8

                       VIII

I’m terrified…I’m finally terrified

Eshmel stared at the ceiling, tarping over from his room. Sunk in the plush of his bed, thick blue sheets wrapped over till his neck. Sonorous clangs leaked through the glass doors, the Sundry of whistles bleeding into each other. The Bellwhips…they’d begun to sway their branches.

Daylight.

And he was still in bed. Holding it back. His chest felt crushed…was it really just the blankets? Perhaps the sheets were new - new ones came and went nearly everyday. Of course, obviously…now that winter had come and-

I’m going to die? Die…what-

“No I-I have Ivandoliria, for gods sake…I've finally got funding from nearly every kingdom to distribute to the guilds…its only a matter of time before they reduce prices for layman commissions - thousands of lives will be saved-*

No eyes. She had no eyes.

Shivering, he bit his lip.

“... n-no assassin’s ever going to…I’m being an idiot…”

Eshmel scoffed, panting raggedly. These sheets were seriously too tight. Or heavy.

Goddamn Mom Chamber’s too traumatising…did they really have to- okay, what is wrong with this blanket?

Flinging up his arms, he groped around for the bed head. His fingers brushed against the wood, spilling around for a ledge to wedge into - his gauntlet scraping into the bark as it slipped into a gap.

Sucking in his breath, Eshmel clenched his jaw as straining his biceps inward. His muscles burned as he sluggishly hauled away, shivering in effort.

“You…good for nothing...measley arms…do something for once…ohhh-ow-ow-ow…ow ow...shit- I think I sprained it…come on…what is WRONG what this…blanket?”

A peak rose beneath the sheets. Between his legs.

Uhh…woah…that’s-

“Hah!?”

The peak slipped to the right, slowly wagging up, before swinging back left.

His whole body was tight…under-

Flexing his gauntlet, he drew it to his chest, other hand closing towards the hem of the blanket.

Whoever it is, they should still be disorientated

Eshmel snapped his gauntlet’s fingers, a soft clink ringing out as a chill creeped through the air - specks of green frost shivering into the air, hovering over the finger he notched out - each flake braiding into a thin emerald needle.

…okay-

His fingers gripped the edge, and tossed the blanket away.

…she’s back…she’s back

He sank back in bed.

…now you come?

Sucking in his breath shakily, Eshmel gently blanketed back the girl sleeping blissfully against his chest. The peak wagged hypnotically, slowly settling down near his legs - her soft, feathery tail, gently coiling over his legs. Sigh plodding out, his arms fell down, a little smile drinking into his lips.

He’d taken his little peak - soft velvet ears poking off her choppy auburn tresses -, twitching gently as her birch-flooded features flickered mid-sleep. She’d slipped into his bed again, body curled around him as she thrashed around gently, in the land of her dreams. like all the way back then.

His mercenary, his loyal knight…she was back…right beside him. Right here. Right now.

Slipping his unarmoured hand under the blanket, he gently stroked her head - the ice over his gauntlet shattering as he waived it away.

“...h-hahh…”

Eshmel sniffed, a tear tracing down his cheek.

…34 days…and 33 nights

“...mhmm...Esh?”

The sheets stirred, the weight over his body vapouring away as the sheets shifted. Slowly, she peeked her head out from the tent of his risen-in blanket. Supple, crimson eyes blinking leisurely, as they traced up his body.

“Eshmel…what’s wrong?”

“...not one thing, Salene…how’s…how’re you holding?”

Salene leaned closer, her palms hesitantly caressing over his cheeks as she wiped his tear away.

“Eshmel…how much have you eaten the past few days? You look…”

“...well…my appetite has rather shrivelled as of recent-”

Wait…if she doesn’t know then-

“S-sir Henfri has some really weird…”

Her pupils drew thin, gaze immediately darkening.

“Eshmel…don’t you dare - I’ve heard exactly what you’ve been up to, and…rest assured…I’ve lashed them again and again, all through the night… the band of pathetic ‘backup’ soldiers I left to care for you…and your filthy, worthless brothers…”

She licked her lips, eyes half lidding in glee as she looked outside, chin settling on her knee.

“...have been reminded how thin my patience is…when it comes to you - yes, yes…don't worry”

Eshmel gulped, fists clenching.

“...hyperbolically?”

Salene pursed her lips, looking back blankly. This feeling…it was only when she got like this - he couldn't move an inch.

