My World of 1x1s discussion
Fantasy
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Pyry (Ji Mei and DD)
Niel laughed lightly. It was ironic, he had been chasing death ever since he went to Pyry, but the more he cheated death, the more he wanted to live. If she had asked him that a month ago, he probably would have asked for just that."No, sadly. I don't." He offered her a mischievous smile, "Though if you killed me, you'd die too. Might be worth it." He winked before sitting back down on the bed to catch his breath. "It's just for protection."
He wondered how many unsaid things he would regret once she was gone. Probably none. Saying meaningless things never ended well. Maybe he wanted to say them, but that would pass, he told himself. He'd become soft to her because she saved his life and spent far too much time by his side. Once she was gone, he would be able to forget about her, he told himself. It would be fine, he told himself.
I'd die too? Ivy's mouth curved downwards, ignoring his wink. Probably Una would do it. After all, her first concern was the prince as a bodyguard. Or perhaps she'd drag Ivy to the Errebist king and there she would be killed. It could even cause war since she was sure Errebist would want retribution. She ran a finger along the edge of the knife. It looked like it would sell well if she found a noble who was dumb enough to pay a ridiculous price. Then she put the knife aside, facing Niel. "All right. Now that I'm prepared for danger, am I free to do as I wish? I can leave without anymore qualms?"
"Once I am free to travel, I see no other reason you shouldn't." He responded, keeping his gaze on her face. He tried not to feel hurt at her eagerness to leave as soon as humanly possible. Would she still want to leave if she knew of the impending war? Sighing, he reasoned it would only make her want to leave faster. What was he doing in all this? None of his thoughts were focused on the important things anymore."You'll never have to see me again." He assured her finally. "Now, if you don't mind, I will go for a walk to get these legs working again." He nodded, standing once more. He swayed slightly, quickly grabbing Ivy's shoulder for support momentarily. He felt his chest squeeze uncomfortably at the contact and he muttered an apology before going on his way, each stride gaining more confidence than the last. He needed to get away from the healer so he could set his mind straight again.
Ivy matched his gaze, keeping a fierce stubborn look as she watched him slowly leave the room. She had to fight off her concern, and she had to resist even more the urge to place her hand over his when it fell on her shoulder. When she was alone, a shudder ran through her and her body sagged. Her hands shook so hard. Pressing them hard into her lap, Ivy stared hard at the ground, trying to force out the second questions that whispered in the farthest reaches of her mind.
"Goodbye, Una." The words felt like lumps of coal in her throat. Her lips trembled and she had to try a couple times before she whispered out into the air, "Goodbye, Niel."
Then, after a long silent moment, her shoulders set, her face fell into a passive, plain expression. For now, she's locked away everything. Until she left, she won't show any more weakness. At least, that's what she told herself.
Niel found Una assisting the Inn Keeper with chopping firewood. Given how angry he had made her earlier, the activity seemed fitting."Have you settled down?" Niel prodded, resting on a nearby stump. Una gave him a look, indicating that she didn't want to talk to him just yet. She continued to chop until the logs had been sufficiently slaughtered.
"What do you need, my Lord?" She allowed, turning with a renewed neutral expression.
"A favor."
"That is...?"
"I need you to secretly escort Ivy back to Pyry."
"You mean you want me to follow her?"
"Yes. Watch out for her in case things get dangerous. Make sure she gets a good enough price for the blade I gave her to pay for school. Make sure she can escape when the war breaks out-"
"Just how long do you want me to look out for her?"
"Indefinitely." Niel shrugged.
Una could feel her irritation begin to rise again. "Sire..." She took a breath, "Just how do you propose to repay me for this... conditional termination?"
"With your own freedom and my promise that I will personally see to the survival and compensation to your parents, whose daughter died in the line of duty, protecting the prince. Should they wish it, I will see to it their relocation to Pyry once we have taken control of the land. They will have servants to help them tend the land and perhaps, one day, you will be able to return to them."
Una watched him in wonder, stunned by the promises he was making. "You really care for her this much?"
"Una, don't be ridiculous." He huffed, "she refused payment aside from the dagger, so all that I would have repaid her for saving my life will become my payment to you for proper motivation." He stood slowly, looking back up at the inn. "She'll likely take off soon, so be ready. I politely asked her to wait until I was ready to travel, but let's face it. Her heart is already miles away."
