A Preemptive Decision

Targen could not control the smirk that came upon his face, as he heard the footsteps which gradually drew closer to his location. "I must say, that I am rather astonished." Targen stated, as the man came to stand at his side. "I was pondering about whether or not you would actually heed to my demand." He added, while the latter just glanced at him solemnly. "Well, it was because you actually wanted to speak with me. Nothing more." Diego explained, as he cast his gaze upon the full moon. "We both know quite well, that there is really nothing of importance to be said." He added, closing his eyes to enjoy the touch of the cold night wind. "I shall not keep you for too long though- you have to return to her side anyways." Targen muttered, in a considerate tone. "I have always harboured a curiosity, as to why you chose to make this decision, when you know fully well about the circumstances you are shrouded in?" "Circumstance has always been unpredictable and illogical- even I had not anticipated this." Diego commented, a wry smile on his face. "But you are determined to ensure her safety?" Targen interrogated, whilst racking his fingers against the railing. "With every Means possible." Diego replied curtly, as he made eye contact with the other. "Until we are both prepared to path ways." Diego could sense distinctively, the confused expression on the face of his cousin, who barely displayed his emotions to others. Maybe it was due to the bond they had in the past that caused Diego to divulge such a crucial information, he was unsure. But, this man who stood before him was neither ally nor foe. He did not know if any repercussions would be bound to occur after this revelation, but if they did, he would be ready for them. "It seems that I have something amiss here." Targen quipped, after a moment's silence. "Would you care to elaborate?" Diego's Hand wandered to the back of his neck. Was he even in control of his actions at the moment? "The whole engagement is nothing more than a facade." Diego said curtly. "It does not go beyond the boundaries of a contracted relationship- and we shall eventually part ways as the seasons go past." He did not want to explain any further than that. "And the sentiments you develop for that woman?" Targen inquired with a dull expression, resting his chin against his hand. Diego turned to him with an arched brow. "Don't play the fool. I saw the way you reacted after the mayhem occurred." Targen expantiated further, as he gazed at his cousin. Diego shook his head. "You are overthinking. I harbor no such feelings- it will be detrimental to me, if I do." He replied. "Does this emerge from the certainty of your heart?" Targen pressed on. Diego turned to him, visibly infuriated. "Why do you speak as such? Be it Natasha, or anyone else of whom I hold dearly to my heart, My reaction would have remained the same." Diego explained. Targen stared at him for a while. "If that be your mentality, then I shall pursue this issue no further." Targen assured him. "And most importantly.." He began. "Do inform Diane not to activate her powers for some time. Her essence was completely drained out, which is the reason why she remains in that state." Targen analysed. "Well taken note of." Diego replied, with a nod of his head. "And how does Thalia fare?" Diego questioned. "The Lass had long regained consciousness by nightfall." Targen replied. "And has resumed the occupation of wagging that nasty tongue of hers. Would you like to meet with her?" He asked the latter. "It shall not be possible, the night is far gone already." Diego emphasized. "If there is none else to say, then I shall take my leave." "You may go. It had been quite the day for us all." Targen stated. "And in case you may want to visit aunt and uncle, the doors are open for you." Diego informed. A slight smile nestled upon Targen's feautures. "Well, then. I guess it can't be helped."

