As confident as the queen was about the methods of their dungeon and keeping corralled that of a obvious injured demon, Calia had been in fact wise to the reality that the beast would hardly stay there! Only long enough that one’s form could have been dumped and to listen to the conversation flipping back and forth from the volunteered guards that had followed the red head prince. Trying not to be too invasive but still wanting answers as to what the hell was going on at all!
A natural reaction.
It allowed him time to slightly mend. Not enough, by the nine hells, certainly not enough. And this new strange tether that was not on his side of control was certainly worth a quiet sort of prodding at. Having never had such a binding in place that wasn’t his to determine the restrictions. Although there was natural hesitation with the wild mare herself being the one that held the end of said collar, he did in fact weigh the options while the whole royal affair was talking about him like he was deaf too.
Injured beyond belief but certainly not deaf!
Blah blah, memories. Recover them. Learn why this pain in his damn head was threatening to kill him each time he got too close to something that was apparently trying to force that connection. Till he was shirking away because it was unlike any sort of torture he had felt before! Even the state of his body was by far a pleasant dream in comparison.
The deliberation and eventual departure of the prince with his lackeys was at least relieving. Allowing him a few hours to sleep and heal enough that the blasted hook holes were a bit more manageable. Likely they hadn’t realized why the hooks were in place and he wasn’t exactly about to explain it either. Besides the fact it had kept him stationary just like the ethereal chains of magic, the demon hooks had bond the means of his ability to shift.
And that was easily the first thing he had done. Unsurprised that the dungeon hadn’t been well equipped with deterrents to keep bugs in or out. Why would they! Bugs were everywhere and he was hardly about to stay down here another second. Being in that mage’s clutches for the past few days –assuming it was only days- was enough reason for him to decide that he was done with that.
The benefit of the tether however was allowing him to navigate the grand palace. It took more time than it would have if he was healthy but it at least was fine. It gave him a painful chance to get a clue on the general layout till he was successfully able to scurry under door to the very dame’s abode. Quite the place too. Although wisely Arc had made an effort to go and tuck himself onto the vanity top to stay in sight but not on the floor or anywhere else he might be too easily smacked around.
It helped too that the tether wasn’t pulled so taunt either. Less nagging on that portion of thoughts to let him just hunker down and keep the jeweled body somewhere warm. Somewhere secure and well, he might be curious to see how long it took before they realized that the demon they had housed was in fact, missing.
It would also help him to be closer to Calia to mend quicker. Less pulling on that of his magic and attributes, the better. Seeing as she was now woven into things he could do. Things she could demand from him rather than him being a teasing prick.
Knowing this was going to be hell… and he lived in the damn place! Well, this was still better.
Calia had been quick to fall asleep, remaining in such a deep slumber that even when someone came to check on her and fetch her for dinner it was pretty obvious the mountain princess had colossally needed that rest. Anyone who knew the circumstances could understand the reasons why, so it was surely in everyone’s best interests to leave her be for the evening.
When the two sisters were given the full relay of details, the reactions were stunned and mixed. About Starling, about Archimedes… even about Princess Calia herself, who was not only suspected of being fae but now was bound to the very man that had betrayed their kingdom! Princess Liriel found her mother’s decision on this front curious, with merit for certain, but so dreadfully risky considering the young human girl was in such a state of flux. They’d essentially given this tempestuous girl a weapon she could detonate the moment she lost her control, and there was no telling how that was going to blend with these faeish suspicions.
Princess Nysia had been traumatized by the sight of mutilation and grizzly gore, yet had recovered quick enough once she’d been able to collect herself. Others held bitterness and anger in their hearts about Archimedes, feelings she might have had long ago in the beginning and now…? Now she may have been the only one in the family that had worked through them to come to a healthy mind space about it. Plus, she’d very much liked the man and his amusing habits. The fact he was a demon now complicated some of those feelings, but mostly she was just curious to see what was to come of it.
She’d know the Princess Calia would turn the court upside, Nysia hadn’t realized it was going to be this much!
Of course, it was Nysia who burst into the private chambers of the visiting princess with an entire team of hand maidens scurrying in behind her. No knocking, no asking of permissions. Not even a single thought that maybe she ought to be sure the woman hadn’t been bared assed naked in bed or needing further time to be alone. Nysia did as she wished and everyone simply had to adapt.
“Good morning, Princess!” she shouted full of cheer and brightness. The sudden invasion having Calia sit up like a bolt. Blinking owlishly in her groggy haze at the sudden sound and spectacle that was several elven ladies bustling in with trays of food, things to prepare a bath, and a rolling rack of clothing.
Oh gods be damned, Calia was not ready for this kind of nonsense. She could count her lucky stars she was still dressed in teh day prior’s clothes and had been too tired to even tuck herself under the covers.
“Did you sleep well? We’re going to be busy today! I know you were born and raised a princess, but well, it does feel like we’re having to learn it all fresh from the ground up, aren’t we?” she said this as if it were meant to be both of them learning and not just Nysia lecturing her with nonsense. “With the polish of not just princess, but a Queen too! Luckily, Liriel is always so worried about whatifs that I also know a thing or two about that. I think we’ll have breakfast, then while you’re bathing I’ll tell you about my suitors. Talking about suitors is best done in the bath with bubbles.”
Calia groaned and immediately fell back into bed.
There was no way in hell that the door had just been thrown open only for an entire entourage of various elves to come bursting in without a single polite knock. And yet, it was happening. Thankfully he had stayed on the vanity top because otherwise he would have easily fallen from whatever precarious perch that been selected instead. Antenna wiggling about as he made a hasty scramble to tuck himself as far into the corner as possible while still getting a good view of the space. Trying to assess what he could and finding that there was another elf with the oozing behaviours that screamed she had no sense of decency.
A royal.
Although he was searching his thoughts for anything that was standing out to indicate who she was, the calling in all sorts of jovial excitement was enough to just claim that she was probably the baby of the family. Little did he remember.
She certainly hadn’t minded startling Calia up from bed, and nattering on about how she was going to practically polish the mountain princess into something that wasn’t prone to running on all fours and chewing on wild cattles legs out of sheer boredom. And apparently girl talk in the way of suitors. The thought of that was enough to encourage him to go scurrying down the side of the vanity and across the floor as quick as he could manage. Promptly scaling the side table onto the backboard of the bed so he could be present but not quite in reach yet. Wiggling antenna around like that was going to help him decipher if this other princess was in her right mind.
“Oh come on now,” chided Nysia, bustling over to the bed having no shame or sympathy for the mountain princess this bright sunny morning. Tugging at her leg to shake her around and get her roused up out of bed. “All of the awkward difficult parts of making acquaintances are over. It’s a fresh day! Have you ever had figgy crepes? They’re divine.”
There was no pretending she was asleep, then, not that Calia really tried. Released a heavy sigh as she reached up a hand to rub at her forehead. Not really wanting to admit she was indeed starving. If it was morning already, she couldn’t remember the last time she ate. Yesterday morning after leaving Starling? That damn mage…
Little twiggy things were moving on the headboard. It was all she could see, but the awareness came through at all once of just whom was hanging out being a buggy spectator. Not surprised at all that he’d shifted and escaped his prison cell the first chance he got. Wondering if anyone else had figured that out yet.
Calia decided to leave him be. Surely hanging around and eavesdropping on conversations was going to give him a little spark of memory in that stupid head of his. When they did figure out he was no longer a well behaved captive, she would inform others.
“Do you really have nine of them, Nysia,” Calia asked, finally forcing herself to sit back up and throw her legs over the side of the bed. Assuming that if she had the woman blathering about her romantic drama, she wasn’t going to have time to have Calia doing something stupid, like walking with a book on her head or practicing small talk.
“Ugh! Yes! And they’re all so wonderful,” sighed Nysia. Directing with her hands for Calia to come join her at the small breakfast table that’d been prepared. “Perfect for me, which you would think is impossible, but all of their differences offer up something uniquely suited for my life. I am in love and my heart is torn trying to pick between them. How does one tell their heart NO!”
So this princess was a tease and a flirt. Calia almost grinned, because surely she didn’t believe that Nysia was actually in love with nine different men. There couldn’t be that many eligible men for marrying in the first place, let alone to be in love with. At her urging, though, she was up on her feet. Padding over to the small table to take up a seat. Watching as Nysia herself sat down and began the means of pouring them each a fragrant cup of tea and dishing out portions of the figgy crepes. There was cream and honey, powered sugar and a variety of fresh spring fruit as well. All of which seemed lovely and Calia wasted no time popping a first bite, thankfully with some grace as to not be a food gobbling monster.
Twitching the antenna as the awareness of his existence had clearly been noted. Telling by the look that was cast temporarily upwards while the bed had been rude shaken with the mountain goat upon it. Settling him to silently stare at this mousy brown haired elven spriggan. Nothing was turning into a violently painful starburst behind eyelids so at least nothing seemed to be trying to trigger into his thoughts. Accepting that as a blessing while it seemed they were about to have a conversation at all.
Which was apparently men.
Suitors in a better term and nine of them. “Girl is guna be a whore in the makin’.” Thoughts supplied and wondered if that was a seemed requirement for the youngest girl of the royal family. Certainly drawing contrast between Calia and Nysia. A name that also didn’t thankfully make him want to cave into himself.
As the rise of human frustration arose finally, he stole his chance. Once more trailing down the headboard to plop onto the pillow. Sucking limbs in and becoming as unassuming as possible. Having a strong appreciation currently for soft bedding seeing as he was so rudely captured and hacked upon simply for having parts that apparently these psychos had discovered worked well against demon kind. Which in itself, was interesting.
Something something, demonology, blah blah, his hand apparently in it. That was curious and he’d heard the white haired freakshow talk radically about it in the time spent being used as spare pieces! That was a curious bit of wonderment that had him actually wanting to see these sort of details. If it was his hand then didn’t he still technically own it?
Much to his own displeasure, that little node of thought sent a sharp bolt through. Hissing to himself before digging between pillows to hide beneath them. No more thinking about that! Settling to listening in on the gossip of the Whore of Edelguard instead.
