Runa's feet traveled across the ground as the last night of day shone over the city, the stone beneath her catching little of it because of its dark color. She wore a brown leather tunic and fur cloak over her shoulders to help with the dropping temperatures. As she eyed the scaffoldings built around various structures, she stopped, admiring how much work they'd gotten done on the city so far.
"How's the belltower coming?" she asked their general.
"Getting there," he said vaguely with his arms crossed, looking up at what they could see of it with the lack of sunlight working against them.
[GEM]
She glanced to her left as one of their guards were lighting a torch by the doorway into his home, helping to illuminate the city as night fell on them.
"We had some set backs when the fresh water supply went dry. But we're back on schedule," he continued.
"I heard about that," she said but as she spoke she saw some of the men who were working walk down the street in matching brown tunics, looking exhausted and dirty.
When they passed she watched their backs and said, "What's with the uniformity?"
"It's supposed to help the higher ups tell between themselves and those who should be working. It's new."
She hesitated as her brows pulled together, and following where those men left from, she saw men wheeling in bricks as they continued to fix the city walls, appearing half dead as they did so.
"You think you can tell me what to do?! Get back to your post," one of the men dressed in black threatened a worker who was hunched over, puking blood as he was kicked by his superior again.
"I could do this job fifty times over and you have the nerve to talk back to your captain?! Move it or I'll have you flogged in the square!" he shouted when the worker didn't do as he was told.
[GEM]
"What's going on?" Runa asked when she approached the scene.
"What's going on is nothing if your concern, damned girl," the overseer spoke down to her, clearly not in a peachy mood.
"I think you forget who outranks who here, sir... Which is surprising since you seem to be concerned with it only, exercising what little power you have over someone whom you see as lower than yourself," she said to him, her hands behind her back.
"If you want to sit here and defend the drudges, why don't you join them, little shite? Go on, pick up a stone and put it somewhere if you can even manage."
"Alright I will... but you might feel some discomfort," she replied with a calm tone.
"You little—"
"What the hell is going on here?" Claudius interrupted, walking up to them as he attempted to end whatever was impeding their work.
"Why are these men working after sundown?" Runa asked.
He glanced at the others and walked over to her, pulling her aside as he took her arm and they got behind a half wall. He faced her there, irritation in his tone. "We're at war, sister," he said nearly though his teeth. "Tempus Mora has a plan and a deadline that we have to stick to at any cost. Tell me what solution you would choose to act on this?"
"Did Tempus Mora say to treat these men like they have no rights?"
[GEM]
"They don't have rights, girl. They have luck. They were lucky to be rescued and privileged to be here as free men. We are here to carry out Mora's orders and you would be wise to do the same as you remember your place." he turned to shout at the rest of them. "Now all of you stop this bickering nonsense before your usefulness in this city has outlived its welcome! Return to your duties. All of you," he finished, commanding the people to go back what they were doing before as he walked on...
The man who had yelled at her merely glared in a high and mighty way before going back to instructing the men.
Runa's gaze drifted to the workers and their conditions as their superiors shouted, mocked, and even struck a few of them to do as they were told... an eerie feeling growing in her stomach at the sight.
[GEM]
But before any more thinking about this could be done, her sister found her and said, "Valmaor wishes to speak to you."
Runa made her way into his chambers, the halls empty as her footsteps echoed through the stone passage. Entering through the heavy wooden door, she let it shut behind her and stood like a soldier called to attention.
Valmaor was sitting on one of the chairs before his fireplace, goblet of wine in hand with a half empty bottle on the table between the seats.
"You summoned me?" Runa asked.
"Yes... come in girl. Have a seat," he replied with a gesture, his voice a bit off. Perhaps it was the wine.
She stepped forward and walked into view in front of him, her back to the fire.
"Do you respect me, girl?" he asked with a bit of anger in his tone.
"Yes, my lord," she replied plainly.
"Then disarm yourself before entering my chambers." He pointed to the table by the door that she came in through.
[GEM]
She blinked a couple of times but did as he said, walking to the table and placing on it her daggers and a couple of throwing blades she always had on her person. She then came back to where he was and slowly took a seat in the chair beside him, questioning herself as to what he could want from her.
"I'm sure you have heard about Arvid," he told her, his eyes staring into the flames.
"He wants to become a farmer and fisherman... to serve our community but in a different way—"
"He's gotten soft... like the lot of them will... Which is why I have become more grateful for you." He looked her in the eyes, a silence in the air as the crackling of the fire was the only noise to hit their ears.
She felt strange in his presence, as if something was off. But she continued to listen anyway.
"There's a fire in you that burns brighter than the others. At your age, none of these bastards would have the balls to do what you've done here."
"...I do what I do for the vision. I do it... to create a new world. One full of hope and freedom..." she began to say, but as she did, the images of the way the workers she was watching were treated went through her mind. Even saying this words now seemed difficult. "One full of mercy... and justice. True justice," she finished, staring into his gaze as steely as she could.
