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 Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2024 8:21 pm
Celyn was officially freaked out. He was a scholar, not a-- a fighter! Definitely not an athlete! Outside of biology classes, he hadn’t even seen that much blood before. Oh, he was going to be sick. Maybe not at that very second, because his already abused wrist was being grabbed and he was being pulled along once more. He whimpered from the suddenness of it, but was really trying to be helpful and ran as quickly as he could. Even if his heart was on fire. And his legs were on fire. And he was definitely not wearing shoes meant for running, so his feet were going to be sore too. He could hear voices behind them, shouting about going after them. Yelps of surprise and rage followed. The whole hall felt like it was shaking, but much different than the thunder he was used to. He couldn’t quite make out what was going on behind them once they’d turned the corner, but no one was actually following them. It seemed as though Percy had done something to stop them, or at least distract them. There were shouts about a wall-- But, walls couldn’t appear out of nowhere, could they? Maybe he misheard. “ Ow--” he couldn’t help from whimpering again as he was pulled, his wrist aching. He gasped when he tripped over his own feet and went crashing to his knees and scuffed up his free hand. Oh, and apparently at some point he started crying because now his glasses were sliding off his nose much easier than before.
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Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2024 8:32 pm
“Get up,” Marius said, and wrapped an arm around his waist while he grabbed at his elbow. “I can’t carry you but you have to keep moving. Just for a few minutes. I need to get you somewhere safe.”
Maybe he could find a tapestry to shove him behind. Marius could have moved faster without him but he wasn’t going to abandon him. “I have to go get help. Come on.”
He pulled Celyn to his feet and paused only to readjust his glasses and look him in the eyes. “I know this is hard. I know it’s scary. But you have to be strong. You can lean on me, but we have to keep moving, okay? Percy is in trouble. Stay with me and you’ll be safe. Okay?”
He was ready to bolt, ready to pull him again, but he could see how red Celyn’s wrist was so he intended to guide him with his arm around his back instead of tugging him along. He gave him a few seconds to collect himself, but he didn’t know how catastrophic any delay might be. He ignored the way his muscles burned and his lungs screamed. His thoughts were swirling rapidly and he was trying to make a plan. If he’d been stronger—
It didn’t matter now, it was too late. He had to find someone who could help, that was the best he could do for now.
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Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2024 8:41 pm
Celyn wasn’t trying to make things difficult. He didn’t want to be anywhere near those people with their ill intentions and leers and foreboding presence. He couldn’t say he was used to being handled so roughly -- or handled at all -- but he did his best to keep moving, grateful that his wrist was at least being spared from more abuse. “I’m trying,” he cried. He could barely breathe with how hard he was pushing himself to move, and the tears that spilled down his face didn’t help anything. He was tempted to suggest leaving him there. If someone was fast enough to get help, it certainly wasn’t him. “Are we-- to Percy’s room?” he choked on trying to speak and breath and run at the same time. He didn’t know where else they would go, nor did he know how they could get help from going further into the building, but sometimes when he went to ask Percy if he wanted some tea, despite knowing he should have been in his office, he was sometimes just… gone. Maybe there was a secret passage from there that he didn’t know about, which would make sense since he didn’t make it a habit to snoop through someone else’s room, but he did know of some others. It would at least take about a minute off of their journey. And if it was decided he should be left behind, he supposed waiting in the tunnels was better than being caught by those people. He waited for confirmation of their destination, and then made himself come to a stop, and turned down a small, otherwise empty alcove nearby. Behind a small table with a beautiful arrangement of flowers, there was a wooden panel that, when pressed, opened into a low and narrow passageway. It certainly didn’t look big enough for an adult to fit through easily, but for people like them and Percy, it would have been easy. “This comes out on the other side of his room,” he explained as he tried to catch his breath, and wasted no time in getting on his hands and knees to crawl inside. Once inside, it was at least tall enough for them to stand. But still narrow. The passageway was dark, except for where Celyn -- and Marius -- touched the stone, which lit up with sparkling lights.
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Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2024 8:49 pm
Marius knew when he’d pushed past his limits. Things had been harder when he’d first left Villefort, but he was on the brink of death for most of their travels and it was willpower alone that kept him alive and upright. He had been very respectful when told he needed to rest, and he ate what he was told and took an array of medications and vitamins. He wasn’t healthy. He rarely found himself in good condition, even on the best of days.
Stubbornness would only get him so far, and he’d pushed himself far less and still been rewarded with Dr. Eld demanding bedrest.
He felt worse than he had in a long time right now, so he knew what was going to come of it.