Little twinges here and there were definitely cluing her in that this contract was different than the other. Perhaps because she was the one holding the control? Or was it because it wasn’t a demon made contract, but instead something else? Calia should’ve asked a thousand more questions before she agreed to this damn binding. At least she could surmise it was elven magic, as Ashera used the very binding spell that had kept Arc from being able to move and escape to then bind him to her.
That tree had a hand – branch, rather – involved too, Calia could bet. Whether Ashera was aware of that or not. It had been all too excited about this turn of events. Being a fae tree, it was likely some sort of mischief and mayhem at the expense of those were not ones she lovingly watched over.
“If you’re not wanting to choose, then why chose at all?” Calia asked the other princess, continuing this means of conversation and distracting her. “With elves leading such long lives, marriage must be a serious thing. I wouldn’t want to choose someone before I actually had to.” At least understanding that as a royal figure, Nysia had her duties to make an auspicious marriage for the royal family, or simply to continue the bloodline. Otherwise, there was no point in getting married at all!
“Don’t tell Liriel but ever since the little one was born, I’ve been seethingly jealous. You’d think when my brother has his family and children it would have igniting my motherly instincts then! I think it is just finally time to settle down! I want my own babies and little family now and not to have to fight Liriel to steal my nephew away.”
With the way Calia gave such a dubious grimace at the thought of children, Nysia erupted into laughter. “You don’t like children?”
“I like them just fine, I just don’t want them,” she admitted without qualm. There was always a chance she’d change her mind in the coming years, knowing with some sense of dread she might actually have to have them to have an heir for the Caeldalmor throne. For now, though, that wasn’t even the shadow of a desire. Her life and present wasn’t going to be child friendly.
“At least you are looking though, testing out suitable matches. Renus is terrible with secrets, but I had already noticed the chemistry between you and Master Everflame, anyway. Although, that’s bound to be a bit awkward now, isn’t it!”
Calia choked on the tea she was trying to drink! Coughing hard as she turned in her seat, trying to drag air back into her lungs instead of flowery tea water! Nysia really did have a way of just dropping fireballs to catch people off guard, and by he way the princess was now resting her chin in her hands, grinning from ear to ear, that it had been purposeful too.
“You-” she coughed, “You’ve got to stop pulling shit like that, Nysia!”
“What are you going to do about it, fight me?” she chirped back. “Was he romantic? Spicy? IS it awkward now? I guess you haven’t had a chance to talk to him privately yet. Whatever Mother decides to do with him, I bet he’s going to harbor at least a little resentment. Maybe even a LOT of resentment now that you’ve rescued the demon Archimedes and basically destroyed all of his life’s work.”
Calia was really starting to wonder if Nysia was the royal family’s secret weapon, because the woman was actually a bit ruthless!
Wow, he had never been so uninterested in a conversation before until this very moment. To hear that Nysia was simply a jealous soul who wanted to have babies and was not wanting to continually steal that of a sibling’s child. Yeah, riveting. Although it did turn a bit to hear that Calia didn’t loath children, she just didn’t want any.
Likely good for the environment. Imagining any replicas of her running around was liable to be a threat to the entire planet. Especially if they inherited that level of magic she had stolen away and broke upon quite the demon portal in Caeldalmor. Actually it was better she didn’t spawn any new life. For the safety of everyone.
Yet imagine his surprise secondly when Nysia had ever so effortlessly dropped the information that Calia had in fact, gotten her jollies off with that damnable crazed white hair mage. The one that had been capturing and harvesting living demons like a grape vine! That had had absolutely tore literal strips off of him. Of course she would!
Her track record with men of various states of insanity was truly starting to spell itself out and likely to her, she might feel the risen anger that was collecting in his belly. What the hell was wrong with her. What the hell was wrong with her ability to find someone who wasn’t some sort of batshit crazy in some measure of magic. Derrick stole her magic. Starling was a master mage! And both were nuttier than a couple of punch drunk fruit bats! Though maybe it was a bit of a pride thing to hear that the man was probably going to be resentful for the fact that she had involved herself and stopped the whole efforts that were using him as a milk bag to drain at their leisure.
And people thought demon’s were sick. They’d be right but boy that line was becoming more gray by every listened in second.
Although if the guy was in fact going to be a spiteful fuckwit, he’d have to get involved. Unfortunately for him, Calia was his charge now. Someone he’d have to keep alive regardless of his feelings towards her and honestly, Master Everflame deserved a hot ball of iron dropped on his lap! He’d sooner assure that the mage boy was thrown into a bottomless pit than allow him a chance to even exact a thought of revenge on the girl. Not that she needed to know that.
There came a heavy rap upon the door. Seemingly urgent, “Princess Calia,” It was the voice of that other prince. Renus? Renus… “Are you decent, we have a slight problem.”
Calia had to wonder if Archimedes had the ability to shoot laser light from his eyes with the way her back was presently burning from what she could only surmise was a pissed off buggy stare. Hard to really fault him for that, seeing as he was tortured so mercilessly at the mage’s hands. But surely the demon understood that there was no possible way she could’ve known Starling was under the palace carving up living demons like they were holiday roasted hams!
Nysia did bring up a good point now, though. Even if there was some tiny sliver of a chance that Starling hadn’t meant to be a complete psycho, that he’d just had some obsessive narrowed focus about his work and hadn’t thought of demons as living things that at least deserved an ounce of empathy for that, there was little chance he’d be very understanding about how she and Renus put a stop to his work. He’d treated Archimedes so vehemently as nothing, now that demon was under her care.
She’d have to tell Arc to stay in his buggy form, he was liable to get murdered quick.
“How about we not–“
Speaking of Renus, his sudden frenzied knocking was a well timed interruption and by the tone of his voice it was liable they’d realized said Demon of the Hour was no longer where he was meant to be.
“Ugh!” grunted Nysia, pushing back her chair. “I swear, he’s determined not let me have any time with you!”
The elven princess already striding over to the door and flinging it open to greet her younger brother with a frustrated huff.
“Really, Renus? First thing in the morning? The girl hasn’t even changed her clothes or had a bath yet. Come back when it’s time for lunch!” And prompting shifted to slam the door in his face, as well… this was her brother, she didn’t have to be pleasant and sweet. He was fine.
It was worth peeking out from his pillow fort because now well… well it was interesting. Surely the prince redhair had been informed that the hostage invitation that had been given to himself, had been personally rescinded. Though truly he was not intending to make any trouble, he didn’t want to be on the end of another session of torture seeing as these elves knew how to do it to a demon.
Once was enough thank you. And he was certainly going to ensure that bastard mage knew that he was walking on thin ice. While of course questioning Calia on her ability to tell who was a magic infused wingnut. Maybe this wily princess would be able to give said other princess some pointers on how to avoid men who were liable to be crazy in some way or another. Tips, she needed tips!
Peeking from under the pillow to get a good view of the door, said wily princess had decided it was not the time to interrupt. Getting up with a comment that seemed to be almost too personal. So she was a free spirit. Probably didn’t know what real work was like and was too busy pampering herself to realize that things weren’t exactly in a calm state in that of the palace. Hell, even as an unwanted guest, he knew that! Someone needed to get their awareness sorted.
The door was flung open to reveal the prince both being startled. Likely not expecting sister dearest to be there NOR the fact that she had so brutally declared him to go away! Readying to slam the door into his face. Wow, she was a savage! Really was the youngest princess thing, wasn’t it.
Only for brother to slap a hand to the door to stop the wood from clunking him in the nose. Throwing dark unhappy daggers down to the sibling, “Cease.” One word. One icy cold word was given to indicate that he likely was not in a merry mood.
Actually, he kinda felt bad about that. Not enough to come out of course but enough.
Impressively even though the prince had proved he was not about to be shooed away, he didn’t barge into the room like sister had. But he was glaring at her still, “Princess Calia,” Speaking at the door instead, “Have you… happened to have seen or feel where the demon has gone? The guards reported he was no longer in the cell this morning and that has caused… naturally a troublesome stir.” That part was pointedly spoken at Nysia.
Nysia was not the slightest bit phased by his moody, curt orders. Not one to take her little brother seriously even in the most dire of times, though she did at least understand when to play and when to be respectful. Catching on quickly enough that this was indeed something important, even before he’d mentioned that the captured demon was now loose in the palace. Eyes going wide in an instant to fully open the door again and grant the man full access to come inside.
“He wasn’t even in any sort of state to move around, let alone find his way out of the prisons!” she remarked. With the light of their conversation before it was interrupted, Nysia was right on the line of assumptions that if Starling might be harboring bitter feelings and likely to lash out, that demon would for SURE wish to go on a bender of mayhem and murder to make up for what had happened.
Calia was already sliding out of her chair, back to bed where it only took a quick visual examination of the space before she was snatching hand quickly. Scooping up the little beetle before he could think about scuttling under the bed to hide elsewhere. Bringing him over to the pair of royals to reveal in her open palm.
“He has been here the whole time!” exclaimed Nysia.
“And he’s still in no shape to cause any trouble,” Calia revealed with a frown. “I did try to warn you that he wouldn’t stay put. But at least you can tell your guard they may stand down and put their worries elsewhere.”
The man could only make an empty gesture at first before, “It’s not like we’ve held living demons in cells before.” Well they apparently had just no one was aware of it who should have been. Being summoned to the palace come the early morning because the guards were trying to discover where a large demon could have gone.
It was important to talk to Calia seeing as she likely would have at least an inkling to where the monster had gone. And to control him seeing as the binding was for that reason. Even if one was baffled to how a demon in such a state could get back up to cause any sort of mayhem at all!
Leave it to him to be surprised when the princess had gotten up to go rooting around in that of bed, so she might produce a glittering gem, palm sized beetle in her grasp. And for him to stare at the creature that wasn’t exactly making a clamouring escape either. It didn’t look exactly well but it didn’t seem like something to fear either. If anything, the legs had coiled up under its body and appeared to be perfectly content to remain. Docile even.