"I see that in you... as well as great potential."
She wondered what he was getting at but nodded, thanking him for the compliment nonetheless.
[GEM]
"I won't always be around here as the director of our little family. Life has aged me like it's aged others. When the times comes for me to take my place in the ground... I will keep you in mind as a replacement."
She was surprised. After all, she was doing well, she supposed... but so were many others in their brotherhood. And they had a much higher kill count than she did. "...Me? In your position? Are you certain about this?"
"I couldn't be more certain, dear. You have a rare gift for the darkness in you..." he began with his eyes not looking away from hers for a single moment. "It's ruthless and beautiful... alive and hungry for blood."
She didn't know what to say to this. But eventually said, "I would be honored, my lord." She felt lucky to even be offered this. Was she really qualified for it? "Though I don't feel I've earned it, even with the compliments you have given just now. The others have years on me."
"...Sometimes... a youthfulness is much better than maturity..." is all he replied with, speaking slow and smooth like the wine had gone down. She could nearly smell it on his breath even from where she was a few feet away.
[GEM]
She didn't reply, just thought about his words instead.
"But if you are going to take my place, little bird, you must be prepared for everything to come your way."
"...I understand," she said, putting her mind back on mission as she swallowed any doubts that had come to her before.
"Do you?" he questioned, standing up and facing the fire as silence hung over them for a moment. "Stand up, Runa."
She did as he asked, wondering where this was going.
"...Take off your garments," he added sternly.
She blinked a couple of times, confusion taking her over. "...W-what?"
He turned around, stepping up so that his face was a couple inches from hers, height defeating her. He had death in his eyes as he said in an intimidating way, "Take them... off..."
Fear shot through her veins at the look he was giving her. This man who had been a mentor to her and a superior beyond questioning. Everyone knew his status and feared disappointing him... because they feared to disappoint Tempus Mora.
[GEM]
With palms that began to heat up in a nervous trembling, she removed her cloak before she began to undo her buttons on her tunic.
He watched her with a steely gaze of authority as she did this, her fingers shaking when she let her tunic hit the floor followed by her trousers. The chilly air hit her skin and made her shiver, a blush of complete embarrassment and fear rushing over her face as his expression didn't change.
She gulped and continued, knowing this was some kind of test as she began pulling off the small garment that covered her hip area and the one that wrapped around her chest. She tried to be brave and not feel... exposed and vulnerable, trying to be as stone faced as she always was... but it was... much harder than she anticipated.
Standing here completely bare in front of this man, she felt like a child even instead of a teenager. She felt small and weak.
This feeling was reinforced when he stepped up to her, eyeing her body before throwing a punch to her gut so hard she wretched and fell, bending forward, her hands catching her as they rested on the cold stone floor as well as her knees...
Pain coursed through her as it felt like her entire organ system was bruised already and she clutched her stomach to keep from puking.
[GEM]
But he knelt down and grasped her face in his hand. "You think you're strong enough to endure what I have?!" he spat before kicking her in the thigh.
She cried out in pain but bit her tongue as she tried so desperately to not let the pain show in her expression, falling onto the floor again as she held her leg. She breathed through it as she fought back horrid emotions and physical turmoil by the waves.
Valmaor put his hand to her throat as he kept positioned over her, bearing down on her with a demeanor she'd never seen him possess before. "This is your test," he growled in her ear. "You will let me have you for my own."
Terror poisoned her body as she heard his words and felt his hand nearly choking her as it grasped her neck. She'd never felt more fear in her life as her system went into panic mode, too scared to even deny him as he pressed her down, the lies that escaped his lips still deceiving her mind into submission as she couldn't even think properly.
But once she heard him unbuckle his belt and felt his cold hand grab her between her legs, she went into self defense mode as her brain entered its default setting of fight or flight, squirming violently until she was able to knee him in the groin, his hand releasing her when this happened and this allowed her to clamber to her feet.
[GEM]
Her ankle catching on her garments that were still on the floor at her feet, she fell forward and caught the ground with her hands again, the pain in her thigh muscle resurfacing with these motions and making her cringe.
She wasn't able to get up again before he grabbed her by the hair and she cried out when he pulled her back. Tears stinging her eyes from the sharp pain, it almost caused her body to fall functionless but adrenaline was pumping through her and she elbowed him in the jaw hard, releasing her from his grip again as she stumbled forward, running for her weapons.
Arms suddenly wrapped around her as she was tackled to the ground, her head nearly hitting the stone as Valmaor's body overwhelmed her, his hands grasping her arms as he pinned her down with all of his strength, trying desperately to keep her still enough to get what he wanted from her. She began to scream for help but this reaction caused Valmaor to punch her in her throat to shut her up, silencing her as shock caused her eyes to widened in even more panic, breathing in short, coarse breaths.
[GEM]
He grabbed her wrists before she was able to attempt to claw his eyes out, telling her to keep still because he wouldn't hesitate to kill her if he had to.
She couldn't even register what he was saying as all her mind was thinking was escape.
