A Sting From The Past.

A man stood in the Veranda of a magnificent manor, his lonely eyes staring afar of into the distance. Although it was still a far cry away from what he could consider dawn, there was still a slight sign of a weak orange light emerging from the east; designating the boundary between light and darkness. The uncertainty he had about the future was like an old scar that constantly reopened itself, giving him a persistent but harrowing pain. A slight frown came to his face. And upon the predicament he was in, A certain maiden just had to get intertwined in it all, resulting in the situation being ever more complicated. There were several ways in which he would have brought an eternal end into her shenanigans and childish behavior, but there was one thing that made him to Desist from persisting; and that was her determination. The determination which he saw in her eyes, at the moment she graced his office with that ridiculous threat of hers, both appalled and intrigued him. Only a Fool would challenge the authority of one who has such determination in their possession. Determination could cause others to label one a fool, agreed; but at the same instance, it also made one to become exceptionally dangerous. That person wouldn't care if all the odds are stacked against them, even if it meant losing their life to attain what they desire. A metallic sound made him to turn his head. "Why, you must certainly have the most pleasant expression on your face." The entity said as he stood on the railing; his eyes which burnt solemnly like black flames scrutinizing the feautures of the man who stood below. "I have no time for your nonsensical conceptions, at the moment." Diego told him, without looking up. The man raised a brow. "It appears that you had developed quite the attitude, while I slumbered." Causeatus quipped lightly, as he descended from the railing. "By the way, I was opportuned to stumble upon your little bird a few days prior." He added, when he saw that Diego chose to remain silent. His scheme turned out sucessful; because Diego lightly turned his head to acknowledge him. "She chirped a lot."

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 A carraige drove past the crowded streets. This was a typically encountered element of an average Day- there were several carraiges that tended to pass by on a routine basis, comprising of goods and resources from other empires, including the ones who arrive from distant lands, and those which Share a common boundary with the empire of Agerintia. This was so done in order to facilitate trade, as well as to ensure the Harmony between the various dynasties. But this day however, seemed to vary slightly, for wherever this particular carriage emerged, heads were bound to turn, accompanied with the pointing of fingers and hushed whispers. The emblem imprinted into the carriage alone was eye catching- one of a white tiger with black stripes majestically baring its fangs, while the swords before it appeared to inhibit its further advancement, crossed one against the other In an 'X' format.

