Fantasy Call of the Wyld (with tiffybone92)

[tiffybone92]

“Firstly,” replied Percy, unable to hide his pride in someone asking about his craft, “you want to make sure they're eaten fresh- the longer they're kept out of the sea and not in your belly, the worse they begin to taste.”

He pointed to the liquid surrounding the gray mussel inside the shell. “That juice is what keeps the oysters alive outside of the water- and because they filter whatever water they're in- that juice will taste off if they're not consumed quickly.”

“Don't call it ‘juice,'” blanched Cedric, a look of disgust on his face. “They aren't ripe oranges being plucked off a tree.”

“However,” continued Percy, ignoring Cedric, “you don't want to drain that liquid. It should be kept with the oyster and eaten all together.” He slurped another one down, smacking his lips. “And as long as that liquid is clear and the shells have been kept on ice, it's just that simple.” He slapped his dish rag onto his shoulder and leaned back in his chair. “Of course, if the juice is of a milky consistency it means they're spawning, and you don't want to eat that.”

Cedric frowned. “Wait a minute,” he said slowly, a concerned note in his voice. “Have you ever given me any of the spawn-y ones?”

“And lose my reputation as the best chef here in the city?” Percy gave a small wink to Finn as he said, “I would never.”

 

[elusivethought]

Percy took him seriously.

If they were playing a prank on him, it was a long and elaborate one. One that seemed like it must be exhausting—but the only thing Percy seemed exhausted by was the Luminous Chancellor’s many disgusted interruptions.

“Oh,” said Finn rather stupidly. “Thank you.” He continued eating the oysters, eyeing the fresh baked bread at the other tables, wondering how fresh it would taste. If it would have the faint taste of woodsmoke.

Probably not. Didn’t seem to be the type of things high elves would go for.

But then, neither did oysters.

Finn knew they wouldn’t last, but he wished he could take some of the oysters with him. They had none in the forest, and nothing compared to the taste.

Was he seriously considering visiting again? Just for oysters?

“These are wonderful, my lord, thank you,” Finn said to Percy, having already finished off his plate, his stomach only an eighth full.

 

[tiffybone92]

“Oh,” replied Percy, stunned, as Cedric burst into uncontrollable laughter. “I'm not a lord- there's no need for those formalities as far as I'm concerned.”

“No, no, milord,” guffawed Cedric, eyes streaming with tears. “There's no need to be humble.”

“Maybe take a bit of your own advice, Chancellor,” grumbled Percy back, shaking his head.

Cedric couldn't respond, caught up in heaves of chuckles.

“You must pardon me,” said Percy finally, removing himself from the table. “This one,” he gestured to Cedric, “has taken entirely too much of my time, as usual.” He gave Finn a small, polite bow. “I look forward To working with you Finnarion.”

“Oh, fuck me,” Cedric chortled, wiping the tears streaming from his eyes. “That was funny.” Eventually he collected himself enough to say to Finn, “Well, if we're done here, I think it may be time to pay the lovely Sabina a visit, eh?” He gave Finn a small wink in understanding.

 

[elusivethought]

The blush that darkened Finn’s face was a deep strawberry. He knew he’d messed up the moment Cedric had burst into uncontrollable laughter, and yet his face kept getting pinker and pinker.

“S-sorry,” he stammered to Percy, uncertain what honorific to use now that ‘lord’ was scratched off the list. ‘Master’ certainly wasn’t right. Neither was ‘Your Majesty’ or ‘Your Highness’ or ‘Your Grace.’

Blinking stupidly, Finn only stared like a confused tomato as the two continued their back and forth.

At least the music still played in the background, energetic and invigorating.

“Oh. Yes,” Finn stammered, as Cedric once more turned his focus on him. “Yes. I suppose so.” He wasn’t exactly finished here—or didn’t want to be. His stomach still wasn’t full and he smelled even more delightful smells coming from the kitchen, but Cedric was right. If they were leaving tomorrow, they needed to get to Sabina quickly.

He stood. “Thank you again, Chan—Cedric.”

 

[tiffybone92]

“Only of course!” replied Cedric jovially, smiling as they exited the tavern. “I'd be a poor host indeed if I left you to those hideous vultures in the Citadel.”

“Although,” added Cedric, frowning slightly, “I suppose you could consider me one of the vultures as well.” He lightly tapped a finger on his chin as they meandered down the street. “Well, all the better that I get out of this hell hole as soon as possible.” He gave a wink to Finn. “I rather doubt I'd look good with feathers.”

He led them down another cobblestoned path, the setting sun glistening against the smooth stones. “I hope you liked Percy. He's one of my closest friends and one of the most loyal people you'll ever meet.” He placed his hands in the robe pockets, and although he enjoyed the solemn quiet of the evening streets, he somehow felt he needed to fill it.

