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 Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 8:06 am
Marius smiled once more. “Thank you. I’ll be waiting.”
He hugged Madison once more before he stepped away. Lucien had made it easy for him to locate the greaves, and he once more sat on the ground so he could fasten them on Lucien’s legs as well. He seemed very focused and intent on doing this right.
The better their armor was, the less Madison would have to treat, and the faster they’d all come back. And then, he could rest.
He was faster with Lucien’s now that he had a better idea what he was doing, but he still took the time to double check and make sure they were on correctly. He was still keeping up with the log to mark what was being taken out, but being back here made him feel like he was out of touch with how much time was passing.
Would Devyn be here soon? Would he be late? How much longer before they had to go to Sessrumnir? Was it too late?
There was no light in the room and it gave the impression of it being much later already, and he knew it was just his mind playing tricks on him.
Nerves were starting to set in and he was getting more anxious, though he did a good job of hiding it. He was quiet while he worked, diligent and taking everything seriously.
This would all be over soon.
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 8:12 am
With Marius and Dr. Eld’s help, Lucien finished getting his borrowed armor on. He double checked the doctor’s, and then collected what he knew would fit Devyn once he arrived.
Unfortunately, all that was left was to wait. He wished he could allow Devyn some time to rest once he got there, but an hour might have already been much longer than Percy had.
No… Percy was strong. He would do what he could to survive until help arrived. They would just have to act quickly.
“My tracker’s signal has been fluctuating,” he shared once they’d left the armory with the supplies they needed. “I can no longer determine the estimated time of arrival.”
He held the armor he’d collected for Devyn over one arm, and held onto the sheath of the sword he’d picked up for him as well. His own had been secured to his hip.
“Mr. Lukas, do you have any updates?” he asked once they arrived back in the lobby. It wasn’t going to be much of a secret that something was going on when Devyn burst through the front doors, so Lucien doubted it would make much difference to let others see that they were preparing for something. Madison did his best not to fidget as he followed Lucien back into the lobby. He glared at a few people who decided to gawk, and was tempted to brandish his sword at them, but opted not to. He didn’t want to make a fool of himself by dropping it. “Any word from Atrius or Virgil?” he asked Lukas, not as loud as before, and maybe with a little more distress. There was no reason to think that they would have had time to send anything. Or reason. They were probably focused on other things, as they should be. The world didn’t stop for everyone just because Percy was in trouble. Celyn hopped up once he saw the others come back, and he showed Lucien the map that he’d continued working on. “I tried adding in all the halls and rooms I could remember. And I highlighted the paths to the vault, and possible exits away from there.” He didn’t really know how useful all that would be, but he’d been asked to do a map so he did a map.
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 8:13 am
Lukas immediately reached for two envelopes. “I do have a letter from Atrius. Well, two. I only opened one, I was just going to send someone to bring them to you. Here,” he said, and passed the first letter over to Lucien.
In brief, but elegant script, Atrius had written:
‘I’ll do what I can for Devyn when he passes through. Virgil’s too far upriver to make it back or we’d send him back that way. Virgil will be down as soon as he can but I’m stuck here. Small emergency but everything’s fine. I’ll be there when I can. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do.’
Marius skimmed the letter as he passed but joined Celyn and took a seat next to him. He nodded approvingly, studying the map. There was nothing he could add, but it was easy to imagine every passageway he’d drawn. “That was a good idea, thank you.”
Lukas smiled at the two boys and then handed the second letter to Madison.
It smelled fragrant, clearly one of Atrius’ good sheets of paper that he saved for special occasions. A flower had been pressed into it at some point and left a pretty silhouette on the page.
‘We’ll have a late dinner. Please plan to stay the night. I’d be devastated to have to reschedule when there’s so much I want to go over. Take care of yourself, I like you best in one piece.’
Lukas didn’t even try to look at Madison’s letter, but he did look between him and Lucien somewhat worriedly as he drummed his fingers across the desk. “Where was he the last time you were able to track him?”
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 8:14 am
Madison immediately took the letter from Lukas, even mumbling a quiet thanks as he did so. The letter was short, but Madison hadn’t been expecting much. He was grateful he got anything. He read it a couple times, then let out a quiet breath. He didn’t want to miss dinner, but he wasn’t sure how things would play out, or if he would be able to make it back in time. He was worried about whatever emergency there was, and cursed under his breath that Virgil was upriver. Madison had known that, though. There’s been a small thread of hope that Virgil would have been close enough to make it to the Hall with Devyn, but… That was okay. This wasn’t true combat, anyway. Nothing like they’d faced before when there was nothing but death all around them. He could handle himself, just as he had for years. He was just a bit rusty with a sword. Gently, almost reverently, he folded the letter and tucked it into his pocket. He would just have to see them both later. They didn’t have to know how desperate he felt to see them. Once Lucien was finished reading the letter that Atrius sent, he placed it down so the others could read as well. He glanced over the map and nodded his approval and gave Celyn a small smile of encouragement.
