A Storm of Papers

[Élise]

“Truly, it is no hassle at all,” Cassius insisted to her with a light-hearted laugh. The half was tall and limber, but not lacking the strength to perform his duties with ease. For a simple innkeeper, it might’ve seemed a bit much, but Cassius was used to training with Élise out of play. Among other things, he was more than prepared for a little heavy lifting. Cassius followed Guinevere only a short distance into the room. He didn’t want to bother her by welcoming himself into the personal space, but only needed to set down the bags. He did this hastily and was near to excusing himself, “I am glad it pleases you. If you need anything I’ll be,” When she asked another question that he wasn’t really prepared for.

“I have yet to see your father, how is he?” The young man stopped in his steps and straightened up considerably. He didn’t say anything at first, a flush of memories coming back to him.

His father, not by blood but in heart, was a good man. He had always been kind, careful, and a safe haven for Cassius and his siblings. He was a rational man and a people’s person. After all, he did a great duty of housing all types of people. He would give travelers rest and beggars a roof during the cold nights. The man had done all this, and yet it wasn’t enough. Nothing was ever enough for the Sovereign kingdom and its overseers. The greed that runs through the city’s veins is poison. It seeps the life out of its people. As was Cassius’ father taken.

In the early turn of the winter, money had driven his father ill. A dirty tax collector by the name of Zakhagr had brought all manner of wrought upon the inn. He called for a greater payment than they had ever given or could even afford. Their father did what he could to manage the establishment and raise more money, but there was none to be found. Cassius did what he could in the meantime, fulfilling deeds he otherwise would not have imagined for a newly forming group beneath the Sovereign’s nose. His input did little, but Élise submitting herself to selection of Ritgr brought them into a fortune. Unfortunately, she was chosen to late. Father had long tired himself beyond recovery. He grew worse with each passing day that the bills were not paid. Eventually, the old man died from a weak heart, widowing his wife and abandoning his children for death.

Cassius blamed the tax collector dog for his heartless pursuit of empty money. He blamed the coin most of all. Pretty money that means nothing in the end and isn’t at all worth a single life.

But he didn’t say any of this, except of course the bare minimum, “My father passed at the start of Maleau,” He said in a soft, shaky voice that was still filled with much sorrow as he glanced over his shoulder. He didn’t look at Guinevere, but at the wall, “And you?” Cassius had already questioned why Guinevere traveled alone now when she had never before. He had been afraid to ask, but sadness ebbed his own reasoning.

[Deleted]

Guinevere's heart dropped in those few moments of silence, even a little before he had began to speak. It was just guessing, or perhaps knowing the man before her well enough, but she was sure in what a strained silence met before his lips needed to speak it. The woman let the ink quill hit the desk, papers scattering unceremoniously along with it. Was to too much to dare comfort him with a touch? Her own heart yearned for a comforting touch, she was so alone. Now that he was suffering, suffering what she was, Guinevere was all but begging for an understanding hand. It was a strange urge, wanting the comfort of touch and so badly from the man before her. Guinevere couldn't make herself not...it was too much.

Cassius didn't want to look at her, and that she understood. But it didn't stop her blue eyes from probing his face, a moment of weakness at least this was private. The Lady would attempt to grasp at the man's hands, if it was denied she would rather grasp with one hand at her opposite elbow. "I should not have brought it up." Speaking softly, and fixing her gaze to the floor. "He was a good man." Dare she say much further? But perhaps the damage was already done.

"And you?" She pulled a puzzled expression, using the confused act to play away the meaning of his question. Guinevere had traveled alone once in a great while, but couldn't recall of one of those trips had involved going to this Inn. "Me what?" Releasing the grip on her elbow, or his hands. "I should have just not brought it up, Ma'am already seemed to be more upset than usual. I'm sorry." Shaking her head, as a yawn involuntarily escaped. The red head stepped back, now more unsure than anything. Guinevere could not manage to speak now of her own unfortunate events. It wasn't something to show, and a display of such weakness was not what she needed. It was likely scandal enough speaking to him so long alone as it was, showing the further grief she would display if it was spoken would go too far.

