Chapter 5

The waiting is making Aeda more uneasy as time passes. She doesn't know if it was on impulse, or a hastily formed strategy, or both, but she knows that she just betrayed Kit and Dot to clear herself of any suspicion. 

 And that acknowledgement of her actions hitting her harder than she expected. But she knows there is turning back now. All she can do is wait for the dwarves to return and see what they have to report.

 Or who they bring back.

 "Umm… lets see." Deatriux's melodic voice fills the stale air the room. "Maybe we can play a game to pass the time." 

 Aeda bites her lip not wanting to deal with anyone right now. After her interrogation, Von Saur asked his companion to keep Aeda company, though she can't help but suspect that the Junker left Deatriux here to keep an eye on her. 

 "Perhaps." Aeda maintains her polite façade. "But… I don't see a board or pieces we can use." 

 Deatriux claps her hand together. "Capital then!" She chirps taking a seat on the sofa. "Well, the good news is that we won't need… anything too sophisticated."

 Aeda pops a brow up. "Truly?" 

 "That's right!" Deatriux cheerfully says. "Can you see if there's parchment on the stand over there? Oh, and a pen, too!" 

 Aeda becomes puzzled by Deatriux's request, but she obeys and waltzes over to a rather pristine looking oak half table with sheets of well-aged parchments neatly stocked on top of each other. She delicately collects a sheet, careful to avoid the sharp edges and swipes a pen in the process. 

 Aeda returns to the sofas and is somewhat perplex to find Deatriux resting a small container with a series of tiny little iron pebbles varying in shapes in sizes that she's never seen before. 

 "Yes, that will do!" Deatriux eagerly says. "Here, set the parchment down on the table, let me borrow that pen you have, and we can begin." 

 "You've really piqued my curiosity on what game you have in store for us, Mistress Deatriux." Aeda says taking a seat on the sofa.

 Deatriux chuckles. "Just call me Deatriux, dear. I've been to enough exotic places to discover Mistress has a more… scandalous meaning." 

 "Oh!" Aeda is taken aback. "I-I see… apologies…" 

 Deatriux casually brushes it off. "No worries! I know you were polite. And its not like I don't mind, buuut… still." 

 Aeda decides not to respond and instead studies what Deatriux is doing. She watches as the woman draws a series of crisp straight lines within proximity both diagonally and vertically. Aeda quickly spots a series of small boxes smothered onto the parchment leaving her further confused. 

 "I can tell from your face that you're just wondering what scheme I'm up to." Deatruix says playfully. 

 Aeda nods. "This is all part of your game, correct?"

 "Eh, not really. This is an evaluation of your arithmetic knowledge." 

 "Eh, what?!" Aeda cries out offended.

 But Deatriux's bubbly giggle eases Aeda somewhat.

 "Yes, of course this is for our game." 

 Aeda lets out a shaky sigh, relieved that she will not have to suffer through sluggish mathematics. 

 "You truly have a wicked sense of humor." 

 "Guilty as charge!" Deatruix chirps. "There! That should be enough!" 

 Aeda, still at a loss, remains silent as Deatruix sinks her hand into the cup of metal pebbles, fishing out a handful and setting them on Aeda's side.

 "Alright! That should be enough for both of us." Deatruix says. "Welcome to your first name of Nuts and Bolts!"

 Aeda's brows inch up. "Erm… come again?" 

 "Nuts and Bolts!" Deatriux cheerfully repeats. "It looks rather dull, but the gnomes are anything but!" 

 "P-pardon? Gnomes?" Aeda asks almost in disbelief.

 A frown appears across Deatruix's face. "Is that acceptable?" 

 "Acceptable? Amazing!" Aeda cheers. "To play a game forged by the gnomes. It's a dream come true!" 

 Deatruix smiles. "Well, then let me explain how to play: Your pieces are the nuts and mine are the bolts. Your quest, should you accept, is to plant five of your pieces across this paper, whether they be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal." Mischief soon follows. "That is if I don't prevail first.:

 "And these boxes are where I can set my pieces, right?" Aeda guesses.

 "You catch on quick." Deatruix praises. 

 "Hmm… very simple. Should be a quick and easy game." Aeda tries to hide her disappointment. 