“The last time I got a strong reading was about twenty minutes ago when he must have been passing through Arista. It’s possible my device got caught up in the stop and go, but I am pleased to have been able to track it as well as I have.” For a prototype it certainly went beyond expectations. He would just have to make adjustments for the future.
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 8:18 am
“Oh, all right. I’ve written to the Council, but…” They were caught up in their own things. Lukas was playing messenger, but maybe the Council knew that Devyn was not going to be deterred. He would do what he wanted where Percy was involved. They were doing their best to keep everyone else calm and keep things moving.
Maybe they were preparing for the worst in case something did happen on Sessrumnir.
No one had come into or left the Hall since Madison. It probably wasn’t much of a surprise that when the great door was pushed open, it was Sailor Alastor who stepped through.
And, he was four minutes early.
He had taken every shortcut imaginable, and he arrived looking like he might have plowed right through a mountain to be here.
In some ways, he had.
This tour was supposed to last for a few more days, and he had a carefully constructed path planned specifically to make the best use of his time. The climb up the mountain was a long and arduous path, and he’d pushed himself to great lengths to keep to schedule.
He’d pushed himself even harder to break it.
It hadn’t been a good trip so far. The villages on the lower parts of the mountain hadn’t wanted him around and had rejected nearly all his efforts to make peace. They tried to chase him off early on, but he hadn’t been deterred. To their disappointment, he’d continued up the mountain, where he’d learned about bandits in the area.
Exporting anything down the mountain to sell was impossible, and they were struggling to get necessities up.
Devyn was wholly unsurprised to learn that the villages that had tried to reject him were supporting and profiting off of the bandits.
Go figure.
Diplomacy was out the window. His reputation now meant that they expected to be killed if caught, and that meant they fought for their lives.
Not as well as he fought for his.
He had the option of delivering capital punishment to the enablers as well, but he kept his hands slightly more clean by leaving their fate up to the people. He gave them the tools they needed to judge their officials.
Devyn hadn’t made it to all of the villages when he got the message from Lucien, but he was with a dignitary when it arrived. She promised to reach out to the others on his behalf and Devyn trusted her to keep her word. He promised to check in again, and to send some supplies up to them immediately in apology.
He probably could have finished this trip feeling good about this tour, but no. Someone had decided to attack Sessrumnir.
Devyn descended the mountain at near perilous speeds. He’d given himself an hour to reach the Hall, and he made good use of those fifty six minutes.
If he was a little worse for wear, fine. But, he was here.
On his own, Devyn was fast. As Alastor, he was faster.
On the horse Atrius had thrown him on when he passed Arista? The fastest option available to him. And, it gave him time to make it look like he hadn’t practically run over the edge of a mountain and hoped for the best. His clothes still stuck to him but he’d rinsed off most of the mud and blood, and the water had been cool enough that it kept him from overheating.
He was supposed to be taking it easy after his skirmish with the bandits, but all of that was forgotten when he’d heard there was trouble at Sessrumnir. He wasn’t carrying a pack. He’d left any extra weight behind. He'd powered down while on the horse, if only to preserve his energy and give himself easier access to patch himself up without having to tear off his uniform.
Irresponsibly, he’d patched himself up on the horse. Some of yesterday’s stitches had come undone on his way down the mountain, and while he’d been able to fix a few up, he’d just slathered sap over the rest of it to seal it up for now. Dr. Eld could yell at him later. He dressed in enough bandages to keep himself held together. They would carry over when he powered up, too.
Still high on adrenaline, the horse was just trotting to a stop when he dismounted it.
The horse was well-behaved, or at least well-fed enough that after it stomped and circled in place for a moment, it seemed to know that its job was done. It looked after him briefly before it turned around and started trotting back to Arista.
He powered up just as he placed his hands on the front door to ensure a proper appearance and to conceal the damage he’d done along the way. He pushed open the great door of the Hall with little fanfare, but there was no shortage of whispers and eyes on him as he entered. He didn’t care. He’d just add this to the list of things to clean up later.
He didn’t have to look for Lucien when he could feel his energy signature. He stopped by the front desk, where everyone had gathered. Lukas was perpetually stressed, always trying to hold down the fort and keep things managed. Marius had stood up instinctively and looked like he was ready to be reprimanded.
