#and the gem on his crown and chest are just decoys

[maxladcomics]

Gemknight version of Gravel

He’s a very chaotic evil- so far his lore is that he throws any invading humans into random portals to other universes. He doesn’t care where they end up, but he might check the world he threw them into later to see if the human destroyed it or not.

Gemknight concept and AU belongs to @fluo-skeletons

[fireintheforest]

Behind the Blue, chapter 14

Yeah, the hoops, bracelets, diamond earrings, pearl necklaces and one or two gems were pretty. But what made them get a cold sweat and feel like their souls hit the ground was when they saw no sign of La Zadine. There was a second of silence when they realized it.

“No.” Toivon said, taking the chest and flipping it on the bed so everything fell. He started spreading the jewelry pieces in order to see better, with Saufinril behind looking, “No it’s-it’s gotta be here.”

“They couldn’t have stolen it before you got there, right?” Saufinril asked, walking around Toivon and the bed to see closer on the other side.

“No way. When I got there he was only starting to look for the chest.” Toivon said. They did find a sapphire, but it was smaller and didn’t match the description they had. Besides, La Zadine was a sapphire on its own, and this one was embedded in a ring. La Zadine was not in the chest. Toivon took his hands to his hips and exhaled, his eyes on the jewels.

“What do we do now?” Saufinril asked, “That is, surely you’ll tell the client. But…Toivon, this means Emmanuel knew the gem was going to be stolen. Or at least he had his suspicions. Is there a chance we were given false information?”

“We clearly were.” Toivon rubbed his face, “Or the client was, and by default we were. Fuck. If he moved La Zadine because he had suspicions of its theft, we have to find it.”

“He was suspicious.” Saufinril took the sapphire ring and put it on, examining it, “Like, Emmanuel was suspicious.”

“That’s what I just said, what’s your point?” Toivon sat in the bed, crossing his arms.

“We have to go back in time a bit. Emmanuel passed La Zadine somewhere else because he suspects someone might steal it, correct? He knew it was going to be stolen. He created this decoy. The suspicions had to start sometime. Maybe because he thought a guest would take jewelry at tonight’s party so he wanted to make sure he could keep it safe.”

“Doesn’t seem like it. I mean, it seems to be the point for these jewels.” Toivon motioned to the jewelry next to him, “You just take any valuable objects and place them underneath the bed. But La Zadine is a sapphire worth thousands of septims. You can’t just tuck it under a pillow and know it’s safe.”

“Did you check under the pillows?” Saufinril asked, arching his eyebrows and looking away from the ring for the first time. Toivon narrowed his eyes.

“No. And that’s not the point.” Toivon replied, “The point is, that rock is still in Emmanuel’s estate, nicely hidden, because he knew it was going to be stolen, and if he knew it was going to be stolen it’s because someone gave him the suspicion that it’d be so. And I gotta find it.”

“Toivon, it’s not gonna take one day to find it.”

“I know, but damn it I signed up for this and I told the client I’d get them this stupid gem and I’m going to get it.” He exhaled, gaze on the wall opposite, thinking. Saufinril lowered his hand, letting it rest on his own knee, “I’ll find a way. I’ll pay you when I get the money, you don’t need to stick around. You did your part of the deal.” Toivon added.

“No doubt.” Saufinril said, “But…one is not leaving.” Toivon turned to look at him, “One said one would work with you to get that gem and well, if we don’t have it yet, then one’s work isn’t done, is it?”

“You do understand it’s just gotten harder, right?”

Saufinril shrugged, “Well, yes. But, it’ll be somewhat…see.” Saufinril brushed his long, blond hair back, “We began this job with one task to be done individually, right? But now the difficulty increased. The only adequate thing to do is adapt to its difficulty by relying on the other.”

“You’re saying we should work together to discover where La Zadine is?” Toivon asked, turning his body more to Saufinril.

“Exactly! One knows the faces and you know the place. We can figure out who is after La Zadine as well and therefore paid the thief, and we can also figure out where in the estate it’s hidden, by relying on what the other has found out tonight.”

“Still, the information we have is somewhat shallow. We could go deeper.”

“What do you mean?”

“We could go undercover.”

Saufinril arched his eyebrows. “Undercover?” he repeated

“Why not? You said it yourself, you know the faces. Tonight’s fiasco was a slip from my part, but as far as I know you did your part brilliantly.”

