Calm Before The Storm

The die was cast and the guards were alert. Things were in Vaelric's hands, now. 

"A judge, you say..." Vaelric considered Itsuki's words. "What brings this judge to Velmoria, then. Have we earned the ire of the gods?"

"I can't speak for gods," Itsuki admitted. "Our current destination is the city of Evermere. A group of your scouts intercepted us while we were camping nearby."

"I see. Mind sharing what draws your attention to Evermere?"

"When I came to this world, there were two others with me. I believe that one - if not both - might be there. Your people suggested that there were supplies here that could make that journey easier, assuming you were willing to allow that."

Vaelric listened intently as his gaze pried into Itsuki. Nothing escaped his eyes, and his expression seemed to shift with every word based on how truthful Itsuki was being. Perhaps he was able to read minds? 

Either way, lying was a pointless endeavor at this point. 

Vaelric seemed to finish his analysis. He slowly rocked forward and stood from his throne. The air in the room changed yet again. The guards were ready to respond to whatever command Vaelric decided to give. 

"Prepare them a feast in the dining hall," Vaelric announced. "They are to be our esteemed guests, and I have much to discuss with them. They are under my protection until otherwise noted."

The entire room was left speechless. Vaelric said nothing else, and began towards one of the hallways off to the side of the main foyer. Once it was clear he was done, the guards dispersed. 

"There is a guest chamber that has a resting area and a bath," Alarak explained as he came closer. "I can escort you there and make sure proper attire is brought for your banquet."

"Is this the outcome you expected?" Itsuki couldn't help but ask. 

"I can't say it is, but I'm relieved it didn't have to end with bloodshed. Humans may think us savage, but we must consume them for nutrition. If humans could get past that, I think they'd find that we are typically more civilized than they are."

***

It wasn't until Itsuki rested and relaxed that he realized how much his body ached. 

Over the last couple of hours, he had gotten a chance to take a real bath. It was a medieval-style basin that somehow drew hot water through a magical rune. Yuna explained to him that runes were commonplace to achieve certain magical abilities. 

Itsuki wasn't even aware that this world had magic up until that point. 

After taking a bath and receiving fresh clothes, he had chosen to sit and relax on the small couch within their guest area. While Yuna had her bath, he simply took some time to process everything. 

Since the time he had arrived in the Fallen Lands, he hadn't gotten a chance to breathe. He was either escaping prison, traveling across the lands, or negotiating with vampires. One small chunk of time wasn't enough to unpack everything, but it was at least a nice change of pace. 

"I'm coming in."

Itsuki turned to see that Yuna was coming out of the washroom. 

--Oh, wow...

He had met Yuna as a slave, and it's not like Brightmoor had a meaningful way to bathe. He had thought she was cute, but he had underestimated how much the dirt and disheveled look had impacted her appearance. 

With a full bath, her hair cleaned and brushed, and a non-ragged outfit on. She was stunning. 

"Is everything alright?" Yuna asked. "Do I have something on me still?"

"N...no, you're good."

Itsuki turned his face away to hide his own blush. He collected himself by the time Yuna had come over to sit next to him. 

"You're impressive, Itsuki," Yuna noted. "I don't think I could've handled this situation the way you did. I thought the only option was to fight, but you ended up being right to try for diplomacy."

"I only seem right because we're not dead yet," Itsuki assured her. "Any of my decisions could've gone the other direction, and then we'd likely be dead."

"But we're not dead," Yuna smiled. "Still, I'm having a hard time dropping my guard..."

"You'd be stupid if you were able to drop it that quickly. There's nothing stating that we aren't the main dish of this 'feast' that's getting prepared."

Itsuki watched as Yuna shivered at the thought. Now that she was closer, he could better see that her skin was paler than usual. Her eyes also had dark circles under them. Itsuki began thinking through her situation.

--She hasn't had a chance to sleep. She was on-guard duty when the vampires approached. It's been almost 48 hours for her...

"For a little while, though, we are safe," he noted. "There's no one else in here, and they aren't supposed to be back for a bit. For now, letting your guard down and relaxing is okay."

"Right..."

Itsuki let silence take over. He continued to ponder what would come next, but he did so only in his mind. He did not want Yuna to be anxious and restless the whole time. 

It took Yuna a bit to finally unwind. Once she did, the fatigue was immediate. She slumped over towards Itsuki, falling asleep on his shoulder. 

The initial contact make Itsuki tense. He glanced at her as she lay there. He had not been this close to a girl before. Even Amane had never been that comfortable around him. It was doubly impressive that Yuna had done so given her past and how guarded she typically was. 

If nothing else, it showed how much she trusted him. He couldn't help but smile, and returned to his thoughts so she could rest peacefully. 

***

The hours of quiet bliss seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. Before Itsuki knew it, night had descended once again on Velmoria.

A knock on the door returned Itsuki to reality. Yuna stirred, then blushed and sat up straight once she realized she had been laying on him. itsuki simply chuckled. 

"Come in," he called out once he knew Yuna was composed. 

The door opened and Alarak entered, as expected. His face had filled back out and his strength seemed to have rebounded with the absence of the sun. He still had a sword on his side, but his robed attire from earlier had been replaced with a more regal suit of leather armor. It was dyed a dark crimson and screamed 'regal vampire' just like the Baron's outfit.

"The feast is ready," Alarak announced. "Please gather your things so we can head to the dining hall. Baron Vaelric has some information to share over dinner."

"Oh?" Itsuki asked as he stood. "Anything specific"

"He noted it should prove helpful," Alarak replied. "It would, however, potentially prove deeply disturbing..."