Let's Play a Game

[Namari Lovelle]

Namari bent over by Aerin's side once he was covered, flinching at the blood already coming through the cloak. They didn't have time to carry him out if it just did not work...

The Queen turned in surprise at Elle's suggestion, looking at Walter with a stern gaze.
"They should go back together," she stated.

Walter stared at the two before he shook his head.
"Injured first, then status. We can't risk it with you Namari. Besides, hes more likely to be rushed in a bit faster to get treated if you're there. Aerin and Namari it is."

He would have liked to try transporting all of them out together. But if it did not work, it would be dangerous to Aerin.

Namari pursed her lips but did not argue; there was no time for arguing. She looked up at Elle.
"Are you sure you're okay with doing it this way?" she asked wearily.

Walter, as the women spoke, transformed into his demon form and removed the dagger from his hip, muttering words of magic once more.

[Luella Vaettir]

Aerin arched his back slightly in pain, turning his head to the side to cough up more blood. Elle let out a noise of frustration as she tried and failed to get the collar off. Damn it! Why wouldn’t it come off? It was like it was sealed together, no buckle or anything. She drew her dagger and slipped it under, and after a moment she managed to cut it free. She gasped slightly at the raw, burned ring on her brother’s neck, as if the collar hurt him every time he tried using magic and then he was tugged around by the collar.

She looked to Namari when the queen asked if she was sure.

“Yes, yes. I’m sure. Now go back, and care for him until we get there,” she said, looking at her brother before sighing and stepping back, gripping the collar. “Besides, Walter is right. You’re the queen. We can’t let you stay down here any longer.”

[Namari Lovelle]

Namari, lips still pursed, nodded to Elle.

"Get his hand and put it atop mine, and yours too," Walter murmured as he sliced his hand open once more, turning his palm to the ground. He got down to his knees in front of them, so he would not strain Aerin's arm.
Namari, as gently a she could, took hold of Aerin's hand and placed it on top of Walter's. She continued to stare at Aerin, however; in thankfulness. In worry.

Soon the two were engulfed in a chilled darkness, this time without Walter. And suddenly they were back where Namari, Walter and Luella had started; right in front of the castle.

To keep Aerin from falling back Namari placed her hand behind his back, before turning to the guards around the castle.
"I need help over here! He's hurt!" Namari yelled. Servants and guards alike turned and ran over to the Queen and her wounded friend, a few of the guards checking Namari for injury, but more importantly, how badly Aerin's injuries were.

Soon he was lifted up onto a blanket from the stables, and hurried into the castle. Namari quick to follow, praying for his health.

The spell was finished, and Walter nearly fell onto his behind, panting and rubbing at his face. Slowly he looked at Elle.
"How are you doing?" he asked, slowly standing up.

[Luella Vaettir]

Aerin gasped the fresh air as the cold subsided, which he was sorry to feel go, since it help a small bit with his injuries. He continued panting, finding it hard to breathe, hard to do much of anything. He heard a scuffle as others approached, and he reached out to take hold of Namari as best as he could, the bleeding tips of his fingers sending waves of pain through his hand.

“Namari…” he said softly, then gave a soft cry as a guard accidently touched his foot, which was blistered badly from the creatures placing hot irons against them. He coughed up blood again, and a moment later his grip slipped, he having passed out.

Minutes went by before he woke again, this time feeling himself being carried. Agh, how long had he been gone? How long? It couldn’t have been long but it felt like days. And oh how he ached everywhere. So much pain…and heartache. Just too much. He wanted to sleep but he was afraid that this was a dream. An awful trick.

He winced as he was set down somewhere, and he shut his eyes, which still poured with tears, though he hardly noticed them. This was so much worse than the accident. So much worse.

“Vlad…” he spoke suddenly, recalling the man that did this to him. “Vlad…where…?” He could barely talk. At least he could, he was worried they’d take his tongue next.

Elle stared at the spot where Namari and Aerin were, looking dull. She looked over to Walter as he asked his question.

“Well…I found out I was molested by my favorite uncle once as a child, and my brother had protected me and paid for that by being hit by a carriage in an attempt to kill him, and years later he was sent to Hell to be tortured for simply protecting me and getting in Vlad’s way,” she said slowly standing. “I’m fantastic.” She sighed, feeling tired. “Let’s just get out of these damn caves.”

