Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2022 23:28:44 GMT -5
As Xanthe closed the door of Hiram's bedroom behind herself, she leaned against it for a moment with her eyes closed. "Xanthe...what -- what's happening?" Savi asked and she turned and looked at him, shaking her head.
Not now. We're leaving. The attendant from earlier was standing at the end of the hallway, and she walked up to him. "Excuse me? Uhm..Mr..the Eldouir I was with told me to leave. How do I...leave?" She asked.
The attendant didn't seem to care or suspect her of lying. Doubtful that anyone could escape the mans room if he didn't want them to, so without a word he nodded his head and began down leading her down a series of twists and turns until she and Savi were finally out of the building itself. He led them to the gates and with instruction, those guarding it let her out and shoved her toward the streets of Elderkeep.
With Autumna just arriving, the nights had grown chillier and she shivered. She'd expected to have been home by the time the sun went down, but her entrapment in Hiram's room had made her stay longer. The light of the moon was all she said to guide her and though she knew the streets fairly well, they never really felt familiar. Maybe because she's resisted the idea of familiarity for so long, denying Elderkeep the pleasure of such a thing as comfortable acquaintance.
Still, it didn't take her long to see Embric and Aine. Aine's white feathers always seemed to reflect any light, making them both brighter even if Embric wanted to stay hidden. Her eyes scanned them, making sure they were okay. They'd at least survived tribute. She approached them, but her mind was swimming. After a brief interaction and assurance that she was okay, she left on her own to go home.
Savi remained quiet as they moved through the streets, keeping close. He had to be aware because Xanthe wasn't. She was completely lost, so much so that she passed right by her own home and Savi had to corral her like some kind of sheep dog, leading her home. She sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled her boots off, then climbed underneath the furs. Savi jumped onto the bed and rested beside her, his snout close to her face.
"I don't understand," he said after a while. "He just let you go? Why?"
Xanthe lifted one of her hands up, examining it again as she'd done when she'd been there, on the couch with him. I don't know. I don't understand any of it, Savi. Did you feel it? Did you feel him heal me?
"Yes. It felt bizarre." He replied, dark eyes on her. "But you do not feel...happy."
I'm not. But I don't know why. I should be happy. That woman...he healed everything she did to me, and then he just told me to leave. I walked away unscathed. But it all feels wrong. She took a deep breath and tears welled up in her eyes. Why does it feel wrong?
He crawled closer to her, a paw crossing her arm and his snout resting against her neck. "I don't know, but we'll figure it out." He assured her. "Will you tell Embric and Aine tomorrow? Perhaps they can help."
I don't know, Xanthe said, wiping at her tears unsuccessfully. Maybe.
"You're still concerned that he is keeping something from us?" Savi asked, though it wasn't much of a question but an understanding.
I don't want him to worry unnecessarily. Hiram let me go. He didn't...hurt me. What is there to worry about? She said, but her voice shook.
"Whatever you decide, I'm here with you."
Xanthe wrapped an arm around Savi, pulling him a bit closer, and buried her face in his fur.