Chapter 3

"I'll say, if I ever owned an estate on that location, I'd perish from boredom." Kit comments on their target. 

 The estate that's owned by Graf Von Saur stands fairly isolated within Vein with only a dull looking stone bridge that connects to the Capital itself. 

 "Oh yes, and that is a fate that is far worse than being thrown from his home and being savaged by people who despised everything related to the King or Junkers." Aeda's says dryly. 

 "How are we going to get in?"

 Both Aeda and Kit turn in the direction of those shaky words and are cast mild looks of concern to see Dot slumped and nearly dazing out. 

 "With me of course." Aeda reminds her. "You remember?"

 "As I stated before, my human colleague has a strong set of lungs, so naturally, she'll be able to easily bypass whatever security our esteemed host by submerging below." Kit explains. 

 "You lot have the hard part." Aeda muses. "I'm burdening both of you of waiting here, not getting caught, and most importantly, dying from boredom." She flashes an amused look at Kit recalling his recent comment. 

 Kit frowns. "Alas, Aeda, you forgot one more duty I must perform. It's actually my first part of our plan."

 "Oh re- AAGH!" Aeda shrieks as Kit forces her overboard into the water.

 The splash covers a radius large enough to get half the boat wet.

 Dot softly snickers and grins over at Kit who returns the gesture.

 A few seconds pass before Aeda's head springs up, quickly taking in air. And immediately, her mood is unsurprisingly sour. 

 "You… you insufferable idiot!" The human violently shrills. "You unbearable knight-poshing, prick sucking, COCK FACE!" 

 She quickly retaliates by splashes water at them both.

 Both elves fly back to avoid her wrath. Kit could not contain his laughter, while Dot just flinches from the small drops of water splashing her face.

 "Knight-poshing? What in Void's name is she talking about?"

 Kit shrugs. "Well, when rage holds her reins, her words can be creative."

 "More like nonsense." Dot humorously suggests.

 "I. FUCKING LOATHE. BOTH OF YOU!" Aeda spits before diving down below. 

 "You planned everything, did you?" Dot asks.

 Kit shakes his head with a grin "Actually, been pondering of doing that to her for a good laugh." He sighs before resting on the side with his tone becoming more serious. "You going to be alright? You look-"

 Dot waves her hand up. "I meant this whole… scheme! You truly expect her to just swim through undetected, rob this floating ship and fly to Gierrox with no trouble!"

 Kit nervously chuckles, scratching the back of his head. "Well… we are sort of on a tight schedule, so… I'll just make it up as we go."

 Dot expels a breathless growl. "Its sloppy… I can tell something is going to go wrong." 

 "Such a pessimist!"

 Dot casts a gloomy glare and bows head. "I need to rest." 

 As the woman leans against the edge of the boat, Kit breathes sharply through his teeth, casting a worried glance at Dot.

 "Well hopefully we won't have to wait long." Kit says and glares out at the disturbed water. "But I have no doubt Aeda will sneak inside."

 "Can we really trust her?" Dot bleakly murmurs. 

 Kit scowls. "I do."

*

A half a minute passes before Aeda's body quickly adapts to the cold water to the point it's warmer than dry land. 

 It's a feeling that Aeda is not looking forward. 

 Oh grand! Why in Goddess's Plump Arse do I have endured this? Out of our epic trio, I'm the bleeding mule here! And I know those cocks are enjoying this! Hah! Well, they'll have to do better than that! The way I'm accustomed to water, I can practically live here if I had gills. If only that were the case, like in that tale I read once. Though I wonder if I can naturally acquire the ability to breathe below the depths if I keep this up, much like that whimsical author. Should we ever reach Gierrox... I hope ink and parchment are still custom as eccentric constructs. Oh, grand! Here we are! 

 Through Aeda's deep contemplation, she subconsciously guided her way to the submerged support structures keeping Von Graf's estate. Given how his home is relatively close to dry land, Aeda can see that the stone holding everything together is buried underneath the muddy wet earth underwater. She makes a mental look that one half of the side looks slightly uneven, but quickly casts it aside for what must be done. 

 She needs to infiltrate from within undetected and just remembered what Kit instructed her to do next. 

*

"Breaking is the simple part." Kit started off. "For you, I mean. I built up a suffocation tolerance for being in the water, but nowhere impressive as yours. Thankfully, I managed to locate a possible way in. if you can locate circular hole with the appearance of the void itself, you should be able to have no issues entering our host's estate."

 "A circular hole that's dark as the Void itself." Aeda repeated. "Shouldn't I stay away from sights of that description?"

