The Princess and Her Merry Rats

Mid-day passes and the next day's patrol results in nothing of note aside from Summer's punishment where she roasted me with her magic in the castle's yard. It hurt like standing too close to a fire for entirely too long, but nothing I couldn't shrug off by the end of the day, even with only half my blood. Second-day comes to a close and I finally return to my cell. Unlike last time, I'm the first to return. Almost feels strange not having the other rangers in here. Either way, it's a perfect time to read. I retrieve one of the books I've barrowed and pick up where I left off.
I'm going to have to find some new books here soon. While I'd love to read these incomplete theories over again, it'd be beneficial to learn something new. Next time I get a chance I'll try to grab a Swaylish lesson book for Naz and one about magic healing. Maybe I could find out what that 'cancer' thing is that Aroura mentioned. Other than that, I suppose I could try to find a book on beastmen. Or I could just wait for the next crazy thing Aroura brings up.

Oh, shit. I've been reading with my eyes and not my brain. Just as I flip the pages back to where I last remember actually reading, I hear the door to the dungeon open. In the blink of an eye, the book is hidden away. Maheed is escorted into our cage. As soon as he sees that I'm in the cage, I notice his tail flip to life and he lowers his head, letting his hood of fur cover his face further. Despite this, he shuffles straight to me and plops himself on the floor just in reach for my hand to land on his head. I test the waters and hover my hand above his head. It seems like he's waiting expectantly. Slowly, I let my shield hand pet his mane and his tail flips back to life, if only for a moment. As soon as his escort is gone, I start. "Hey Maheed. How's it going?"

With hushed excitement, he begins rambling about nothing in particular. What's got him all worked up? Once there's a tangible break in his story, I ask, "What's going on? I thought you didn't like being pet?"

He glances around the room, probably looking for a distraction of some kind. He says, "Well. I don't know, you just... It uhh... Yeah."

He hangs his head and looks away. Are you serious? I am astounded by how absolutely nothing was said. "Oh, that really clears it up. I'm just joking man, you don't have to tell me anything."
Despite saying the exact opposite, that should get him to reveal himself faster. While I have him here alone, I have to ask. "Maheed. What were you thinking during our fight with the beastmen? Why were you so absent-minded back there?"

He stiffens. He awkwardly scans the room, looking at anything but me. His mouth opens slightly, as though to speak, but nothing comes out. He tries a few more times before I finally say, "It's clearly something you're not ready to share. That's fine, but I would like an answer before our next encounter with them."
He only nods and looks to the ground. I gesture my hand for him to continue. "Continue with what you were saying before. About Sir Ivan I believe?"

As Maheed rambles, Naz and Wal eventually find themselves back in our cell. Naz, fortunately, has the good nature not to mock or interrupt Maheed. Instead, Naz slips in seamlessly into our conversation, giving Maheed the room he needs to talk.
Wal remains the stone-lipped bastard he's always been while exercising in the corner. Shortly after his arrival however, the dungeon door opened again. One of the royal guards came to retrieve us for Aroura. Having someone else come to retrieve us is almost as strange for her as as her wearing pants. She probably just got chewed out by her father for acting out of station.

We spend the long walk up to her in silence apart from the jingle of our manacles. When we finally reach her bedchamber, we find her dressed in full face paint and extravagant dress as though she were about to entertain guests more important than prisoners. Gracefully, she courtesies. "Welcome, my rangers."

I bend a knee and the others follow. "My liege."

She dismisses everyone, including her servants, and invites us to join her. As soon as the doors close and we're alone, she lets out breath heavy enough to throw. "Thank you for playing along. Honestly, how trite."

"I take it, someone demanded you act more 'ladylike' or something?"

"Precisely."
Much like the first time we met, she undid her hair with a single pull and dunked her head in a tub of water, scrubbing away her paint. With her scars revealed, her crazy stare locked onto us. "Now then. We've much to discuss."
She holds up her gloved hand, counting her discussion points. "Firstly, I have 'accidently' requested too much food to eat alone. Please help yourselves as a reward for your valiant deeds."
I refuse to hesitate, and saunter straight to the food she laid out for us. As she starts her next point, I'm already slouched in one of her oversized chairs destroying a staggeringly terrible chicken leg. "Secondly, as Kar'Desh alluded to, there have been concerns regarding our relation's public image. Thirdly, there are numerous plans for the future we must illustrate and lay out. Lastly and most importantly."
She zips to me and grips my shoulders like a hawk grips its prey. "You can read!?"
Welp, there goes that secret. She rushes to Wal who hasn't moved. "And you're familiar with draconian magic!?"

"Yes."

She squeals. "That is wonderful! Come, come! Tell me everything while I change!"

