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Blood's Jewels (Closed)

Vaclav Domonkos

Ashkevron Residence in Askavi:

Artemis smiled, blushing at Fatima’s complement. “I think so too…and maybe some calming tea for everyone else.” She held back an eye roll as Belar corrected how Mikhail should address Fatima. Yes, she understood the importance of properly addressing people, but it was clear, at least to her, that Fatima wanted to create a friendly atmosphere and was not too concern with proper titles.

She followed behind Fatima and Mikhail as they made their way back to the kitchen. “Of course I’m coming” Artemis’s stomach grumbled at the mention of food. While she had had a quick bite before leaving the inn in the morning, she had not had any food since. The plate of pancakes she left in the kitchen sounded good about now.

Although Artemis wanted to start her breakfast when she got back to the kitchen, she also wanted to start on the restorative brew. Who knew when Fatima would wake up. “Where’s the kettle?” she asked Fatima. “We should get some water boiling.”

Artemis Fleur

Ashkevron Residence in Askavi:

Vaclav nodded at the answer, pretending to understand. He sensed that there was more to the story but Denar seemed tight-lipped about it and he did not want to press. Wasn’t the Lady Ashkevron a healer? If their mother needed a Healer, why not keep her here? Why let her stay at the inn? While he had all these questions, Vaclav didn’t voice them. Rather he sat in comfortable silence as he ate his breakfast.

He visibly relaxed when Artemis walked back into the kitchen. He wasn’t necessarily worried when she was gone, but he kind of was. It was just better if he could keep his friend with in eyesight when they were in an unfamiliar place. Despite being relaxed for a solid minute, he tensed back up when he heard another Eyrien voice. Christ, how many people lived at this house.

Sitting back in his chair, trying to act nonchalant, Vaclav quietly sipped on his coffee. Friends huh, he thought about how Fatima had introduced Artemis and Mikhail. He never knew friends could be made that quickly, especially not in this day.

Blood's Jewels (Closed)

Artemis Fleur

Ashkevron Residence in Askavi:

Before waiting for a response Artemis went ahead and slowly came up to the Black Widow. She tried hiding her nervousness as much as she could to not spook Belor. He was blocking the exit and she doubted anyone would leave this room alive if they provoked him into thinking they were going to harm to Faeril. The tension was bad enough when the Warlord Prince was on the killing edge in the kitchen; she did not want to provoke that atmosphere again.

Artemis glanced at the feinted Black Widow, frowning. She looked pale from exhaustion and after checking her pulse, Artemis found it slower than it should be. On further examination, Artemis figured there wasn’t much to be done in terms of healing. Sure she could heal injuries and sicknesses but this was just exhaustion. They should let the Black Widow rest and when she woke up, make her some tea or something. “We should just let her rest,” Artemis suggested. “She needs some food and water when wakes up.”

Vaclav Domonkos

Ashkevron Residence in Askavi:

Vaclav was not fooled into believing that the other Eyrien stayed in the kitchen because he wanted to be hospitable. He was keenly aware of being watched as he rinsed the soot off the pan and washed it before it was ruined. After he finished, Vaclav poured himself another coffee, adding in some cream and sugar after.

He sat back down and began eating the food Fatima had made. The pancakes were simply delicious as Vaclav was quite hungry from the trip here while the coffee helped to keep his energy up. As he ate, he also glanced over at the other Warlord Prince, sizing him up. Eventually though, Vaclav got tired of the silence. “So tell me, how did your mother end up at a small inn in western Askavi?”

He belatedly wondered how the other were doing. There seemed to not be any commotion coming from the other part of the house that they wander towards, so he assumed that Belor had confirmed that the Black Widow had simply passed out from exhaustion. If not, Vaclav was ready to dash out of this kitchen to get Artemis.