“I heard from Queen Belura…how you locked yourself in here afterwards...so I whipped them…stabbed them…made them bleed until they reached death’s door…could I do less for you, Melly…? Don’t worry…for your brothers, I just gave a little…”

Her eyes flicked away, smile lapping into her lips, as her fingers lifted to his jaw, rolling back as she smirked softly-

“...lovetap...they’ll live…Melly…they’ll all live…If I killed anyone…someone might find some nonsensical…I don't even know what, but they'd pull your name down. I won't let them. So I held myself back…you know I like holding back when you want it, Melly…that pain too is…for you”

…We were past this - we passed this!!

“...S-Salene..humans aren’t so-”

“Hey-hey…Eshmel…”

Eyes quickly brightening, Salene smiled sweetly, her tail flashing behind, as she held his chin up - Eshmel shivered as she leaned blew gently, finger catching his neck.

“...you have healers, so many wonderful healers - everything’s within your customs legality, too! everything's fine…those pricks will be back in no time, unfortunately, I promise...hehe…finally seeing your pretty, baby neck again - it really hasn't changed at all…”

What exactly did she do with Jald and the others? No - please…She’s not…she can’t be gone!

Clearing his throat, Eshmel folded his legs, sitting up straight-

“...W-what, does beastkin anatomy change overnight?”

Tilting her head, Salene chuckled - hold on his chin firming as she drew closer-

“...Careful, now. You're 10 times cuter angry, you know? Hahh...it’s all for you, Melly. I can’t stand them leaving you like this. Is it a little annoying? That’s okay, too……if I just can’t do it right…”

Hand passing fully to his cheek, Salene pulled beside his head - warm breath spraying on his ears-

“...you can take all the time in the world…taking it out on me-”

“S-Salene!”

She chuckled, pulling away slightly as she looked at him. His arms…his muscles were softening.

“Sorry, sorry…it's been a long time, you know? Seeing you like this…it's so addicting!”

“...I'm having the door locked in advanced, next time”

“...Is that so? Guess that's another thing I'm punching through! Mhmm…you’re so warm when you wake up…just like this. No ice…no Wraith…just my little, cuddly sunshine…wait, what’s this? Your heartbeat…”

Leaving his chin, she gently set him back in bed - gazing down at him suspiciously-

“Eshmel…did something else happen?”

“...Not really, no”

Salene tilted her head, a curl teasing her lips.

“...You know, sometimes, I think back a bit…when the acts of your filthy, worthless brothers were mine once…I wanna hurt myself-”

She's baiting me. She’s baiting me.

Salene brushed her thumb below his eyes, smile softening as she glanced over to his brow.

“Shh-shh-shh…don’t frown. Your voice, Eshmel…your words…even through everything, I can tell…I can smell your heart, Melly - always finding ways to see people better, giving chances to the sinners who deserve none - my adorable princess…you’re not as cold as you need to be…and neither are you ruthless enough to bestow unshakably your values among your kin…but so be it. Melly…if you want it...want to change your kingdom…pave it the way you want…I’ll slaughter the bleating sheep in your way…any sheep…all of them”

…I was a fool! Why did I send you?

She suddenly tugged out his finger - eyes patting shut as she sniffed it deeply-

“...how do you smell so good? Let’s see…books…It’s amazing…”

“H-How would I know? You’re the stalking pervert!”

…is she…?

Salene chuckled breathily, her tail bristling as curled beside him - velvet fur pumping liquidly against his chest, as she stroked down the finger’s arm-

“...that’s right…I’m your naughty doggy!”

“Stop framing it like - you're not a dog!”

Blowing gently on his finger, her crimson eyes rolled back open-

“...You already know I can track anything, or anyone-”

Rolling the finger against her palm, she notched it out - letting it fall horizontal, pointing out the window-

“...so point a place…want a head…and let this knight - your only filthy dog…let her loose-”

“F-FINE! I-I was lying, o-okay? I'm…not fine”

…Did it work?

Salene stared at him.

One second.

Two.

…please-

Face breaking into sneer, Salene reached out, tapping his nose - Crimson eyes clearing out. His arms…they'd freed up.

“Done playing hard to get already? Mhmm…that's too mean! You should tease me too, you know?”

Eshmel sighed in relief, eyes falling over.

…thank Nimiume…she’s a little more childish than usual, but closing back to what we had before. I’ll have to assess the damage myself later but…

“...You do enough for the both of us, Salene”

“Hah? You sound more mature too”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?!”

“Do you want me to spell it out? No way! So - what is it that you're hiding from your Moms this time?”

Breath catching still, Eshmel’s eyes snapped open.

…that nightmare.

