look, he mightn't have seen the mark over her chest.
Which means I'm the only other who knows. Best to keep it secret then.
"Mn. As you say." I finally respond, giving the man a terse nod. Whether he knows or not, he seems to respect my Lady's capabilities at least.
"I'm sure she appreciates your worry, though." He says with a chuckle. He swings his legs over one another, leaning back in his chair. "Though perhaps you worry for her too much, Gods know the woman can handle herself."
"My worry is warranted." I respond stiffly. If not for her personality, then for her decisions.
I feel something snake around my neck, trailing down my chest and pulling me backwards, the back of my head pressing into warmth.
"And it's adorable, too." She purrs, my ears twitching when heated breaths brushes against it. My body stiffens, the Stranger cackles, and the animal gives a smug grin.
I look upwards and straight into glittering emerald eyes, twinkling with delight and amusement.
"Ah." I say with a blink, heat creeping up my neck and burning my cheeks. She probably planned that.
"Indeed, dear." She giggled, lips twisting into a lovely smile. Her arms squeeze around my chest. "Hello, by the way."
"Hello." A dumb response from a dumber mind that inflames my cheeks further. The haze over my mind seems to actively seek a way to make me fumble my words, truly amazing. She giggles, hand trailing from chest to face, a thumb rubbing against it. She lingers before taking the seat next to me, her hand resting on mine.
"My apologies for the wait, has everyone been playing nice together?"
"No apologies needed, Lady. These two are about as good as they usually are." The stranger answers, rolling his wrist all the while. "Bit better, actually, they're improving."
Does he consider himself a jester? He'd suit the outfit.
"Hng. I've done what I could."
The fox's eyebrow quirks upwards, as does its lips, but says nothing.
"Ah, it's so nice to see you two get along." My Lady says with a giggle, her hand squeezing my own, ever so lightly. My eyes shift over to her face for a moment, a soft smile on her lips. "It'll be needed soon."
I grimace immediately before looking over the table, the fox's face scrunching into a disgusted expression. This accursed woman.
"Lady, wha-" She begins, though she's cut off soon after by a raised hand.
"Do wait for a moment so I may explain, Partner. Do you recall your last scouting task?" She asks. The fox blinks, it's head tilting to the side.
"Observation of Rose, right? Someone inside the Templars orchestrated an escape from captivity for her, and for Saria to take her in herself. As I recall, she kept her around until she could pay for passage home, though I know nothing beyond that. Are we to do something with her then?"
I raise an eyebrow, Rose, Saria? Unfamiliar names from an unknown task, one I'd be best left out of. Hardly my forte, the fox would best me at slinking around. Yet I feel slighted regardless. Tch.
"Mm, in a sense. Consider this a continuation of that task. The Dragon's Masquerade is to begin within the month, as you two may know already. They shall be in attendance." She continues, her eyes looking over the pair.
"Ah, the Dragon's Masquerade, where rich keidrans suckle up to rich humans, who suckle up to richer humans, what a wonderful time." Sarcasm drips off of his tongue.
"I wasn't aware that you've been, Master." The fox speaks up.
"Nor I, though it certainly sounds like it's not to your tastes." My Lady follows up after it, an amused tinge to her voice. "Doesn't sound like your dear Partner was to keep you company, either."
"Bah, it's a bunch of noble posturing, I've little patience for it." His hood shifts towards the fox, as if motioning towards it, hand ruffling its hair. "It was a bit before I chanced upon you, dear, went along with my father. He has his own pull and wished to attend, he believed it was a good opportunity to find connections too."
I stay silent. It's rare to hear him muse about his past. He almost sounds melancholic, despite the distaste.
The Stranger waves his hand about, leaning back on his chair, resting his legs onto the table.
Hm, I wonder if the animal rubbed off on him instead of the reverse.
"Ignore me, the past is the past. What do you have planned for it?"
"Nothing that'll cause waves, it'd be rather poor timing. I just wish to observe the event itself, though I may not be there myself."
"Why not? Is your case of mana burn that severe?"
"I'm more than well enough to hold my own, despite my affliction. My presence there would be… noticed, is all, by those I'd rather not gain the attention of."
"You expect there to be ones who can see your magic core?"
"I know there will be. Avoiding her would be for the best for the future, for all of us."
"Who on Mekkan could rattle you so?" She pauses for a moment, perfect lips twitching downwards.
"Lady Nora." She answers simply.
"What!?" The Stranger screeches, the man recoiling further back into his chair. Having already been leaning back, though, he pushes himself far enough to upset the balance of it. He wobbles, arms waving about in an attempt to balance himself. With a final yelp, he falls backwards, a loud thud echoing through the room as he hits the floor. "Fuck!"
