The Twins of the Grey [CLOSED]

[DalishiousElf]

Barkspawn's loud growls at the door caused Hazel Cousland to stir from her sleep. She pushed back the long strands of hair wrapped around her face, eyelids fluttering against her adjusting eyes. There was an unusual light shining in from underneath the door. It was odd to have even servants awake at these hours.


Hazel collapsed back down onto her pillow with a groan. "What are you doing, dog?"


Her furry companion looked at her, expression softening as he whined. Impatient for a response, he returned his attention back on the door. The growl returned, more menacing than previously. The annoyance of the sound pulled Hazel from the comfort of her bed.


"I swear Barkspawn, if you're causing this fuss over a mouse i'm going to--"


Hazel clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle her speech, the murmuring outside of her chambers unfamiliar and unsettling. They did not sound like any guard in her Castle. Perhaps it was one of Arl Howe's men? The thought brought her little comfort.


There was a rustling sound of torn fabric and a struggle, then a muffled scream rang out through the hall. Hazel stumbled back. What was going on?


Hurrying toward her chest of armour, Hazel struggled on her leathers with shaking hands. She grabbed her the gold-lined blow from its mantle and a few arrows that laid unused on the dresser before creaking open the door to peek at the surroundings. There were two men, nothing she couldn't handle.


Hazel threw open the door. "Sick 'em, dog."


Barkspawn leaped at one of the armed men. Hazel readied her bow, aiming it at the other's heart before releasing. He fell to the floor, blood pooling around him. A voice caught her attention. Hazel spun, aiming another arrow at the man approaching.


"Phillip!" She let out a breath of air. "You startled me."

 

[Corzycatmeow]

"Hazel!" Phillip ran toward his sister dropping his steel sword and hugged her tightly. "Thank the Maker they haven't harmed you."


Phillip quickly released his sister when he heard the loud stomping of soldiers coming from behind him. He grabbed his sword and readied his shield for what sounded like two more soldiers. As the rounded the corner, Phillip smashed the first one in the chest with his Cousland crest shield before quickly slashing the second one across the torso. He turned back to the first soldier and impaled the man through the gut.


He looked down at the crest on the soldier's armour. "Howe's men?" Phillip asked confused. Had Howe betrayed his family?


Phillip turned back to his sister, "Have you seen mother or father?"

 

[DalishiousElf]

Howe? Hazel's heart sank down into her stomach.


"This...this can't be happening," She mumbled beneath her breath, fingers clutching at the cold stone wall for stability. Her eyes lingered on the dead man before her, bloodied but recognizable. Hazel had sat next to him just that evening during their meal. The Howe's were their allies, how could they...? Hazel's gaze returned to her brother, mouth pulled into a taut line. "Not since supper."


Murmuring and the clanging of metal interrupted their conversation. Hazel spun and readied her bow without hesitation, arrow pointed at the source of the sound. Barkspawn growled at her feet. "Show yourselves!" Hazel shouted into the void. Revealing their presence was a risk if the Howe's were truly out for their heads, but it was one Hazel was forced to take.


Two men entered the hall, swords raised threateningly toward the twins. Their expressions told a different story--one of guilt and sorrow. Hazel bit at her lip to hide a smirk. She could use this to her advantage. One took a daring step toward Hazel. His voice shook as he spoke, "Lower your weapons!"


Hazel adjusted her grip on the bow. "If you leave now, I will spare your life. Otherwise you will die. Right at my feet. You will never see your families again."