AN: Once again I'm really sorry for the wait. My birthday is coming up and its apparently a big deal to others. But to me it means I'm getting ooooold. Though, I suppose I should be glad that I am, in fact, growing old XD Anyway, hope you enjoy reading nevertheless~

Chapter 24:

Flavio sat silently in the tearoom with his guildmates and with matron Hana, his attention focused on a random button on his coat as Fafnir explained to the dedicated inn-keeper what had been transpiring for past week and a half.

As Fafnir explained, Flavio tried not to wince and recall how for nearly two weeks he had dealt with unwanted flowers, creaking floorboards, and eerie presences outside his door. How a simple lock on the door prevented someone from soundlessly breaking in and a stabbing of a knife into the wood was a sign of their frustration.

Last night…last night was the worst. They had tried to set Fafnir's old room on fire. They must have believed he still roomed there. Or was it just a warning?

"Oh my!" Hana gasped in surprise when Fafnir finally finished detailing their situation. "I had no idea!"

"I'm really sorry about all of this," Flavio said.

Hana immediately turned to him and reached over to pat him on the arm. A motherly, sympathetic gesture. "Oh, honey, you shouldn't have to apologise. You haven't done anything wrong."

Flavio tried to smile but it came out weak. "It feels like I have."

Hrothgar walked over to stand behind his chair and leaned over to rest his hands upon his shoulders. "That's the psychological warfare that they've been using on you. Hoping to isolate you. You mustn't allow them to get to you like that."

Right. He had to remember that.

"Do you know of the man that we described to you?" Bertrand asked Hana, referring to the so-called veteran explorer that Bertrand believed was working in tantum with Flavio's stalker.

Hana leaned back into her chair and tapped her cheek with her finger. "Hmm. No, I'm afraid not. No one of that description has been staying at the inn. Paying to stay, I should say."

So, he was just loitering about, pretending to be a guest?

"Hana, do you have to have a spare set of keys for the inn?" Fafnir suddenly asked. "Specifically for the back doors?"

"Well, yes," Hana immediately replied. An expression of sombre realisation soon appeared on her face and hurriedly pushed herself up out of her seat. "Oh dear, I hope it hasn't gone missing."

Hana quickly paddled out of the tearoom, and everyone fell silently as they awaited her return. Minutes stretched by, which only made them shuffle about on their feet or in their seats anxiously. The longer that Hana took could only mean one thing…

"Well?" Flavio asked hopefully as Hana padded back into the room.

But Hana shook her head. "I'm afraid it's not in its usual place."

Bertrand sighed aloud and folded his arms across his chest. "So, it's been stolen."

Flavio felt his heart drop into the pit of his stomach. How could they have known where the key was and what it was used for? Who could have stolen it?

"It's a key for emergency exits only, not for the private rooms, thankfully," Hana quickly explained to ease their concerns.

"We figured as much," Fafnir returned, giving the inn-keeper with a small smile. "They would have used it by now."

Flavio suppressed a shiver at the thought.

Hana placed a hand against the side of her face in a sign of despair. "Oh dear, I must call for a locksmith right away."

"Would you like us to do anything?" Fafnir asked.

But Hana shook her head. "You kids go to the tree festival and try to enjoy yourselves. I'll get a locksmith to come and change the locks right away. I will also arrange for a Be On the Lookout for our so-called veteran explorer. He won't be gallivanting around this inn ever again!"

That brought a smile to Flavio's lips. "Thank you, Hana. I really appreciate it."

… … … … …

It was mid-morning when everyone regrouped in order to make their way to the Christmas Tree festival. Flavio stood out the front of the inn, dressed in a warm, thick winter coat as a light, gentle snow fell around him. Fafnir stood a few yards away, speaking with Bertrand about something. Something about his security detail, no doubt, as there were to be a lot of people at the festival.

With him stood Arianna, who found some resemblance of peace being out in the lightly falling snow.

