The Legend of...

Oh wow, maybe she shouldn't have ignored her hand. Ren QUICKLY began to feel lightheaded. Ren didn't argue with the woman as she began to patch up her wounds. Instead, she couldn't resist staring up at her. She had thought she had figured her out, but...today had been quite jarring. She didn't know the kind of person Lady Dorrance is, but she'd have to find out by the end of her stay if she wanted to survive this ordeal. "Thank you." She muttered out, actually a bit embarrassed to have neglected a wound like this. Not very 'warrior bard' like huh?

She idly clenched and unclenched her hand as the wounds healed themselves. She...should really learn some healing magic sometime. And Destruction. Illusion was great, but it really didn't serve every situation did it?

Sadly, the healing magic didn't exactly fix her lightheadedness. If Dorrance was close enough, Ren would start leaning on her without even meaning to. She was having an off week at this rate. "I'm sorry, Lady Dorrance. I can't risk you. I'll go out soon...Just need a few seconds." She took the drink easily enough. Hopefully it would help her out here. If someone was trying to kill her, she definitely shouldn't collapse too far away from Dorrance.

....

Her predicament was a strange one wasn't it?

The moment Ren drank the water, she'd taste the sweetness of the sugar followed by the salt. But she also tasted something else. Lavender? Rosemary? Some sort of aromatic substance that was flowery in nature but not exactly bitter.

She'd instantly start to relax and her muscles would soften. For a second time, Ren's eyes would close and while she wasn't blacking out, she'd be in a REAL good mood to try and sleep.

She'd see Dorrance stand up and look at her with the slightest bit of apology on her face.

"I'm sorry, Miss Ren," she said in a low tone. "But I have obligations and this way you'll be safest."

Even if Ren tried to protest, her muscles would be too lax to even lift themselves from her seat.

The safest from me, she thought as she closed the door behind her.

Sleep and her lightheadedness would suddenly become a little too strong for Ren and she'd start to close her eyes.

***

Ren would wake up to the sky still dark and the moon still in the sky. She'd find Dorrance at her side hovering over her, staring at her intently.

"Miss Ren?" Dorrance called out softly.

Ren would find herself lying down on a bed. It wasn't as soft as the one that had been in the bedroom, but still relatively soft. Looking around, they'd still be in the worker's cottage, but just in one of the bedrooms. She'd also see two other figures.

One was a tall, lithe blonde-haired man wearing a blue and silver uniform--an Expiate uniform. His face was a handsome one with a tall nose and sharp features, albeit tired. His bright azure eyes, despite being alert, were strained and had small lines from slight age and lack of sleep. The second figure...was Viola.

She looked unremarkable, wearing her nightdress rather than her maid's outfit. Her yellow eyes seemed to be focused on the officer. Her silver hair draped over her shoulders.

"It was a good thing I was in the area," the man said. His voice was raspy and low.

"Indeed," Dorrance said turning to him. If Ren noticed, she was no longer in the attire she was earlier. She was also in a nightdress. "I'm so sorry we called you for nothing, Commander Veiller. Ren swore she saw something and..."

The man raised a hand. Despite the stern air around him, he offered a small smile.

"Never apologize for having a concern about Cantic threats," he said. "I promised your father I'd do my best to be around, and here I am. I'm happy to report I detected no Cantic activity in the house, but that might simply mean that it left or it was something else like a thief. It's fortunate you three were able to stay here to rest."

Dorrance bobbed her head meekly. Remembering Ren, she looked back.

"O-oh right," she said. "Miss Ren, this is Commander Veiller. When you passed out, I learned that Viola had already run out of the house to call for help. Commander Veiller happens to live in the estate next to us. That is, when he's not being whisked away elsewhere.

But that's not important. How are you feeling?"

Ren would let out a small whine as she was called out to. It was clear she wanted to sleep just a bit more...It took her a moment to remember what had happened, though. Her eyes shot open and she quickly pushed herself up from bed. She swayed suddenly, having to catch herself. Passing out TWICE in less than 24 hours, clearly did nothing good for her health.

As it turned out, there was no threat. Ren lowered her head in embarrassment is Dorrance explained the incident to the officer. "I'm sorry to have troubled everyone..." Honestly, she was a bit disappointed the attempted murderer hadn't been caught.

"Its nice to meet you, commander. I apologize for pulling you from your home so late at night...I'm not one who cries wolf when there is none, though I may have forgotten that this is not Saadedge." She swallowed hard, but the conversation quickly moved on.

"I...don't know." She replied honestly. "A little weak if I'm being honest." Her eyes lowered in embarrassment once again. In the past 24 hours, she'd exhausted herself, drank until she passed out, tired herself out with magic, bled heavily and then was drugged. She was dead on her feet. "And, a little nervous. I hope I'm wrong about what I saw, but I can't help but feel on edge."