Then questions would start, and that could endanger them both.

"I apologize again for the trouble, Cassius." hands moving to the door, "I shouldn't keep you longer."

[Deleted]

Having taken an excused restroom break from his conversation – which was mostly over – with Mordecai, Ventus had taken this time to notice that Élise was no longer in the main hall. He wandered upstairs after returning from the outhouse, zipping his pants up as he strolled back into the inn. The younger brother climbed the stairs quickly, excited to find if Élise had any good news. Having not seen Cassius downstairs as well, Ventus assumed he’d be upstairs. When he got upstairs, Ventus found that his older brother was not around. He hurried to Élise’s room, finding her half asleep with the journal over her face. Sure enough, the fresh ink would be imprinted upon her cheeks. Ventus picked up the journal, checking the page. He couldn’t really make out the words, but at least knew they were not smeared beyond recognition.

“Hey,” Ventus shook his sister’s shoulder lightly, waking her momentarily, “You shouldn’t sleep like that." He got her to roll over, moving the sheets and blankets down enough to tuck her in, “Get some rest. Oh,” He had just blown out the candle when he paused, “Where is Cassius?”

It took Élise a moment to answer, fading in and out of slumber even as her brother forced her to roll under and get under the covers. She was so exhausted from training at dawn and learning from Guinevere. She mumbled out a, “He’s down the hall helping Lady… Lady Guinevere.” Then she was out like a light, snoring like an old man before Ventus closed the door.

“Helping Lady Guinevere?” Ventus wasn’t an idiot. He’d caught the wonder in Cassius’ eyes every time he read the Lady’s name on the register sheet. Likewise, he’d noticed the way Guinevere’s eyes always lingered on his brother when he walked by. Whether or not they knew about their feelings, Ventus was well aware. With a new plan sparking his intrigue, Ventus scurried down the hall. He nearly walked right into the open room, seeing both Cassius and Guinevere there. His brother was looking at the wall and the redheaded woman had just dropped all of her papers. Ventus spun to one side of the door, hidden behind the wall. Things didn’t look good. Cassius was near leaving and Guinevere looked as though she’d just had the air punched out of her.

Leave it to my brother to screw up simple conversations with a lady. Ugh. Well don’t worry bro-Ven’s got your back! Just as he thought that, the boy hurled himself in front of the door. He would have hopefully grabbed the knob before Guinevere, whipping out his keys and pulling with all his might. He would slam the door, a loud bang echoing through the hall as he slipped the key in quick, twisting and locking it from the outside. This would lock the two in there to talk out their feelings – something that Ventus knew needed to happen.

Patting himself on the back, Ventus returned to his seat in the inn.

[Élise]

“No, please,” Cassius had started just as the Lady admitted her regrets for mentioning his father, “I am glad that you did. A good man should be remembered.” He smiled fondly at nothing in particular and sighed. But she was perhaps half-right. It was improper of him to continue a conversation filled with much sorrow. It would due little under such circumstances, as he was in no place to comfort her as a friend.

“Do not hesitate to trouble me with whatever you may need or want, milady,” Cassius had just finished saying as he followed her towards the door.

He had been expecting to leave her with that, a reminder that aiding Guinevere during her stay was his job, but it was in that moment that his rascal of a brother spun in front of the door.

Oh dear, Was the all-encompassing thought that rattled in Cassius’ brain as he saw his brother’s mischievous little smirk. The expression could only mean an awful prank was coming in its wake.

If Ventus’ plan succeeded, the door would slam in Guinevere’s face just as Cassius rushed to try and press against the door. A faulty move if it proved to fail, as he would corner the Lady against the shut wall and be stuck there for a moment groaning in anger and internally cursing his tricky little brother.