[Namari Lovelle]

Quickly the leven woman was by Aerin's side, trying to calm him.
"Aerin everything is okay. Vlad is in the dungeons. He will not harm Elle or you again," she tried to sooth, reaching over and gently touching one of his shoulders as lightly as she could, for reassurance.

"You need only rest now and heal."

Upon entering the castle, they headed straight for the castle's infirmary, luckily not too far of a distance away.

Walter winced slightly at Elle's reply, though he could not blame her. Not one bit. Having all of this happen in one day... It would be too much for most people.
One thing was certain; Elle was a stronger person than a lot of people.

But he nodded, passing her and entering the tunnel again.
"Perhaps in a little while I will be able to transfer us out, instead of having to walk all the way back," he murmured, scratching at his head before sheathing his dagger.

[Luella Vaettir]

Aerin relaxed a bit more. Vlad was in the dungeons. Good. Then he couldn’t hurt Elle. He couldn’t hurt Namari. Couldn’t hurt him. Although, it really wasn’t Vlad who did this to him was it? What of Atropos? The mage had been there in the beginning, when Aerin first woke in the room that he had spent the last few hours in. Atropos had taken the gag, holding it in Aerin’s mouth and stood over him, giggling, as the mage used his magic to rebreak Aerin’s leg, shifting muscles where they should go and remolding joints. It had been awful, a long process, all so Atropos could easily string Aerin up the way the others had found him. Then Atropos left and let the other three things do their work.

Aerin took hold of Namari’s hand weakly when he felt her touch him, and he shut his eyes, letting out a little sob.

“He…he killed Lenore. I heard her neck…” he coughed blood again, before reaching down to hold his burning side. He bled heavily there, but it was no wonder. He didn’t have skin there anymore. He’d be healing with a lot more scars now. Both inside and out.

Elle followed Walter, readying her bow. She walked in silence for a while, fretting about Aerin, though now that he was safe and away, she felt mostly drained. She just wanted to go home and cry herself to sleep.

“That woman…she was pretty. She spoke like she knew you,” she piped up suddenly, as they neared the pit of souls again.

[Namari Lovelle]

Namari closed her own eyes for a moment, tears falling from her own face. Lenore... she wished she had never left Aerin's side. Perhaps then, both would be alive and well. Not dead and hardly living.
The hand that was resting on his shoulder was now shaking, but she kept her hand there. Aerin needed to know that she was there, and that she would protect him.

It was the least she could do.
"We'll find that bastard and kill him, Aerin," she spoke quietly, but firmly. She had never been so sure of anything in her life. Even if Atropos was long gone by then, she knew that if a day came and she layed eyes upon him once more, that she would slaughter him.
"Neither of them will get away with this."

Soon they were in the infirmary. There were hardly any injured people in there; a few guards and squires, sprained wrists or broken bones. Hardly anything serious. All eyes turned to the commotion, and quickly there were healers and mages all around.

"Put him here!" one called, onto a bed with padding. As carefully as they could - though they knew it was inevitable to hurt the poor boy- they set him down, and the guards backed away.
"My Queen, may I ask of you to go sit in one of those chairs?" one of the nurses asked, as she kept a hand on Aerin. Namari raised her eyebrows.

"I can't leave him," she stated. The nurse, however, was quick to respond.
"Right now he needs air. He'll probably be slipping in and out of consciousness from the magic, anyhow. What is it that happened?"
Namari stared at the nurse, before looking over at Aerin, She was hesitant, but decided that he did need a bit of air. She bent down, carefully kissing him on the forehead.

"I'll still be here," she muttered, "I won't leave this room."

She then backed up, looking at the nurse, "He was tortured."
The Queen sat down as the healers and mages circled him, getting to work.

Walter was eager to go back into the room with the pit of souls; despite its dangers, perhaps he would see her again. After all, he had a pretty good guess as to whom the woman was now. Now he did not feel curiosity, but yearning.

He smiled a childish grin when Elle said that she was pretty. He slowly began to remember. Her yellow hair, her soft slender hands. It had to be.