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 Diane gave a light sneeze, which in turn caused her to open her eyes. She stared absent mindedly at the ceiling, as the memories of the day before formed vivid images in her mind. 'This is.. my room.' She thought, while seating herself erect. She had not the slightest inkling of what had occurred when after she took the child, and her memory was seemingly in tatters. "Diego." She called out softly, as she placed her hand lightly on the head of the man who sat next to her. At that same moment, the door of the bedroom creaked open. "I see that you are awake, my lady." Lisa whispered as she stepped in, making sure to close the bedroom door carefully behind her. "Do you feel discomfort in any region?" The maid said, as she stepped closer to the bed. Her eyes were pratically shimmering- she must have been glad that Diane awoke with no casualties. "No, not necessarily." Diane replied humbly, before glancing at the man, who had rested his head against the bed. "Ought Diego not to be roused as of yet? What hour of the day is it?" She interrogated the maid, who had gone to hang up the curtains. "The day just broke, my lady." Lisa replied, once again struggling to open the windows. "Apart from that, the master has exhausted himself- he had kept watch over you throughout the night." She explained, as she strode over to the damsel's side. "Permit Me to do this, my lady." The maiden mumured, placing the back of her hand against Diane's forehead. The latter just blinked at her blankly. "What was It that you did just now?" She inquired, as soon the maiden reacted her hand. "Why my lady- I was simply just taking your temperature." Lisa explained, as she stared at the damsel as though this was general knowledge. "You had a fever the night before- which was the reason why the master had kept to your side the entire night. It was only at the advent of dawn that he finally decided to get some rest.' She admitted. "A fever? But I do not recall.." Diane began. Could this be the reason she had such a disoriented memory? "It began briefly after Master Diego concluded his discussion with Lord Tegan." Lisa elaborated. "I must have worried him" Diane began, with a downcast expression on her face. But that did not last for long, because the maiden has found yet a cause to raise her head. "Did you just say that Tegan and himself spoke?!" She exclaimed, as she cast a gaze at Lisa with those sparkling eyes of hers. "Indeed, I did." Lisa affirmed, with a curt nod of her head. "This is awe inspiring news- what was it they discussed about?" Diane immediately asked once more, causing a feeling of awkwardness to wash over Lisa's being. "My lady, I was not privy to overhear such an important conversation." Lisa stated, with an exasperated sigh. "Even if I was, it is rather unethical to eavesdrop- and so much so, considered shameless to divulge its contents to a third- party." Lisa explained, glancing at the damsel from the corner of her eyes. "I am not a third party!" Diane yelled with much infuriation in her voice. "Nevermind- I shall inquire from Targen myself." She added, as she made attempts to descended from the bed. "My lady, this behavior of yours is inappropriate- would you rather not wait for Master Diego to awaken first before you leave?" Lisa pursued, but the Maiden remained adamant in regards to her initial decision. Not until she felt a hand latch unto hers, that is. "To whence do you intend to go, Diane?" The man's voice came unto her hearing, causing her to flinch. She could not Help but to feel a shred of exhaustion within her, as she gazed into his tired eyes. "To see Targen." She mumbled, trying desperately to release her hand from his grip. "What for?" He asked, through half-closed eyes. Diane's smile immediately turned into a frown. "Has it become a hobby of yours to make inquiries pertaining to my vocations?" She asked. Diego suddenly released her hand, causing Diane, who was consistently straining against him, to feel the full effect of the recoil. "If you insist on going, then I shall accompany you." Diego said, as he stood to his feet. "I am curious about the affair you may likely discuss."

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 Diane could not Help but to glance at the man with a scowl On her face. He insisted on being her escort, and now this?!

"Diego." She began calmly. "I am perfectly capable of walking myself." She added, as she gazed up at him. "Are you sure? But you were waddling like a duck in the room." Diego refuted, not even giving his attention to her ceremonial tantrums. "That was probably because my legs were still asleep!" Diane bawled. A smirk suddenly appeared on Diego's lips. "I would be quiet, if I happened to be you." He told her. "You are cause several of the servants to cast glances in our direction." He admitted. Diane looked forward for a brief moment, and behold, it was true. She immediately recoiled into Diego's arms once more, her rosy cheeks becoming even more red. She just happened to see some of the maids giggling amongst themselves as they walked past. "Rumors shall spread." Diego stated, as he hummed gently. Diane on the other hand, felt the strong inclination to push him.