Devyn’s face was unreadable, but there was a spark in the air around him. He might be able to control his expression but he hadn’t bothered keeping his heart still. He hoped Percy could see the necklace change. He hoped he’d know that Devyn was on his way.
He didn’t recognize Celyn but he eyed him briefly. Dr. Eld was dressed in armor, and Lucien as well. He understood what this meant.
Devyn didn’t have time to waste, he didn’t want to stand around talking. Or putting on armor. He wanted a weapon, and he wanted to go.
He turned away and started walking towards his quarters with hasty, determined strides.
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 8:19 am
There was no use in arguing, although Lucien was certain Dr. Eld would at least try. He was ready the moment Devyn stepped through the doors.
“Stay here, we shall return as soon as possible,” he instructed Marius and Celyn. He nodded politely and graciously to Lukas for putting up with everything, and then turned to match Devyn’s strides. He passed him the sheathed sword and took only a moment to look him over.
Again, he knew there was no point in arguing. He was Alastor’s guardian, and would fulfill his duties to his best ability.
“We’ve determined the most likely place they would have taken him is to the Sessrumniran vault. A minimum of a dozen enemies, all armed. Marius and his friend provided a detailed map of possible passages to take to save time. We have not heard from Valhalla but hope he has already arrived, or has at least provided a distraction for us.”
He spoke quickly but clearly. It was likely he could take longer strides but wanted to maintain pace. Madison immediately bristled at the sight of Devyn -- Sailor Alastor. He knew he was likely going to plough through without any thought of his own well being. And sure enough he already took off, practically running towards his quarters. Cursing under his breath, Madison hurried off after them. He didn’t have time to do more than give Marius’s arm a quick squeeze before he started off down the hall. “Can you at least -- put some ******** armor on? Look, we put some on! You can at least pull it over your head!” Madison barked after him, before following up with spitting curses. “You’ll do nothing to help Percy if you end up getting killed before you can get to him!”
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 8:24 am
Marius needed no further instruction to stay put, and he settled back down quietly in the seat next to Celyn. Lukas, though he had no need to worry, seemed ready to protect both boys should the need arrive.
“Do you have so little faith in me?” Alastor did not look at Madison as he walked. He’d been stabbed before, and sliced and pricked and prodded. He still had some scars but most of them had faded. Defense was the first thing Devyn sacrificed in a battle, but he only did so when he had an opening he couldn’t resist.
If anyone was going to best him in combat, it wouldn’t be someone without Alastorian blood.
And yet, he felt the tug of skin below his shirt. It was only a matter of time before the splash of fresh blood would stain his bodice. White as it was, it would be difficult to miss.
“I have no intention of dying today. If it will help you focus, I’ll wear the armor. But I won’t put it on out here.”
Not where anyone could see. He refused to show weakness, not here. He had enough of a reputation to salvage. He didn’t need rumors of weakness.
As if his body wasn’t screaming in pain and protest, he pushed past the heavy doors that led to the restricted hallways. The guards moved aside without question or protest and closed the doors behind them when they passed through. Alastor did not reach for the armor but neither did he intend to reject it.
“Sessrumnir will guide me to wherever they’re holding him.”
Alastor had no question of this, and he spoke in a calm, distant voice. He knew this to be a fact and no other option had crossed his mind. He didn’t care where they had taken him, he would find him.
“Did you have a plan for when we get there or can I do what I want?”
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 8:26 am
Lucien’s lips twitched while Dr. Eld sputtered in distress. It was good that Devyn had people looking out for him. Lucien understood the doctor’s concerns, and that was also why they’d prepared with armor as well, but Lucien also had every intention of making sure Devyn emerged from this conflict alive.
“Sessrumnir may guide you, but Dr. Eld and I must be prepared to not be trusted by its walls,” Lucien hummed as they moved further into the hall. “You may do whatever it takes. Leave it to myself and Dr. Eld to make sure no one impedes you from behind,” he insisted.
Should anyone survive the strike of Devyn’s blade, of course. Madison hissed, but was momentarily placated by Devyn’s promise to wear the armor. “Of course I have little faith in you. I know you,” Madison growled. “I know I’m going to miss dinner because of you. An hour. That’s insane, Devyn. If you don’t drop dead today, you’re certainly going to cut your life short at this rate.” He watched the way Devyn walked as he followed him and Lucien, having to jog to keep up to them. He didn’t know the details of everything going on, but Devyn rarely ended up without scratches and bruises. It was like he tried to get hurt. “Our plan is to make sure you don’t get in over your head.”
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 8:28 am
Alastor did not take his eyes off the path before them. The hallways were long and winding, but he knew this labyrinth well. They would be at his room soon enough.
“The sun is still high, Dr. Eld. If you miss dinner, it won’t be on my account. This won’t take long.”