“...it's nothing like that..not at all”

Eyes quickly flitting into his, she scanned his face for any hint of farce…sneer falling away as it came empty.

“...Eshmel?”

…I can…I can tell you, can't I?

“...I-If…If you met the Angel of death in your dream…”

“...you saw her? Riekerya? From what you said earlier she’s never come before a human, even in dreams…not since Djorinne…did she…Eshmel?”

Eshmel glanced at the ceiling, before arcing his back over - her hands falling off his back as he sat up, curling his legs in.

“…I just…I don’t know…it’s…forget it- I’m fine…”

She slid her palm to his chin over his, fingers clasping into his as she dragged her bosom up his arm - sitting up beside him as she leaned against the bed head.

“...Melly, please - don't run away from it…don’t lock it out. If it's something like that…you have to work through it slowly. Okay? I'm right here…”

What’s the point of…

Eshmel glanced at Salene. She was looking at him earnestly, eyes lidded naturally at last. He pursed his lips, fingers gripping the sheets as his gaze fell low.

“...she was sitting…looking at me, sitting down - like she was cradling something. Ash black, Shrivelled. Eyeless…”

Her image had already washed away…nothing left but the scarred out haze of her shrouded figure. Nothing to remember hearing, but his own blood thrashing raggedly when he woke up, sweat slicking his skin as he lay still for hours, wide awake in the dead of night.

Fear.

“...Eshmel?”

The wind. I’m the wind.

“...There’s not a single reason that I’m that important to Riekerya, that she would visit me personally. To her, I’m just another human boy who isn’t Djorinne. I stared too long at her portrait, and I had a bad dream - that’s it. Well, in any case…it’s assuring that you’re…”

Goddamn it…again…why can’t I just…

He exhaled sharply, gulping his throat loose.

…wind..wind, wind-

His chin lifting, Eshmel felt Salene pulling him closer - closer to her bright, blood-wed eyes, feigning a little smile for him. Passing her hand to her side, she pulled out a golden collar - pressing the thing in his hand.

“...why do you keep selling yourself so short, Melly? Hmm…could it be…you want my attention that bad?”

“Heck No.”

Salene grinned, pressing the collar deeper in his palm.

“...you’re still using ‘heck’...it’s so cute, you know?”

The chain had soaked in her warmth, heat thrumming into his skin beneath its press on his palm. Engraved font wrapped around width, glittering in the torch-light to his right.

Leraiẏeth Saridus…

Her eyes rolled up half lidded as she suspired, shrugging away her auburn tresses, leaning up her chin.

“...Melly…put it back on, won't you?”

Eshmel glanced back to the collar, finger hovering over the font.

…how can you enjoy this?

Fingers rigid as he curled them over the metal, he unbuckled the collar - then reaching out to her neck, he gently curved around the metal braid around her neck, swiping his finger in between them as he measured the length out.

“…yes…just like that…you’re so good at this, see?”

Eshmel sighed, running the braid through the hoop at last, and clicking the collar shut. The metal hummed around her neck as he let it go, facing her. Salene looked back, smiling warmly as she fingered the metal - iridescent shimmers swimming into her ears and tail, as their grey drank into a metallic chrome.

…and-

White pores drifted into her chromed out tail and ears - settling down in grids over every inch of those features. Then quivered slightly. The first pore burst, followed by the next, and then another, rippling out through the grid - blinding flashes bleaching her figure as Eshmel looked away, blinking out light.

“...you gave this to me, Melly…all the way back then…held me…like this”

Eshmel flinched slightly as her breath fell against him.

…is it done?

“...like I was one of you…even though you knew everything I did.”

“...that was not your…”

“Shhh…Eshmel…look at me…”

Eshmel opened his eyes, meeting her boring thin-slit eyes, auburn tresses leaking down in shaggy curls. No ears. No tail. Her humanised form, when they stepped outside. Incomplete.

“...I’ll reinstate worthy military standards in the men, now that I’m back…I’ll make sure that there’s no race of beings that can stand to Thalia…to you - Ill omens be damned…I won’t fail you…so please don't make that face, okay?”

“...you’ve never failed me, Salene”

She blinked slowly at him, smirking.

“...you’ve never let me…Hey, I know - let’s go out for a bit, mhm? I’ll draw you a bath. I smelled new snow coming on the way…what do you say to a little wind-charioting? Just to clear your head a little…”

“...Didn’t you just come a few hours earlier too? You should tuck in for a little longer”

“Aww! Don’t you worry - I’ve had my share while you were all tucked-in, cosy - I barely needed it, either way. What do you say?”