She fought and fought to get free but there was no beating his strength. As her eyes were wide she noticed what was behind him was a standing basin of coals that served as a torch for the room.
Her foot hit the claw base of the metal pole and knocked it over, the whole thing falling onto Valmaor's back and dropping hot coals everywhere in the process. This weakened him as he let her go when his body fell on top of her. But she dug her nails into his face as hard as she could before kicking her body out from beneath him, leaving a nasty scratch across his entire face when she did this. He cried out in pain as she sprinted for the exit, not even trying to get her weapons anymore as she threw open the heavy door and fled down the hall, her thigh causing her sharp pain with every step of her bare feet on the cold stone. She could hardly see from the dizziness and tears that were burning her eyes but it didn't stop her.
[GEM]
She tried to shout over and over but her throat was in still unable to get the words out.
She didn't stop to check if he was pursuing her, she only focused on getting as far away as she could, running to find the only person that was on her mind in this moment of pure fear and panic.
Tripping down the steps, she stumbled and grabbed the ground, knowing she skinned something on her way down, her hands then grasped the tapestry on the wall with all her weight, tearing it off its old nails and bringing it down with her. But she just used it to wrap around her body as she got up to keep running.
Her brain didn't even register how far she had run at all as she still tried to keep tears at bay, no one present in this area at all as her fellow brothers and sisters were either asleep, training, or on missions elsewhere.
It wasn't until she stood in the doorway of Muiredach's chambers that she finally associated with her surroundings.
[GEM]
He was fixing something on his dragon's extra bridle in his fingers but when she stumbled into the room and fell onto her knees he looked up at her with alarm on his face and dropped the leather contraption, running over and kneeling down to her at once, his mind swimming with confusion. But she didn't wait to grab onto him with one hand when he was close, as her other one was still clutching the tapestry around herself, and crumple into his arms sobbing.
As his expression was struck with immense concern and worry, he took off his hooded cloak and wrapped it around her to replace the torn fabric she was trying to hide herself in, the cloak basically swallowing her when she put her arms through the sleeves, since it was already a loose fit on him...
But he held her after that, with his arms wrapped tightly around her, not asking her anything at first as he was still taken aback and she could hardly breathe as is. His coal black collarbone length hair was in a ponytail as some strands were in front of his left eye, glancing up at the door as if his answer to her distress would be there. But he just cradled her head for now, stroking her back with his hand and her hair with his thumb, listening to her panicked breathing and crying until his confusion was too loud and he asked her, "Runa what happened?"
[GEM]
She tried to stop long enough to form words, her voice coming out in heaves of jagged breathing, "I... ... h-he... he t-t-tried..." She clutched onto the clasp of his thick wool tunic as she spoke. "...tried to... ..."
From her state of unclothed and bruised, he knew exactly what "he tried to do" and already he was burning with anger. "Who...?" he asked, desperate to know.
"...V... V—Valmaor," she choked out before going back to crying.
He shut his eyes as that name sunk in...
Their leader, their representative, mentor... and Tempus Mora's advisor himself? How could...
No. It made sense.
The man was evil through and through, and would justify anything when it came to it. There was no moral code, nothing he stood for. Just lies to make himself feel like he was ever a good thing for their world.
Muiredach was filled with rage, and drowned in sympathy for her. In fact, he didn't know if he had more hatred for Valmaor, or more pity for Runa...
He held her in his arms and rested his head atop hers, listening to her bitter, traumatized sobs as it began to make his own eyes burn with tears. His heart was weighed with emotions as he felt so bad for her, and held her as if his embrace would keep her from harm's way forever, only wishing it could...
[GEM]
Runa's trauma was pouring out in the form of tears that soaked into Muiredach's tunic, feeling like his arms were the safe place from Valmaor, as if staying in them would permanently keep that terrible man away from her like a child ducking under the covers to hide from monsters. But she did know that in a way, it was true. Muiredach was the Brotherhood's most skilled fighter. As long as he was in proximity, Valmaor wouldn't be able to get anywhere near her. And that thought was comforting to her.
And thus far... he was the only other soul on the planet that she trusted...
And the only one she loved.
And this feeling was mutual for him as well, even though it never needed to be said.
The two of them sat there on the cold floor while the aftermath of her experience soaked into their veins. Muiredach held her head to his chest as he whispered gently to her, "Shh, it's okay. I'm here. You're safe... ...You're safe."
Right now, all he concentrated on was the sympathy, and being there for her. He just wanted her out of harm's way and wanted to erase the memory of what almost happened to her as he hated what it did to her.
He was just grateful that bastard didn't get what he wanted.
[GEM]
Runa's crying eventually slowed but the fear remained, feeling like a fragile child instead of a stone cold assassin like she believed she was before. Did she truly think she was beyond harm because of some skill with a blade? Did she think she was invincible? Realizing that there would always be something out there that could kill her no matter how good at fighting she got, made her even more unstable and seeking shelter was all she wanted in that moment; a way out of harm's way...
