For once he might be able to admit that he was plenty tired after the completing the efforts of cleaning that of the tub area. Assuring that it was plenty useable for the next person. Feeling the tug and dull throbs of muscles that were silently asking for a time to sit and rest. Not a first mind you but certainly a more audible than he was typically used to pointedly ignoring. Continuing to do so even as he had accepted leaving the area to start the means of looking for that of the person that was deemed the healer for this little nameless place.
Maybe even a little surprised that his sibling hadn’t made another appearance. Coming to believe that he might just be off licking his wounds after the realization came that trying to shove his way in was not about to work this time.
Although the thought pressed, he wasn’t about to exactly go seeking after Talon either. Leaving it as it was for now and conducted the search of the unknown healer. Bringing the tray that had been taken in the morning back to the pub. Full of life more with a variety of souls that where quite the medley of bodies. All sorts seemed to call this place home and he wondered just how and why they managed to select such a secluded area. But that might mean needing to speak to the fellow that had been with Talon earlier. Having enough sense to determine that Darien was the leader of this place.
Hand selected or nominated was unclear.
It took a bit of light asking and prodding to determine that Phita lived as far as acceptably possible from the village and that she would not accept anyone just appearing to her abode even for the concern of health.
A younger man –probably no more than sixteen- had offered to take a note to the elder woman so long as Theon detailed what she needed. Making promises not to read it as if the boy had done so before and gotten himself into enough trouble that it was not worth repeating. Something about that at least eased an unknown discomfort that for now, he obliged. Scribbling down something vague but hopefully implying enough for the unknown woman to come out from her seclusion.
It left him momentarily asking after Ry’seth, discovering that he was being kept with the leader of the nameless place. Entertaining the men and women of the said place and he was not about to go looking beyond that. Accepting that this was good enough so he could turn with a polite excusal to go and complete the next task of his self appointed duties.
Left to his devices, it was closer to the broach of the evening bend of the sun that upon the small wooden pier that had been made for fishing and baited traps beneath for catching crabs and whatever else; did he hear the telling steps of feet and hard thump, warranting an additional aid.
He’d been somewhat unsuccessful in pulling up anything that Araminta and himself might be able to eat; but he would pull the line up to turn and lend his attention to an older woman. Wearing attire that looked both noble influenced and pagan delighted. Gold infringed upon her neck in looping necklaces. Decorating ears in asymmetrical drops with hair both gray and red. A sort of unspoken gentleness to her features while there was also a sense of aged superiority. She came to a stop a few paces away from him. Lacing hands over. Resting upon the knobbed curl of cane and, “So this is the mighty hound of a wicked womb.” Her brown eyes made a show of looking him up and down, “Not that mighty nor a hound.”
Theon didn’t obviously react in which she might have expected. Or well, in any way. Just setting down the fishing rod so it could be returned to its take and borrow station at the start of the pier. Offering a cordial bow to the elder woman that got the corners of her mouth to subtly pull up. “You sent a message seeking help? Clearly not yourself then?”
Head shook and eyes went away back inland to indicate it was another. Where she turned to look the same way. They stood a long moment till Phita opened her hand and indicated him to come closer. “Help this old woman than. The sand is like walking on breaking earth. Liable for a fall for one my advanced age.” Immediately he responded. Drawing closer to offer arm for her took hook upon.
Taking the pier back down for him to replace said rod and to guide the old woman in a comfortable silence to where the hut they were temporarily rested upon. Helping her up the short steps to where she motioned for the door to be opened. An easily compliance that she stepped through momentarily and found the lump in the bed. Phita paused. Then looked at him, “Find me some flowers of six white petals in the east of the village. Collect twelve and come back after. I will handle the rest.”
A hesitation was his to have but ultimately, he was not about to argue with a healer. And in turn bowed once more. Allowing Phita the grace of silent acceptance so he could leave once more and well, she stepped over to the bed to give it quite the shake. “Wake girl. Less the cold eat your bones for dinner. I would hate to beat your side with my cane only to find you playing possum.”
It took several good hard shakes before Araminta managed to give a grumbled sound of rousing. And then several long moments still to recognize it wasn’t Theon speaking to her but an elderly woman instead. While confusion crossed her features, shifted slowly – like a sloth attempting to rise. Pushing back the blankets felt like trying to stroke her arms through deep water, the tiny bones in her joints feeling like brittle pops as she rose to sit up.
Absolutely nothing hurt at all though… and Araminta finally realized that was a problem. Albeit, with all the speed of someone who was about to nod off to slumber again right where she sat.
“I need to fetch Theon,” Araminta murmured, twisting already to throw her legs out of bed. Having at least that thought with her foggy brain that if something was wrong, she needed to tell Theon right away as to not break her promise. Finding quickly that even taking a breath to speak had her lungs feeling just as prickly, in that wretched way a blizzard would make your lungs squeeze up every time you breathed in the snowy air.
“You’ll do no such thing. Less you want to find your nose in the ground because you can’t even function correctly.” Phita spoke with an authoritative hold. Something cultivated from years and years of precise knowledge and understanding. Mending and bonded through it all and not about to be shirked around by the younger generation. Although she had yet to figure out exactly what was wrong with this one, it was clear that it wasn’t just something as aching or common as one’s back being sore from a long work day.
“I’ve already sent him off on a goose chase so he wouldn’t be standing above and fussing like an old hen. He’s busy and occupied and you, will stay right there and start trying to muddle sentences together so we can hopefully determine what sort of sorcery has made you into a chattering lump.” Eyes went over the state of her dress and the fact that it was still plenty too warm to be covered up as such. Liable to give one the heat fatigue with bundling so heavily.
The heft of cane stepped first and herself secondly. Not the sort of person even at her age would be bullied or pushed about. “Now, explain. He didn’t say much or much of anything. Polite he is but we need to figure out what is your problem. Unless you wish to find yourself on the other side of the eternal life. I am sure that is where you are putting a foot in currently.”
“A goose chase,” repeated Araminta, finding absolute delight and horror at the thought all at once. For a goose chase was exactly what landed her into this mess in the first place, and secondly… Theon was not going to appreciate that he was sent off to do something pointless, as if he were going to be in the way. The fact he wasn’t nearby for her to talk to was already sending this wild sense of panic to flare up in her chest.
All of these thoughts were taking a sluggishly long time to run through her mind, when usually she was so quick to jump to one thought to the next and already know what course of action she would take. Instead she sat there, rising her hands to her cheeks where by now she’d grown so cold she was no longer chattering teeth and shaking in her own skin. Just numb and cold and sleepy all because of it.
“You are the healer,” she mumbled then once it finally clicked into place, catching up to the moment. Not keen on speaking to her first instead of Theon, but at least recognizing it’s what he would’ve insisted on anyway.
“I um… fell down a hole and bumped my head,” she explained first, holding out a single finger. “Then bitten by a statue and I bled a great deal.” Two fingers, and still a bit of self confusion on that one, because Araminta had no idea how stone had been able to do such a thing. “I ran right through a lich and then fell down another hole and knocked all sense out of myself and I am not so sure what happened then…”
Araminta had woken up in the air with Talon and at the time she was too feisty and ready to fight anything and everything, so she’d not had the time to panic about being right up in the sky! Which did beg the question of where the dragon born had wandered off to as well. Liable to be off brooding because she had prodded too much and Theon wanted nothing to do with him.
Somewhere in these thoughts she had closed her eyes and was practically dozing where she sat. It was a gentle death, if that was where she was headed! With every part of her slowing to a frozen crawl until that eternal slumber could claim her bit by bit.
A hard stomp of the cane was given again to demand this girl stop attempting to fall victim to that in which was apparently quite the deal of problems. In particular, the statue biting her and going through a lich.
“Sorcery is true then. Well unless you wish to be nothing more than something for the redhead fellow to mourn over, I would suggest you find some will power to remain somewhat alert. Otherwise I can just leave and he can be thrown into what I assume would be an emotional spiral.” Phita scowled even if she knew this was not the young woman’s fault.
Hell most of what she said was quite traumatic but the lich part was ideally the worst.
The dead were cold things. Likely the very thing had probably caused some sort of frost bite upon her very spirit. Her organs. Where the body would naturally divert heat away from extremities to keep its core organs warm, her own was probably unable too.
Well, she would need that mouthy bastard then too. Dragon’s flame was one of the hottest sources in all mythical kind, even a half dragon would be suitable. She’d need some things from him and well, some things from the one named Theon too. They’d have to work in tandem to see what they could do about this one and it was all speculation at this point. Always the fun job of any healer. Needing to make educated guesses as quickly as possible.
No time like the present. Stepping up to the bed then to whap her cane on the edge unkindly, Phita huffed. “Hurry up girl, movement will help. Come help this old woman and we’ll see just how good a dragon born’s ears.”
Araminta was at least listening, even if there was little in the way of visual hint beyond a soft frown at the thought of dying and the wake of grief that would leave Theon. No, she would not die today and leave him now. Just because luck had landed them into a reunion with his brother, did not mean that dragon would know how to connect with his brother again, nor understand how best to help support him. If Theon lost her now, who would make sure he had enough sleep or proper clothing to wear. Who would make him stay still longer enough to appreciate little joys.
The thwap of the old woman’s cane on the mattress jolted Araminta back to a sense of wakefulness, though it took a second to be certain she’d not been hit with it herself! Taking in a staggering, stubborn breath as she bent to confiscate her boots and shove them back onto her feet. Stilted and slothlike as her movement was, she pushed herself through it, frostbit joints and all crackling in protest when she drew herself to a stand.
Araminta had things to do! She couldn’t die like this.
And the elder wasn’t wrong – forcing herself to move was at least getting her blood movement and staving off that gentle dozing.
“I am following,” she affirmed, at least so the woman would know Araminta was trying to do as told and not deliberately attempting to be sluggish and disobedient with her slowness.
It would have been good to bring Sarah along but the girl had not been present when the little lanky youth had come trotting in with the said message. Leaving her to decide what sort of thing she wanted to do which in turn resulted in her wisely deciding to come meet the fellow. Good thing too because one could only guess how well this whole thing would have gone had it been left too much longer.
Likely with the girl being dead and the boy being remiss about the signs that were hard to see even by knowing eyes. “Following is good, helping is better. This cane isn’t just for decoration after all.” Watching as she moved like she was a half frozen bear in the middle of winter, she damn well just hoped that mouthy dragon born wasn’t off getting his knickers all rearranged.
“Steps are tricky at my age. You’re still young and useful.” Implying more generously that she expected the girl to help her down the stairs. Even if she was the healer, movement was good. It made the blood move through veins. Muscles pushing forward and building heat inside. Where organs would start to move once more because they were being fed rather than laying there dormant.
