The Truth Revealed (Private)

[Luella Vaettir]

(Reserved for Namari/Walter)


Elle heaved a sigh, sitting on a bench under a large tree cross legged. She looked up at the sky above her, a cheery blue sky, and yet couldn’t find it in her heart to smile at it. She was just entirely too stressed out. Today she hoped to get answers from her brother, answers to the questions she had for a very long time. Then perhaps afterwards she’d get more from Vlad, but her uncle didn’t seem very cooperative. Neither did Aerin, all these years, that was until last night. She had the feeling that Aerin believed a line was crossed, that they had reached a point of no return, and because of that, now it didn’t matter if Elle knew…whatever it was they didn’t want her to know.

After Namari and Walter left, Elle stuck around with Aerin for a while, making sure he was alright. Her twin seemed fine, a bit shaken, but nothing more. He seemed troubled by something, something other than Vlad, but he wouldn’t say what, which was frustrating. Finally Elle left, after Aerin fell asleep in bed, and went home to sleep as well. It was almost dawn when she walked through the doors of her cottage and collapsed into bed. And now, here she was, sitting in the garden, waiting for her brother to show up, and it was noon now.

Elle shifted, leaning back against the bench. Ugh, what was taking everyone so long? What was it they’d all learn? What was going to happen after this? Elle sighed again, reaching up to toy with a lock of golden hair. She’d have to write home to her parents letting them know about the situation, about how matters between Aerin and Vlad have worsened rather than gotten better. It wasn’t a letter she wanted to write, and frankly, she dreaded to find out what the reason was that Aerin hated their uncle. She always wanted to know, but she was scared too. Aerin didn’t hate by nature, and since he utterly loathed Vlad, that meant something about Vlad, her beloved uncle, that she didn’t know and that could alter her perception of him forever. What a truly scary thought.

Elle looked around, huffing. Damn it, someone needed to show up before she started hunting everyone down. And she could! She was an excellent tracker! She paused, observing the beauty of the garden. Even though he couldn’t see it, it really was a peaceful place. It was no wonder that Aerin loved it here so much. Elle watched the leaves of the trees rustle gently, and found that it calmed her enough to grant her more patience. Soon. Everyone would be here soon, then all the questions would be answered.

[Namari Lovelle]

Namari had gotten little sleep. She walked through the castle corridors, her back straight and her appearance kept up. Except for her eyes, that appeared to show that she was very tired.

She was clothed in more simple clothing today; a faded red dress that stuck to her body, and almost reached the floor. The sleeves on it almost extended to her fingertips. It had golden lace on it, with a golden ribbon just above her hips.

The Queen moved slowly through these halls, despite wishing to know about what Vlad and Aerin's issues were. She had thought and thought all night about what Aerin had said to her. The hints before that day were different than an actual confession. The hints she could pretend that she was just misled. But now...

Her head drooped and she sighed.

In any other time she might have just moved on from it. Told Aerin that it was okay, that she still wished to be friends despite all of that. But she was not sure that her feelings for him were purely platonic.

It did not help that herself and Steele had been having a rough time lately.

She shook the thoughts clear from her head. No; it must have just been because of her and Steele, nothing to do with how she might feel for Aerin.

She spotted Walter down the hall, looking as groggy as ever as he yawned a big yawn. His shoulders were slumped as he walked in his usual Armour, a thick suit fit for a Knight of Avaleur. The shoulder wound he had was almost fixed due to the healers in the castle, and he was almost as good as new. Scruff plagued his face but his hair was newly cut, only an inch long on the top, and shorter on the sides.

In truth, the castle maids forced him down for it just that morning. And too tired and hung-over to object, he let them.

He spotted the queen and stood upright, bowing. She nodded.
"Time to figure everything out."

The two walked side by side towards the gardens, Namari tensing up more and more as they walked. She did not want to see Aerin, for fear of wanting to see him. She felt rather petty, and cursed whatever God was making her think this way.

The day was sunny and nice as they stepped outside, wind breezing nicely. They looked around, Namari's breaths getting faster; before both sets of eyes landed on Elle. Namari exhaled.

In truth, she was both relieved, and disappointed.

"Elle!" Walter called up, putting a hand up in the air as they walked over. They stopped just in front of the female elf.
"Has Aerin not arrived yet?" Namari asked, keeping the emotions she was feeling out of her voice.