“I suspect you'll like Sabina too, although I have to warn you- she has quite the personality.”

 

[elusivethought]

The Luminous Chancellor was a charming man. His smiles were bright as a summer’s day, his eyes alight like a warm campfire. His voice was lyrical and fluid, his honeyed words like well-aged mead.

His winks left Finn blushing too.

Which was embarrassing.

Because Finn thought Cedric would look rather good in feathers.

Was the man just fishing for compliments?

Finn frowned as he walked alongside the high elf, considering his words. If Percy was one of his closest friends, why did Cedric insist on putting him in so much danger? Percy had a career and home here—a good one if Finn had any brains in him. And Finn could cook—though clearly not as well. Why?

At least Sabina made sense.

“How do you mean?” asked Finn, wondering what Cedric meant by her having a ‘personality.’

 

[tiffybone92]

Cedric pursed his lips together in thought. “Hmm,” he started, rubbing absentmindedly at his clean-shaven chin. “How do I describe it, exactly?” He took them down another path, this one leading a little further from the Citadel. The many vendors and shopkeepers they passed were beginning to put away their goods, gathering their products and storing them away.

“She’s an astonishingly strong fighter- I wasn’t joking about that.” He gave Finn a half smile as he added, “But along with being strong at combat, she’s just as strong-willed. And just as she keeps her weapons incredibly sharp, so too is her wit- you’ll never be able to slide anything past her.” He chuckled softly to himself, memories of past arguments with Sabina flashing in his mind.

“Her only weak spot, and there’s only one, mind you, is Percy.” He smirked, feeling a little devilish for telling Finn the secrets of his friend. But, after all, if they were both to be joining them on this journey, he felt it only fair Finn knew what sort of mess he was getting himself into. “Oh, you’d never know it from the way she talks to him- she’s short, curt, and sometimes comes off as downright cold. But it’s the way she acts that you have to pay attention to. If Percy is going anywhere, well, Sabina needs to go too. For ‘safety reasons’, of course.” Cedric rolled his eyes dramatically. “Oh, she finds out Percy likes apricots? Perhaps a heaping bag of them would just happen to show up at the tavern the next day.”

“So,” he said, as they rounded another corner, “Our strategy for Sabina will not be to try to convince her how important this mission is, or how much good she will be doing for the world. She does both of those things here, and neither point will convince her. “ He gave Finn a wry smile. “Our most advantageous strategy, then, is going on and on about how Percy will be joining. And perhaps about how treacherous the journey could be, etc. She’d never let Percy go anywhere dangerous without her going along.”

“And you,” Cedric said, pointing at Finn’s chest, “will be my shield. Sabina’s fearsome, that’s for certain, but she’s proper, and you being with me might very well save me from a lashing.”

 

[elusivethought]

Oh.

So Sabina liked Percy too.

Finn walked along with Cedric, rather impressed at the man’s stamina for someone who admitted to being hungover. And who was also from Eldoria–the land of luxury and laziness.

And really, really good oysters.

“Does she know?” Finn asked, watching Cedric’s face to see if he could spot any lies, anything other than the usual deviousness he had already come to know. But there was none. And Cedric’s strategy was beginning to make sense–if Sabina would not come without Percy, and she was an extraordinary fighter, perhaps Percy did need to come along.

Even if Finn still didn’t like it.

Soon enough, they reached some sort of training grounds–a large, if not expensive, ring for fighters. There were fine swords, shields, spears, hammers, halberds, and the like on weapon racks surrounding the grounds. The clang of steel on steel rang into the air, but there was laughter along with the barked orders.

At least this sort of thing Finn was accustomed to. He’d been trained in bow and daggers since he could hold them.

“Which one is Sabina?” he asked, squinting into the ring.

 

[tiffybone92]

“I don't think so,” replied Cedric frankly, in response to Finn's question. “She's incredibly smart but in the arena of romance, I feel she may be a little lacking.”

“Don't mention that to her, though,” added Cedric dryly as they sauntered up to the sparring ring. “She'll only poke fun at my own lack of relationships and I don't feel like being beaten emotionally as well as physically.”

He pointed to a tall, black haired elf at the edge of the ring- the one barking orders. “That one-” he said as she stomped up to a poor squire to kick him in the shins to fix his stance, “-is Sabina.”

Cedric put his hands together in silent prayer, heaved a heavy sigh, and then squared his shoulders. “Alright, Finn. Let's introduce you to Sabina.”

The two of them didn't have to get very close before Sabina noted them, shouted another order at a lowly soldier, and then came trudging over to them, her heavy armor clanking loudly as she walked.

