It was a restful sleep for Siesta, despite the goings ons. Due to the circumstances, she thought it best to stay with Louise as she slept, in order to better keep an eye on her. As inklings of consciousness began to creep into Siesta, a different creeping feeling also began to be felt on her body. She opened her eyes slowly and for a single bleary moment she was unable to register what was happening, but in the next, she jolted awake.
"M-Miss Valliere! What are you doing?!" She exclaimed as she pushed Louise's hands from her chest and moved to cover herself despite being clothed.
"It's just my way of saying 'good morning' my love!" Louise retorted in what could be described as an attempt at a seductive voice, "Oh I missed you so much! I couldn't bear to sleep any longer!" Louise exclaimed as she threw herself at the anxious maid.
While she acknowledged the feeling was nice, to be held by Louise this way, she was also conscious of the fact that this was the effect of the love potion. "I missed you too," Siesta said diplomatically as she gently attempted to push her lovesick friend to arms-length, "but we have important things to do today!"
"Aww! What could be more important than us?" Louise pouted.
Siesta blushed, feeling things that confused her. "W-well there's Zeratul and training and…"
"Oh right… that old stick-in-the-mud," Louise rolled her eyes.
Siesta hoped against hope Zeratul wouldn't be offended by that display.
Gifted one, it appears as though her mind is becoming closed off to me, I am unable to communicate with her. Zeratul's voice echoed in Siesta's head.
Wait, is the love potion really that powerful? I didn't think magic could stand against your powers. Siesta thought, now growing worried.
Her mind is so consumed with thoughts of you, that any attempt to breach it is blocked by those thoughts. Zeratul elaborated. Siesta felt embarrassment at that information. Should this continue, I fear she will be unable to fulfill her role as a user of the void. Siesta understood. She stood herself up and looked down to notice she was still in her maid outfit, which she didn't have time to change while transporting Louise back to her room and keeping an eye on her. She dreaded the thought of the rumors that were about to be spun about her if she was seen exiting the noble's room this early in the morning.
Zeratul, Siesta reached out, as he had been instructing her, I need you to scout and make sure no one is around before I come out. Please tell me when it's safe to leave.
Understood, Gifted Siesta, Zeratul acknowledged as she could swear she saw a puff of smoke from the corner of her eye. She felt she would never get used to that.
"Heyyyyy! I'm right here, my love! I need attention!" Louise begged as she made puppy-dog eyes at Siesta.
*yaaaaaawwwwwn* Siesta heard an overly-elongated yawn coming from the corner of the room. "Woah, hey! Some hot girl-on-girl action! What I wouldn't give to have a body right now, hehe" Siesta was beginning to understand Louise's desire to inflict harm on the mouthy sword, but focused her efforts on a plan.
"Derflinger, Zapper," Siesta called out. Zapper beeped to life in acknowledgement, "Keep an eye on your master, she's been… poisoned and that's why she's acting weird."
"WOAH! POIS-" Siesta did what she could to cover the rusted sword's "mouth" before he could finish his exclamation.
"We have to keep it quiet or else we'll ALL get in trouble. Besides, you don't wanna draw the attention of too many people unless you wanna end up in a noble's collection or melted for scrap because of your runny mouth." Siesta said threateningly.
"Heh, I guess so," Derflinger responded sheepishly, "but still, this is serious! What're you gonna do, maid?"
"There's a plan," Siesta said with all the confidence she could muster.
"Doesn't sound like a good one," the sword remarked.
"It's the best one we got!" Siesta retorted. Zapper began beeping and Siesta turned to look at him.
"Hey there lil Zappy! I love you so much, you're such a good familiar yes you are!" Louise was tightly embracing Zapper and showering them with affection. Zapper, for their part, could not be said to be enjoying or hating it, but the beeping seemed urgent to Siesta.
"Hey, Derflinger, you can merge with Zapper, right? Does that also mean you can translate what they're saying to us?" Siesta asked.