 Deatriux flashes a scheming smirk. "Well, let's give it a try then."

 Aeda nods. "Let the game begin." 

 Thirty seconds pass and the game reach a decisive conclusion. 

 "I win!" Deatriux cheers.

 "Ah, bleeding void…" Aeda curses. "I just needed one more nut." 

 Deatriux let out a quick giggle. "You are allowed to block my pieces, you know. This game is a lot more strategic than just setting pieces in boxes." 

 Aeda slowly nods with a grim look on her face. "This game is not so simple as I thought." 

 "The game is easy. Winning is more difficult." Deatriux counters.

 "Says the one who won a decisive victory." Aeda grumbles. 

 Deatriux snickers and clears the pieces off the paper. "Well, let's give it another go! Show me what sort of scheme you have brewing!" 

 Aeda smirks thinking her competitor's choice of words are a little creative. "A commander never reveals his schemes to the enemy." 

 Deatriux raises a brow but her smile does not falter. "Strong words there, my lady. Hopefully that outlook changes after a few more exciting games." 

 "Friends with a Junker, eh?" Aeda murmurs quietly. "Looks like I stumbled across a Pegasus." 

 "You say something?" Deatruix curiously asks.

 Aeda shakes her head. "Just wondering aloud. And address me as you would anyone else you casually come across." 

 "Aeda then? Very modest of you given… well…"

 "Nobility I am no longer." Aeda strains her reminder before adding. "And given everything that's transpired, that's been my saving grace." 

 "So it is…" Deatriux's tone softens. 

 Aeda glares at her thinking her opponent is contemplating on how to proceed with that topic but with a quiet sigh, it seems she dismisses it and flashes Aeda her trademark toothy grin.

 "Your move." Deatriux offers. 

 Aeda merely nods and studies the paper before setting her first piece on the middle tile. 

 The two would trade a few carefully made moves before the atmosphere becomes lively from Deatriux's vivid interjection. 

 "Soo… forgive me for assuming, but… you hail from the Chaval, right?" Deatriux assumes. "More so… the northern coast?"

 Aeda nearly drops her piece and shoots her head up, a little alarmed from that specific information. "What made you come to that conclusion?" 

 "Your accent of course!" Deatruix chirps. "It's a smooth blend of other dialects, and not the Royal tongue other nations… umm… well…" 

 Aeda raises a brow. "Yes?" 

 "Well… other nations assume your kin speaks in the Royal tongue, I mean." 

 Aeda stares at her intently before chuckling. "I know amany that would vehemently prove them wrong." Her expression is more thoughtful now. "Just a reminder, Deautrix: people in Chaval don't look fondly to those with Royal dialect. And those here in the Cyndin have mutual feelings with those having a 'Northern' tongue." Aeda breathes 'Northern' with a hint of bitter emphasis. 

"Ah! My thanks for your knowledge!" Deatriux does not seem intimidated or flustered. 

 Aeda remains silent as she places her piece before asking, "Have you been to the Chaval?" 

 "Only to Caunt." Deatriux answers. "I was eager to see more of the realm, but I dare stray far from port or my dear. So, whilst my dearest was... preoccupied, I had the honor of basking in the city and it's wonders." She pauses with a smile, like she's contemplating something pleasant. "And did I truly treat myself to some delicious crab meat at this fine establishment." A playful finger crosses her curved lips. "Tell not a soul, I prefer my dearest not to discover my scandal."

 Aeda's mouth drops before her gaze turns lukewarm. "That's the Pearl." 

 "The Sublime Pearl." Deatruix specifies. "To be frank, I thought cuisine here was just all bark and no bite. But after a delicious supper, I learned that the legends are true."

 Aeda smiles from the praise. "When it comes to fine dining, never underestimate my countrymen." She continues. "Does Master Vierun still reign?

 "Well… I did see a rather burly man with a rugged exterior running around barking orders."

 "Focused gaze? Modest but well dressed? Occasional colorful shouts to his servants?"

 "Yes, indeed! That's him?" 

 Aeda nods. "One and the same. Every time we had business in the city, my father would always make sure to treat me to the Pearl. Master Vieron would see to us right away, and I would ask for his renown crab meat."

 "Always?" Deatriux asks.

 "Always." Aeda affirms. "And while we waited, my father and I would pass the time with a game."