“Well, look at this fine peacock-” she put heavy emphasis on the last syllable of the word- “coming to join the humble, ugly crows of society.” She gave him a wide, beautiful smile, her dark eyes brightening with mirth. She may have always called herself ugly, but Cedric and every other elf knew better. She was anything but. “What trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?”

Cedric scoffed. “You and Percy always think the worst of me,” he started, shaking his head. “I should be offended.”

“Oh, no, the pompous peacock-” she did the same emphasis again- “is offended?” She snorted. “Ruffle your precious feathers all you like, Ced, but you know more often than not you come to me mostly when you need bailed out of some trouble of sorts.”

“While that may be true,” countered Cedric, “I'm actually not in trouble- yet.” He gestured to Finn. “But, first things first, I'd like to introduce you to Finnarion Swift, our wood elf ambassador.”

 

[elusivethought]

Sabina was quite a woman. She was tall, and beautiful in the same way a rock canyon was beautiful—impressive and stately and very possibly deadly. Her expression when she saw Cedric reminded him of the one his mother sometimes made when his little sister was looking a little too guilty and a little too desperate.

The syllabic emphasis was not lost on Finn, either.

He bit on a smile.

It seemed both of these people–both Percy and Sabina–genuinely were Cedric’s friends. At least, judging by the familiarity they showed Cedric. He couldn’t imagine people any less familiar greeting a Luminous Chancellor as a ‘pompous peacock.’

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” said Finn at his cue, risking leaving off the honorific just in case he made another embarrassing error. He gave a short bow. “The Luminous Chancellor isn’t in trouble exactly,” he started, glancing with uncertainty at Cedric, “but we are in trouble…generally.” He folded his hands in front of him. “I have been tasked with working with you in order to fight the magical blight harming our forests, and to act as liaison for maintaining nature’s order going forward.”

He gave Sabina a weak smile. “Um. Cedric recommended you. Specifically.” After a moment, he added,”Oh. And Percy will be joining us.”

 

[tiffybone92]

At the mention of Percy's name, Cedric watched as Sabina's dark eyes lit up, although that was the only indication she gave of interest. Still, he knew from that small spark that he had his hook.

“Exactly,” piped in Cedric, taking over where Finn had left off. “I know you're probably busy here with your recruits,” he gestured broadly to the elves still fighting, “but I believe, as does Finn, that this is an important mission for the livelihood of both the high elves and the wood elves.” He placed his hands behind his back. “We also have a likely suspicion this journey could be dangerous, and I wouldn't know of a better person to help guide us on our grand undertaking.”

“So you are asking for me to bail you out,” said Sabina wearily, crossing her arms.

“No,” Cedric clarified bravely, “You're helping bail all of the high and wood elf denizens of potential environmental catastrophe.”

Sabina snorted. “And so you want me to leave my recruits behind, halfway through their training, so I can ‘punch punch smash smash’ any bullies that get in your way on this mystical journey of yours?”

“Well,” muttered Cedric, beginning to lose the little amount of valor he had previously owned, “I suspect it would be better than ‘punch punch smash smash.’”

Sabina laughed bitterly. “You high and mighty ‘magic’ elves really are something,” she said, putting her hands on her hips. “Helpless and useless as always.”

“Is that what you'd call Percy, Sabina?” retorted Cedric, crossing his own arms. Irritation was starting to outweigh his fear. “He's agreed to come along as well. I'm just glad he isn't as annoyingly stubborn as you.”

“No,” spat Sabina, a frown crossing her face. “But he isn't some flouncing peacock like you, ‘Mister Chancellor.’”

“Fine,” said Cedric, holding up his hands in surrender. “We'll leave you to think on it.” He began to turn, grabbing Finn's shoulder as he did. “If you wish to join us, meet us at the front of the Citadel tomorrow morning. Percy will be waiting there as well.”

As he walked away from Sabina, he knew he had made the right decision. Let her think she had won the fight, but put the danger and doubt in her mind. He was almost positive she would stew in her own thoughts and emotions the rest of the evening and would be there, waiting hotly at the Citadel, in the morning.

 

[elusivethought]

Cedric was right about one thing—Sabina was intense. She had a snappy retort to everything Cedric said, seeming, to Finn, to actively decline their request.

The interaction was interesting, to say the least. Finn watched, silent but observant, as Cedric and Sabina argued. Sabina seemed to dislike Cedric… Or was it more what Cedric represented?

Finn frowned. Sabina sounded a lot like…him. She seemed more critical of the magic aspect than the high elf part of who Cedric was, but the Luminous Chancellor hardly seemed helpless or useless.

Just…hungover. And a bit of a flirt.

Finn let Cedric lead them away. He might’ve liked to say more, but at the very least he had the Luminous Chancellor on his side. If Percy and Sabina didn’t show, well…at least Finn had some support.