But for now she just let herself be comforted by Muiredach, so grateful to have him in this dark world she lived in.
"Shh..." he whispered again to calm her shaking breaths, brushing her brown hair back from her tear stained face. "...I swear to you, Runa. No one will ever do that to you again... Not while you're with me," he said protectively, sureness in his tone. "I don't care who they are..." He lifted her chin and used his fingers to wipe her tears as her big brown eyes looked innocently into his. "Even if it was to cost me my life... no one will touch you. In fact, gods help them because my wrath would be far worse."
[GEM]
She was touched even if it was essentially a threat. Another tear slipped down her cheek and she let herself curl against his chest again, no place she'd rather be than in his embrace in this moment as she tried to get through what just happened...
(track: "You're Not Alone" by Jed Kurzel)
Muiredach paced back and forth in his room for hours, his mind plagued with defensive fury as the sympathy slowly began to turn to a desire for vengeance. As he struggled mentally, knowing his plans were too great to shatter on such a pathetic person like Valmaor...
But he kept seeing Runa's screaming face, her tears... and that wretched, pathetic person's act he nearly got away with committing.
He leaned against the wall of his chambers, shutting his eyes as his heart was racing and his palms were clenched. He then looked down at his bed, at the girl sleeping there wearing some spare clothing he had; one of his tunics and some trousers cuffed at her ankles because of the height difference...
[GEM]
As he watched her sleeping face... a face that was still stained with tears... that sympathy came back. She would have a wound the rest of her life over what that man almost did...
That sweet girl...
That child.
His expression faded into a hardened one and he stood up straight, tearing off his cloak to retrieve his armor.
The night was dark, as it was close to dawn, and even if they had guards keeping watch every night, no guard could detect a man who owned the shadows the way he did...
A figure making his way to an isolated chamber, stepping completely silently on the stone of the city and disappearing through doorways and windows, was undetected by any living soul.
An older man, sleeping peacefully in his bed as if he had the right to after what he did, awoke suddenly when his entire body was in shock, blood quirting from his groin as his entire member was sliced clean off by a familiar blade.
[GEM]
His hands went down there as if to stop the bleeding but that's when the pain started to set in and he cried out, seeing a face above him with an ice cold, merciless look in his eyes.
Valmaor's panic and survival instincts kicked in as his body fell off his bed and he clambered on the ground, blood absolutely pooling onto the floor as Muiredach's boots remained outside its reach, walking slowly around his victim while the man writhed and tried to crawl, the cloak of his killer catching the breeze from the opened balcony at the back of his chambers.
This death was one of fitting to his crimes as he watched Valmaor bleed to death, pathetic and helpless on the floor as blood soaked his nighttime apparel. He shouted for help but it didn't last long as his life was snuffed out fast, and his body collapsed onto the pool of his blood.
Hearing footsteps running after the sounds of his cries, Muiredach glanced up at the closed door and turned, walking slowly with his cloak flowing behind him, hood up as he headed straight for the balcony. Speeding up, he leapt off the edge and onto the saddle of his dragon, gripping the reigns as the beast shot into the light and around the bank, flying over the ocean and heading north, hoping no one saw him escape...
But if they did, and if they kill him for this... he wouldn't regret what he did.
Not at all.
The sunlight kissed the faces of two sleeping companions behind a large boulder they had sat against, talking until slumber had taken them.
But now the sounds of the Icelandic birds filled their ears and beckoned them awake.
Uriah's eyes slowly opened as he blinked, squinting from the sunlight above the treetops. He glanced at the fire that was now only a pile of ashen sticks, and the sleeping Goregutter behind them, Ikatere snuggled by it as well.
But when he turned his head he noticed Moira was sleeping still, her head resting on his outstretched arm like a pillow. A fluttering sensation overcame him in his stomach and warmth spread through his heart... as well as his cheeks. He smiled softly at her, admiring her even though her face was turned away from him. He loved everything about her, no matter how random, even her ears.
[GEM]
His body turned so that his other hand could reach over and he let his fingers gently move through the tips of her fire red hair, resisting the urge to just wrap his arms around her completely and never let go.
There was something he adored about her being the first sight to him when he woke up, and he couldn't take away that joy even if the circumstances were as dire as they were...
[MELODY]
A small smile appeared on Moira's face when he went through her hair. She mumbled something in her sleep as she turned around facing him now. It made her bury her face in her own hair which was a funny sight.
Oct 20, 2023, 7:12 AM
[GEM]
Uriah chuckled at this, keeping a goofy grin on his face before he turned and faced the sky, propping his head up with his free arm as he drowned in contentment. 'She's so adorable...' he thought.
Oct 20, 2023, 7:50 AM
[MELODY]
Moira slowly went to lay closer to him as she just laid her head on his chest as she did. "..no..." she suddenly said in her sleep trying to get her arm around him. "No ye cannae take him..cannae.." she mumbled afterwards.
