A Different Path

Chapter 13

Rose spent a good while with Narinder, mostly in his arms. Behind the walls of his temple, they were alone to be as cuddly as they wanted. Narinder purred against Rose, rubbing against her while she petted his ears and head. He was her big little kitty! He was so affectionate that Rose wondered he got into some catnip, but no, Narinder just missed his firebird. At first, the separation was bearable, but as more and more time passed, the two began to miss each other. It started small, but then the feeling grew until they met once again. Rose wished that she didn't get like that, especially when she knew that they would meet again. It happened before with several of her loved ones when they left for a long while. All this time and she still hasn't grown numb to it. Narinder could sense her unease and comforted her. It was his first time experiencing such feelings so he wanted to help his beloved, and help himself too. Narinder still hadn't asked Kallamar for any advice yet. He knew the squid was a quote on quote expert when it came to love, but... Narinder still feared his brother might go overboard since it was his first love and all. Seriously, he could tell that Kallamar would have a boatload of advice... but would it be good? Maybe since he has four spouses... Who cares anyway! Narinder and Rose needed to cuddle!

They spent a good while together before Narinder was needed elsewhere. Rose occupied herself by giving out the treats to the children and other followers if there were any extra. Rose watched the children to give the mothers any breaks if they needed. She watched the young ones play and run around the play area, some napped instead, others played with toys. It felt so good to be back! Rose loved to make new friends and missed them greatly if there was a strong bond between them. Little Lelouch waddled about, heading to Rose and reaching up to her. Rose picked him up and placed him in her lap. It seemed like yesterday he was just a newborn baby lamb, now he was just over a year old. Lelouch loved to cuddle Rose's warm wings, feeling all toasty and snuggly. The other kids loved them too, especially when Rose wrapped her wings around them all. Her touch was gentle and loving; Rose cared for them the way their own mothers would. Narinder watched from his temple window. He'd probably join them if he didn't have business that came up. Maybe later once he finished a few things. So long as Rose stayed within the barrier and magical protections, she'd be safe. If Vulcana was building up her strength and stayed in the shadows to do so... as much as Narinder wanted to stop her from doing that, it was safe to say that she wouldn't show up for some time... he and everyone else hoped.

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It was not Vulcana that neared the Cult of Death, no. Instead, she sent one of her most trusted followers to do the job. They got as close as they could without triggering any alarms, and then played the flute. The flute would hypnotize whoever heard it, but only the intended targets would hear its hypnotic melody. Rose heard it right when the mothers returned from their break. Carefully, Rose set Lelouch down and got up. Saying nothing, she left and made her way towards the barrier's edge. A few followers saw her and became confused, wondering why she was acting such a way. To most, Rose appeared normal, but she wasn't acting as such. Since it was a small Cult, there probably wouldn't be anyone to see what was happening to her until it was too late. Rose's mind went blank upon hearing the piece coming from the flute. She couldn't control her body, she just felt compelled to follow the tune. Vulcana's follower kept playing even when Rose came into view. Their mistress would be most pleased! The phoenix just needed to step closer to the trap... and it will be done.

The only one to see her heading to the barrier would be a lone follower fetching water from the well... They looked up and saw Lady Rose... leaving? That wasn't right. Lady Rose always left with Narinder to their meeting place or she would portal out of there. They went to call out for her but stopped when they saw something in the shadows. They didn't know who or what it was, but they saw something loving, their shadow giving off light from the sun. So much for being hidden. The follower of death then remembered Rose's teachings. They discreetly followed her, pretending that they needed to go in that direction anyway with the water and acted like they were working all while keeping an eye on Rose. They watched her actually leave past the barrier and into the forest! Okay, that's it! They ran after her, but weren't fast enough to catch their master's consort. Lady Rose just up and disappeared before their very eyes! The follower blinked, rubbed their eyes and looked again. Did they just see that?? Where did Lady Rose go?! They looked around and checked the area, even under a rock, but found nothing. It wasn't until they heard someone coming that they looked up.