Eshmel sighed, shifting as he laid legs over the bed - herding back the frayed-out mop of his blonde hair.

“...let’s make it a long one”

~

They walked up the last flight of stairs, ramping up higher still towards sky dock plateauing up ahead; Wickerit domes loomed on either side in flickering blazes, towering over from the poles they sat spiked on - their embering frocks leaking the ebony steps lighter as they trekked up. Dawn bloomed dim mauve over the Thalian castle grounds, silence curing airlessly over the place.

Because only a psycho like Sir Henfri is up right now - how long do I have before ‘You call yourself a Lagoda?!’ gets back in session again?

“Eshmel…you don’t need to waste your time…”

“Hmm...sorry, what?”

Salene climbed up behind him, padding quietly by his rear.

“...I can have the chariot by your window in a few minutes - you don’t need to force yourself - you haven’t eaten properly in…”

…in…how long has it been - like two days?

“I’m fine…besides-”

Eshmel reached out behind, laying his arm around her waist.

“I have a feeling I really shouldn't be alone right now…even with Ivandoliria”

“...You’re pushing yourself already - we don’t have to go this fast either…”

Seems like you’ve calmed down a little too…’tis a feeling strong, to have my knight beside

Hauling over the last step at last, Eshmel panted, head craning up as hands pushed over his hips.

After 2 years of hero training - which entailed swordfighting from four to six in the morning - and getting belittled by a particularly crude-tongued man - and playing around with his favourite Wraith, his stamina was still very much trash. Which tracked just fine. He never was the ‘mannish’ type to begin with.

This mood…mhmm…truly ample for a Murevani-

Salene hissed - Eshmel flinching as she charged forward suddenly-

“Is that fool sleeping!?”

Geez…what’s the-

Salene touched his arm as she marched ahead on the sky dock. Eshmel’s gaze trailed after her as followed her stride, stringing along to a figure’s silhouette leaning against the pillars - arms crossed, feathered hat flitting in the air, as it stood still, chin leaned down.

“You there! Are you sleeping on duty?”

The figure jerked up, hands cracking up to a salute.

“N-no captain - absolutely not! Why would that-”

“Fifty lashings after you serve prince Eshmel. Ready the wind chariot at once - fetch your Beloires and be here in 3 minutes. That’s an order”

“U-uh…yes-at-once!”

Okay, that’s enough

The figure scampered behind the pillars, quickly tucking into the stables adjourning the port.

Eshmel clenched his fists, clearing his throat.

“Salene…that’s not going to happen”

Salene threw her head back, crimson eyes glowering - barred teeth sparsely sheathed.

“...Eshmel - your life is in danger. We need to kill who we can’t trust with it, than let these holes pepper our defense - now I see exactly how the gall for someone to ever go after your life festered in the first place…I will not have this insolence”

“So you would rather stave off their mendable potentials, and make these holes literal?”

Her gaze faltered, scattering around.

“...t-that’s not - your life is on the life here, Eshmel - you can’t-”

Eshmel palmed her cheek, pressing gently.

“Salene…I hope you can believe me, when I say I understand you. But remember your position now - you are the captain of the King’s guard - my knight, and I am Thalia’s prince. This kingdom is the place of the people of Thalia, but also the center point of the unification of humanity, after the fall of the Empire”

The knight’s gaze burned back into his, quivering slightly as it bore away into his eyes. Then dropped low, her fingers falling over his.

Getting through…

“I know your knighthood was my offer, and you know why. I know you, and you know me - there’s perhaps no one I trust more with my life than you…all the same, each man, woman and child is a person I pledged my life to, Salene. I will fear for my life…and I will defend it if I have to, but I will only course through this world while preserving his decree…for you know very well, much better than I or anyone in this kingdom, what the other kind of dominion brings about”

Eshmel bowed his head, meeting her eyes.

“...I will never stand to watch that again…I can’t. Salene…if nothing else…can I ask you to aid me wholly, so that no part of the Empire ever rises one more time?”

“...Melly…only you-”

“Captain, the Beloires are awake and ready to-”

“Leave!”

“Y-yes right away!”

Eshmel sighed, patting her cheek as he looked back at the figure hastily reeling away the trampling, ruffling silhouettes of the Beloires.

Tch…can’t even see them - can’t the Sun come up already?

“It’s quite alright, Hathel…I imagine we’ll be leaving right now”

“Eshmel…wait here for a bit”

He turned to Salene, finding her ‘you poor thing’ stare washing over him.

