Fantasy Memento Mori [Closed]

[cleopat]

Sebastian gave Keres a small smile, tinged with sympathy. “I think in your case, you can use that answer for as long as you wish.” Her mind will be an odd place until her memories came forward, and even after then, the trauma of her amnesiac episode may linger for some time.

“Maybe it’s your mind trying to give you some of your old memories, but it’s conflicting with whatever gave you amnesia,” he suggested. It could be a number of things, really, and he could only offer suggestions to try and help her feel a little better.

At her question for him, he sighed and looked back at the fire. “Yeah, I did. Oddly enough, I don’t really remember what I dreamt, but when I woke up, I was left feeling distressed.” He didn’t often have nightmares, so the fact he had one that night made him wonder if it was an omen.

Was Zerah trying to tell him something? Did he pick up something suspicious about someone in the party without realizing?

The only difference with that night was the inclusion of Keres. No, maybe it’s what happened to her. Not her herself.

“I’ve never been much of a heavy sleeper anyways,” he chuckled, tilting his head to look back over at Keres. “Makes me a great unexpected addition for guard duty.”

~~~

Lisette chuckled, “And I do enjoy seeing how other people think as well, but today has been a rather exciting day, hasn’t it? I’m afraid I would be a much more engaging conversation partner any other day over a glass of wine.” And after a night of rest.

The shock of the carnage they found, the surprise of finding an amnesiac Keres, the exhaustion following her weird power she developed, the ambush by the river, it really had been an eventful day.

But she recognized that despite her exhaustion, her mind still buzzed with too many thoughts that resulted in a dull ache in the back of her skull.

Lisette ran her fingers through her hair and sighed. “I suppose we should be getting some rest soon. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.” And yet she didn’t move from her spot, instead stared at nothing in the campfire, as she wrestled with her thoughts.

 

[Lucyfer]

So, Keres wasn't the only one plagued by dreams. Sebastian couldn't recall what it was, either, and she frowned at that admission. “The unpleasant, lingering feeling without reason is frustrating,” she shared in it, “I'm sure for you it's just the stress of this venture you've found yourself.” It wasn't so easy for her.

It could have been a memory. She wanted those, the good and the bad. Any loss felt like it was taken again, ripped from her anew.

She didn't want to feel that rage, though.

“You can fight, hm?” Curiosity mingled into a tease. Better to dwell on new information than old. “Are you actually skilled, or just good enough to lend an extra sword?” She had no idea about herself. She'd run at the first sign of danger. That probably wasn't a good sign slot her own abilities.

~***~

“Well, I have brought some good wine with me, for some other night,” Idrano knew it was good to end on curious terms, and Lisette offered an out even if she wasn't taking it. It would be good to sleep, and so he rose, letting his fingers brush the top of her shoulder.

Not accidentally, but it would seem that way.

“Good night, princess. May your dreams be kinder than today has been,” Idrano wouldn't be surprised if plenty suffered nightmares that evening.

His fingers would trail off as he left her to her private musings, whether that was to sleep or to stay up longer.

Though, he did stop by Delano only because he seemed more frustrated than usual. “Something the matter?”

Delano let out a huff, “No, nothing, unless it's abnormal for a tressym to make portals.” Delano knew it was abnormal. Idrano knew it was.

“Perhaps Keres is a warlock,” and the tressym her familiar.

That would make too much sense, though.

“Thank you for keeping an eye open. I know there is little to do right now, but it is appreciated,” should this become more. Should she be a threat. It wasn't unheard of for warlock patrons to take revenge if a task was ignored.

He'd leave Delano to the horses, though, as he went to his tent.

 

[cleopat]

Sebastian hummed in agreement. He did have his theories for his own nightmares, but he wouldn’t share them with Keres, not since one of them concerned her. It wouldn’t be wise to distress her with mere theories.

But the change in conversation was nice. He chuckled and shook his head. “I do know my way around a sword, and I can fight and defend quite well with my magic, but I wouldn’t dare to say I was as skilled a fighter as the royal guards or Princess Lisette.” Any one of them could knock him on his ass.

“But I would say I’m skilled enough to be able to lend an extra sword in battle.” No one should have to worry about him defending himself. “I was going to ask you the same question, but I think we both know the answer to that.” As in, they didn’t have a definite answer.

He didn’t know enough about her to know if she had been a capable fighter.

“Maybe the next time we rest in a city, we should spar and see if you have any latent skills with the sword,” he offered. “And of course, I’ll go easy on you.” An easy wink.

~~~

Lisette stilled at the slight sensation of Idrano’s fingers brushing her shoulder. It wasn’t…unwelcomed, even if it was an accident. “I’ll hold you to that wine,” she said to him before bidding him good night

She lingered in front of the campfire for a few moments longer, lost in her thoughts, before she stood up, a destination not set in mind. She wasn’t quite ready to try and settle down for the night, even if she should.

She soon spotted Delano, someone else who probably should be relaxing for the evening. Maybe a bit more of distraction for a little bit longer would be good for her.

For a split second, her mind wandered to how an earlier view of Delano was a wonderful distraction.