“One wouldn’t say brilliant, but…it worked out.” Saufinril said, hoping the shadows of the candlelit room covered the warmth he felt in his ears.

“If nobody raised the alarm when you got the key, it means you did the job well. You know the faces and chances are, you’re not a suspect. You can mingle again with them and get more information without the suspicion. I know the estate from what I saw, but I can get to know it better two ways: patrolling it nightly or going undercover as well.”

“What would you go as?”

“A servant. Makes it easier to learn any secrets the property has and increases the chances of finding La Zadine. Besides we’ve got an insider, Sorcise. I know she can help. Especially because it was her information what made us aim for the wrong hiding place, as much of an accident as it was. I know she doesn’t want to disappoint her real boss.”

Saufinril breathed deeply, thinking. After a while, though, he gave a couple of nods. “We can do it. One can get information, and we can both exchange it whenever we can and find out who wants to steal La Zadine, and get it before they do.”

 “You happen to be lucky.” Sorcise said the next day, sitting at the same table as Toivon and Saufinril at the inn, her cigarette trailing a pearly gray rope up to the ceiling, “Emmanuel fired Claudette today because of what happened at the party. Said her screaming made a scandal and she’d embarrassed him by luring the courtesan to see the body, that she was lucky not more people saw it but,” she shrugged, blowing out the smoke, “yeah. I know for a fact her mother owns a bakery here so I’m not too concerned about her.”

“So you can sneak me into the estate?” Toivon asked

“Sure. Not to toot my own horn, but I got a high place in the ladder. You’re not gonna, but that’s alright. The issue will be sneaking him in. Maybe by becoming their guest but that’ll be a toughie.” Sorcise said, motioning to Saufinril before taking a drink of her beer.

“Do you know where the Hawkcrofts will go next?” Saufinril asked

“Why would they go anywhere?” Toivon asked

“They’re up in the social ladder. There’s got to be some social event or activity they’ll be in where one can ‘bump’ into and talk to them.” Saufinril explained

“Avelle is very into artists.” Sorcise leaned back, thinking, “And at breakfast this morning she said you and her were best friends.”

“Umm…one did talk to her once or twice during the night, yes…” Saufinril said slowly, perplexed.

“So she gets attached fast. Perfect. Use the best friend level to get invited as a guest.” Toivon said. Before Sorcise could add to it, however, a man opened the door of the inn, storming in with a bewildered look. Most of the inn turned to look at him.

“There was another!” he said. Now all the inn quieted down and looked at him.

“Another?” a man asked

“I saw him!” the first man said

“Damned the gods. Call the guards!”

“They’re already there, they are taking the body to the morgue! It’s the third this month, and looks just like the other two!”

“Sorcise,” Saufinril asked, leaning towards the woman and speaking in a low volume, “what is that man talking about?”

Sorcise sighed and rolled her eyes while the man got surrounded by other patrons, all of them talking at the same time, “We got a serial killer.” She said, then she took her beer and drank. Both Toivon and Saufinril watched her, “What?” “Oh, it’s just a serial killer.” Toivon said, shrugging, “I thought it was something serious, like a stolen apple.”

“It’s not like I can tell you their name, birthday, hopes and dreams.” Sorcise said, then sighed again, “It started a couple of months ago, with one girl. We all thought it was some jealous lover or something, but then a male body showed up. Same way but, you know, different victim. And then there were two more. Then two this month, and now this.”

“Seven in two months?” Toivon asked, arching his eyebrows. Sorcise nodded.

“A man and a girl are two different victims. Was there anything that tied them up? How did you know it was the same killer?” Saufinril asked

“All victims have hits on their heads, independently of how they were killed. All are discarded like trash, outside the city. And, uh, all are Altmer.” Toivon briefly glanced at Saufinril, who nodded slowly.

“One sees.” He replied.

“Wait, how do you know so much if you work 6 days a week in Hawkcroft’s estate and live in it?” Toivon asked

“I’m fucking the mortician’s assistant.” Sorcise replied simply, inhaling and exhaling from her cigarette.

“Love a reliable source.” Toivon nodded

“To answer your question,” she motioned to Saufinril, “Avelle herself is heading to a play at Princess’s Crown with some of her friends. It’s an upscale tavern north from the center, big and posh. Can’t miss it. If you go around today and see which play it is, you’ll have an idea of when to get there and butter up daddy’s girl into letting you be her guest.”