[Deleted]

It was probably a good thing that her attempt to hold his hand was fated to fail, as his brother was intervening on their behalf. Whether or not they would ever agree being forced, and locked into the same room was a good thing. Especially not knowing how else may know they were alone, and that it would encourage them to speak more plainly.

"Please say that you have that key still in your hand." Tone a little more on the joking side, but she was blushing deeply. Cassius had possessed the key to get into the room earlier, and that could be an easy way out for them. No harm, no foul and it would result in Cassius roaring down the hallway in pursuit of his brother. Avoiding this awkwardness as she felt rather cornered by the bulk of Cassius at this moment. They had far too much of the same idea.

Thinking small she pressed her back into the wall, and glanced at her feet. A little unsure of the actions to take now. Should she just leave Cassius to curse a little? Or push him into opening the door if he had a way? Certainly the window was a viable course of exit. Even Ma'am might notice Cassius was gone...Though she had received payment, and may let him slack off.

[Élise]

Cassius hadn’t realized himself cursing under his breath until he heard the gentle joke of the lady. He looked down in shock and his face turned a bright red. “Milady!” He stumbled back, almost tripping over his lanky legs in the process. It took him a moment to process everything. “I’m sorry,” He stuttered, putting a cold hand over his warm face, “My brother can be a little… trying, but I’m sure this is just one of his playful tricks. One moment, I’m sure I have the keys here…” Just then, he went pale and laughed nervously, “Um.. I seemed to have left them hanging on the doorknob outside..”

How had I become so distracted? Oh… Something struck a reminder in him as he saw the scarlet blush dancing across Guinevere’s cheeks. The look in her eyes was entrancing and for a moment, he found his mind going blank in the same way it had before.

But that was enough of that, “So I suppose we’re locking in here for a while… I don’t want to distract you from your work,” As perhaps he had with earlier when asking for help with Élise, “Any longer than I already have,” He corrected, “I don’t know how I could possibly be of use, but I’ll do what I can.” She had been rustling around many papers earlier. Something Cassius assumed was work related. He, as well as his family, lacked proper reading and writing skills, so he would be little help there, “Perhaps I can unpack your luggage for you while you settle in?” He quite liked organizing things. Maybe he could fold the clothes into drawers and hang them in the closets.

[Deleted]

Guinevere giggled, not a stifled little giggle either but one that brought just a little moisture to the corner of her eyes. Between his spluttering, the lost keys, or the man tripping over herself the Lady couldn't help but to laugh. A laugh that maybe went to far as the back of her hand reach to touch her lips, trying to strangle the reaction before it could go much further. Her body did not want her to stop this action though, for it had been in a state of repression for too long. Was she now going to break from sadness? Or was it just the cracking of a façade? "Don't apologize, Cassius, it was not your doing." Calming enough to let out a few words, but the effort drove her gently to her knees. Yes, the floor would suffice for now. Her hand clutched her forehead, not in a way meant in pain but to soothe her personal overreaction.

It seemed the Lady was blessed with a little luck as clutching her forehead turned to a blessing. "Please, no. You may leave my clothes packed." Words but a small squeak, but her face flaming with heat. My privies. Something that should have been simple was suddenly not. It wasn't a lack of trust in him to do the job correctly, but rather it felt embarrassing. Even the thought made her blush more violently than she ever felt before.

"You have no need to serve me. Rest, or if you wish to keep me company with words the choice is yours." Guinevere didn't want to think about the paper work she had to do now. It didn't feel like it mattered any longer, but sitting here was enough for the time. "Or if you wish to call for help, feel free. We need not be trapped." Guinevere fancied herself pretty boring just to hang around. Nothing terribly exciting she felt could be found in hanging around her for too long.

[Élise]

What a sweet sound. Her laughter was clear but gentle as bells. It had a heavenly ring in Cassius’ ears and reverberated even as the woman tried to stifle her lovely sound. Perhaps it was a bit rude, but Cassius just sat where he had fallen from his stumbled and stared at her. His blue eyes were big with fascination, as he hadn’t expected the Lady to become so casual behind closed doors. He had been worried about her being overburdened with stresses perhaps brought on by his own request, but now it seemed that she was able to relax.