[Luella Vaettir]

Elle blinked as she heard someone call her name, and she turned, seeing Walter and Namari approach. Finally! She was terribly glad to see someone arrive. For a moment she was beginning to think she imagined Aerin promising to speak with them. She stood, dusting her bottom from any dirt as Walter and the queen stepped up to her.

“No, Aerin hasn’t gotten here yet,” Elle said, crossing her arms. “He’s usually punctual, too. I hope he didn’t have second thoughts last night after I left.” Well no, that was impossible, he was asleep when she left. Unless he woke up. And even if he did, Aerin wasn’t rude enough to simply not show up. Of course, when it came to Vlad, Aerin didn’t really act like himself. For instance, trying to kill a family member. That wasn’t normal behavior.

Elle turned and paused, seeing someone approach. For a moment she thought it was Aerin, the realized that the person wasn’t limping or using a cane. After a moment she saw who it was.

“Oh, damn,” she said, seeing her uncle approaching. Why now? Why was Vlad here? As soon as Aerin got here he’d be tipped over the edge again. And the two would be fighting more than answering much needed questions. Elle faced Vlad fully, raising an eyebrow as he stepped up to the group, Atropos behind him.

“Hello,” Vlad said mildly, glancing over Walter and Namari before focusing on Elle.

“Vlad…why are you here?” Elle asked, remembering Aerin’s words, to avoid Vlad. Well, she wasn’t alone, so there was that at least.

“To apologize for my awful behavior yesterday,” Vlad said, surprising Elle a bit. She paused before glancing back at Namari and Walter. Ugh, what was she to do with the men in her life?

[Namari Lovelle]

Namari sighed, running her hand through her hair. She did hope he showed up. Or perhaps she did not. She still was not quite sure.

One thing she was sure of, however; she did not exactly want to see Vlad at that very moment. And yet there he was.
Walter seemed less amused, however, due to the disrespect that the man had shown him last night. Quite frankly it made Walter angry, even now.
Both of them stayed quiet as the two elves spoke, before Walter scoffed.

"Yes, it was quite awful wasn't it?" Walter stated, and Namari elbowed his side harshly. However, due to the armour, it only hurt her. She attempted to hide the pain that she felt from her face, jaw clenched tightly. Walter nearly started laughing.

Being angry, however, he tried desperately not to smile.

"My apologies Vladimir, on Walter's behalf, and I also apologize for what I'm about to say. Aerin is soon to arrive, and I would rather not deal with any more conflict until everyone is calmed down enough to discuss it. So I do think it might be best if you left for now. I'm sure Elle can visit as soon as our conversation is over. I'll even let her borrow a carriage."

She sounded prim and proper as a Queen would, even when sending Vlad away. And she felt rather rude about it, but she did not trust him. Not with how Aerin acted. Not to mention even if she did, she knew that if it happened here, there were too many guards. Aerin would surely be arrested if he attacked, and Vlad did not resist, or became helpless.

And she did not want that.
"Apologies, again. I'm sure you understand however, for everyone's safety."

[Luella Vaettir]

Elle looked at Namari with a little relief. She was glad that Namari was sending Vlad away, especially since Elle wasn’t entirely sure what to do. It was hard dealing with these family issues. And frankly, she didn’t want Vlad’s apology right now anyways. An explanation, maybe, but not an apology.

Vlad, scowled a moment at Namari and Walter, before looking down. He stood silently a while before he heaved a sigh.

“You’re right, You Highness. We don’t need a repeat of yesterday,” he said, shoulders slumped a bit. “If Aerin is going to be here soon, then I best be off.” He even turned to walk away, that was until Atropos laughed. Vlad shot the servant an annoyed look, but Atropos hardly seemed to notice. He simply giggled and giggled.

“He says this as though he doesn’t know that Aerin will not arrive!” the man servant said, giggling. Vlad recoiled, a look of shock on his face, before he blinked, eyes darting to the others quickly. Elle blinked as well. Wait, what?

“What?” she asked, furrowing her brows, uncrossing her arms.

“Little Elle, your brother will not be arriving today. You will likely never see him again!” Atropos said in glee, laughing again. Elle recoiled this time. Not see Aerin? What the hell was this insane man walking about? She looked at Vlad, catching a slightly panicked look on his face, before looking back to Atropos.

“What did you do?” she said, her heart pounding, dread filling her. “What do you mean?” Atropos grinned, before looking to Vlad.