“What’s up?”

“You haven’t eaten anything - I’ll grab you a bite real quick. Stay here”

She nodded, before turning to Hathel.

“Watch him - if there’s so much as a scratch, I’ll cut out your tongue”

“Y-yes why would I ever…yes, I’ll-”

“Shut your mouth. And keep your eyes peeled - no more than a 2 meter radius from the prince”

Hathel twisted his hat up, saluting awkwardly as he stumbled towards Eshmel’s side.

Mutter under her breath, the knight turned right, feet clicking sharply as she stormed toward the pillars, slipping into the shadows.

Okay, prince of Thalia…now to break the ice…

“...Hathel…yo”

The man sighed deeply, turning to him.

“...Yo to you too, champ…how’s the feelings holding up?”

Eshmel patted his back, smiling as his eyes fell over to the chirping Beloires.

“...Well…I have a lot to think about. How are the girls?”

Hathel sighed, followed by his gaze. The animals pawed as the chariot, huffing sassily when the thing refused to budge.

“...yeah, well…they’re early birds, unlike us - or unlike me, I should say. You’re usually up around now, aren’t you?”

“Don’t remind me…I’m trying to avoid nightmares of any kind right now”

Chuckling, Hathel stroked his hat’s feather.

“Well, either way - didn’t get one wink of sleep…as is usual, when you’re sharing a room with these two sweethearts. Gotta love it”

“Tch…screw it all to hell, goddamnit! I wanna stay in the stables 24/7…”

“...Prince Jaldaror really robbed your ass big time, Eshmel…but still, it was you who stepped up right?”

Craning his head to the sky, Eshmel’s gaze poured over to the burning mauve. It bristled in radiance now, saffron seams lacing through its flesh.

“...pretty skies, huh?”

Hathel sighed, shaking his head.

“...kid, you’re past Volmeigher levels of slippery”

The true Thalians….titans of the frostmarsh

“...guess I’m just a slippery guy”

“You weren’t Eshmel…trust the guy who’s been watching you since you were twig tall - don’t know if it was the overdose of Murevani works, or that…girl”

“...Father’s sick and crippled ever since 2 years back, Hathel…how long will my mothers shoulder everything? If I leave it to Jaldaror…well - that’ll probably be a weirder story - but if it’s Edward or Ehemet, this place is coming down in flames in three days, and you know it”

“Heh…fair enough, kiddo”

Eshmel sighed deeply, hands crossing behind his back as he dropped his gaze to the floor.

The air just now…it was chilling up. Snow was coming.

“...I don’t know, Hathel…but maybe one day…when I find someone else…who’ll keep it all in check like Dad did…I can play all day with those guys - and the rest too, of course…assuming I’m not seventy by then”

“Animals will play with you even if you’re shrivelled up, Eshmel - you can count on that”

Eshmel jerked up suddenly, Hathel tapping his chest. Over his heart.

“They see you less, and smell this more. You know that, right?”

I do…I know

“Oh, right - how’s Ivandoliria? Haven’t seen the girl since you starting practicing with her”

“You’re make it sound like I’m actually being productive playing tag…yeah, she’s still as awesome as the first we both locked eyes and said: wow ”

“Did she now?”

“It’s in her eyes, Hathel…all that stuff about her in the books really weirds out still - the Divine Beast of Frost, such a sweet little girl? Please - are you telling me all my brothers actually tried getting to know her?”

“Yes, they did - how can I ever forget the goddamn squealing of royal personas that day…you’ve been able to draw her out more willingly than your father did in his 10 years as Hero…and you know why, right?”

“...we clicked good?”

“More, Eshmel. Much more…do you know what she sees you as?”

“...best buds?”

Hathel snorted loudly, coughing down a cackle. A wide grin cracked through his pale face as he glanced back, thin-eyed in glee.

“...y-you…really have no idea…do you?”

“W-what!?”

“...ahh..oh…this is just too good…no, no, I’m keeping this real close”

“Hathel…fill me in?”

“...for me to know, and you to find out, Ice prince”

Eshmel scoffed, folding his arms.

Glad to know my suffering’s lightening your mood

“So, kid…what’s on your mind today?”

“I’m trying to unmind, actually”

“...I see - well, whatever it is, a wind chariot throughout the kingdom outta clear it up - pity it ain’t light enough though. Won’t be for a while now - pretty pathetic visibility this time around”

“True, true…but I could use the air…and where better to find it than while swimming in the skies?”

“Cross my heart, kid - you got it”

He’s happier now, but-

“Hathel”

“Yep?”