"Yeah, totally, I'm surprised none of you could already understand them, they're always talking." Derflinger responded. Siesta, having to put aside her annoyance, grabbed Derflinger and put him in front of Zapper, "Hey! Easy on the goods there, toots!" he exclaimed as he was once again manhandled. Zapper, appearing to understand, had the rune above their eye glow as the sword went silent. "Ugh, I hate when they do that." Derflinger, from within Zapper's body said in a disgruntled voice. "Okay it says here… Executor compromised... Last stand mode active… deferring to only known Protoss signature…"
"Interesting, I never knew they had all these thoughts," Siesta mused. She then sighed in defeat. "None of that is terribly helpful, though. I wish they could determine a cure since our only plan is to find a water elemental."
"Woah, well good luck there, babe! You're gonna need it! Hehe…" Derflinger chortled.
"Hey!" Louise snapped, looking Zapper right in their eye, "Let's get one thing straight, Derflinger, she's MY babe!"
"Jeez, no need to get jealous pinky, I was only messin'," Derflinger responded defensively as Zapper returned his spirit to his sword body. Siesta could not help but give a small smile, even if she was aware what she was saying was only due to the effects of the potion. Just as quickly as she felt that, however, she pushed the feeling down under a mountain of shame and embarrassment.
The way is clear, Gifted Siesta. Zeratul informed. Siesta, taking her chance, left the room, making sure to double check her surroundings. She hurriedly made her way to the servant's quarters, taking heed of directions that Zeratul gave her to avoid being spotted. Once she was safely within her room, she quickly changed into her spare uniform and exited the room, pretending to have been there all along. I beseech you to hurry, for Young Louise grows restless at your separation. Zeratul informed. Siesta did her best to return inconspicuously, but was accosted at almost every turn by the usual cordial conversations of the other servants.
"Good morning Siesta! Good to see you!"
"Yes! You too!"
"Hey! Siesta! Come join us for breakfast!"
"Sorry, I'm gonna get a head start on my duties, maybe later?"
She did her best to politely dodge the other servants, and, for the most part, was successful. Eventually she made it back to the room, breathed a sigh of relief, and opened the door. She was greeted by an intense rush of squealing pink.
"SIESTA!" Louise screamed as she threw herself at the maid. Now in plain view of other servants and other nobles, the murmurs and stares started.
"Yes, it is good to see you too, friend, but I'm doing housekeeping so it'll have to wait," Siesta tried her best to look as disinterested as possible while patting Louise's head in the most platonic way she could think of.
"No fair! You're always leaving and doing other things! I just wan-" before Louise's intoxicated declarations could continue, Siesta had walked into the room, carrying the lovestruck noble with her.
"You couldn't keep her from doing that for just a little longer?" Siesta asked, annoyed at Derflinger.
"Oh I'm sorry, lemme just use my arms I don't have to restrain her," Derflinger smarted.
Siesta could not be bothered with this, as she was awaiting the arrival of a certain-
*knock knock knock*
There she was.
Siesta, Louise still in tow around her neck, opened the door to see the culprit regarding Louise's condition and her two-timing excuse of a man behind her. "About time you showed up, do you see this?"
"Hey, we wouldn't be here at all if-" Montmorency started. Siesta raised a finger to interrupt her.
"If you hadn't tried to mind control your cheating boyfriend with an illegal substance?" Siesta finished, knowing it would shut the blond noble up. "Is there any chance this will wear off on its own?"
Montmorency nodded, "Yes, but I don't know how long it would take, I didn't exactly calculate-"
"YOU EXPECTED ME TO BE YOUR LOVE SLAVE FOREVER?!" Guiche erupted in a panic.
"Hey, it's just to kill time until we graduate," Montmorency responded, with the thinnest facade of detachment.
"But as I said, I'm always by your side, am I not? You don't need that to ensnare me," Guiche did his best to put on his best loverboy persona.
"You're just saying that because all the other girls are on vacation," Montomorency jabbed. Guiche looked like he was pierced by an arrow at her remark.
"Are you two gonna get a room or what?" Derflinger asked flippantly.
"W-what was that?" Montmorency asked in a panic.
"The name's Derflinger, sweet cheeks, legendary sword to the mighty-!" before he could finish another boast of his status, Siesta knocked the sword to the ground, "Help! Police!" shouted the mouthy sword, helplessly.