"You're not going to visit Regina at the hospital today?" he asked.

Arianna raised her hands to catch a small snowflake. "Dame Regina has requested some time to herself. She is going to spend some time with her family."

Flavio nodded his head idly. "With it being so close to Christmas, that would be a good idea."

Arianna fell unexpectedly silent as she stared at the snowflakes in her gloved covered hands. She watched as they melted upon the fabric, her expression pensive and perhaps even a little sombre. "Are you still upset?" she asked softly.

It took Flavio a moment to realise that she was referring to their conversation in the tearoom yesterday. About the restaurant and about Regina. And how the chef with the high society background regarded him.

He suppressed the need to sigh. An added piece of drama he did not need.

"A little," he admitted. "Is she?"

"A little."

They were both going to be for a while, most likely. Two stubborn-headed fools.

Flavio tugged his coat closer around him as he studied the young woman next to him. "You seem more upset about it than I am."

Arianna did not immediately reply. Her gaze was elsewhere, not looking at anything in particular. Lost in her own thoughts. "…I suppose I am," she finally said. "You did not deserve to be treated that way. And…I am ashamed of my own actions. I feel as though I took advantage of it, too."

When Regina was playing matchmaker for her and Fafnir.

He was sure there was no malicious intent on Arianna's part. She just wanted his time and attention. And ultimately his affection. He could not fault her for that. Though she was a princess, she was a young woman. Any young person her age would want nothing more than to spend time with their crush. It was an undisputable fact. It was normal.

After all, that was what he wanted, too.

Maybe Flavio should have been more assertive from the beginning. Put his foot down and said enough was enough. Same with Fafnir. The two of them could have been more forthcoming with their thoughts and feelings. They just…did not want to stir the pot, as it were. Cause trouble or friction within the guild.

Flavio resisted the urge to sigh aloud. Well, he failed miserably at that, didn't he?

Ginnungagap made everyone so afraid of losing one another that they vowed to do whatever was necessary to prevent causing any trouble or stress for each other. So much so that they unintentionally did just that.

He hated those god forsaken ruins so much…

"Is everyone ready to go?"

Flavio plastered a smile on his lips upon hearing Fafnir's voice. "Yup, all ready."

Fafnir immediately made his way to Flavio's side and then took the lead. They did not need directions as the festival was quite a big deal, with placards and advertisements pointing the way. The large crowds of people gathering together also pointed the way.

The festival was well and truly in full swing. And it appeared to be quite the event.

Stalls of both the food and souvenir varieties lined the streets, decorated in bright and gleaming Christmas decorations. On every second corner were bands of troubadours playing and singing both cheerful and peaceful Christmas carols. The gently falling snow added to the festive atmosphere.

Fafnir slipped an arm around Flavio's waist and tugged his closer to his side. To keep him close and to ensure that the crowds did not separate them. Well, that was likely his excuse, anyway.

Not that he needed one.

The voices of others having fun, the soothing songs of Christmas, the smell of deliciously cooked food, and Fafnir's strong arm around his waist – Flavio felt himself relax as he leaned into Fafnir's touch.

As they passed a particularly strong-smelling food store, Flavio's mind immediately wondered back to the restaurant. If it had not been the target of a malicious arsonist, they may have had a stall at the festival, too.

Or simply had Flavio working all day and night as waiter and host, as per usual.

Flavio shook his head. No, he needed to at least try to enjoy himself.

"What should we do first?" Flavio decided to ask.

"Let's visit the Tree of Wishes first," Fafnir answered. "After that, we can do whatever we fancy."

"Sounds good."

As they walked through the masses, heading toward the large Christmas tree located in the centre of the city, Flavio side-eyed the stalls of trinkets and novelties. He still needed to get Fafnir a Christmas present, but what could he get him that would convey all the gratitude and love he had for him?

As far as he was concerned, nothing could.