 Wait… why am I telling her about this? And yet, to lay my cards before her feels balms a relief from my shoulders.

 "What's this? The stern but fair Lord Lutinisa himself playing childish games? Such a scandal!" 

 "Truly a tragedy…" Aeda dryly mutters. 

 "Oh, nice move!" Deatruix praises. "You're a quick learner!" 

 Aeda huffs with pride feeling herself finally having the chance to seal victory in her second try of…

 "Five in a row. I win again!" 

 "W-what?! I blocked you!"

 Deatruix traces her finger across her line of five pieces. "I had this opening here!"

 Aeda throws her arms up. "Brilliant."

 "Don't get discouraged. Like I said: Winning is difficult to master." Deatruix gently reminds her. 

 "Another round, then." Aeda demands in a strained voice. "I like my odds this time."

 "We shall see" Deatruix's sing-song voice playfully teases. 

 With their pieces withdrawn and set, Deatruix is kind enough to allow Aeda to make her first move.

 "So… forgive my presumption, but… aren't you from Kristallo?"

 Deatruix's eyes grow to the size of saucers. "What makes you say that?"

 "Your accent." Aeda explains. "The vowels in your speech are shorten. That's common in Kristallo, and some regions of the Imperium. At least that's what I've remember from my studies."

 "Yes! That's right!" Deatruix beams. "Well, since you're a bright girl, maybe you can narrow down what sort of dialect my dearest is blessed with"

 Aeda contemplates her question but shakes her head after a quick thought. "Seems he'd color me oblivious. I can't make an accurate guess where he's from, but I can speculate where he's been."

 "Meaning?"

 "His speech is… mixed. Like mine, I supposed, but mine is more stylish, obviously. From my studies, Junkers with mixed tongues likely spent much time in the Protectorate. And from what I recall from earlier, the Graf's dwarves hail from there, so it's likely he spent a great deal down there."

 Deatruix lets out a disappointed sigh. "Shame… I was hoping I would have some idea where he's from." Her face illuminates with realization. "Wait… are you saying you study tongues and speech patterns of other realms?"

 "W-well!" Aeda stammers averting her gaze to the board. "It's an… interesting subject!"

 Deatruix giggles "You really are a peculiar child." 

 "That's a rather bold claim for someone like me."

 "Oh? But you said that you are no longer of the nobility, right?"

 Aeda sighs knowing full well she did say that. "True…" She grits through her teeth.

 Deatruix smirks. "Well… now that I think about it, you're definitely no child that's for sure."

 "I'm am fifteen years of age, and a constant disappointment to my dear Aunt Corday. So, yes, you're right." 

 "Ahh yes... Corday." 

 "I take it you're well acquainted with her?" Aeda asks.

 "We are." Deautriux answers. "She's… very prim and proper. From her poise to her…" She curves a smug smirk. "Posh tongue. Honestly, I do worry for the poor girl." 

 "Sadly, my Aunt doesn't qualify as a girl. She's nearly 40 years of age." 

 "Oh, really? Well, that's a relief. I always thought she that was twenty years younger who lost who youthlike outlook because all the scowling she gives everyone." 

 Aeda nearly chokes on her own spit due to her reflexes going awry thinking that remark was shockingly cold. 

 "Are you alright?" Deautriux casually asks, though not without concern. 

 "I'm…" She coughs as she tries to recover. "I wanted to laugh, but my body decided that I should gag instead. Was… was that an insult?" 

 "An insult? Never! If anything, Aeda, I think I'm insulted." Her feign shock and amused smirk say otherwise. "There's nothing wrong about caring for others, right? I mean, sure, she walks like her corset tugging her too tight on her bits, but she does it with such poise and grace." She lets out a sigh.

 Impulse takes over and Aeda's ribs and throat could not withstand the loud outburst of her laughing. 

 "Oooh, my bleeding void!" Aeda manages to breath out before appearing in a calmer state. "Alright, that… that has to be the cleverest way to deliver an insult." 

 "Well, I always think that wit cuts deeper than just screaming out in impulse." 

 "Indeed. Something I'm eager to master. Especially when it comes to that prig."

 Deautrix frowns. "Not very fond of your aunt I take it?"