"Nevermind that now, let's just get going with that tear," Siesta demanded, striding forward confidently with Louise clinging tightly to her. Montmorency, Guiche, and Zapper followed, absorbing Derflinger's spirit in the process.
"Oh not again!" Derflinger exclaimed as Zapper followed closely behind the four students.
"Tell me where we're going," Siesta demanded.
"Uh, it's Lagdorian Lake, where all water mages make their pact with the water spirit," Montmorency stated, "I've only been there once when I was a child, though." Without further words, the four arrived at the stables where Montmorency and Guiche requested three horses. Siesta then remembered she had no idea how to ride a horse.
Oh no, I've been strutting forward too confidently, I didn't even think about this! She looked up at the mighty beast as it snorted and flicked its tail.
Worry not, Gifted Siesta, for Young Louise does know. Zeratul's echoing voice told her.
Siesta looked down at Louise, "Hey, Miss Valliere."
"Call me Louise, my love," Louise responded, gazing dreamily into Siesta's eyes.
"Uh, are you up for a horseride?" Siesta asked as she started to feel herself turn red.
"Of course!" Louise declared, letting go of Siesta and striking a confident pose, "Do you wish to go on a ride with me, darling?" Louise asked expectantly, taking Siesta's hands in her own.
"Y-yes! Let's go right now! I've been wanting to!" Siesta said with feigned excitement. Louise, being too intoxicated by the love potion to know any better, grinned and turned to mount the horse with Siesta helping her. Once she was up, Louise looked down to Siesta with an affectionate look and offered her hand.
"C'mon, dear, I'll help you up," Louise said in an inviting tone.
Siesta, in that moment, forgot about the love potion and felt her heart skip a beat as she took the hand of her pink-haired friend. Though she didn't need as much help as Louise, as she was tall enough to reach the stirrups on her own, the extra support did stabilize her as she mounted the beast. Zapper/Derflinger floated up and in front of Louise's form as they positioned themselves so as not to be in her way.
"Hold on, tight, my beautiful Siesta," Louise said as she blushed, looking at Siesta with intoxication.
Siesta did as she advised and wrapped her arms around the pinkette's petite body. As she did, she could feel her heart begin to race, No. she told herself, it's just a love potion, and we're just friends. I'm just helping a friend. She convinced herself.
"I know it's early in the day but there's quite a ride ahead of us," Montmorency stated as she turned her horse to follow the path, "It's near the border of Gallia, so keep a steady pace and just follow me." She spurred her horse forward, Guiche followed closely behind, and, finally, Louise and Siesta.
Hours into the ride, and after a quick break for food as Siesta had forgotten to eat, the sun had begun to set, Guiche let out a quite audible groan.
"I never asked you to come along, you know," Montmorency chided the philanderous prettyboy.
"Nonsense!" Guiche replied with reinforced vigor, "What kind of knight would abandon his princess at a time like this?"
Siesta couldn't help but forcefully exhale at that. He sure does know all the right words. She thought to herself. Siesta looked behind to see if there was any trace of being followed by Zeratul. Surely enough, following a good distance behind, she could see the faint glimmer of his form blinking to keep up with them but doing his best to not be noticed by the troupe as they were out in an open plain.
As they continued along, and the sun got lower, the surrounding area turned back into forest, which was advantageous for Zeratul as he was able to follow closer without arousing suspicion.
"There," Montmorency brought her horse to a halt and the others followed suit, "just beyond that hill is the lake." She pointed out.
"So we can finally see our final destination!" Guiche stated excitedly as he spurred his horse forward with reckless abandon. Montmorency looked after him, unamused and exasperated as she followed behind.
"How simple-minded. How is he a knight?" she asked rhetorically.
Zeratul pondered the question as well, as such a reckless warrior would have been culled from completing their training on Aiur or Shakuras.
A yelp, splash, and "Help me!" was heard over the hill, and the group moved forward to investigate. It appeared, due to the track marks going down the hill, that Guiche had tried to stop his horse on the slope and had been thrown from it into the lake. As Guiche struggled in the water, Montmorency's eyes narrowed with concern, not for the noble, but for the lake.