Oct 20, 2023, 8:18 AM
[GEM]
His cheeks went red as she got atop him and wrapped her arms around him, his heart filling with joy and his stomach doing another leap. But when she began to talk, he wanted to laugh again but what she said made his eyebrows tug together with concern. His arm she was lying on wrapped around her with his hand at her waist, and the hand that was behind his head moved some hair from her eyes. "Moira," he whispered.
[MELODY]
Moira shook her head burying her face in his chest as she whimpered slowly waking up. "N-no.." she mumbled again as she started to tremble slightly. It was like a nightmare had started to creep up on her.
Oct 20, 2023, 8:39 AM
[GEM]
He felt bad for her and stroked her cheek with his fingers. "Moira," he repeated, a tad louder to try and gently wake her. Even if he loved the feeling of her arms around him. He wouldn't admit that out loud.
[MELODY]
Moira groaned slightly when he did that as she slowly started to wake up. As she opened her eyes her first expression was fear and panic as her eyes filled with tears but when she made eye contact with him she visibly calmed down.
Oct 20, 2023, 9:24 AM
[GEM]
He showed sympathy in his face. "You alright, sweetheart?" he asked sensitively, his finger still brushing hair back from her face idly as he looked at her.
[MELODY]
Moira started tearing up again then as she shook her head just laying her head back down. "..I-I will be.." she said as she noticed the position they were in and a slight blush appeared on her face but she didn't move. She was just going over the nightmare in her mind and it scared her.
Oct 20, 2023, 9:49 AM
[GEM]
He stroked her back with his left hand as he didn't bother moving at all. He was perfectly content in this position. "Nightmare?" he asked in the same concerned manner.
[MELODY]
Moira just nodded as she looked up at him. A few tears escaped then. She didn't want to talk about it scared of it might becoming true. "..y-ye were in it.." was all she said to him.
[GEM]
"Oh, then that is a nightmare," he joked, a hint of a smirk on his lips after saying that.
[MELODY]
"..oh aye ye a-are very scary.." Moira sighed softly but couldn't help but smile slightly when he said that. "..i-i..it was just.." she hesitated before finishing her sentence. "..y-ye got killed.." she said quietly as her voice was shaking now. It was this deep rooted fear that now she lost her mother, her family and her clan. And now she realized what she felt for Uriah she was very scared of losing him as well.
[GEM]
He furrowed his brows a bit as he kept a sympathetic look in his brown eyes, looking up at the clouds as he thought about her words. He wanted to say "Well sorry. You can't get rid of me that easy" but he went for the more sensitive approach instead. "I'm sorry, darling...," keeping his thumb stroking her shoulder as he spoke. "You know I'm afraid to lose you as well. But we can't give into that fear. It will destroy us," he added quietly.
[MELODY]
Moira gave him a small nod as she looked into his eyes again. "..I-I know...I know that..it just..caught me by surprise." She said quietly as she went to sit up pulling her legs up and put her arms around them.
[GEM]
He didn't like that she was upset and he sat up as well. "Hey, come here," he said gently and put his hand at her back.
[MELODY]
Moira looked over her shoulder back at him then before leaning into his embrace and hugged him. She smiled slightly again as she did. "..thank ye.."
Oct 20, 2023, 11:08 AM
[GEM]
He smiled back at her and kissed above her ear, his arm hung around her shoulders. "This war won't take us down, lass. We'll get through this," he said with confidence but tenderness.
[MELODY]
Her blush reappeared and her smile grew when he did that. She then nodded in agreement. She loved they where just together in that moment and wished they could just stay like that.
[GEM]
"My mother used to tell me something that I never really lived by until recently..." he added, breaking the silence as he looked ahead. "She said that no matter what happens... everything will be alright."
[MELODY]
Moira looked up at him when he said that. She had barely heard him mention his mother before. "..she sounds like a wise woman.." she said to him softly.
[GEM]
"She was... I wish I could see it then," he said as the wind blew back his long dark locks just barely. "She knew even death could not separate her from her destiny."
[MELODY]
Moira listened to him as she carefully reached for his locks getting them out of his face. "..what kind of person was she?" She asked him carefully
[GEM]
"She was..." he began to recall her smile as it was treasured in his memory, "the kindest, warmest, loveliest, most inspiring person I have ever known... She would have loved you," he added when his eyes met hers, a twinkle In them as he smirked warmly at her.
[MELODY]
A warm smile appeared on her face when she saw his reaction when he was talking about his mother. "I think I would have loved her as well..I think my mom would have liked ye as well."
[GEM]
"Of course she would have, I mean I'm delightful," he said with a fake bragging tone.
[MELODY]
Moira rolled with her eyes as she chuckled "..Aye ye are.." she then gave him a kiss on his cheek. But then Cailean snored waking up half the forest and Ikatere who jumped up as he woke up looking like a spooked cat. "..well..there go the birds.." moira said sighing softly.
Oct 20, 2023, 1:16 PM
[GEM]
Uriah chuckled, but under that he was hoping she didn't notice how red his face got from that kiss as his laugh covered the grin on his face.