 Aeda shakes her head. "It's… a foolish reason. Pitiful at that. Regardless, I was placed with the burden of her traveling with me out of the Capital but…" Aeda purses her lips. "Is she really staying to support His Majesty's restoration?"

 Deautrix pauses but answers with a sad nod. "She never even mentioned plans of escaping the Capital. Or that she… traveled with company."

 Aeda looks visibly annoyed. "I don't know what's worse… My father entrusted my Aunt to carry us to safety, or that he lied to me as well." 

 Deatruix stays silent feeling there is nothing to say to that. 

 Both of them continue their game without even making a peep, and as the game expanded to the outer edges of the paper, Aeda is the first to speak.

 "Simple, yet has an elegance to it. Gnomes really are fascinating." 

 Deatruix finds her smile again. "You seem fond of the gnomes." 

 Aeda glances at her with wide eyes. "Uhh… that's a little forward." 

 "No! Oh, no! What I meant was that you're really…" Deatruix stops herself and casts a glare at Aeda when she sees the girl snickering. "You truly have a wicked sense of humor." 

 "'Tis the company I keep." Aeda states proudly before explaining, "And yes. Gnomes intrigued me, more so than dwarves I dare say. I hear their city of Gierrox is a wondrous city with… constructs and structures that are unlike anything. Stories of flying balloons flying around the city, illuminations in the streets and within the city structures, and…" Aeda hangs her head remembering the whole reason why she's here. "And the…" She struggles to remember the word which causes her frustration. "Sin… cinnamon… na na…"

 "Cinema?" Deatruix offers her assistance to the word. 

 "That's the word!" Aeda feels some sense of pride that she was close enough to pronounce it. "I can't help but confuse it with cinnamon, silly as it sounds." 

 Deatruix shakes her head. "Not at all, but I'll never get that comparison out of my head now."

 Aeda chuckles before her spirit dim. "But I can't help but think that I'll not have the chance to show up on time for the grand opening." 

 "That's where you want to go, is it?" Deatruix guesses.

 Aeda gasps feeling completely off guard. "How did you… I never told you about…" 

 Deatruix giggles. "I only ask if that's where you wanted to go. I never assumed that you actually had other plans." 

 Aeda growls feeling outsmarted. "Bleeding Frickin' Void…." She sucks her lips in and keeps quiet fearing that confessing her true intentions will only grind her scheme to a halt.

 "Peace…" Deatruix starts softly. "This is no interrogation. I'm really curious."

 Aeda sighs but plans her words carefully. "I suppose 'tis no secret then. Gierrox is a city I… would really love to reside in. The wonders alone from that city make it thrilling, and…" Aeda cranes her head. "I would really love to see that Cinema. To think those gnomes created a theatre with drawings making motions, it sounds enchanting." 

 Deatruix curves a sad smile. "And your family? You wouldn't want to be by their side through this chaos?"

 Aeda lets out a bitter chuckle. "My father is desperate to save a kingdom that's hopeless and my aunt is collaborating with some…" She pauses, biting her lip before speaking again in a softer tone. "With the Graf. So, I feel they won't be so distraught about me not being by their side." She then sighs sadly. "I shouldn't speak with disdain of my father."

 "I didn't say anything." Deatruix assures her.

 Aeda ponders her move on the paper and sets her piece before speaking. "As you can assume from earlier, my father is a great man, and a better father. But… our noble lineage was lacking even before the Angarde."

 "Oh?" Deatruix looks surprised. "From what I heard, he's quite popular with his people."

 "That factor has not change." Aeda tells her. "But so does our family's status in Court. Recently, my father must have earned a few wrinkles from all the work he's done to serve both His Majesty and the people. And now with the Angarde…" Aeda bows her head. "I'm rather amazed he's still committed to king and country." 

 "But he still made time for you, right?" Deatruix says softly. 

 Aeda is taken aback by that question, as if she's not used to those sorts of questions. 

 She frowns and shrugs. "He certainly tried… I suppose the problem is… I didn't." 

 Deatruix cocks her head to the side not expecting that sort of answer. 

 With another heavy silence filling the air, Aeda devotes all her attention back to the game and sees that the parchment is nearly filled with both pieces. There is hardly spaces for her to manuever, but after a thorough scan, she observes a chance to win the game.