“Delano,” she greeted with a small nod of her head. “I trust your evening is going well. I hope your shoulder is prepared for whatever tomorrow may bring us?”

 

[Lucyfer]

Keres didn't know if she was capable. She'd seen a bit of Lisette, and was glad to be currently aligned with her, given her state. Given how well she fought. It still made her chuckle to hear Sebastian admit his own shortcomings so easily.

Well, of course. He adored Lisette. ‘Why am I like this? Knock it off.’ he was offering to help, after all.

“I think that would be good, though I'm not sure how good a fighter I am,” she chuckled, rather than sink into those other thoughts, “I ran at the sight of combat earlier. I seem to have some muscle memory with the horse riding, but if I have any with fighting, it certainly didn't resurface,” which led to doubt.

Of course, that could have been because she wasn't armed. Maybe with a weapon in hand, she'd remember. “But magic…did you study? Were you born with it?” That he was a cleric didn't even cross her mind as a possibility, despite his ability to heal.

~***~

Delano wasn't expecting to be addressed, but he heard the approach. It didn't surprise him, and he looked back at the princess, some confusion reflected in the glance as he tried to figure out why he was being called on, if he was in any trouble.

It didn't seem like it.

He huffed an amused sound at the question, “It's just fine, your grace. Sebastian healed me up well,” if not nicely. “And how are you faring? We should make it to town tomorrow,” which meant a lot of work for the talking people.

He didn't envy them that job at all.

Trying to find a murderous cult wasn't going to be easy. Especially not when he was called in to disrupt and progress and have the party kidnapped so Idrano could do whatever it was he needed to do to secure Pyrrha’s fate, and that of so many other deities, like his own.

 

[cleopat]

“You ran not that long after being found covered in blood and surrounded by mutilated corpses. I probably would have ran as well,” he chuckled, an attempt to lighten the mood and give her a slight boost in confidence.

Keres didn’t seem like the type that may have been handy with a sword though. She didn’t look like she had the right muscles needed for it, though appearances could be deceiving. She may just surprise him.

“Some magic was bestowed upon me, after I pledged myself to Zerah.” His fire abilities, which he always thanked her for. “But I also did study as well, with a private tutor my parents hired.” There he learned much of his other magic abilities, including those useful for healing.

“I preferred to learn magic to help heal and recreate, though I have to admit, magic for destruction and offense in battle certainly has its use,” Sebastian said. But he certainly held greater joy in healing those injured in battle, or negating poisons that found its way to those close to him.

~~~

“I’m glad to hear.” Lisette nodded at his answer, pleased that Sebastian’s healing abilities continue to prove immeasurable. “As I managed to end the day with only a minor scratch on my arm, I would say that I am faring well.”

Her mind naturally weighed heavy with all of her thoughts and concerns.

“I enjoy being on the road and seeing all the sights Bedelia has to offer, but I must admit, I’ll be happy once we reach the next town.” Would it be selfish of her to admit how much she looked forward to an actual bed and a hot bath? Such luxuries that weren’t allowed while traveling.

“I’m not sure how often Idrano will want you by his side for protective measures when we’re there, but do you have anything you’re looking forward to doing when we’re there?” It wouldn’t be all work, all the time. And mostly her with a few others talking and asking all the questions.

Oh what joy that always was.

 

[Lucyfer]

Keres did feel a little better with that note, but she still wasn’t terribly encouraged about fighting. Apparently, the magic part came from Zerah. ‘Did some god think this was a gift?’ the ability to take life with her fingers. She wondered what god might have thought that. She doubted it could be something she studied, although she didn’t know who she used to be.

“Does anyone who swears to Zerah receive such a blessing?” She wondered, “or are you some sort of cleric like…ah…the darker haired man?” she didn’t remember his name, but she remembered that he wielded fire effortlessly. She assumed he was a cleric of some sort just by the way he carried himself.

“I guess I actually don’t know if he is, he just seems that way. More than you do,” what understanding she had of religion suggested Sebastian might be more of a lay person, which did make her wonder how much it took to get a blessing.

Could a god remove her amnesia?

She didn’t even know who she’d pray to.

~***~

“Heh, likely not too often,” Delano noted for how often Idrano was likely to want him away, “I can’t say I’m looking forward to anything in the city, but I’m not disinterested,” he went with the flow more than anything. “Something interesting always happens if you pay attention to the moment.”

“I have been here a few times, though,” he said, patting the horse he was tending to and stepping away, “have you ever been out to this city, princess?”

He didn’t know exactly how much she had traveled, “Is there anything you're looking forward to here? Well, besides helping the Lady Keres shop,” he chuckled, assuming anything with shopping was something she'd look forward to.

Or she might have shoved that duty off on someone else. He didn't really know, just as he didn't know how it was complicating Idrano's plans.

 

[cleopat]

“Not everyone does receive such a blessing,” Sebastian clarified. “I myself am a cleric, and one of the main healers for the royal family.” Hence his accompanying the princess with her investigation party. “Idrano, the dark haired man, is a paladin of Zerah.” And not someone he really knew all too well.

Maybe it was because of the lack of familiarity that he held some suspicion towards the high elf. Something just seemed…off. Or maybe that was his paranoia talking again.

“I don’t know him too well,” Sebastian admitted. “He was hired for the investigation into this destruction and vandalism, since Zerah’s name is being used for the reason of it all.” And having someone around who was a worshipper of Zerah allowed Sebastian to focus more on healing and keeping their supply of healing potions well stocked.

He’s not a great multitasker, after all. He can only focus on one task at a time, and he would rather that be spent on making sure everyone in the party stays healthy, or becomes healthy again as soon as possible. Injuries were inevitable for them, as proven by the ambush Lisette, Delano, and Keres experienced earlier..

