Estinien's brain isn’t capable of stuttering anything more than “please,” over and over again while his lungs heave for air, begging Halone to grant him solace, just this once. You aren’t supposed to lose everything when you’re only twelve.
This time, he gets there a few minutes earlier.
This time, Halone answers his prayer.
(or: in a softer, kinder world, Hamignant survives Ferndale. canon divergent AU)
chapter 7 posted!
She didn’t mind the extra company…really…
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Just a cross-world trip with her three best friends...that is...if they could ever get out of the city limits.
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Azem(Oc/Persephone), Elid
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Word Count: 790
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Day 1
Envoy - a messenger or representative, especially one on a diplomatic mission.
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“Are you sure you're ready to travel this far? Once we leave the city it’ll be safer to keep a low profile.”
She should be grateful that this was her ‘punishment’ instead of another censor. It would be nice to finally get out of the city and back on the road. To travel towards the endless sky towards destinations unknown…but…
“Of course! We don’t want to attract unwanted attention. No grand feats of creation magic while on the road!” Elidibus was already bursting with enthusiasm. “Our trip will be passing by the island with the grapes, I do hope we have time to stop by and taste them.”
She didn’t mind the extra company…really…
“I’ll say, I’ve been looking forward to these grapes since I first heard of their existence.”
“She should have left the damned island to its destruction as the Convocation desired.”
Hytho shrugged while Hades pinched the bridge of his nose.
Really she didn’t mind the company per say…
…but this was exactly how she expected the trip to go.
She had been placed in charge of escorting Elidibus as an envoy to another city. I.E. the other members of the Convocation saw this as a perfect opportunity to dump their youthful member onto her.
Jokes on them, she much preferred his company to the others.
…speaking of the others.
Naturally, Hades had decided the trip would be too long and treacherous for the two of them to take alone. He ‘convently’ had work to do in the area, and needed to make sure she was held accountable for her previous actions.
She’d almost preferred to be censored.
Finally, their darling Hythlodaeus had joined on a whim. Though she assumed he wouldn’t be left out of the chaos that was about to ensue.
“Alright, gentlemen when we reach other towns outside the cities we should reframe from our titles. People from outside Amaurot can be hesitant to the Convocation. I don’t want to stir up too much trouble for them, I can’t image how frightened they’d be by three members showing up unannounced.”
“It’ll be a fun vacation, throwing titles and pretense to the wind.”
“As if they wouldn’t recognize the Chief Architect.”
“And the illustrious Emet-Selch doesn’t have an ounce of fame to his name?”
Kore let out a nervous laugh before clasping her hands together trying her best to regain control of the situation.
“Okay gentlemen, let's settle down.” Trying to take a calm approach this time. “We’ve got a long trip ahead of us. We should head out while those spirits are burning bright.”
After all, they hadn’t even left the city yet.
“Our first course of action is getting Themis to his destination. After that if and only if time allows will we make stops. The Convocation will be wanting a full report, and they expect everyone to be on their best behavior.”
“Does that include you, or is that a veiled threat at our dear Kore.”
Oh for Star’s sake Hytho.
The vein in Hade’s forehead threatened to pop. A perfect summary of how this trip was going to go. The two started bickering like the old married couples she’d met on her travels.
“Boys, we’ll never make it to our first destination before dark if we-” She didn’t bother wasting her breath as the two continued. She dropped her shoulders with a sigh and turned towards Themis. Fixing the bag on her hips she kneeled down. “Come on Themis, I don’t want to sleep on the ground and Lahabread will have my head and my seat if you don’t arrive on time.”
He motioned to move in before pausing. She glanced up at his apprehensive face.
“...Aren’t I getting a little old for you to carry me, Kore?”
She tried not to be taken aback by the question. Sure he was a growing young man, but he still had several years before he’d reach up to her in height and stamina.
“Nonsense, and I’ll put you down as soon as we’ve reached a safe distance from those two. Now come on, I wouldn’t mind stopping by that island for some grapes.”
“If you say so Kore.”
It took a little more effort for her to hoist him onto her back. Perhaps he had gotten a little heavier since their last trip together…how long ago had that been? Nevermind. It wasn’t important. He was a growing boy and it wouldn’t be much longer before he would be trusted to make his envoys alone.
She’d certainly miss his boyish optimism.
“Kore, is it okay to just leave the two of them behind like that?”
“Don’t worry they’ll catch up in a little while. I just wanted to spend some quality time with you.”