 'Why does the man suddenly slow down?' Diane thought, as she glanced forwards. Her eyes widened momentarily. "Place me down, right this instant!" She exclaimed, as she writhed around in Diego's grasp. It was only due to her husband's concerted efforts that she somehow got to her feet in one piece. She immediately scurried off to the door, giving it three raps in quick sucession. "You may enter." Diane frowned- that voice was distinctively familiar, Although she was uncertain as to where she heard it. She cautiously pushed the door open, poking her head in the Crack. The man behind her, however, did the complete opposite he opened it ajar. "Ah!" Diane exclaimed uncontrollably, making the occupants to gaze at her direction- she was leaning on the door, and had reacted involuntarily to the sensation of falling down. "Did you truly believe that you were so slender as to get past that crevice?" Diego asked, as he walked In with his usual demeanor. Diane cussed at her husband inwardly. "Ah, so Diego and his wife are here." Midel uttered, as she acknowledged the visitors. "For what reason have you graced us with your presence?" The woman inquired, with a kind smile, as Diego seated himself on one of the available slots. Diane dithered around the door for a while, before eventually summoning the courage to step in. This was actually- Thalia's bedroom, but she had not expected for there to be yet another entity. "Greetings, Lady Midel." Diane payed her respects, as she stepped in. The older woman responded with a kind smile- while the other two undiminished nodded their heads in her direction. "Lady Diane." Midel began, as soon as the damsel had seated herself. "I ought to convey to you, my sincerest gratitude for saving my daughter" Midel began, a smile on her face. Thalia of whom was On the sidelines, rolled her eyes uncontrollably. "If not for you, my lovely child would have.." "It is alright, aunt." Diane interrupted the woman, with an awkward smile. She felt as though she had achieved an unaccomplishible feat. "It was my fault as well. Had I not pressurized Thalia to accompany me, she would have never fallen a victim to such fatality." She added. Those who listened to the conversation, could discreetly sense the melancholy in her voice. "Diane.." Thalia muttered to herself. Now even she had begun to feel a slight sense of guilt. "Do not blame yourself for whatever it is that occured, my dear." Midel remarked in a gentle tone. "It was not as though you possess the gift of clairvoyance, to know that such a misfortune would occur." Midel assured the damsel. "I believe you Overflatter her, Lady Midel." It was Targen who spoke next. "Even if Lady Diane was not at conscious at the moment that the explosion occured, the servants would have most surely priotized their lives over their own." Midel smiled, as she glanced at the young Man. "Young Lord, what makes you so certain about your claim? It would have been a survival of the fittest at the moment the fire broke out- each man for himself." Midel argued. "They will have no other alternatives than to rescue the ladies of the Household first. Unless if.." He paused, with a menacing glare. "They wish for their heads to be uprooted from their bodies." A deafening silence prevailed after that. All three ladies wore awkward smiles on their faces, save for Diego, who did not falter in the slightest after listening to the latter's threat. "Well then, I believe you children have something you wish to discuss amongst yourselves. I shall let you be, then." Midel declared, as she rose up To her feet. Thalia observed her mother cautiously, ensuring that her mother was gone before embarking on her vocation. "Do you see the outcome of your actions!" She exclaimed, as she rendered a snack to the skull of the man, who was seated in close proximity to her. "Hit me once more, and you will notice what I will do." Targen replied, as he rubbed his head with his hand, before squinting at the said hand, as though expecting the promiscuous fluid to be on his palm. "What shall you do? Maim my arms perhaps?" Thalia taunted, in an exaggerated manner. "Thalia, our guests are yet to depart." Targen said, in a low tone. "So says the one, who is shameless enough to reveal his bare chest before a married woman!" Thalia blurted out. Diane instantly bowed her head, the tip of her ears turning red instantly. 'Why, Thalia.' Diane stated inwardly, not daring to look upwards. 'It would have almost be blotched out of My memory, If you hadn't said that!' Diego glanced at Diane, who and her head bowed, before glancing at Tegan. When the latter observed that he was gazing into his direction, he quickly averted his gaze. "Ah, I had the intention to jest when I said that" Thalia muttered awkwardly, when he shifted his gaze towards her. "You are rather fortunate that I am not in the mood to obtain the information from you at the moment." Diego told her, before displaying a malicious smile. "You are aware of my methods, or shall I bring them back to your memory?" He inquired. Although Thalia felt the drop in temperature- which was obvious by the way, she still permitted for her arrogant side to emerge. "Why in the name of Agerintia do you direct your fury towards me? If you want an account, those who were involved." She harrumohed, turning her head away from his direction. "I am glad that I did not permit for you to become my betrothed." Targen said, with a sigh. "You would have been the end of me." Thalia chose to ignore his nonsense. "By the way, Diane. You are not severely hurt, where you?" She inquired. "I heard about what you did- so much so that you even went as far to ensure that a life did