“You said beetle before and I…” Renus paused tensing lips through teeth with a due thought. “I didn’t actually believe it.” Which was why the demon was able to leave the cell because what was going to stop something that size from sliding through the bars. Not to mention it was strange to him to think that this was the troublesome bastard at all. “You did… we assumed wrong. Evidently.” Relief however was immense. Pressing hands to his face, “I’m just glad he isn’t out murdering everything in sight.”
A low hissing was given from the beetle, apparently taking offense to the commentary! “I’m sorry. I just… hmmm, I wanted to be sure that things were okay. You are the only one I would think of who could be able to track down the beast.” That hissing only seemed to be encouraged with said beetle turning ass towards them. A cold shoulder from an insect. That was new.
“I will reflect the information back to everyone. Though this does mean you likely will have to keep him with you. At least he came here. Wouldn’t have been something I would have thought it capable of doing but—” Shoulders shrugged only to look at Nysia. “I sure hope you are kinder to Calia than you are to your own family, Nysia.” Offering a less than thrilled commentary but nodded no less. Bowed rather, “Apologies for disturbing you Princess Calia. Thank you for being able to alleviate my stress. Perhaps later when my sister is finished making you want to jump off the nearest cliff, I can show you to the sparring grounds. So you might have some freedom.”
Calia could not imagine what Arc thought he was hissing at. Likely being a golden little brat, because how dare everyone assume a dangerous demon might actually escape and do what demons did. Soon to cover him with her other hand in a cage of palm and fingers, lest he start getting ideas of mimicking a stinkbug just to spite the lot of them.
The commander didn’t need to apologize to her, at least not in this instance. Them having seen Arc so battered in his demon form, it was easy to assume that he’d not have the energy to move, let alone to shift form. Demons healed fast though and now he had whatever it was that made Calia’s stamina so stubbornly endless even in the wake of being beaten up to hell and back.
Everything was fine, everyone was safe. At least for now.
“I think I’d like having a chance to expel some energy,” she agreed. Skills were only skills if you practiced regularly after all. Calia was itching too for testing the limits of Arc’s magic, but was still a little wary of doing so when he still needed time to heal. Not so cruel to go pushing him to the point of breaking, as Queen Ashera had warned. Thinking it a bit ironic the Queen had said so at all, only to get that she just didn’t want to loose something full of valuable information so soon.
“Oh Renus, don’t be so dour. It’s not my fault Liriel felt she was better in my hands than yours,” though she gave the mostly smug of cheeky grins, Nysia did reach out to give him an affectionate squeeze to the arm. “You need to have more fun. In fact, I won’t hold her all day at all so she can shake you up a little.”
Calia wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing, but wisely stayed out of the bickering of siblings. Giving Renus an affirming nod to bid him goodbye. Then taking a peek at the beast within her palms.
“When you are free then absolutely. I think it would be well deserved after the few days you’ve had.” Something about that phrasing was enough to indicate that Renus might be on the same ship of agreement. Perhaps likely to join in the means of sparring though unclear if it would be against another or not.
For features to turn and look unamused at Nysia shortly, “One day you’ll have to explain it to me just how it is you fit into any room in the palace with your head so big. I am sure it quite the tall tale.” Saving himself from adding an eye roll to the whole exchange, the squeeze to arm was just tolerated. “I think for Calia’s sanity, it would be good you don’t hold her all day. Aein will also be present by then, so maybe you’ll have a chance to annoy another one of your siblings. Spread it out.”
With focus being lowered to check in on the less hissing beetle, he didn’t seem too enthusiastic to do much of anything. Probably a good thing for the girl who’s own magic was absconded with. Less likely to be a fuming pain in the ass, though it also helped he wasn’t able to freely converse yet. Just sort of raising the feelers on head in a indicate that he was likely looking at her in reply. Giving the jeweled carapace a flick to move wings about but little else.
As door was graciously shut once more seeing as the prince had new information to share less the whole palace be turned upside down looking for a being that wasn’t actually creating havoc!
“Oof! He’s so stuffy. I can’t wait until he meets someone that ruffles him,” commented Nysia, with such a world weary sigh. As if it were on the woman’s shoulders as his elder sister to be sure he met his love match. Glad at least that the elven princess wasn’t suddenly eyeing Calia up and down as a potential candidate just because she was of royal blood. Likely because she was indeed far too young for him and woefully human.
Besides, she herself wasn’t worried about Renus on that front either. He might be a little prudish about salacious matters, but Calia had seem him get fiery when the moment struck him. She doubted the commander would have any trouble rising to the occasion should be meet someone that actually caught his interest.
What Calia should be worried about was Nysia, because as she’d been distracted in her thoughts of Renus, the woman was reaching out apparently about to steal the demon the same way she’d snatched her sister’s baby!
“Are you insane,” Calia asked her with all due seriousness, deftly shifting hands away to give her a chiding scowl.
“I just want to take a look at him!”
“He isn’t a pet and I’m not going to be responsible for him biting you.” she back Calia.
“Oh, he isn’t going to bite me, he adores me.” insisted the girl. “It’s not like you can get in the bath with him.”
“Nysia, reign in whatever your usual bullshit is. It’s not going to work with me.” warned Calia, watching as the elven princess through up her hands in a dramatic display of giving in. Laughing as she did so without even a single ounce of feeling ashamed or insulted.
Nysia took up residence at the table again to resume her breakfast, gesturing that it was perfectly safe for Calia to do the same.
“Alright, I’ll behave myself. I’m liable to be the only one that doesn’t hate him, you know. I’d personally prefer if he were in a cuter and more fluffy shape, though I suppose like this he’s more easily hidden. A nice little spy for when we start narrowing down my suitors.”
There was a chance if there was a black sheep in this family, it was Nysia. All sweetness and excitable on the surface, then ever so often she said things that revealed she was a lot more than just a flirty dingbat, flitting about life have a grand time. Calia was starting to think she might be a lot scarier than her elder sister and mother.
Much of that was proven through breakfast, while Nysia listed off the names, titles, and occupations of each of her nine suitors. Details about their interests, personal lives, former paramours… the amount of research of the men was borderline on stalking. There was sure to be some mercenary out there following the men around the kingdom writing down notes on Nysia’s behalf.
Once breakfast was through, Calia was relieved to find out the woman didn’t actually intend to stay there discussing her investigations while Calia bathed. Instead, giving her the reasoning that Renus did have a point and that Calia ought to work out her troubles through physical means – especially because there were many handsome elves in the guard and Calia might be able to erase the memories of Starling with someone new. A bold statement if there ever was one. Nysia would gladly take over again in the evening, maybe with one of her suitors in hand to see what sort of secrets Calia would pry out of him.
Leaving Princess Calia alone with the demon she’d set aside on her shoulder so he’d not be so easily kidnapped. Watchfully keeping an eye on Nysia until the girl was good and out of the room.
“Are you regretting telling me to seek help from others, now?” she asked at first as just a sly dig at him, only to find that she did genuinely want to know. “Are you okay?”
Could bugs scream? He might be screaming all the sudden at the whole being veered away so suddenly or the fact that this demented little shit goblin of a princess was attempting to snatch him up as if he were just a little rattle for babies! Who the hell did she think she was that she could just hold onto him at all. Princess or not, no bloody touching! And that was an idea.
If she tried, he was going to bite her! She could preach about how she didn’t hate him –honestly not sure what that was supposed to be or imply cause as far as he knew, he didn’t know her from a hole in the ground. All the more power to make her palm a war zone should she attempt to coddle or hold him. She’d be lucky if he didn’t behave like a real bug and pee on her hand!
Grateful in turn that Calia wasn’t just handing him over to be the little trinket that went smash. Feeling terrible already there was no need to encourage it any further.
What was that about being a spy. For checking out suitors. “This one clearly is a few sandwiches short of a picnic.” Why in the world would he comply with investigating poor men that were probably due a fair warning that Princess Nysia was someone to run from. The crazy on this one didn’t match the attractiveness.
Run, boys. Run.
Thankfully –and he did mean it- Calia had been attentive to letting him stay out of reach. Surprised that she even had him present at all. Wondering if it was because someone had to equally listen to the amount of drivel and nonsense if not entire concerning behaviour to the point of excruciating detail that this girl had about this men. Did the queen know that her greatest threat was likely her own child? Probably not. This was certainly a sort of punishment. What had Calia done to warrant this!?
It was by some act of mercy that the means of breakfast was ended and the means of Calia being allowed to have a chance to be free of madam huffs toxic gases, that he sort of was just left to ruminate on it all. Shifting focus on shoulder no sooner when Calia shot her dig at him. Taking a moment to think, working a bit to feel out how he honestly felt and well. “Yah be watchin’ that one. One wrong move and yah might be an ingredient in her crazy stew.” Arc hoarsely managed. Bugs didn’t have tongues after all! Only sort of coming to that conclusion now than before. Probably for the better. “Had I known there was someone like that here, I’d have told yah to run and not stop. Who the hell be thinkin’ bein’ a suitor to that one, is good?! She’s guna eat those men, I bet yah.”
The beetle kept his balance and didn’t seem pressed to move any time soon without need. Twitching feelers once more at her latter addition. “Let’s be sayin’ I’m jealous of meat goin’ through the grinder. It prolly feels better being mulched into damn pulp.” Sighing a bit heavily, body shimmed a bit to absorb that of bodily heat being offered. “Thank yah.” Came strange words that he did suspect she would think were being sarcastic. “Not that I be thinkin’ yer thrilled about this arrangement but, if yah hadn’t agreed. Well? I’d prolly be no more than still being a fish on a hook. I ain’t guna make shit any harder than it has to be. I’m stubborn, not stupid.”
Calia was starting to get the impression maybe there was something more to Liriel and Queen Ashera both seeming to think that she had something of knowledge to offer Nysia. So much about the girl being light mischief and nonsense on the surface, to switch to this brief moments where she had such a keen eye on details had her pondering if they were kindred spirits of a sorts. Hiding their real faces to protect what was on the inside. Only she wasn’t so sure what Nysia’s agendas were. If she were just seeking a husband to start her family with, damn! The woman was taking that so seriously, she was practically investigating the genetics of her suitors just to be sure her future babies would be adorable!