“I can surmise you’re quite the bit of trouble if one goes and makes themselves even a known target to any sort of lich.” Humming through pressed lips, she would motion for an arm to be grasped whenever Araminta had managed to find herself upright. “Had the boy mentioned that, I would have pulled that dragon born sooner. Even my apprentice although her nerves may have made her more of a hindrance than use. Regardless,” Prattling on as she felt the need to try and be as noisy as possible, Phita huffed.
Yammering on till they were directly out the door and quite literally shouted at the top of her lungs. Barking out the full name of the red prince and adding some colourful additions to it in which she smirked at. Insisting some of her own mischief, “Well, that ought to do it for now. Let’s see if he can do this much or if he truly does have hay for brains. We’ll need to get over to my hut with all my things. Now I’m slightly regretting sending the other one away. Although a fretting spouse is always the absolutely worst.”
“I would surely like to avoid another lump on my head, kind madam,” Araminta chimed in, not doubting in a second that this old woman was well experiencing in finding ways to encourage troublesome patients if they weren’t cooperating. Araminta could be fussy if it were indeed a simple flu, not one to lay about even when she was injured and hurting… but being aware now that this was no simple illness, she needed to behave and do as she was told. Otherwise, she couldn’t bear the consequences that Theon might suffer.
Oh dear, the guilt he would have. That was enough to light her a little internal fire. Being an obedient little helper the instant the woman requested it, to lend helping arm for walking, or anything else she might need.
“I’m not certain Theon knew the extent of trouble I had gotten into. At the time he was ill himself with the manna sickness and barely aware of much.” she revealed. Araminta might’ve told him in greater detail herself, but she hadn’t thought there was anything actually wrong with her and thus, why worry him? Especially when there were heavier problems to weight on his mind.
She was not sure how this means of requesting help from Talon would go over, though. That one did not seem to like helping at all unless it served him, and Araminta was still questioning all of her first impressions, second impressions, and even third!
“Theon is not one to panic in a crisis,” she at least informed the old woman. “…unless it is spiders. Then it is all panic and fireballs. I can say with relief I am not full of spiders.”
Lips curled some at the request not to sport a new lump on the top of her bean. Something that Phita wouldn’t actually do but the amusement by the asking was enough to make her sport the smirk. It seemed this one was at least wise enough to know not to be a pest of a patient. As one should never do. One could never be sure how spiteful their healer was and what said healer might do to get some revenge on those who were ill behaved. She’d had stories of it and heard stories worse in her many years.
Not about to delight the conversation as such because they were properly moving. Getting the girl to talk and think in hopes to stave that frosty bite inside away a bit longer. To keep her own perseverance going rather than simply laying down and waiting for someone to mend her instead.
“No one could have known that you were in some trouble without knowing the details of it. And history.” Phita hummed expressing that no one was at fault here. “Although most don’t try to make it a habit of visiting vindictive undead.” Adding on the little rub while humming, “Ah so he was the one lad that needed the elixir. Good that he is mended now.” Before they were making their slow way along the path. Shortly snorting loudly at the statement of the hound of the old fribble was one that didn’t panic unless it came to the eight legged things. And then the relief she uttered.
“Good to know.” Offering in a passing chuckle, momentarily they were covered by a great shadow and a heavy thump that was clearly a less than enthused Talongrath. Making his form into something more pleasant to look.
Stomping over, “I would appreciate it if you didn’t infer that I was lacking in both brains and other unmentionables in the means of shrieking like a god damn banshee, Phita—” His eyes narrowed and then seemingly was able to realize there was that of another present and, “Oh. Araminta.” Brows knocked, “What is,”
“Be a good fire breather and go and pluck yourself free of a few scales. Find your kin that I shirked off on some random flower picking and come to the hut after. We’ll need use of those lungs that can power such nonsensical rambling at the best of times for something useful.” He blinked at her, head tilting as though he had become a dog curious about a high pitched noise. “You might as well find some dinner as well. It’s going to be a longish night and I would like to make sure there is food in the hut as well.”
“Do I look like a servant!?”
Phita motioned Araminta along with her, “You look like a spoiled brat that needs a few good whacks upside the head to be reminded you came here to help others, not to be some fat lizard that has a peanut for a brain.” The old crone huffed, “Dragons and their kin, they think they own it all.” It looked as though Talon was about to rattle off something more but she had no desire to heed or listen, “Be of use or I’ll be sure to spread rumours quickly around the island of what sort of diseases you carry so no fair sir will ever look upon you again without disgust.” His brows nearly popped off his head and she gave him a lazy smile, “Oops, did I reveal things I should not have before you were ready? Well you know this old mind of mine. Sometimes I can’t keep straight what and who and the likes.”
His nose wrinkled and he gave a few stomps but ultimately, “You old shrew, I swear.”
“Something lean for dinner. The girl is guna need something nice for her belly between being forced to have some disgusting tasting drinks to mend the frost in her insides.” A hand shooed at him, “Get along now.”
With a flaring turn to trot off in another direction, the beast allowed himself to return to the looming leviathan, and in turn letting her sigh. “Such a fusspot that one is.”
“I did think it was all too easy…” grumbled Araminta about the lich and that sixth trial altogether. There was such a great deal of it that left her with unanswered questions and lots of confusion. Lucky as she seemed to be sometimes, it only really stretched so far.
Then again, she likely would’ve died about three or four different times there had Theon not been so quick to act. Had Talon not been helpful when it was most needed.
However, knowing that potentially even with physical contact from that lich, she was now doomed to a slow, sleepy death, it made a lot more sense on why so many fell during the sixth trial. One expected attacks and violence, magical spells thrown left and right and could think of ways to avoid harm. If it was as easy as a touch, then you’d walk away thinking you had a success only to find yourself dead several days later.
Speaking of the dragon born, when he landed and had himself another hissy fit, this healing woman didn’t seem to care a whit about his saucy attitude and complaints. Araminta wisely kept her mouth shut, watching with her usual wide-eyed curiosity, trying her absolute best not to crack into a wide smug sort of smile.
Maybe Araminta had not been so off the mark to fuss at him as she did. It could be he simply needed someone unimpressed with his bigness to tell him when he was being a dunderheaded pain in the rear.
Once he was shooed off, Araminta cracked into a full joyful laugh, only to just as quick find herself completely out of breath within her aching chest. Almost enough to make herself dizzy, only to very stubbornly force a deep breath back into her lungs and giving the elder a quick nod that she was fine enough to continue with this escorting.
“I suppose if I was a dragon I’d think highly of myself too,” surmised Araminta. Especially considering it was often the thing she wished she was, just to make her life a little easier. It must be grand to do as you pleased when you pleased.
As the giant flying dragon prince turned whiny baby flew away to attend to his newly given duties, Phita did not shame or curse at Araminta having a good laugh. Only sort of patting her shoulder when she started looking like she might want to take a kneel to the ground. Intertwining arms once more and cane pointing the direction they would go. It would have been plenty easy to tell Talon to take them to the hut but the girl needed her body to work for her, rather than against. Warming itself up with some labour, even if it was just mere walking.
“Save, he is a fallen prince that was a wasteling like his other siblings from a mother that was simply looking for the best source of power she could wield. He ought not to think so highly of himself when he has been acting more like a log with a bump on it for the past however many years. Just that dragons have pride in abundance and he is no exception. Most just bend to his will cause he blusters like an old wind without realizing that a mountain standing firm will not bow to such blowhards.” Phita gave her hand a nice patting.
“He’s merely misguided and people give in too often. Making his bloated ego even larger and all that much easier to bruise when someone doesn’t do what he wants. Which he needs more of. If he desires to be Imperial King, he needs to learn when to take structured criticism well rather than pouting and threatening to roll around like a brat.” She gave Araminta a curious eye then. “Not everyone is invulnerable after all.” If that was supposed to be a not so subtle hint, it was unclear. “I do hope you are ready to be a stubborn girl however. I’ll be pouring you full of all sorts of potions and teas and other horribly tasting things to boon away the lich’s touch inside you. It will be very unpleasant and you’ll likely be my screaming guest for days.”
“He is eldest, I suppose it is within his right to take that throne if he wants it,” of course, there was no hiding her dubious tone at such a thing. As royal born herself, she knew how law and tradition needed to work to keep a kingdom stable across generations. A crown fell to the eldest, sometimes only to an elder son. It prevented needless battles small and large over who was meant to be in power, and most of the time the crown fell on well trained and educated heirs who maintained a kingdom as they should for the good of the people.
Occasionally things might not be so lucky, a scoundrel for an heir. A wise parented wouldn’t give the crown to such an unpleasant child, but things were not always done with purpose or choice. Still, it tended to right itself with time and through her history lessons she knew how quick people were to turn on the ruling class if they weren’t cared for. One King or Queen was nothing without the will of their people.
…that was a lesson Heirra had not yet learned, which was quite a frightening prospect with how long she has seemed to live so far. Unnatural, horrifying. For now the woman appeared to be focused on maintaining her reputation as a beloved Queen, even if most knew the truth. Her cruelty had not touched the common people. …at least not until Araminta had kept surviving the trials and she’d struck back with her Mad Mercenary.
And with the state of her birth home, Araminta now suspected that this was only a time of quiet and bigger things were in motion.
Lost in these thoughts of hers, she nearly missed that the woman’s commentary had shifted from the dragon born son, to Araminta herself. Immediately sending her into a cheeky sort of grin.
“I’ll swallow whatever wretched thing you give me, I have suffered worse. As long as we not tell Theon what’s in it, I imagine he’ll be doing all the cringing on my behalf.”
“He’s made it abundantly clear that he wants it. Although the tone of your voice would suggest you have misgivings about it as I would assume most would. However, it may be one of the few things I would agree that is in the best interest. While he is certainly a ill-trained brat, he knows what is right and wrong. It would just be beneficial for him to have a strong advisor alongside so he might keep his ire tempered and his ears open to more than people throwing their hands down in front of him.” Phita may not cow under Talon’s displeased looks but they both knew what she said was done with purpose. Even if he hated it.
He had been well trained in the means of a kingdom, he just lacked that parental discipline that would have helpfully molded him in better ways. But what could one expect from the blasted queen? Certainly not a desire to teach her children anything useful in the way of ruling.
Less she get too caught up in that topic, she turned the very thing over to Araminta. To see if the girl was willing to be a mule refusing to move an inch because what they were going to subject her to was going to be unpleasant. Though likely better than death.