 "Perharps I should have informed the coachman to take a more secluded path." Diego mused. He was looking out of the window as well, by default he took note of all the civilians that stood in admiration at the passing carraige. "The way you speak, one would think that the entire South Is a region in which all the seven continents converge." Diane stated. Morris was seated in close proximity to her on her right, gazing at the bustling streets and the dynamics which occurred therein, periodically raising his head to mumble some inquiries into his sister's ear. "So says the one that had only begun to leave the nest." Diego teased her. "What I intend to say is, there will always be an alternative route to take- so long as it enables you to arrive at your required destination." He further emphsised, when he saw the manner in which Diane gazed at him. "Why are you so concerned about whether or not the civilians notice us anyway? That there might be a probability of gossip?" Diane inquired, delivering to him, an intense Stare. Those blue eyes of hers seemed to demand an immediate reply. "That, would be the least of my problems for the now." Diego told her. "If I had an adversary who, in person or by informant so occurs to be among this crowd, they could turn the tides to be against my favor either at the present, or in the near future. They are so capable of so tactfully instigating me that even I would eventually doubt myself." He stated. Although Diane was unsure if it actually occurred to him or to someone else, she was certain that he did not aquire this knowledge by reading books. Irregardless of conceptions, she doubted If he would disclose to her the actual cause of the anger which was displayed in his eyes. "Do you not find it ironical? The crown seeks to unite the empire, but yet there still exists a divergence due to class and status." Diane suddenly questioned, when she recalled the night of the Durianti festival, a night that so strongly emphasized the equality of all men. "So long as crooks and Scoundrels under the guise of aristocrats exist, then the crown is just wasting its time." Diego told her. "They will always be a power struggle between the aristocratic families; one will always seek the destruction and downfall of the other. But there are a select few that eventually set a mutual agreement amongst themselves, attempt to strengthen that bond through formalizing engagements between One and the other." He added in a lengthy manner. Diane was lost in her own thoughts for some time. "But ours is no different, if you take a closer glance." She muttered suddenly. Diego frowned slightly. "Pardon? I fail to comprehend." "You, and I.." Diane began, pointing towards Diego, then herself, as though she were trying to explain a complex concept to a child. "The reason for our engagement, is no different from that of the other nobles." She told him. "I made this proposal so that I could seek refuge from a potentially toxic relationship. You agreed so you could protect your magic. But all in all, we are both attaining our own end of the bargain, is that not so?" Diane inquired. But to be frank, what Diane said was not indeed a lie, irregardless of the effect her statement had on him internally. And another reason why he need not get so attached to her. "And.. as for that night..." Diane began as she looked downwards, feeling too awkward at the present moment to look into his eyes. "That.." "I know." Diego interrupted her suddenly, prompting her to raise her head. "I will take what you said with a pinch of salt. I know that you only spoke under the influence." He elaborated further, in order to clarify things. "Is that not what you intended to say?" He inquired, as he raised a brow at her. "Indeed, it is." Diane responded quietly, as she immediately glanced into another direction. She felt slightly relieved, knowing that he did not postulate preassumptions on that one statement she uttered. Well, he was a cautious man, afterall. "Have we already arrived at the complex?" Diane thought, as she peered through the window. "It appears so." Diego promptly replied. "But could your brother not have chosen a location that was less filled with prying eyes?" He muttered with a frown. The trading complex was one of the most crowded spaces in the empire, as this was one of the most prominent places where people were bound to easily stumble upon foreign goods at fair prices. The empire also permitted the sales of such goods, provided that they weren't illegal. "Well, you shouldn't really hold my brother accountable for this- It was I who told him to pick a convenient location of his choice." Diane said, as the carraige came to a halt. "Also, do you not believe that you are being slightly too paranoid? What are the odds that we could stumble into an adversary of yours?" Diane teased him, as she smiled softly. Diego also smiled, he was more pleased at the fact that Diane became more less formal around him to tease him just like this. "Just keep safe while you are out there, that is the only thing I can request for At the moment, my lady." Diego told her, as he rendered a small peck towards the back of her hand. "You should not tarry in Here for too long; the sun is not going to remain bound to the horizon for eternity." Diego ushered her, when he noticed that the coachman had already unlocked the door. "I shall depart now; take notice of this location. This is where I shall pick you up, once dusk arrives." There appeared to be a tinge of urgency in the information Which Diego relayed to her. "Dusk?" Diane repeated, her voice full of uncertainty, as she spoke to him from the carraige window. "Isn't the duration between the hours too exhausting?" She asked. "There is no need for you to Fret yourself over such a trivial thing." Diego assured her. "It has seemed like decades to you since you last laid eyes on your brother, so feel free to hold a long conversation with him." He added, with a smile.

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 No sooner than Diane gone a reasonable distance away from the carraige, than a young male approached her. "I have long been in the anticipation of your arrival, my lady." The boy began. "So, how shall you compensate Me for your tardiness?" He inquired, traces of a smirk playing around his handsome face. Before Diane's mind could even process what it was that occurred, Morris had already unclasped his hand from hers, jumping in delight towards the random stranger. "Ah, take it easy now, Morris. You have surely gained some weight." Sylvester observed, when he swayed lightly. "What are you standing there gaping at me for?" Sylvester Laughed, as he saw the expression of his elder sister. "Mind you I would prefer It we leave the location we stand on thereof; before the sun burns us all to a crisp."