not perish." She commented, her impression of Diane rising greatly. "I am quite alright, thank you." Diane assured her. "I was more concerned about your case- I am glad that you heal faster than I imagined." Diane told Her. "Well, of course Magic was In the equation." Thalia quipped, as she glanced at Tegan. "I did tell him that he should let the scars heal naturally, so that it's horrid appearance may scare off any suitor." Targen scoffed as he heard that. "Well, it is my fault for not permitting for you to feel the pain." He stated. "On the other wise, the magnitude of your injuries was not that great- it would not even succeed in frightening a field mouse" He affirmed. "Well, thank you Master Targen, for bringing whatever little hope I had to oblivion." The maiden said, as she scowled in his direction. Diane gazed around the room with uncertainty, that, which did not go beyond Diego's observation. "Who is it that you seek, Diane?" Diego inquired. 'Where you a radar in your past life?' Diane thought with much irritation, but did not turn to him. "Where is stripes?" She asked the man, who gazed at her as though she uttered something offensive. "Well, since you asked for him." Targen began, snapping his fingers as he spoke. There was a scuffing sort of noise. Diane gazed at the source of the sound, and was rather astonished to see the head of a tiger poking out from underneath Thalia's bed. "You may emerge now, Tristan." No sooner had it heard its Master's approval, than he immediately pounced upon the target it set its gaze on first- Diego. "What was he doing here?" Diane asked in Amazement, while her husband tried fruitlessly to prevent the carnivore from slobbering all over his face. "It so turns out, that my mother does not take a liking to that beast of his." Thalia explained, as she watched as Tristan continued to overpower Diego. "And he refuses to recall it, irregardless 9f what I say!" She pressed on. "Tristan, Desist." Targen instructed. Only then was Diego able to seat himself on the floor. "Why do I feel as though you summoned your beast to torment me, Targen?" Diego asked, as he seated himself on his chair, while Tristan still continued to prowl around him. The addressed shrugged his shoulders, providing him with no answer. "Tristan, I did not summon you for Diego." Tegan spoke, catchment the beast's attention. "I called you, for her sake." Tristan noticed who it was his master pointed out, and suddenly trotted over to where Diane was seated, lying himself faithfully at her feet. It was as though it knew it couldn't afford to be rough with her, as he was with Diego. Diane smiled at the creature. "Why is it that you are so fond of Diego, Tristan?" Diane asked, while giving it periodic taps to the head. "Oh, Tegan." Diane called out. The man responded with a low grunt. "How is it that the child remained unscathed, despite the ferocity of the flames? Don't tell me she has powers as well?" Tegan scoffed outwardly. "Permit My rudeness just this once, Lady Diane" Tegan began, as he with a wave of his hand. "But that child is nothing more than a little thief. I wish what you said actually proves to be correct." He added. "Get to the point, Tegan." Diego pressed. "She actually took one of my rings with her- an artifact, to be honest. I did notice that certain items tended to get missing, but I was surely not expecting her to be the culprit." He added. "Well, why did you leave such an important item lying around in the first instance?" Thalia scolded him harshly, before turning in Diego's direction. "You are a member of the council, are you not? I demand for him to be sanctioned, right here and now!" She exclaimed, as she pointed am index finger to the man's direction. Diego on the contrary, raised his hands up at her. "Sorry to disappoint, but I am currently off duty, for the now." He explained to the damsel, who Gritted her teeth in response. "It seems that you shall not rest, until I meet my demise." Targen mumbled, as he glared in her direction. "So that was the reason.." Diane mumbled, before raising her head once more. "But I was of the opinion that essence was required to activate an artifact?" Diane interrogated. "It is true that they require essence to be imbued, but they designed some that do not require essence- such as those low essence users such as yourself." He explained. "The artifact was normally meant to protect one from fire though, especially since I do not have any sort of affinity for the fire element- those that do possess however, can withstand almost any degree, depends on the magnitude of the flames." He explained. "That concept I understand quite clearly, but why does such am artifact lie within your possession?" Thalia inquired. Tegan turned to her with eyes wide open, as though he did not understand the question the maiden posed at him. "Well, are you not aware? I just have a terrible habit of collecting artifacts." He stated his tone sarcastic. "Well, the little child is not In the wrong for taking the artifact." She muttered. "Especially since it was your decision to Leave such an important item lying around." She concluded. "You can not possibly expect me to stand by as the servants clean my room, and I cannot send them back when that ought to be the route that they are supposed to fulfill." He added. "And besides, keeping them safe is not an option- you do realize that some servants are fond of picking the locks." He elaborated. The damsel bit her lower lip- she had nothing to refute that. "Some people are fortunate though." Thalia sighed. "She picked up the ring, unbeknownst to her what it actually was. But that Same thing was what Saved her life." She