…how should I even…?

“Salene…how bad was she?”

Hathel crossed his arms, gaze tracing to the pillars.

“She’s messed up, kid. Standards are way too brutal, even for a mercenary…heh, and to think, they accepted her that easily, because they were that desperate to get away from your duel master. Is it weird that those two get along?"

“They’re both really good at the whole…kicky-stabby thing...but wait - Hathel…did she…?”

“Nah. I was spared, thankfully - perks of being a stable boy! Can’t say the same for the other guys, though…and your brothers, I guess.”

“...she said she went easy on them.”

“Sure she did. The rooms must’ve been cleaned up by now, but I’m sure they had plenty of fun. Then again, they were trying to kill you, right? Even all the queenies got in on that action, I hear”

“That was an accident, as is the running theme with any of their game plans - I’m still looking into it. But Hathel, you know why she’s-”

“Kid, you don’t need to defend your knighting her. She’ll protect you with her life, better than any veteran soldier around here, by a long shot - even that geezer, Henfri…still, you really need to be…”

Eshmel raised his eyebrows as Hathel’s voice trailed off.

What’s with the…wait…the Bellwhips too…there’s no-

Eshmel snapped his gaze to Hathel…his lips were still-

They’re moving!? How is it still-

“H-hathel you’re-”

“-is all I’m saying…what?”

The Bellwhip’s song sunk back into the air, sonorous chimes flitting in the dawn breeze.

…what the hell?

“Oi! What’s with the frown? Eshmel?”

Did I just…?

“N-no…I’m not…little tired…I think”

Hathel patted his back gently.

“ It’s okay - standing for this long was never your thing, right? You can go ahead and sit in the chariot, kid - oh boy, she’s back…freaking girl has more kill energy than bloody monsters"

“...yeah…yeah...Hathel, can you set course for the dungeons? I think I'd like to...see my brothers for a bit”

“You got it- wooh, is that skewers she's holding? I want one”

~

Walking on the air.

Was he seven, when he’d first seen it? A Beloire shyly scratching the air with her paw, coyly waving it around as a snickering Hathel strapped a ‘twig tall’ Eshmel on her back, tightly pressing him in the saddle as the animal cooed zealously.

No way in every circle of hell, he’d thought - tightly crushing his body in Lubu’s plumage then, watching her play around with her limb.

And then the air thickened, misting up as little clouds frothed out where she brushed her leg. She didn’t even wait for the other footings. Three seconds later, it was just the world blurring past, wind slamming into his face, and the both of them racing higher and higher up the sky - Eshmel hanging on for dear life. Laughing.

He sighed, arms crossing behind as he leaned back in the carriage seat.

Good fucking times…where did it all go wrong?

The carriage tremored gently, the Beloirs padding along soundlessly in the air.

“Eshmel, please - the skewers are for you - do you want me to feed you?”

“...heh...maybe I’m going deaf or something”

“What? Stop deflecting, Melly…here, aaahh…”

Salene held a skewer under his nose, crimson eyes flicking between his lips and the stick. Sighing, Eshmel took the skewer from her fingers, twirling it gently as he gazed at dark helix twisting down its stem

Winter light…the things I could say to you for hiding the world in your gauze

“First, let’s hear your report, Salene - what of our rebellion in Gharladia?”

“Take a bite first”

“What am I, seven? What’s…okay, okay, I’m eating. See?”

“That’s it! Like a good girl”

…not even going to try, this time

Eshmel poised a nibble on the fried Redplume meat - biting through the thin, crisp shell - his teeth plunging gently into the salty, tender flesh underneath; he quickly ripped out a chunk, rolling it around his tongue as he munched it happily.

…okay, I missed it - happy?

“...you’re too cute, Melly…who's a little baby princess…all lilibilying?”

Ah, the articulate enunciation of me eating literally anything in front of you

“Thank you for summing up my complete lack of any mannishness whatsoever - now: what’s your report?”

Salene grinned, folding her arms.

“...well, tracking a little behind, you sent me there when they publicly suspected Thalia of treachery for cutting off trade routes…but like you suspected, they were trying to expand their underground network, and our previously established full transparency trade network was getting in their way - not bandits, as queen Belura dismissed it as”

Eshmel crossed his legs, fingers lacing in tandem.

“Well, that was fairly obvious - my father’s reputation of being generous with adopting and or preserving any foreign customs and beliefs is quite well known - any kingdom still teetering towards a non-subsidiary relation to Thalia after the Great War…well, they’re bound to have things worth hiding. Honestly, I’m more concerned with…what?”