"She did," he spoke softly. "I think she was my mother."

They walked into the room, and the pit of souls made no movement. He was slightly disappointed, but despite this Walter was rather overjoyed. After all, he had met his mother again.
He looked back at Elle, mind racing with what she had gone through. His walking slowed slightly as he thought.

Perhaps now was not the best time, but Walter was usually bad with timing. Jumping into things much too quickly.

"She died when I was a baby," he stated, "And my father... well, he was not too happy with that. Went sort of loopy. And because of that, for years I was beaten. Abused. Hell, Walter's not even my real name; I don't know what is. And eventually I was traded in to Lucifer so that my father could become human."

He paused a moment before sighing.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is that...family sometimes sucks ass. And I'm not saying you're not allowed to be angry, or upset. I'm not even saying that our situations are comparable," he had to admit, being molested by a family member was much worse than being beaten. "I just want you to know that... it gets better. I promise."

Another moment and Walter paused, before getting red.
"I apologize, that was out of line of me," he muttered. Leap before you look; that is what Walter always did. And at that moment it deemed the most inappropriate.

This was Luella's business. Not only did it sound as if he were trying to get sympathy from the poor girl, but he was getting involved in her own matters. Perhaps Elle did not think of it this way, but Walter certainly heard it that way. Even if he did not mean to say it that way.

[Luella Vaettir]

Aerin made no reply to Namari as she made her promise. At this point he honestly didn't care. About anything. Except perhaps this pain, the overwhelming pain that currently engulfed his entire being. Namari could have slit Atropos's throat right now and the elf wouldn't care. Everything hurt too much.

He gave a sharp cry as he was lifted and set onto the bed, despite everyone's best efforts to be gentle. He heard Namari before feeling her kiss, an action he would have ordinarily been thrilled with, but only now it made him feel like panicking. She would be near but he didn't want her to go. If this wasn't real, if this was a dream he didn't want her to go and leave a bitter taste behind.Leave him alone.

He gasped, feeling strange hands on him, and it reminded him too much of the creatures in the torture chamber. Ah,but so much pain...Aerin slipped off into unconsciousness as the healers fell on him.

Elle listened quietly as Walter gave her his theory. His mother? She supposed she could see the resemblance. She looked at him as he told of his own brutal upbringing, before rounding it off with his final point. He had been abused all his life? Well he had turned out as a good man despite it.

"No, it's...it's okay," she replied when the demon made his apology. "Thank you, Walter. I needed that." She gave him a little smile, then lifted her hand up to create her own torch as they began to near the shadows once again.

"Well, you're from here. Anyone worth visiting while we are in this paradise?"

[Namari Lovelle]

Namari felt hopeless as she stared, watching them work on Aerin. Watching. Waiting. Praying.

Walter visibly relaxed as Elle seemed to be grateful at his story. With her smile he shot her a grin. Perhaps his bit of reassurance would help. Just maybe.
He lifted his own torch as they neared the shadows, snickering a bit even thought he tried not to.

Her mention of paradise was rather amusing.
"Yeah believe it or not I don't really like these people," he replied, then admitted, "I was a pretty shitty kid I have to admit. Lets just say I had a temper."
He did have a few friends; though he did not think this was the time. Besides, he would never wish to put Elle through that.

Most of his friends were assholes.

"I have to ask Elle," he began, "And please if I've offended you feel free to hit me. But what do you want done with Vlad?"
He paused a moment before continuing.
"His fate belongs to you. No one would question him suddenly... missing a limb, per se. Or missing entirely. And I'm sure we could send him back to face the wrath of your parents, if you'd wish."

He rather meant it. If he had the chance to meet his father once more and someone gave him the opportunity, he would take it. Though he did not believe Elle as ruthless as him, he couldn't blame her if she was with this particular situation.

[Luella Vaettir]

Aerin drifted in and out as the doctors worked, pain always accompanying him. But after a while and with a lot of hard work they stopped the bleeding, and bandaged him up almost everywhere. From the tips to his toes up to his neck he had bandages and gauze wrapped or pressed to him. With his entire body being so damaged, they left him without any clothing for now, keeping him covered with a light blanket, a heavier one nearby for if he got chilled later. They had him inhale a drug to relax him and ease the pain, which was the best way to keep him still when he was awake.