[MELODY]
Melody had woken up in the middle of the night and couldn't go back to sleep again. There was just too much going on in her mind. It was overflowing with questions as there was still disbelief in her but that was slowly disappearing. She had climbed onto the roof after she woke up, just watching the night sky. She just wanted to be alone to clear her mind, of course she wasn't alone since Lyre was there..Now that the sun had started to shine she had just stayed in the same spot having her forehead rested on her knees as she hugged her legs. Of course it was freezing sitting there the whole night but she barely felt it. Too busy in her own mind still.
Oct 20, 2023, 3:14 PM
[GEM]
You know who did this... don't you?
[MELODY]
Melody didn't reply at first. She still blamed him for not telling her that her tribe, her family, had died. She just stayed quiet staying in the position she was in.
[GEM]
The stranger warned us about him.
[MELODY]
"..h-he did.." Melody said with a shaking voice as she kept hiding her face. But that was all she replied.
[GEM]
Don't carry the weight of the dead, dear Melody. Death is only a natural part of life. Mourning does us no good.
[MELODY]
"W-Why didn't you tell me? That it happened?" Melody asked now lifting her head up. It was clear in her voice that she had expected that. "T-they were my family.."
[GEM]
The wolf like creature was sitting regally, staring at the treetops. But the ghostly black eyes looked back at her. You blame me for this? he questioned.
[MELODY]
"..I don't blame you for their deaths..I j-just wished you told me that they did..or w-warned me.." The blond was avoiding his gaze, not making eye contact with him.
[GEM]
Are you suggesting I can see into the future? Or travel across continents to bring you knowledge of the business of far away lands?
[MELODY]
"No!..I-I just know you sense..that kind of thing before I do..! I just..I knew you knew when you stayed quiet when I asked..!" Melody said more hurt and frustrated now. She never much showed her emotions this raw..but well she never had to coop with a loss like this herself.
[GEM]
Have I not brought you prosperity and glory? Have I not mentored you with the greatest wisdom I can give? Have I not taught you all that you know? Have I not stayed loyal by your side and aimed only to elevate you with the deepest of affection? he challenged her, mirroring her tone. You are angry, my dear. And rightfully so. But make sure you remember to put that anger in its proper place.
[MELODY]
"Y-yes you did! I know you did! And i know you are all I got! And I am grateful! I just..I don't.." melody's eyes started filling with tears again then. "I just wish i could have done something..to prevent it..t-to safe them..it's.." she tried taking a deep breath then. "..I apologize for yelling..and pointing my frustration and anger at you..I was just..disappointed..and I am sorry.." she tried her best to explain it to him and apologize but he had to understand as well that she had to grief as well. "..c-could we like..do a ritual..tonight..for the tribe?" She asked carefully then.
[GEM]
Perhaps. I can bring some others to join us; the guides of some of the fallen... and then... I can tell you where you can focus your anger. Anger, my dear, is like fire. This killer provided the matches, and he will burn in your flames.
[MELODY]
Melody nodded slightly letting out a shakily breath then. "..A-Alright..preparations shouldn't take that long..I hope our guests understand that I need to do this.." she said as she leaned her head against her knees again.
[GEM]
Trust me, they lost their loved ones just as you did. And like you, they know who is to blame—
"Who are you talking to?" a plain toned voice interrupted from behind her.
When she looked, she saw it was the twins. "I mean—I have a blanket," Tuffnut corrected himself. He was holding a thick wool throw in hand.
Glancing back at where Lyre was, he had now vanished.
[MELODY]
Melody almost jumped when she heard another voice all of a sudden before seeing the twins. "..Ehm..myself.." melody said before wiping her tears away. "..I can see that..you have a blanket.." she said with a slight smile. "..what brings you two up here..?" She asked them wondering why they had come to her.
[GEM]
"Well... mostly the blanket," Ruffnut said with a shrug.
"You know I spent a whole month talking to myself to convince Ruffnut she was going insane. It was awesome," Tuffnut added.
Ruff stomped on his toe and snatched the throw from him with anger.
He grunted in pain while his sister walked up to Melody and put the blanket over her shoulders.
Oct 21, 2023, 2:06 AM
[MELODY]
Melody listened to his story being fascinated by their behaviour and interaction and couldn't help to almost laugh. She was surprised when Ruffnut put the blanket on her. "T-Thank you.." she said to her with a small smile. She hadn't noticed before how cold she was, until now that the warm blanket was over her.
Oct 22, 2023, 1:37 PM
[GEM]
"We also wanted to say we are sorry for all of your dead family and friends. We know you are probably really sad thinking about their horrible deaths they suffered and I'm not going to say it was worthless to fight instead of giving up their secret since the Conqueror got it anyway, because I kept saying that this morning and Hiccup said 'stop saying that'," Tuffnut trailed on as if saying this was helpful... in any way.