“I don’t think he would cringe, but he may be a pain in lurking around and being in my way.” Her eyes hinted a bit then, “Do you have the phylactery from the lich as well?”
“Hm, he might appreciate then, the things Theon and I have discussed in our own attempts at wondering what a future without Heirra could look like for the Imperial Kingdoms.” she mused out loud, with a contemplative tilt of her head. Theon did not wish to be a king, and while Araminta would do what was necessary, she also did not want the role of Imperial Queen. They had wonderful ideas though, of a council of peace for the kingdoms and that was something Araminta would take great joy in trying to build. If Talon would be tempered into something other than a spoiled bully, then there was no limit of great things they could accomplish.
… of course this did hinge on Theon being able to trust the man as well.
Moving around like this was definitely helping her mind not stiffen up and go numb like the rest of her. Prompting a warm smile at the woman and a nod.
“I am fairly certain it is the phylactery, though I didn’t get to examine it properly. Otherwise, I am going to have a great deal of trouble convincing Theon I need to go find another lich and try it again.”
“Potentially. But make sure his head isn’t buried in the sand first if you try to talk to him. He might have good ideals but he needs a good mental space to take in stronger suggestions when they aren’t coming from his own self.” Phita suggested but made no further offering to give any insight. She’d known Talon for a good many years and the dragon born had matured certainly. But he still had a terrible habit of still being a bit of a ditz when he wasn’t the clear brainiac behind every thought.
Something that likely could and would change but it needed that steadfast repetition to get it handled.
For now as they walked through the little seaside village, she dared ask about the component that she suspected had been a necessary search for. And gave Araminta a side eye in turn, “I doubt you would survive a second meeting of a lich if this is how the first one went.” Not about to mince words, “I doubt even a proper paladin would be able to handle one that seems as strong as you encountered. However, we’ll have to check to see if it is the actual remains of the lich. It will aid in being sure to remove this spell, I am sure.”
Good thing Araminta was well practiced in dealing with stubborn individuals and seemed to be fearless enough that even a dragon would be no match for a firm voice and stubborn tenacity. She was also unafraid of getting into a physical scrap with him, so he’d probably be too bewildered and surprised by her nonsense to put up a fight himself. Only it would have to be balanced with not upsetting Theon or causing him to worry… Araminta would figure it out.
If she survived!
“We’re not so sure I’ve survived the first encounter yet either,” she mused with all dark humor and cheeky smile. “The phylactery is left in my pack though, back at the little hut.”
Something Araminta would’ve volunteered to go fetch, but she was currently focused between being a walking aid for the elder woman and curiously glancing around at this small island village with her cold, slow muted excitement. How do these people manage their resources on such an isolated place? How often did they get visitors and imports! Who was the one in charge? There were so many questions and very little left in her to do her usual round of energetic chattering.
“With the due care of a young man, you’ll survive. I’ve not come to be this age without making death and his companions curse my name fairly for stealing away what they believed they could take.” A smile pulled at her lips with the sort of confidence that came from her years of work. As if she could so easily shoo death aside the same way she had with the dragon born. Perhaps not without a bit of tea if she really had to press.
They’d walk for a bit yet till they were mostly passing to the edge of the very village. To a hut that was considerably larger than the one that Theon and Araminta were occupying. Housed with moss and high pressed sand to its edges. Hiding its silts so it might look as though it wasn’t a lifted abode for if a high, high tide came washing in. With a slight incline instead of steps, Phita pulled her arm away. Giving Araminta a push with cane to go along. “Find yourself the bed indoors and sit. Bounce your legs as you sit or if you must, nose around the abode. We must keep you moving for now as I need to determine just what foul thing first you will be drinking.”
Even despite the woman’s reassurances that Araminta would survive, that tiny bit of worry was there considering this all need be done in the healer’s own home. Her state must’ve been bad enough that she needed to keep a close eye on Araminta in case things turned sour quickly.
It was strange revisiting this headspace of knowing there was something deeply wrong inside her, when before she’d been certain it would be the death of her and now death was simply not an acceptable option. Either way, there was little Araminta could do on her own besides following instructions and being as stubborn as always!
She gave the elder an understanding nod, propelled forward by the cane nudging to enter this new abode. Planning at first to simply sit on the bed and wait patiently… but oh what a mistake it was to sit! All it took was a few brief moments of stillness for that sleepy coldness to set in, making her grow stiff and beckoning her softly to just lay down and doze away. Araminta had to force herself back into standing, deciding this was the one case where snooping through someone else’s home was the best thing to do. Anything to keep her body moving and her mind active.
With his size it was thankful he could do the things he was asked to do. Although Talon had come to settle his big red ass outside the hut with all sorts of grunting and huffing, puffing trails of pluming smoke from nostrils; he had widdled down to a proper size once more. With Phita waiting, “What now?” He asked in irritation. Leaving her to raise brows as if expecting a conclusion in a verbal sense to what had been asked of. Seemingly taking a moment to just stare blankly at her till, “Fine. Fine! I told Theon where to find you and such, offered to bring him here. Of course he refused, said he would walk. Wanting to grab stuff from the hut or something. I don’t know.”
“Good, now with all that hot air, you can come and start a fire for me inside as we get the girl ready for all the fun.” Phita turned swiftly, cane stirring across the sand so she could climb the incline. With the muttering wannabe king behind.
Entering the abode with only one making a flourish about it, “Over there, girl. That wall with all the dried stuff dangling from it. Pick three items of a whitish colour and bring them. Talon, you’ll be needed to bring water from outside in the cauldron. Then you’ll light the fire so its given life of a greater creature on the side of living.”
Talon looked at Araminta, “I should’ve known you were all sorts of trouble when I found you.”
Araminta loved little places like this. Her castle home in Caeldalmor was huge – as it needed to be, for if there was a terrible enough winter or a time of strife, the people of the kingdom could come there be housed safely within the castle and the mountainside. However, it was very hard to make a big castle feel like a cozy home. Even her own suite in the castle had been spacious and more than she needed as a single young woman.
A place like this was warm in all the right ways. Cluttered with useful things that Araminta was already filing away in her brain as to what might be necessary for her home with Then. Things to cook with, things to wash wish. Things that were only meant to be beautiful that you could admire while you were sitting in a fluffy over stuffed chair and sipping on a hot tea.
It kept her busy until the elder was back, along with Talon who definitely did NOT look as if he’d had enough time to calm himself down.
“I would’ve told you myself that I am trouble if you’d have listened,” Araminta very primly, very oh so princessly shot back. As two could play the game of who was more of a royal pain! Breaking immediately into a playful charming smile, just to be all that more difficult.
She shifted to the wall Phita instructed her to, not sure why the woman was so unspecific about the type of plants beyond a whiteish hue, which had her thinking they were about to try all manner of things and see what helped the best. Bound to be an unpleasant experience, and she was just going to have to be ready for it. Picking her selection without wasting any time about it to return to the woman.
He glared at her but any fire behind it was nonexistent. For his mind could see in hindsight that a woman in the castle of his mad mother should have been enough to state how crazy and troublesome she was. Although he couldn’t be truly mad because it had surely happened for a reason and he had helped them escape. Granted now it seemed Araminta had brought something with her.
Telling Theon that had not been… thrilling. For finding the sibling already had gotten him a dull look but expressing that Phita wanted Theon to return because Araminta needed him present, was like lighting a fire under his ass. Suddenly he looked worried. Emotive! Saying that he would be there as quickly as possible but flat out refused the means of being lifted over there. As if he knew he had to bring the bag for Araminta without knowing the reason why.
Brushing past him to hasten back to the hut and leaving him all sorts of mentally boggled.
Still if he was being given chores to do again, then so be it. Turning to exit and go find the stupid cauldron that wasn’t inside.
“Mmm, those will work for at least taste.” Phita looked at the items brought back, “Something that could help it go down. As I don’t think you’ve made it a happen of eating raw frog eyes before.”
Odd that such a moment of being glared at by the man gave her such a panged of sadness and missing of her own siblings. By now she’d grown used to this new life, and knew that she was not liable to discover good news by the time she made it home. So now she was just left with this wistful missing of silly little squabbles and late night conversations. Rowdy dinners and everything in between. Having a warm thought to follow that maybe now Theon finally had a chance to experience what a good family could be, once he was ready and willing to be open to it.
On discovering her chosen items were meant for taste and not for the healing portion, she had a renewed interest in smelling each and even plucking off a dried leaf here and there to see what the actual flavors were. Blinking first at the statement of frog eyes before laughing, with a sort of self deprecated lit.
“Not a habit of choice, no. But I have eaten frogs, and I have eaten live beetle and grubs. Once even mistook hemlock for wild carrot and lost who knows how many days sick in the woods. As long as I do not have to look it in the eyes before I eat it, I will be alright.”
Phita gazed at her. Long and discerning with the commentary that the girl had mistaken hemlock for a wild carrot. Knowing that it was easy enough to do for one who wouldn’t know the difference at all. As one in her years of experience would know the difference. Plus, it was likely known now to the girl that such things were different while being unlikely to ever do that again. “Well it is good to know you are hearty then.” Stating this to Araminta.
Feet stepping over to a tidy looking shelf with all sorts of glass jars. Mindlessly tapping cheeks to determine what would be the best starting course of action. Well, likely a brew that would dispel any unwanted hosts within the girl as they couldn’t be too sure that the lich hadn’t given a piece of himself into her to be a lingering pest.
Staring and picking carefully off the shelf some variety of items, the sound of Talon coming up the plank was hard to miss. Paired with his muttering slurry of unhappy curses, the man waddled in with the cauldron to hang over the low burning fire. “There!” he spat, wiping brow with the back of hand. “One bowl of water. Now what?”
Eyes considered him. Then the girl. Eventually making a motion of hand, “Start the fire with your own and assure that you do not boil the water too quickly. Girl, take this.” She held out a strange jar that looked to be sand but likely wasn’t. “Pour half of it into the cauldron while Talon is doing his part.”
Said dragon born had a judgmental twist to his features now, eyeing Araminta. “Just what is going on that we are getting all swamp witch in here? Telling Theon to get over here actually made him all jumpy and worried, so?” Snapping of fingers got a glare as he pressed lips into a thin grim line.
Araminta took the jar and gave it a little shake, pulling off it’s lid next to sniff it as well. Her usual means on examining things she was unfamiliar with only this time without stealing a taste.
With Talon making his unhappy reappearance and giving her all sorts of huffy looks, she was oh so temped to tease and pester him a little more. It’d be easy enough to be cavalier that she was once again on her way to meet death, so he ought to be nice while he had the chance. Only, she did not want Theon to even accidentally walk in on any sort of conversation with her making such dark statements about herself. As Talon said, he was already worried and Araminta refused to make those worries worse!