~~~

Lisette could only agree with the sentiment that something interesting always happens if one pays attention to the moment. Even if it was something little, or insignificant to someone else.

“I have been to this city once before,” she replied with a nod. “It’s been forever though. I was a young teenager accompanying my father on a few diplomatic visits throughout Bedelia.” That had been her first taste of seeing the kingdom for her own eyes, instead of reading about it in books. It gave her a greater appreciation of what Bedelia held.

She chuckled and shook her head at his next question. “Aside from helping Lady Keres and talking to certain officials of the city, I’m afraid I do not have much else planned for our visit. I try not to plan too many leisure activities when I visit other cities, because I know my duties will often take up too much time for much else.”

Such was one of the pains of royalty.

“Would I be correct to assume you’ve traveled around much?” Lisette…didn’t really know much about Delano, except that he appeared to have a skillset that was increasingly useful at times.

 

[Lucyfer]

Sebastian was a cleric.

Idrano was a paladin.

That certainly explained the difference in their demeanor. Keres nodded, accepting the information without question, as he added in his reason for being there. He was the Royal Healer. ‘So how much of the princess have you seen in healing her?’ Keres pushed the thought far back. The jealousy was ridiculous.

“For someone who enjoys healing, you seem to also like pain,” the words slipped unbidden, that old hint of mischief glaring, before she caught herself and nearly covered her lips afterwards. It wasn't the polite thing to say or point out, but she did recall how he dealt with Delano.

And it was already out.

So despite the surprise that momentarily flustered her own expression, she pushed on, “Or did Delano do something in particular to upset you?” So she could avoid it?

So she could do it?

Gods why did she think that?

~***~

“Mmmm, that would be a correct assumption,” Delano agreed with a chuckle, “and no offense to your company, but I rather hope this situation is resolved soon so I can go back to my wanderings. Idrano is paying me a pretty copper to stick around, but I'd rather wander at my leisure,” not that his jobs were all that much different.

Except that he didn't spend so much time around his victim. That was definitely different. “I don't dislike the company,” he clarified, “well, maybe the tressym,” a chuckle that wasn't all humor.

He meant that, but he'd let it slide.

“But I'm sure even you with all your duties, prefer your time without duties,” certainly she preferred time off, or duties of her choice, rather than duties forced upon her. He didn't think anyone preferred that, but people did surprise him. “What do you actually like to do, princess?”

 

[cleopat]

Sebastian raised his brows in mild surprise at the question Keres asked. No, he wasn’t expecting it at all, and for a brief second, he could see a bit of that mischievous he recalled Keres having when they first met.

So her old self was in there somewhere, waiting for that amnesia block to be removed. And he needed to help her get rid of that block.

He allowed the comment to roll over him, and he chuckled and shook his head. “I don’t like to inflict pain on my patients.” Now, in other ways… “Nor do I hold any ill will towards Delano.” The man had not offended him in any capacity.

“I pulled out the arrow that way, because if I had fully counted down to three, most people would’ve tensed up in preparation and caused even more pain to themselves when I pull it out, and so nowadays I do it beforehand to avoid that.” Simple, really. Most still think he had a slight sadistic streak because of it.