“I only did what was commanded…”

[Namari Lovelle]

Namari felt a tad bit relieved as Vlad turned; then, all she felt was horror, her eyes wide.

Aerin will not arrive. That is what Atropos said. Walter stared at the servant, eyes very narrow.
Aerin said... Aerin said that he is smarter than he pretends to be.

The moment the words were said, the moment Atropos said 'I only did what I commanded', Namari gripped at one of Elle's arms and tugged the woman behind her.
Walter instantly transformed into his demon form, the slits in the back of his armour letting his wings through as he moved into a defensive position. Two balls of dark magic danced in his palms.

Namari gripped the sword on Walter's belt and pulled it out, pointing it towards Vlad. The garden was near empty, only two other guards in the area. The two guards had not even noticed the commotion yet, too busy speaking with one another.

Her heart was beating faster than it ever had before, faster than it had even yesterday when he had confessed his love. She wanted to plunge her sword into Vlad for whatever he did, she wanted to know if Aerin was alive or not-

No. No he had to be alive. He had to be...

"What the hell did you do to Aerin?!" Namari demanded, teeth bared in anger. Walter's eyes moved back and forth between Atropos and Vladimir, careful of the both of them.

[Luella Vaettir]

Vlad jumped, stepping back as Walter made his transformation, as Namari drew a sword and pointed it at him. He raised his hands, looking very much like a rabbit caught in a trap.

“I…I don’t know what he’s talking about!” Vlad said, looking at Atropos, who simply laughed. “He’s lying! He’s trying to confuse you!”

“Lying!?” Atropos said, laughing. “No such thing! Your uncle hates Aerin, hates him so!” He turned to Elle and the others, grinning. “His pride was pricked by Aerin’s attack. Yes, it was. So he commanded me to get rid of the boy, to kill him, make him suffer. I went to your brother, little Elle, to take him, and how he fought!” He laughed again, clapping his hands together. “How he fought! I like his spunk! I like his resistance!”

Elle stared, shocked, watching Vlad grow red in anger and desperation. Atropos went to Aerin’s home, her brother’s shop, and attacked him. But where was he now? Was…was he dead? Gods, was her brother dead!?

“What did you do?” Elle asked, eyes wide. Atropos stepped forward, grinning widely.

“I liked how he fought. Too good of a play thing to simply kill right away. Unlike his bird. I broke her neck. She tried to protect him, but I broke her neck,” he said, giggling. Elle flinched. Lenore? He…he couldn’t have killed Lenore…

“Shut up!” Vlad shouted at Atropos, who paid him no mind.

“I sent your brother away Elle. You’ll never see him again, no, not ever. He’s away now. Vladimir wanted me to kill him, but I liked him too much to do that. He had so much blank flesh after all…” Atropos looked to Namari, before he seemed to brighten. “Would you like to know everything? Would you like to understand? Understand why Aerin was sent away? Why all the hatred?” Vlad visibly paled.

“No! You wouldn’t!” he cried, grabbing hold of Atropos. Atropos suddenly disappeared, then reappeared behind Walter, Namari, and Elle.

“I would! I shall! Would you like to see!?” he asked, eyes glittering.

[Namari Lovelle]

Namari's lip trembled as she heard the tale, nearly dropping her sword as he spoke of breaking Lenore's neck. Tears visibly in her eyes. This couldn't be happening...

But he continued to speak; and despite Namari's horror, rage, and sadness about Lenore being possibly gone... Aerin was still alive. And despite Atropos saying that they would never see him again... she did not believe it. She gripped the hilt of Walters sword tighter. Nearly shaking.

Walter however continued to watch both Vladimir and Atropos, Completely still in his movement except for the dancing flames in his hands.

Then Atropos was behind them. Walter cursed to himself, not knowing whether to face Vlad or Atropos. But Namari swung around, sword still ready as she faced the mage. Walter decided to stay forward, head slightly to the side so that he could see both Vlad and the mage.

It was silent for a moment, before Namari took a hesitant breath in.

"Show me." she said, head tilted. This was dangerous; Walter had warned her of Atropos' strong magic. But she needed to know.

The more she knew, the easier it would be to get Aerin back. And Elle deserved to know the truth.

Whatever that truth was.