Wal explains, "Everything is a broad subject princess. Where would you have me begin?"

She says, "From what you know best!"

Since she seems happy that I can read instead of angry I was keeping another secret, I'll just listen to Wal. "Saurians use the magic of dragons. Unlike human magic, we can only interact with mana from the world."

"..."

Is... Is he done? I turn around to find Wal indeed standing there awaiting a response. Through mostly chewed food, I say, "That's it?"

His eye glances at me. "I am no mage."

Naz shoves the food in his mouth to one side, then chimes in with, "Segulf has a point."

Even with that tiny amount of information, as soon as Aroura is in her lab attire, she begins scribbling far too many notes. She stops, reads over her notes again, strolls to me, then sits on the arm of the chair holding her journal in a way so we can both read it. "Your thoughts?"

Let's see. She has some thoughts on the relation between saurians and dragons, speculation on why they interact with mana differently, and some theories on what their magic actually looks like. "There's absolutely no way saurians are descendants of dragons. Sure, they're both big lizards, but dragons are the size of flying cities."

"Then why, pray tell, do you propose they are the only two to share a unique method of mana manipulation if they are indeed not kin?"

I shrug. "Maybe the cold-blood has something to do with it? Or the scales. The philosopher Yemuah based his whole theory on the blood affecting the soul."

She lit up. "You have been reading them!"

I can't help but laugh at her childish excitement. "How did you figure out I took those books anyway?"

She straightens herself, clearly proud. "Stoler had warned me you were a thief, thus I decided to conduct an experiment. After I had let you loose last week, I waited with baited breath to see what you would take, if you had taken anything at all. This is a greater result than I could've possibly hoped for!"

She conned me. I'm both impressed and angry. She more astute than she lets on. I'll have to be more careful from now on. Naz sighs. "I told Segugek lying to you was a bad idea. Can I ask you to keep this revelation from Stoler? I'm sure the righteous kid would kill Segugek for this deception."

She crosses her legs, adjusting herself subtly to appear more graceful on the chair's arm. "I've no doubt. Fret not Naz. I would never take any action that would harm my friends."

I retake the reigns of the conversation. "Thank you Aroura. I truly appreciate it."
The craze in her eyes fades away as she looks at me. Even disfigured by unsightly scars, she offers me a genuinely sweet smile and nod. I press my advantage. "Would you mind if I asked for another favour? I've almost finished those books you see."

She brightened again. "Of course! We shall visit the library before you return to your cell."

Wal growls behind me, "Before Kar'Desh exploits you further, shall we discuss our public conduct?"

Aroura sighs. "We should, yes."
Scooting off the chair, she glides to the centre of the room and describes how we should act when we're not alone. According to rumours, we haven't been acting with enough reverence and respect to Aroura. The changes we have to make aren't too difficult and takes only a few moments too nail the synchronization on our greeting.
With an approving nod, she says, "Very good. That should satisfy my family. While we're on the subject, my dear brother is hosting a social gathering soon that we shall attend."

Naz stutters. "You mean... For royals?"

She nods. "All noble families will be in attendance, yes."

"You sure heretics like us should be there, Tavi?"

"You are my personal soldiers. To be without protection, would be a greater wound to our public image."

Wal adds, "Are there further stipulations we need to be aware of?"

"There are not."

I ask, "Could we mingle with the nobility?"

Everyone looks at me with varying degrees of confusion. Naz speaks first with, "You want to interact with the nobles?"

"I concur. What purpose could you derive from conversing with nobility?" Aroura adds.

Quite a few. But only one they need to know about. "To improve your reputation. If we can charm the nobles, their opinion of us will improve, thus positively affecting you."

Wal challenges me. "If. You can't be certain you'd succeed. It's more likely you'd make an ass of yourself."

I nod and calmly state, "I'm aware of my skills Wal. If I had an expertise, it would be in persuasion."
Manipulation would be more accurate, but persuasion sounds nicer.

"Is that so? You've yet to persuade me."

"That's because I've yet to try. You and I hold drastically different views and values and persuading you would mean sacrificing who I am or a beyond lengthy process to change who you are that I refuse to do because I respect you too much."

"Once again, I've yet to see a shred of respect from you."

I hear Aroura whisper to Naz, "Is this a common occurrence?"
A comment to which Naz could only sigh.

"Because you and I show respect differently. How often have I been subtle with you?"

His face scrunches into a inquisitive scowl. "How is that related?"