The animal, though, seems to be taking it worse, it's face pressed into the palm of its hands. Widened, dilated eyes, barely visible past its fingers stare into the table. There's no quips or sarcastic remarks, only shallow breaths and a shuddering body.
"Who's Nora?" I ask, lips twisting into a frown. There's plenty of names I don't know being thrown around today. I've been left in the dark.
It's understandable, but I loathe the feeling.
"Lady Nora is a dragon, one of, if not the oldest being in Mekkan. For dragons, age is power, and she is quite old indeed."
"I see." I've heard of dragons, through word of mouth and old teachings , though I've never seen one myself. "Is that an issue?"
"It absolutely is!" The Stranger interrupts. It looks like he's crawled his way back onto his seat, a finger pointed towards my Lady. "It's Lady Nora, are you insane? We'll be ruined if she comes for us!"
Heat burns in my chest, brow furrowing and fur standing on end. Quite brazen of him, perhaps fears dulled his sense of preservation in her presence.
"She will not, for we will give her no reason to." She continues, her voice soft and patient. Very patient indeed, he deserves so much less. "She is attracted to power, strength itself, especially that of the magical inclination."
"Which is why you're sending these two instead of us." The Stranger muses, humming, retracting his accusatory hand and putting it to his chin. Wise choice. "Gods, at least we know beforehand, I'd rather not be surprised by a dragon as the special guest."
"Host, she will be hosting the event."
"Hosting- bah, whatever, positions matter little if she decides to interact." The Stranger says with a sigh, slumping into his chair, hand slipping to his chest. "I feel as if my heart's about to burst out of my chest."
My Lady giggles, a sly smile across her face.
"I do quite enjoy surprises, particularly when I'm giving them. Moving along, both my dear Knight and your Partner shall attend the event in our stead, all they must do is try to relax, observe and report all that occurs. It shall go well in the end."
"Ah, I do wish I could share your confidence."
"There are few who do, Stranger. Additionally, I've already attained clothing for the event, of which I'm sure you'll both approve."
"Understood." I say with a nod. Anything chosen by her I will wear with great pride, though I've little excitement for the inevitable teasing that'll accompany it.
"How do you know about all this?" The Partner interrupts. I look at it with a glare, though it ignores me. Its eyes, though still rattled, stare at my Lady, shaking hands laid flat onto the table and claws digging into the wood. "You knew where Rose would be before Saria took her in, you took no surprise in what occurred between them despite you saying you knew neither personally, and now you talk with such certainty about the masquerade. How could you possibly know any of this?"
"You're asking a lot of questions, Partner." I say in place of my Lady, forcing my body to stay still, even as my blood rushes. I thought the Stranger brazen, evidently it's the one who rubbed off on him.
"And you're asking none at all, you never do!" It shouts, muzzle scrunched up into a snarl, chair screeching into the floor as it stands upright.
I stand myself, pushing my chair out from underneath me and reaching to my hip, hands grasping air instead of whatever blade I wish would've been there instead. I give it a sneer of my own instead, fist clenching shut.
Nails dig into my palm. I ought to bring something to these meetings, a dagger at least, so I may plunge it into the things throat!
"Please, remain seated." Her voice, though smooth and soft, sounds louder in my ears than the animals shouting. I take my seat, though the fire in my chest lingers and burns. The fox doesn't follow. "I will answer when you do, Partner."
It's muzzle tenses and scrunches once more, as if holding back a response, tail flickering behind it wildly. It begrudgingly follows orders, a grimace across its face.
"Thank you." My Lady says instead, a patient, soft smile on her face. Mercy and patience undeserving to such a responsive thing. "Simply put, I've informants in many, many places. Tattletales who bring rumours and gossip and news willingly with the promise of coin in return. If I don't have those, then I have others whom are indebted to my services, who'd sell out their dearest friends to rid themselves of that debt. If not those, then…"
She trails off, kind smile turning to a cold, ruthless smirk as she lays a hand on the table, palms raised to the ceiling. There's a swirl of purple, initially small, it gathers both speed and size.
The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end as it twirls and churns, sight sinking into its depths.
It stops suddenly, shuddering before it morphs into a ball, large enough to barely fit in her hand, were she to grasp it.
It turns clear enough to peer through, and inside lay a painting. One of a town,with buildings made of wood and stone, separated by a river, a simple wooden bridge connecting the two. In the distance stands a Templar tower, boats, both large and small linger around the port.