"Yeah and I came up here because Astrid told me I'm incapable of being sensitive... and she's right. Also she said I was a bitch... and she's right," Ruffnut said with a shrug.
[MELODY]
Melody was surprised by this river of words coming out of Tuffnut as he talked rather quickly. "..well..thank you..I think.." she said not sure what to reply to that. She then turned to look at Ruffnut. "..I don't think you are.." she said to her with a small smile as she wrapped the blanket tighter around herself.
Oct 22, 2023, 2:13 PM
[GEM]
Ruffnut looked flattered—
"Well you don't know her like Astrid does—" Tuff commented.
"I will throw you off this roof," his sister threatened.
[MELODY]
A laugh escaped melody as she watched them. It seemed to help her cheer up slightly. It had been a lot time since she had been around others also so it surprised her and was amusing as well.
Oct 22, 2023, 2:39 PM
[GEM]
"I think we're off topic again. Didn't we have a code word for that?" Tuffnut said.
"Why would we need a code word? Who would we be hiding from?" Ruff replied.
"Grenda."
"Who?"
"No that's the code word. We got off topic again."
"Ugh—right. Sorry. Um..." Ruffnut scratched the back of her head, thinking about what to say.
As the silence lingered... Tuffnut then decided to be the one to speak first as he walked forward and sat beside Melody watching the sun climb higher over the mountains ahead.
"Most people don't know that we're orphans. They think uh... that Uncle Agnar is our dad but... well... our parents both died in the same raid. We were seven. And they went away to fight dragons. Promised us they would return to teach Ruffnut how to use a long handled weapon because she sucked at it."
Ruffnut would normally say something defensive here but the memory made her smile softly in thought.
"But they never came back... so..." Tuffnut finished, feeling emotional for the first time in a long time.
[MELODY]
Melody was surprised by the fact they shared such a painful memory. "..I am sorry..that you lost your parents so young." She said to them softly. She wasn't sure what she should do to make them feel better in that moment. "..I guess we need to remember the good moments and hold onto those.." she said with a small smile as she thought of her family.
Oct 22, 2023, 3:15 PM
[GEM]
Ruffnut was emotional now as well and she walked to sit beside her brother. "You mean like when Tuffnut tried to then teach me himself for a week but was just as bad as I was?" she said with a subtle smile on her lips.
"And then we got competitive over who could learn how to use those halberds better," he replied.
"But at the end of the day we just wanted to do our parents proud," she admitted before glancing down at her foot.
There was a moment of silence but Tuffnut said, "Yeah... I don't really know how cheering someone up works but I think we did it wrong," he admitted.
[MELODY]
Melody gave them a small smile watching them as she shook her head. "..you did a good job..sometimes it's okay to feel emotional even over good memories."
Oct 22, 2023, 9:28 PM
[GEM]
Ruffnut was shy and uncomfortable with being vulnerable but there was a strange sense of satisfaction in doing it as well. She smiled a little and, against her stubborn nature, said, "Thanks."
"...Hmm. You know what? Maybe we misjudged you. You're not a terrifying socially inept monster," Tuffnut said as if realizing this now.
Ruffnut rolled her eyes at his AMAZING people skills.
Oct 23, 2023, 3:04 AM
[MELODY]
Melody chuckled when he said that "thank you..I guess." She said to him and sat there for a while in silence with them. "..I got to go gather some things..but thank you..I feel better now.." she said with a smile on her face as she got up. She then climbed off the roof again and got inside her cabin.
Oct 23, 2023, 7:45 AM
[GEM]
"Hey, we did it," Tuffnut said like it was a huge accomplishment.
She just gave him a look.
"What?"
"We shouldn't be waiting here. We need to get moving now," Ruarrc was saying, breaking the silence in the camp they had made outside Melody's hut. He was the first to ready his gear again after everyone had woken up.
"She's lost everything. Give her a minute," Astrid said harshly but with sympathy.
"We already have the riddle. Does anyone know the answer to it?" Hiccup asked as he was huddled up between Toothless and the fire to keep warm.
[GEM]
Faelan was playing his pipe as he sat beside Arne who looked like he was trying to sleep but he glared at Greenhood and snatched the musical instrument from him before lying back down.
"Does anyone even remember it?" Snotlout asked.
Gregor glanced at the others who also seem like they don't have that answer.
"Well looks like we'll have to wait for Uriah to stop snogging his new wife!" Arne said, getting louder the longer he spoke as he looked at who was coming back to camp.
"Uh-oh. Someone's jealous," is all Uriah said in a snide way when he walked beside Moira and their dragons to join them.
"They're married?" Gregor asked in shock. "Congratulations—"
"You're an idiot," Arne remarked, cutting him off.
[MELODY]
Moira raised an eyebrow when Arne said that before just shaking her head. "..talking about Melody..how is she doing?" She asked Astrid directly then ignoring those idiots.
[GEM]
"Well... you should know," she said, a bit downcast. There wasn't really any getting through this. Not wholly.