added. "But is she aware if it?" Thalia interrogated. "Why of course- revealing it won't cause much harm." He added, before sighing. "I would have had her recalled had it been any random maid, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Who knows what her family does to eke out a living?" He interrogated. Some lifestyles which the Commoners lived was so toxic that it would bring anyone to tears, if they cared to listen. In the face of an overly meager salary, they had no other option but to send their children, the Oldest ones, to learn a trade. And despite the loot that the children may have brought home, it would still not suffice for the family's basic sustenance, depending on the size. "I do not really have much of a concern for that." Diego interrupted. "My main concern Is to how the inferno broke out In the first place- Has the investigation been concluded?" Diego asked. Diane gazed at her husband in shock- she had not the slightest clue that what went on behind the scenes. But still, It would be considered comical if the Raymond household allowed such a catastrophic event to occur without keying in into its origins. "I consider it ironical that a bottle of cooking oil turned out to be the sole cause of such a tragedy." Targen explained. "I do not understand- it is not as though the cooks would willingly turn an entire jar of cooking oil knowing quite well, how flammable It is?" Diego quipped. "Just hold on, for a slight moment." Thalia suddenly exclaimed. "Diane, you do recall those maids that where bickering amongst themselves?" She said, turning to her companion. The damsel nodded. "You speculate that the container may have been knock over in the midst of their fight, is that not so?" Diane questioned. "That is just sheer negligence." Diego mumured. "Targen, is it possible by any chance, that those women survived?" Thalia stared at the latter blankly. Targen on the other hand, shook his head. "They were too close to the site of explosion; they are not superhuman beings, neither do they have any sort of abilities they could possibly use to defend themselves." Targen remarked, as he crossed his legs. Diane frowned slightly. "What about that lady?" She inquired. "What lady?" Diego asked, turning towards her. "The lady who.." She was not allowed to finish her statement, because of the sickliness that arose from her bowels, making her to feel the urge to regurgitate. Simply speaking about it .. The image that suddenly played out before her eyes.. "Diane are you alright?" Thalia called out, in a concerned tone. It was not just her- The other two men also cast worried looks In her direction. "I am alright, no need to fret." Diane assured them. "You must speak about the one who was mummified into a crisp, do you not?" Targen inquired. "I inquired from the little girl- the cook Had gotten to that state, whilst trying to protect herself. Given how it was just the two of them that were yet alive in the kitchen area, the child tried to beckon to her to her direction, but perhaps the cook was of the opinion that the child was demanding for help. So she continued to charge forth- and paid dearly for her selfishness. Perhaps her heart was overwhelmed by fear- she would have observed how the flames did not kindle themselves to the young maiden." Targen admitted. "Targen, something doesn't add up." Diane quipped. "If she was indeed selfish, why would she waste her dying breath to inform me that there was yet a soul inside?" She inquired, gazing at Targen intently. "That Is indeed surprising." Targen muttered, as he thoughtfully places his hand on his chin. From his demanor, Diane assumed that he was not aware of such an information. "The reason I was even capable of achieving such a feat In the first place, was due to that blue halo that surrounded me." Diane said slowly. "It kept the flames of the heat at bay, and also prevented me from getting scorched. Any ideas as to what that was?" Diane inquired, glancing at the two men. "Ah, yes. Your defense mechanism must have kicked in." Targen quipped. Diane tilted her head at him. "Defence.. Mechanism?" She mumured. "Every one who had magic flowing in their core, also has a defense mechanism." Diego explained. "It is akin to a sudden surge of energy when you come to face desperate situations. It also enables you to have a better grasp over your powers." Diego Continued, while clenching his fist. "Which is why your essence was completely drained at the moment I saw you." Targen chimed in. "You.. saw me?" Diane glanced at the latter. "Not Diego?" No wonder she felt slightly uncomfortable when she felt the sensation of someone pulling her close. She had gotten so used to the man touching her with the slightest provocation- grabbing her, holding her, tugging her and the likes. So much so that the touch of Anita man became foreign to her. "Spare Me the appreciation, Diane." Targen began, before he gazed at Diego direction with a smirk. "I am just glad that you were not conscious to witness your husband's barbaric act." Diane turned to him. "Diego? What does he.." She began, but the man Rose to his feet, pulling her with him. "We have attained the answers we sought for. It is hightime we depart." He stated, as he trotted towards the door. He paused, when he felt a restraint. He turned back, only to notice Diane staring at him suspiciously. "What? This is our last day here- so be submissive, unless you want to tour the garden alone." Diego threatened with furrowed eyebrows. "You are the one who is being slow." Diane said with much haste, even taking the initiative to open the door. Targen laughed lightly as soon as the door closed. "Keep playing the fool, Diego."