I don't recall what the name of this place is, though it seems familiar. I squint, to examine closer.
And pause. Those ships are moving, and looking even closer, I can see others, who I assume to be humans moving about on the roads. This- what is this? This is no painting. I flick my eyes towards the other two in the room, to gauge their reactions. The Stranger remains silent, though his hooded face remains glued to the orb. The fox is much the same, its mouth agape, though only slightly. Do they know what this place is?
Whatever it is, it disappears in a shroud of fog. It swirls and churns in a circle, much like before, turning into something new soon after. The vision of a house stands in place of the fog instead, humans clad in armour- templars, from the look of it, filter in and out of its doors. They chat amongst themselves, a barely audible murmuring echoing in my ears, as if just out of reach.
This place, I know this place. This was Ashfords mansion, once upon a time, before I dragged him away from it. I thought they were just about to begin further examination of the place, and the extraction of whatever's within. His slaves and possessions to be taken and used elsewhere.
"A scrying orb, morphed at will? This is-" The Stranger begins, though he interrupts himself with a sharp intake of air. "Astounding. To see and hear so clearly, with no catalyst to do so, I assume."
Scrying? This is a vision of what's happening now, then? Given his taste in research, the man's mind must be alight with thoughts. My Lady chuckles, a low, rumbling thing.
"Correct indeed, Stranger. There is no catalyst other than my own will, here. I prefer specific positions, but I may be wherever I please, given enough time." She answers his musings. "If there is none that will do my bidding, then I will find them." She clenches her hand into a fist, and the orb shatters immediately, as does the mansion held within. It fails to piece her skin, the shards dissipating into wisps of magic.
"I've an eye in every window, and a finger in every pie. Despite that, I can't be everywhere at once, not even with my dear Knight, hence why you two are here. Even if I could do so, it'll cause naught but strain, and potentially give myself up to those keen enough to detect scrying magic." She says as she pulls her hand away, clasping them together. Her sitting straightens, the smirk on her face looks to have slipped away, a soft smile in its place instead. "I wish to see things as they're done, that is all, and that is why I wish for help from the two of you to do so. Does that answer your question, Partner?"
The fox narrows its eyes, slowly relaxing into its seat.
"It does, yet it brings more." It admits. For once, I can't fault it. To my surprise, my Lady only giggles.
"It would, you're an inquisitive one, the streak of rebellion runs in your heart." She says with a drawl, with a small bit of pride. "Though to answer one I believe to be on your mind, I do not pry into your personal life. It is your own after all, and I'd only harm our working relationship to do so."
My heart churns in my chest, lips dipping into a frown. Ignoring everything else, why does she speak of rebellion with such delight? Does she truly value such a thing, despite wanting those who follow her to follow orders? Are they not at ends with one another?
Should I begin to rebel myself, would that please her? Despite my own instincts against such a thing, would it not be following orders in a sense?
"Well, I'm glad that what we do at night isn't being looked over! But, she truly does have that spark, doesn't she? It's part of the reason I keep her around." The Strangers musing brings me out of my thoughts, chuckling and wrapping an arm around the fox. It seems to force a smile on its face, pushing its body into him. "Among other things, anyhow."
"Do you always let its mouth run loose?" I ask him, eyes glued to where his own ought to be. He scoffs, waving his free hand.
"I know better than to put myself between two women, especially ones as spirited as these two." He answers, another chuckle slipping out. My frown deepens. There's another wave of his hand. "Is that all for this meeting, or are there other things we must discuss? I do want some time to digest all of this."
"That will be all for today, yes. You will all have time to yourselves, there is nothing I wish done until the Dragon's Masquerade. Your outfits will come the week before the masquerade, do try not to ruin it beforehand."
"Wonderful! I'll get back to you with my own reports when I'm finished." The Stranger stands, giving my Lady a short theatrical bow before twisting around. With the surge of magic and the click of his fingers, a portal snaps open before him. "Let's be off, my dear Partner."
"As you say, Master." She stands and moves to his side. With no further words, the Stranger passes through the portal, disappearing into the dark. The fox follows close behind, though before entering, it looks back to us.
To my Lady, specifically. Its eyes narrow before wordlessly moving into it. The portal closes behind soon after, leaving nothing but the lingering wisps of magic.
"That was a rather successful meeting, all things considered." I hear my Lady muse. I hum, though my chest still burns. She chuckles, her hand resting on mine and squeezing lightly. "You're brooding again, my dear Knight."
"I am not."