[Luella Vaettir]

“No!!” Vlad screamed, clutching at his head at Namari’s reply. Atropos grinned, lifting both arms. A black, electrical magic began to cover his hands, shooting out from his fingers tips. Magic poured from his hands suddenly, in a huge wave, and he clapped his hands together, sending the wave crashing over everyone, Vlad included. Elle gasped, shutting her eyes as a suddenly coldness washed over her, and she felt dizzy, like the world was shifting beneath her feet.

Then everything grew quiet. Well…almost. She heard a crackling. She slowly opened her eyes to see that everyone was standing in a large room, covered in shadow, as it was late at night. Toys littered the floor, books lined shelves on the wall, and there were comfortable, plush chairs and blankets pushed into the corner. A fire crackled in the fireplace, small flames licking at the embers. On one wall were two doors, one cracked, the other firmly shut.

“This is…our nursery?” Elle said, recognizing the room of her childhood, where she and Aerin spent their days playing when it became too dark or cold outside to play.

“Yes, Elle. Do you remember when you became so sick that you were bedded for a week straight?” Atropos asked softly, though he still grinned.

“Stop!” Vlad shouted, and Atropos turned, lifting a hand and it glowed red a moment. When Vlad opened his mouth to yell again, no sound came out. Atropos took his voice. The mage turned back to Elle and the others. “Do you remember?”

“Yes…” Elle said softly. She had been sick with fever, and slept a lot then, mostly due to the medicine that her mother gave her.

“Yes,” Atropos echoed. “So sick, the sweet Elle. You’d sleep and sleep, oblivious to the world. Towards the end though, your dearest uncle came to visit, worried about his darling niece…”

Elle jumped when the door that was shut suddenly clicked open, and out came a fair haired boy of about eight, sleepily rubbing an eye, the other, glazed with sleep, bright blue and roaming the room.

“Aerin!” Elle said, recognizing her brother, back before the accident.

“Yes, waking up for a glass of water, perhaps, or a bad dream,” Atropos said softly, watching with greed as Aerin padded barefoot out of his room, then paused as his eyes fell on the door that was cracked. Elle’s room. He blinked his big blue eyes, tilting his head, before walking over to the door and pushing it open.

“Elle?” he called softly, looking curious. Elle suddenly felt a sense of dread, suddenly having a terrible guess as to what was behind that door.

The door swung open, and Aerin stepped inside. Bent over his sister’s bed was a figure, the firelight falling on the back of a man. Little Elle’s face, flushed with fever, was turned away from the light, she sleeping like the dead. The figure turned, face illuminated to reveal Vladimir, free of any facial scars. Vlad’s let out a small gasp, pulling his hand, which was under Elle’s nightgown, back, as if he had touched something hot.

“Aerin!” he cried, voice high pitched in surprise. Little Aerin stood in the doorway, eyes wide, gaze darting from Vlad to Elle.

Elle, the adult, suddenly felt sick. She covered her mouth, a wave of revolt crashing over her. What was he doing to her? He wasn’t…he couldn’t…

She looked at Vlad now, who had fallen to his knees, eyes wide, trembling. Her vision blurred a minute before turning back to the scene in time to see younger Vlad’s surprised, guilty face contort into rage.

“What…?” Aerin said, jumping as Vlad covered little Elle with her blanket and stood.

“What are you doing, Aerin? You shouldn’t be here. Why are you here?” the older male hissed, stepping towards the child. Aerin looked up at his uncle.

“What were you doing…what were you doing to her?” he asked, eyes wide. Vlad made no answer, simply glaring at Aerin. The two stared each other down a moment before something inside Aerin seemed to click, shift gears, and the boy turned and bolted out of the room. Vlad let out a snarl and ran after. It took only a matter of steps for the older elf to catch the younger, snagging the child by his hair and hauling him backwards, off his feet for a moment. Aerin gave a cry, before looking up to Vlad, whose face was twisted in a sick rage that he hardly looked like himself.

“Don’t you dare tell a soul! You’ll tell no one! You’ll say nothing!” Vlad said, blasting hot breath in the boy’s face. They stood close to the fireplace, and Aerin’s eyes drifted to the fire poker, hanging on its stand. He reached out, groping for it as Vlad gave him a rough shake. “If you say one word to anyone about this, Aerin, I’ll kill her.” Aerin froze a moment, looking back up to Vlad, who leaned in close. “I’ll kill her. I’ll cut her fucking throat, and the blood will be on you. Do you understand? I’ll kill her.”