She held him in her gaze, grinning softly.

“...nothing. Just glad someone’s back”

Eshmel huffed, glancing at the driver’s window. Hathel’s head bobbed gently, swaying between the shuffle-trotting Beloirs…and waving his skewer around like a choir stick.

…dear god

“...anyway, I’m a bit more concerned about the alignments of all the kingdoms in general…it’s nearly December, Salene. One more month, and continent-wide Horde Hibernation strikes and in the three week gap, the Dragon Festival. Everyone from all the kingdoms across gathering in one place, sharing our traditions amongst ourselves, pitting our best fighters against each other, oh and the food - all the food!”

“Can’t miss that now, can we?”

Eshmel smiled, clearing his throat.

“...Point is, I really need to get this assassin business wrapped up before then - we need to pin down the source, and get rid of it for good. This is one of the strongest motions of galvanisation throughout all of humanity after the Great War, Salene…I can’t risk these shenanigans on my life throwing us back into the dark ages - as well as letting any sort of hate fester too long”

“...I don’t like you framing these as shenanigans, Eshmel - I couldn’t get a single word out of your assailant…despite multiple levels of…persuasion”

“...does he have all of his limbs?”

“Most of them”

“...Salene?”

“We can put him back together afterwards - give me a little more time with him”

…if he’s still not spilling it, then…

“...was there any specific about his body? Anything distinct?”

Salene fingered the bag of skewers she’d brought along, gazing intently ahead.

“...I did see some sort of markings on his neck, I think? Like a tattoo…does that help?”

Tattoo?

Eshmel held a finger to the glass window, tracing over the dark skies fleeting past.

“...I don’t know. I’ll ask our court mage - if I’m to take the God Mage at his word, there’s a specific way to ensure that level of cooperation…and thinking back, there have been more attempts on my life, but never in such a carelessly…bold method”

Even my bond with Ivandoliria is well known now…is it diversion? From what?

“...it was in front of everybody?”

“...yeab - I want to ask Jaldaror and the others - see if those geniuses have anything in specific for me. We’re working with too little here, and making assumptions will end very poorly - for all of us”

“Agreed - now finish your skewer, Eshmel. It’s already cold…so we’re visiting your brothers, are we?”

“Yeah…why?”

Salene tucked back her hair leaning closer - gazing at his skewer.

“...I can ask them for you…nicely - by the way, want me to warm that for you?”

“And stick it in your armpit? No thanks!”

“Hey!”

Beastkin bonding is way too personal - but more importantly - I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but I suppose I’ll have to let my mothers in on this one…from where this is going - I need to get a better idea of the ‘now’ - where is Thalia exactly? How have things been left since after the Great War? Good god - I prayed I’d never have to get into this sort of thing, and still…

“Tch...this might be…”

“By the way, Eshmel…I hope you remember what tonight is..”

“...tonight? No…why- wait-wait-wait…oh snap - all four Moons align today! The night of Full Requiem, right?”

Salene’s gaze fell, hands crossing over each other in her lap.

“...you need to lock me, Eshmel - chain me properly…I don’t know what I might do…to you”

Eshmel glared at the carriage floor, fists tightening,

…I can’t believe I…no, no-

He looked back up at her, smiling.

“...well…this isn’t our first time, right? We’ve done this before-”

“N-no! You don’t know what I’m talking about, Eshmel…I-I…it’s going to be much worse than before this time…I don’t know what I…”

Eshmel placed his palm on hers, gently lifting it up.

“Afraid?”

Salene met his gaze, crimson eyes quivering as they held his face in their blood-wed wells.

“Then I’ll be there…I’m not going anywhere, okay?”

Staying her gaze for a moment, she leaned closer.

“Melly…you’re just…too much…what to do with you?”

“Salene, don't even think about disagreeing. I am the acting prince of this kongdom, you know?

Smirking, she closed her eyes, folding her arms as she pulled away

“...honestly…you're even more cutiful haughty-”

“Stop massacring language!!”

~

“...Listen up, idiots…we have three brains in this room, let’s use at least one of them”

“Pff…shut up, bozo - whatayagannado, slap the wall? Go back to bursting fire crackers in your corner, dumbass”

“Shadup! Tryin’a catch a wink here”

Jaldaror wheezed, head sinking in his hands.

Royal magic my ass…can’t even melt the bars…

Their cell was spotless now. Completely pristine. Just a perfectly empty cell, furnished only by the three, whining, writhing mummies rolling on the floor.