“Perfect.”

“What about your clothes? I may not know much about Altmer courtesans, but I know a Dunmer one would never be caught dead wearing the same thing twice in one week.” Toivon objected

“Marley.” Toivon and Saufinril turned to look at Sorcise, who drank from her beer and repeated, “Marley. Jacques Marley, tailor. His shop is nearby, actually. Makes plenty of clothes for well-off people, including my patron. Maybe he has things there already made, or if you’re going to wear a dress like the one last night, I’m sure he can do it quickly.”

“That was a robe, first of all.” Saufinril corrected, “And second, one doubts he would sew the patterns and details in an Altmeri style, well unless he were an Altmer himself. Is he?”

“Fuck kind of Altmer is named Jacques Marley?” Toivon asked

“One of the dead mer’s name was Horace.” Sorcise interrupted, “But no, he’s a Breton. Maybe he can’t sew the patterns of the isles, but he’s still a popular choice among richer folk. Paying him a visit won’t hurt. By the way, if you bump into Avelle and she asks where you’re staying, don’t mention this inn or the image of high class will shatter. Say you’re staying at The Marigold.”

“Alright, one will go to his store and then to the, what was its name, Princess’s Crown?” Sorcise nodded, “What a tacky name. One will go and then get ready and go to that play. What are you doing?” he asked Toivon.

“I’m going straight to the house with Sorcise.” Toivon said

“Pause. I’m going to the manor, and then you arrive. It’ll look suspicious if we arrive together and then you get the job.” Sorcise interrupted.

“Ok. Better plan.” All three rose from the table but only Saufinril and Sorcise left the inn. Sorcise guided Saufinril to a shop that proudly had a wooden sign with scissors proclaiming “Marley tailoring” at the sign. The little bell at the entrance chimed when the door opened, and at the counter was a bored-looking teenager with raven hair and pasty skin reading a book. Around the store were some mannequins dressed in velvet, silk, linen and charmeuse clothes. Jackets, shirts, dresses, vests, even capes.

“Welcome to Marley’s is there anything you are looking for today?” the teenager asked in a monotonous drawl of someone that would much rather be doing literally anything instead of this.

“Is your uncle in?” Sorcise asked

“I don’t know.” The teen shrugged

“Well look for him.” The teenager sighed but got up and went to the back of the store, obeying the order Sorcise mandated.

“How charming.” Saufinril muttered

“That’s Marley’s nephew. I hate him.” Sorcise said. Saufinril continued looking around the store, stopping at the front desk where the teenager had been not too long ago. He’d left the book he was reading open in the middle. Curious, Saufinril took the front and closed it to see the title of the book: “The Lusty Argonian Maid”, volume two. Nasty. Saufinril delicately left it the way he found it and wiped his hand on his clothes. He went on to look at the clothes on display when a man emerged from the back. He had the same raven black hair as the teen, but decorated here and there with silver hairs and radiating a much more optimistic look, complete with a pearly smile that fit nicely with his squared jaw.

“Good morning, Sorcise! If it hasn’t been a while, how have you been?” he greeted

“I’m alive.” Sorcise replied

“Witty as always! And pardon, who is your friend?” the man asked, turning politely to Saufinril.

“Cyremin. Of Alinor.” Saufinril said, using the smile of last night, “One came to visit but due to unforeseeable reasons the visit extended and one needs more clothes. Sorcise spoke beautifully of your creations, and from what one sees here,” he turned to some of the mannequins that sported the latest jackets, breeches and dresses Marley had made, “she was right.”

“He’s a friend of Madame Ferchard’s.” Sorcise continued, “She said you could have some things for him in your store.”

“Of course I do!” Marley beamed to Sorcise, then turning to Saufinril, “I’m delighted to have you here. You know, if you allow me to show you, I have new pieces on the back. If you’ll follow me, I can gladly show them to you.”

“Serah, you’ve got one’s curiosity” Saufinril purred, following Marley behind the curtain, Sorcise behind him.

Marley kept talking, “There’s plenty of Altmer living here in Evermor and I know your people usually go for robes, am I correct?”

“It’s the usual in the Isles, yes.”