 Kit chuckled. "Relax, it's not going to suck your soul." He told her before he seriously added. "But I have the suspicion that when you enter, visibility is going to be a problem."

 Aeda scoffed. "So, I'm supposed to swim through forbidden entrance that has no lighting what so ever and hope for the best then?"

 "I wouldn't be volunteering you if I thought this was too dangerous." Kit told her. "Besides, if you do manage to get caught, I'm certain Von Saur will be more sympathetic to you than us, because of… well… because of obvious reasons."

 "Well, huzzah for me then." Aeda could not sound any less enthusiastic. 

 "Just so we're clear, it's in your best interest to no betray us, fallen mighty one." Dot reminds her with a snarky sting to her voice.

 "Oh, don't worry. It seems my own loving Aunt finished that race before I even started." Aeda responds with a smug smirk. "Try not to fuck like rabbits while I'm away. Our boat is a prototype after all."

*

Well just my bleeding luck… why do I have to be the one to brave through that thing?

 Aeda easily detects a circular hole that matches the description that Kit mentioned much earlier. 

 And from the way it appears, the unorthodox entrance has an eerie look to it. 

 Please let there be no monstrous fish hiding in there. 

 Swallowing a lump in her throat and knowing that her lungs can't withstand the lack of air forever, Aeda lunges forward into the unknown. 

 Upon entering, Aeda notices a subtle change in the temperature and feels the water rise to lukewarm levels, albeit the water does appear more foggy and less blue. Nonetheless, the lighting from outside provided a dimly lit view for Aeda, but it quickly grows darker with each stroke she takes.

 It's a sight that is causing Aeda to be much more anxious. She's no child that cowers at the dark in fear of monsters or some rubbish, and she knows that. Nonetheless, that feeling is brewing within her.

 Then, Aeda can almost see the darkness pinning up on the walls and feels as if they're closing in on her, planning to trap her in the darkness or threatening to smash her with it. 

 Either one nearly sends Aeda into a panic. 

 She begins to swim faster, desperate to outrace the darkness closing in around here. But with each passing stroke, the light dims faster.

 Aeda can feel the fear starting to take hold of her and muffles a frightened sound affecting her lungs. She is starting to wonder if swimming back out into the Vein is now the best course of action, but as she glances back, all she can see is almost pitch black. 

 Aeda frantically faces her surroundings, now genuinely frightened that she is alone, lost, and now suffering from burning lungs. 

 Out of impulse, Aeda howls out a blubbering scream unsure of what she should do. 

 I don't want to die! Please, please, please! I don't want to die here!

 Aeda's eyes continue to scan for any traces of a path she can follow. At this point, she doesn't care where it leads as long as it guides her out of the dark. 

 But none can be found. Aeda is trapped in the darkness

 Fear finally takes hold of her and through the raw chilling feeling, she screams out a word that is distorted and incomprehensible in this cold aquatic realm.

 "MUUBBLLEEE!"

 And it appears the realm has deadly fangs as well.

 Caught off guard, something strong grips onto Aeda's arm, squeezing it tight and yanking her along. 

 Aeda couldn't scream at this point, her mind draws a blank the second something hooked onto her like a fish being caught on bait. 

 A dim light and violently expelling clear fluids from her mouth are blinding the next thing she remembers next.

 The taste is salty and leaves her throat sore after the vomiting has passed, leaving her threatening to cough up her lungs.

 "Aeda, Aeda!"A girl's voice cries. "You're safe, you're safe. Deep breaths!" 

Aeda, who's still recovering from her underwater misadventure, struggles to make out toe voice calling her name. Still, there is no doubt in her mind that she knows this girl.

 And as her mind clears, it's a voice that she truly welcomes.

 "S-Selise?!" The girl's name escapes Aeda's shuddering lips without thought or restraint.

 Selise offers a gracious smile and warmly embraces the shivering girl. It's a gesture that melted much of the thawing cold frost affecting Aeda's body. 

 The girl Selise, looks like one of those ethereal maidens from humble origins like those children's books she was read to when she was little. With bright blonde hair that can blends with ashen color, piercing turquois eyes, and creamy white skin. Her clothing is not a practical as Aeda but it has a simple charm with her light beige dress with a copper brown interior on the chest. And most of all, Selise and her clothes are dry and warm unlike Aeda. 

 "Shh…" Selise soothes tightening her hold. 

 "I missed you… by the goddess I missed you so much!" Aeda blubbers, sobbing into her breast. 