They would think that even if he did the full countdown.

~~~

“And I hope the situation is resolved soon as well, so we can all return home,” Lisette agreed. They all missed their homes, their family, their sense of normalcy. She missed her family greatly, and she missed what was familiar to her. And her bed.

She could agree about the tressym. It was a bit odd for one.

“I suppose you won’t accept honing my sword fighting skills as something I like to do?” she chuckled. No, that was still tied into her duties in a way, although even if she wasn’t born as the heir, she could still see herself vying to become part of the royal guard.

But she hummed in consideration at the question very few bothered to ask her. “I love art. When I find time, I do like to draw and paint, but these days I find myself with less time to do any of that.” As her father grew older, her responsibilities grew.

“So tell me about that ability you have where you can speak to animals,” she said, diverting the attention back to him. “You mentioned earlier you couldn’t understand the tressym. Does that happen often? Have you had this gift for a long time?”

 

[Lucyfer]

Logic. No desire to cause pain. Just logic. Keres felt a strange disappointment that she wasn’t sure she wanted to understand right then or conceptualize. She didn’t have enough information on who she was to know why this would be disappointing. Or to consider what it did mean about her, with what little she currently had.

“Mmm, that does make sense,” it did, after all, “though now I know if I ever get shot with an arrow,” which somehow seemed likely. It had already happened. Three crossbow bolts. Those should have killed her, but they didn’t.

Tensing up was almost impossible to avoid doing, though.

She let her gaze drift to the fire, symbol of Zerah, ‘Do you hear anything in the flames?’ not enough, if Zerah wasn’t telling him what was going on with her religion, and who was making a mockery of her faith. “Why Zerah?” she asked, eyes still in the flame, “there are deities of healing,” she knew them.

She found in her head, if she peeled through what she did know, there were a lot of gods and goddesses within her memory.

It caused her to frown, brows to knit. She must have had an interest, more than the usual person. “I seem to know a lot of them. As I seem to know cities, noble families…but I think I know more than most know,” did he know of her interest when they met, or was it something they didn’t talk about? “Was I faithful to any, that you knew?”

‘Minosyne?’ But who was Minosyne, besides a secret?

~***~

Delano shrugged. If that was all Lisette was into, that was all she was into. Some people were just that way, so he wouldn’t deter her from leaving it at swordplay. She didn’t leave it there, though. She indicated art, and he hummed, wondering at the sorts she made, and if it was truly a ‘just for fun’ sort of thing, or if she’d refined it as some nobles did.

Luxurious hobbies were necessary.

The question of his speech wasn’t a surprise, though.

“I don’t really understand it. I was wounded in battle, and a druid found and healed me with some potions. Apparently, one of them had an unexpected side-effect of granting me the ability to understand all animals,” and he did mean all. “This…tressym,” he was hesitant to even consider it that, “is the only animal I haven’t understood. It’s also the only tressym I’ve known to make portals and just walk through one."

This couldn’t be normal tressym behavior.

Someone had to see this was a problem.

“I suppose I’ve had the gift around twenty years, give or take,” time blurred together. “The druid taught me all they knew about potion craft, as well. It’s why I was able to make that truth serum,” though he never became a druid himself.

It really wasn’t his way.

 

[cleopat]

Sebastian chuckled. “Yes, but please avoid getting shot with an arrow if you can help it. I would hate to cause you unnecessary pain.”

Unless you enjoy it.

He frowned at himself, and quickly cleared his mind of such thoughts. The Baroness had already gone through so much!

When Keres allowed her gaze to be captured by the flames, Sebastian turned his head to gaze into them as well. “Initially it was because my family worshipped her as well, but later it was because she called to me more than any other deity, including those of healing.”

Maybe it would have been easier had he decided to worship a god of healing, but Zerah was the one who spoke to him.

“You did seem to be the curious sort. I think I heard you attended all sorts of festivals and public rituals, never seeming to favor one deity.” He shrugged, turning his head back to Keres. “If there was one you preferred in private, I did not know, nor was it known to many.”

~~~

Lisette furrowed her brows and slightly canted her head at the new information of the tressym. “I wasn’t aware it could make portals. That is…definitely not normal.” No normal creature could make portals, unless it was enchanted, or a familiar.

But she didn’t think Keres would have any reason to have a special tressym. She couldn't recall that anything was too special about her.

She hummed, and went back to Delano’s story. “I would assume waking up with the ability to understand animals would be a fascinating one. Has it always been something you were grateful for? Or did you find yourself wishing you could turn it off now and then?” She didn’t quite know how it worked.

Did he hear animals when they were talking, much like how humans just simply heard other humans talking, whether directly to them or someone else? Could he turn it off and just hear the noises that animals normally make?

“I’m curious…what are the conversations of animals like? Are they just like humans? Or do they have their own way of…talking?”

 

[Lucyfer]

Family tradition seemed normal. It was likely the reason a lot of people fell into faith. ‘Does my family have one, then?’ She frowned a bit as Sebastian didn’t mention anything like that, only that she seemed to dabble in every faith.

That would explain her knowledge of so many, so easily.

But she was certain there was one. Something tied around the name Minosyne, although she couldn’t figure out what. She just knew that mentioning that name aloud was probably not the best idea.

“I’m glad it wasn’t just family influences,” she said, looking away from the fire, “Do mine have a favored deity? I guess that could be mine if so, although I rather hope I wasn’t that easily influenced by just that,” which, it didn’t sound like she was.

Or if she was, she was still supportive of all the other gods out there.

~***~

Okay, Lisette was starting to take complaints of tressym seriously now. Good. Delano wouldn’t press it beyond that, as he didn’t have proof of malicious intent. Not to mention, Lisette just shook it off, as well, and went back to questioning the whole thing.

Not uncommon questions.

“I generally wish I could turn off all things talking,” Delano noted, but smirked and shook his head, “I don’t generally regret it. It becomes background noise, just like people, except occasionally more distracting since I catch words and understand. Sadly, it’s not more entertaining. Most creatures aren’t…intelligent enough to say much more than a word or two at once to express themselves.”

Walking by stables was a dull affair, if the horses were even feeling chatty. They’d just complain of being hungry. Or tired. That was about it. “And then it’s only their current wants or complaints. It’s useful in knowing if an animal is a threat, though. And I can usually talk them down, if they are.”