His lungs felt like acid was rotting them away, and each breath burned his mouth and throat. His muscles tingled and an uncomfortable prickling sensation rapidly shifted into something more like sharp jabs. His vision was dim and for as much as he wanted to blame it on the dark passageway, he knew if he’d let himself relax for too long he might have just fallen unconscious.
But that would have been useless of him, and Percy needed someone to get help.
He didn’t want to leave Celyn behind but he would have if it meant he could get somewhere quicker. If Marius went down, he doubted he was getting back up again, so he didn’t allow himself the luxury of peace. If Celyn was safe, that would have to be good enough.
He pushed himself along, and as long as this came out anywhere closer to their destination, they’d still have saved time even with Celyn’s tumble.
“Are you okay?” he asked quietly, fighting the urge to cough until the itch in the back of his throat abated. If anyone was out looking for them or was trying to follow, he didn’t want to alert them.
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Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2024 8:54 pm
Was he okay? No. Celyn absolutely was not okay. He was scared, he ached, his wrist felt like it was definitely going to have bruises, his knees were probably bruised, he cut up the palm of his hand when he fell. And he didn’t know what happened to Percy or what happened to his Grandfather or any of his classmates. “Yeah,” he whispered anyway, taking a moment to wipe some of the fresher tears from his eyes. There was no point in complaining, and they were both tired. At least in the passageway between the walls, they could take a moment to walk instead of run. Celyn was confident they would still get there faster than out in the halls, trying to avoid danger. “Are you okay, Marius?” he asked, voice still quiet, knowing his face was a little flushed because, well… “I know who you are. My Grandfather is on the Council. I’ve lived here my whole life,” he quietly explained, and then shrugged because at least that might explain why he knew the secret passages. He was very aware that they hadn’t been introduced before, but then again, Marius didn’t seem to be interested in meeting people. “This doesn’t happen often. It’s usually very safe here,” he sniffled, pushing forward as the lights continued to move around them. Celyn nodded to where Marius was walking and where his hand touched the wall. “Sessrumnir likes you. Not many people can get it to react like that.”
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Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2024 8:57 pm
Marius wasn’t surprised when Celyn knew his name. He might have suspected that Percy had told him, or that some rumor had gone around about his identity, or that he’d heard it in class or something. Plenty of people he didn’t know seemed to know him.
The more Celyn talked, the more perfect he was for the role of some secret traitor, but Marius again dismissed the thought.
“Sessrumnir knows I’m going to go get Alastor, so it’s probably trying to make this easier for me.”
He patted the wall as if it were alive. He knew he was leaning against it pretty hard but he had to keep moving.
Given the option of lying or telling the truth, both seemed like a waste of breath.
No, he was not okay by normal standards. Yes, he was okay by his own. Or, close enough at least.
“What does the Council know about what’s going on right now?”
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Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2024 9:02 pm
Celyn drew in a shaky breath as he tried to collect his thoughts. It was a lot to ask of him to share what he knew, because a lot was just hearsay. He liked to sit around and listen to people. Not all of those people told the truth. He doubted his Grandfather would give him actual, important information. “Some people are more aggressive when it comes to getting information than others. There were rumors that some people, who were likely expelled from Sessrumnir at some point, wanted to get access to their old research. Or maybe they wanted information on other worlds,” he said, trying to keep his lungs full as they hiked up a steeper part of the path. “There’s a lot of secured information here. Other places trust Sessrumnir to keep everything locked away for them. They could have priceless artifacts here, or their culture’s history. Seeds from plants that would have gone extinct due to unexpected changes in climate. A lot have also sealed away money and information about their worlds that could prove detrimental if others got their hands on it. But only Sessrumnir or the Senshi or Knight of the other place can access the information. Some people think the Council can also get into it, but… I don’t think so. Oh, here.” Celyn came to a stop near some paneling and knelt down to peer out. The coast seemed to be clear and after quietly climbing out and setting the panel back behind them, he nodded towards the hall. “Percy’s room is just down there. I don’t think anyone is around, but be careful.”
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Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2024 9:05 pm
Marius hummed a response in lieu of words, and took the opportunity to try and catch his breath as silently as possible. He didn’t want Celyn to hear him huffing and puffing or outright wheezing as they walked. Some of what he said was already known to Marius, but he doubted Percy kept anything from him intentionally. Anything he didn’t know was probably just because he hadn’t asked, yet. There was already so much other information for him to be absorbing.
Marius had every intention of being careful. If anyone attacking had gone to Sessrumnir before, it was safe to assume that they might be familiar enough with the layout to know where Percy’s quarters were.
Even if they did, he knew the path to Alastor was well-hidden and wasn’t going to be easily used by anyone who didn’t know how to work it.