 "You stupid girl!" She chastises under her breath. "What affliction caused you to undertake such life-threatening idiocy?! Swimming in underwater sewage?! You- If your father were here, he would… yank you from the ear and tan your hide until it's painted crimson!"

 "I know I know I'm sorry… I'm so sorry." Aeda whimpers softly before she forces in a breath. "Hold me please…"

 "No need to repeat, dearest." Selise soothes. "You're safe… shhh… you're safe in my arms."

 While being trapped in Selise's arms, Aeda glances her head up to see a burly looking man short in stature, barely shorter than Aeda, yet displays a burly muscular build. His bright violet hair is short and regimental looking only to have it contrast with the rough stubble across his chin and strong jaw and a few light facial scars. 

 And three more men of similar height and build flank him left and right.

 "Selise…" Aeda starts. "Am I having my first hallucination or are those dwarves with strange gears and tube on them?"

 "Nay Aeda. Those are definitely dwarves." Selise assures her, giggling. "They saved your life."

 "Have they now?" 

 The two girls break away and Selise slowly helps Aeda to her feet.

 "And these strange gears and tubes are our best friends underwater." The dwarf to the far right explains. His voice is more lighthearted and cheerful. "To put it simply, these beauties allow us to breathe underwater."

 "I just wish they're more comfortable 'round the crotch." The one on the far left grumbles in a low gravely voice. "And given how much this thing weighs, it may as well sink me to the bottom."

 "Bite your tongues, you two." The one on the center left sternly orders. Compared to the other two, his voice is rather bland and impatient sounding. "Sir, permission to interrogate the intruder?"

 "Interrogate?!" Selise immediately throws herself between Aeda and the dwarves. "For what? Aeda is no traitor! She is my childhood friend from Chaval! Her own father has answered the call for his majesty, so don't you dare assume Aeda is a traitor, Master Dwarf!"

 "What?!" Aeda is taken off guard from what Selise said. "Since when did this happen?!" 

 "She has a point, Slicer." The lighthearted one backs Selise. "Besides, she couldn't even join those frenzies even if she want to. I mean… the Angarde have an unhealthy habit of brutalizing posh pricks."

 "Oh, grand. Just ignore the girl who nearly drowned here." Aeda murmurs sardonically. 

 "Soo… only way for her to survive was to live among them." The gravely one chuckles before leaning against the edge. "You are a brave one, girl. You having to endure the rough life among the common folk, no glimmering halls and rooms, no servants to draw those nice baths must have been awful. I salute you and your courage."

 "Stow it, Fuzzy!" The first dwarf barks. "Looks like our drill was a success, boys! Lets escort our guest to safety, and we can get this gear off us."

 "You're breaking my heart, Lead." The happy go to dwarf jests. "C'mon, ladies. We going to need to get this one dried up."

 Everyone makes their way up a small set of stairs away from the cloudy water and the rancid stench it's producing. 

 "I take it those are not their real names." Aeda whispers to Selise.

 Selise shakes her head in response. "Fortunately, no. But truth be told, they have never revealed their names. So, I find it easier to call them by those… titles."

 Aeda chuckles. "D-Dwarves are even cuter than I thought."

 Selise gasps at her words. "Aeda!"

 "I'm freezing! Let me jest!" 

 "Hush now. Come now. You must meet von Graf, but I want to have you out of these clothes first."

 "Selise I'm flattered, but such thoughts are very scandalous for a fine lady such as you!"

 Selise's cheeks flush into a rosy red color and stammers before she blurts out words in an actual sentence. "N-no! I-I only… you need to warm up before you catch cold!"

 Aeda sighs knowing that Selise is taking this situation a little too seriously. "Ugh! You're no fun!"

 "I am not?" Selise sounds genuinely offended. "But, you're my friend. I thought we always have fun when we're together?"

 Aeda can't help but let out a frustrated sigh. "We do, Selise… and you should know that I jest a lot."

 Selise face brightens up. "Oh! I'm relieved at that then!" 

 Aeda glances a glare at the girl, but the cold and weariness afflicting her quickly disregards her current thoughts from her mind.

*

Aeda gazes upon herself in the gilded mirror, and her neck length hair dried and cleaned, and adorning a simple white night dress certainly feels refreshing. 

 Still, the stigma of wearing the sort of clothing she's currently wearing remains as Aeda can't help but feel that this is taboo by noble standards. 

 At least it's much more comfortable than those soaking cold threads.