"Why is the lake this far out?" She wondered aloud.
"Is the Spirit of Water really here?" Siesta asked, disregarding the statement.
"Yes," Montmorency replied, "and it appears she's angry.".
"Angry?"
"Look at the water. It's abnormally high."
"Abnormally?"
Montmorency pointed out to the lake. Looking now for the first time, Siesta could see what was a former village flooded with water, with her indication of that being the rooftops poking out barely above the water level. "It wasn't like this when I came here with my father as a child." Montmorency stated before turning to Siesta. "Let's wait here for a bit, she won't come out until the sun has set." the freckled blond advised. Splashing could still be heard from below as Guiche floundered in the lake.
"Could you all stop talking and help me?!" Guiche desperately cried out.
"Just stand up, idiot!" Montmorency shouted. Guiche immediately stopped wildly flapping his body and straightened out, finding the water only coming to his waist.
The group sat on the grass and waited patiently as the sun began to dip below the tree line and mountains in the distance. As the temperature began to drop, Louise shivered and huddled close to Siesta. Siesta, on instinct, held her close as they began to warm each other. Guiche, spying this, attempted to display discomfort at the cold as well and reached for Montmorency, who slapped his hand away, with the thought of his cheating still fresh on her mind.
After the sun had disappeared from view, the blond, freckled water mage stepped forward and knelt before the water. From her uniform pocket, she drew out a small, drawstring bag, loosed it, and reached inside, pulling out a small, green and brown tree frog,
"Okay, Robin, I need you to get in touch with the water spirit." Montmorency spoke softly to her familiar as she then drew out a needle and pricked her finger, "She'll know it's me with this." she squeezed a single drop of blood onto the frog. "Tell the ancient Spirit of Water that your master wants to talk with her." With a quick ribbit, Robin hopped into the water as ordered. Montmorency then turned to the rest of the group as she stood up, "If Robin finds her, she will bring her here."
"Will she really come?" Siesta asked.
"Who knows?" Montmorency replied. Siesta turned her head to look down at her pink-haired friend, who had fallen fast asleep.
"And the one we're doing this for is asleep," Guiche said with mild irritation. Siesta shot him a quick glare.
"The last time I was here was to make my contract with the spirit," Montmorency explained, "if she remembers me, she should come, and we can get the tear from her."
"About that," Siesta began, "how exactly do we get her tears?"
"Ugh, commoner… 'Tear' is only its common name," Montmorency answered with exasperation, "we're asking for a part of her body." Montmorency's demeanor then shifted to serious as she opened her mouth once again, "Listen, if we make the spirit angry, not only will our task be in jeopardy, but our lives as well. Be really careful."
Siesta's chest tightened at that advisement. As a mere commoner, she had never expected to deal with such beings or be involved in such situations as this and felt completely unprepared.
Gifted Siesta, your spirit is fortuitous as it is gentle. I do not anticipate you being the problem should such a situation arise. Zeratul assured her. Siesta smiled as that helped soothe her nerves. Be on your guard, a great power approaches.
"She's here!" Montmorency announced not a moment later. Siesta did her best to lay Louise down as she stood to face this ancient being. Before them rose a pillar of water, vaguely humanoid in shape, and each person there, aside from the blond noblewoman, found themselves frozen in awe of this happening.
"My name is Montmorency Margarita la Fere de Montmorency," the water mage declared, "I am a water mage, and part of the ancient family that contracts with you. If you recognise my blood, answer me in a manner we understand!"
The pillar of raging water began to coalesce and contract as it formed itself into a feminine, humanoid figure towering over everyone in the group, even Zeratul.
"I remember you, you thing," a voice echoed through the lake not unlike how Zeratul's echoed in minds, "I remember the liquid that flows through your body."
"It spoke!" Siesta exclaimed, looking in awe at the figure before her. Montmorency put a finger to her lips in an order of silence towards her.
"I'm glad," Montmorency turned back to the spirit, "O Spirit of Water, I have a favour to ask."
"Favour?" the Spirit inquired.
"I want you to share with me a part of your body." The group stared at the Spirit as there was a brief pause.