 Sylvester could not Help but smile helplessly from where he was seated. If he found the expression on Diane's face to be amusing when they were yet outside, he deemed it to be more infuriating at the moment. Diane still continued to gawk, not even acting in the slightest as one who was born and reared from a noble family. They were currently within the boundaries of a confectionery; although it was not as one would prefer it to be, its service made up for what It seemingly lacked. 'If I ever have the privilege of coming to an encounter with my brother-in-law, I would appreciate him greatly for tolerating this sister of mine.' Sylvester thought, as he glanced in her direction. Yet she was still at it, so he felt obliged to inform her to Desist from her unscrupulous behavior. He had just finished spinning the magnificent tale of the sudden turn of events of how Dennis was a brink away from taking the life of their father, to his being placed on probation. He also informed her of Beatrice's conception, although he deliberately concealed the news of Dennis's involvement with a notorious organization, she would worry herself over it, he knew, and potentially place herself into danger as well.

 "Is that how it is?" She inquired, a bit dazed. Morris on the other hand was seated close to his immediate elder brother, munching delightfully on the biscuits Diane ordered for him. A slight smile came to her face as her eyes stared into the distance, but a single tear slid down into the table as well. "Mother did not." she began her voice cracked. "Deserve any of this." Sylvester, observed her for a while, she sat solemnly with her head bowed. "Do you despise him?" Her brother's voice filtered into Diane's ears. "Despise?" Diane repeated, as she slowly raised her head. "I had already begun to despise him a long while ago." She said, before turning to her brother. "Tell me, Sylvester." She began, her blue eyes as clear as a lake. "Will all this hatred and bitterness towards our father bring mother back one day?" Sylvester shook his head. "It will not." He replied promptly. "But if that was indeed so, would you continue to despise him?" Diane remained silent for a while, before focusing her attention back on him. "If we continue to capitalise on the tragic events that occurred in the past, we will eventually fail to take note of the good things bound to happen In the future. This is one thing that I learnt from Diego." Diane stated, as she wiped at her eyes. "Is that so?" Sylvester, his interest piqued, inquired as he placed his hands on the table, using them to support his head. "Diego, is rather strong. Even stronger than I could ever fanthom. Diane quipped, as she shot at her brother, a petulant gaze. "Although his life took a turn for the worse at such a young age, he did not let that weigh him down. Yes, I will admit that he collapsed, but he did rise up once more. For his own sake, for the sake of all he ever cared about. Despite his loss, and all the hardship he could have potentially undergone, it still did not let him to stop smiling- Although, he does tend to look a bit grave at times." Diane reported the latter part with a slight laugh. "A child will never learn to walk, unless he falls several times in the process. I am of the belief that the same held true for your husband." Sylvester said, as he sat erect once more. "I have never truly been opportuned to hold a conversation with him, but he does appear to possess the charisma of a leader." He informed her, with a smile. "Does he, truly?" Diane pondered, as she placed a finger to her lips. 'If you are in the company of such a person Diane, then I best be rest assured in your case.' Sylvester thought, as he glanced at his the damsel, of whom happily accepted a biscuit from Morris with a beaming smile. At the very least, he only had Dennis to Fret himself over. "By the way, Sylvester, Are you minding your health?" Diane inquired, as she nibbled on her biscuit. "Why, of course- what intrigued you to ask?" Sylvester refuted back. "Pardon me if I may be wrong in my judgment, but you appear to be quite pale to me?" Diane concluded, her blue eyes almost staring into his soul. Sylvester flinched slightly when he heard that. He was still suffering from the after effects of connecting to his Evergio. If there was ever such a thing as an injury to the soul in this world, he was positive that such would be the appropriate term for his condition. "I will be alright." Sylvester replied weakly. "Moreover..." Diane quipped, as she looked at him from head to toe. "While in the name of our beloved continent are you putting on such despicable clothes?" 'Despicable, Is it?' Sylvester thought, as he scoffed inwardly. Despicable or not, they were still clothes nonetheless. He was simply putting up a shirt accompanied by a knee length Jean, bounded by suspenders. He also had a cap on his head as well, causing him to radiate an entirely different aura. "What about the commoners? Do they not put on such clothing?" He posed that question to his sister. "That is indeed true but..." A slight frown came to her face, and she suddenly ceased to speak. It was as though she realized how ethnocentric her judgment sounded to the hearing. "I had to borrow this guise in order to steal away from the manor." Sylvester admitted. More precisely, it was the clothes of Gozek's youngest son, that was currently within his possession. "So, no one is aware that you have absconded?" Diane inquired. Sylvester shook his head. "None but one- save for Beatrice." Sylvester said. "As for Dennis, well that muddlehead will have not the faintest inkling, if all within my preparation goes well." He stated, the confidence in his voice nearly dazzling Diane. "That's my genius brother!" Diane exclaimed, nearly giving him a hug, but The lad immediately distanced himself from her. "This behavior of yours us rather inappropriate, my lady." Diane was startled about his sudden change of behavior. Why did his attitude towards her suddenly turn cold? And as she noticed this whole time they had spent together, he had never once called her Sister. He had always addressed her as 'My lady', if he could not avoid a situation wherein he had to label her as such. 'Do not put the blame on me, Diane, I can already tell upon your facial features your surprise at my sudden change of demeanor.' He sighed inwardly, before glancing upwards. 'But can you not sense upon my being, several hostile gazes being directed at my direction? They are probably perplexed as to why a mere servant boy dares to seat with his mistress at the same table.' In actuality, both the servants and their respective masters alike stared at him, those of the masters baring fury towards him, while that of the servants contained what might be... Jealousy? Envy? Oh, whatever, who cared. 'I shall not, for this cause, stand next to Diane as though I were some guard dog.' He resoluted within his being, before glancing at the damsel from the corner of his eyes. Not contrary to his expectations, Diane sat solemnly in her spot, her head downwards, not saying a word. 'She is must definitely pouting without a doubt.' He then turned his gaze back at his newly found adversaries. 'The only reason why you all haven't ripped my throat out yet is due to Diane being alright with it. If not...' He paused to make faces at them. Most of their faces contorted to rage, but several of them wisely chose to restrain themselves