Aerin’s hand reached the poker, and he pulled it off its stand and blindly stabbed it into Vlad’s foot. Vlad gave a loud cry, jerking Aerin’s head back and giving the two some distance. With some room to breathe, Aerin brought the poker up and cracked the hooked side of it into his uncle’s face, blood spurting from the wound, spattering the boy’s cheek, and causing the man to howl in rage and pain. Vlad shoved Aerin away, stumbling back.

“You little monster!” he shouted, pressing his hands to his face, blood running down in a torrent. Aerin stumbled back, tears in his eyes, looking visibly shaken and scared, shocked at what he did. He looked at the poker, seemed to reflect on what Vlad said, before his face turned cold, much like it would years later in the shop during the dinner, and he stepped forward, slamming the poker into his uncle’s stomach as hard as he could. Vlad gave another cry, reaching out to try to grab the fire poker from Aerin as the child hit him again and again. Vlad fell to his knees, and Aerin lifted the poker, meaning to run it right through Vlad’s eye, before a pair of hands seized his own.

“Aerin! What are you doing!?” The voice came from a handsome young male elf, with brown hair and small brown eyes, and who looked almost exactly like the adult version of his son. Aerin’s father hauled the boy back, who screamed incoherently at Vlad, kicking at the man. Behind his father, his mother stepped in, she a beautiful elf with the same golden hair and bright blue eyes her twin children sported. Both parents fought with Aerin as he shouted, both looking shocked and appalled at what he had done. Suddenly the image froze, and Atropos giggled.

“Your uncle loved you Elle, but not in the way uncles should. Your brother saw Vladimir for what he truly was,” he said, grinning. Elle stood, staring at the scene, clutching herself, shaking, tears pouring down her cheeks. No…no…this…this couldn’t be. Not Vlad, not Aerin. No…how could this happen?

“He…Aerin knew all this time? Aerin…” Elle said, unable to really voice the wave of emotions she felt. Sadness, despair really, anger, betrayal. She shut her eyes, letting out a sob.

“Oh yes, Aerin hated your uncle for this. Never told a soul, because Vlad was around a lot in those days. Vlad could have killed you easily. Could have killed Aerin easily, or so he thought. Aerin turned out to be more resilient than he anticipated,” Atropos said, looking at his nails. Elle looked at the mage, blinking. Atropos eyed her a moment before laughing.

“Did no one really find it strange that merely a week after this incident your brother was hit by the carriage?”

[Namari Lovelle]

Namari flinched and shut her eyes as the cold overcame her, gripping the sword even more tightly than before. Walter's whole body tensed up and he too shut his eyes tight, shivering as the cold hit them. He was the first to open his eyes, and a frown was placed on his face. The Knight stood upright.

Namari felt as if she was about to fall over; but then there was silence. Only the crackling of what seemed to be a fire. As her eyes slowly opened she became confused. Perhaps she was suspecting Atropos to tell them; not literally show them.

But Namari cared not for that. As long as they would know. They had to know.

Namari looked over at Elle as she recognized the room as their nursery. She stared at the room, an odd sense of comfort coming over her. Her own childhood was filled with work; no such luxuries as her own playroom.

The two turned and stared at Atropos as he spoke, shutting Vlad up with a flick of his wrists. She wondered why he was doing this, why he was showing them and disobeying his master. Walter had a good guess, however; Atropos liked to do the things that best amused him.

Hurting Vlad to Atropos might have been comparable to a castle full of toys to children.

Namari too jumped as the door clicked open, turning to it. There stood a very young Aerin, and Namari recognized that he could see. She raised both eyebrows, suddenly heart drooping. Where was Aerin now?

As Aerin walked towards his sister's door, Namari was still unsure what was to happen. Forgetting that this sotry was not about Aerin and Elle's childhood. It was about why Aerin hated Vladimir so.

But Walter remembered, and a horrifying guess as to what was going on behind those doors made his back straighten, and his jaw clench tight. So tight that his teeth began to hurt, but he took no notice. In fact, the Knight began to shake, his eyes slightly wider than before. Namari took no notice in the man's change of demeanor.

But then the door was swung open, and Namari's heart nearly stopped, mouth nearly hitting the floor. That couldn't be it. That couldn't have been the reason. Such a thing was beyond revolting to Namari that she could hardly believe it happened.

But it did.