Niel went on to finish his walk and think about what war strategies he would suggest once he returned home.
***END OF SCENE***
((Cool, cool. How would you imagine the king would act? He wasn't at the summit, right? So, I'm sure news of the poisoning and Niel missing will be circulating.))
((Well, I imagine the King to be sort of unsurprised by all of this. After all, he did send the prince there with the plan of creating means for a war with Pyry at all costs. I think he would be unsurprised by his son's death. I imagine his personality to be almost as though he is in a trance. Those who question him would be sentenced to death aside from his advisor, the demon, whose abilities border on some sort of hypnotism/suggestion I think. So I would think fewer words, unimpressed or vacant demeanor/expressions, and a tendency to resort to violence to solve problems as though it were a learned behavior to save time.))
((I guess sort of like Wormtongue and King Theoden when he was enchanted? It might take me a while to write out all of it.))
((I should finally be able to concentrate on this. I just need to remember what I was supposed to do. >.< Dixon meets up with the King and finds out everything, that's essentially it, yes? And then for some reason he goes and tells Niel?))
Most of Dixon's journey to the palace was a drunken blur as he came across an increasing amount of other demons. After the first few encounters, Dixon grew bored with them and just avoided them as much as he could. But no matter where Dixon went, each village seemed to have at least one resident demon. The rumor about the king's advisor seemed more and more true.
***
Dixon stumbled out of the shadows of a dead end alley, the stones underneath his boots kicking up dust. It was nearing sunrise, but already it felt like it was going to be a hot day. Adjusting his hat on his head, Dixon rolled up the sleeves of a shirt, an Errebist-styled shirt that he might have "accidentally" acquired after spending a tryst with some man's wife. He could disguise himself, of course, but with so many demons everywhere, it was likely they'll be suspicious of his Pyry-clothes. Thankfully the demon at the border wouldn't have to be suspicious since it was pretty common to have blending between countries there. But further in, it would draw unwanted attention.
After he made sure his clothes were more-or-less in proper order, Dixon stepped out of the alley and onto the main thoroughfare. Unlike the orderly, grid-patterned Pyryian capital, Errebist's city layout was like a wagon with spokes spread out, or a web with the palace at the center. So finding his way there wasn't that big of a problem.
As he passed shops and other buildings and stalls, he watched how many of the people's faces looked strained. Unlike the sickly optimistic cheer of Pyry. But Dixon supposed in the heat, anyone would be angry all the time. The people that stood out were definitely demons. He saw demons disguised as aristocrats with servants bowing down to them, some eyeing fine jewelry that were either imported or made by the most famous artisans of Errebist (at least, given what the sign says).
It wasn't long before the gates to the palace stood before him, a gaping maw with a portcullis as jagged teeth.
((I think I gave a city name for Pyry, so let's go with Dorkost for Errebist.))
((Sounds good! Durkost it is :) ))
((Ah, I just now spotted my typo. Anyways, I looked back at my group and Lostra is Pyry's capital.))
Unlike Pyry, Errebist's palace was built with tactical advantage in mind. It was sturdy and built to stand even under catapult fire. Pyry's on the other hand was built to look impressive and show off the bountiful wealth of the country. Dixon tried to imagine Niel walking this castle's halls as he approached the doors. The guards eyed him, but they didn't seem to mind Dixon's travel-worn appearance.
Inside, the palace looked more luxurious, chandeliers glistening. The beauty was different. It exuded the Errebist flavor that Dixon had begun to learn as he traveled the country.
He wasn't left gawking for long as a well-dressed man with an upturned nose approached.
"What can I do for you, Mr...?"
Letting out a soft laugh at the man's question, Dixon waved off the man's words. "Just call me Dixon."
The man frowned, finding Dixon rude or odd for only a single name. Or both. He sniffed. "All right, Mr. Dixon, what are you here for?"
Dixon smirked at the man's insistence. Whatever. It would be better for him to just get his business over with. "Prince Niel has offered me a reward for my assistance. Just here to get it."
A blink in surprise. "The prince?"
"Yes. The one and only." Dixon flashed his most charming smile.
The man studied him, his expression unreadable. "Right this way," he said after a couple moments of silent. And without further instruction, he walked off, heading towards the receiving room.
Dixon followed.