He needed to give him something for Christmas. Maybe he could ask Hana to borrow her kitchen for a few hours and cook him something? Though, he would be imposing upon Hana on such a hectic time of year.

Ugh, so frustrating!

He had not asked Fafnir lately, so maybe now he would tell him what he wanted for Christmas.

After a few minutes of walking, they finally reached the centre of town, along with many others. But what greeted them was a little unexpected. Flavio knew that the main tree, the fabled Tree of Wishes that he had heard about, was to be quite large.

But not this large.

He was not good with measuring height, but it was such a large tree! How they managed to get such a large, and alive, tree into the centre of town was truly a miracle.

It was such a beautiful tree, though. The light sprinkling of snow only added to its beauty, enhancing the immaculate Christmas decorations. The bottom of the tree, however, was covered in small paper tags with red ribbons, reaching at least seven foot up the tree.

Upon seeing a group of explorers gathered around an attendants' booth, Fafnir prompted everyone to venture toward it also. A young woman immediately wished them a Merry Christmas upon laying eyes on them.

"This is our first time," Flavio explained.

Before he could ask anything more, the attendant smile broadly and launched straight into an explanation, "It's easy! Write your most deepest wish upon this paper tag and then tie it to the tree. If the Spirit of Christmas favours you, your wish may come true on Christmas day."

Without asking how many were in their party, she dutifully counted out six paper tags and pointed toward a row of shaded tables and stalls. "Venture over to those tables to write your wish and then join the line to add your wish to the tree. Have yourself a Merry Christmas!"

Flavio retrieved the tags and smiled. "You, too."

With people lining up behind them, and with the explanation easy to remember, Flavio and the others quickly made their way to the tables as instructed. He handed out the tags to everyone, which they readily took and turned to the tables, and grabbed the writing utensils to write down their wishes.

Flavio followed to do the same, but he paused.

His most deepest wish…?

Well, he supposed that was an easy one. His deepest wish was to remain by Fafnir's side forever and always. That would never, ever change.

Flavio wrote his wish down easily, the words coming out swiftly. He looked up to glance at everyone else, noting that they were still writing down their wishes. Likely pondering just how to word it. Or even having difficulty in how to answer such a supposedly simple question.

"I'm done," Flavio said as he placed his hand on Fafnir's shoulder. "I'll stay in sight as I tie it to the tree. Don't worry."

Fafnir frowned, not entirely happy.

"I just want to look at the tree, too, so I won't wander," he promised.

"Alright," Fafnir finally relented. "I won't be long, anyway."

Flavio simply nodded his head. He grabbed his wish tag and ventured toward the tree. Thankfully for him, there was not a line at the time, so he walked straight up to the tree and searched for a moment to find the perfect spot. A spot that was within Fafnir's line of sight, of course.

There were many wishes already placed upon the tree and Flavio did his best not the read any of them. After a few minutes of searching, he finally found the perfect spot. A branch that was head height for him and was not as busy as others.

He reached up and carefully tied his wish to the tree. He tied the ribbon tightly, but ensuring not the, well, harm the tree. A little bit silly, probably.

After he was done, he stepped back and just gazed upon the tree. He had not had the chance to view many Christmas trees in his life. Especially up close and ones so beautiful. He wondered who decorated it and how. An army of volunteers, no doubt.

A sudden surge of a large group of people gathering around the tree caused Flavio to step aside. Not exactly a problem.

But before he attempted to see if he was still within sight of Fafnir and the others, a hand suddenly grasped his elbow firmly and pulled him sharply to the side. His heart thundered in his chest when an arm he did not recognise or want wrap around his shoulders.

"Mustn't get lost in the crowd."

That voice…

Flavio snapped his head up and found himself staring into those unearthly, unnerving green eyes once more. He immediately tensed, his features unexpectedly heating up as he abruptly pulled himself out of Mandelson's grip.

"E-excuse me."

He hoped Fafnir did not see that.