"I REFUSE, YOU THING!" the Spirit seemed to shout at them as the water around her became tempestuous. Montmorency and Guiche immediately cowered.
"Please, Spirit of Water!" Siesta, feeling desperate and determined, cried out as she stepped forward, pleading and looking directly upon the Spirit..
"Hey!" Montmorency hissed, "Stop! If you make her more upset-!"
"AND WHAT ARE YOU TO SPEAK TO ONE SUCH AS ME?!" The spirit demanded, as powerful jets of water lashed forward like whips around Siesta, striking the earth menacingly.
Siesta, her heart full of a fear she had not felt since her time with Count de Mott, gathered what little strength she had and bowed her head before the spirit, kneeling.
"I… I am no one. Simply a commoner, a plebian, the lowest of the low, here to plead for your help for my… my…" She turned to look at Louise, who had stirred awake during the raucous proceedings. With tears in her eyes, and still locked on Louise, "my best friend." She turned back to the spirit, "Please, O Great Water Spirit, my friend is afflicted by a problem only you can help with. I promise you, I will do anything you ask if you will help her!" She bowed her head to the ground before the spirit, and as she did the water calmed and receded ever so slightly. Siesta raised her head to look at the Spirit, wondering if her pleas had worked.
"And yet…" the Spirit began, "You come here with DECEPTION IN YOUR HEARTS," a whip-like stream of water lashed from the lake and into the tree line, grabbing something. Siesta panicked, knowing what had happened.
"Oh boy, this ain't good," Derflinger commented.
"You speak to me of friendship and favours, and you bring this dark one into my midst?!" She held up Zeratul for Siesta, Guiche, and Montmorency to see. "I cannot sense this dark being! Clearly you wish to do me harm!"
"No!" Siesta cried out, "I'm sorry! It was no attempt to deceive you! He's just here to watch over me and my friend!"
Search your senses, Exalted One, know these young ones mean you no harm and are pure of intent. Zeratul's voice echoed. Montmorency and Guiche, for their part, looked just about to faint at the sight of Zeratul, an imposing, monstrous-looking being in their eyes. The Spirit once again calmed itself, but retained its grip on the Nerazim.
"I cannot sense you. You are not of the liquid of this world, therefore I cannot trust you," there was a certain finality in the Spirit's voice as it spoke those words. Siesta once again began to panic, but as she was about to once again shout, Zeratul took control of the situation.
Then know of me, Exalted One, and know you have nothing to fear. Zeratul reached his hand out to the Spirit. The Spirit, deducing his intent, cut the hand of the ancient Nerazim warrior and enveloped the wound. In but a few moments, the Spirit of Water placed him back on the shore.
"I apologize for my actions, dark one. A situation as of recent that has made me grow wary." The words of the Spirit echoed familiar in Zeratul's mind.
I understand, Exalted One. I sense pain, and fear, from your mind. Zeratul commented.
Montmorency and Guiche stared on in silent terror and awe at the situation.
"You sense correctly. For as of recent, I have been under assault by two assailants. Does your pupil speak true that you will do anything to accomplish your task?" The Spirit asked.
"I do!" Siesta spoke up awkwardly. She then cleared her throat, "I do, O Great Spirit of Water."
The Spirit stayed silent for a moment. "Very well. I request that you deal with my attackers. Fulfill this request, and I shall respond in kind. I am distracted with my task of raising the water and cannot fight back as of now, the display you have just seen was a great stretch of my powers that I should only use when the need is dire."
"Who'd want to do something as horrible as attacking the Spirit of Water," Montmorency asked rhetorically, her mind now occupied with those questions instead of dwelling on the ancient alien being beside her.
"Understood, Great Spirit of Water. I will do as you ask," Siesta confirmed as she bowed once more to the spirit.
"And you, dark one," the Spirit said.
Zeratul put his full attention on the Spirit before him.
"When it is done, I wish to commune with you more, as your essence intrigues me," the Spirit requested.
Of course, Exalted One. I have much I wish to learn from you as well. Zeratul bowed his head respectfully. The spirit dissolved itself into the lake once more as the group was now able to finally talk.
