Citadel - A Tale of Ara [1x1 IC]

[Emperor Nat]

"Do you know where they intend to go?" Nyx asked, placing a finger under Aera's chin and lifting her head so that the eyes of the two elven women were forced to meet. There was something strange about those eyes; many say that the eyes are the window to the soul, and if that was true then the soul of Nyx was a strange thing indeed. For in those eyes Aera saw the most peculiar mix of sadness, anger and sheer determination that she had ever seen; a markedly tortured soul, if ever there was one. And yet 'despair' was not present; despite everything else raging within Nyx's bright green eyes was the faintest glimmer of hope holding back the chaos that threatened to envelop her mind. "Do they intend to come back for you? If so then I can take precautions and, when they do, I can talk to them myself. Please, dear; anything you can do to help me will help your friends just as much."

-----

Ennis mumbled a few slurred words, playing along with Rulitus' charade. The woman frowned at him sympathetically.

"Poor fellow; don't worry chap, we'll get you fixed up in no time." she said, taking Ennis' other arm and slinging it over her shoulder. She was surprisingly strong, able to bear about as much of his weight as Rulitus could. "Where's he sleeping at the moment? One of the inns, or is he a local boy? I think some bed-rest might to him well."

[Carantathraiel]

Aera met her eyes with a mix of confidence in fear, but the emerald orbs that stared back stirred and birthed more fear and unease. She pushed the feelings back and took in a breath, trying. "She was trying to stop the massacre today." Aera said suddenly. "She was trying to stop Caleb. When your guards took her, I called him here for help." Aera swallowed and licked her lips in thought. "He'd be a good asset. He's also a mind manipulator. Imagine having him along your ranks. Any skin contact with him, and he can see memories and emotions, and he can trick your mind into believing anything he wants." She leaned forward onto the table, feeling a little more brave. "If I tell you where he'll be, I want a promise that Ennis and Miranda will be left alone. They were only caught up in this because of me."

-----

Ruli grinned happily at the woman. "Thank you kindly! Look at that, Marc! Drunk off your lard ass and you still attract women!" He grinned over the man's shoulders to wink at the woman. "It must be his pretty eyes." He lifted his hand to the woman. "Name's Dae. I'm visiting with my sister, up in an inn up the street. We'll drop him off in my room, he can sleep it off. How's that sound, friend?"
They stumbled up the road, Ennis keeping his head down while Ruli spilled out graceful small talk about his made up travels.