Mandelson half smiled, half smirked at him as he slipped his hands into the coat of his long winter coat. "What a coincidence, to find you before the Tree of Wishes."

A coincidence, huh? Certainly, a strange coincidence. Wonder how the guy knew that Flavio would be at the tree of wishes. Though…everyone was to visit the tree at some point. He could have waited for him.

For some reason.

Suddenly, their previous conversations raced through his mind, and he stilled. He should not say anything. It would be wrong. It was none of his business. The guy would likely find some joy in it. In being right.

"Um, I need to apologise to you," Flavio said. "You…were right about the restaurant. I was just a means to an end."

Mandelson was honestly surprised by his words. The smirk dropped from his lips and his eyes widened a fraction at his admission. His surprise lasted only a moment before his unnerving gaze unexpectedly softened into a look of sympathy.

It was…a very soft look. Gentle and sincere. Something that surprised Flavio in return.

"…I'm sorry," he said.

Flavio shook his head and gave him a small smile. "It's all right. At least I won't have to worry about it happening again."

This man…Flavio truly did not know how to regard him. Arrogant and haughty one moment, then sincere and gentle the next. If he remained consistently arrogant, it would have made it so much easier for Flavio to up and dislike him.

He was complex and confusing.

Oh, right! Whether their meeting was a coincidence or a set-up, Flavio was glad to be face to face with the man. He could finally know for sure if Connolly was right or if he truly was a rambling conspiracy theorist.

Flavio lifted his gaze toward Mandelson's face and as hard as it was not to be drawn into his truly supernaturally vibrant green eyes, he focused on studying the man's face. And his eyes widened as his heart raced.

He did not have a mole. Anywhere. At all.

Mandelson arched an eyebrow at him, likely amused at him openly gaping at his face. It was a small gesture, but it was enough to snap Flavio from his staring.

Flavio nervously licked his lips. "Can I ask you something?"

"Hm?" Mandelson tilted his head to the side, still highly amused.

"What happened to the mole under your right eye?" he asked, slowly, carefully. "Like the one you had in the photo in the Stickleback Bar?"

Mandelson unexpectedly stilled; his green eyes wide. "…What?" he made no attempt to reach for his face, to touch the place where his mole should have been. More telling, he did not immediately launch into an explanation of having it removed. Of it being unsightly and having it gotten rid of. Some talented medics held the ability to remove scars, after all.

No. He simply looked…lost.

"Wh-what photo?" he asked, a startling stutter in his voice.

"At the Stickleback Bar," Flavio explained, purposely keeping his voice calm, level, not at all confrontational. "When you were at the grand opening of a school. You don't remember?"

Mandelson, however, looked positively rattled. "O-oh, an opening-?"

He did not remember. Or was it he did not know?

Could Connolly have been right? Could the man before him not be the same man that stood for the photo back in the bar? But why? How?

What if…?

"Do…you know Connolly?" Flavio asked.

Mandelson physical reaction was instant – his face drained of colour and his eyes widened. His mouth opened in an attempt to speak, but nothing came out at first. Just a sound. A soft noise of pain. A squeak, even.

His reaction was surprising. Flavio had never, ever seen someone respond in such a way. He looked pained, shocked, confused. A myriad of emotions. And he did not know why.

"…Connolly…?" he muttered.

The way he said that name…there was no doubt in Flavio's mind that Mandelson, or whoever he truly was, knew who Connolly was.

Without any warning at all, Mandelson buckled forward at the waist and frantically clutched at his forehead with his right hand. He staggered back a couple of steps and groaned softly under his breath.

"H-hey!" Flavio stuttered out in alarm and reached out to him. "Are you all right? What's wrong?"

Mandelson shook his head, his fingers grating through his hair painfully. "C-Connolly…"

Flavio timidly touched his arm. "You know him?"

The fingers in Mandelson's hair tensed abruptly before he slowly raised his head. And peered at Flavio through the partings in-between his fingers.