After the maze of halls and rooms, Dixon was left standing in a large antechamber. It was decorated more lavishly than other areas of the castle so Dixon assumed he was in the room before he entered the throne room. He was just ready to daydream and contemplate meeting the king before a door opened in a corner of the room.Turning on his heels, Dixon was prepared to put on airs, when instead he was met with someone that definitely wasn't kingly in appearance.
At his look of confusion, the new arrival-- a man who looked older with some lines around his eyes but his hair was still dark-- chuckled as he came closer. He wore robes of the deepest red, almost like dried blood. His eyes looked cold and dead, and for a moment, Dixon wondered if he was seeing his first dead man walking.
The man seemed content to study his guest for a couple moments, the silence long. Then he smiled politely and stepped even closer. "So, I've heard you are here because of the late prince?"
The man didn't seem to be the king so Dixon only gave a small bow of his head in greeting. "I am here because of the prince," he replied, leaving out that the prince was most likely alive and well. There was something... odd about the man, other than his appearance, that made Dixon feel unsettled. Which he was not a fan of, and it made Dixon's instincts tell him to be extra cautious.
Advisor Saza held up a rolled piece of parchment. "Prince Niel wrote you were instrumental in poisoning not only himself, but the entire table of diplomats. An impressive claim. Though I must say I am curious how a man could undertake such a feat and escape the summit in such good health." He crowed, a knowing smile on his thin, dry lips. "I trust you are aware of what the prince has promised you as compensation?"
"Perhaps I'm just an extraordinary man," Dixon commented, flashing a charming smile. "And yes, the prince himself told me what compensation I'd be given once I helped him with his request." He raised his chin, putting on a confident air. Though, technically, the original quest was to make everyone dead, which he didn't get to follow through. But Dixon didn't bother to mention that. ((He's one hell of a man. :P Like the reference?))
"Yes... perhaps..." Advisor Saza kept his eyes carefully trained on the man, watching carefully, until suddenly he held out his hand in front of Damon, willing him into a state of hypnotism. "Before you are given your reward, I will just be verifying your identity for myself... Rest, child. You must be weary."
((Yep! Haha XD))Dixon looked at the man's raised hand, confused. "What--?" he began before his eyes became vacant and slowly his head drooped, instantly falling asleep where he stood.
Once the man fell under Saza's spell, he began to question him, "Now, you will answer me honestly. Give me your true name and the name of the one who sent you. Why have you come to Errebist?" His fingers flickered as he manipulated the man's conscious. At this point, there was no telling what Pyry or the Angels would do to retaliate should the plan have been discovered.
His voice was flat as he answered, "My name is Dixon, and I came here on my own. I came because the prince said he would give me a reward for helping him poison the banquet."If he weren't under the spell, Dixon might laugh as the advisor got the same answers to the questions before.
Saza's eyes narrowed, not completely satisfied with the man's response. It did appear that he was telling the truth, but he wanted more. "And how exactly were you able to poison the entire banquet? How did you escape Pyry unharmed?" He questioned further.
He gave a limp shrug, the movement sluggish and lacking the fake modesty Dixon often used. "Just used my gifts and said the magic words. It was hard to escape that angel, let me tell you, since they don't like demons like me, which is probably a given. Mostly shadow walked out. No one saw my face too," he rambled, somehow keeping his more talkative personality.
Saza's lips twitch, pleased to have his suspicions confirmed. "I see." Pleased with the man's answers, he released his hold, allowing this newcomer Dixon to speak on more comfortable terms.
"Very well, Mr. Dixon. I believe you. Since you were ambitious enough to seize an opportunity with our prince, you shall be rewarded handsomely. And as a personal token of gratitude, allow me to explain the new life you will have to look forward to here."