“Us Bretons prefer clothes to be more, well tighter to the body. Practical. Breeches, shirts, vests and so.” Marley got them to what probably was the sewing studio. Various fabrics were guarded in rolls in shelves, boxes held larger and smaller scraps of any fabric possible, scissors and meters were sprawled on tables along with templates, pieces of soap, bits and pieces of fabric and thread, pincushions filled to the brim with pins and needles. Marley went to one of the tables, looking around. He grabbed what seemed to be cloth and stretched it as he said, “Hmm, this could work, now let’s see…nice and flowy, or would you prefer more of a Breton approach?”

“Robes.” Saufinril replied

“Absolutely.” Marley went on, checking here and there, “I got some linen from Daggerfall that would look exquisite on a robe, but we also received spider silk from Elinhir, which would-”

“Silk.”

“Excellent choice, right away. Dean!” Marley called, then went onto the hallway, giving instructions to someone.

Meanwhile, Sorcise leaned over to Saufinril and asked in a low voice, “Robes? You’re gonna pop out amongst the rest.”

“One left the Isles recently.” Saufinril whispered back, gaining an understanding nod from Sorcise. Just then Marley came back with a bulk of fabric in his arms.

“Alright! Changing booth is next to you, try them on and we’ll do any fixing that’s needed.” Saufinril waited for Marley to put the robes in before going into the small room left to the sewing studio, closing the curtain after himself. When he emerged with the robes on, Marley immediately redirected him to the front of the mirror, while calling the teenager and getting pins from the table next to the body-length mirror that showed all of Saufinril’s body except his head. Marley got to pinning and measuring at once.

Hiding the surprise that such efficiency caused, Saufinril looked around as best as he could. The teenager came with several other fabrics, setting them on a nearby table and stretching them.

“So, what is the occasion?” Marley asked

“One got invited to a play tonight, the place’s name escapes one. At what time was it, Sorcise?” Saufinril asked.

“Seven-thirty” she replied, leaning against the wall in boredom.

The teenager looked at Saufinril with a frown. Saufinril winked at him, earning only a grimace of disgust as he kept organizing the fabrics.

“Oh, I’m guessing it’s the one in the Princess’s Crown? I have clients that have been looking for it for days, a couple came over to get new gowns too.” Marley replied, hemming the robe, “It’s quite the luck that we had this, and it’s looking good on you.”

“One knows.” Saufinril said, beaming at his reflection. Which felt weird to him. There’s really nothing to beam at when looking at himself. Like a mudcrab, deep under the mud.

Rialas still wasn’t right.

Marley finished hemming the robe and stood up, stepping back to look, a light frown on his eyes. “Turn around, please.” He said. Saufinril did so, looking over his shoulder at Marley when he was giving him his back. Marley didn’t see a thing, focused on the hems. His nephew just glared at Saufinril. Saufinril figured out that being ignored by the tailor would be unacceptable to Rialas. He reached a hand under Marley’s jaw, catching him by surprise. The Breton’s blue eyes looked up in surprise, straight at the emerald eyes.

“You’re awfully focused. Do you like what you see?” he asked with a smile

Marley coughed and laughed nervously, gently removing the hand from under his jaw, “You, ah, you are a good- looking good. And well, the hem is looking nicely too.” He moved to Saufinril’s side to examine the hem again, “This should be ready in time for your appointment, monsieur. Are you feeling the robes well, are they comfortable?”

“They are fine.” Saufinril said, straightening back with no hurry, his emerald eyes on Marley since he escaped him.

“Very good, very good.” Marley was about to move out, Sorcise shot Saufinril a look. We have no money to pay for this. Saufinril gave her an imperceptible nod before saying,

“Serah?”

Marley turned to him, immediately

“You don’t happen to need someone to model these gorgeous robes, do you?” Saufinril asked. Marley gave a friendly laugh and asked,

“Why, uh, why would I-”

“Are any of your clients Altmer?” Saufinril asked casually while studying himself and the robes on the mirror.

“Well, they, um…no.”

“So these robes…”

“I was, just…made them for…that is,” Marley cleared his throat, putting his hands on his hips, “I wanted to see if I could make robes.”

“You can.” Saufinril stated, still admiring himself. Or pretending to. But he could see in his peripheral vision that Marley had perked up a bit at that, “You can make robes but you cannot sell them?” now he looked at Marley through the mirror. Marley rubbed the back of his neck.