Now he woke, some time after the healers left and the drug wore off, though there was plenty on the table beside him. He slowly blinked, before attempting to sit up, half forgetting where he was. He let out a small cry of pain from moving, slowly sinking back to the bed. Why did this happen? All he wanted to do was be a good brother. Was that really a sin deserving of this?

Elle paused when Walter asked what she wanted done, and she felt a wave of emotions, similar to before. She scowled at the ground as she walked.

"Let the fucker rot where he is for now. I want nothing to do with him," she said. Her parents, they'd surely come once they caught wind of this. And woe to Vladimir when her father did come. No one messed with the Vaettir twins, not even family. Surely her father would have a few things to say. In the meantime, let him rot.

[Namari Lovelle]

Namari had been waiting, sitting on that chair the entire time. It got to the point where one of the servants had brought her a book, to let time go by faster. But it would not; even now her eyes skimmed the pages, her mind elsewhere.

She wished she could take away Aerin's pain. She wished that it had never happened. But the most she could do was wait for the doctors to finish, and then wait for him to wake up.

They had done the best they could; especially with what they got. It was probably one of the more serious cases they had had to deal with at the castle, ever. She had seen that he was wrapped from neck to toes, and this frustrated her.

How could anyone find amusement in this?!

Finally she was 'reading', awaiting for him to wake up, when she heard a cry of pain. Hey eyes shot up, just in time to see Aerin place himself back down on the bed. Quickly she snapped the book close, put it on the floor and hurried over to the man.

"Aerin," she spoke softly, brushing some of his hair out of his face, "Don't try to move. How are you feeling?"
The Queen bit back tears as she stared at Aerin. He was going to be okay.

Walter looked at Elle when she spoke, and nodded. He couldn't argue with that. Though Walter thought he might have taken a certain pleasure in breaking a few of that man's bones.

The two wandered through the caves, careful not to awaken any more beasts. Soon, they were back the way they came. Rather relieved, Walter stretched as they exited the caves. The lizard demon from before eyed them, not bothering to question why they had entered as three and came out two as his eyes wandered away.

"I think I might have enough strength to transfer us back," Walter stated, looking at Elle. He would have asked if she wanted to go sightseeing; though somehow he doubted it. Aerin seemed more important at that time than a boring old city.

[Luella Vaettir]

Aerin winced, gasping in pain as he shifted in the bed. He took a breath, wave after wave of pain striking him. He groaned softly.

"I feel...great," he said softly, attempting to give Namari a smile, though he didn't feel like smiling. He blinked back tears, pushing the blanket down to his waist.

"Where is Elle? And Vlad?"

Elle smiled at Walter and looked around. She was glad to be put of those caves. She turned to the demon as he spoke.

"Good. I want to see my brother," she said, hugging herself. Then go home and cry.

[Namari Lovelle]

She tried to smile back at him, but it was difficult. She just continued to gently run her fingers through his hair.
"Elle is still down there with Walter," she stated, "But no need to worry about them. I'm sure they're fine."

"And Vlad is in the dungeons."

She paused for a moment, before letting out a shaky sigh.
"I'm sorry we did not get to you faster. Truly I am, Aerin."

Walter smiled, and nodded. Glad that this horror show was over. At least, for now.
Once again he sliced a small cut into his hand; now there were three, side by side. He muttered words, letting his blood drip to the ground.

Palm down he nodded to Elle to put her hand up onto his. She did, and they were once again circled by darkness.

Suddenly it was bright. Walter, breathing a bit heavily now, squinted his eyes and rubbed at them. Now he remembered why he never visited that place.

They were in front of the castle, back to the beginning.
"They should be in the infirmary," he stated, looking to Elle before making his way up the steps and into the castle, leading the elven woman.

Truly, he was grateful that this seemed to be over.

[Luella Vaettir]

Aerin remained quiet a moment before reaching up and touching Namari's hand as she ran it through his hair. Then he slowly slid his hand up her arm to her older, then neck, until he found her cheek. The movement hurt him terribly, but he found comfort in it.