With a snap of his fingers, doors opened leading to a balcony overlooking the red desert landscape. Advisor Saza motioned for Dixon to follow. "Errebist is a work in progress, one could say. And it is not what the Prince or any other outsider might describe it as. I suppose you could say it's a sanctuary that has been decades in the making, but it isn't nearly so pitiful. It started with a few of us, much like you, running to any corner of the Earth we could escape those Angels." He spoke as though the word itself were poison to him. "But those insufferable doves are not so untouchable as we once thought. Once we were able to infiltrate the castle, the rest of the country was able to follow suit fairly quickly. But one country... we demons are not so easily satisfied. It is only a matter of time before the rest of the sky dwellers to catch on. If you noticed one at the banquet it is possible they may already be aware. Errebist is but a stepping stone to greater things for our kind." He smiled fondly upon the shadowed lands beneath them. "When the time comes for the pigeons to descend, we will be ready and you, Mr. Dixon will have the best seats to see the fruits of your labor. Spawn rates have been increasing exponentially in these past years with our famine and military efforts. As a reward, you will be given land with an estate and a generous amount of compensation. If you'd like, I can even have the humans cleaned out of the area prior to your arrival (unless you prefer to do the clearing yourself). Do you have any further questions, Mr. Dixon? I do believe my offer is more than generous enough."
Dixon's eyes narrowed with suspicion at the advisor's sudden acceptance of his explanation. His gut told him something odd happened, but he didn't know what. "So, you believe me?" he asked slowly, silently wondering what "new life" meant. Following with feigned nonchalance, Dixon looked down at the city sprawled below. He tried to look disinterested, but at the mention of angels with that tone, Dixon stared at the advisor with scrutiny. Slowly, Dixon grinned. A sanctuary for demons? Who ever heard of such a thing? It was odd enough to meet fellow demons for him, but now a place to belong? He didn't like the sound of eradicating humans though.
Dixon took a couple moments, eyeing the horizon as he thought about the offer. Then he turned to the other man. "My only question is your name. You've indeed been generous and so I'd like to remember who to thank while I go enjoy my land."
"You can call me Saza. I have an attendant by the name if Ire who will assist you in retrieving your reward and show you to your new home." The advisor finished casually. It was natural for demons to be curious of who he was after he bequeathed sanctuary upon them. Of course, handing out one's true name was never wise. Who knew what Angel ears were lurking outside these walls. The advisor took up a new name after he began working for the royal family as a precaution."Now, if you'll excuse me, there are many preparations to be made. War will be at our doorstep soon, thanks to you. I would like to make sure my chess pieces are all in order." Saza's footsteps ticked like a metronome as he strode purposefully across the marble floors. Two doors opened, one where a small, miserable looking man came in from, his eyes cast down and head bowed at the floor as Saza passed through the second door and left.
"You must be Mr. Dixon, yes? I am Ire. Come with me and I will take you to your estate." The man's expression was both morose and unbothered as he spoke and signaled for Dixon to follow.
Saza. Dixon mentally repeated the name to himself. Clearly the advisor had power and despite the reward and seeming acceptance, Dixon made sure to never trust anyone. Not even another demon. "Of course. You have my thanks for your generosity," Dixon said, bowing his head briefly at the advisor before the demon left.
Dixon watched with interest as the timid man approached him. He followed Ire for a few steps before he spoke up with curiosity. "Ire, have you worked with the advisor for a while?"
Ire looked up at the man hesitantly, wincing as if he wasn't sure if he was supposed to answer or not. He was instructed to treat their guest well, but... giving away too much information got the last assistant in trouble..."A-about a year. Why do you ask?" Ire replied, leading Dixon down a series of hallways toward the main entrance of the castle.
"No reason. Just conversation," Dixon said with a flippant wave, looking around again. Now that he knew of the advisor and the probability that there were more demons in Errebist than he first thought, he was curious. Were those guards posted there demons? Or perhaps those lady courtiers? Was Ire one too? As they neared the main entrance, Dixon slowed his steps to a more casual stroll. "Ire, would you say people like me are enjoying Errebist?" he asked again, wondering if the man would pick up the other meaning to his words.
"O-of course!" Ire could feel the back of his neck prickle anxiously. "A place free of Angels... is every demons dream, no? We are free to do as we please; we are the rulers of this realm. No one but Saza can judge our actions and he is a fair and merciful ruler." He spoke rapidly but bluntly as though he had memorized that exact response.
The man's uneasy state was contagious and Dixon began to feel unsettled himself. But he didn't let his expression betray any of that as he nodded while listening to Ire. "He is indeed a great ruler from what I gathered," Dixon replied, flashing a charming smile. Hopefully if anyone was listening, they would think he was an idiot, ready to prance away to his happily ever after. It was interesting to him that Saza was considered ruler and not the king. Not unexpected, but Dixon wondered if the crown prince ever knew of the snake lying at the heart of his country.