“It’s…um…”

“It’s one’s people?” Saufinril asked, arching his eyebrow with a smile. Marley’s eyes widened.

“No! Well, no. It’s, well, one’s clientele is mostly Breton and Redguard, see. I’d love to sell to Altmer, and your people are welcome anytime to-”

“They won’t come.” Saufinril swished the robes by moving back and forth. The silk was the smoothest thing he’d ever felt and admittedly, it was fun to swish it. He looked at Marley’s face, which had dropped the smile. Saufinril laughed, “Let one rephrase that. They won’t look at a place if they think it’s not in trend. If it’s associated with men. No offense, of course.” He moved his hair back, “If this were associated with Altmeri art, on the other hand…that’s a different story. And you’d get the clientele.”

“Altmeri art?” Marley repeated

“Mhm.” Saufinril finally turned to Marley, to look at his blue eyes while leaning and crouching lightly to be on Marley’s eye level, “These are good robes, Jacques.” He said in softer, more intimate voice, “But keeping them in a trunk won’t do them justice. Letting them go out for the night, for other Altmer to see, that’s a different story. And one with a happy ending at that, if they’re on a courtesan.”

“A…a courtesan.”

“Of Alinor itself.” Saufinril gave Marley a smile, “If you let one exhibit these cute clothes in public events and gatherings here, one can write back home about them. Tell one’s sisters and teachers all about it. One will already tell one’s clients and public here about them, anyhow. If one were to wear them.”

Marley cleared his throat, crossing his arms, “Well, I…and…what would you get out of this?” he asked.

Saufinril merely laughed, straightening up as he did so, “One? Nothing. You? Plenty. If you wish to take one’s business deal. If not,” he looked at Sorcise, “you told one there’s another tailor here, didn’t you?” she nodded, “One thought so.” He started to go to the changing room.

“No, wait.”

Saufinril turned to Marley

“I…” Marley nodded, “Alright.” He beamed his optimistic smile again, but his nephew on the background just tightened his jaw, “Sure. Let’s try this event. If, um, if this partnership, that is, if your modelling can bring more Altmer clientele to my shop, I’d be happy to let you keep wearing my creations.”

“When, dear.” Saufinril corrected him with a cat-like smile, “One doesn’t do ifs.” And he went inside the booth to change. Five minutes later, both Saufinril and Sorcise went out of the tailor shop.

“That went better than expected.” Sorcise said

“Yeah.” Saufinril replied, silence. “That kid, Dean? What the fuck is wrong with him?”

[save-the-spiral]

Day Seven- Exhausted

Welcome to a non-rushed Day Seven of Inktober 2018! Sorry that I was such a mess yesterday, I made sure to not get sidetracked (a lot) for today’s! Hope you enjoy, but warnings for implied child abuse, runaways, and child death mention.

(link to prompt list) (link to inktober tag)

“C’mon, just a bit farther.” Haley said, her hand tightening around her brother’s limp fingers, pulling him back up from where he collapsed onto the small dirt path leading towards the village.

“I-” Noah panted, his chest moving rapidly up and down, almost invisible in the darkness of the night. “I can’t, Hales. I gotta let go of the constructs to do it.” 

He had left behind decoy bodies, so they could have a head start. They’d be checked up on every hour to make sure Haley and Noah were in bed, and the constructs must’ve passed the test because they aren’t being hunted yet. 

But if Noah stopped now, they might not have enough time.

Haley kneeled down and attempted to pick him up. “Just- Just until we get to an inn, one without any connections to mom-” 

“She wasn’t our mother-”

“I know, Noah.” Haley stopped trying to pick him up, leaning her forehead against his, both of them warm on the cool autumn night. “Just let them go, ’kay?” 

Noah nodded, closing his eyes and concentrating. When they opened, a soft golden glow faded from his eyes, blue swirling in the brown of his irises. “She’ll know we’ve left when she checks on our tent again.” He said quietly, his voice wavering. 

“It’ll be fine. We’re already in the life kingdom’s territory. We just need to make it past the castle, and she won’t go past there.” 

“What if she does?” Noah said quietly while Haley helped him stand. 

“She won’t.” Haley said, the finality of her statement leaving them in silence, hands intertwined as they made their way through the small villages outside of the main city’s walls. 