He had no intention of taking it easy. Not on himself, not on them.
Percy had waited for long enough.
“What faith you don’t have in me, I have in myself. I said an hour, I made an hour. And if I say I’ll do this, I will.” If he was in over his head, he had yet to realize it. He’d reject the idea until the very end. “I’ve been in far worse condition and accomplished much more. This is nothing. What armor did you pick out, is it something I can move in?”
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 8:31 am
“What faith you don’t have in me, I have in myself,” Madison mocked, flustered and upset that he was apparently the only one taking this seriously. “Spare me, Devyn. It’s not a matter of if you will do something, it’s the condition you come out after doing it. You have to remember that your body needs rest and you can’t push it past its breaking point every minute of every day. You and your Guardian may think this is all just another fight to win, but you’re breaking down your body as you do so.” He was irritated, but he thought he was justified. He knew Devyn. He’d patched him up so many times over the years. It was only when Percy started learning first aid that he didn’t do it as much. Devyn was probably grateful for a chance to not have to see him. Maybe that was also why Devyn learned to patch himself up. Poorly. But enough to make it one more day. “Just the basics,” Lucien responded regarding the armor. “Chestplate, if nothing else,” he said and held up the arm that he had the armor hanging from.
“If you think you’d be faster without the other pieces, then that is your decision. These have already been adjusted to be put on quickly,” he explained, not necessarily ignoring the doctor, but knowing there was no point in telling Devyn to slow down. Not when Percy’s safety was involved. He would rest once Percy was safe.
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 8:33 am
Finally, Alastor gave him an exasperated look. He had little patience, especially when it came to being mocked. He snatched the chestplate from Lucien with annoyance and a word of thanks uttered under his breath. He was grateful for their consideration, but he was frustrated about the situation.
And, he hurt. But he couldn’t admit that to Dr. Eld and give him the satisfaction. He pulled the chestplate on before any blood could seep through his clothes and out him.
“I doubt they’ll cut through my boots and I’m not fighting with my sleeves to put on bracers.”
Part of it was just that he disliked the sensation of something different while powered up. It didn’t feel right. He felt smothered. He knew how he moved without the armor; he didn’t want to plan to work around it, no matter how light or well-fitting it might have been.
“I’ll make time to rest later, Dr. Eld. Today didn’t really seem like a good day to take it easy.”
Of course he sounded bitter. It wasn’t just because something was going on at Sessrumnir, it was that something was always going on. He wasn’t a one man team but he didn’t have the option of just taking a break.
He didn’t need to remind Madison about why he had to push himself so hard these days.
“I don’t see how I could have done any of this any differently.”
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 8:39 am
“Agreed,” Lucien nodded when Devyn explained why he would only accept the chestplate. He brought the rest just in case, but as soon as they were no longer necessary, he discarded them to the side of the hall. They would worry about that later, but for now their focus was on Sessrumnir.
“I’ll tighten it for you once we reach the platform.” He’d helped Percy with the overall design, so of course he knew that it existed. He also knew how to operate it in case of an emergency. Not that he needed to, with Devyn there.
“I doubt you could have done this any differently and gotten better results so far,” Lucien concurred, and while he didn’t pay much mind to Dr. Eld, he did cast a warning glance back at him. If he wanted Devyn to be in the best form, he needed to stop stressing him out. Madison was not intimidated by these freakishly tall people with their freakishly long legs. Okay, they weren’t insanely tall, but definitely taller than he was by a good bit. He could still hold his own, and he had plenty of life experiences that these two didn’t. He scoffed at the looks and glances, not caring if they were upset with him. He was just telling the truth. Just because he didn’t sugar coat it didn’t mean he was wrong. “You better rest! I forbid you from exerting yourself for… a week! At least!” he barked, still frazzled over everything but determined to keep up with them and keep them out of trouble if he could help it.
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 8:41 am
“We’ll see,” Alastor said. It sounded nice. He wanted it. He wouldn’t get it. Rest was a foreign concept to him. Relaxation? No. He wasn’t allowed to have those things. Alastor would have another catastrophe for him to deal with. He’d get a moment with Percy and then be torn away from him. Again. Off to do someone else’s bidding.
To fix someone else’s problem.
To get yelled at for not being good enough, or not doing what someone wanted, or to be blamed for missing something.
Alastor was not reassured by Lucien suggesting he’d done the best he could. They were all stressed. Lucien seemed the most put together of all of them.
If he hadn’t known he needed to save a bit of his strength, he’d have jogged the whole way here, but he was giving himself a moment to calibrate before they got to Sessrumnir. They’d reached his room and he pushed it open. His side burned.
This wouldn’t take long.
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