That was one great boon.

“There’s not really much conversing unless they’re a more intelligent creature, like ah..a displacer beast.”

 

[cleopat]

A sadder, softer smile crossed Sebastian’s face at the mention of Keres’ parents. Of course this Keres wouldn’t know, and now he had to tell her of the fate that befell her parents.

“They did,” he responded softly, mindful of how to approach this subject with someone whose mind was in a fragile place. “When they were alive, they worshipped Nakar.” Since Keres mentioned she remembered the names of gods and what they represented, he would allow her to figure out who Nakar was.

Maybe it would help her mind to think about that.

“Your parents…they were murdered some time ago. I believe you were barely a teenager when it happened.” He wanted to reach his hand out to her, in case she needed some comfort in learning about their deaths, but he didn’t know if they were quite at that point yet. But if she wanted it, he would offer.

“You are the only one left of your family, as far as I know.”

~~~

Lisette listened with great focus at how Delano described his ability. She always enjoyed learning and listening to others, and this was a skill she didn’t come across very often!

There was some disappointment to be had upon learning that most creatures weren’t intelligent enough to say much, but it wasn’t unexpected. Maybe it was even for the best.

But a displacer beast, oh now that was exciting to Lisette!

“So have you actually talked to a displacer beast then?” she asked, almost a bit too excitedly, like a child learning about something new. “Did you end up having to fight one? I’ve never encountered one before, but I’ve heard so many stories, from travelers, from the older members of the guard, and even my father fought one back when he was younger.” And all of the stories had one lesson to be learned: never underestimate a displacer beast.

 

[Lucyfer]

Keres really ought to stop hoping for anything.

In a breath Keres knew her parents worshipped the God of Death, and learned they were dead. How fitting.

Yet, she'd started to imagine what they were like, what a reunion would be like. Were they worried about her? Did she have siblings? It seemed not. She was the only one left, per Sebastian. She didn't even want to know if siblings had ever been a thing.

Perhaps she didn't want to know anything at all.

“Oh.”

She let her gaze fall to her lap, and took in a deep breath.

Tears didn't form, but plenty of her energy just fled in the face of new sorrow she didn't even have the energy to confront. “I don't even recall them, but I was…hoping, all the same, for a reunion.” How silly. How naive.

~***~

Delano wasn't surprised by Lisette’s sudden interest. Displacer beats weren't common, after all, and thank goodness for that.

They were some of the few creatures that killed for sport.

“Yes, I've talked with one, and had to fight that same one,” he said, not at all sounding thrilled. “It decided to turn a village into it's hunting grounds, and it refused to leave the area.” The beast thought it would win the fight, and continue to have it's hunting grounds of beasts and humans alike. “They're some of the few creatures who hunt for sport and enjoy it. For that reason, you shouldn't want to encounter one. They're more difficult than most other creatures that exist to face because they have intentionally practiced the art of killing, so they can keep killing.”

Which was the terrifying part about them.

“I had to kill that beast. It wasn't easy,” he admitted, “I hope not to face another. Or, if I do, that they can be reasoned with,” he chuckled. “That may have been the most difficult beast I've fought.”

 

[cleopat]

Sebastian frowned at her reaction, wishing he could comfort her somehow. Comfort her in ways that their lack of familiarity would not allow just yet.

Draw her into his arms. Gently stroke her hair while allowing her to cry or show whatever emotions she needed to.

He did think to reach for her hands, before remembering what would happen. Instead, he reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, her barrier of clothing protecting him, and gently squeezed it. “I wish I knew what to say in this situation to make you feel better, but I admit, this is a first for more,” he chuckled, hoping the words would make her feel somewhat better.

“You may not get a reunion with them, but I’m certain there are others in your life who are missing you, and you will reunite with them when you get home and get those memories of yours restored,” he offered with a glimmer of hope.

~~~

“Oh don’t worry, I don’t plan on seeking out one of those beasts,” Lisette assured him, with his story being full proof as to why exactly. And she heard similar stories, of the displacer beast being an apt hunter, learning to play with its victim for sport.

And her father’s story still scared her of the beast many years later, and how the beast gave him a weak arm for the rest of his days.

“Despite the situation, it is reassuring to know of your abilities,” she said with a smile. Delano could truly fight if he could defeat a displacer beast like that, though she already knew of some of his skill from fighting off the bandits. He was quick on his feet, and had the strength to match.

It grew late, and she knew she needed to force herself to rest, even if sleep didn’t come immediately for her. And she needed to let Delano finish what he needed before sleep as well.

But first, “I know Idrano hired you to protect him, but could you keep an eye on anything…suspicious for me? Between Keres’ memory loss and portal creating tressym, there’s obviously something very concerning happening where we can’t see.” It had truthfully been something she had been worried about since coming across Keres and the bloody scene, with the random appearance of her tressym and Delano unable to understand it

 

[Lucyfer]

Keres didn’t have the same hopes as Sebastian. It seemed she was only finding enemies in her past, and she hardly knew who they were, or why they were. What had her family done? What had she done? She didn’t know.