The sun was starting to rise when Haley began flagging. They were still trying to get through the city so they could hide in the forests beyond and rest. After that, a small village or rural inn would do until they found some stability.

They would’ve gone around the city’s walls, but there were mercenaries being paid by their mother around the walls constantly, trying to understand the timing for patrols and looking for weaknesses in the Serpentine King’s defenses.

Noah seemed to have caught a second wind after letting his constructs disappear. He was now pulling Haley along, determined to get as far away from their mother as possible. In the growing dawn light, Haley could see the now fading red outline of a hand on his cheek, the bandage hiding the cut on his cheek from their mother’s ring now dirty from their travel. 

“We’ll need to find new clothes, soon. Could probably stay in an orphanage for a few nights and switch out our clothes there, if the people are nice at least.” Noah half-whispered as they exited the alleyway, now at the edge of the castle’s grounds, in the heart of the city.

“Maybe.” Haley muttered tiredly. “But we could also steal or something.” 

“I think I’m done with crime, at least for a while.” Noah looked back at Haley, grinning wryly. 

“Yeah.” Haley nodded, catching up to Noah now and getting energy back. The smile on Noah’s face reminded her of why they’re doing this. “Maybe we could-”

“Excuse me.” 

The twins froze in place.

“I’d like to know what exactly, two magic wielding, weapon carrying, children are doing so close to my castle.” 

Haley and Noah exchanged helpless looks, and turned back to the man, lost for words.

It’s not every day you stumble into the presence of the current tyrannical, murderous king of the land. They didn’t exactly have note cards prepared for this moment.

The man stared at both of them. He was in an elaborate ensemble of armor and fine clothes, a crown of precious gems and stones tilted slightly on his head. The Serpentine King continued to stare at both of them, awaiting an answer. 

“We ran away-” Noah blurted, until Haley elbowed him. 

“We’re really sorry, your Highness, we didn’t mean to intrude, we’ll-” Haley began walking slowly backwards, dragging Noah with her.

“Wait.” The king said. 

The twins froze again, Noah’s arm now trapped in Haley’s hands. Almost impulsively, Haley pushed Noah behind her to protect him.

“Young man, I’d like to know why you’ve both run away. And why you are injured.” The king’s voice was softer now, and Haley could feel Noah relaxing. 

She wanted desperately to run and take Noah with her, but she knew the stories. He had murdered queens and kings, anyone who stood in his way. With a wave of his hand, they’d both be dead.

“It was our mom.” Noah said quietly. “She hit me and was already doing bad things, so we left and took her jewelry too.” Noah began tearing up, and pushed Haley away so he could face the king. “Please sir, we don’t know what to do, we don’t have anywhere-” His voice cracked horribly, and tears fell down his cheeks. 

Haley held Noah in her arms, glaring at the king as if daring him to say something. She didn’t care what he’d do anymore, she just wanted to go. 

“Come with me.” The man finally said after one speechless moment. He gestured and turned on his heel. 

Noah was still crying silently, and both of them were too exhausted to run. Haley made the decision and helped Noah as they walked past some hedges and into an extravagant garden.

“Just past here is a meeting room. My spymaster is asleep, so no one will know how to get in and out aside from me and you two.” The king explained as they entered the castle.

“Why’re you-” Haley started, only to be interrupted by the man turning sharply on his heel, a finger to his lips and a dangerous look in his eye. 

She remained silent, her heart beating rapidly as she feared what would come next. 

They approached a tapestry of complex geometric shapes, and the king raised a hand. His fingers began to glow a bright green as he traced some shapes in a seemingly random order.

The tapestry rolled up of its own volition and revealed an entryway into a small, dimly lit room, with only a long table, some chairs, and a lot of bookshelves. He gestured them in and the tapestry closed behind them all, leaving the room lit only by candles. 

Noah seemed in shock after crying. He was silent and following Haley along like an obedient puppy. He practically collapsed in one of the chairs, Haley cautiously settling in one next to him, letting Noah rest his head on her shoulder.

Haley brought their bags onto the table and left them there. It was nothing but food, extra spellcards, and the jewelry they stole. She yawned, leaning back and looking at the king, who was still walking around the room, doing something she couldn’t see. 

She had nodded off by the time she heard some small, sudden sounds and woke up with a start, choking on her breath. Her eyes flitted around the room, only to rest on the source of the sound.