She stared at the Vlad that was now on his knees, eyeing daggers at him. Sword gripped tight, she never knew how much she might want to kill someone. Until that moment. But she did not. Not yet.
Walter could not even look at the man, however, in fear of going into a frenzy of rage.

They watched as Aerin fought back against Vlad, Namari wishing desperately to help. But this was not real; they could not help anyone. Not Aerin. Not Elle.

Namari stepped over to Elle, not really knowing whether to comfort her or leave her be. But she still stood by the woman's side, still glaring at Vlad. Especially at the mention of Aerin's... 'accident.'

"You disgusting fucking cretin-" Walter muttered, stepping forward as he looked over at Vlad, hands ready to attack, when he was interrupted.
"Walter, no. Not yet," Namari hissed, squinting at Vlad before she turned to Atropos.

"And what of Aerin? What have you done with him?"
Walter reluctantly stopped, but continued to stare at Vlad.

[Luella Vaettir]

Vlad blinked, standing up straight as Walter turned on him. He opened his mouth to speak, but still nothing came out, no voice, no lies, no excuses. He wrung his hands together, looking desperate, looking scared. When he looked at Atropos, his face twisted in a frightened fury, though he looked helpless to do anything.

Atropos glanced at Namari before he snapped his fingers, and with flying colors and a burst of wind, the image of the nursery disappeared, everyone back in the garden. Elle looked to Atropos, unable to look at Vlad. Atropos smiled.

“I sent him away. Vladimir wanted him to die, but I had something more fun in mind,” the mage said. “You ever wonder what kind of sounds he can make? What kind of screams? Cries? I always wondered. Now I can find out!” He clapped his hands together in glee.

“What? What do you mean?” Elle asked, though she had a pretty good idea what Atropos meant. The mage gave Elle a knowing look, as if he read her thoughts, before he shrugged.

“Well, to start, I had to do away with the leg of his. With the right amount of magic and force, fixing that will be easy. Just completely re-shattering his leg, using magic to remodel his muscles. You know, to make it easier to move him.” Elle stared, before shaking her head.

“Then perhaps more bones to break. Tearing his flesh with a variety of tools. I always liked how clean his nails were, I’d bet they’re ripped out by now. I asked my friends to do that for me,” Atropos said, giggling.

Vlad stepped towards Elle, reaching out to her.

“Elle-“ he said, and she turned, eyes wide, stepping away.

“No!! No, don’t you touch me you sick freak!” she screamed, tears in her eyes. She turned to Atropos.

“Give him back! Bring Aerin back to us!”

Atropos pretended to think a moment before he shook his head. “No. I like him where he is. You’ll never get to him. He’s mine now.” He giggled, holding his stomach.

[Namari Lovelle]

Walter stared at Vlad as he rubbed his hands together, and Walter bared his teeth.
You'll get no mercy from me, scum, he thought to himself.

But just as quick as they left the group was back in the gardens. But their beauty did not brighten up Namari's heart as she stared at Atropos. Body shaking. She wished nothing more than to strike both him and Vladimir down right at that very moment; but then there would be no chance at all to bring Aerin back.

She flinched at every word Atropos said, gripping her sword tighter and tighter. As Vlad came towards Elle she lifted up her sword, stepping in between Vlad and Elle. A warning in her bold eyes, that had tears rimming the bottom.

Walter stared at Atropos, Elle and Namari helpless to do anything about it. Walter himself was helpless, but perhaps if he thought of a way around Atropos' mind...

No. Truly, there was no way to get Aerin out. Not without giving Atropos something in return.

"We'll trade," Walter stated, turning to look at Atropos. His lips a thin line, enraged that the only thing he could think of was a bargain. He was not the type of man that you could torture the information out of. No, Atropos was the real winner in this situation.

"Is there anything that peaks your interest more than Aerin?" he asked, taking a step forward.
"Anything that's more fun?"

Namari furrowed her eyebrows, looking at Walter. She too could not think of anything else to save Aerin. She just prayed that the cost would not be too high.
Though she suspected it would be, if he chose to trade.
So the Queen remained silent, just pointing the sword at Vlad, praying to the Gods they would get Aerin back.

[Luella Vaettir]

Vlad stepped back, hands up as Namari brandished the sword to him. He looked scared, and strangely hurt, as if he were the victim. But he kept his mouth shut, hands shaking, eyes locked on Elle, pleading, but his niece paid him no mind. She kept her gaze fixed on Atropos, who continued to titter in joy. That was until Walter spoke. Then the mage fell silent, looking at the knight.