The real surprise was that Archimedes said thank you. That was enough to full on stop her entire brain for a moment. Clearly he really had been every level of fucked up to actually be thanking her now. Funnily, feeling a bit awkward with the gratitude and unsure what to do with it.
Deciding it was best not to make a big deal about it, lest he never dare to say it again!
“Well both have to be on our best behavior,” she said instead, leaning back in the ornate chair to heavily sigh herself.
Yesterday was yesterday and today was today. Instead of getting herself wrapped up in the whole overwhelming burden that was the future, it’s was better for her to focus on one day at a time. The here and now of what she could do, instead of getting lost in all of the little details of how she was going to get there. Today she needed to get to know the royal family and give Archimedes a chance to heal.
Simple tasks, nothing to be afraid of.
“You may want to stay like this for awhile,” she did deem to warn him. “You might not remember, but everyone here has a vendetta against ye olde Archimedes the Mage. At the very least we should avoid Starling if the Queen hasn’t decided it’s his turn in a prison.”
On that note, she did indeed need a bath and to change into a fresh set of clothes. Praying to all the gods that Nysia hadn’t brought her a rack full of nothing but gaudy gowns and frilly nonsense to wear about the castle.
“Yah know, I had a feelin’ that my whole presence wasn’t well received. Wasn’t sure if it was the whole strippin’ me of my flesh. Or the hook. Maybe the shackles or the whole grizzly state of just it all. Only a hunch.” Sarcasm was still full and ready apparently. “But yer right. I ain’t got a clue what the hell they be prattlin’ on about well. Anything. I mean I’d just be assumin’ the whole demon stuff be reason enough to hate. No judgment there. It’s a fair hatred.” The man turned bug hummed, “I ain’t planning on being lifesized for a bit. I need to heal and would like my tongue back. Even my foot. I ain’t guna be much use if I can’t walk at least.”
Which was true, he didn’t have a reason to think someone’s loathing of him was entirely based on history. Just the whole biology. “And what if they be wrong? Surely my name is common enough in the elven circles that they be havin’ the wrong assumptions—” As the words begun to die down on his own tongue knowing that was likely so farfetched that it’d have to be able to bring water back from the other side of the world. “I don’t remember any of this. Sure as hell hurts like a bitch when somethin’ be tryin’ to impolitely insists to be recalled.” If he had any eyebrows right now, they’d be furrowed up.
Saved from getting lost in his own thoughts with the mention of stupid white haired bastard. “I ain’t guna promise I’ll be avoidin’ that gobshite. He deserves a crack in his face. At least as a thank yah for being a fuckin’ creep and a mad mage. I ain’t even sure how long I was in that place but I seen enough to know, the stuff they did was enough to turn even the more iron cast bellies.”
More silence till well, “Did yah really be knockin’ boots with that one? We be needin’ to find yah a way to pick out the magic crazy ones from the others. I’ll punch him twice if yah want. Free of charge.”
“People like that don’t exactly reveal themselves with big flashy lights and ominous assholey statements,” already getting up to her feet and with an elegant sweep, dislodged him from her shoulder to rest him back on the bed mattress. Then she made quick work of undoing the circlet braid of her head and tossing her shirt aside. Apparently still not caring a whit of what he saw and what he didn’t even now.
She did bend forward though, eye to buggy eye with a big wide grin.
“Maybe had I let him do all the bossing around, I might have realized he’s a sadistic bastard that likes to rend and tear at flesh. Unfortunately, he was too busy for any conversation.”
That was all she really cared to say about it, as what HAD been an enjoyable evening was now marred with the knowledge that Starling had been cutting up living demons in a factory of gore and bone. Cementing her feeling that one should never ever ever get to know a man beyond the single night, because they turned out to be not just small disappointments but maniacs!
Though, now the Commander’s heated shouting at her was immediately rearing it’s ugly head. To not be a coward and run from things, or avoid things, just because something difficult happened. Calia wasn’t sure she wanted to apply that advice here in this situation. This felt like one of those times to simply be celibate, it’s not like doing so would ruin her life. Likely keep her out of trouble!
After a brief moment of shifting around garments from the racks that’d been provided for her, Calia snatched a few down and disappeared behind a beautifully painted screen to do her washing up.
“If he needs to get punched in the face, I’ll do it myself. Gleefully. Instead you ought to be observant of everything around you while we are here, as it’s going to be the best place to figure yourself out. Then you can flitter off into the night.”
“If it were only just that easy. Then well, yer track record might not be sufferin’ so terribly as of late.” One could said though there was a momentary panic as she scooped him. Almost expecting to be tossed aside, finding that the gentle put down to the bed itself. Hardly about to complain as he wiggled to roost himself into its comfort. Taking to being the observer whilst the princess that ran with wolves and wrestled bears began the means of discarding items in a slow manner.
Arching somewhat at the eye level she came down to and offered her wit. “Well we both be knowin’ that had he started bossin’ yah about, he’d have been used as a javelin. Somethin’ somethin’ ain’t guna boss yah about.” It should be considered a crime how easy it was for him to just nestle down in the room. Considering he wasn’t her biggest fan either. They had gotten along as well as oil and water. All the time. Every minute, every second.
Where he knew he was absolutely a pest to her and vice versa. After all, how they had left that last time, he had no intention of even acknowledging her very existence. To all come back together in a new binding in which she was the contract holder and he that of her peon. Thus far, at least it hadn’t been explosive but that might be due to the fact that she was trying to be on her best behaviour. Rather than showcasing she just may be more of a terror than a demon was.
As the princess disappeared behind that of a privacy screen, he was scoffing at the whole means that she could handle her own. He knew it. “Fine, two punches will just be for me.” Arc sighed almost dreamily. A thought that could carry him into the night and sufficiently ruined when she was telling him that he was going to have to be observant to things around here. About figuring himself out on some vain hope that the queen of the elves wanted him to have some profound change of heart. Unsure if that was possible because well, that would imply he had anything good in him to do that for! “Flitter off into the night. Yah be dreamin’, lass. Yer smart enough to know that there ain’t a way in heaven or hell that should such a farfetched idea come to fruition, that they be lettin’ me go anywhere besides into some fancy new dungeon. Yer the only one now that can do any flittin’, I’ve just become a prized prisoner for life or until one of them sticks me with them fancy dancy weapons.”
“Hmn. As true as it might be that they’d like you mounted up on a wall, we’re not staying here forever,” she revealed. Setting her things to the side draped over a chair to then climb herself into the big claw footed tub of what was now simply warmer than room temperature water. Quietly considering the means of magic to heat it up to a nice steamy caldron, to again find herself hesitating.
Telling herself at first that it was because he needed to heal. Grimacing soon after because the reality was that she was afraid she’d not be able to stop. There was no demon contract forcing her into following demon magic rules. Whatever Arc’s magical well contained, she could draw it out as she pleased and shape it as she wanted. Mana, she supposed mages would call it. Others might call it the strength of his soul. For the first time in her life she didn’t have to be cagey about using magic, to be so frugal and careful not to be seen or caught.
The last thing she needed to do right now was explode him into itty bitty bits, just because she’d forgotten he’d had limitations that she did not. Calia sank down under the water and blew a few frustrated bubbles. Turns out she wasn’t so free now, after all!
“We’re staying as long as it takes you to heal and for me to establish a good relationship with the family her,” Calia explained on resurfacing. Brushing her hair out of her face and claiming a bar of soap to make for a quick scrubbing. “Originally I intended to get a holy weapon, one already made or custom made. And that’s obviously turned out to be a hell of a surprise. I’ve never heard of demon-forced weapons before, but I suppose that is what they have now. Maybe for the best, as I’m still not so sure I can even handle a holy weapon without bursting into flames and that was even before getting stuck with you again.”
We? What did that mean. Well she did express the contract was for a few things and he supposed that it was a bit broad to the way that it might not end due to one specific item. Though that would take some thought in which was quiet and not currently trying to determine just where the line was between them that was going to set it back to spitting and hissing at another.
Although she was eyeball deep in the font that was his magical prowess. And something that could easily be encouraged to be larger if there was a particular demon they came across that had magic that was not yet in his spellbook. Not that it needed to be said, she likely remembered everything from the first time they had made an agreement.
“Yah aren’t liable to burst into flames. Don’t go believin’ every hokey religious nonsense about that sort of stuff. And even if yah hadn’t asked, I’ll tell yah regardless.” A pause and a thought because calling them demon-forced wasn’t probably the correct term either. Able to remember clear enough that apparently he in this other shell of a former existence he had, was the one who had uncovered the creation of such weapons.
Shortly hissing at the pang that alerted him that he was getting too close that no remembering zone. “Get yerself one of them weapons. They work even if they ain’t any sort of holy. They work on demons. Which makes sense. Demons fight demons. Granted in the terms of demonology, usually only certain demons affect another but havin’ yerself a stabbin’ tool that don’t care about what sort of demon it can handle, ain’t terrible. Hell, it would be good to have. Maybe yah can use it to stab that fake warlock that stole yer heart and magic. Havin’ some items that work well against foes that aren’t known for bein’ always easy to maim or kill, I wouldn’t say no to that. That boyo is likely demon touched, if not on the road to being one. Ought to be a nice gift for yah to bring him. A nice hello and a good ol’ punch to the lip. Then a stab in the chest. Hmm, sounds like it would be a fun little evenin’ for yah to make sure he gets his comeuppance.”
The beetle shifted to walk along the mattress to the pillows once more. Settling down with an obvious sigh, “What’s in it for yah to have good relationship with the royal family here? Outside that maniac that is called Nysia, are they worth it? I mean I know I blithered on about yah findin’ help… just didn’t think yah would actually do it. But then again, I didn’t think I was guna get caught by short, white haired and crazed either.” Arc frowned to himself, “What kinda rules yah guna have placed on me by the way? A prelude to what sort of dastardly torture yah want to put me through would be nice. As I be bettin’ yer only waitin’ till I’m half healthy before makin’ me walk the plank as it were.”