“You should come with me to Alastor.” He knew what the other worlds said about his homeworld, but he was quick to defend, “You’ll be safe there. We’ll be at the Hall, that’s where all the foreign dignitaries show up when they want to speak to the Senshi. It’s safe and well fortified. And you can tell the Council there anything you think might be useful. If you want.”
Maybe he’d rather just borrow a guest room and rest after he got himself looked over.
His body was protesting his every move but it didn’t slow Marius down. He took one last glance up and down the hallway before he hastened towards Percy’s bedroom again.
He didn’t see anyone, but his hand hovered over the knife in his pocket just in case.
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Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2024 9:14 pm
“Alastor?” Celyn asked with surprise and concern, and maybe a little bit of apprehension in his voice. “You can actually get there?” Oh, maybe he shouldn’t ask too many questions. He didn’t want to seem too nosey. Maybe Marius would decide against it. Another noise from down the hall made him jump, and any thoughts about staying there was gone. He didn’t want to be taken by those people, and he already felt horrible that they had to leave Percy. He adjusted his glasses as he looked around again but nodded to Marius to let him know he would follow him. And it didn’t help that he was curious. It wasn’t impossible for Senshi and Knights to make a connection between each other, but he’d never seen a connection that would take them to another world before. “I’ve never been anywhere but Sessrumnir,” he admitted a bit shyly, hoping he wouldn’t be looked at negatively for it. Oh, but he should also be quiet so they didn’t draw any attnetion, and he hurried after Marius to Percy’s room. He peeked inside, but when he didn’t see any movement, he stepped in and waited for Marius to follow.
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Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2024 9:22 pm
Marius was just slightly slower, not because he was out of energy–though, he was–but because he wanted to make sure they weren’t walking into a trap. “That’s okay,” he answered softly. He closed Percy’s door but he didn’t lock it. There was a part of him that still hoped Percy might get away, and if he did then the best place to go was probably here. Although, he might have been able to take some secret tunnel to his brother’s Wonder, too.
“You can’t tell anyone about this.”
Percy’s council probably already knew, but Marius stopped for a moment so he could look Celyn in the eye and very seriously warn him, “You’ll put everyone in danger if you do. And you’ll make Sailor Alastor very upset, and you’ll hurt Percy’s feelings very much. So this stays between us.”
It wasn’t a question and he treated it as if Celyn had already agreed and sworn upon his life.
The platform they’d have to stand on was tucked in a hidden back room. He peeled back the wall like he’d seen Percy do before, and gently pushed Celyn onto the platform. Devyn wouldn’t want anyone in his room without permission, but this was important. He’d keep an eye on Celyn, and they’d be in and out quickly. “We’ll go together. Just hold on.”
The little room was small but not so much so that Devyn and Percy couldn’t fit in together, so Marius and Celyn were more comfortable than they would have been. He closed the hidden door behind them and joined Celyn on the platform.
Usually, Percy set everything up, but Marius was a fast learner and had been given the rundown. Moving from Sessrumnir to Alastor–and vice versa–was a welcome burst of cool air. It was less than ten seconds after Marius had closed the door that he was opening it again–only, this time, they were stepping out across from Devyn’s oversized bathroom. He hadn’t been here in several days and it still carried the fragrance of his shampoo.
Marius couldn’t say he minded, but his sense of smell wasn’t always so great. It was even less so when he was trying desperately to keep his breathing quiet and even. The stillness had not been uncomfortable, but he was more aware now than ever of the darkness swirling at the corners of his vision.
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Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2024 9:26 pm
Celyn didn’t get a chance to respond, but he stared with wide eyes when Marius looked at him so seriously and warned him about all the danger he’d put everyone into and how he’d make people upset -- how he’d make Percy upset! Hey-- that wasn’t really fair! He didn’t ask to know about all this, why was he being made to swear secrecy when he didn’t even know if he wanted to know in the first place? He’d thought Marius was just shy and awkward when he’d seen him in classes, but he was kind of intimidating to be around. He was very serious and definitely seemed like he knew a lot more than the normal student there. He knew he wasn’t the most traveled person and relied on books and stories, but Celyn was suddenly feeling even more like he was just in the way and had to be babysat. Sniffling, but trying not to be obvious about it, Celyn joined Marius on the platform and stared around with healthy curiosity. It was an exhilarating experience, even if it made his stomach twist. Not wanting to do anything he wasn’t supposed to, he spared a glance towards Marius who-- “Marius--!” he gasped, and quickly grabbed hold of him, putting an arm around his back to keep him upright. He wasn’t sure what was going on, but Marius looked like he was as white as a ghost and looked ready to pass out. Was he sick? An underlying condition maybe? Celyn was tired, but he’d caught his breath at least. “Hang on, let’s get you some water,” he insisted, trying to usher him from the little room to the bathroom where Marius could sit on the edge of the tub. Celyn was just going to try really hard not to look around at everything.