“It turns out a lich is dangerous in more ways than expected,” she explained instead, pouring the instructed half of the jar into the cauldron before straightening up into a thoughtful frown of her own. “…and I do not complain enough when I am uncomfortable.”
“Are you serious?” Arms dropped from where they had been suddenly slapped across that of chest. Blinking at the nonchalant commentary as if she hadn’t been aware of just how truly dangerous a lich was. Giving the dark haired crown woman the up and down as though that was going to be enough to answer all and every question he had. Before she just added on that she also didn’t complain enough when she was uncomfortable. Baffling him for a long silent moment even whilst there was another snap or two from Phita.
Blinking dumbly. “Did you think you were going to a walk in the park!” Talon blurted out. Alarmed at how passive she had been about this casual statement. Sliding feet across the floorboards to that of the mantle because he was certain if he waited any longer that Phita was going to come over and smack him with the cane! Doing as originally ask to cast the smouldering embers into a bright flame once more so he could turn back to Araminta and gawp openly at her.
“I mean I did think it was unusual all you went through and you weren’t showing any distress but that was because you were covering it up!”
The old woman stepped over to offer something else to Araminta with a point to the cauldron –clearly giving her busy work to stay alert and moving. Mentioning that there was a large ladle for her to use after she dumped the whole curious looking puff balls into the mix, not to stop stirring. Likely to keep her close to the heat source that was burning rather hotly. “By the nines, how the hell are you supposed to survive the rest of the trials if this is how the sixth one went, you’re utterly nutty!”
“I am perfectly aware of how dangerous the trials are,” she immediately defended herself, even flushing in the process because well…. It’s not as if she was in dire pain! Worse yet, Araminta was so used to pain in general now, that unless something felt direly off, it was difficult to even recognize when something was trouble. It’s not as if this particular wound gave her enough hints beyond chills and sleepiness!
“…I can’t cry and make a scene every time I get injured,” she tried to explain, having a feeling that Talon himself had no idea what it was like to be a small vulnerable body. He could weather any damage himself as if it were nothing more than a splinter. Nor did he have to even experience an ounce of fear about it, because who was going to face off with a dragon.
With a sigh, she took that ladle from Phita with a soft thank you, and took herself over to the warm fire to do the stirring. Giving Talon and all his huffyness another squint from over her shoulder.
“I survived them because your brother is brave and takes good care of me when I come across things too much for me to handle. I survived this trial because of you, to which, thank you. This trial may have been the last for me and Theon, and I cannot express how appreciative I am to still have a chance at a future with him.”
“Do you?” His voice raised but not out of anger but out of disbelief. To hear her say she understood how dangerous the trials were and only that she had come out of this apparently worse than they may have known. And she didn’t think to voice the fact that she felt peculiar. Either this was a truly magnificent thing that the lich had done or it was just Araminta not daring to even voice even something strange. He wasn’t sure. He didn’t know her from a hole in the ground but holy macaroni, she was far too casual at all.
“I’m not saying you have to cry, but I am saying you should know yourself well enough to express that something feels off. Holy crap in a hand bag.” Slapping a hand to his brow as she begun to stir the cauldron, feet made a few pacing motions.
He knew well enough that people had different tolerances but this was beyond that, was it not? Phita wasn’t saying much and there was a bit of understanding that she did not wish to be involved. At least not vocally. Merely be a set of observing eyes to keep the peace as it were while he turned to look back at the girl once more. As she expressed a thing about Theon taking care of her and all that rest. “Yes, you are welcome. I wouldn’t have left you behind even if you had been with my brother, but you aren’t going to have much of a future if you can’t openly speak about such things with the man. Letting him instead figure things out to go and find the healer at the nearest place.”
Hand fell to his eyes, holding one moment and popping off the next. “How is it that you can meddle in other’s affairs so effortlessly but when it comes to inward introspection, you are a total fool?” Talon was asking rather than pointing fingers. Showing genuine concern for her lack of it. “What would you have done if the tables were turned? Say you were in Theon’s shoes and he in yours?”
“I am trying to be vocal when I need help,” she stated with that frustrated huff again. He’d only just met them so of course he wouldn’t know that she and Theon had already had this conversation. Still, it was a frustrating thing to be lectured! “The moment I did realize something was wrong, I was going to tell Theon immediately, only the madam was already there.”
“…And you have seen me fuss over Theon, so you know very well the tables turned what I would do!” she added on, pulling that ladle out to shake at him, only to return back to her stirring with a straightening of her back and inward pondering. A little surprised he was so worried about it in the first place, but finding she was quite glad to see that he had a heart of his own under all of that blustering. What he needed now was a little offering of trust in his direction, and while it wouldn’t come from Theon any time soon, Araminta could still be that small bridge.
“I have been… in worse sorts of pain and injuries. I’m not trying to be careless or hide it on purpose. Only that in the beginning I was alone and I had to push through as best I could. Now I’m not alone, and it might seem I rely on Theon too much to take care of me, but it’s not without reciprocation. He does much for me and I make sure I stay alive and he too is taken care of when he needs it. Having a panic about it, doesn’t do us any good.”
There was liable to be a stare down in this moment. Eyes of green against brown. Where even as she suggested that she was about to tell the other companion about what was being felt, things had already been escalated. And of course he had heard how she fussed over Theon but that wasn’t what he was getting at.
However, it was clear that they were more liable to bump heads than anything. Where there was a pause. A breath and a restart. “Well that’s nice for the both of you but right now, there seems to be a disjointed view here. But let me play the devil’s advocate here. What happens if you didn’t wake up when Phita was there? Then what.” Brows lifted, leaving her to chew on that question while Phita came over to drop something that looked like a dried and entirely flat lizard into the pot. Alongside something that was rather hairy and made a quick heavy fall to bang on the bottom of the cauldron.
Warranting even him to give an alarmed look. “More flame.” She stated without missing a beat.
At the suggestion that he was going to play ‘devil’s advocate’ Araminta abandoned her ladle to rest her hands on her hips. He was determined to argue with her, then she was ready to throw down the gauntlets. Goodness knows, at this point it felt more like he just wanted to lecture her because he was presently being forced to help and thus she needed to be properly punished!
“Then she would tending to an unconscious lump with less information than she has now, yes I understand that makes things harder!” she shot back first. Quickly then to start pointing and wagging her own finger at him.
“So allow me to be a devil myself! Are you expecting me to know what I cannot possibly already know? Do you expect me to beep and honk every time I get a scratch or I am more tired than usual? For every sore muscle and time I trip? I am getting injured every other day, Talon! I can’t possibly always know, every single time when something is more than just another bump and bruise! After awhile the abuse all feels the same and it is not so easy to tell up from down anymore!”
Maybe it was good that they were having such an argument, because Araminta was so focused on Talon that she didn’t see what Phita was dropping into the cauldron, otherwise she might not be so willing to swallow down the wretched brew.
Liable to start literally butting their heads together, Talon huffed and flapped his hands at her. “Maybe you shouldn’t be getting so battered around that you can’t tell left from right, being a start!” A resounding failed attempt to sound like he knew what was happening at all. “I think you might be doing things wrong if everything actions results in a cut, a bruise, a bump to the point of being numb. That may be a start. Although I am starting to get a picture that you just ram right through things with that stubborn nature of yours rather than thinking things through. I might have rocks for brains some days but you are well on the way of taking that title and running with it.”
Phita glanced between the two of them and seemed unbothered. Seemingly pleased if anything for it was keeping Araminta lively. If she was fighting, she was living currently. Warmed up and ready to keep moving forward.
Helping herself to toss a few more highly questionable things into the pot that Talon was aware of but was seemingly more challenged by the girl. “How the hell are you going to feasibly go against Heirra if you can’t even keep yourself in one piece, riddle me that!”
“You will have to forgive me if I’m not covered in scales to protect my hide, nor have the magic to shield myself!” Araminta was almost tempted to prove that statement by snatch up a ladle and smacking him with it a few times. As it were she was far too busy arguing with him to waste the time to do so. “It doesn’t matter how clever one can be, there is no predicting what danger might be next around the corner, that is risk!”
“I have faced demons, bog witches, harpies, faeries, fishmen, giant spiders, cultists and the queen’s own monstrous mercenary in his dungeon of horrors because I have become a threat to that woman simply because I exist. I might have rocks for brains, but how far have you gotten in your twenty years of freedom, you overgrown lizard?”
There was not ladylike behavior and truly was a waste of their time to be arguing like this. Araminta knew it, she could feel it even with that angry flush to her features that she was taking bait that could’ve been easily laughed off or ignore. Yet somehow it felt good to actually yell at someone in frustration just this once, and the dummy was providing her ample opportunity to do so.
“Do not mistake my gentle nature as weakness or foolishness, Talon. I cannot be bullied by a dragon prince, and I will not be crushed into silence or death by an ancient crone that believes herself invulnerable just because she can reach her claws across all the world. There is so much I have to live for.”
The room went silent after that. Well, as silent as it could with Phita humming some old sea shanty tune completely unfussed with their bickering. Merely reaching over to take Araminta’s arm and check her pulse. Seemingly pleased with what was going on and took the ladle from her. To stick it back into the pot to begin the means of stirring while it was evident that Talon was trying to think of something to say. Or rather to say something that wasn’t intending to bite down to the bone in a cruel measure.
Eyes flickering back and forth till proper frustration bubbled. “So you have it all figured out then,” His tone changed and he smiled a humourless statement. “Just because you make the Imperial Queen uneasy, you know how this is all going to work. With all your blundering around doing all these meetings with all sorts and how you of all people are going to dismantle someone who has been sitting on the throne for even longer than you or I have been alive. Okay, great.”
A empty laugh, “Then you do it all.” Talon bowed at her, “Overgrown lizard hmm, I’ll take that. Because theres nothing quite like a little doll of a princess who has been secluded up in her mountain home for the past how many years knowing exactly what state the twelve kingdoms have been in. Certainly you can easily snap your fingers and make it all better. With the army you have at your disposal, knowing how to kill demons and close their gates from hell. That’s fine. You’re right. Ive been doing absolutely nothing in the years I had to get so close to death to escape so I could start getting people to rally in secret away from it all. But you got it.”
Hands clapped and held themselves up. “Well then you can take on the throne then. You can do it all. Bulldoze your way through all the more.”