There was no surprise in hearing him suggest she should have one of those demon-touched weapons. Honestly, other than the living torture it didn’t bother her in the slightest to use a weapon made of demon parts in some fashion. Probably a callous heartless thing in some people’s opinions, but it truly wasn’t any different than using anything else in the natural world. Even humans once used the bones of their own ancestors create tools and holy relics. The only difference was that there was a right way to do things, respectful of the ingredients used and even better if willingly given. Compared to needless suffering and ill intent.
His mention of the heart-stealing bastard truly brought a lot of that up to the surface. Calia’s intent had been to make him suffer, to draw it out as long as possible so he’d known exactly what was done to her and all of the others. Now there was this bitter taste in her mouth after getting to see first hand what that kind of vengeance actually looked like. The way Starling seemed to have the basic empathy and soul missing from him because he thought he had justification for such a gruesome thing. That’s not what Calia wanted to become.
Stabbing the man dead with a demon weapon, though? That she could do.
“Maybe I can ask Renus where the rest of you is. A macabre thing for certain to be using your own self made into a weapon, but at least it wouldn’t be someone else.”
Calia was clean enough for the time being, only really having needed to help herself wash away all the feelings of yesterday. Rising up out of the tub to squeeze out all the water from her hair and then reach over to wrap herself up in a towel. Immediately rolling her eyes to the questions about her rules on him, and the assumptions she intended to use it to continue his suffering in different sort of way. Liable to start their bickering again already. How many hours had it been now? Not even a full morning!
“My rules are the same as before. You don’t hurt me and I don’t hurt you, that’s really as simple as it gets. And since apparently that wasn’t clear the first time, hurting innocent others does in fact hurt me.” She made a few disgruntled grumblings behind the screen during her whole pat down of getting dry. So intelligent and smart they claimed! He’d clearly forgotten that along with his memories, to be so dense. “I have a kingdom to rebuild and Queen Ashera is going to help in what ways she can. So long as I don’t have a feral meltdown and terrorize the capitol.”
“Ironically enough, for the time being you’re going to be my very first official Advisor. After all, it was meant to be your role for Ashera’s son and heir. If he hadn’t died.”
“If anyone of a mage caliber offers yah a drink that is suspiciously pink, don’t be drinkin’ it. I think the mage used part of my flesh and the tongue he hacked out to make a elixir under the guise of it being able to ward demon magic.” Like her suggesting asking the prince about that carved off parts was an invitation to be graphic. “As for the rest. Probably down there still. He was natterin’ off about tryin’ to see if my parts made better ingredients than the demons that were strung in the rafters.” Still there was thought, “Could make a curious bone dagger. I do wanna see these tomes that they were workin’ from.”
Something about that niggled in his head that tomes of demonology of that sort of status was liable to be very dangerous. Not in the way that if anyone got their hands on it they were going to replicate Derrick’s insanity. But rather, demons of the highest tier might not like the idea that there was scripts and items written down that could harm them.
Another thing to put a pin in and think about.
Asking about the means of rules and regulations because they had better that stuff out in the open now. “The contract is different. I ain’t the one callin’ any shots. I have to abide by what yah say less I infringe on the magical contract. Those things ain’t forgivin’ if yah fuck them up. I ain’t intendin’ on hurtin’ yah or them innocent sorts. The whole gettin’ out of Caeldalmor was the only thin’ I had been wantin’. I got it, just not the way I hoped.” Arc stared at the privacy screen, “Yah may not know it or believe it, Calia but impressively, I ain’t interested really in gettin’ my ass hauled back into the hells. Flirtin. Fuckin’, its really all I wanna do. A little blood too but that’s only cause well, blood is currency.” Figuratively his shoulders shrugged.
“Alight. Rebuild the mountain place. Get the help of fellow royals, make alliances and such.” It seemed reasonable just of course he was shortly hissing and wiggling around with a burst of pain at even thinking about the means of being told he was supposed to be something here. In this elven palace. Wishing he could grab his own head and curse a brilliant shade of every colour and curse in the world. In any language he knew!
Hadn’t died.
Advisor.
Pain!
Arc growled in a whimpering huff, shortly abandoning being on the pillow to crawl under it! Making a feeble hope that the lack of light would aid the stabbing white hot iron that was threatening to cave in his skull. “I… I didn’t kill… fuck me sideways , arrgh!” Rubbing the front of his head into the mattress, it was so strange to feel the means of his words but not really identify with them. “Him. I-I… I didn’t k-k… kill C…C-c. . . . C-carlisle. P… plague… an phlá. Shit… shit! No! No more. No more, no more. Nomorenomorenomore…”
And he scurried behind the bed as a means of buffering from that whole not wanting to think or talk about anything that was about to make him fly into the nearest fire source. Or even asking Calia to stomp him flat cause it would be less painful!
Calia immediately straightened mid tugging on her fresh pair of pants, going over her night with Starling quickly for any suspicious drinks – thanking the gods they’d been at a tavern and thus all that was made had been from the in house bar itself and not something mixed by Starling. Just the thought of drinking something twisted that she didn’t know what was actually in it, almost making her stomach churn.
She might never accept a drink from a mage again!
He mused about a bone dagger, which would be a good weapon for her. Calia liked having multiple stashed somewhere on her person. To be fair, she liked having a variety of different weapons on her, even if her primary and personal favorite had always been the sword. A sword paired with a dagger, or even two swords might be ideal.
At least she believed he wasn’t aiming to be anyone’s trouble of a dangerous sort. She hadn’t initially and he’d given her good reason to believe he’d hurt people just for sport, and in all of his denseness he couldn’t understand why. Now, at least it seemed like his moment of imprisonment had shaken some of his braincells back into place. Maybe he could finally piece the puzzle together that Calia wasn’t trying to be his enemy.
She’d pulled on a satin green shirt and was presently hooking on a belt when he seemed to cringe so hard even Calia could feel it – that was going to be fucking annoying if it continued once he was fully healed – coming around the screen as he begin his stilted stuttering of things that were both confusing and incredibly compelling. Nothing more than I didn’t kill Carlisle was really understandable.
Calia crossed the room to scoop him up, yet he’d skittered himself right behind the bed itself as if the idiot could hide from the pain in his own head. Huffing a soft sigh as she climbed up on the mattress and crawled over to the spot he disappeared to.
“Alright, alright, stop thinking about it,” she muttered to him in his hidey hole. As if he wasn’t already trying to do so. Certain if he fussed at her, it’d help him stop faster, regardless. “That’s going to happen more often while we’re here, I bet. And I can’t have you crawling into holes every time it does, Arc. Someone is liable to crush you. Now come out of there and lets go throw some elves around.”
While she didn’t know the circumstances of the crowned prince’s death, she was sure that Renus would find this a curious new fact to learn.
Death would be mercy. Death would be a saving grace. Death was calling between the agonizing twists and squeezing pinching daggers that were trying to literally mulch his brain into fertilizer! He’d sooner ask for another from that demented mage than want to continue having unbidding snippets of memories that were trying to crawl out of his ears with diamond studded claws and heels!
Groaning somewhere down below at the whole statement that was both abundantly obvious and something he was trying to stop doing such as thinking about things that he wanted no part about, and how she so caringly stated that it was likely going to happen more! Suggesting that he couldn’t go crawling into holes because someone was going to crush him, “D-don’t be threatenin’ me with a good t-time, lass. I might e-even ask for someone to do it just to stop… the pain.”
Unceremoniously he flopped off the bed onto the floor. Just to lay there for a steady moment so he could try to level off his breathing. Focusing on the coolness of the floor. The lingering smell of figgy crepes and the oils that were used in the bath she had. Even the tether that had them as to unlikely temporary allies. Anything to be not thinking about all that.
Crawling out after a moment to rescale the side of the bed. Putting thoughts together at the original declaration of throwing elves around. “Poor bastards are guna get themselves a lesson right quick. I don’t know if tossin’ them about will earn yah favour. Or it’s guna get some of the weird ones eyeballin’ yah in ways that are better left unknown. If… yah be mindin’, try not to use too much of the whole exchange of our agreement. I don’t think yah wanna launch some poor igit out the nearest window.” Arc sighed motioning, “May I hitch a ride. I don’t exactly be flyin’ well with one eye. Though yah might get a giggle out of watchin’ me crash into the nearest surface, I’d be appreciating help. Not further cruelty.”
Calia was going to look like an true lunatic if anyone caught her talking to a beetle like this. Then again, apparently she could also talk to ancient trees and that seemed to be quite alright, so maybe it’d just be a natural assumption that’d she’d be prancing around the palace grounds talking to bugs and critters like one of those silly storybook princesses. A description far more apt for her own daffy elder sister than herself.
She watched the hole for him to come back up, only for the damnable demon to have played dead somewhere on the floor and then come creepy-crawling from a different direction. Sighing again in her own defeated way. Unsure if she liked this more humbled Archimedes or if she really was that much of a masochist for abuse, that she almost missed when he was being a sassy little tart.
Granted, he was exhausted. The full tart experience was bound to return once he had the strength back in him to be wholly himself again.
“You’re assuming I can’t launch one out a window without having to tap into your strength,” she countered instead, reaching easily to scoop him up and place him on her shoulder where he could resume using her as a living chariot. Scooting her own self off the bed to retrieve her boots and tug them back onto feet.
This means of attire was the most plain, most simple thing she could find amongst all the racks and it still felt so richly elven by fabric and stitch. At least it suited her well and wasn’t one of the bright magenta pink gauzy things embroidered with a million flowers. Still having Nysia’s threat in her mind that they needed gowns for some upcoming celebration event that Calia was hoping she could find some excuse to get away from.
“It’ll do you well to hide in my collar most of the time,” she advised. “Aside from a certain few, it’s better no one knows you’re tagging along with me. I doubt anyone would recognize you as little gold gem, either, but it is better to be safe than have someone miss you and hit me by mistake.”
Being placed onto shoulder without a commentary based around some sort of sassy wit or scathing suggestion, he wondered somewhere just what had changed in that of the venom princess. Granted neither of them had been particularly kind to another and he could easily blame it on the fact that she was going through quite the traumatic experience. Whilst repeating over and over again that he was simply a demon. There was likely an more in-depth reasoning to it all but for now, just that was enough.