 Now clothed and warm, Aeda breaks contact from the mirror to examine the living quarters she's in. The architecture and structure is no doubt of elegance Royal design, but the furniture, décor, miscellaneous items, and even the drapes are unmistakably Imperium and Dwarven. Aeda couldn't care less about the former but anything Dwarven certainly looks appealing and complex in nature. She wanders the room, ignoring dull looking ornaments of the Imperium and casting curious gazes upon bizarre looking contraptions that are beyond modern. Some Aeda could not make even sense of, like a metal made podium that consists of a big tanned hide belt, but to others, like a majestic water clock, and a beautifully crystalized three dimensional display of what must be a dwarven city inside a half open spherical rocky exterior are clear to identify.

 Aeda carefully scoops the display into her hands to allow herself to catch a better glimpse of the glimmering tiny city. Her mind soon takes over as she imagines herself within the mountains, protected from the outside world, wandering the streets of dwarven civilization, away from all the idiots she has to deal with. 

 To hold this priceless piece in her hand gives Aeda hope for the future. Even if she could never claim residence in a dwarven settlement, just setting foot into that city would a glorious moment to remember.

 "I have some tea for you!" Selise's chirpy voice rattles Aeda out of her fantasy. 

 Aeda gasps, nearly dropping the display before her quick reflexes allow her to quickly catch and firmly grasp it. 

 "Sorry!" Selise sheepishly offers. "I did not mean to startle you."

 "Well, I guess I can dream about dwarven civilization some other time." Aeda says. Her nostrils pick up the tea's scent. "Lavender Royale? "

 Selise smiles and nods offering her the tea with no trouble. "Indeed. Peppermint it is not, but still wonderful nonetheless."

 There is a pause and an inquisitive stare from Aeda, but she soon smiles and accepts Selise's offer.

"My thanks, Selise. Just what I need after a day like this." Aeda says, gently blowing the edges of the cup before sipping it. "Mmm… warms the throat. But… why are you here? Forgive my assumption, but I find it hard to believe you finished your training already."

 Selise admits this with her shaking her head. "I have not. My professor, however, says I have come far in my skills as a healer. And given the events transpiring here at home, I… decide to leave the Monastery to aid His Majesty and His Soldiers."

 Aeda's brows furrow. "As in… get yourself involve in a situation that can degrade into a civil war?"

 "If it comes down to that, yes." Selise firmly answers. "And I am not the only one. Many of the squires and healers have abandoned their training to return home."

 "In the Chaval." Aeda summarizes. "They're gathering there, right? Where my father is."

 "Indeed. Your father has already mustered an army of his own." She answers with a smile. "You must know many boys at the Monastery speak very highly of him. I even tended to some of their wounds and fractures when they dared to break his record."

 "Idiots." Aeda chuckles. "Papa told me that was by accident, and he was extremely lucky."

 Selise giggles. "I recall the story. I even explained the feat to them, hoping they would never attempt it again."

 "And what did they say?"

 "Well, one boy told me, 'I'll just have to make it look like an accident then.'"

 Both girls share a laugh, which, unknown to Aeda, eases the tension she's felt since arriving in Illuire. 

 "Still, I don't see why you're here, Selise." Aeda says with confusion. "Chaval is far from the Capital. What brought you here of all places?"

 Selise solemnly hangs her hand. "Along our voyage, wicked storms caught our ships. The one I was on…" She shudders before continuing. "I… wish to think the Goddess has put me on this path. She must have… given those seeking refuge here."

 Aeda cocks a brow. "What do you mean by that?"

 "If you don't mind, my dear, I would be happy to explain it to you." 

 Both girls, startled by the older voice, glance over to see two new arrivals making themselves known. 

 A scarred bearded man with a welcoming grin accompanied by a striking corn-fed woman snaking an arm around his neck. 

 Aeda feels her barriers rising as there is no doubt that this man is Graf Von Saur. His snow colored hair unkempt and neck length and faint stubble, far from a proper nobleman's standards. His attire consists of a simple black coat with unremarkable silver ornaments, with matching breeches and boots, cutting the image of a charming rogue in his age of twilight than a dull decrepit noble of the Imperium.

 Aeda can't help but wonder how he ever traverses the Imperial Court with such audacious attire.

 The woman on the other hand, is a stark contrast with the Graf. Her long flowing shimmering charcoal hair looks graceful as it also blankets her ears. Her amethyst eyes alone would catch the attention of any scandalous skirt chaser if it were not for something more obvious. Her hair and eyes are a sharp contrast to her ocean blue clothing that sends Aeda's brows climb immensely. To Aeda, it's almost a blend between a small dress with short sleeves or a slightly larger bustier. It is nearly scandalous to say the least! But Aeda can't help but admit that it, and her, have a charm to it.