As Walter made his proposal, asked his question, Atropos’s face slowly relaxed and went completely blank, something Elle never saw before. The mage, her entire life, always had a smile on his face, and she found his face void of any expression sort of disturbing. It was like waiting for things to click for him, and she half wondered how exactly his thinking process worked.

Atropos slowly tilted his head, gaze drifting between the three that stood before him.

“Anything more fun? Than Aerin?” he asked, musing. “Anything at all?” He slowly tilted his head back, looking up at the sky. After a moment he looked back, grinning.

“How about the pain of his dear friends? I do enjoy watching you all squirm!” He laughed.

Elle reached up and wiped tears from her eyes.

“What? Is there nothing you’d find more entertaining?” she demanded. Atropos shrugged.

“I like to watch people in pain. I like to watch those suffer. I was getting bored, following Vladimir around, watching him do his petty, every day things.”

“Well…then isn’t torturing Aerin just another, every day thing?” Elle asked.

“But I like torture! And Aerin is so perfect. You’ve not done a thing to get him back. He’s mine.”

“What if we earned him back?” Elle asked. “What if we traded one entertainment for another? Let us try to get him back?”

Atropos’s face went blank again, which apparently meant he was seriously considering what was being said.

[Namari Lovelle]

Walter was surprised when the man stopped smiling. It truly was an odd thing. But he kept his straight face as the man seemed to truly think it over. Walter's lips nearly curved up in a snarl as he basically objected his proposal.

He looked over to the two women, the hurt in their eyes. And he felt like he had so many years ago as a young boy. Absolutely hopeless.

Namari was speechless; usually full of solutions, her face was twisted in confusion. The way that it would when her emotions got the best of the situation. She watched as Elle tried desperately to talk to Atropos. But he seemed to have none of it.

Then he paused again, thinking. Walter gritted his teeth together. Now was the time to throw him an idea; an idea. Anything. Something clicked in Walter's head again, and he stopped gritting his teeth.

"How about we make a game, hmm?" Walter asked, one eyebrow raised as he folded his arms in front of him, careful not to scratch his armor with his claws.
"What if we...what if we have to find Aerin?"

He paused, before he smirked.
"Like a maze."

Namari stared at her knight, before darting her head back to Atropos, hope in her eyes. Maybe this would be their chance.

You like games, Atropos? Well lets play. Walter thought, head slightly tilted as he stared.

[Luella Vaettir]

Atropos looked to Walter, face still blank as the demon pitched his idea. He stared Walter down for a while, before something in his eyes seemed to glitter. After a moment he slowly began to grin again, lifting a hand to shake a finger at Walter.

“Ah, a game…” he said softly, turning around to step away a few feet before turning again to walk back. “A game to find Aerin.” He laughed, clapping his hands together.

“I like the way you think! I like it! A game, yes! A maze!”

Elle bit her lip, looking hopeful. Walter talked him into a game. Aerin had a chance. They could get her brother back. Atropos lifted a hand.

“Alright! A game! You find Aerin…in twenty-four hours. Yes! You have twenty-four hours to find him, and after that he dies. Oh! Here’s a twist…” Atropos said, grinning. “The longer you take, the worse little Aerin’s torture will be!” He laughed. Elle cringed before glaring at Atropos. If it was a matter of tracking, Elle could certainly do that.

“Oh, but the problem is…he isn’t on this plane,” Atropos said, as if reading her mind. Elle blinked.

“What? Where is he then?”

“Well, the clock will begin ticking now…and I have Aerin stashed away in a place Walter would be familiar with I should think,” Atropos said, grinning at the knight. “Being a demon and all…”

[Namari Lovelle]

Relief washed over Namari, but Walter knew the game had just begun; he could not relax with relief now. No, that would come later.

They listened carefully to Atropos' terms; twenty four hours. That was enough time, right? It had to be. Though Walter just hoped to get him in time, Namari hoped to find him before any more damage was done.

She couldn't bare to face Aerin knowing she didn't go to him fast enough.

Namari furrowed her eyebrows as Atropos mentioned Aerin not being on 'this plane'. But Walter seemed to know where he was getting at, and leaned back in frustration.

Namari turned to look at Walter at the mention of him knowing. She raised an eyebrow, about to ask what he meant.