“Come in,” Phita murmured as she put the ladle back into girl’s hand to shuffle over to the door to the allowance of the other to step through. Looking a bit puzzled to what was all going on and Talon scoffed. “Put that bag here.” She pointed to the ground so Theon could set it down gently.
“Ah perfect timing little brother. That help I was going to ask for earlier, you can keep it all to yourself. My hands, too dirty and senseless and not at all aware of what happens when all this shit goes up in smoke. But, I hope your next trial goes well.” Talon glared at Araminta, “Enjoy, you win. You can have it all.” He turned swiftly to stomp from the room only to pause at the door, looking at the sibling. “If you need anything Theon, just ask. Even if you hate me right now and your saint of a… well I don’t know what she is to you but if she ever fails you or dies, come find me. I’ll help.”
With a blustery door being slapped closed, Theon looked between everything. A silent bewilderment, “Are you feeling warm still,” Phita asked nonchalantly.
Bullshit! This man was so full of his own bullshit that it boggled Araminta how he could even manage to walk around at all with the weight of it all! So quick to accuse her of things she’d never said, never inferred, never made a single claim about! She just wanted him to stop snapping at her, as he was actually someone important, regardless of whether or not Theon wanted him in his life.
Something in her head surely knew that she needed to leave this alone, only the very moment he turned those sharp words at Theon all of her sense flew out the window. Her limitless well of patience was gone, her wish to be nice and friendly and compassionate completely thrown out the window. How very tired she was of always doing things the right and civil way! How was she even supposed to explain to him who she was and the progresses Theon had made, or even discuss with him how they could help each other if he couldn’t shut up an stop insulting her long enough to actually listen to her!
The door slammed with his exit, making her jump. Instead of answering Phita’s question her reply was simply a “I didn’t say ANY of that. That is not what I said or meant at all.” Then one look at Theon’s bewildered expression renewed all of her anger. Because here his brother was running off all over again, because he could dish all the angry fire he wanted but he couldn’t take it when someone snapped back!
“I am going to drag that stupid man back by his tail!” she huffed, already pushing up her sleeves and marching towards the door. Apparently planting to do so quite literally!
Whatever he had wandered into was apparently quite the spectacle. For even as the elder fussy one had momentarily paused to say things to him that currently had very little context or relevance to him. Just that there was things verbally flying around while the old woman didn’t look even remotely concerned. Unsure if that was a hint he should be taking or she was just so removed from the very situation that she wasn’t about to be bothered by any of this. Just that Araminta was shouting back about how she didn’t say anything and was being taken, twisted and morphed into something else.
Only that whatever happened, it had successfully upset Araminta that she was going to go and try and drag Talon back. That got a look from Phita at him and well, he side stepped to the door.
Looking at Araminta all the more. “Ara?”
“It’s nice you are feeling all sorts of spicy and invigorated but maybe you could halt the need to go and fight with a brick wall later. You still have things that need to be done here. If you tend to get cold sooner than I like, we can invite Talon back for round two dear. Or you just might be proving to him that you are disregarding your health. I don’t think you want to give him the win on that one.”
Concern pressed at his brows, what the hell had he missed!
With Theon stepping into her way and Phita’s suggestion that chasing after the man was only going to prove him right, Araminta had little choice but to pause in her tirade. Though, there was a long visible display of her wrestling with those very emotions and the indecision. It was not the first time she’d been so furious, and even Theon might’ve seen a moment or two before when she’d lost her temper. Only where she might stop herself from kicking a sack of honking geese, she had no trouble at all with the idea of jumping on Talon’s back and twisting his ears.
The princess took in a deep breath and tried her best to temper herself back down. A staggered breath it was when she released, but at least she did step back and away from the door. Turning to take that ladle again and resume the job she was tasked with in the first place of stirring this caldron of bubbling mystery.
“I am okay. I am angry and frustrated,” she told him, then at a look back at Theon, softened considerably. “Though I am not well. I was going to tell you when I realized so, but Phita was already there.”
Araminta sure as hell wasn’t cold and sleepy at the moment, though. They could be grateful for that, even if that meant she had the sudden urge to go wrestling a temperamental dragon.
“Well hold onto that anger and refine it like iron ore. I am sure you could use it later to throw at the pigheadedness of a brash young dragon born.” Phita shrugged at the statement, “Perhaps you might break through the barrier of resistance then.” Like such a thing was feasible and she knew that them fighting had purpose. Rather than just being nonsense drug around for no stronger purpose than letting them bark at another.
With Araminta stirring the pot, he drew cautiously closer. Giving the abode a pass over to assure himself that things were at least physically fine but offered her a frown at the reveal that she was not so well as one might have thought. Confirming his private thoughts that he had been smart then to seek Phita’s aid.
“It would seem that her run in with the lich has left her potentially from what I can surmise right now, being frostbitten from the inside out. Where the important bits of someone cannot withstand the elements that our outer skin protects from. It’s best to keep her moving. Engaging and currently having a fight with a dragon born prince that is potentially more stubborn than any other creature in the world.” The healer commented dryly, “In that bag, retrieve the item that may be the object that you absconded with from said trial.” Pointing a gnarled finger at the bag, Theon took his newly selected task to heart.
Where Phita eyed Araminta. “Take a ladle full of that drink and we’ll see if you house any ghostly additions to your body. After we confirm if that is safe or not, we’ll see if you have something of use for the phylactery. Unbind you from being potentially a guest to be pulled into the hells.”
Araminta had no such faith that Talon would simmer himself down, as he hadn’t the first time in the slightest. Only came back with more to yell at her for, even when she’d try to reassure him that she wasn’t being as foolish as he’d assumed! At least she saw the wisdom in Phita allowing them to hiss and spit at each other, because she surely felt heated now. Bright-eyed and ready to scuffle.
Only to feel that ire ebbing and the cold creeping around the corner when she laid eyes on Theon. Finding it difficult to hold onto a rampaging temper when he was near.
Concerned just a little that maybe she did allow him to take care of her too much. Put too much on his shoulders when there was so much for him to worry about already.
It seemed it was time for her first trial by drink, however, making Araminta pivot away from the cauldron long enough to fetch herself a mug to pour the elixir into. Not about to try sipping it from a burning hot ladle. Pretending that she did not see something that look suspicious like a plumped up lizard or a round hairball when she stirred it up and scooped the liquid out into her cup.
With mug in both hands she blew on the heated mix until it was cool enough to take a sip.
And what an absolutely vile sip that it was! Without Araminta making a strangled sort of sound before slapping her hand over her mouth – anything to keep from spitting it across the room. Swallowing in quick succession to find that it only made her want to wretch all the more. Having to hold the mug up with a finger aloft to have them pause and not panic.
Breathing. Waiting. Taking a deep breath before quick as whip she guzzled down the remainder of what was in the mug. Hand back in place in case of the worst, even as she dropped her rear onto the waiting bed. Wondering if such a horrible drink was capable of knocking someone out by taste alone!
“It- ….it needs sugar,” she managed to croak out once she was certain she wouldn’t throw up the moment she opened her mouth.
Whatever the hell that had transpired, Phita seemed to be so unbothered that he supposed he ought to follow suit. If she was not concerned, then he ought not to be either. Although that was hard to do when it came to Araminta. Simply because clearly he could easily look at her and think she hung the stars and moon herself. Very unlikely to ever think she was the culprit or the villain any longer behind secret thoughts. Simply that he was worried that his sibling had done something because fairly, he had not seen her so angry before.
It was a feat surely.
But with the request to dig out whatever it was that had been in the stone wyvern’s body; Araminta was set to drink whatever was in the cauldron.
His task was considerably easier. Fetching the curious looking object to bring to Phita and naturally gravitated over to practically get into position to hover over the younger woman. Especially when she looked like she was about to make the contents of the cauldron turned to mug, eject. He’d had some pretty terrible concoctions before to stave off whatever was necessary but he could successfully say it had never elicited such a reaction before. Aiding the means of fretting even as she managed to knock the rest of the drink back like a bar crawl shot.
Waiting.
Waiting for her not to spew it back out and eventually croak that it needed to be sweetened. “That would make some of the ingredients less effective. The best medicine is bitter and horrible.” Muttering pleasantly at this, Phita waddled closer with the item Araminta had risked herself for and to take the mug from her hand at the same time. “It won’t be any easier for the second drink when we add a few more things in.” He felt eyes on him then. Erecting a sort of a conscious choice to be silently open. The way she looked him top to bottom, he suspected almost too on par that he had something of value as well.
“Well for now, we’ll keep cooking and keeping you busy. No rest for the wicked or in this case, the mountain daughter.” Phita hummed turning over the foreign item in hand. “Haven’t seen one like this before. And you say you got this… where?”
Araminta thought that the elder ought not say such a thing so pleasantly about a bitter drink that was clearly meant to punish anyone for being stupid enough to get themselves into such a trouble. Reaching to give the woman her mug when she came over to claim it, finding that now she had a whole new way of feeling ill with the sloshing concoction in her stomach. Practically green at the gills as some would say, and shivvering now from the left over taste in her mouth rather than the cold itself.
Looking very much as if she’d just been told her beloved had died to hear she was going to have to drink another round that was sure to be even worse.
Had Theon not been there she’d have quipped that she might rather die!
For the time being, Araminta focused on Phita, else she was liable to sulk and find herself clinging to Theon and be that needy little thing Talon thought she was. Curiously taking a gander at the very item she’d found, now in the hands of the healer.
Made of metal, the design work was both grizzly and impressive for all of it’s details. Bearing a wicked looking skull that almost could have represented the sallow faced lich itself, only with a more demonic sort of twist. Not unexpected for necromancy, for so many sorcerers that practiced the dead arts tended to have demon patrons they invoked. A gem too resided in it’s horned crown practically glowing with it’s radiant hue. If it were not a phylactery, it sure as hell was something of importance regardless.
Araminta prayed that it was the right thing!
“It was inside a big wyvern’s maw, overlooking an alter. They’d defamed all of the ancient gods and put the statue in their place. Ry’seth – the talking elf skull – he said the lich couldn’t do his spellwork unless he had at least one piece of his soul nearby. If I were a mad sorcerer I would think myself important enough to have my soul within the idol I worshipped. I think…”
Now Araminta was not so sure, seeing as how she apparently ran into things without thinking at all. But feeling unwell and still irked by the dragon born, she was not feeling so confident.
Standing curiously nearby as to be an supportive audience member, Phita turned the wicked looking thing over in her hand. Making it glimmer and glow in the bright firelight. Her face was generally impassive so it was a gentle sign that things appeared to be well enough that the object wasn’t worth raising a stink or fright over.