Three teacups, all chipped or cracked in some way, resting in mismatched saucers. They were all steaming faintly, and the king had his hand on the one in front of him, looking apologetic.

“...Thanks.” Haley said cautiously, reaching out and taking the one in front of her, blowing on the hot tea.

“I’m sorry to have scared you both. I just-” The king sighed. He took the crown off of his head and tossed it roughly onto the table. 

Noah muttered in his sleep, turning his head and making Haley adjust to support more of him.

“We’re just... A bit high strung at the moment, sir. I don’t understand why you’re acting so nice- polite- ugh.” Haley placed her cup onto the table. “I’m sorry. I’m not great at-” She gestured vaguely with her free hand. “This.” 

The king chuckled, almost smiling. “You can stop being polite if it’s more comfortable, child.” 

“It’s Haley.” 

“And your brother?”

“Noah.” 

The king nodded, leaning back. “You can call me Celyn. It’s a name I took up a long time ago.” 

Celyn continued to speak. “This must be strange. I understand. I just- I have done so much in my power to aid children in need, though it has mostly been through cleverly worded decrees and secret donations. I was... shocked to see you both in such a state. I...” His gaze flickered to one of the bookshelves. “I can see you’ve been through a lot, and I’d like to help you in any way I can.”

“You can’t.” Haley said quietly.

“I’m the highest power in the land, child. I’m sure I’ll figure something out.”

“If our mother finds out where we are, she’ll kill you.” Haley muttered.

“Your mother seems like a dangerous woman.” Celyn said, looking perplexed by such a blunt statement.

Haley couldn’t help but nod. “We left because she wasn’t- wasn’t a good mom. But she also did a lot of other bad things to other people too.” Haley looked at Noah, at his tear stained, bandaged, sleeping face. 

Celyn seemed to understand, his grip tightening on his cup. He looked to the same bookcase again, and looked back at Haley. “I’ll protect you both. I can hide you in my court as spies, give you new identities. You’ll be safe here.” 

Haley took a sip of her tea, now cool. “Why?” She finally asked. “Why would you, the Serpentine King, want to protect two runaways when it won’t do anything but make your life more complicated?” 

Noah roused from his sleep at Haley’s words, blearily looking at the king, and back at Haley, only to shrug and sit up, beginning to drink his tea.

“I know what I’ve done, what you’ve probably heard of, maybe even seen, is not what a good man would do. I’m no longer the person I was before the war that destroyed the six kingdoms. The war took everything away from me.” Celyn looked at Haley. “I was just looking for vengeance, destroying the monarchs who took away what was mine. I know I can’t atone for what I’ve done. I know it can’t be forgiven. But I’d like to do good where I can. I’d like to help you two, because you remind me of-” 

He sighed, his gloved hand running through his long black hair.

“I had two twin sons. Thistle and Forest. And they were bright. Always quiet, but they were creative, trying to make new things. They were my youngest children. Thistle died first, before I could even try to save him.” Celyn’s voice seemed to adopt a rough quality to it, and he breathed, sipping his tea.

“Forest died later on, and I had to just hold his hand and hope he passed out before he could suffer any longer. I- I know you two aren’t my sons, but they were the reason I started hurting people, the reason why I’m here.” 

Haley’s hands were shaking. The great serpentine king, the one everyone told stories about how evil he was, was just a father grieving his children? Someone with power who wanted to avenge their kids? 

She knew she’d probably do the same in his situation, and that scared her.

“I think protecting you two is a first step to ending this. I don’t want to rule. I just want my daughter back, and you two can assist me if you’d like. You two can stay in the castle either way. I swear on my life I’ll protect you if you stay.” Celyn said, looking at the both of them, almost pleading them to let him redeem himself.

Haley and Noah looked at each other. Haley raised an eyebrow, a silent It’s your choice, and Noah looked back at Celyn.

“We’ll stay.” 

Celyn nodded. “I’ll come back with my spy master and we’ll organize the details. As of now, you both should rest.” 

Haley nodded, reaching her hand out and brushing against Noah’s, who immediately grabbed on and intertwined their fingers.

In the evening they’d figure out what they’d do. But for now, Haley was content to rest in these comfortable chairs and doze off, knowing she and Noah would be safe for at least a few more hours.