 If only that's the only eyesight on the woman: Her bosom is a sight that makes Aeda's cheeks flush and she can't help but scorn herself for feeling like some young impulsive man.

 "Deepest apologies for barging in, Lady Lutinisa," The man continues politely, grunting while limping forward with his partner supporting him. "But I feel proper introductions must be in order. Graf Von Saur of the Junuil Imperium at your service!"

 Aeda grinds her teeth beneath her closed mouth. Were it not for her noble upbringing, she would verbally blast the Graf a flurry of insults and spine-chilling threats like any Junker deserves. It's a glorious privilege that she cherished when she was in the streets of the Capital. But here, she's in the presence of a nobleman in his own estate, A Junker nobleman who's taken residence in a proud Royal estate, but a nobleman in his estate, nonetheless.

 "Forgive me, Mien Graf," Aeda masks her disgust with a courteous façade. "But my status was thrown in ruins due to… recent events."

 "Because of the Angarde?" Von Saur correctly guesses. "I've heard. Truly a tragedy, and frightening that their influence spreads beyond the Capital." His faint chuckle is almost akin to reacting to a twisted comedy. "Unfortunately , His Imperial Majesty fails to recognize the true threat of the horde Tierron has brewed." 

Aeda purses her lips. "I have heard... the capital has fallen because of betrayal."

 "No worries. A perfect summarization of them." 

 "Little help, my dear." He whispers to the woman as he's escorted to the rigid looking sofa. "Please, my lady." He invites Aeda, motioning his hand to the identical sofa directly across from him with only flat pyramid table separating the furniture.

 "It's alright, Aeda." Selise gently offers her support.

 With her closest friend by her side, Aeda takes her seat on the sofa and she feels herself comfortably sinking into the furniture. Selise sits properly next to Aeda snickering seeing the relaxed expression on her face. 

 "Again, my apologies." Von Saur says. "My… furniture lacks the… opulent Royal style, but it makes up for it with proper comfort."

 Aeda can't help but feel the Graf indirectly mocked her with that remark. Or at least insulted her Royal roots. But sympathy across his face snuffs away such thoughts. 

 "Not to worry, our bath houses and cuisine are still second to none." Aeda coolly counters.

 Von Saur smirks. "Haha, alas we, so far have failed to indulge ourselves with such honors." He turns to his companion. "Please forgive me, love. I swear to amend this travesty as soon as I am able." 

 "Nothing to forgive, darling." Genuine tone soon turns to more puckish directions as she pulls him in. "Though, I will not deny such an invitation." 

 "Love please!" Von Saur laughs, playfully shuffling in the woman's embrace. "My lady, may I introduce my long beloved companion, Deatruix. My dearest true and always."

 Aeda bites her lip at that the Graf's flirtatious remark. Surely there must be a better way to say wooing things without making her skin crawl. What catches Aeda's attention is she thought she caught Deatruix's cheeks bruising a faint red, like she finds his flattery most welcoming. Clearly his beloved does not mind such awkward lines and even embraces them. 

 "Please to make your acquaintance, Mistress." Aeda greets her before turning to Von Saur. "Forgive my blunt behavior, Mien Graf, but I suspect you're here on a vital matter." 

 Von Saur smirks without appearing offended. "Nothing to forgive, My Lady, but sadly yes." His smile fades. "My… security attachment has voiced their concerns of…" He pauses as if he's hesitant to say it. "You collaborating with the Angarde." He quickly adds. "Please let me finish Selise." 

 Aeda turns to Selise who looks ready to hotly counter Von Saur's accusation.

 "You mean the Dwarves?" Aeda asks. 

 The Graf nods. "Yes. Odd I know to see their kin far from their mountain, but their Order welcomes all no matter their birthright, misdeeds or history. Alas, to safeguard their intents, I cannot say more. Nonetheless, they may be… eccentric, but they're professionals in their trade, and they take my well-being seriously, as well as potential threats." 

 Clever way to return to you baseless accusation, you overdressed prick.

 "So… My Lady. Forgive me, but I must be direct." Von Saur says. "How did you manage to make you way to my estate?"

 Aeda purses her lips, fearing that she would be put in this dangerous situation. Selise lends her support to Aeda by squeezing her hand, but she knows that her backing alone won't be enough for this interrogation. 

 Aeda lets out a weary sigh before she spins her tale.