“Thank you,” Finn muttered to Cedric as they left, glancing at the Luminous Chancellor. “Either way, we leave tomorrow morning.” With no doubt a multitude of supplies that the Chancellor would manage to gather for them.

It would have to be enough.

The sun settled down below the horizon, and Finn left the Chancellor to dine alone in his room in the Citadel, penning letters to his clan and family by the steady light of magic lanterns. His room was enormous, luxurious, and lonely. His footsteps echoed against the marble walls as he walked. He could hear his own heartbeat in his head.

It wasn’t until he was laying in bed, restless and sleepless, that Finn realized the way the Luminous Chancellor had approached these people—by going up to them where they worked, by being cordial and familiar, and asking them to help.

Finn thought perhaps with Cedric’s power, the man could have just…demanded it.

He tried to sleep. But no matter how much Finn tossed and turned, sleep wouldn’t find him. His heart raced, his breath quickened, and the walls and ceiling closed tighter and tighter around him.

Huffing, Finn threw off the fine silk covers. He stared out the window for a long moment before he dressed in a comfortable traveler’s outfit and trudged outside.

After a few twists and turns, he found what he was looking for—the gardens.

He paused at the entrance, jaw slack.

It was beautiful.

Trees of every kind traced a well-worn and winding path, half of them blooming with pink and purple blossoms. There were bushes and well-trimmed hedges, and the night songs of birds and insects hummed like a lullaby in the air. Above, the stars shone bright in the sky, familiar and kind.

Sighing, Finn shucked off his boots and walked barefoot on the grass, wandering the path for a brief moment before finding a dark spot beneath a willow tree. With a yawn, he nestled down into a patch of tall grass and closed his eyes.

Sleep found him soon, deep and sweet and peaceful.

 

[tiffybone92]

Compared to the easy streets of the lower city, the Citadel felt hot and stifled- just like it did every night. Cedric ate his dinner privately in his room, idly moving around his food around his plate but barely eating anything. He was finally getting out- out of the suffocating court that was Eldoria- but it didn’t mean he wasn’t still a little anxious. He had never even taken a single step out of the city, and while he was eager and willing to do so, he knew that meant he was likely naive of many ways of the world. He was lucky, he knew, that he had Finn and Percy (and likely Sabina) to help guide him on his path, but how much of that path would he be stumbling? Metaphorically or otherwise?

“Sir?” Ridoc’s high voice broke through Cedric’s swimming thoughts, bringing him back to the present.

“Yes, Ridoc?” asked Cedric.

“You’re barely eating anything- are you well?”

“I’m perfectly fine, thank you, Ridoc,” Cedric replied, plastering on his practiced smile. “Just a little anxious to be out on the road.”

“I understand, sir,” Ridoc said, although his tone implied his understanding was in regard to something else.

“Thank you, Ridoc, for all you’ve done for me these past years,” began Cedric, a tightness forming in his voice. “I know I probably haven’t been the easiest to work with-”

“No,” interrupted Ridoc quickly, although a grin was playing across his face.

“-but,” continued Cedric, giving his steward a teasing glare in return, “I’m forever grateful for your companionship and your dedication to myself and my family.” He paused, hastily swallowing the lump in his throat. “From the bottom of my rotten heart, thank you.”

Ridoc opened his mouth to speak, but they were both interrupted by a loud bang. The intricate oak door to Cedric’s room had burst wide open, and standing forbiddingly in the doorway stood Cedric’s father.

Lord Cassian was a towering elf, and just as astonishingly handsome as his son. But his eyes, while they were the same shade of shocking blue as Cedric’s, held no warmth. There was a coldness in those depths that Cedric had always hated. He had never found even an ounce of kindness in them.

This evening was no different. Those blue eyes took in Cedric with one piercing glance and that was all Cedric needed to feel the blistering detestation in them.

Maybe his father would kill him after all.

“Father,” Cedric greeted him curtly, rising from his chair and bowing to him. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

His father scoffed, taking long strides into the room until he was just inches close to his son. “I’m sure you know why I’m here,” he sneered, his low, rumble of a voice sending small chills down Cedric’s spin.

“You’ve come to wish your only son a goodbye before he leaves on a potentially treacherous journey?”

It was the wrong thing to say.

Cassian barked out a laugh- empty and hard, with no life in it at all. “My son,” he mocked. “You’re nothing but an embarrassment,” he spat, “and the only reason I’m here now is to ensure you know that our family name is on the line.” He picked up Cedric’s plate of food and slowly tilted it over Cedric, the food sliding off the plate and plodding onto Cedric’s head.

Cedric shut his eyes, both to avoid the loathing in his father’s stare and to keep the dripping sauce from burning them.