"Why'd you do that? I didn't sign up for a fight!" Montmorency protested, once again too preoccupied to process the being she had just seen for the first time.
"It's this or prison for you, milady," Siesta responded coldly. Montmorency flinched at the statement.
"Fine, do whatever you want," the blond noble replied, defeated. "But at least tell me what THAT is!" Montmorency demanded, pointing to Zeratul.
There is much to explain, and I had never planned on revealing myself to you or your partner, but I shall tell you all you need to know, Zeratul said as he moved towards the tree line.
"Wait, where are you going?" Montmorency asked.
"If we're going to have a fight, we might as well have the element of surprise on our hands, right Mr. Zeratul?" Siesta responded, without missing a beat. Zeratul nodded as he continued towards the trees.
"Ah my Siesta, she's so smart," Louise said as she walked after her with stars in her eyes.
"Wow, it's been a long time since I've seen action, can't wait!" Derflinger said from Zapper's body as they floated behind the girls and Zeratul. Zapper beeped in a manner that could be construed as hesitant. "What do you mean you can't fight? Ugh, what good is being the Gandalfr if you can't even use weapons! That's your whole thing!" Zapper beeped in a way that could be translated as dejected, "Hey now, no need to be down on yourself. I'm sure the founder knew what he was doing when you got made to be the Gandalfr."
Montmorency facepalmed, "What have I gotten myself into?" She turned to her still speechless boyfriend, "None of this would have happened if you just kept it in your pants," she said with irritation as she walked towards the rest. Guiche was frozen for what seemed like an eternity, but eventually regained enough control of his faculties to follow.
As the group took cover in the tree line, Zeratul sat and began, once again, to tell his tale of who he was and how he came to be here. Montmorency listened with open ears and an open mind. Guiche remained, surprisingly, speechless as the details compounded to be more and more incomprehensibly beyond his understanding. When Zeratul had concluded his story, he directed their attention to their surroundings. Everyone, following his direction, raised themselves from a sitting to crouching position and looked out with him.
The assailants must be quite dangerous to be able to harm a Spirit such as she, Zeratul stated with an almost tangible sense of admiration in his voice for the Spirit. His glowing green eyes darted around, looking for the slightest movement. Before long, he spotted it, rustling on a distant tree line. There. Do not worry, I shall return soon. As quickly as Zeratul stated that, he cloaked himself and disappeared from sight.
Montmorency fell back down and put her hand to her forehead. "This is just…" she began, unable to find the words to describe how she was feeling. Guiche, finally able to control himself, knelt down and put his arm around her.
"I know, my sweet Montmo," he said with all the seductive energy he could muster after the shock he received.
Siesta gave a wry smile, as they had no idea the world they had just found themselves in.
"Whoever is doing this must be a very skilled mage, probably a wind user," Guiche commented, attempting to change the subject as he looked out to the lake.
"That makes sense," Montmorency responded, now focused on the new subject at hand, "it would allow them to go into the lake and fight the spirit directly."
"I see, so that's how it is…" Siesta mused in response. As quickly as she said that, she felt a hand grab her arm and turn her. Louise, a look of jealous irritation on her face, looked into Siesta's eyes.
"You keep talking to these people? You like them better than me don't you?" the pinkette accused. Siesta, with eternal patience, sighed and smiled at her friend.
"We're only discussing details of the plan, I promise I only have eyes for you," Siesta stated in her most soothing voice possible. Louise, content with the response, smiled and let herself fall into Siesta's arms as the maid blushed, feeling the eyes of the other two blonde nobles and Zapper/Derflinger boring into her in judgment. Please hurry, Mr. Zeratul, she pleaded to herself.
Zeratul moved swiftly and silently as he approached the suspected attackers, unignited scythe at the ready. As he drew closer, he began to naturally sense their wills and hesitated in his intent, as these were minds familiar to him.
Why do you do this? Studious Tabitha, Inquisitive Kirche? Zeratul asked aloud as he came within terran eyesight of them and revealed himself. The pair, who were shrouded in black cloaks almost fell in startled confusion at the sudden sight of the old Nerazim. Realizing it was no longer necessary, they each lowered their hoods, revealing themselves to be none other than the reserved, blue-haired and outgoing, redheaded nobles respectively.