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Blood's Jewels (Closed)

Artemis Fleur

Ashkevron Residence in Askavi:

Artemis could feel the tension in the room increase as another male entered the room. Clearly, he was a stranger to the two Warlord Princes who viscerally took defensive positions upon hearing him speak. She could not help but instinctively move closer to Vaclav as a result of their actions, in case anything was to happen. Artemis could sense as the two Eyriens rose close to a killing edge and while she wanted to caste a calming spell to quell the palpable tension, she refrained. She herself didn’t like it when those she did not know caste spells in her house and she assumed that whomever this Faeril was the same. Also, she did not want to tip the precarious balance in the room by using any magic.

With the room in such an antagonistic state, Artemis hoped that Fatima would stop cooking to address it since it seemed like the warriors still had a modicum amount of control to wait for a decision from her as to how to proceed. When the Queen finally did turn around, the words she spoke were not at all what Artemis was expecting. Nonetheless, Artemis breathed a sigh of relief as Fatima diffused the situation.

The woman did have a point. Being a healer herself, Artemis understood how much energy it took to heal others. If Faeril was working herself too hard, then it wouldn’t surprise Artemis that the black widow had feinted. Artemis had had dizzy spells after healing for too long, but Vaclav would always stop her before she could completely pass out from exhaustion.

When Fatima asked the stranger to lead her to the healer, Artemis got up to follow, avoiding Vaclav’s hand as he went to stop her. She wanted to meet this woman, whom Vaclav briefly spoke about, as well as see if she could be of any help. Upon entering the room, Artemis looked around, intrigued by the healing room before laying her eyes on the unconscious healer. “I can help if you would like…” she said hesitantly to Fatima as she watched the Queen heal.

Vaclav Domonkos

Ashkevron Residence in Askavi:

Vaclav was beginning to relax in his seat until a new person entered the room. He glanced at the stranger’s appearance. He was tall with light skin and blue eyes which made Vaclav wonder where he was from. His first thought was the man could be a Challiot but his pointed ears made Vaclav wonder if he was a Dea al Mon, “children of the woods” as they were called.

He would have love to continue his analysis, but the newcomer’s words seemed to alarm the two Eyriens enough that they were quickly rising to a killing edge. Anxious, Vaclav slid his hand towards his dagger, anticipating the worst. He sat up a bit straighter, eyes darting back and forth between the three men, especially the one who was covering the exit out of the kitchen. Thankfully, it seemed like the Eyriens were waiting for Fatima before reacting.

When Fatima turned around to address the situation, Vaclav had to hold in a smile as she scolded the two for overreacting to the news that the Black Widow would be tired after extensively healing people. After being with Artemis for so long, he had witness a few of these feinting spells himself, despite trying to stop his friend from healing before she could reach that point.

Vaclav then thought back to the first sentence the Queen had uttered: "He is mine and he will speak to me as he likes until I say it is wrong," It quite surprised him when Fatima said those words since that was not what he was expecting her to say to diffuse the situation. It confused him even more as to what the relationships in this house were. Lost in thought, Vaclav failed to notice Artemis getting up from where she sat to follow the group. When he did notice the movement out of the corner of his eye, he tried to stop her to no avail.

Sighing, Vaclav abstained from following her, feeling that his presence might cause another scene. Instead, he stood to pick up the skillet housing the now burnt pancake. Vaclav dumped the pancake into the trash; its smell was making his nose crinkle.

Blood's Jewels (Closed)

Vaclav Domonkos & Artemis Fleur

Ashkevron Residence in Askavi:

Vaclav tensed further when another warlord prince showed up at the doorstep, warblade in one hand. Despite the Eyrien not showing any hostilities towards Artemis or him, Vaclav did not enjoy being outnumbered in case anything were to happen. “Out pleasure,” he responded. “I’m glad she could come home safely.” He silently worndered who this Faeril was as the prince talked to the woman who opened the door for him. Was she the keeper of the house- the true black widow who was rumored to reside here?