“Well, you didn’t really need dinner, did you?” Cassian said bluntly. “After all, it was you who took the wood elf to a seedy tavern for FUCKING OYSTERS.” And on his last word, he threw the empty plate at the wall, where it shattered into tiny pieces, the china clinking on the marble floor.

Breathing hard, Cassian took another step towards Cedric, his nose just inches away. “If I hear of any more embarrassments out of this arrangement…” his voice lowered to a dangerous, crackling rumble, “...I’ll come end it myself.”

Cassian took the knife that still lay on the table and slammed it into the wood, the sharp blade piercing the oak until it stood straight up. “I hope that’s a clear enough goodbye for my son.”

And with that, Lord Cassian turned on his heel and left. Although he was no longer present, the energy in the room remained the same.

After a brief pause, a small chirp came from the corner of the room. “Sir?”

“Apologies, Ridoc,” Cedric finally said, grabbing a napkin and hastily wiping his face. “I’ll help you clean up this mess, and-”

“No, sir,” Ridoc said again, coming quickly to Cedric’s side. He helped tidy Cedric of the food his father had poured on him and added quietly, “I’m grateful, too.”

“What?”

Ridoc took a deep breath, and Cedric could see tears forming in his eyes. “I’m grateful to have served you, sir.”

A knowing look was exchanged between the two of them. Then the steward cleared his throat hurriedly and added, “Why don’t you retire to the gardens for a bit, sir?” He gestured to the room. “While I clean up a bit, yes?”

“Yes,” Cedric agreed, glad to have the excuse of a messy face to wipe the wetness on his cheeks. “Yes, Ridoc, I think that’s a good idea.”

Cedric practically ran towards the gardens, his vision blurring from tears. He hardly noticed where he was going, his heart and mind racing almost as fast as his legs. He didn’t stop his pace until he had reached the familiar shrubs and grass, and he spotted the large willow tree towards the center of the gardens.

That towering willow tree and her hanging branches had been a welcome respite from troubles many times throughout Cedric’s childhood- more times than he could viably count.

And although he was no longer a child, he still wanted- no needed- the safety of those long, dancing boughs.

He was surprised then, when he stepped past the draping branches to feel something squishy and fleshy beneath his boots. He stumbled back, startled, hearing a loud swearing coming from the ground.

No- coming from a person- one who had been previously slumbering.

Coming from none other than Finnarion Swift.

 

[elusivethought]

A sharp pain shot through his side, and Finnarion Swift awoke with a shrill cry.

“What in the actual hells?” he swore, bolting to a sit, eyes wild–when he saw that he was swearing at none other than the Luminous Chancellor, Cedric Beauchamp.

Finn stared. Then he scrubbed at his eyes, hissing through the pain.

“Did you step on me?” he asked, bewildered, still half-asleep. Heaviness still dragged his eyelids down, but his heart hammered in his chest.

“Um.” He hastened to a stand, rubbing his side where Cedric had stepped on him. “Sorry. I…uh.”

But his words trickled to silence as he finally took in Cedric’s true appearance. Cedric was here, yes, but it was far too late for an evening stroll. The Luminous Chancellor was disheveled, his hair a mess, his clothes damp. His nose was red, his eyes pink, and…was that food stuck in those luscious blonde strands?

He gaped. But how could Finn judge? He was barely dressed, barefoot, and sleeping outside, in the grass.

Finn stood there for an awkward moment. Then he quickly schooled his expression from one of pity to one of commiseration.

“You have a rough night too?” he asked, giving Cedric a shy, uncertain smile. At least it was too dark to see his blush.

 

[tiffybone92]

“I suppose that's putting it mildly,” breathed Cedric. He could feel his heart thundering in his chest. Just what was Finn doing out here?

“Although,” he added, seeing Finn gingerly massage the place he had stepped on, “I suppose it's my fault you're having a bad evening.” Cedric tried to keep his voice steady as he said, “I also suppose it's my fault I'm having a bad evening so…” He shrugged, absentmindedly brushing off his robes, although he wasn't entirely sure why he bothered.

“I am deeply sorry, though,” he stammered, feeling his cheeks go red as his emotions turned from terrifying surprise to embarrassment. “That I awoke you by…” he paused and gestured to Finn's side. “... well, by stepping on you.”

His eyes paused at the wood elf's chest, not because it was where he had trod on, but because… well… Finn was in a relative state of undress.

Cedric swallowed hard and forced himself to look elsewhere. Clearing his throat, he continued. “I, uh, I didn't expect anyone to be here, particularly at this hour.”

He scratched at his head, which he realized, of course, was still partially covered in food.

“If you don't mind me asking,” Cedric started after a rather long, awkward pause, “What are you doing out here, anyways?”