 It's a move that is much of a chance as it is a risk. If she remains on the defensive, she can successfully deny Deatriux victory, but likely deny her victory as well. But if she risks this move, she'll have a path to victory, but as long as Deatriux does not beat her to it.

 With her choice final, Aeda selects a bolt from her dwindling reserves and is about to set her piece on the parchment.

 Three soft knocks make themselves known alerting both players that they have a visitor.

 "Come in!" Deatruix calls out.

 A click and a creak follow as the door slowly opens. A modest but well-dressed elf with cropped hair steps into the room and greets the two with a curt bow.

 "Deepest apologies, Lady Lutinisa, but Mien Graf desires your presence."

 Aeda can feel something is off. "Is something the matter?" She decides to be direct.

 Her question seems to visibly shaken the elf. "M-my lady?"

 "You look like you're about to keel over. Are you well?" She asks somewhat callously. "Well come, man! Find your tongue!"

 Deatruix casts a hard glare at the girl but quickly averts over to the servant with concern. "Don't mind her, Jix. She's a bit grumpy, but she means well."

 Aeda scowls but a sharp bite of her tongue suppresses any harsh retort. Deatruix means well, after all.

 "Of course, Deatruix." The elf known as Jix bows his head. "Like I said, Mien Graf requests your presence, and, if I may, I'm to escort you to him." 

 Aeda sighs. "Wonderful… leave to a Junker to ruin a good game." She lowly grumbles.

 "Pardon, my lady?" Jix asks. 

 Aeda shakes her head. "Nothing. Let's get a move on then." 

 "Right behind you!" Deatruix chirps. 

 "Uhh… Lady Deatruix… Mien Graf asked for Lady Lutinisa only." Jix meekly informs.

 "Aww.... you mean to tell me that my dearest Birdie doesn't want my company?" Deatruix pouts, her face displaying the widest sad eyes that look so staged but so adorable.

 Aeda has to look away to hide her stifling her laugh.

 "U-umm…" Jix is completely at a lost. 

 "Jix, dear, you know that my lovely companion always adores my company, so no need to worry." Deatruix sweetly tells him. "I'll even put in a good word for you."

 No wonder Von Saur keeps her around. 

 Jix keeps silent but his rosy cheeks and the subtle nod is a sign that Deatruix is accompanying Aeda. Not that she minds.

 She may be a bit of a ditz, but It's safe to assume that it's all a clever masquerade. 

 Although reluctant to leave behind a simple yet thrilling game, even tempted to rig the game to her advantage, Aeda is the first to depart the room with Deatruix not far behind her. 

 Jix leads across a narrow corridor that towers above the main hall with opulent marble floors, and colorful coated stairs that are distinctly of Lilum design. It's a shame that that beauty is diminished by dull Imperium miscellaneous items and furniture, much to Aeda's dismay. 

 At least the Graf has the decency to turn the first floor into a makeshift infirmary for all those who were victimized by the Angarde. From poshers to commoners, all are seeking shelter here. 

 From a nun gently brushing a small cut from a man's head with a wash cloth, to a rugged bearded man and small girl weeping as a young man is covered by a blanket, it is a sight that makes Aeda's heart sink.

 Thankfully, Deatruix's gentle ushering brings Aeda back to the present and she presses on keeping her eyes on the elven escort.

 From across a neighboring corridor, Aeda nearly freezes in her tracks as she catches the dwarves from earlier, hauling familiar faces to fates unknown.

 Relief balms Aeda's soul knowing that Kit is in no state to appear shock or betrayed. Still, she is not looking forward to their awkward reunion. 

 What's done is done and she still has plans and she feels she has the will to see them through. 

 Jix stops in front of a gilded door with golden tree vines sprawling across the surface with two mucky but intimidating guards who adorn no ornaments to distinguish between Royal or Imperial blood, nor do their grim visages harbor suspicion or ill-will towards the elf and the troupe accompanying him.

Jix does not make eye contact and with three clear knocks, he creaks the door open and slips his head through. Aeda can hear muttering but could not make out what either Jix is saying. After a few seconds, Jix pulls his head out of the door and nods pushing it fully open allowing both Aeda and Deatruix in. 