“I don’t be thinkin’ tossin’ any of them out a window is good for yah regardless of yer strength or mine. Somethin’ tells me that them sort of behaviours are frowned upon and yah wanna make alliances after all.” The shimmering exterior made itself comfortable to stay stationary upon the shoulder of the contract owner. Leaving him a moment to simply be that audience member. Likely good he wasn’t able to share thoughts with her because any sort of threat of ball gowns and celebrations sounded like a truly miserable time.
Typically it wouldn’t matter but unfortunately people here knew what he was. It wouldn’t be easy to sway pretty little damsel’s into his arms. Regardless if he used the veneer to hide the demon parts. It made him temporary wonder if he looked apparently the same as the past. And hissed about it.
No thinking about that stuff!
“I ain’t plannin’ on cartin’ on yah while yer swingin’ a sword around. The crazy princess was right about one thin’, it’s easier for me to be unseen in this form. Which I will do. Not simply as I don’t think anyone swattin’ at yah will go well but rather, no one needs to be raisin’ eyebrows if they see a stray antenna stickin’ out yer shirt.” Having thought already a bit about this, he thought it best if he was just nearby but devoid of existence off her person. “This be the temporary grace period after all. Before I can return to my usual appearance, then it’s guna be a hell of a lot more difficult for the whole lack of people knowin’ the taggin’ along situation.”
A new knock that was certainly less urgent than the original had sounded. “Princess Calia,” The boy prince’s voice had sounded and like a good gentleman had intended to show her exactly the way to that of the sparring grounds. “If you are ready, the grounds have been prepared.”
“Why does he make it sound like it’s some formal affair. Or did he line up some foolish children to test yer might?”
“Oh believe me, I have already been told in no pleasant way that I need to mind myself,” she responded, almost finding humor in it now. Almost. Really, the words still stung even if she understood where they were coming from. No one ever wanted to hear they were the problem, even if it were true. Needing now to just swallow not just her pride, but also that insurmountable guilt that threatened to drag her down into this willful, uncooperative sorrow.
For the time being, Calia wasn’t sure if she liked the idea of him skittering off even while she swung a sword around. Not that she was worried about him causing any trouble, only that if he weren’t within hand’s reach it’d be a lot harder to shield him from an entire palace of angry bitter elves! Who was to say there weren’t talented little demon slayers in the making within the ranks of servants and guards.
Calia missed her chance to argue about it, however, as the Prince’s well timed arrival interrupted her thoughts. Supposing Nysia must’ve skuttled off to let him know she was sweet and kind enough to pass Calia over to him. Leaving her wondering if none of them were going to let her wander this palace alone, or if she was always going to have a royal escort.
“He is a poised sort of man,” was her answer. “So behave.”
Without any further delays she moved to open up the door and step out into the hall in joining the prince. Giving an apologetic smile as his morning was surely more hectic than hers, due to a little demon escape act.
“At your leisure, Commander.”
“Well now that just ruins the fun, don’t it.” Arc seemed to be offering a cheeky sense of sympathy though in the same breath, “Granted, at least yah not takin’ it in the way of, don’t tell me what to do. Can’t say I’d do the same.” Being told not to do something or that he was the problem only encouraged him to be even more of a right sodding pain. Which would help neither of them and currently he had not an ounce of energy to even begin that descent into being a total and entire ill behaved asshole. There was no telling what the future held but currently, he was on his best behaviour.
And he just might stay that way while they were in this place because they had things that actually hurt him.
Of course the whole commentary about a prince had him giving her the buggy side eye. “I ain’t done nothin’.” Even keeping the yet out of the reply while the door opened to reveal the red head prince once more.
Styled in plain every day sparring clothing. Which only had him personally wondering if it was going to be this poor fop that decided he would spar against the warrior princess. Unclear if that was a smart or bad move, the man still offered Calia a easy smile. Poised too. It was a good word and apparently fit the elven man well. It wasn’t often that young elves such as the prince were this put together. “Renus is suitable at this point, I would think.” He offered before seemingly noting his presence.
Managing not to outright scowl but it was a show of how displeased the prince was that he even existed at all. “I thought I would just give you a quick tour towards the sparring grounds. So in the future, you can easily access it, if not entirely find the way. It can be a bit confusing.”
“Fifty paces down the hall, take a left. Walk another twenty. By pass the first door you see as it’s only a servants quarters, then take the next left again to a door that leads outside into a nestled grounds that is both still inside the palace but not inside.” Arc seemingly took this as a chance to speak up. He might be tired and properly battered but he was still easily amused. Which by the way the prince’s face had scrunched up into a uncertain scowl or shock, it worked out well.
“Y-you remember?” Arc squinted even if it wasn’t seen in his current form, “I thought—”
“Nu uh. I ain’t goin’ down that path. I’ve already had my head split open by thoughts and I don’t need another round so soon! I just know the way cause I had plenty of time to try and find Lia this morn. It’s not like I merely manifested at her side yah know. It took effort.”
Renus frowned. Deeply. Shaking his head as if he were uncertain what to say. “He seems fun.” Arc offered non too quietly.
“You’ll have to ignore him,” Calia told the prince, trying her damndest to control that twitch at the corner of her mouth threatening a wicked grin. Why did she have the be the sort of person that enjoyed making others squirm! Archimedes was going to be even worse about it than Rhelic. At least with Rhelic she wasn’t worried about anyone taking a swing!
“He can’t flirt with any ladies like this, so we’re all going to suffer for it,” she murmured her own mischief. Reaching to gently touch at the prince’s arm to start that guiding forward in he right direction, so conveniently offered by Arc. “And he really doesn’t remember, he’s wily but he doesn’t really lie.” Not on purpose, anyway, Calia surmised with some annoyance about that. He reacted about as emotionally to things as she did, which really did make this binding such a bad, bad idea.
“It seems when he does skirt too close to a memory of something he gets scrunched up into a pain that even I can feel a twinge of it,” she revealed carefully, in fact trying to think of how she was going to tell Renus what he needed to know without Archimedes hissing and trying to find some new hole to hide in. Still hoping she was only catching these twinges because he was currently in a state that required pulling from her until he was full bodied again.
“We were speaking about his new role with me and that I found it ironic. And it pulled a very curious confession that he did not kill the elder prince,” she stated it that way, hoping it was vague enough to avoid a triggering anything new. “I don’t really know anything about how all went about back then, so I do not know if that is even useful for you.”
It seemed almost unspoken that the princey prince was going to adopt them means of ignoring him with Calia’s helpful addition. Although how well that was going to be accomplished was up in the air. “I could flirt. I’d be concerned what sort would respond or be interested.” Said beetle offered in case no one was considering that. “Maybe I ought too. Tell yah who be a freak in ways that should have a healer checkin’ their heads.”
There was an obvious stare from Renus at him. Enough that had he been in his elven adjacent appearance he’d have flashed a winsome grin. Alas, they’d have to settle for a very lackluster wiggle. Being interested in the the affirmation that the wildling daughter of the mountain royalty was confirming he was hardly an intentional liar.
Save it was almost short considering that Calia was offering the little prince a statement that his status would falter so drastically with the bare brushing of memories. Shuddering involuntarily about it. Bracing himself for a new rush of stabbing brain pain. Curious that Calia could feel it but that would be considered after he was sure he was safe.
Waiting.
Shortly feeling a wash of relief that no new trigger word was being issued so he’d fall off her shoulder to squirm on the floor begging for one of them to stomping him to oblivion.
What was curious was Renus features. Taking what what been said with a studious hold. Just missing rubbing his chin. “It is and isn’t useful.” The prince pushed them through the door to keep walking, “Until it,”
“I have a gender yah know. I ain’t calling’ yah am it, some courtesy in reply would be at least appreciated.” Renus huffed but seemed to take it to heart.
“Until he remembers more, what is said now can’t exactly be taken as gospel. He’s got more evidence against him. But it is interesting. Very much so since we only know that my eldest brother died when Archimedes turned traitor.”
In turn he gave a low displeased hum about it all.
Calia got trapped for a moment, trying to imagine women swooning and fawning over a sassy little jeweled beetle. Thinking Nysia had the right of it, that he was far more likely to get the attention if he were something soft and furry they could snuggle with. Now deciding, she wasn’t about to give him any new ideas on ways he could skitter off and start making himself comfortable in the laps of dames.
“I’d not mind hearing the details about it,” she admitted. Like down below in the mad labs, those tiny details made all the difference. The eldest died when Archimedes turned traitor, only that didn’t really give her the hows, whys, intent or context to it. That context was the difference between something that was an accident and an unintentional consequence, to something that’d been intentional and deliberate.
Especially because there was an unknown demon involved with a contract made. Was Archimedes studying demons and that gave him the means of meeting one? Or had one come into his life and set him on that research! And why then did the contract have to involve a loss of memories, because why the hell would a demon even care about that?
There were too many questions and Calia was trying not to pile on top of herself too many goals, lest she get frustrated and snarly. She’d have to come back around to it later, when she wasn’t likely to set off Arc as well.
“For now, how are you, Renus? There’s going to be quite a lot of work for you now?”
“We can speak about it at your leisure, Calia.” Renus figuratively opened the door for her to ask questions when they could do so. Perhaps not in the hall and he would greatly appreciate if they didn’t’ do so when he was personally present. She could go digging around in some mystery history all she wanted, but personally, he wanted to avoid it all. Leave his sore little brain alone. At least for a little bit.
If they wanted to torture him –which was abundantly clear that was the whole goal- then they could at last let him heal first.
Because if he was convulsing in pain, he was unlikely to give them any new details that could be potential helpful! Surely that was worth something.
For now and gratefully Calia didn’t prod at it. Rather she was making small talk to the prince. Seemingly the two of them had gotten along well enough that maybe this was a sprinkling of modest camaraderie that Calia originally had been so very against. “All grown up.” He muttered teasingly to himself, but was just offering curious ears rather than impressive wit.
“Much work. But that is not to be unexpected considering the whole discovery of what Starling had been doing. Which has opened a can of worms. Suspecting that the Bladerift Tower in the east may also be housing demon’s in which they have been harvesting. Those of the order who are present in the capital have been summoned later this evening to discuss the steps that the Queen wants to instill. Likely to go and investigate the tower and appoint a new Master of Research seeing as Starling has at least been stripped of that title.”