"What do you mean, Zeratul?" Kirche asked, clenching her wand with fearful anticipation of conflict with the old warrior.
The Ancient Spirit of this place is under assault. I sense hostile intent towards this noble Spirit within you. I have vowed to defend it from further attacks. Zeratul stated, in his usual, purely informative manner. As he finished saying this, he ignited the scythe and struck a defensive stance as he now sensed hostile intent towards him.
Kirche, confused and now defensive herself, saw Tabitha raise her staff aggressively at the Protoss warrior.
I sense you have full intent to strike me down, Studious Tabitha, Zeratul commented, with an air of disappointment and hesitancy to the voice that echoed in the girls' heads. But you do not wish for such violence. It is forced upon you. Zeratul's observation visibly reverberated throughout Tabitha as she faltered. Zeratul, sensing the opportunity, blinked and disarmed the momentarily distracted nobles. Regardless, I cannot allow this assault to continue. Will you cease your attacks, or will I be forced to strike you down?
Tabitha and Kirche appeared frozen in fear. Kirche was the first to muster the courage to retort.
"She doesn't have a choice! She was ordered to by the king! You're a warrior, you understand orders, don't you?" Kirche pleaded in an attempt to pacify the towering, imposing alien before her. Zeratul did, indeed, understand such things. He had followed the orders of his matriarch for centuries, even ones he knew to be distasteful and uncharacteristic at the end of her time... Even then, due to his ignorance and blind devotion, he followed her rule without question. For once he had broken away from following orders, he was forced into exile. As he dwelt upon the cruelty of such a fate, especially for a species he knew was much shorter-lived than he, he took a neutral stance before the two noblewomen.
Follow me, Zeratul directed, as he turned to walk from the free line, I did not arrive alone.
Tabitha and Kirche, thankful to not have to meet their end that night, collected their fallen magical instruments and did as directed.
"Look!" Montmorency cried in a hushed manner as she directed the group's attention to the emerging form of Zeratul, who was shortly followed by two familiar faces in Tabitha and Kirche. Zeratul motioned for them to join his group.
Siesta and the others left the bushes and headed towards the beckoning Protoss warrior.
"Siesta? Montmorency? Guiche?" Kirche inquired with confusion as they approached. "What are you all doing here?"
"I think you should answer that first, considering what's been happening here," Montmorency replied in an accusational tone. Siesta, despite being inclined to agree, shot Montmorency a knowing glare, which caused her to immediately regret her tone.
Kirche and Tabitha, both confused as to everything that was happening, looked to each other in an attempt to discern any meaning.
"This one here decided to make a love potion," Siesta explained to the two as she gestured towards Montmorency, which immediately brought clarity to their expressions, "and we need the Spirit's tear to cure this one of it." Siesta continued as she looked down to see Louise holding her in a warm embrace, head resting on her chest.
"But why would you make something as dangerous as that?" Kirche, understandably, asked.
"Becau-," Guiche began, as he was swiftly interrupted by the curly-haired blonde noble's foot stomping on his.
"I just wanted to make it," A look of embarrassment with a strained layer of feigned innocence etched Montmorency's face as she did a soft laugh in an attempt to deflect suspicion.
"But what should we do?" Kirche asked, not caring to delve further into whatever jealous antics were afoot between Guiche and Montmorency, "Tabitha's been ordered to defeat the Spirit. We can't just leave." Kirche's voice, in an uncharacteristic manner for her, lay heavy with concern as she cast her gaze on Tabitha, who remained as stoic as ever. As there were no interruptions, Kirche continued, "Since the water level keeps rising, and property is being damaged, she's been sent to stop the Spirit."
The group pondered in silence for some time before Siesta opened her mouth to contribute, "Miss Montmorency, earlier you said the Spirit was angry. Maybe we should ask the spirit why." Siesta suggested. The others, for lack of a different plan, silently agreed.
Montmorency, repeating the ritual from earlier, once again summoned the Spirit of Water, and upon her arrival, Siesta approached it.