 Aeda is the first to enter and she's initially overwhelmed by how much company she's witnessing. 

 To say that it is a room does no justice given the size and what it stocks: rather than it is a modest study home to thousands of books that look untouched and dusty. However, Aeda quickly notices what some shelves have empty gaps in them as if sections of books have been discarded and never placed back in their designated spot. 

 Has it always been like this, or did Von Saur disturbed these shelves? 

 "My Lady!" Von Saur's voice joyfully calls out. 

 Aeda watches as the Graf himself approaches her with an extended arm and a elated smile.

 "Welcome, welcome!" He warmly offers motioning his arm to join him and his colleagues. "Please!" 

 Aeda is ushered forward towards into the Von's regal following, some of them look familiar mostly through reputation, but one of them through obnoxious experience. 

 And out of all the places she has to be nestled into, it has to be next to her Aunt.

 True to Deatruix's witty words from earlier, Corday carries herself with high poise and prestige, but perhaps too much for Aeda's liking. Tall and fairly young looking, Corday dresses herself in a glimmering cyan dress that appears too pure to ever be seen outside these walls. Her round face houses her plump lips, tightly knit bun, and haughty ice blue eyes that have a glare of superiority that can make Aeda's skin crawl. 

 Aeda purses her lips and shakes her head and does not even make eye contact with her although she can feel Corday just staring at her and she grows more agitated with each passing second.

 "Hope you don't mind if I take a seat, Birdie!" Deatruix's elocuted voice rings out as she strolls forward and claims a spot between Aeda and Corday. "Pardon me, Corday! You're such a doll!" 

 Aeda, caught off guard, turns to see that Deatruix is now flanking her and no longer Corday. Aeda's mouth slightly drops and barely curves into a gape smile.

 Deatruix responds with a grin and a quick wink. Aeda is initially taken aback thinking that Von Saur's mistress has some rather scandalous thoughts, but Aeda registers the wink and saw there was nothing alluring or suggestive about it, rather its friendly and good natured. Aeda responds with a gracious nod feeling indebted to Deatruix for sparing her from Corday's unbearable aura. 

 No longer distracted by her Aunt's presence, Aeda takes this moment to view who else is in this circle of conspirators. There are a few lords and ladies that scowl at Aeda but say nothing, and Aeda bravely returns the gesture. 

 My family name certainly has a reputation within this valley.

 But as her eyes capture every avaricious schemer in this group, one particular man stands out. It's a man that makes Aeda's heart nearly skip a beat, a man deeply hated in his own city and throughout the kingdom, its none other than the prince himself!

A young man opulently decorated with the finest pristine clothes fit for the Royal bloodline. Aeda simply wishes his unremarkable aura would not drain would should be a prestigious heir. Regardless, his highness withdrawn and reserve leaves Aeda's nose and lips with a subtle strain that she has no intention of loosening.

Especially since the distinguishable company the young man keeps. The man towering over the young prince cannot be a sharper contrast. Since when do simple men of the cloth command and bridle such fiery presence? 

 Still, protocol dictates proper greetings. Aeda greets her highness with curtly and fittingly, thankful that her seat spares her from bowing before the prince and the one flanking him.

If only his majesty was here and not trapped far off in a mad-afflicted capital. If only her heart is not so troubled by future's crossroad, her mind can think more clearly.

 As the Graf takes his seat and views his circle of allies, he nods slowly and rests his hands atop the table's visage.

 Aeda remembers reading about secret meetings like these in those books she read. About how a group from the shadows is plotting to overthrow a tyrant, usurper, heretic, or some undesirable ruler. For her to be at the center of one leaf an unsettling tightness in her chest.

 She definitely prefers tending these sorts of meetings in her books.

"Allow me to begin with this: Beneath the masks and décor of all partaking in our talks, I know there are many who wish to see me put to the stake while my soul slowly drains away from my flesh, because of me being a Junker." Von Saur pauses, savoring the touch of Deatriux's gentle hand upon his. "Frankly, I do not blame any of you. And I am grimly aware that my words of goodwill for both our realms will be barren. Pointless. So, I beg all of you, lend this junker, old and worn your ear, and hopefully your fellowship against the threat to our Sovereign Age.

On second thought, Aeda might find this more intriguing than any book she has indulged in.