So who was the person who opened the door? Vaclav assessed Fatima further, eyes glazing at her without trying to stare. He felt a strange pull to her, telling him to accept her offer of breakfast. However, despite his curiosity, Vaclav needed to move along so he could get Artemis safe. He didn’t mind doing a favor, but they already had wasted the morning away. “Thank you for the offer-"

As he was ready to excuse himself, Artemis cut him off. “We would love to join for coffee and dinner.” She could tell that Vaclav wanted to leave and go off to wherever was safe, but she didn’t think that a quick break would do them any harm. The woman who greeted them at the door seemed friendly enough. She was also sure that despite how intimidating the two warlord princes looked, they would did not mean any harm. She also felt it rude for them to turn down an offer.

Vaclav met her eyes as she cut him off, surprise. Artemis smile back at him and simply shook his head. Even though they didn’t have any verbal conversation, the two knew each other well enough to understand what each did not want to say in front of strangers. Vaclav's raised eyebrow inquired Artemis about her decision while her head shake told him that she felt that there was no detriment to them staying for a bit. When his eyes narrowed with reluctance, Artemis grabbed his arm and pulled him to the door.

This led to Vaclav rolling his eyes, acquiescing to his friend’s decision. He didn’t want to argue with Artemis and would seem rude when she already agreed to breakfast so he followed her as the two were led into the kitchen, sitting down next to her.

Blood's Jewels (Closed)

Vaclav Domonkos

Ashkevron Residence in Askavi:

Vaclav bowed before the woman who opened the door while simultaneously looking her over. He wondered who this was person was since this was not who he had envisioned would open the door. Her short stature and winglessness led him to assume she wasn’t the rumoured infamous black widow who resided in at house. But then who was she and why was she allowed to open the door?

However, despite his questions, Vaclav couldn’t help but smile back. “We were just stopping by. The innkeeper asked us to escort ‘Granmother’ ” he nodded to the old broken witch standing next to Artemis, “to this location.” He was about to further explain himself when a Warlord Prince appeared at the door and pushed him aside upon seeing the old Eyrien.

Vaclav raised his eyebrow as the Warlord Prince spun the woman around, exclaiming that she was his mother. This was also not what he was expecting to happen either; he had assume the woman was related to the Black Widow somehow not a Warlord Prince residing at this location. Nonetheless, he was happy that they were once reunited.
“She’s been eating well.” Vaclav responded for the old Eyrien. He tried to keep his tone even, sensing the tension in the air. “We were tasked to bring her here.”

Artemis Fleur

Ashkevron Residence in Askavi:

Artemis smiled warmly at the old Eyrien woman. Throughout their trip, she was listening to the old woman speak mumblings and tried to reply appropriately, feeling like the old woman hadn’t spoken to anyone in a while. Leading the Eyrien up the final steps of stairs, Artemis waited next to her for the door to open.

When the door did eventually open, Artemis smiled at the woman. Although she was expecting another Eyrien to open the door, Artemis could appreciate the warm demeanor that the short woman exuded. However, like Vaclav, she was not expecting to be pushed out of the way by a Warlord Prince as he made his way towards his mother. It made her smile, but also worrisome when the Prince turned to her and Vaclav in a defensive manner. She remained silent though, trusting her friend to clarify things.

Blood's Jewels (Closed)

Vaclav Domonkos & Artemis Fleur

Ashkevron Residence in Askavi:

Artemis barely remembered hitting her head on the pillow last night. Maybe she was more tired than she thought. However, before the morning rays had a chance to peak through the curtains, Artemis rose, her body used to waking up early to tend to her garden. She glanced over at Vaclav, who was still snoring. Though she knew, he would have wanted her to wake him up, she let him sleep for a bit longer.

Peering past the curtain, Artemis watch the sun rise over the Askavi mountains. Its rays turning the sky different shades of warmth from the rich purples to the honey oranges. She watched as the town woke up, thinking of the similarities it held to Dena Nehele. Hopefully the boys she met last night made it home and found their family to be safe.

After watching the sun rise for a while, Artemis turned to wake Vaclav up before getting ready for the day.