Head to toe. Bandages. All newly wrapped, of course. The pain was mostly gone after three rounds of the most horrendously sour tonics the guards kept shoving down their throats - each one redefining the human capacity of gustatory torture. And the dazzling spectrum of Edwards’ vocal cords.

…how much more of this shit?

“...Ricklet”

“Yes, sir?”

“...I need a drink”

“No, can’t do, sir - under Captain’s orders”

“You’re MY knight, dammit! You should be busting me out of here! What did you do? Threaten the prince whose safety’s in YOUR hands with the fucking gallows!?”

“To be fair sir, I did not quite understand what ‘gallows’ meant until Captain gave us a little tour - after the whipping-”

“Hah!? What did you think it was?”

“...viewing paintings non-stop for hours”

Jaldoror gritted his teeth, slamming his fist on the floor.

“That’s a gallery, you- how do you mess that up!? You were asking permission to have me hanged, do you understand that? Hanged!”

“Well, sir, back in my village, most folks - well, my mother, really-”

“Nevermind - stop - if I have to hear one more blasted word about your village…I’m gonna lose my mind…”

Edward snorted.

“Can’t lose whatcha don’t got!”

“Shut your ass up, Edward!”

Ricklet shifted, pulling his armor tighter over his own wrappings.

“Very well, sir - but I do have to say-”

“You do not need to say, Ricklet…just give me a-”

“Now, now, Ricklet - I think they’ve been in there long enough”

Jaldoror snapped his head up, throat drying as he caught a familiar golden braid swishing out of the shadows.

…Eshmel?

He sauntered into the dungeon, woolly coat wrapped tightly till his neck, green eyes flashing as they lithely swerved around the room.

“Sir, you wish to terminate their sentence right now?”

Eshmel nodded, hands folding back.

“Yes, in a little bit…I have few questions for them, while they’re gathered up in one place”

…she didn’t-

“Eshmel…hands up, dear - I’m taking it off”

A silky, tenor voice slipped from the dark, cutting deftly through the bars. Armors clinked, guards straightened up hastily - hands swinging into a salute.

“Captain, ma’am!”

The voice sighed, hands reaching out from the dark as they gripped Eshmel’s coat, gently slipping out the sleeves from over his arms.

Jaldaror’s stomach crushed in, twinging in pain.

…crap…

Eshmel stared at the cloth bag for a moment, eyes locking into the little spokes that jutted out its gape…what was-

Skewers?

Sighing, he looked up, eyes stilling on Jaldaror.

“So, howoaahoah…Salene!? Lovebite?”

The Captain of the king’s guard slipped out from behind him, his folded coat tucked in her arms. The tall girl - fully decked in sterling armour sneered, blood red eyes biting into Jaldaror.

“...heart grew teeth…just a little bit, Melly…all painless”

“...this was painless?”

“I numbed them before we started…but if you want, perhaps-”

She tilted her head, slit-eyed breaking away as they tendered, holding Eshmel.

“...we hear them testify…right now”

Eshmel glanced at Jaldaror, green eyes shakily parsing over his body.

…what is he…Eshmel?

“...I’ll take your word for it…besides…I think they’ve been here long enough”

Salene nodded lightly, stepping forward.

“...of course”

Jaldaror started, sweat tracing around his brow.

Taking her place by her prince’s side once more, the girl stood silently - eyes jittering rapidly as they stabbed into each of their bodies, ripping down their bodies one after another. Every arc of hair, every bead of sweat - every tic of his trembling body slipping into her gaze as her lip twisted wider.

Stop…I can’t…not anymore

Crushing…the air was crushing over him - digging into his skin as it burrowed deeper and deeper. The shiver of him that knew to make his limbs thrash and scatter away - the voice of his skin that rippled before any monster he’d ever slain. Sheer, and unalloyed.

Kill-wrath.

He had to run - now. Far away.

“...Salene, please…what are you doing?”

“Mhmm…nothing, my prince - eyes straying a little is all”

Jaldaror clenched his fists, nails cutting into his palm as he sniffed, world blearing away as his hand sank to the floor.

…she’s going to kill us…oh god…

A throat cleared.

“Salene, they’re being freed after this little talk, alright? Alright?”

“...alright”

W-wha…?

Jaldaror looked up, wiping away his tears as he stared at Eshmel’s face. He was smiling gently. At him.

“...well, anyway…skewers…who wan…”

The prince frowned, slowly craning his head behind.

“...what in the- did you guys hear…what was that?”

…Eshmel…? What was what?