Cassius was just standing up once more, patting off his robes; When Guinevere asked that he not help with her luggage. Confused, Cassius looked up at her to catch a rather adorable – if he were to be so bold – blush dusting her cheeks.

“Oh. OH!” He coughed and nearly choked on his own tongue at the realization. He covered his face, faking to adjust his glasses to cover the very obvious red hints tainting his pale skin, “Well,” That sounded a little weak. He cleared his throat and tried again, “Well, I’d rather not bang and shout on the door. That would disturb the guests. I’m sure Ma’am will notice my absent in due time. If you wouldn’t mind, I would very much enjoy conversation.” He opened glanced about the room. A little thought in his mind danced at the idea of using some form of magic to pry open the door, but he quickly decided against that course – there was too great a risk of being discovered or causing damage to the establishment. He walked around the bed – which the modest man was pretending did not currently exist – and stood by the window across from the one chair at the desk. Eyeing the outside, Cassius spoke,” If I may,” He started with a pleasant smile while his eyes were still watching the world below, “How were your travels? I don’t leave the city much. My only word of the world comes from tales carried to the inn.” A sad fact, but he couldn’t stomach abandoning their widow mother without knowing she could hold the inn alone.

[Deleted]

Guinevere tucked her legs a little more elegantly underneath her tush. Holding her hand above the diaphragm of her chest, ladies clothes were not meant for laughing in any degree. It would take her lungs a few moments to fully recover. But it was well worth it, beside a few serious words from him calmed her down completely. It was hard to think so jovially with such serious thoughts as the common person.

"As the Lady Mayor, I get to see a lot more of Viktoria, and it saddens me." Ignoring that the fact of her being mayor would be news to him. "The people are so poor, and under educate. Most can't read!" Something that actually was quite astonishing to the woman. It was almost practical to her own daily life. Just as prevalent as food and drink.

"So many are hungry with so much available land. Though land writhing in bandits and the like, if one strays too far from the duchies and cities." Guinevere smoothed the wrinkles of her dress caused by the way she was sitting.

"The cities are safe, and you should stay here. Because you are safe. Here." Speaking softly, a little unsure of why she was saying such words. Daring briefly to try and look in his eyes.

[Élise]

News indeed. Cassius checked off the assumption he had so boldly questioned early in his concerns for her travels. Either her parents were gravely ill – relying their duties to their eldest daughter – or they were gone from this world. Either made him feel guilt for having asked such a touchy question in such a brief and direct way. He wanted to apologize again, but avoided bringing the solemn topic up again. Instead, he just listened with a heavy heart.

Cassius looked up under the cover of his blond bangs when she mentioned the oddity of not being able to read. He, his sister, and his brother could not read – that had nothing to do with education they received. Rather, it had been held from them. A chance to further their knowledge but not being seen as worthy to have the ability to do so was the real reason. Not because they were poor – or perhaps it did have to do with their nobility, their class being seen as too low to be allowed that of a noble. Either way, Cassius could understand the stress brought on by her words. It was a crime that the people of her land could not read.

When she finished speaking, her kind words of concern meaning much to Cassius, the other smiled at her – their eyes met. He caught his breath with a start, but found that her gaze did not startle him at all. Rather, he was able to think clearer looking into the pristine sea of her eyes.