But as Araminta explained, the healer hummed. “It is one of the jars certainly. Strong enough to be a vessel of aid to an undead abomination but not the most important part that keeps him entirely tethered. They aren’t usually stupid enough to leave the first piece out for anyone to find. Keeping them closer to where they can revive successfully.” Theon thought about that and guessed where the lich had taken Araminta into the hole was likely the same spot.
With a shake of the jar and nothing terrible coming from it, she turned. “With this present, we can hopefully charm whatever coldness imbued upon you back to its rightful owner. It will not be a fast process and you will certainly need to be diligent in keeping your body temperature up. So I hope you like busy work.”
There was a bit of horror in knowing that the lich could reform himself near one of his phylacteries… which clicked a little something new in her mind. All of those moments where she felt it was too easy for them to get away with the thing, it was very possible that they were allowed to get away on purpose. This particular lich seemed trapped within the strange magical veil that had shrouded the Imperial Queen’s birthlands. It could very well be that they’d now given him a chance of one foot out the door!
At least there was solace in knowing that it was unlikely for that lich to meet someone strong enough to kill him again. Even then, he would be certain to appear where his soul was strongest.
“I am happy to keep busy,” agreed Araminta, though with the way her verdant slid over to the boiling cauldron and her nose wrinkled up, it was pretty clear the next time she had to drink the brew she’d be much less brave in doing so.
It was as though Phita could read minds. “It’s too weak for it to appear here. Too far. Even lich’s have rules they must abide by. And with the source of dragon’s fire present, it ought to be a fine protection boon since fire and ice do not go well together. And the dragon born is good for a good bout of flame being as young as he is.”
Theon wasn’t precisely sure what was happening but at the moment, he found no need to start asking questions. Only that he was ready to help for the means of supplying results. Wishing not that Araminta to suffer through what sounded like there was a coldness inside her. Needing to be kept at bay.
“Good. Then you and the boy can go out to my garden and pick the ripe items. They have been rest in soil almost too long and will wither before that. Keep yourself busy and moving around to stave off the cold. If you haven’t turned into a possessed doll in an hour, then we will give you another cup of the tea and by then I should have a nice start to a undead remedy. I do hope you like turnips.”
Araminta was not so sure that Talon would be keen to help her anymore, still thinking herself she’d rather throw things at him than accept said help anyway. Truly, the only thing keeping her sense in order was that he belonged to Theon. Fussy and mean as he was, Araminta was not going to get in the way of Theon having a chance to connect with his brother. She’d just have to find a way to have some sort of truce with him.
“Gardening sounds like a nice way to stay busy,” she did admit. Pushing herself up from her seat on the bed’s mattress and finding very quickly that brew in her stomach wasn’t likely to settle anytime soon. Almost preferring the numbness and the cold compared to this green and nauseating sloshing!
Still despite it, she gently reached for Theon’s hand as she always did to do the guiding.
“Turnips are better than rehydrated lizards in any case,” she muttered.
There was a light chuckling at the means of being told rehydrated lizards were on the lesser side of the means of food. Only adding to a new question mark in his skull that even as Araminta took the means to lead them outside, Phita called that there were baskets for the plucked items to be placed into. Just at the bottom of the plank.
Something that he would happily pick up while trying to sort his thoughts into words that weren’t simply, what?
The garden itself was truly just behind the abode. Large too. Large rolled tilled land with sprouts of various sorts all sticking out. With an abundance of both new crops and ones that were due to be removed less they start to fester and rot away. Guessing that Phita not only managed her own meals from here but also used them for whatever medicine she was going to make. Although he didn’t think she was the one that gardened anymore. Likely had others do the chore for her to make it easier on her old bones.
With a gentle squeeze to hand to release, he gave her finally a look that was probably more of the wonderment to just it all. But knowing that where he was comfortable in silence ninety nine percent of the time, it was necessary to speak. “What has happened?” A large encompassing question, “Talongrath did not express much as I did not wish to hear it from himself. But things have gotten heated from how I walked in then.” He offered a light frown, “How unwell are you?”
With a basket of her own claimed, Araminta was more than ready to put her thoughts to doing something useful and relaxing opposed to sitting about having her inside freezing while she was being roasted on the outside. Pausing along the start of one of the garden rows when Theon was finally ready to start demanding answers in his own quiet and gentle way.
“Phita doesn’t seem too worried, so I am… minorly unwell? Not so unwell that it can’t be reversed. I’m not in pain or suffering, just cold and very sleepy if I am still.” That was the most important part, and hopefully would help ease some of his worries about her physical well being. Especially since she was not one to make a disgruntled peep or whining complaint any time she was uncomfortable.
Which, on that thought, had her frowning.
“Your brother is contradictory and I lost my temper with him again. I’d think he doesn’t like me at all, but he made such an angry fuss at me for not telling anyone I was hurt. …then he wouldn’t listen when I tried to explain I didn’t yet know. And I called him an overgrown lizard, and may have implied unkind things I should probably apologize for.”
Araminta knelt down and bent to pluck up a few of the ripened vegetables into her basket. Giving another thoughtful frown as she did so, only to eventually huff in her frustrations.
“He cares a great deal about you and what you think of him. And I am… in the way? I wonder if maybe he is jealous because I have a comfort with you that he’s lost. You care for me and I am a reckless troublemaker, but he cannot get you to speak with him at all. If he were not your brother I’d not care at all and I would brush him off or ignore his nonsense. But I want him to like me as he is important and someone special that could be in your life. He’s just so difficult.”
Setting down the collected basket so he might kneel and follow the example of collecting the means the ripe and ready items. Stewing on the means that Phita didn’t seem to be concerned about Araminta’s state. That he had noticed and used it to sort of still his own uncertainties. Though hearing it from the said woman now that she wasn’t suffering or anything, just prone to getting cold and sleepy if she was not active. It left a sort of uncomfortable sense in his mind but he knew nothing really about healing outside of the magic he possessed and well, whatever he had taught himself in the years of solitude.
It wasn’t very useful here.
But she was frowning while he brushed off the clumps of dirt sticking to said turnip that Phita had mentioned. Needing not to bring the whole garden indoors.
To hear that Araminta had lost her temper because of a sibling that was probably just as confused about everything as he might be. The only difference was, Talon was willing to verbally argue about anything. Even if he was being a dolt and absolutely being a hypocrite, he didn’t outwardly show any sort of care about it. Said what he wanted and that was that. But it was better she vent out her thought rather than keeping the clustered away inside.
Setting the item into basket and repeating the motion of pulling on the fronds to drag out a new one. “You’re not reckless or a troublemaker.” Softly rebuffing such nonsense, he just knew Araminta was a zealous person. She did what she felt was right and even if he personally didn’t agree with it, he didn’t fight her about it. She knew what was best and what felt like the way forward. That was for no one else to take critique with. But likely Talon had similar views and was right now too hyper focused on wanting to force a relationship that maybe was true. Maybe he was jealous that Araminta had that connection but he was missing the point that even she had to struggle through barriers and blockades just as much. She just didn’t show frustration that he could recall. Only sort of left him bewildered most of the time.
“Not everyone gets along.” Theon lightly remarked. “You are my first priority. Right now and likely ever, will be the first thing I concern myself with.” Plus, he was still trying to make sense of what he generally felt towards Talon outside of a seemingly blank nothing. He knew that was a false emotion because there was something there that caused him not to want to overly speak or interact.
But Talon was clearly someone that was willing to ram his way in without consideration. They were pretty opposite of another and that brought friction. “Is it important for him to like you and you to like him?”
“Yes,” she said immediately, without doubt and with all full conviction. Only just as soon to deflate, holding a turnip in her hands and staring at the dirty root as if it could solve all of her problems.
“For selfish reasons mostly,” she did admit with a sigh. “You make me happy in a way that is new and wonderful, but I do miss having my siblings and silly family dinners and all of the ridiculous nonsense that comes from it. It would be nice to share it with you, so you can be surrounded by people who love you. I’m fairly certain he’d like that as well, if he’d just stop sassing long enough to listen.”
Araminta knew she was not helping the situation much, seeming to find that Talon had just the right sort of spice that wriggled past all of her usual patience. Maybe if she weren’t hellbent on always trying to make things nice and pleasant and sunshine lovely, then it would all be fine. Theon kept trying his best to reassure her, but she couldn’t help but think that it was such a flaw that she’d somehow become the goody-two shoes version of an evil queen. Banishing everyone that didn’t play nice!
If he’d just stayed long enough to wrestle her, maybe things would not erupt so badly! Her father used to solve problems between nobles with fist fights, Araminta was starting to see the value and wisdom in that!
“…this time I will leave it be, and I mean it! I won’t say a word to him, maybe he will calm down.”
There was a contemplative pause at her admittance that it was in fact important for the two of them to like another. Not entirely surprised as Araminta thus far had not met someone she didn’t immediately make fast friends with. Something he noticed. And now there was half blood links between him and another person outside the Imperial Queen, that perhaps somewhere he understood Araminta wanted that to thrive. She had siblings. A happy healthy family. They cared, lived and were with each other. Which as she spoke, he understood in a grim way that she might be somewhat skewed in her belief that it was possible on his end.
Having no desire to interrupt her as she spoke, getting her thoughts out in a verbal sense, he continued the means of work.
Waiting till she declared that she would not try again. And it was a good thing he didn’t overly make facial features because he’d be smirking then. Not entirely believing her because well, Araminta was certainly someone that just wanted to fix things. It wasn’t a terrible thing but it could be misdirected.
“When you speak of your family,” He started gently, “You mention things like that such as silly dinners. A comfort with them. It was safe and secure and the means of threats from another was potentially no more than saying something cruel that day because of something that had been unheard, misconstrued or between there.” Theon paused to brush off his hands. “You had a good family, Araminta. Something healthy.”
Eyes of bright silver considered her gently. “We did not. Talon was one of my older siblings. He’s always been hardheaded and vexing. It comes likely from both sides of his bloodline and he was put through dangerous things just as I have. Perhaps more so due to being dragon born. It was kill or be killed. Or in my case, hide or be killed.” Sighing at the knowledge, “Maybe that’s what is missing here in the disconnect. Fighting with each other is normal on the side of my bloodline. Fighting cruelly and without any purpose besides having to be right meant surviving. I am not condoning it, it wasn’t a good way to live. It isn’t a good way to live. But it’s similarly likely to me, Talongrath has not had someone such as yourself be kind. He’s accustomed to bullying his way through because that was how he could live successfully. Unlike me, he wasn’t broken by hands that did not care about him. He managed to escape and now… things are just as confusing for him.”