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 As the carraige which Diego was in made a return journey, Diego could not Help but to reminiscence on what Theodore said earlier.

...

"So, how do you like your new sword?" Theodore inquired, as he gazed at the sword that laid around idly on Diego's waist. "It is more effective than I thought it be; I believe I would prefer these one to the one which I previously used." Diego commented. "And yet you complained that I did not present to you a more noteworthy gift." Theodore said, but Diego ignored him. "You make quite an excellent instructor." Theodore said, as he glanced over at the Area where Diane trained in solitude. "So, what was it that you wanted to discuss about?" He inquired, as he stretched his hands as though he had overexerted them. Diego exhaled briefly, before turning to his cousin. "Uncle Would want to Meet with me, but he also equally insists for Me to bring Diane along." He said. Theodore appeared flabbergasted for a moment. "Well, what businesses does he have with Diane? Up till now, The damsel held no regard for his exsistence." Theodore said simply, as he arched his brow. "It just so happened that news of my engagement came unto his being." Diego said, as he glanced at his cousin. "Which is the very reason why it would please him to meet with the newest member of the family." "Just came to his knowledge?" Theodore repeated. "Did you not inform him of your engagement beforehand? I was of the opinion that if you didn't do it, then father would, at least." He claimed with a shrug if his shoulders. "Uncle did not, and apparently neither did I. I do not deem him befitting of such information, anyway." Diego stated, with much irritation in his voice. 'So you are capable of being a miscreant as well.' Theodore thought, with a smug look on his face. "Harboring old wounds will only be detrimental to your health, brother." Theodore told him. "And if he wants to see the damsel, then permit him. You have no right to go against his orders. But he will be furious, as he probably heard this from an external source." Theodore mused, before bursting into laughter all of a sudden. "Is that not ironical? Even the king knew about such an affair before he did; Diego, you shall go in for it this time, I am afraid." The addressed only squinted his eyes further south, the region in which Diane stood. She seemed to be staring at something in the distance, before she finally motivated herself to move."Where are you going, Diane?!" He could not help but call out. "Oh, I- my legs feel cramped, so I was going to walk about a bit." Came the reply. Diego could not Help but to worry what his wife was up to. He was yet to have an in-depth understanding of her, but he fully comprehended one thing- that his beloved maiden longed for mischief. "Just let her be Diego. Goodness, you are so possessive." Theodore told him, failing to restrain the urge to laugh. Although Diego felt the overwhelming urge to pulverize his cousin, he had to dismiss the thought in his head, for the now. When he glanced back towards Diane, he was slightly surprised to behold her, standing in place. Only when he gave her a nod of approval did she leave. "I tend to feel this degree of insecurity within me- I would rather not prefer Anyone knowing about her, or about her powers. The situation is already complicated enough as it is; especially since we are still unsure of the reason as to why Diane possess them." Diego told him. Theodore stared at his cousin. He could pratically count the number of times he has seen this man look so worried, and this appeared to be one of them. "And Thaniel?" Theodore inquired- he knew of Thaniel's involvement in decrypting that mysterious artifact. Diego shook his head. "No news of him, as of late." He informed. The hands which he had folded, he ended up gripping unto the other even more tightly. "Who knows if the bastard is even alive." He said, through gritted teeth. Theodore gulped. "Well, he is your comrade so.." He quickly took a sharp intake of breath, when he noticed Diego's murderous eyes at the mention of 'Comrade.' "By the way, have you assigned a date for the visitation?" He interrogated, while ensuring to increase the distance between his cousin and he. "I have not." Diego said plainly. "In my own opinion, going before the hunter's moon tends to be a more appropriate option." Theodore analysed. "If you were to go afterwards, the journey would end up long and gruesome- for all those civilians that wish to return to their homes as quickly as possible." Theodore paused for a while. "Do not inform uncle about this being a contracted marriage, he may not take it lightly." He added, when he saw that Diego remained silent. "Do you even pay heed?" Theodore inquired, nearly frustrated. "Of course I do." Diego said, as he finally gazed away from the direction he was staring. "I am not you." That latter statement came as a slap to Theodore's face. He glanced at the direction of which Diego was staring. "Why do we not go down to meet her,since you are so desperate to reunite with her?" Theodore teased.