“I…appreciate the optimism,” Keres wasn’t sure she did, right then. Perhaps later she’d appreciate it, but right then, she didn’t really feel much of anything except that empty hollow of the unknown.

A hollow that seemed to be filling with corpses and enemies.

He probably was right. One wasn’t born into a governorship, after all. “Likely more later,” she confessed as she did shift to grant him a wane smile, before she’d shift to rise. She couldn’t move his hand, but she imagined he’d get the hint.

This was all too much.

Again.

“I think I ought to try sleep again. I hope that yours will not be plagued by nightmares when you return to it yourself.”

~***~

Delano snorted at the request, “Do you think I mentioned the tressym’s talents for fun?” Obviously, he was keeping watch on things. He didn’t need to be asked. “The safety of Idrano, means safeguarding the encampment. “I understand Lady Keres has had something traumatic happen to her, but that doesn’t mean she gets the benefit of the doubt for being…innocent, or wholly safe. Nor does her tressym.”

The tressym especially, but given it was tied to Keres, it could have an influence on the situation if it was some sort of familiar. He didn’t know.

He didn’t fully trust she wasn’t somehow behind that massacre. If not her, then the tressym – but she was involved as more than a victim, even if she couldn’t remember. And she couldn’t – he’d grant it. Maybe she wasn’t even in control of it; she certainly didn’t seem to know how to fight when bandits showed up.

“But regardless – my eyes remain open for any strange happenings.” Whether or not he reported them all was another matter. Doubting Keres didn’t seem to go over too well with the others, except Idrano.

At least Idrano thought there was something a bit strange about all this.

 

[cleopat]

Sebastian wouldn’t call out Keres on anything. He could tell she still didn’t feel…the cheeriest about her situation, and he couldn’t blame her. Anyone in her situation would be the same way.

He took the hint she gave him, and before he moved his hand off her shoulder, he gave it a gentle squeeze in comfort and reassurance. “Just remember that we will be here for you through all of this.” A brief pause. “I will be there.”

He was still her fiance, but whether or not she wanted to continue that arrangement after all of this remained to be seen. He rather hoped so, but in the end, Keres would decide what was best for herself.