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Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2024 9:28 pm
Marius turned and squinted at him like that might have been enough to chase away the shadows. “I don’t need water.”
Did he? His mouth did feel dry. He’d deal with that later.
“I have to get help first. Sit down at the desk. But don’t touch anything.”
He stood unmoving for a moment, though he didn’t want to admit that he was just waiting until he could figure out which way was forward. His vision spun a little more but it was fine. He knew this room.
The bed was neatly made and Devyn’s room smelled faintly of incense. There were several half burned and several more unlit candles by the bedside. The desk had a good space to work, but there were still a few small boxes and tools, and several books and a stack of paper. The room was heavily decorated with an array of paintings and small ornaments, and despite the room being very full of beautiful things, it didn’t feel cluttered. Devyn was definitely a collector of fine things, and he had a bookshelf that stretched from the floor to the ceiling full of all sorts of texts and trinkets.
Devyn probably didn’t want anyone in here. Marius didn’t blame him but he wasn’t going to feel bad about it when it was Percy’s well-being on the line.
A stone slate was by the door, and he drew away from Celyn for long enough to grab it and the marker next to it. He scribbled down some words blindly. He couldn’t see very well, but it didn’t matter. He just had to tell Lukas to send help immediately. He could get someone here. He wouldn’t waste time if he knew Percy was in danger.
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Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2024 9:07 pm
Sure, Celyn was used to being given orders and told what to do, but that didn’t mean it ever made him feel great. Sit down, shut up, keep your hands to yourself -- all very familiar demands. Seen but not heard. Focus on studying. Ask questions only when prompted. He really was just trying to help. But as always, he was just getting in the way. Was it his fault that Percy was hurt, too? Quietly, Celyn did as he was told, because what else could he do? He was somewhere he was never supposed to be, rescued out of obligation to Percy’s wishes. He wanted to help Marius, but he didn’t know what to do, and it was clear that Marius thought he was just in the way. So he kept his eyes on his hands in his lap and tried to blink away the tears that filled his eyes. He didn’t want Marius to think he was even more pathetic than he already was.
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Posted: Mon Apr 22, 2024 2:29 pm
For a moment, Marius didn’t see Celyn. He forgot to think about him. He put all of his weight against the wall and used it to keep himself upright. The text on the slate board disappeared.
First, a checkmark appeared. Then, a few seconds later, ‘Council knows’.
Marius lowered the slate and kept it close enough to see.
He lost the battle with his lungs and the first wheeze shook him like a death rattle. He was still standing but his vision was gone. He couldn’t tell if he was standing up or laying down, so he pressed his back firmly against the wall and forced himself to slide down it. Celyn had been worrying before, so he waved his hand nonchalantly as if to dismiss any concerns before they could be voiced.
He could taste blood but that wasn’t anything new. It was only a problem if Dr. Eld showed up, but it’s not like he made a habit of visiting the Hall.
“We just. Need a minute.” He tried to breathe between words. “It’ll be. Okay.” He wasn’t going to pass out. This was fine. “Do you–” another cough, like pins and needles and glass shards up his throat. He coughed into his elbow. “–need first aid? Box is–in that drawer.”
He gestured to a thin dresser to the right of the desk. Most of the drawers were full of jewelry or trinkets or craft supplies that Devyn hadn’t started on, but within perfect, easy reach was a well-stocked first-aid kit.
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Posted: Mon Apr 22, 2024 4:38 pm
He’d lifted his eyes when Marius wheezed, and then watched with more alarm as he leaned against the wall to sit down. Celyn opened his mouth to say something -- ask if he needed anything maybe -- but immediately clamped it shut when Marius waived a dismissive hand. Right… he wasn’t supposed to talk. He wasn’t supposed to be there. He was supposed to just stay out of the way. Out of sight, out of mind. Celyn glanced to the drawer when Marius asked if he needed first aid, although he winced at the sound of Marius’ cough. He didn’t know what to do about it, and he definitely didn’t know anything about first aid. “I’m okay,” he mumbled, although he appreciated the concern, he supposed. He wondered if it was out of habit or obligation. His wrist didn’t look too bad. Not yet in any case. Once again he opened his mouth to ask -- was Marius sick? Did he need anything? But… remembered that he’d been told he didn’t need water. How it would be okay. So Celyn quietly sat there, rubbing at his sore wrist with his equally sore palm.
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