 

[elusivethought]

“No,” Finn insisted, when Cedric said it was his own fault for causing Finn to have a bad night. “No, I…”

He trailed off yet again. Finn had not yet seen the Luminous Chancellor so…embarrassed. The man always seemed to have confidence in every step, in every smile. He smirked. He winked. He flirted.

But now he stammered.

And Finn couldn’t help but want to make things right.

He wasn’t sure why.

Finn laughed. “It’s all right, Cedric, it’s not like it was on purpose,” he said. “I’ll live.” He yawned. “I just…couldn’t sleep.” He nodded to the Citadel, towering and moon-white behind them. “We’re not primitive, not like people say. We do have houses. But the windows are almost always open. And if it’s not raining, I prefer to sleep outside.”

He thought of his home, how the sounds of the forest were never far from his doorstep. How even during winter, they found time to open their windows, or venture out onto the frozen lakes.

Finn stifled another yawn behind a fist, shuffling back to lean casually against the trunk of the willow. He crossed his arms. “Are you all right?” he asked, voice low, gentle as the wind in the boughs.

 

[tiffybone92]

“Well, I've certainly been better,” replied Cedric frankly, running his fingers nervously through his hair, feeling a sticky sauce transfer from his blonde locks to his fingers. He hastily wiped it off on his robes, hoping Finn wouldn't notice. “But I'll be alright.”

His eyes fell to the ground. “I don't really want to talk about it, if you don't mind.” He gave Finn a melancholy half-smile and added, “And anyways, I sure it would be rather boring to hear about how ‘awful’ life can be for us pompous, rich, and arrogant high elves.”

He paused for a moment, and then with his more usual, teasing tone, “Although I suppose the droning sound of a pretentious, complaining elf like myself might help you to fall asleep.”

Cedric let the soft evening breeze fill his lungs as he took in a few deep breaths. “I do humbly apologize,” he started, turning to Finn, “that your accommodations weren't to your satisfaction.” He looked to the sky, which boasted hundreds of thousands of twinkling stars. “I suppose there isn't too much time left for sleep, but if you wish, I can always ask the staff to provide you with a different room. One with open windows?”

His eyes met with Finn's, and once again he was struck with the absolute honesty and warmth that was held within them. He wondered, a little selfishly, if perhaps Finn saw the same warmth in his. Or if Cedric's eyes- that piercing blue- held the same coldness as his fathers?

He didn't know if he wanted the true answer or not.

“Your home sounds lovely,” Cedric said finally, ripping his gaze away from Finn. He hesitated and then asked softly, “Do you have family, Finnarion? Will you miss them on our journey?”

 

[elusivethought]

The Luminous Chancellor was in a sorry state. But Finn gave a nod of understanding when he said he didn’t want to talk about it. Sometimes talking made things better, sometimes worse.

And no doubt Finn shouldn’t be privy to the sort of trials such an illustrious man faced.

Yawning again, Finn sat back down, leaning lazily against the willow’s trunk. “You do have a soothing voice,” he admitted. He thought he could go to sleep to Cedric’s droning, actually. He had a lyrical, soft voice. Lilting.

Finn stretched out his legs, folding his arms to rest over his chest. “That’s all right,” he said, shaking his head. “I don’t wish to bother anyone. Is there a…rule against sleeping out here?” He gave Cedric an uncertain smile. “Think I’m likely to get stepped on again?”

But he chuckled at Cedric’s next question. “I miss them already,” he said, sending an incredulous look up at Cedric. “Mother and Father and my little sister, Elaria. She’s ten years younger than me, so I’m hoping she doesn’t give them too much trouble while I’m gone.”

He nodded to a patch of grass beside him in invitation. “I have loads of cousins, too. Aunts, uncles. We all care for one another, teach one another.” His father and uncle Faelar had taught him archery, his aunt Aeris the twin daggers. Cousin Lyrien had taught him tracking and trapping, and his mother had taught him cooking, clothes mending, and dance. His grandfather taught him medicine.

Finn closed his eyes, pretending to relax but not wanting his own self-doubt to shine through. He couldn’t let them down.

 

[tiffybone92]

Cedric blushed, glad again of the night sky to shield him and his appearance. Finn thought he had a soothing voice? He was used to Percy or Sabina constantly telling him to shut up, and- while they were in every right to do so- it was nice to hear someone might not mind his useless prattle.

“Of course you can sleep out here,” said Cedric, fighting the urge to sit and lean against the tree besides Finn. He wondered, for just a moment, if the wood elf's hands were as warm as his smile?

He shook his head, attempting to clear it. “I'll try not to step on anyone else tonight, but I make no promises.”

Cedric found himself slightly jealous of Finn as he spoke of his family. There was a love that poured from the elf when he mentioned his sister, Elaria, and Cedric felt a quick pang of sadness. He had no brothers or sisters, and no cousins to speak of as his parents had both been the only child of their respective families.