“But I like your idea of trying to sleep again. I shall do that as well. Good night, Keres.” Sebastian rose from his seat, and lifted a hand to brush a few strands of her hair away from her face before departing for his tent for another attempt at some rest.

~~~

Lisette frowned a bit at Delano’s attitude, but she said nothing, opting to allow herself the excuse that it was late, and they all were needing some rest after the excitement of the day.

And she understood his reasoning. Keres shouldn’t be overlooked simply because of her status and her trauma. Something big happened, and somehow she was involved, whether willingly or not.

There were many questions left to be asked.

Not to mention, that tressym scared her. Was the Lady Keres keeping a pet like that all this time?

Lisette nodded, “Thank you.” She accepted the answer for now. Anything else would be best to discuss later. “I think for now, we should both get some rest, and hope that tomorrow isn’t as exciting as today.” With that, she bid him good night with a small smile before heading off to her tent to try and attempt some sleep.

 

[Lucyfer]

Night came and went for the royal party, and as day came, they packed up to continue on the journey to Siventen, to investigate the attacks there. No attacks came in the night, nor did any seem to plague them as they continued on to the town that day. The tressym, though it may have unnerved Delano, did nothing strange other than ride with Keres, fearless of the horse.

A horse that Delano had mentioned was afraid of Keres.

At least, he’d mentioned it to Idrano, though not Lisette.

“The steed senses something amiss with her. It likened it to death. More than the mere scent of the slaughter.”

Not that the horse reacted to it in any truly notable way, other than being more timid, more easily startled – not to a gallop or rearing, but it was obvious it was held under her more by fear of what would happen if it did not obey, despite Keres seeming to give it no reason to fear otherwise.

‘There’s something more to this.’

But it was a mystery that would not be solved before they reached Siventen, a large enough city on the border, with a protected archway where, blessedly, they did not have to join a line of caravans waiting for entry into Siventen.

One of the town guards approached the party as they drew close, horsed himself, and sought Lisette amongst them, “Your Grace,” he greeted warmly, “we were sent word of your arrival. We appreciate your personal arrival, and have secured the Wyrm’s Fire Inn for your use. I would be happy to guide you to it that you may stow your belongings and rest your horses, before you make your way to your business, if you would like, your grace,” he offered, and would indeed show the way if it was accepted to where the party could begin to set up for their stay in Siventen while working to resolve the mystery.

 

[cleopat]

The night didn’t bring much sleep to several members of the party, but the next morning, everyone packed up and continued onto their journey to Siventen, where the promise of an actual bed and even a warm bath encouraged some to get through the day.

The journey was blissfully uneventful like the previous day, and soon the party was greeted by the guarded gates of the city, and a town guard approached Lisette, who stood behind Ivan. She gave a polite smile to the guard as he welcomed her into the city, not at all unaware of the looks people in the caravans waiting to get into the city were giving her.

Actual royalty was right there!

“Thank you for welcoming us to your city. I think we would like to be taken to the inn first.” They had been traveling for some time that day, and anything they needed to do in the city would be best if they didn’t have all of their belongings accompanying them.

Lisette couldn’t stop thinking about sleeping in an actual bed that night.

“Please, lead the way,” she encouraged with a motion of her hands, and the guard happily obliged. He and another guard led them forward, and the party followed behind. Several people stopped to stare at the party, some recognizing that they must be important guests, and others recognizing the princess.

 

[Lucyfer]

Idrano felt the looks upon them, but he paid it no mind. He kept his gaze forward as he rode through the town behind the guard who took them towards the Wyrm’s Fire Inn. It was a rather large inn, but also one of the more luxurious ones, evidenced enough by the outside gilding, and the large chimney that likely fed a decent fireplace within. There were already stable hands and others standing outside, prepared to help see people to their rooms, handle the horses, and carry baggage.

Idrano had no issues dismounting and handing the reins off to one of the stable hands, before going to get his own baggage so he could make sure his things made it to his room. He assumed there would be enough for everyone in the party to have their own room, and he could see the innkeeper doing a tally as he and his wife approached Lisette. “Your Grace,” he greeted, “I am Marlo, and this is my wife, Brenya,” he introduced, “we would like to welcome you to our humble inn. We have enough space that every one of your companions may have a room of their own.”

He sounded a bit relieved by that. He hadn’t known the number of people arriving, exactly.

“We have reserved a suite room for yourself, and have Duke Ramont’s room across the hall, but if there are other preferences you have to be near your room, only say the word,” he imagined she would want her guards near at hand, and was prepared to make sure they were escorted to the proper rooms.

Duke Ramont was, of course, the only other noble that they knew to be accompanying the princess; they knew of Idrano, but as he held no noble title, they did not consider giving him better than a standard room. Paladins were humble, right?

Delano didn’t even register, and of course, they knew nothing of Keres.

Delano did hear those words and sighed in some relief that they’d all have their own rooms. He’d sidled up next to Idrano, “And here I thought I’d have to share with you,” a small joke, and Idrano did chuckle.

“We’ll see if we can’t keep you near, anyways,” Idrano murmured, though it seemed Lisette had control of placement.

Keres, who dismounted on her own even though a hand was offered to her, and she had gloves on. She had seen a temple to Nakar on the way to this inn, and that small bit of information Sebastian had given her last night, had her all but wanting to dart off to it immediately, but she supposed she ought to be patient and get things sorted out, as Asphox shifted from her shoulder to her arms.

“Your luggage?” one of the staff asked Keres, and she gave a half-hearted, awkward smile, as she shook her head. “No, it’s fine, I can carry it! I don’t mind.”

“I…don’t have any,” she felt her face flushing red with that admittance, and his apparent confusion at that. ‘When will this stop?’ When she got home. When she got something to carry with her besides the tressym.

 

[cleopat]

Upon their approach to the inn, Lisette dismounted her horse, along with everyone else, so the stable hands could take their horses to the stables, with other staff members handling their baggage with care. She greeted the innkeeper and his wife with a polite nod and greeting, before he continued on to talk about their rooms.

She gave a quick glance at her party to figure out what changes needed to be made before their belongings were brought to their rooms. “We do have one unexpected guest who joined us recently, the Lady Keres, who will need a room close to mine and Sebastian’s.” She had assumed that’s where Keres would want to be placed, instead of somewhere further and next to someone she hadn’t spoken to yet, or next to someone who still held their suspicions about her.