"Every single time you and I argue, I've only ever displayed my most basic emotion, laying out exactly what I think. If I wanted to convince you properly, I would tell you that you're correct before subtly guiding you towards my argument. But I admire and respect you. Somehow, even as a prisoner you're strong enough to take and do what you desire through the most direct path. I can't do that!"
I throw an arm out as though I'm displaying Aroura, who is watching on in fascination. "I'm only just now starting to realize that I can be completely straightforward with her, but you have been the entire time. You annoy me, piss me off, and irritate me to no end with your ridiculous morals, but I respect you. And that's how I show it."

We all watch Wal for his response. This is the first time I've seen him hesitate. Revealing something they didn't exactly know about themselves often does that to people. His icy eyes bore into me like a spear for an uncomfortably long time before Maheed whisper-shouts, "I-I believe him!"
I love that dogman.

Wal's glare shifts to him and softens. He lets out a growling snort and grumbles, "Against my instincts, I believe you."

Naz whistles. "I'm impressed. Segugek and Segulf are getting along, and I didn't have to intervene."

"Where did you get that idea? Just because I respect him doesn't mean we're getting along."

Wal adds, "And I can't so much as say I respect him."

Exasperated, he hangs his head. "Never mind then. I suppose I misread the whole situation."

Wal and I nod. "You did."

Aroura decides to interrupt with, "That was a marvelous display. Unfortunately, your demonstrations of passion were directed at the wrong person. We've plenty of time, however I've more to share before your next attempt."
There's more? Once we're all staring at her, she begins again. "On the subject of my dear brother's social gathering. There, he shall announce the presence of beastmen and issue a call to arms. I will 'volunteer' you as scouts, who will venture into Lunatic's spires in search for the beastmen's camp. In truth, we have no choice."

I say, "You're certain? Why are we searching Lunatic's spires when they're most likely in the surrounding forests?"
I'd rather not venture into that death-trap of a forest, even at full strength.

She nods. "I am. We shall have finite time to prepare. My dear brother's feast is not due for another two days and scouts will scour the surrounding lands before we're forced to search Lunatic's spires."
She takes a deep disappointed breath. "Lamentably, this means I must halt my academic pursuits for the time being. If I never witness another fight, it would be too soon, but my duty does not will it so. In the mornings, we shall run training drills with sir Andre and Summer before you are dragged off for your patrols. During that time I will hone my magics."

I have to ask. "Will you be ready?"

She's silent for a moment. "I will not inspire legends. But I will strike fear."

That all I can hope for then. She's obviously nervous about the whole ordeal. I should act more casual about it to calm her. I sigh with relief. "That's perfect. If I ever heard a ballad about your power, I might just burst out laughing. Not to mention that if I was ever included they'd probably call me your pet rat or something."

Naz jabs at me. "Why's that a issue? I'd say it describes you pretty well."
Good, he sees what I'm doing.

"Maybe for now, but I'd rather be immortalized as the roguish head of the Eclipse rangers."

"Oi. Who died and let you be the head?"

"Well it can't be you! You probably won't live long enough to hear the songs created, grandpa."

Aroura speaks over Naz's next push back. "Are you not nervous?"

"Of course I am! Who wants to be called a rat forever?"

"Not that! About scouting Lunatic's spires."

I act like I'm thinking about it. "It's worrying, but it won't be the end of us. We're not fighting the entire forest, we're just passing through it. With the four of you and proper camouflage we'll have nothing to worry about. I say that because I'll be useless in a fight like this. I'm out of breath just walking up here."

Naz agrees. "He's right on this one Tavi. I've passed through plenty of dangerous places unscathed by just hiding."

Wal adds. "I'm versed in concealing myself given the correct equipment. My bulk and colour will not be an issue."

Noticing the pause in the conversation Maheed jumps on his turn to speak. "Oh and umm... I'm just hard to see in general. That is what we're talking about, right? I'm not- never mind."

I move closer to pet him. "No, that's right. You did good."
With Maheed reassured, I address Aroura again. "You have nothing to fear Aroura. We'll be conducting experiments again before you know it. Was there anything else we needed to discuss?"

Shocked and moved by the 'experiments' line, she swiftly composes herself. "There is not. This will be our last meeting as friends for some time, however, so I would not dismiss you just yet."

After once again displaying my conversation skills to convince the princes to allow me to speak at Killian's feast, we venture to the library. It's just as impressive as I remember. A sentiment to which Naz agreed. "Reminds me of the karazah dooz back in Gazarak. Very impressive."

I nod and say, "Ah yes. The karazah dooz was my favourite part of Gazrak."

"Gazarak." He corrected.
"It's the library of the lore keepers."

Aroura peeps in excitement. "You must bring us there one day."

"You planning on becoming a karazah there Tavi? The librarians will die before they let a human in. The dwarves ain't exactly keen on lettin' their secrets escape."