"He means Cresthunt," he said, sighing as he looked at Elle and Namari, before looking at Atropos.
"He literally sent Aerin to hell. Don't know how he got away with it, but he did it."

[Luella Vaettir]

Elle looked over at Walter when the knight seemed to understand where Aerin was. Her eyes widened when Walter clarified. Hell? Or some variation of it? How? How could he do that? She knew Atropos was a powerful mage but…but this?

“Hell? How are we supposed to get there to find him?” Elle asked, turning back to look at Atropos. The mage grinned and shrugged.

“Don’t know!” he said, giggling. “But I imagine your demon knight could come up with ideas. I do hope you enjoy my little slice of Hell, dearies. If you can find it. Good luck!” Atropos gave a bow, then straightened and snapped his fingers, and with a small puff of smoke, was gone. Elle jumped, before scowling. Damn it! Damn it all! She looked around before placing a hand against her forehead. Fuck…they needed to cross into another plane and find her brother within twenty-four hours or he was dead.

“Luella…” Vlad said, stepping forward, a pleading look in his eyes. “Elle, my sweet, please understand…I love you! I only love you!” Elle flinched before turning, stepping up to Vlad, and hammering a knee right into his groin in one swift move. The male elf gave a cry of pain before falling to his knees.

“I’ll deal with you later, you sick fuck,” Elle spat, glaring at him. Tears brimmed her eyes, and she wiped them away, frustrated, before turning to Namari and Walter. “Now what?”

[Namari Lovelle]

Walter's face twisted, thinking. Namari scowled as Atropos disappeared; but that did not matter so much as getting Aerin back alive.

Namari pulled her sword up as Vladimir stepped forward, but was satisfied for a moment when Elle kneed him in the groin. At least she still had her wits about her.

Everything was silent as both Elle and Namari stared at Walter, his face twisted as he thought.

"I...I can get down there in a snap. I lived there for the majority of my life," he explained, trying to run his hands through his hair (though cut that morning, he was unable to.)

"But with you two... I can still do it. It would take seconds, just like if I did it alone. It just requires I use magic. Lots of it. I wouldn't be able to use much magic after, not for at least an hour. If not longer."

Namari stared at Walter, then at Elle, then at the Vladimir whom was on the ground.
She looked back at the elven woman.
"I think we can handle it," she stated, looking at Walter before handing back his sword. He took it, sliding it through its holder.

"Do you need any weapons, Elle?" she asked, "Just in case?"

The Queen spotted the two guards, still oblivious to the situation, and called them over. Noticing, they began to jog over.

[Luella Vaettir]

Elle looked at Walter as he explained how getting to his region would require a lot of magic. He wouldn’t be able to use much after that though. She wondered how important magic would be once they got down there. She could use some, but she was no mage. Hell, she wasn’t even a warrior. But she would certainly try, damn it.

“I have something back home I could use, but it’d take time to retrieve it. We have a deadline to consider,” she said, before looking to Namari. “But we’re also about to trek into what I assume is dangerous territory. You can’t go in just a dress Namari. We’ll need a little prep time.” She sighed, rubbing at her temples. A little prep time. A little time she didn’t want to spare, but it was something they might just have to do.

“We could meet back here as soon as possible? I can run fast. I can be faster if someone spares a horse…” she said, biting on her lower lip.

[Namari Lovelle]

The guards came over, confused at the sight of the man on his knees and Walter in his demon form.
"Take the man on the ground to the dungeons," she murmured to them, "And don't let him escape, by any means. I don't care if you have to break his legs, he is not to escape. Am I clear?"

They looked surprise and they nodded as they walked on towards Vlad.

"Take mine," Walter stated, "His name's Lightning, his stable will have his name on it. He's a good horse. One of the fastest in the bunch, as well. Should get you there and back quickly."

Namari looked over her own attire, feeling rather foolish at the thought of going in her dress. But none the less she nodded.

"It should not take me long to get ready either. Just hurry back, Elle."

Then, Namari gently placed a hand on the woman's shoulder, as she would to Aerin to comfort him.
"We'll get him back."

With that Namari wasted no time, and ran into the building to get ready. Walter, moving back to chase after her, pointed in the direction of the stables.
"Tell them I let you take him, and you'll get by easy," he then grabbed with his other hand a small feather from one of his wings, and placed it in her hand.

"Just in case they don't believe you."
With that Walter turned and sped off, him too wishing to prepare himself more.