Vaclav grunted as he felt Artemis shaking him awake. He gave himself one more minute underneath the cover before rising from the bed and stretching. Unlike his best friend, he had never been a morning person. If it wasn’t for his duties, he would stay asleep until mid-afternoon.

As he got ready for the day, Vaclav tucked his offering jewel in his shirt, opting to wear his birthright jewel instead. “Come down when you’re ready.” He swung his [ack over his shoulder and went down stairs for a quick breakfast before they headed off.

After both Vaclav and Artemis were ready, they went to get Grandma. Letting Artemis help her walk were necessary. Vaclav led the way. It took longer than anticipated especially going up the mountain but they eventually made it to the small home on the side of the mountain. He let everyone rest a bit before going up to knock on the door.

Blood's Jewels (Closed)

Vaclav Domonkos & Artemis Fleur

Inn in Askavi:

Vaclav narrowed his eyes at the husband’s answer. Ashkevron Residence, huh, he thought to himself. If the rumors were true, there was a powerful healer and black widow residing there. However, Vaclav didn’t understand why the innkeeper would want him to take the old Eyrien there. He doubted that even the widow could heal a broken mind of an old woman stripped of her jewels.

Deciding not to give it anymore thought- he was tired and the innkeep was clearly not in any mood to talk further- he took a sip from one of the tankards of ale bequeath to him as he walked over to where Artemis sat. His pace quickening as he noticed her stiffening at something the old woman said.

Artemis glanced down at the woman’s hand touching her and frowned. Maybe she was just tired and reading too much into old Eyrien’s words, but they reminded her of Black Widows and the webs that they weaved. She thought of how Dorothea had changed the public view of Widows so most of them couldn’t practice their craft without public persecution.

A light tap on the shoulder brought Artemis out of her revere. She looked up to see Vaclav smiling at her with worried eyes.

“Everything alright?” he asked to which she shook her head.

“Just tired.” Artemis could see that he didn’t believe her but rather than pressing, he changed the topic instead.

“We’ve got a room for the night but we’re taking Grandmother to the Ashkevron Residence as a favor.”

Artemis raised her eyebrow. “And what deal did you get out of that?” She knew her friend would not have agreed had it benefited him somehow.

Vaclav rolled his eyes. “A good one. Let’s go to bed. I want to leave early in the morning.”

At the mention of sleep, Artemis couldn’t help but yawn. She stood up and follow Vaclav to their room, hoping for a good night’s rest.

Blood's Jewels (Closed)

Vaclav Domonkos

Inn in Askavi

Vaclav turned to look at the old woman the husband spoke of assessing the situation. They were headed in that direction anyways and if the innkeeper was willing to slash the price of the room in half, he honestly didn’t have a problem with it. He could tell that the old Eyrien woman was a broken witch, stripped of her jewels, so he doubted she could pose any trouble. Once he got a good night’s rest, he could take her to where the husband desired.

Looking around at the rest of the tavern’s inhabitants, Vaclav agreed with the innkeeper’s assessment of rough company. It would only get rougher once word gets around about what happened in Dena Nehele. “I don’t mind at all,” he responded to the husband. “Whom do you want me to take her to?”

Artemis Fleur

Inn in Askavi

Artemis only furrowed her brows further at what the woman said. She wondered how long the old woman had been stripped of her jewels and been lost to the madness. Clearly her boys were not anywhere near her. If anything, people stayed away from the elder; the closet person to the woman besides herself was a few paces away. However, she had this feeling that despite the madness consuming the old woman, she was trying to convey something to her. If only she could make sense of the broken speech.

She glanced over to where Vaclav stood, wondering what was taking him so long when it usually took him seconds to find a room. When Artemis saw the other healer, she gave her a small nod; evidently Artemis was too engrossed with the woman to even notice the owner of the inn. Seeing the other healer made her wonder if someone had dropped the old woman here knowing that someone would take care of her or if there were blood relations between the two women.