And along with his jealousy, Cedric felt guilt as well. Here he was, eager to leave the only family he had, no love or longing lost between them. Their strained relationship had made his decision incredibly easy. But how much had Finn sacrificed for this cause?

“Your family sounds lovely,” said Cedric finally, trying not to sound too envious. “Your sister Elaria sounds like she would fit right in with the likes of Sabina.” He smiled, remembering the passionate and opinionated teenaged Sabina, creating mischief wherever she went.

“I wish I had a bunch of aunt and uncles to teach me things,” he mused. “My mother taught me to dance when I was younger, but she died soon after I turned ten.” He stared off into the bushes, recalling those lessons fondly. They had been a time he and his mother could laugh and joke, without the watchful, judging eyes of his father.

“I think she would have supported this cause,” he said softly, almost to himself. “She was the kindest soul I've ever known.”

 

[elusivethought]

It was strange—Cedric did not sit by him.

Finn might have thought it was the Chancellor being too snobbish, if he hadn’t just accompanied him as he traipsed through the city, chasing after people with much less power than him.

But why did he just stand there, staring down at Finn?

And telling him about his dead mother?

Finn’s guarded expression softened. “I’m sorry.” He didn’t know what to say. He never knew what to say to such loss. But that admission begged another question. What about Cedric’s father?

Awkward and uncomfortable with a powerful man staring down at him, Finn stood. “You’re not exactly what I imagined when I arrived, Chancellor,” he finally said. It didn’t mean he trusted Cedric entirely, but he was less anxious going on a dangerous trip with him than some stuffy old wizard.

 

[tiffybone92]

“There’s nothing to be sorry about,” replied Cedric honestly, giving Finn a half-hearted smile. “I often believe that an early death was one of the kinder things the world handed to her.” He shrugged and added simply, “It was a way for her to escape.”

Cedric chuckled softly at Finn’s comment. What had the wood elf truly been expecting? “I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing,” mused Cedric, rubbing at his chin. He frowned at Finn and gave him a look of mock seriousness. “And anyways, didn’t I tell you not to call me ‘Chancellor?’” He shook his head. “I must beg you to please not say that in front of Sabina. She will absolutely rip me to shreds.”

He allowed a moment of silence to hang between them, the soft, whistling breeze giving Cedric -if not comfort- a little peace.

“Well,” he said after a while, brushing idly at his robes, “I’ll leave you to the rest of your evening.” He gave a small, polite bow and, before turning back towards his room, said quietly, “You weren’t exactly what I was expecting either, Finnarion Swift.”

 

[elusivethought]

Finn woke the next morning before sunrise with much less sleep than he'd have hoped. Questions about Cedric danced around his head, warm like campfire embers. He'd settled back into the grass after the high elf had left, but the blissful ignorance he'd had before was gone. Something had happened with Cedric. But what?

But after a steaming bath and a fresh set of clothes, Finnarion Swift felt ready for their journey. He had had little to pack--only a bedroll, a few sets of clothes, camping supplies, and his weapons.

Heart racing in his chest, he rushed down to the Citadel's entrance, surprised to find none other than the Luminous Chancellor there already. Tired and yawning, he discussed inventory with a few servants, the last few items being tucked onto their wagon.

Finn scratched his head. He wasn't sure how long they'd be able to use the wagon, but he'd hoped to keep to the roads as much as possible. With his arrows, Sabina's sword, and the Chancellor's spells, he doubted bandits would bother them.

"Good morning," Finn said as he approached Cedric, smiling shyly as he took in their preparations. "Have Percy and Sabina arrived yet?"

 

[tiffybone92]

Cedric hadn’t slept well that night, for multiple reasons. He had laid awake- tossing and turning- nervous about what trials they might face as they journeyed, and embarrassingly reliving the previous moments with Finn.

Still, he had awoken much earlier than was his usual, anxious to be far away from his sneering father and the stifling city of Eldoria. He had decided against his customary ornate robes and instead donned a simple, yet well-made, shirt, breeches, and riding boots. He looked himself over in the mirror, spending more time than he cared to admit considering whether it would be too much or too little for the journey. Or if the wood elf would approve or not…

Cedric had, admittedly, not known what he should pack for a journey such as this and had instructed Ridoc to pack what he had felt was necessary. As he looked upon the bogged-down and bulging carriage, he realized that had been the wrong thing to ask of Ridoc.

“If your strategy is to rid this magical blight through fashion,” came a wry voice from behind him, “I’d say you’re starting off strong.”

“Sabina!” Cedric clasped at his chest, heart pounding. “You startled me!”