“I also would like Ivan close by.” She pointed out the experienced royal guard, who gave a quick wave to the innkeeper. “Other than that…” she hummed in thought, before continuing, “I believe Idrano and Delano would want their rooms near one another.” Delano was hired to protect Idrano after all. It made sense for them to be near one another.

If anyone protested their rooms, well, they wouldn’t be in the town for long, depending on how things went.

“Of course!” Marlo said without batting an eye. He was, of course, surprised by the addition of Lady Keres. He didn’t know the name too well, but her title used by the princess said enough. “If you would please follow me.” The other workers helped gather their belongings, and the party followed Marlo and his wife inside the inn.

“And of course if there’s anything you need during your stay, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of us,” Brenya said.

 

[Lucyfer]

As the party began to move inside, Keres was able to escape the awkward situation of having no luggage for the moment. Marlo pointed out rooms to various people, mostly the guards brought along, before he got to Idrano and Delano, who he gave rooms besides each other.

Neither protested this.

They then made it to the suite area, which was indeed just four rooms. Sebastian, Keres, Lisette, and Ivan were given those rooms, and keys given to them, as they had been to the previous members of the party.

Keres had half a mind to just dive into her room and stay there, but the pull of the Temple of Nakar called to her. That, and she knew she still ought to actually speak with Lisette about acquiring the necessities of travel, so that she was not dependent on the princess’s wardrobe.

So, she only tested her key to make sure it worked, and tried to drop Phoxy in the room.

Phoxy, of course, was having none of that and walked right back out, and jumped right back onto her shoulder, claws a bit more painful in their grip.

Idrano and Delano were not parted from the group for long; Idrano made a point to follow so he knew where Lisette was, but also, as the innkeeper and his wife dispersed, to step in and ask, “Do we have an agenda for today?” as Lisette had not provided it last night, wanting to dwell on other matters.

He’d rather know if he should prepare to relax, or prepare for business.

 

[cleopat]

Sebastian was pleased enough with the arrangements. He thanked the innkeepers and the staff as they dropped off his baggage in his suit, a decently sized room. Bigger than what he thought they would get.

He walked back out of the room just in time to see Keres’ tressym deciding to not wanting to stay in her suit, but instead jumping back up to perch on the woman’s shoulder. He gave the creature an amused glance as he approached Keres. “It seems she does not wish to be a mere house tressym,” he said.

Sebastian still wasn’t sure if the tressym was entirely normal. Something seemed off. Or maybe it was entirely normal, and he was imagining things.

“Aside from getting you some clothes, you may have a lot of downtime while here.” He didn’t think she would be joining in on the investigations and interviews with Lisette. “Did you have any desires while you are visiting this city?”


Lisette briefly talked to the innkeeper and his wife for a moment, and when they left, she made her way to check out her suite, and to ensure there was nothing else she needed for the time being.

She didn’t even make it to her door before she was stopped by a question from Idrano. “The first thing I wish to do is to make sure Lady Keres has clothes and any basic items she may need for traveling.” There was no telling how long that errand would take. It could be an hour, or it could take the remainder of the day.

So it was easy to figure out their agenda for the day. “So for today, relax and enjoy all that the city has to offer. Tomorrow we will begin our investigation at the local Zerah temple.”

 

[Lucyfer]

No, Phoxy did not want to be a house tressym. Perhaps Keres should have known that if she brought it to meet Sebastian, though. Still, she could only sigh in defeat as he drew attention to it, and it just sat upon her shoulder, looming high and looking upon the mere mortals around in disdain.

“I saw there was a temple to Nakar,” Keres said, “I thought I might visit, since my parents worshipped him.”

Phoxy perked at this.

Then hissed in agitation at the idea and hopped from her shoulder, to the ground, going into a lecture in a huffy, spitting way, as he paced the ground, tail flicking, feathers ruffled.

“What, you don't like Nakar? He gives you nine lives, you know,” Keres chided, obviously not understanding what Phoxy was really saying. “You don't have to come, you can stay here.”



Delano, close enough to bear witness to the tressym situation, couldn't help but frown deeply at that unholy language spilling from the beast. It was definitely intelligent. It was definitely aware of what was being said, and seemed to think Keres understood it – but she didn't.

Maybe, before her memories left her….

But it seemed they had nothing to do that day. Lisette was distracted by the needs of their new companion.

Idrano didn't argue this, but nodded, and Delano felt certain he'd use the time to make sure nothing pointing to Pyrrha was found. “I thought as much, but I wanted to make sure before I stepped out.”

Delano spoke up, “If you don't think you'll hang need of my services while you're out, I could accompany her grace?”

Idrano had no issues with that. He quite preferred it. “By all means,” he inclined his head, “it's out in the wilds I need your service. If her grace will have you, that is,” Idrano wouldn't force it.

Delano shifted his attention to Lisette, smiling, though he didn't think she'd decline. She had her concerns about the tressym who was, apparently, tagging along. That seemed reason enough for him to go.

 

[cleopat]

Sebastian looked down at Phoxy in slight bemusement as he voiced his displeasure at the idea of Keres visiting Nakar’s temple. “It seems he definitely didn’t like that idea.” It even seemed that he understood exactly what they were saying. Sure, tressyms were intelligent creatures, but that intelligent?

What did Phoxy have against visiting the temple of Nakar?

He focused his attention back on Keres. “I think that would be a wonderful idea. Maybe it could even help jog some memories.” He could be hopeful! “Would you like some company to the temple? I completely understand if you don’t.” While they were, or technically are, engaged, and they still had much to learn about one another, he didn’t want to force her to spend any more time with him than she already did on the road.

Maybe she even wanted some time away from everyone.


Lisette had also been distracted by the tressym’s behavior, though not understanding it was speaking an unknown language like Delano did. The way he gouged out the eyes of that bandit still haunted her memories.

She quickly refocused back on the two men. “You have the rest of today to do as you please,” she confirmed for Idrano. She silently hoped he would get a head start on asking around at the temples and desecrated sites, but if she wasn’t going to do any of that for the remainder of the day, she felt as if she couldn't ask the same of him.

Delano requested to accompany her, which Lisette did not expect. She nodded at him, “Her grace would like that.” A slight smirk appeared on her face, as she lightly teased the men for the formal manner they were speaking around her. It was typical, but sometimes she wished formalities were lowered, especially among those traveling together.

Oh wouldn’t that cause some intense gossip if someone in the Royal Court overheard someone of lower status call Lisette by her actual name. The entertainment that would bring!

“I am somewhat surprised though that you would willingly accompany two women on a mission to buy clothes.” The smile never faded.