After a moment, she looked up and gave the room a cheery smile. "But I shouldn't trouble you all with the fretting of a paranoid girl. I'm a product of my youth, nothing more. I will bear this worry in silence."

"You did the right thing to be concerned," Commander Veiller said reassuringly. "Per Dorrance's request, I'll be staying with the rest of you for the night. You'll be free to return to your beds, which you seem to need, and I'll be keeping watch."

Dorrance looked at Commander Veiller worriedly.

"Are you sure it's truly alright, Commander Veiller?" she asked clasping her hands together. "What about Liseran and your own house? If it was a threat, it might go there too, won't it?"

The commander shook his head.

"Will is there and Liseran is in Aldmerrow," he said. "I trust my house is just as protected as I hope to make this place tonight. Now, you ladies should all rest."

Dorrance looked at Ren who was, by all means, still very tired. She'd gently place her arms around Ren, gingerly trying to support her.

"I-if you're alright with it, Miss Ren," Dorrance said. "We'll be going back to the manor. However, Commander Veiller said we all sleep in the same room while he keeps watch. That way, no one's isolated and kept in trouble. Are you alright with this?"

It seemed the officer would be staying with them...That was very good. Well, unless HE wanted her dead. That was doubtful though...Probably. The most probable suspect was the maid still. More attempts on her life would follow, but that probably wouldn't happen tonight.

Ren found herself leaning on Dorrance as she moved to stand. While she would have anyway, she really had no choice here. "Thank you, it seems I must trouble you again." She gave a weary smile, but easily found herself relaxing into Dorrance's arms.

Wait...they'd all sleep in the same room? She'd been HOPING to at least get the floor of Dorrance's room. She was a bit nervous to spend the night with the maid in the same room though...No. She wouldn't risk anything like that so soon. "That is a good idea." She nodded with a small sigh. "I'll sleep a bit better knowing you're nearby." She knew how that sounded...Still, that was...A tiny blush spread across her cheeks and her eyes suddenly wider. "I mean, I promised to keep you safe a-and I'd hate for Viola to be in danger as well!"

She couldn't push Viola out here...Though, if this WAS a jealousy thing, getting her to slip would be as simple as shifting Dorrance's focuses. The less she thought about Viola, the angrier she'd get...

But that was only if she was her would be assassin and ONLY if she was vying for 'her lady's' affections.

The color would instantly rise to Dorrance's cheeks as Ren leaned against her (rather affectionately, she could add) and voicing she'd feel safer with Dorrance at her side.

Dorrance would turn her face away, stammering slightly.

"N-nonsense, Miss Ren," she said reverting to her bashful nature. "You've done nothing but make me feel safe since I met you last afternoon."

As she said this, Viola looked on but quickly turned her attention to Commander Veiller. She didn't even remark against Ren's comment about being worried about her.

"Commander Veiller, please proceed to escort us. It is apparent Miss Ren and Lady Dorrance are exhausted."

At this, the older man nodded.

***

The three would take themselves to the master bedroom, the one Ren had caught a peep of earlier that day. There was a daybed by the window which Viola volunteered to take, and this, well, this left Ren and Dorrance to share the main lush canopy bed.

Looking rather bashful and clutching a hand to her chest, Dorrance looked at Ren.

"A-are you sure you're comfortable sharing?" she asked hesitantly. "I-if not, I can always have the sendings bring in another mattress and...and..."

Dorrance closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. It was odd, but she seemed almost as nervous as she had when Ren had first met her--almost incapable of speaking without feeling flustered.

Ren, exhausted as she was, couldn't help but take note of Viola's lack of response. Of course, she woman seemed all business...She could be reading too much into things. Well she should be actually, someone was trying to kill her!

"I'm happy I can return the favor just a bit then." She giggled softly, enjoying Dorrance's blushing face despite herself. She was just so cute...

--

Ren couldn't help but look around the room wide eyed. She'd ended up changing into something more suitable for sleep, and little more revealing when she got a chance. She was using every weapon in her arsenal here. She was happy to hear Viola volunteer to take the other bed. She could go sulk in the corner and angrily plot her next scheme for all she cared. Honestly...Ren would feel bad if she WASN'T trying to kill her.

...She hoped she was trying to kill her, otherwise Ren was a really bad person...

At Dorrance's question, Ren would shift, biting her lip lightly. Something seemed to be on her mind. "This is embarrassing." She paused, an almost shamed expression taking her features for the moment. "I promise I'm not normally like this but..." A hand rose, scratching her blushing cheek as her eyes swiveled to the side, unable to meet Dorrance's gaze. "I think it might help me sleep better. I-I know it's a bit childish..." She shifted again, meeting Dorrance's eyes once again. "Sorry for being needy. If you're uncomfortable with this, you don't have to. Like I said, I'll bear it in silence." And again she'd put on a cheery smile for Dorrance. She didn't want her to worry after all!!!