 Within a short spam of time, both men already stood in close proximity to Diane. But something was wrong. Diane felt flustered, for whatever reason.. "Diego, there is someone here, he.." Diane began. Diego glanced at her with a perplexed expression. "Where?" Diego asked. Diane glanced at the spot the man initially stood-but he seemed to have went with the wind. "He was.." She tried to get the words out, but for some reason, her tongue seemed to go numb whenever she thought of the occurrence. "Diane, there is none present here." Diego assured her In a firm attitude. "Perharps the heat has gotten to her?" Theodore quipped in. "We should probably head back indoors." Diego suggested. The trip then departed in the direction of the manor, Amidst Diane's reluctance. But instinctively, Diego turned back, and beheld the man observing it all between the branches of a tree. "Causeatus." He muttered. It appeared as though Diane had met with that man too early.

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 "My lord, we have arrived." The coachman voice broke Diego out from his reverie. From the distance, he saw Diane walking towards the carraige, holding a sleeping Morris in her arms. "Give him over." Diego said, as he reached for the child the instant the coachman opened the Door. Diane did as he bid, before proceeding to enter herself. She was of all smiles when she entered. "So, I trust that you had a pleasant time, my lady?" Diego inquired, as he patted Morris's soft hair. He was getting too attached to this child, he knew, and that was not good for him. But Rather than a reply, Diego got an embrace. "Thank you for making this possible, Diego." That sweet voice muttered into his ears.

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 Sylvester laid in bed, a small book in his hand. Although he was pleased about meeting with his siblings, he was worn out, mentally and physically. In order to further reduce suspicion, he had actually trekked from the manor to the complex, a good ten kilometers distance. And the constant Pang on the soles of his feet made him aware that his body was revolting against such unjust treatment.

 "I will be there In a minute." Sylvester said in a lazy voice, as he heard a knock on the door. He opened it, but this was the least visitor he had expected to meet with. Dennis just leaned his head against the door frame, arms folded gazing at his brother with those icy blue eyes of his. "Sylvester." He called, in a gentle demanor. "Bestow upon me the privilege of knowing about your whereabouts of today."