“Oh nooo… So sad.”
Renus shot him a look that was unclear if it was amused or annoyed. “He’s still a mage but will be having to start from the bottom of the courses and regulations of training once more under Omal.” Omal… Omal? Om- fuck that noise! Arc shuddered shoving that niggling name out of his head so fast that he actually scuttled closer to Calia’s neck, ready to dip into her collar as she previously suggested! Just something about the name made him twinge not only with threatening pain but a sort of deep annoyance that was entirely emotional. “I am to speak to Starling later. To see if he is hiding anything that could be potentially problematic for the future whilst you are with Nysia.”
“Is he available for a good puntin’? My severed foot itches to plant it in his ass.”
Arc’s quirky commentary would be a lot easier to ignore if he were not near her ear and earning those disapproving glances from Renus. Wondering yet again how such a buggy form could be so expressive just with simple movements. Briefly considering if she’d need to get a jar to stash him in, because Calia really didn’t want to see Renus lose his cool again and somehow accidentally be in the crossfire of that. You really did need to worry about those calm and quiet ones!
With there being multiple places these weapons were forged, there were so many opportunities for things to fall under the radar of Queen Ashera, and even the Commander Prince’s order. The expanse of just what was under the woman’s purview had to be impressively large – forcing that need of trust she’d questioned the woman about prior in the evening. If Starling was the Master of Research, then Omal was…
“Omal is your present Mage Advisor? He was the Mage Advisor back then as well?” she questioned with some curiosity. Especially since her beetle companion was now doing the scrunching vibrating thing. Not literally just… a feeling. He was going to end up being a dowsing rod for information at this rate, if there was going to be a reaction every time they stumbled over an important piece of the puzzle.
“Shouldn’t he have been keeping the Queen more information about the development of things? I know that she has to trust the people under her to work without her needing to micromanage every single detail,” The woman told her so herself. The burden of that much responsibility and weight would be too much and she’d burn herself out, the same way Calia seemed to be doing to herself. “It just seems live demons is a pretty big detail worthy of bringing to her attention.”
“He was the Mage Advisor before well, the one that was related to the demon there.” Seemed Renus had picked up where to drop names and where not too. “He used to serve that of my grandfather when he was presiding the court and after everything went the way you vaguely know of, he came back to work with the Queen. He is well seasoned and aged.”
He could feel a comment coming on but reserved it for now. Not about to continue this whole aspect of torturing brains. “Omal can only do so much when it comes to managing such an expansive network. After all, we didn’t even know this stuff was happening in our own palace, it wouldn’t be hard to express that he wouldn’t have known either. Honestly, I can’t even recall the last time he went into the Alchemy Halls because of his knees and the stairs. Honestly, we need a different advisor and Omal knows it. Just ones of that particular skill set are rare. If anything and something I think I need to suggest is having a second layer of command under Omal. Ones he can trust to move around better and rely important information.”
They had moved through the final door and were pushing out into the fresh air. Breathing it in and readying himself to go tuttling away to be tucked away so Calia could beat her opponents to near death without worrying they were going to try to smack off a glimmering beetle from her shoulder.
“When you meet Omal, you’ll understand that the man is as ancient as an elf can get. He really shouldn’t be the advisor but since someone had turned himself into a problem, the hole has been rather large.”
Arc paused from his potential leaping off to scuttle sideways to wiggle antenna at Renus. “Sounds like a shit job.” A simple reply that caused Renus to gawp as if he hadn’t been expecting to be told such pointed facts, “If yer guna talk about me, no screechin’ about it. Otherwise yah just might as well finish the job that pretty boy dipstick had started. Play nice now, Lia. These elves look a might bit squishy, wouldn’t want to hurt their ego’s. Too much.” Moving down arm to ready himself to leap off to go and find a shady spot to hide in!
Calia got the feeling that ‘well seasoned and aged’ meant the Mage Advisor was two thousand years old and likely made of nothing but wrinkled old skin and dusty bones. If she were remembering things correctly, it was Arc’s father who’d been the resident acting Advisor. With Arc being taught to take the role along with the Heir Apparent, that meant they chose people of the similar age to the young royals so that they could actually grow and cultivate the relationships before one officially took the throne. Something she felt seemed like a very well done idea to make sure you came into power with people who knew and trusted.
A shame she didn’t have that benefit herself.
Of course that meant with a man as old as Omal, anything could slide past him. He probably couldn’t even literally see what was right in front of his face. Surely they should have been seeking a better replacement so much sooner than now? Maybe because elves were so old, they also tended to take forever to take action and make certain decisions.
…Arc’s stellar commentary too made it feel like it wasn’t a job many even wanted to claim.
“I suppose that is a conversation for later,” she mused. Helping Arc in his skittering escape by flicking her arm for him to take flight, instead of just grabbing him and throwing him like she was so tempted to do. “How does your training usually go here? I’m sure there are quite a few differences than what I am used to.”
And sure to be similarities too that she deftly ignored, having once vexed the hell out of all who taught her.
Following the fluttering beetle that had actually made sure to fly far enough away that it seemed like conversation would be easy enough. Latching onto one of the pillars that supported the nearby wall and crawled up high enough that no one ought to be looking for him.
Although he was personally staring. It was strange to him to hear the man’s voice and recall numerous encounters, interactions and conversations with someone that didn’t even remember that they too had history. Where Arc from his memories was still pretty sarcastic, he hadn’t ever been so well… sarcastic about everything. At least not with him. He could have with Carlisle but that had been between them. So he needed a moment to blink into reality, shaking his head. Rubbing fingers through after a moment so he could consider Calia properly.
“Well, we aren’t training truly. I invited you here so you might work out any aggression and feel more in tune with being that of a fighter rather than someone being made to drink tea and get into frilly dresses.” Renus looked at her truly, “I might be worried that Nysia is going to make you her living doll. She means well but really I am not sure what to expect from her wickedness.” Laughing softly with a sidestep, he motioned to the few wooden crafted training dummies that had been made for that reason.
Training.
Gesturing to the standard rack of wooden swords, “It might not be the real thing but it is a good way to warm up. Depending on how violent you are, perhaps we can spar properly. I won’t lie and say I’m not nervous. Having someone tell me with confidence they could have me on the ground more than a few times really does raise flags of caution.”
Off Archimedes went to hide in the trees.. lucky him getting to sit and preen and watch. Calia would love to just sit in the trees and not have to do anything. Even if there was that itching to do something other bask in the breeze.
Laughing initially at the prince’s suggestion she had some aggression that need to be expelled in a way no amount of tea sipping and gossip was going to do for her. Already having a good idea that Nysia was going to try and dress her up like a proper royal princess to go along with manners of etiquette and apparently budding spycraft that was bound to be an interesting conversation later.
However, her expression did shift to one of genuine embarrassment and guilt at his admittance that she’d managed to make him nervous with a few simple statements. “You have to understand that I… have a very strong will to live free,” she tried to explain it. “I’ve been stuck in survival mode for awhile and it is hard to shake it off. It’s not that I actually want violence, it’s just that… I’ll defend myself and I will win.”
Gods be damned, that still sounded just as threatening didn’t it. Sighing deeply with it to peruse the different wooden training swords, looking for one that had a shape and size that she preferred.
“So then this is for muscle memory and exercise, not to see how fast I could kill anyone,” she confirmed. Finally flipping a look over her shoulder that was all easy, teasing smiles. “It’s honestly not that impressive. Just quick thinking and lots of practice.”
The two uniformed brows lifted just enough to highlight exactly why he wasn’t offering himself up immediately and how easily it was to be properly uncertain to the means of her words. Even attempting to explain herself, it still came out pretty aggressive. If not overly cocky and full of herself as one should never underestimate an opponent. Regardless of one’s will to live.
It was mentalities like that in which often got people into trouble. More often than naught, more than they could handle. With him vaguely looking the way that the beetle demon had gone as if that was a way of proving his unspoken thought.
“It’s really just a means of blowing off steam. I’ve spent some time with you to understand viscerally that you aren’t someone who is dainty or demure or decorous. You prefer to get your hands in things. On whatever you need too and accomplish the task by psychical means. I know that sounds rude but you don’t appear to be soft and sweet. Nor would that really work for someone who wants to fight.” It sounded terrible to say it the way he had but at this point he was pretty sure just ghosting around the topic wasn’t about to do Calia any favours.
“You’ll be spending a lot of time with my sister who is those very things. Cute. Loves girly things and is very much a critical eye because she uses her pretty face to seem like an idiot when she really isn’t. She’s very much a wolf in sheep’s clothing which as stated, I worry that you may be shortly drowning in the means of all her ideas.”
Stepping up to look amongst the wooden weapons without picking one out, Renus crossed his arms over that of chest. “Training as an elf, is both balance. It’s an art that is not so brutish but still violent when necessary. It’s an act of knowing when to fight, when to retreat. Which in itself is no easy feat because sometimes pushing forward may seem like the answer but you lose more people that way. And vice versa, there are people who want to run away thinking they are going to keep more people alive when they are just walking into a new trap. For me, this is all I’ve known. So learning how one fights in Caeldalmor while,” Lifting a finger to indicate his thought process, “Removing any pre assumptions that your own style is rough and unrefined, is something I could stand to learn. While you again, let off steam.”
Of course he wasn’t entirely finished, “Some of the guards want to challenge you as well. Forgive me, but I am checking to make sure you won’t kill someone.”
She listened with quite the dubious expression on her face to his assessment of her so far. Sure he had the right of it, that she wasn’t one to be dainty and demure. That she did in fact prefer to do things with her own hands, even if it was taxing on the body and quite physical. As for her not being soft and sweet, that might’ve hurt her feelings a little if, well, she’d not been an unholy terror almost from the moment they’d met.
Usually people had called her cold. Calia supposed it was an upgrade now that people found her feral and fiery instead.
“Nysia is absolutely going to be exhausting,” Calia did admit, soon to shrug. “She is… I don’t know, but I like her. Once the novelty of me wears off, I’m sure she’ll be far less interested.”