"You totally are." Another giggle, muffled by the cluttering sound of a chair moving about. Her hand leaves mine, only for her arm to wrap around my shoulder, pulling me closer. My ears twitch with the tickling of hot breaths, the side of my face squished into something warm.
I try not to think of it too much, looking upwards instead, and into the face of her. Full lips quirked into a lovely, warm smile, delight and mischief ever dancing behind her green eyes.
My cheeks burn while that enticing haze returns, numbing as ever. I sigh, letting my gaze fall downwards and nudging myself into her, and my head fall into whenever it pleases. She gives an approving hum, the feeling of her hand brushing through my hair pushing a tingling feeling down my spine.
I'm not sure how long I lay on her, nor how long I let my eyes remain shut, but I do feel the strain in my body leaving. Muscles relaxing and unwinding, my heart soothed by warmth.
It longs for more, more of which I'd never be given otherwise. My eyes sting.
"Do you feel better, dear Knight?" She asks softly, directly into my ear, her voice a husky purr.
"Much better. Thank you." I answer honestly, smothering the waver that tickles at the base of my throat.
"Any time, my dear." I feel a hand trail up and down an ear, and hear her giggles whenever it twitches. "Nice and comfortable?"
"Yes. Thank you." I hardly need to strain myself to lean against her chest, after all. At least there's no exposed skin this time.
"Hah, how adorable. No need to be so professional here, dear. It's just us, you should speak your mind." She continues on. I feel her catch the tip of my ear between fingers, rubbing softly.
"Mng." I mumble, half into the fabric of her shirt and other half into the still air. Even as she laughs, I mull it over in my head. Of what to say, how to say it.
Prideful as I am, even I can say that words aren't my strong suit, let alone 'speaking my mind'. What would be best to say, would nothing at all be acceptable? That would be considered rebellion, would it not? Would she-
No, just ask a question. Any at all.
"Why?" I begin, my throat suddenly as dry as sand. She lets out a questioning hum, and I can feel her head shift to look downwards, to look at me. Speak, fool! "Why am I going with her? We don't work together well."
An understatement. We do not work together at all, our conversations during tasks little more than excuses to throw barb's at one another.
"We work worse together than we do alone." I correct myself, squirming in her grasp. Nerves eat at me, is this too much, too quick? Should I bring myself away, apologise?
She sighs, hand slipping from my ears, arms wrapping around my shoulders.
"I know, but it must be done, there must be some connection between you two. One that isn't you two needling one another." She continues. Her voice sounds lax, not at all irritated like I expected, or feared. My shoulders relax and heartbeat slows.
"A connection?"
"Mhm. Something that binds you two together. I've already done as much with the Stranger, through his curiosities mostly, but it's a beginning if nothing else."
"Why is the connection between me and the fox so important then, is the one between you and the Stranger not enough?" Questions, oft something I keep locked away flow freely from my mouth, a bitter taste following soon after.
Soft laughter is my answer instead, much to my confusion. Was it something I said?
"It is not, not with this. The future-" She suddenly cuts off, the sound of teeth clamping silencing her. Her arms tighten around me.
"Mistress-"
"No, it's alright, I lost myself for a moment." She says with a sigh, her arms relaxing. Both feel forced to me. "I worry for the future is all, things must go a certain way."
She sounds so tense, desperate. As if her voice is on the edge of cracking.
I hesitate for a second, smothering the damnable thing before wrapping my arms around her and head against her. There's a surprised sounding hum.
"I'll do it. For you."
Even if I hate the animal, I won't let what plagues her mind become reality. If this is what's required then I'll do this and more.
"Ah, you're such a good boy, you know that?" She says with a chuckle. As much as the words forces heat to my cheeks, I'd take all of it. Better that than hearing her so distressed. "I have faith in you, my dear Knight."
My breath hitches, thoughts stammering.
Faith
Faith in me.
No one else did, no one else would, not even him.
I will not fail.
"While I enjoy your affection, we do have some preparation to do." Her voice brings me from my thoughts. I pull myself away from her, even though I feel my heart longing and raging for her warmth once more.
There will be more in time, so long as we work.
"What must be done?" The smile on her lips is a coy, sly thing, delight dancing in her eyes once more.
"Do you know how to dance?"
I blink.
Ah.
"No." I wince internally. I already know what's going to happen.
"Then I shall teach you!" She reaches down and grabs my hands with her own.
"W-wait-"
"There's no time like the present!" She stands herself before yanking me to my feet.
"Hold on-" She cuts me off with a giggle and a laugh, her back already turned away and dragging me along.
I sigh, resigning myself to fate.
Damn demon woman.