Flavio swallowed back a yelp of surprise.

His eyes were no longer that vivid, eerie green. They were brown. A deep, earthly brown. A normal shade. Tired, weary, yet scared and unnerved. But they were definitely a different colour.

No way! His…eyes changed colour?

"S-stay away from Schaffer."

"Schaffer?" Flavio repeated. "Who-?"

"Lord Mandelson."

Mandelson's eyes widened in pure horror. "Schaffer…"

Flavio spun around, where a tall, elderly stood directly behind him. Salt and pepper hair, slick back into a tidy ponytail, and a silver rim monocle over his left eye. He had a tall, imposing posture. A truly haughty presence, looking down upon Flavio with barely restrained distain.

He walked around Flavio, his disgust held back by sheer will, and stood next to Mandelson. Who of which seemed to…cower before him. Until the man, Butler, placed a hand on his back.

Flavio felt a very strange sensation. A cold trill down his spine. He was not sure where it came from, but it somehow felt familiar. Was it from the cold winter wind around them?

"We must not meander around the peasants," Butler stated arrogantly. "We have much better affairs to attend to."

"Ah, of course."

Gone was the tremor from his voice as Mandelson stood up tall and placed his hands confidently into the pockets of his coat once more. A half smile full of conceit returned to his lips as he regarded Flavio with an air of amusement.

His eyes were back to that illuminating, eerie emerald green colour again.

"Let us depart, Schaffer," Mandelson said simply as he turned on his heel to walk away.

Schaffer nodded his head before he turned a narrow gaze of utter distain in Flavio's direction. "I suggest you stay away from Master Mandelson," he simpered before he, too, turned on his heel and ambled away.

Flavio was left absolute, unquestionably stunned.

Wh-what was that?! What just happened?

That man…he looked familiar.

"Flavio!"

Flavio immediately spun around and lifted an arm to make his appearance more noticeable. "I'm here!"

Through the growing crowds, Fafnir pushed his way through, an agitated frown on his face, the others not too far behind him. He was not frantic, however, so it was possible that he had not seen him speaking with Mandelson.

Even so, Flavio could not keep it from him.

"It's getting too crowded," Fafnir immediately complained as he reached him, his arm instinctively slipping around his waist. "I lost sight of you for a couple of minutes."

"Yeah, sorry," Flavio immediately replied as he snuggled against Fafnir's chest to ward off the cold that suddenly enveloped him. "The crowds pushed me aside. I stayed put, though, so not to wander too far."

"Where did you tie your wish?"

"Oh, not far. Just over here."

It took Flavio a couple of minutes to find the branch and he helped the others to tie their wish to the tree. As he did so, his mind continued to focus on what had occurred.

With the others preoccupied with chatting about their wishes and the tree, Flavio took Fafnir by the elbow and pulled Fafnir aside. "I didn't want to say anything in front of the others, but I ran into Mandelson."

Fafnir immediately bristled. "What?"

It was clear that Fafnir still believed that Mandelson had some kind of connection with his stalker situation. Perhaps even believe him to be the mastermind behind it all. But after what Flavio just witnessed, he knew beyond doubt that he was not the responsible.

No one was that a good of an actor.

"Fafnir, something is very wrong with him. I don't know what, but…" Flavio hesitated, not entirely sure how to word what he had witnessed. "God, this is going to sound so strange, but I don't think he's in control of himself."

And that Connolly could actually be right.

"What do you mean?" Fafnir asked, his brow furrowed.

"His eyes changed colour."

"What?"

Flavio nodded his head. "Yeah. They turned brown in front of me. They changed to the colour brown, Fafnir. You can't mistake the stark colour change."

Fafnir continued to frown as he took stock of Flavio's words. He looked down at the ground before he glanced over at Bertrand and Hrothgar. "In that case, I think I might send Bertrand and Hrothgar to give this Connolly guy a visit. Let's see what else he knows about this Mandelson."