Turning some to lightly put a hand to her arm, “You’re everything good in this world Ara. Sweet, kind. Generous and patient. You give people more than most would in the form of how many chances they can have and you forgive easily. You’re everything I am not. Everything Talongrath is not. The direct opposite of what we learnt, and seen in the world. People fear change and I doubt it is any different here. To be met with someone that is gentle and tender and isn’t hiding a secondary agenda is a bit intimidating. So fighting with you and headbutting in a figurative sense might be the only way he is getting through here. And I… am not giving that same reaction because well… I’m not someone who likes or wants to fight. Remotely. I’d sooner give in to keep the peace. You do not. You’re willing to fight for what you know is right and that is worth envying.” Theon hummed, “You’re a good person Ara and that can be very scary to people who aren’t. I know that pretty accurately as I deal with it regularly.”
There was a lot Araminta could argue with – the suggestion that because of the way they grew up, he and Talon could not have the family experience she had. Balderdash! This was a new day, all it took was starting now. His insistence she was everything good in the world, as if he himself was not something precious and kind and wonderful. Worth every ounce of her efforts in building a life both with and around him.
He was so stubborn. And she loved him so very much.
Especially in these candid moments when he was brave enough to speak all of his thoughts at once. Unknowingly given her just the right means of information to know what she’d want to do next. …even if it likely wasn’t to the effect he was going for!
Araminta shifted herself enough to reach up with dirt covered hands to brace against his cheeks, tilting until she could brush a soft kiss across lips only to end with a wide, fae-like smile that was surely nothing but trouble to come.
“I have taken this to mean that I should fight your brother with kindness. To smother him with sweet words and affection, until he is begging for mercy and joins our family simply so I will leave him alone.”
It was a tease. …mostly. One could not be so sure.
It was just his observation. Whether it meant something or not was unclear. Merely a need to state what he thought and perhaps offer a sort of clarity. All he could do was say his thoughts and hope that something in it all made even a little bit of sense. Otherwise, he wasn’t sure if anything he had to say, would!
Thankfully she didn’t seem prone to poke too many holes in the commentary. Rather, he was a little more than caught off guard when she shifted closer. Reaching up to the point that even a stutter in his head seemed to have not thought that saying much of anything would have result in a gentle flush of affection. Properly turning red no sooner –seemingly becoming more common now that he knew where they stood and his own fondness towards her. Doubly so when that grin was full of all sorts of trouble and he knew it. However, would he attempt to dissuade it?
Not even a little.
Clearing throat some and letting the heat bleed into ears, he wondered what sort of gentle hell he might have given freedom too. Where Araminta was going to likely devise a plan to annoy and frustrate Talongrath with all the sweetness she could muster till he either ran away for good or gave in. “I would advise you have some fire protection in some case.” Theon offered her. Perhaps a jest? Perhaps truth. Rolling bottom lip through teeth as he considered her thoughtfully and feeling the burst of added heat warm further in the apples of face. Warranting another stronger clearing, “Just… be careful. Dragonborns can be pretty mean when they want to be.”
“It seems that heat is the one thing I am supposed to be getting more of,” she suggested, having no sense in the moment to watch her sardonic humor because she was far too amused with the blush in his own features. Taking the time to brush the back of her hand against those burning cheeks to sweep away the dirt she’d inadvertently left there.
“I’ll bite him if he’s mean to me. Literally too! He’ll be so befuddled by it he won’t know what to do,” Araminta proudly proclaimed. Finally satisfied that Theon was set right again without dirt everywhere to resume he own dig and crawl across the garden beds.
The mountain princess was still mad, of course, but now she was mad with a plan slowly percolating in mind. Round three of her fight with the dragon born would be hers to win, with naught but sugary sweetness and smiles. Araminta would be the very picture of accommodating little sister, until he sat down and shut up and actually allowed the lot of them to have a real and honest conversation!
All of a sudden there was a quick gasp and a hissed you! with Araminta hopping to snatch something up from the garden greens. An impressively shiny lizard that looked all too much like one currently floating belly up in that mass of horror she’d been forced to drink. Holding him tightly (but not too tight) in her hand she gave it a little jiggle and a deep scowl.
“Get out of this garden before you end up in a pot,” she told it, almost about to throw it right across the back yard… Only he was such a pretty thing she ended up holding him out for Theon to see instead. “Look at him! He knows he tastes terrible!”
“I would prefer it not to be in that way and if there is heat needed, then I would rather help with that instead of having you get so angry.” The last thing they needed was the two of them to get to the point that Talongrath actually decided to enflame everything around them including Araminta. Of course that would result in a whole other fight that he personally would be involved in. And there was really no telling what would happen in that regard either. Quietly instead leaning into the gentle brushing to remove the dirt that had been left behind in her original grasping.
Temporarily soothed by the action even if she was threatening to bite Talon if he was being that cruel to her. Unable to really form a thought to disagree or suggest otherwise to something as such. Just looking gingerly upon her till she and him were returning to the task they had been meant to do.
At least for a few seconds before she was gasping and hopping up to grab at something. Startling him right out of his reverie to blink animatedly at what she had successfully caught. Warning the thing to get out of the garden before it ended up in the cauldron.
He might have questioned that but found her coming back to show him shiny lizard in the way that only Araminta would. Like a innocent eager child with nothing but love for the things that were small and animal like. It caused his features to dramatically soften then surprisingly, a gentle laugh exited him at the way she claimed the lizard knew he tasted awful. “Best release it somewhere safe then to avoid an untimely fate.”
Oh no. Araminta could not remember him ever giving such a laugh before and it so immediately made her already sloshy stomach do a little joyful flip, that for a few moments she was kneeling there a little starstruck. Giving that lizard a tiny patpat on it’s head with a finger, before it was she with the flushing features having to break herself away just to climb to her feet.
How could a man just softly laughing be so ridiculously handsome! It was unfair, really, because there was too much for them to worry about this evening for her to be dragging him away for a proper kissing.
Araminta took herself away from the edges of the large garden path all the way to one of the trees where she placed the offending lizard to resume his life, hopefully not within an old healer woman’s cauldron. Already shivering at the thought of drinking more lizard juice.
No, that was actual shivering. Prompting her to scuffle back to the garden beds proper to start gathering up ripened vegetables with a little more active gusto.
“Well if I cannot fight a dragon, then how else might we keep me warm, Theon?” she asked in between all of her harvesting. “We are going to run out of roots and if she has me stirring that pot again, I’m going to dump a whole sack of sugar in it when she isn’t looking.”
There was no thought about what he had done or how it apparently could have been so new and foreign that it caught her entirely off guard. The way she sat back and was lightly patting her newly acquired lizard –likely saving him from being used as ingredients- he didn’t think too much about her watching him. Returning to the means of work and easily able to believe that she was simply thinking about the how and where she was going to take the animal.
Shortly doing much the very same thing when feet had climbed up to take the creature somewhere safer. And returning soon to grab that of the basket that had been loaded for now with the items collected.
Leaving him with both a statement and question. “You wanted to explore.” He answered honestly, “And speak to people?” Looking up at her from the kneeling position having not yet followed the motion of gathering up, he knew her at least well enough to be attentive to the desires that she wanted to be out and about. Know that she was potentially about to ruin the elixir that had been put together by the means of finding sugar, it was probably not a terrible idea to let Araminta do as she originally wanted. “If it is alright with Phita, then I do not see a reason to pause that further.”
Araminta nodded without hesitation, only to softly frown and glance up at the sky.
“It’s gotten late, though. We’ll have to explore without being a disturbance.”
Not that she and Theon ever seemed to disturb anyone. Really, Araminta was just pleased to get out and about to look around, regardless of the hour. They might’ve missed the sunset itself, but now they could enjoy a stroll under the stars and that could be just as thrilling with the brightness of the moon and Theon’s company.
Reaching down her hand for him to aid with standing, despite the fact he didn’t need such help. Seeming to have lost all of her ire and frustration to be back to her usual self. Usurpingly, really, as Theon always did have the effect of making everything feel okay.
“We could try night fishing, or swimming, or build a bonfire on the beach as that would surely keep me plenty warm enough. I doubt you’ve eaten yet and we ought to tend to that before it gets too late.”
“Then it would not be an idea to encourage you to find your harp and try to charm whomever you like in the tavern.” He offered her in such a way that anyone else, it probably would have sounded terribly pert. Yet to him, he was rather serious about it. Knowing that if the chance came up, it would be a good means of keeping warm and Araminta highly engaged with everything. As he couldn’t think of anything else in the means of physicality that would work the same way. Plus it would have given her a chance to be very conversational with people seeing as she was certainly more of a social creature.
With her hand offered and a slight consideration even if he didn’t likely need the aid, he wasn’t about to turn away a brief chance at just the temporary connection. Becoming aware of how much he had come to enjoy even the fleeting seconds of such. Wondering if he was far more of a physical person than he knew or if it was simply just related to Araminta and how much she was rubbing off on him.
Once his feet were back where they ought to be, he considered her queries. “I have not. The fish were not biting at the time. I can build a fire if that is what you want to do and try to fish further.” Although he wasn’t hungry currently, it ought to be handled. And it was hardly a reason to say no now if it meant she was able to stay active.
“Oh, I could play music…!” That was not something Araminta considered, and yet what a perfect thing that would be! Never mind the fact that Theon still could not tell the different between a lyre or harp or a mandolin or a banjo. The fact he even remembered at all that it was something she’d find irresistible was enough to have hooked her.
“It’s good that we have many choices, I suspect Phita will not want to risk me falling asleep,” she mused out loud. Trying to decide on what she wanted to do first, despite the fact her heart was already set on music, the rest could follow.
Not relinquishing his hand, Araminta did the leading as usually to round the house and wandered back up the platform.
“I can play music first, then we’ll see about fishing and food. Then we can watch for falling stars by the fire and search for treasures by the beach. If I am lucky, there won’t be another brew necessary at all.”
As if she were already plotting to be busy enough that they’d ‘forget’ to return to the healer’s home.
One day he might get the musician instrument correctly, today was not that day. Rather his thoughts were just looking forward on things that would be interesting and lively enough for Araminta that the means of this unknown affliction would not plague her until a proper means of healing could be completed. And he figured his suggestion wasn’t too terrible because she was immediately lighting up in such a way that he ought to just know from now on that music was always a good option for her.
Watching her a moment while the musing she made was likely spot on. That to avoid Araminta falling asleep, Phita probably would encourage the motion of her doing things such as the mentioned. Where hand had been taken and other assured the collected basket did not get forgotten.