"Great Spirit, I wish to know, why are you flooding the land?" the maid asked with concern.
"It is because your kind stole a precious treasure from me," the Spirit answered, as the water around it once again began to grow restless, "I can only exist in water, therefore I must cover this world with it to reclaim what is rightfully mine."
The group, sans Siesta and Zeratul, looked to each other in quiet anxiety, not knowing how they could possibly placate the spirit. Finally, Siesta once again spoke up, "What treasure did they take?"
"Andvari's Ring," the Spirit answered.
"I've heard of that," Montmorency commented, as a knowing look came over her. The rest of the group turned towards her, "It's an item that creates false life."
"Do you know who took it?" Kirche inquired, moving forward to join Siesta in addressing the Spirit.
"One of them identified themselves as one 'Cromwell'. That is all I know," the Spirit answered.
Very well, Spirit, Zeratul stated, we will find this treacherous 'Cromwell' and return what is rightfully yours. Zeratul took a knee and bowed his head to the spirit as he made this pledge.
"Now hang on, don't just lump all of us-" Guiche began, only to be interrupted by a sharp stomp from Montmorency once more.
"I trust you," the Spirit acknowledged, as a bottle materialized from within the Spirit and floated towards the group, which Guiche caught after letting go of his aching, twice-struck foot.
"What? Why?" Siesta asked without thinking.
"I may know nothing of this being, but I sense its genuine honor, and a connection that I have not felt for millenia," the Spirit informed, "while you things have shown me treachery, as of recent, this being has willingly opened itself to me and shared a bond that most beings would not so easily surrender."
The group, in awe, looked to Zeratul.
My thanks to you, Exalted Spirit, I assure you I will not fail, Zeratul swore as he continued to bow his head to the Spirit of Water.
"Also, you travel with the legendary Gandalfr, a being which I implicitly trust," The Spirit added. Zeratul, being the only one to know of this, looked to Zapper/Derflinger. The others, not having heard this before, turned to look at the floating, golden orb as well.
"Gee, you all really know how to give a guy stage fright, heh," Derflinger remarked from Zapper's body.
"Spirit," Kirche began, as she tore her attention away from Zapper/Derflinger, "knowing this, will you reduce the water level?" She pleaded.
"I promise," the Spirit replied as it immediately dissolved back into the overflown lake.
"The Gandalfr?" Montmorency asked as she stared at Zapper/Derflinger. The others shared this confusion silently, as they gathered themselves together and left the lake.
Upon returning to the academy, Montmorency quickly brewed the love potion antidote for Louise. Its effects were immediate, as she regained her faculties with full knowledge of what had transpired while under the effects of the drug. Louise, at first violently angry at being bewitched in the first place and wanting to take out her rage on her curly-haired blonde assailant, calmed herself with the teachings of Zeratul as she, with as much grace as she could muster, retired to her room, doing her best to avoid Siesta in the process as the shame was too much for her to bear. I can't believe I debased myself like that to her, Louise thought, she must think I'm a filthy pervert. She thought to herself as she laid herself down. For a few minutes, she tried to sleep normally, but tossed and turned at the thought of what had transpired. Finally, she reached out, moving one of her larger pillows before her, and embraced it as if it were a person. I guess this will have to do, she thought with solemn resignation, as she closed her eyes and attempted to sleep.
A benevolent intruder approaches, Young Louise, Zeratul's voice informed
Without fail, her window blew open, OH WHAT NOW?! She almost screamed with equal measures of fear and annoyance as she scrambled to sit upright. Zapper, who had released Derflinger, hovered close, ready for orders. As she watched her window, a hooded figure began to come into view who floated up into the window and touched gently on her floor. As soon as the figure was safely on the ground, they removed their hood to reveal-
"Princess? What are you doing here at this hour?" Louise asked, barely masking her irritation brought on by endless days and nights of shenanigans that now ran her life. The Princess joined her on the bed and clasped the young mage's hands together in her own.
"I am sorry, but I'm afraid I have one more favour to ask that must be taken care of with the utmost discretion," the Princess pleaded gravely, "and you are the only one I trust."