Sabina raised her eyebrows as she passed him towards the carriage. “I startled you?” she said, beginning to move some of the more massive chests off the wagon. She chuckled, shaking her head. “I hope you grow some balls soon, Ced, or I suspect this trip will be very taxing for you.”

“I’m just tired, is all,” grumbled Cedric, folding his arms and scowling at her. “I just wasn’t expecting you to sneak up on me like that.”

“Who snuck up on you?”

Another deeper voice came from behind Cedric, causing him to jump again.

“Geez, Ced,” said Percy, clapping Cedric heartily on the back. “You’re mighty jumpy this morning. You alright?”

“Fine,” murmured Cedric, rubbing at his temples.

“Oh, let me help you with that,” Percy said quickly to Sabina, rushing over to aid her with another chest.

“Oh, I’ve got it,” Sabina replied hastily, a small blush forming on her cheeks. “These aren’t really that heavy for me.”

“I know.” Percy smiled at her and shrugged, still taking a corner of the trunk. “But I want to help.”

“Well… I suppose that’s okay then. Thanks.”

The two of them walked away with the massive chest, both exchanging shy glances and smiles. As he watched them haul the box away, he chuckled softly. He might be worried about the tribulations that faced them in the future, but knowing his friends were going to be with him every step of the way gave him comfort.

Another voice came from behind him and, just as he had the two times before, Cedric startled. It was Finn, greeting him with a warm smile. Cedric felt his face go red as he met the elf’s eyes, still self-conscious from the awkwardness of the night before. “Good morning,” he greeted him in reply, hoping vehemently Finn had not noticed him jump. “I hope that you… slept well.”

He scratched at his head although he felt no itch, and he pulled his gaze away from Finn to the wagon. “Yes,” he said, answering the wood elf’s question, “Percy and Sabina are here. They uh…” He shrugged and smiled sheepishly at Finn. “...Well, I may have packed too much. They’re moving some of the things now.”

 

[elusivethought]

The Luminous Chancellor startled when he saw Finn, as if he’d been a ghost. Finn glanced around them. Nothing seemed amiss. Was he expecting someone to ambush them before they even got out of the city? Finn’s stomach churned.

He gave Cedric a glance up and down, forehead crinkled. Today the Chancellor wore a much different ensemble. He was dressed…rather sensibly, in a way that Finn hadn’t quite expected. After the finery he’d been wearing yesterday, it had been difficult to imagine Cedric in something so…practical.

It suited him, somehow.

“I slept fine, thank you,” he said, glancing over to where Sabina and Percy hauled a chest off of the wagon. “Looks like you had a little less luck.”

Finn bit on a smile at Cedric’s next comment. “It’s good to be prepared, I suppose,” he said, folding his arms and breathing deep of the fresh, cool morning air. “But don't worry. We can find most of what we need in the forest. I do have survival skills.” It wasn’t that wood elves preferred to find themselves without their tinderbox or rations, but they knew how to survive if they had to.

 

[tiffybone92]

Finn seemed much more well rested than himself, and Cedric cringed inwardly at the notion that his exhaustion was so obvious.

Still, there was something about the wood elf’s presence that- even since their first meeting- made Cedric feel a little more at ease; like he didn’t have to pile up a wall of stones just to keep himself protected.

But it was also that fact that made him incredibly nervous. Could two things be true at the same time?

Attempting to ignore his innermost grapplings, Cedric gave Finn a wry smile. “I’ve no doubt you do,” he agreed heartily. He put up his hands, showing the smooth, uncalloused palms. “And, I’m sure it’s not a surprise to you that I certainly do not have those same skills. But,” he added, putting his hands back into his trouser pockets, “I promise not to cry too hard when I get a splinter or two.”

“Oh, you’re crying already are you, Ced?” came Percy’s teasing voice from behind them, Sabina bringing up the rear. “But we haven’t even left the city yet!”

Cedric rolled his eyes, heaving a sigh. “Do you always feel smarter when you’re mocking someone, Percy?”

“Only when I’m mocking you,” Percy replied simply, shrugging. “But you make it all too easy.”

“As long as I can partake in your delicious meals, you can mock me all you want.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t have given him that freedom, Ced,” Sabina interjected, grinning in spite of herself. “You may regret that later.” She paused, noticing Finn, and reached out her hand in cordial greeting. “It’s nice to see you again, Finnarion, even if it is under these circumstances.” She nodded her head towards Cedric.

“Do you mean me?!” Cedric asked indignantly, placing his hands on his hips.

Sabina raised an eyebrow. “Is that a rhetorical question?”

“Nevermind,” Cedric said, waving a hand dismissively. “I don’t want to know.”

“So,” Sabina started, turning to Finn. “Do we think we’re about ready to head on out, or are there more of Cedric’s clothes we need to donate to the poor?”