Listening and following as she declared a means for what the course of the evening was to look like. To give Araminta that chance to be a personal minstrel for the nameless island and enchant the occupants of the local tavern. While he didn’t say anything, there was a high doubt there would be fishing. Or watching the stars, or the beach. Because he suspected she would attract attention and then conversation and play for as long as possible. Which here, with no expected time of closure, it could be all night.
And a hope to avoid another cupful of the concoction that had nearly her spitting it out. “As you wish.” Theon complied easily. As if that was any doubt that he ever would.
The smile that she gave him was wholly unnecessary, but Araminta found it hard to not smile at Theon. Leading the way up the plank to let herself back into the abode of the healing woman.
“Gathering vegetables took no time at all and I shooed off a lizard so that one won’t be my next meal,” she chirped immediately to Phita, releasing Theon long enough to take their bounty over to one of the tables. Then the princess was scuffling over to where Theon had left her bag so she could dig around for her lyre.
“Theon is going to take me to the tavern to play music, if that sounds alright? When might your cauldron of torment disguised as a healing potion be ready for me next?” If Araminta was plotting to forget to return, she was terribly bad at keeping that secret. As it was all too obvious what she was thinking just based on the expression on her face and the slight change of her tone. Already drawing herself back to a stand with her lyre hugged to her chest.
It was the right choice. One that seemingly lifted spirits and gave excitement to Araminta.
Music was the answer nine times out of ten. A good thing now to forever remember because it had not yet lost in the means of assuring her to feel comfortable.
With the basket stolen and them whisked inside under Phita’s curious but overly bored expression, her brows lifted lightly. “You think that was my only one?” She asked sounding both jesting and rhetoric, instead humming to the statement of the girl picking out the instrument with the telling where they would be. Nodding easily, “Good. Keep yourself active and busy and that will be perfectly suitable. As for the rest, I will have Sarah bring it to you.” Apparently Phita must have known or had people try to escape her cures before.
Instead being able to send the absent mentioned name after Araminta so she wouldn’t miss the chance to down something worse than garbage water. “Or I can have Talon bring it to you. I am sure he would be thrilled.” That seemed almost malicious if he didn’t know better by the gentle pull to the older woman’s lips. “Go and stay lively. I will track you down when the next one is ready to be had.”
Theon tipped his head graciously, “Thank you Madam Phita.” Something about her looking at him seemed to have pulled that subtle smile a bit wider as he looked to Araminta no sooner. “Perhaps Ry’seth will be present at the same time.” He offered the princess in case she was also curious to where the skull had gone.
The hum of displeasure and the squint of her eyes when Phita hinted she had more than one flat dehydrated lizard in this home of hers was enough to show Araminta hoped it wasn’t true. Not keen that she’d just be found no matter where she was on the island, to be forced to drink another round of the putrid brew. Sighing no sooner to accept her fate, as Araminta wouldn’t refuse something she genuinely needed, even if it was going to be an awful torture.
Instead, once her lyre was safely in arms, she gave Phita an affirming nod that she would indeed stay lively. Turning then to give Theon a quick grin at the mention of the pesky skull, for she did want to make sure their unintentional kidnapping of the long dead elf wasn’t turning out to be a terrible fate.
Taking Theon’s hand to lead the way back out, only having to pause once they’d walked a ways outside to shift to holding his arm so Theon could do the leading as she still did not know where all of the important places were located just yet.
“I hope Ry’seth is not too put out by all of this. At some point I supposed we’ll have to try and set him back to rest if that is still what he wants.”
There was a lot of questions that were just best never asked in this case regarding what sort of things Phita had one hand. Dehydrated flat lizards included. Especially when Araminta would probably try to find a way to revive the pancake creature for its own safety. Instead they were given freedom with a looming promise that they’d be found when it was time for a second bottom’s up.
Content to step out with Araminta taking the lead and lyre pressed close with what he could only assume was fresh excitement at the new prospect, they were promptly changed from leader who. With him being the new chairman of the task and her pointing out that she hoped Ry’seth was not too perturbed by his new existence.
Frowning at the means of returning the skull to his resting place as promised. They did promise but how safe that would be, well… that was probably pretty clear that it wasn’t going to be as easy as the first time they walked into such a place.
“When I checked,” Theon decided to focus on a better phrasing, “He was regaling people with all sorts of stories and filling in the gentleman that apparently leads this place named Darien. But I figured that he might be a theatric feat that they’d likely have him on display chattering away in his…” A pause. A think and a debate of what polite word could be used with glaring failure. “Own way to entertain those of the island.” He had a feeling Ry’seth was probably highly entertained by this change of fate. Especially if people were utterly enthralled with his blithering nonsense.
A leader named Darien. This piece of information had her glancing up with curious interest, prompting a soft smile and the awareness that it was likely only the name that Theon knew and it wasn’t worth prodding for more information. The fact he knew who was in charge of this place was a boon to Araminta, as Theon wasn’t one to have even the most casual of conversations with local folks beyond what necessities he needed. Luckily for Theon, he didn’t need to be a fluttering social butterfly. Araminta would enjoy doing what she always did and by the end of their stay she’d likely know every soul on the island, whether they wanted her to or not.
“He did seem entirely put out that no one had appreciated his knowledge while he lived. A few years of getting a little attention might do him well,” she agreed. Not to mention, it would ease Araminta’s guilt of not doing as they’d promised to lay him back to rest. Even she was not keen on revisiting Heirra’s ancestral home and trying her luck with that blasted lich all over again. A third encounter would not be survived. Araminta was no fool!
“It is safe to assume you’ve not asked your brother his own role here on the island?” she questioned gently, as it was a question to be pondered too. Talongrath had brought them here, so Araminta was certain that meant the dragon born believed this was a safe place… so surely that meant he also made a space for himself besides just being a blustering pain in the rear!
The time here thus far had been short. Long enough for him to glean a few bits of information but not enough to determine the entire validity of it all. Merely hearsay rather than the follow up of seeing it all with his own eyes. However, one could agree with Araminta in this moment. That Ry’seth didn’t seem to appreciate their lack of care to his seemingly infinite knowledge. Likely cause the skull was equally rude, to sarcastic to plain cowardly. Of course now in that attempt to glean information, no one had complained so loudly that it would have gotten back to their newcomer ears about the lack of reception to the elven skull.
To hear her express that the animated head could likely do well with some attention, he was hardly about to develop a word of deeper consideration. They could not easily access the ruins once more –sure that there would be half an expectation for them to in attempts to finalize the promise that had been made. A few years would likely seem as nothing to the skull that had been forced back to reality as the bones he was.
Guiding them still along the worn dirt path back towards the majority of the clustered homes, her gentle question got him to silently think. Lightly frowning . “No.” Theon had no reason to determine what role Talongrath had here. Of course, he had no desire to really speak to him. As that was pretty clear to anyone that had seen them.
With one attempting interaction and him putting a wall between as sufficiently as possible. “But, I would assume from how he was interacting with Darien, he has a role that may be considered important.” Making a point forward to the one building that was clearly a little more illuminated in the lowering light as the destination.
Araminta hugged his arm, pressing her face against it just for a moment in an attempt to temper her expression. As much as Talon aggravated her and frustrated her… and she still wanted to throw things at him too! She still believed his true intentions were to reconnect with Theon and that Theon would benefit from having that relationship. There was something special in a bond between siblings. …As long as they didn’t want to kill each other, in any case.
“While we were bickering, he did reveal he wishes to take the throne back from the Imperial Queen. It doesn’t seem as if he’s had much luck working all on his own, even as a dragon.” She had a lot of theories about that one – mostly that Talon was a testy, hot headed, spoiled beast. That didn’t need to be said, however!
Figuratively his ears may have perked but visually, he didn’t show too much at the reveal. Rather. “He can have it.” As if that was hardly surprising when he had abundantly expressed to Araminta before that his desire for being a royal, let alone some false king was of nothing. Feeling it as a new noose around his neck to match all the other ones while having the pressurized weight of the world shoving down onto his shoulders. Preferring not to ever think about taking on a mantle such as that especially when he had been a large contributor to the evil that had been put on so many heads.
So many kingdoms.
To be king, one had to have better ambitions. Though Talon would likely be a spoiled king if his attitude was anything to go by. Just, “I do not think he is working alone.” Theon gingerly mentioned with a vague suggestion to their location. “Himself and Darien seemed to be close enough that perhaps there is more to all that then I was bothered to see.”
Naturally there was a smile at Theon’s instantaneous refusal of the throne. Of course Araminta thought Theon would be the better king, if not the best king that ever had been known. While he lacked a certain amount of education, he a patient temperament and oodles of empathy that would make up for any lack of knowledge. He had Araminta who could make up for any gap. …and whether he realized it or not, even if they did not take up the mantle of the Imperial Kingdoms, if he did choose to spend his life with her and returned with her to the mountains, there was a chance he’d be the future King of Caeldalmor. Theon’s elder brother was now known to be alive and well as rightful heir… Araminta was not so sure she’d have the same luck with her own elder brother.
These were not things she needed to burden him with right this moment, instead finding herself curiously looking around as they headed towards the public space of this strangle little island village.
“I hope he will stop fussing with me long enough so that we might actually get a chance to exchange information and progress so far. Imagine if he has a chance to meet with Sir Reeves and Padma while they try to connect with the lost paladin temples. If Talon already has his own connections, it would set us ahead by so much time!”
She could likely tell him such things and well, he might go perfectly awol in the mental sense at any sort of horrifying idea of being kingly at all. Be it Imperial Lands or Caeldalmor. Thankfully with that not said, he wasn’t liable to just become a living statue at the time. Busying with looking around and telling Araminta the little bits of knowledge he had or was guessing at.
Listening momentarily at her statement of wishing Talon would cease his fussing at her. Turning the unseen wheels in his head and knowing that there was a very easy way of ending that. Which would be on his shoulders. In turn, Araminta wasn’t wrong. If Talon had a chance to meet with the paladins, and the plan in action while having his own connections… it was highly likely it could be the start to a very good plan.
It mean likely that he was going to have to put aside his uncertain feelings about a brother that reappeared and make it easier for Araminta to converse with the overgrown firebreather. Thoughts budded and would blossom sooner than later now that it was evident to him that there was clearly a bridge he had to build, but for now that would be privy to him and him alone. Not about to reveal such conceptions to her when she was excited for the whole evening anew.
Perfectly too as their steps eventually brought them to the tavern by the beachside and the sound of ruckus was ever present. It already grated at his nerves. Naturally sliding behind the mask to appear as well… as he ever was. Deprived of most emotion and made a more open gesture for her to lead the way into the place of audible horror.