The tiniest [small]eep[/small] would escape Dorrance's lips when Ren mentioned she'd be more comfortable sleeping beside Dorrance. However, when Ren suggested she'd be fine if she said no, Dorrance quickly shook her head.

"Oh, nonono, I'm more than alright," she murmured in embarrassment. She was still clutching at her chest tightly. A small smile appeared on her face. "I-I think I'd feel safer next to you, too."

Hesitantly, Dorrance lifted up her side of the sheets an slowly slipped in. She curled up on her side of the bed, but had made the bold choice of facing Ren's side rather than turning around. She didn't look at Ren, her eyes were glancing sideways, but one could read she was waiting for Ren to follow suit.

Ren was...getting a little nervous if she was being honest. There was a lot to be nervous about to be fair, but...At Dorrance's words, she felt her heart beat a bit faster. There was something uncannily exciting about all of this. Ren wasn't cold enough to just up and manipulate someone without feeling, though. She cared for Dorrance, horrid revelations aside. Ren was a product of her youth, she had a feeling Dorrance was quite similar. Plus, she needed to know more before she could make judgements.

Still, there was the implication that Dorrance might harm her if she ever found out she knew about her...activities. As long as she played dumb, she'd be safe, that much she knew. Slowly, Ren lifted her sheets up as well. She tried to make her movements a bit more slow and deliberate, as to not jostle Dorrance too much.

Unfortunately, the bed was far too soft. Ren pretty much collapsed into it, sighing wistfully as the stress started to immediately leave her body. She, too made the bold decision of facing Dorrance, though she was pretty sure turning her back to the woman might be a bad idea. She glanced at Dorrance briefly, but found her eyes often wandering around the room. Slowly, she'd eventually try and hold her gaze as she curled slightly under the covers. "Thank you for being so patient with me. I fear I've been making a fool of myself this whole day." She leaned in slightly to whisper to Dorrance, trying to be at least a little respectful toward Viola. She would sigh, her eyes closing for a few moments. "I'm a bit out of my element if I'm being honest, but I'll learn quickly, I promise."

Dorrance's gaze on Ren held steady, though it was apparent Ren was a little uneasy. She apologized for being a fool, and Dorrance, also in a low tone, smiled and said, "Nonsense. All I see is you being wonderful," she said.

As Ren started to close her eyes, she'd hear Dorrance shuffle, covering the blanket over herself even more, hiding under an airy shell to give Ren a little space.

"And it's okay. We can take this one step at a time," she said.

Dorrance would shift onto her back and stare at the canopy.

The pale cool moonlight stopped short outside the lacy curtains of the canopy. On the wall, it made patterns of flowers and vines, an embroidery of shadows.

She glanced over at Viola who was lying flat on the daybed, her hands clasped together and her posture stiff, a person in a casket for the living, was how her husband described how Viola slept. It was true in a way. It was so different from...

She looked at Ren again. Even with her eyes closed, there was such...life in her, Dorrance thought. From her sun-colored hair, to the plush soft texture of her cheeks and lips, to the gentle steadiness of her breathing. Dorrance rested her head on her arm as she turned back to her side, looking at her intently, but not harshly.

Why did you have to see me? Dorrance asked her silently. I never wanted to have doubts about you. But now...

Dorrance twisted her body slightly, looking into drawer at her end table. A sharp letter opener glinted at her, still stained with marks of red. She looked at Ren again. She thought about how sad she'd be if that gentle breathing stopped. If her sunny hair went dry and stale. If the color of her cheeks drained and turned her face waxen.

No...she couldn't yet. She didn't have to.




...right?

Gently, Dorrance closed the end table again, and stared at Ren.


Please don't ruin you for me, she thought.

She repeated these words in her head as she continued to stare at her, as if saying a vigil to a sleeping god she was not sure would answer her prayers.


She didn't know how long it would be for, but she must have fallen asleep an hour or so later.

***

Daybreak arrived and as Ren would awaken, she would see that neither Dorrance nor Viola was in the room. There was the sound of birds chirping, but also activity stirring within the house. She'd see a sending come in and provide her a robe to place over her nightdress.

She could hear laughing and chatter, a far cry from last night's solemnity. Chances were, it was coming from the kitchen as even from here she'd hear utensils clattering.

If she did go downstairs, she'd see Commander Veiller and Dorrance eating. Veiller wasn't dressed in his uniform, but a well-fashioned suit. Meanwhile, Dorrance wore a day dress. It was a pretty spring yellow decorated with frills and lace, but with shorter sleeves made of fabric that lapped over one another like flower petals.