“I am no warrior, milady, and I appreciate your concern,” Cassius spoke sincerely, truly feeling flattered by her words of worry. Yet, at the same time, he wished he could protect her - perhaps because she was a Lady or simply because she was a person with care in her heart and conviction in her veins. He would protect anyone who needed it, but a desire to always protect this woman stirred in his heart, “But how could I ever call myself a man if I only ever protected myself?” He could take his eyes away from hers’, “I am not my brother, wild and brave. Nor am I like my sister, strong and skilled. I don’t have a sword or really even the strength to swing my fists around – in all honesty; I hate the thought of violence… But I want to help people. If that means staying put and running the inn, I’ll stay… If it means traveling to teach or fight to help someone in need, I’ll travel.” I am a nobody, my safety in trade for another’s life means so much more. His eyes dropped then, dark and cast in deep thought. The blond bangs shaping his narrow face blocked them from her. All he’d done up to now was burden his brother and sister. Cassius had been treated as the star-child, the better of his siblings, when in reality – they were far more gifted in all aspects. He was soft spoken and plain. They were exciting, passionate, inspiring even (save for the momentary bratty behavior that Ventus liked to dabble in). Their lives were important, previous even. He looked back up at her – Guinevere’s life was the same, “Rather, You’re the one I would want to keep safe, someone I would risk my life for protecting. Then I could call myself a man.” He smiled. Yes, perhaps his life could be important if it was spent supporting the people he cared about.

[Deleted]

"I-" Stopping as Guin realized she might just interrupt him.

"I-" Now Guinevere was just unsure of how to answer him. Cassius was being almost very presumptuous. Why would he need to protect her? Why was even the prospect exciting to her? Guinevere felt conflicted, being around her was not a safe place. Even just in the game of politics was not a safe position, let alone that she was a mage. The murderer of her parents was still around, and until he was eliminated and found she couldn't sleep easy. Well, that was actually a lie. Until everyone he may have told was dead. Blood always had to answer the original spilling of blood.

Her blue eyes cast down and looked to the floor, hopping it had a better answer. Any response now would take her too far in either direction, closer or farther from the man before her.

"I don't think you should discredit yourself." An honest answer, could he not see the roll he played in strengthening the qualities he so saw in his siblings? "Ventus' bravery, and Elise's strength surely come from having something, or someone to care about so deeply to provide an anchor to which establishes those traits. We all can't be the heroes, but surely the people who provide those reasons are the most important ones." Guinevere smiled a little, against the darkness clouding in Cassius' thoughts. "In old stories I always liked the character who played the role of support to the hero the most. They were really the ones with the heavier burden, carrying all the hopes and ideals of the hero even the very soul as the hero faltered."

[Élise]

At some point, the girl had fallen asleep. She didn’t really remember going to bed, but she had woken up tucked into her bed with her journal no longer in her hands. Élise woke up not long after, having been out for a good twenty minutes or so. She looked about the dark room, her bedside candle out and the curtains drawn so that little light was seeping in. As she rose, fragments of the memories that contained laying down to refresh over what she’d been taught and talking to Ventus filtered into her mind. She swung her legs around the edge of her bed and grabbed her journal once more. The ritgr really hadn’t looked at it long before falling asleep. She figured she should at least read over the page that Guinevere helped her to write ten more times was necessary to actually write its content into her brain. As she rounded the tenth time of repeating its lettering and instruction aloud, Élise tried to recall if she properly expressed her thanks to the Lady.

Perhaps I should thank her once more before my evening training.

Meanwhile Cassius was so inspired and still in the process of registering all of the wise insight that Guinevere had bestowed upon him, he couldn’t find the words to speak. Rather, he didn’t want to respond until he had fully stored all that she had said into the libraries of his memory. What special words she adorned him with. They lifted a burden that he had been carrying for quite some time and fixed his viewpoint. Perhaps she was right. Maybe his support through the years did help his siblings in some way. After being enlightened, he could only hope to guide them more. Guinevere truly was a noble soul.

The elder sibling had to take off his glasses and pretend to clean him in his robes, looking down and doing his best to contain a proud smile. He wiped his eyes as to hide any wet that had formed in the corners and cleared his throat, “Milady, if I may, but you have an interesting way of looking at things,” He finally looked at her, still not having shielded his eyes with his glasses, “Your way of thinking… Well, it is very uplifting. Thank you.” Sincere words followed by a grateful smile. Though silence followed, it was filled with admiration from the taller of them.