She nods. "How unfortuitous. I am most eager to share my secrets! Come come, allow me to show you my favourites!"

Despite her request, only I follow her. Naz's eye got caught on a particular book and he began explaining some of the contents to Wal and Maheed. Aroura doesn't seem to mind that they've all disobeyed her request since I'm the only one whose shown interest in magic anyway. She breezes through the books, briefly explaining the contents before getting reminded of another book she likes. She meanders through the initial philosopher that got her interested in the first place, skims over basic instruction manuals meant to teach children with potential, bounces between research papers done by mages long past, to a few encyclopedias on magical materials.
The craze in her eyes takes on childish aspect that reminds me of Wyn and Nealu when they find something they just have to share. Admittedly whatever they shared was significantly less interesting. For some reason it reminds me of my mortality. I clench and unclench my shield hand, images of my fucking bone flashing through my head.

I reach out and gently take Aroura's arm before she can reach for the next book. She lets out a small startled scream so I instantly reel back and throw my arms up. "Sorry! I forgot about the siphon. I just."
Fuck, this is embarrassing for some reason. I continue. "Thank you Aroura. For not abandoning me. I thought... I thought for sure I was dead."

She takes a moment to gather her thoughts before saying, "Perish the thought. You're far too valuable to abandon. My experiments would be beyond lost without you here."

Sarcastically, I say "How sweet of you."

"Oh no no, that wasn't my intention! I simply-"

I hold up my hands to stop her. "I'm teasing you Aroura. I know what you mean."
I shamble to one knee. "You've saved my life. More than once now. I may be a street rat, but even I can show my gratitude. Thank you. Though the circumstances were... Undesirable, I am glad to have met you."
I will feel genuinely guilty when I'm forced to escape from her.

She stares down at me, bewildered. She glances around as though ensuring no one else was watching. I'm sure the other rangers are watching, but it's fine. A complex stream of expressions floods Aroura's face before she finally exclaims and leans over pulling me into a tight hug.
Oh. Uhh, okay.
Hesitantly, I return the hug and she laughs like a great weight has been lifted off her. She pushes herself to arm's length. "Forgive me, I adore hugs! They are my favourite!"
She then breaks off and zips over to the others, giving each an enthusiastic hug. Naz eagerly hugs her back, laughing at her excitement. Maheed is happy to hug her, but quickly gets cold feet after just a second. He fidgets, trying to escape her. Wal shimmies away, trying to avoid the interaction all together. It doesn't work of course. As soon as she's done petting Maheed she chases Wal down, jumping at him like a beastman. Wal awkwardly looks around, lifting his arms but never committing until she's finally satisfied. 

She squeals, "Oh what fun! We mustn't allow ourselves to become over eager. Hugs are forbidden after all."

I point out, "Ourselves?"

"Semantics! My intention remains strong."

"As you wish Aroura. I'll make sure to keep Wal in check so he doesn't pounce you like that again."

She giggles and joins in, "Indeed! Control yourself Wal! Like a beast of affection you are."

His mouth hangs open unsure what to say. He settles for a growling snort and, "I shall restrain myself."

With her little outburst settled, Aroura returns to suggesting books to me while Naz strolls around the library with Wal and Maheed. Eventually Aroura gets distracted on a manuals for healing magic. She glances through it, looking for a specific procedure. In an instant, her childish excitement hardens into dire research as she flips through the pages. She holds up a disfigured finger and says, "A moment."
Despite that, she explains herself as she wanders. "I had assumed restoring your blood would be impossible, though I am but a novice healer."
A novice can restore an arm? She continues, "I shall investigate this further."

"What changed your mind?"

Slowly and between pages, she says, "My... Inexperience."

Looks like we're done here. She's become lost in the endless possibilities of her magic. I'm sure she'll come out in time to ramble on and on about whatever she's found. For now... I find myself back at the manuals for children. She skimmed over them because they weren't particularly interesting, but their value is immeasurable to me. Except I can't read this shit! They're all in Swaylish! Fuck! Whatever, it's fine. I can get Naz to help me with this. Learning even the most rudimentary magic will give me countless advantages.

Until then, I'll gather some of the books Aroura recommended I read and work my way through that while Naz teaches me Swaylish. Naz finds a few books he's interested in, eager to read something other than the book of Sol. Afterwards, Aroura takes the time to lead us back to our cell and bid us farewell with a much shorter hug. After ensuring no one else was watching of course.

I would've loved to snoop through Killian's desk some more, but that would be impossible with everyone with me. After returning to our cell, I decide to read the book on beastmen. It seems like the most pressing issue. With the help of Wal, I'm sure we can gleam their tactics and develop a plan to crush them.