As he went on to explain the way things were done in the elven style, she listened with astute attention. Getting to watch Commander Renus in his element was nice to see, especially when he’d been so thrown off from yesterday’s events. There was something to be said for returning to what you were confident in to help center yourself again.
“I know the difference between practice and the real thing,” Calia reassured him, for once not taking any offense to the fears of her. If her statements felt to him like a threat every time, then she could understand why he was cagey about it. Her statements weren’t threats, they were just facts. But he didn’t yet know her well enough to see that. “I will not hurt anyone unless they are deliberately trying to hurt me first.”
Pulling a wooden short sword, the first thing she could give him was a quick lesson on the differences between Caeldalmor’s style of training and her own methods. Finding by the way he described things, her own style was likely more akin to the elves than her own people’s.
“Most knights of the guard were mountain men, very sturdy of build and body,” she stated easily. Taking a example stance near one of the dummies, tense and coiled like a spring. “A wide stance to stay grounded and feet firmly rooted. If you’re swinging a sword, you’re swinging hard enough to take someone down in one hit and then to push forward on to the next without losing ground.”
A quick demonstration of that came in three very loud cracks of the wood. At the neck and shoulder blade, a hard slash to the right side of the body and then to the left. Then it was a display that the next move would’ve been a hard shoulder to the chest and moving on to the next kill.
“As for myself, I am no heavily muscled mountain man,” she gestured at herself with amusement, then giving sweeping twirl of wooden sword in her hand. “I couldn’t best them with brute strength, I had to adapt to something else. Being annoyingly clever for one – my trainers didn’t always enjoy that – but mostly to a style that is more akin to yours, I think.”
The difference in her was immediately, relaxing back to something soft but pensive.
“I don’t attack first. It’s…. easier that way.” Calia debated if she even wanted to explain the whys, especially if some of his guard wanted to test their skills with her. Telling her secrets, wouldn’t do, would it! However, Calia did go through the motions. The side stepping, the elegant swing. Not with brute strength behind it, but clearly with intent to use someone else’s momentum against them. Her strength came in bein quick and fluid with her movements. Never needing to stop and make hard turns, a fight to her was very much a dance from start to finish.
“I feel like your mentality of I won’t hurt someone unless they try to hurt me, is something that needs not to be described at every chance.” Renus suggested considering each time they spoke in a roundabout way to the very means of potential combat, it was one of the first times Calia really expressed. Even now. Which was understandable behaviour to have but it didn’t need to be announced.
Picking up a thinner sword to move in his hand. Though he just hoped she would know when and where it was necessary to say such things. Sparring? Not necessary.
Fighting, or goading someone. It had more of a purpose there certainly.
For now he offered his attention as she began to explain the means of the mountain men and how they were broad of build and body. Something he could recall hearing about but not something he had seen. The passageway between their kingdom’s wasn’t particularly used after all. Watching her move to strike at the training dummy before continuing with her amusement, and Renus looked upwards to where Arc had gone. “Not heavily muscled but now bound with a demon.” Evidently he knew enough to know that she might not be some frighteningly muscled woman that could crush a keg with one hand, but she was now sporting a living demonic talisman that was probably imbued as well with superior strength.
He watched. Studied and as she came to a moment to express herself both verbally and physically, he could see the form. It was close to being elven but it wasn’t as refined from the years of work. Close but that would be impossible to know it perfectly as his own without the training. “Do you parry?” He asked her having watched as she struck or stepped back but was curious if she blocked or parried. Redirecting the incoming force to absorb or deflect such an attack that left them in a position to immediately counter.
Using angles and timing to complete the task. Allowing one’s assailant strike to merely glide off, letting them conserve energy.
“Each motion is calculated to achieve the most with the least about of effort. One can swing any sword around as you know likely from contending against others, but conserving energy for when its really needed is something that empowers the power and finesse of it all. Sharp and fast but balanced with control and subtley. No wasted energy.” Renus turned over his weapon to focus mind upon his dummy and strike fast. Making his decisions instinctively while staying aware of the environment and had this thing been alive, the opponent’s capabilities. To let him made swift and decisive replies.
A dance it was. Moving with grace, with the flow of near water. Cutting through the air and the smoothness of feet flowing between the offensive and defensive. Becoming a hypnotic rhythm. Defined by grace, precision and a seamless combination that was both skill and attention. A motion that became an extension of one’s body. Each action building on the previous, making a chain of movements. Wood striking repeatedly, making the quick slides or steps with the centre of gravity in a circular and diagonal lead. Allowing for a change of movement to encounter what was needed, staying light. Keeping his grip tight but not to the point of white knuckling either. Flexible.
Back straight. Shoulders relaxed and chest only slightly forward.
He finished after a moment to hold sword to his side and considered the wobbling dummy. Letting gaze move to Calia next. “Very similar.”
“I didn’t realize I say it that often,” she did admit, trying to turn over the moments in her head, but well. Having a hard time counting it – people don’t exactly keep track of everything they say in conversations! “…I suppose it may have become a bad habit after all that’s happened. I’m tired of fighting for my life, if someone is too scared to try then I don’t have to fight.”
At least in the wry way she moved her shoulders and frowned, it was clear she was seeing now that maybe it was time stop trying to ward people away. Quickly shifting to a crossing of her arms and a blink of thoughtful surprise at him mentioning Archimedes.
“With the first contract I wasn’t aware I would share some of his strength too. It was a very big surprise the first time I fought a demon. It’s… more akin to magic than actual strength, though? I am trying to be aware of it.” Healing and stamina bleeding through, she could understand but the rest? Not a clue! Nor did Calia much care to analyze it either.
He asked if she’d could even parry and Calia blinked in surprise. Not answering right away to let him give his instruction, not just with the words but showing in example his own style of fighting. The dummy was stationary, of course, but there was not missing the fact he was fast on his feet and had complete control of his body movements. Cementing in her mind that, that she herself could blend in with this style of swordplay effortlessly. With enough practice and repetition.
“…I do know how to parry and block.” she did finally answer. “My teachers would’ve tossed me right out of the yard if I couldn’t. He would say often and with great frustration ‘You cannot break the rules until you fully understand what they are and why they exist!‘.”
However, now that they’d started this little session, she was tilting her head in thought and not quite looking at him and the dummy but seemingly trying to replay all of his movements in her mind. Tapping her booted toe behind her counting something under her breath.
Then she mimicked.
Not completely identical to every move and step he’d made. There were some small differences just cause she couldn’t perfectly remember every detail. Some motions were of her own choosing, simply because her body could move and bend in ways his couldn’t. But she was just as fast and clearly a very quick study.
She met him with a thrilled grin, bright with enthusiasm.
“I think this style suits me. It won’t be work to learn it.”
There was no need to repeat the statement. She heard what he said and he did know that while Calia was probably as skittish as a new foal, she wasn’t stupid. Rather she was very intelligent. Just also hardheaded that he could figure she just simply had to figure things out in her own way after being told. To turn the thought over till it was polished enough for her to digest.
“Depends on how strong the demon is. And this is a new contract with you as the boss. As I understand it, you can demand and make him give you ever bit in his arsenal. Magic. Physical attributes. Mental knowledge. Although what that includes beyond basics,” He shrugged as truthfully he had no idea what rank Archimedes was. And there was no calling down from his location to interject what and how and why. So he was going to take that lack of response as suitable.
Moving into the motion of a familiar flow and ebb till he ended. And nodded as she expressed she knew how to parry and block. Adding in that her teachers were the sort that spoke of many things and in this case, had tried to get her to understand the rules of combat before she could break them. “Wise words.” Renus agreed then watched as she mostly replicated the means of what he did.
His mother had spoken about her last night after all was said and done. Infirming once more that Calia was fae touched, or rather in this time, partially fae. Not simply touched. He wondered if her mimicry was influenced, curious if perhaps Calia was a changeling. That she had been placed into the families possession and the real babe had been stolen. Although he wasn’t going to say that outloud because right now she seemed more at peace.
“Good. Then I will leave you to practice and enjoy the time in the sparring grounds at your leisure.”
To hear that she could take anything from Archimedes was a bit… disquieting. It was one thing to be aware – Calia had known in an instant what she could do with the magic, for example – the rest came with a strange sort of weight. For all of her posturing to others that, that she was in fact indestructible, undefeatable, that she could stomp anyone to the ground with ease… all of that was really just a protective shield, not something she actually wanted to do. Having someone’s life actually in her hands now, on whether he lived or died, with peace or suffering… that was a sobering thought.
Calia didn’t want to hold someone’s leash anymore than she wanted to be on one.
At least this means of activity was comforting for her, even if she’d have rather gone outside of the palace grounds to stretch this new well of magic. Stunning and unnerving in it’s own way was that Calia actually felt calmer now. Less feral and volatile. Not so quick to jump at any slight intended or not. Just having free flowing magic within her fingertips had brought her closer to herself, to actually be grounded. Magic was her very soul, and while she wasn’t complete, by the gods did it help at least having this.
There was no way she could tell anyone that she was a hair’s breadth away from being a wild lunatic just because she’d not had magic, they’d think her crazy. Who actually needed magic to function and live as if it were the blood in their veins.
Another flourish of that wooden sword and it was naught but a preening, pleased smile at Renus.
“Let Nysia know if she wants me one of those dresses, I’m ready for the fight.”
“Hmm, you know. I think I’ll just leave that one for you. A selfish little enjoyment to have Nysia unaware of what she might get into seeing as her ego lately has been,” Renus made a face to indicate that he was being certainly a little brother shit with the mere idea that he could forewarn his sister. But was choosing not to. “She could use a bit of the wind taken out of her sails.”
With a tilt of attention around the sparring courtyard turning into a slight bow, “If you need anything, merely ask. I may be away from the palace soon, but if there is anything I can do in my time here.” Letting the means of invitation float, one pivoted lightly on that of heels. Bidding a cheery wave enough that the prince replaced the weapon he had taken and migrated out of the door they had come into.
Letting the space fall back into a calm reverie to have at one’s own comfort.