[GEM]
"Oh new and marvelous is our love! We tried to hide it but it was painfully obvious!" Faelan was singing, pretending to strum a lute like he was a bard.
"Are you quite finished?" Uriah said with his brows raised as the others just laughed.
[GEM]
Astrid rolled her eyes at what was going on behind them but continued talking with Moira.
[MELODY]
Moira rolled her eyes as well in respond to Faelan before sighing softly and nodded. "Yea..I know how she is feeling probably..should we check on her?" She asked Astrid as from inside the cabin something could be heard falling as well as melody afterwards cursing to herself.
[GEM]
"Yeah. Let's let the boys figure out the riddle. Come on," she replied and went that way.
[MELODY]
Moira nodded as she followed melody to the door of the cabin. She gently knocked on the door "melody can we come in?" She asked. But standing by the door she could hear melody talking to someone. "..is someone in there?" She asked confused looking over at Astrid.
Melody was sitting on the floor by a pot that had fallen and broken while holding her now cut thumb in her mouth. "..I forgot that pot was so slippery.." she said to Lyre "Yes come in!" She called out to them. "I wish my hands weren't shaking so much also.." she said to him sighing softly. Maybe it wasn't the right time to do so..
[GEM]
Astrid opened the door and when she saw the mess she came over to help immediately, kneeling down to pick up the broken pieces of pottery. "We just wanted to make sure you'll be alright before we take off," she told her.
[MELODY]
Melody looked up at Astrid as she came in followed by moira who gave her a concerned but sympathetic look. "..I am fine..I just..wanted to do something to say goodbye to my tribe.." Melody replied sighing softly. "..but I did seem to make a mess..instead of doing what I want to do." She wasn't fully audible with that thumb in her mouth. "..can we maybe help ye before we go..?" Moira asked her as she kneeled down by her and gently pulled her hand towards her to look at the cut. "..don't worry I can heal that myself." Melody said to her with a small smile.
[GEM]
"A healer? Maybe you should come with us," Astrid said with a little smirk.
[MELODY]
Melody seemed to hesitate when she said that. She didn't know if Lyre would accept that also with some of the group noticing his presence. "..I am not sure..if I can.." she said although she even after such a long time along didn't want to be alone. "Maybe think about it?" Moira said to her as she returned the small smile.
Oct 23, 2023, 9:11 AM
[GEM]
You are needed here
[MELODY]
Melody was about to say she would love to come with them but when Lyre said that she hesitated again before shaking her head. "I can't come with you..I am sorry.." Moira shook her head slightly when she said that. "..it's okay..do what feels good to ye.." Melody smiled slightly then nodding. "..maybe I should..do ..the thing I want to do another time..how about I cook for you before you leave?" She asked before she put her other hand over her thumb and used her magic to heal it.
Oct 23, 2023, 10:19 AM
[GEM]
Astrid brightened up at this and looked at Moira.
"Read it to us again," Hiccup said as he paced back and forth.
"'The lost seek shelter but become more lost. The brave seek time but become terrified. Where laughter comes to rest. But fun comes to die. The final joke is to not escape. Or die when you try'," Uriah read from his book.
Everyone was deep in thought about this.
"Clearly it's describing a place," Faelan said.
"Lost and laughter..." Hiccup mumbled.
"And time?" Uriah thought. This confused him. How would one seek time?
"A terrifying place full of laughter but no fun and you might die trying to escape," Arne said.
"Sounds awesome," Tuffnut said with sarcasm.
"How would there be laughter without fun?" Gregor asked.
"If it was at our expense," Ruarrc commented.
"Someone would be laughing at us trying to escape?" Ruffnut asked, scratching her head.
As Hiccup stopped, he glanced over at Snotlout and the rest of his friend group as they all seemed to understand something.
"Loki's Labyrinth," he and Snotlout said at the same time.
Uriah's crew perked up and looked at them questioningly.
"As kids, we were told about a horrible place where people would go to find treasure but never come out so no one knows what's in there. Rumors of mazes and strange tests," Hiccup explained to them.
"Actually there was one who was able to get out," Tuffnut pointed out. "Then he was killed pretty abruptly after that. I don't think he got the treasure out, though if I remember correctly."
"Yeah I remember him. He was like some crazy zealot from Stonehill or something," Snotlout said.
[GEM]
This grabbed the crew's attention fast, that name only associated with Rune as it was the tribe he was from before the whole place was wiped clean...
"Maybe Tempus Mora needs whatever is in there," Ruffnut added.
Gregor and Faelan exchanged a look that it would make sense.
"Where is it?" Ruarrc asked.
"Wait, wait, wait," Arne said as he stood up. "Are you saying we are going to delve into a cavern of horrific obstacle courses, traumatizing mental manipulation, an endless labyrinth of tests, and possibly go mad?"
Some looks were exchanged.
"Yep. Get your things," Uriah said plainly and tossed his dragon's bridle at him.
Everyone began to prepare for their journey and Arne was left with an exasperated look on his face.