"I didn't think I was going to live," he said softly. "I was so sure they would kill me. And for a while...for a while I wanted them to. It was just too much..." He winced, finding it hard to continue touching her, but he wanted to. He didn't think he would ever do so again for a while. "I never felt so happy to hear you when you all came...thank you."

Elle winced at the sudden bright light, reaching up to rub her eyes. She looked around to see they were where they started, and she set her bow on her back again.

"I hope he's okay..." Elle said softly, following Walter into the castle. She heaved a great sigh, glad that she was back, bit she would still feel tense until she saw Aerin.

[Namari Lovelle]

His hand touched her cheek, and she removed her hand from his hair. She reached up and gently placed her hand over his, enjoying the comfort. Tears began to fall; both sad tears, and tears of joy.

"Aerin I have fought in many wars, traveled across seas, and faced beasts I could only imagine," she began, voice still shaking.
"But I have never been as scared as I was when I found out you had been taken. I have never been so overjoyed to see you as I am now."

She smiled down at the man, before wiping her tears away.

"So I can honestly say that no thanks are needed. You being my friend is enough."

Her face slightly turned away, and she gently placed Aerin's arm back on the bed, as she heard the all-too familiar footsteps of Walter walking down the halls. She looked down at Aerin and smiled.
"I think your sister's here."

Walter turned into the room as she predicted, Elle following. Namari backed up, so as to let Elle see Aerin.
"He's awake!"

Walter stepped to the side as well, but walked on slowly towards the Queen.

[Luella Vaettir]

Aerin smiled a bit as Namari spoke, making him feel a little better on the inside, where no amount of drugs could take away. He swallowed a bit, tasting blood, before Namari gently set his arm down. He heard some people approach, wincing again in pain. Only when he felt his sister sit down beside him and gently take hold of his hand did he speak.

"Luella..."

"Hey there," Elle said, leaning forward to kiss Aerin on the forehead. "How are you?"

Aerin gently touched Elle' s cheek.

"I'm sorry..." He said softly, surprising Elle.

"For what?"

"For it...for not being able to better protect you. For not keeping him away. For..." Aerin stopped, back arching slightly as a wave of pain overtook him. Elle frowned and stroked his cheek.

"Don't ever apologize for that. You did more for me than you could ever know." She watched his face contort in pain before he relaxed, and she saw he passed out. She stared a moment before taking a deep breath, setting his hand down.

[Namari Lovelle]

Walter moved to stand next to the Queen, arms folded as they both stared at the twins. Namari let out a small, relieved sigh before turning to look at the Knight.

"Did you two have any trouble getting out of the caves?" she asked softly, so as not to distract the twins.
Walter shook his head, wincing slightly as he moved his shoulders, forgetting about the sprain. However he continued to ignore it; so that Aerin, if needed, could get the more needed attention.

And due to the fact that the Knight was afraid of doctors.

"Do you know how Elle's doing?" she muttered once more.
"She's pissed. And probably upset. But she's a strong person. It'll take time, but she'll be alright," he reassured the Queen, who nodded in response.

Finally the two looked back, noting that Aerin was passed out.

"Elle feel free to stay for a bit," Namari stated, stepping forward a bit. "If you'd like we can leave you alone for a while."

[Luella Vaettir]

Elle looked to Namari for a moment before she gave a nod, turning back to her brother.

"I'll just be a minute...it's okay if he stays here until he is better?" She asked, gently moving a lock of hair from Aerin's face. She would go home later, maybe see the damage done to Aerin's shop...maybe bury Lenore...

[Namari Lovelle]

Namari looked rather surprised for a moment, before nodding.
"Of course he can...I wouldn't have it any other way."

They stared for a moment longer, right about to leave them be, before Namari said one final thing.
"And if there's anything either of you need from us, please feel free to tell us," Namari said softly, and Walter nodded to agree.
"We would really be happy to help."

Finally Namari smiled soft at Elle, looked at Aerin one last time, before walking out. Walter gave a quick bow before quickly following.

That had been one of the more stressful days in a long time either the Queen or the Knight had had to deal with. And they hoped that no more would come any time soon.