When he finally noticed this, Cassius cleared his throat once more and pushed himself from his relaxed leaning against the wall. “Well, I suppose I should try to figure a way out of this situation for us. Surely, Ma’am has noticed by now.”

Just as he’d said that, the doorknob across the room turned and something clicked. The door was pushed up just enough for a blond little head to pop into sight. Élise stood there with the slight smudge of Cruic printing her face and her journal in her hands. “Lady Guinevere?” She sounded as if she’d only just woken up, a scratchy voice from having recited the lesson a thirty more times than she initially intended, “Oh! Cassius, I think you left your keys here,” She jingled them – a goofy smile that resembled Ventus’ sly grin tried to spread across her tired face. Cassius sighed and couldn’t help but laugh. He unconsciously pat Guinevere’s shoulder while pointing to his sister in disbelief, “Yes I’m afraid so.”

---

Elise & Cassius
HP: 300 SM: 32/45 MP: 160

Working on High Cruic I 

[Deleted]

"I have only spoken the truth." Grinning back softly at the eldest El'lor.

Again disapointment struck, as their time alone came to an abrupt halt. Guinevere knew it was about time for this to end. Otherwise this might just continue on for longer than the two of them would know what to do with the time given. With the touch of her shoulder, she was reminded that she still sat in the corner of the room. As she may have liked to take Cassius' hand in support of making herself upright, she did not dare. But the Lady was more than happy to let his hand remain firmly on her shoulder as she rose from the floor.

"Ventus had decided that Cassius needed some time to shirk from his duties." Speaking in a light tone, eyes glistening a little in her kind jest of the man. Perhaps not the best method to dealing with what could be an awkward situation. This could potentially look horrible to anyone walking in on them, at least none of their clothes were crooked in the slightest. In Guinevere's usual world this would be the start of a long and lengthy course of rumors, one she would need to work to dispel and correct. That was not the case, so Guinevere was taking it in stride. Perhaps too relaxed by a casual encounter. She rather liked what she saw in Cassius when she did not need to pretend. "But you had further need of me?"

Snapping back to reality in just the course of a sentence. Her composure was back to upright, and hands held behind her back.

[Élise]

Cassius took the jest with much amusement, chuckling and nodding, “Yes quite, I don’t know whether to thank or scold him for his decision.” He shook his head and lifted the hand he had placed on Guinevere to wave it at Élise, hoping she would open the door more for him to actually exit.

The sister just looked at them, too sleepy to really bother asking what her brother meant by that. Knowing Cassius, it was just an innocent light-hearted agreement. Both of them seemed to be speaking with such sweet words – a much brighter mood than their interactions downstairs. Perhaps whatever Ventus had done was for the better. “Well then, I am glad...” She didn’t sound so sure but still she smiled, “I just wanted to thank you again, Lady Guinevere. I look forward to continuing learning from you, but wish to repay you somehow.. Is there anything I can do to properly thank you?” She asked, doing as her brother had motioned and opening the door fully so he might take his keys back and step out of the Lady’s quarters. Cassius would bow to Guinevere once more, not interrupting his sister as he mouthed, “Excuse me,” as he pardoned himself to return downstairs. He looked forward to seeing her again tomorrow.

Élise would wait for a reply, hoping that she could – in some way – be of aid to the helpful Lady. If there were no suggestions, she would bid the woman goodnight and return to her room to think on it. If there was an idea, Élise would earnestly agree, wish the Lady goodnight, and return to her room for a good night’s rest.

[Deleted]

Guinevere couldn't help to give a small pout as Cassius passed her by. It wasn't aimed at Elise, but after his figure leaving down the hall. Then it was at nothing. But wait! She needed to answer.

"I can-" She just thought of something, and could combine it with something Elise was trying to learn. Guinevere elaborated on her plan. "I'll see you tomorrow. "

Guinevere's sleep wouldn't happen for a few more hours yet, as there was some work still to be done. But eventually she fell asleep in the chair, though now through most of her work.