He fell silent then, deciding to not bother Ire any longer. He had gathered enough information. And he wasn't sure he liked the situation he was in. Instead of a reward, Dixon felt like he was being indebted to Saza.
Ire nodded robotically showing Dixon to the door. "Your reward money has already been transferred to your estate. There is a carriage waiting to take you there Just down the main steps. I will leave you now." He turned, hesitating for a moment and visibly shaking. "The humans near your property. They... are certainly below your station, but- I find they are very hard workers should you ever have a job for them." He bustled away quickly back down the corridors before his tongue got any looser.
"Right." Dixon took a couple steps then paused, looking to Ire as he continued. Putting on a cheerful face, he gave a nod. "I certainly will keep that in mind. Your help is much appreciated," he said politely. But when Dixon turned away and headed down the steps, his expression turned more serious. He had the distinct feeling he was being watched, so he kept his pace casual. A wry smile twisted Dixon's face. Did he just sell his soul to the devil? For once, the expression seemed to apply to him. He was not a fan of that. But perhaps at the estate, he might see everything differently. Maybe it was just the palace atmosphere that didn't suit him.* * *
Despite the rattling and shuddering of the carriage, Dixon fell asleep, his energy drained from visiting the advisor for some reason. And in his sleep, there was a dark cloud that fogged up any dreams he might have had, as if there was something still bugging him from when he was awake. It was with a sharp rap and the nickering of horses that he woke and realized that they were close. Stepping out to stretch his legs, Dixon turned his gaze to take in his reward.
A golden pink sunset reflected off the white walls of the mansion overlooking the village nestled at its feet. From this distance, there was a distinguishable dirtiness to the village buildings, as if the place had a light layer of ash from a past fire.
Nodding to the driver, Dixon returned to the carriage and they turned down the road that would take him down through the village to the estate.
As they began to approach the outskirts of the village, Dixon peaked out, curious about the property that has fallen into his hands. And it was as if he was taken eons back, to a time he almost forgot. Dust and dirt kicked up by wind hung in the air, creating a haze where the skeletal stalks of crops could barely be seen. Bent over figures in the fields blended in so well, Dixon almost mistook them for boulders. Then they were passing buildings. Like he observed from earlier, they looked filthy, but up close he could see the cracked walls, the muddied windows, the occasional pale face peering at the carriage as they passed.
While he didn't cause the illness, Dixon could sense sickness in the air, and the air was rancid. They were coming to the center of the village. Suddenly, Dixon tapped on the carriage, telling them to stop.
As he opened the door, Dixon ignored the confused look of the driver. He noted that the driver had a handkerchief over his face. Dixon tried his best not to inhale too deeply, but he could still taste the air. It really was similar to that time.
((ok... well... do you want to hold off for a bit? you could do like a mini summary of him settling into his new place and his feelings about the condition of the land and community around him. Maybe he hears that the prince has returned to the castle and decides to pay him a visit later? idk it's up to you since you know him best))
((So actually I was thinking what motivates Dixon the most right now is his desire for fun and excitement. I think what may get him going is if things are no longer fun with the advisor controlling everything and that might make Dixon go to the prince and tell him everything. Dixon usually just does what he wants and if he can't do whatever he wants, he's not going to like that. I'll try to write something soon, but I think I'm not going to go with him realizing his closeness to humanity just yet. ))
There was a stillness. Not a peaceful kind, but one that felt dead. Dixon looked around the center, taking in the decrepit buildings that looked on the edge of collapse from a strong wind. Surprisingly, there was a tavern, but the rusty sign and the clouded windows didn't look promising. Still, it would give him an idea of what the place is really like. Waving at the driver to stay, Dixon strolled over and stepped inside. Dust motes drifted in the low light, and dirt kicked up from his footsteps. A gaunt man absently wiped down the counter, and an even more frail woman lazed around in a booth, smoking her cigarette with an empty gaze.
Not promising. But what about the ale?
Dixon slid into a seat at the bar and waved at the bartender. "Whatever ale you got," he said.
His time in the bar was practically dead. Somehow, even as the bartender wiped down the counter and tables, it was as if the whole place was at a standstill. Never in his life had Dixon regretted stepping into a bar until this one. The air was stagnant and the ale made him want to gag. Setting down his mug with a grimace. Dixon threw some cash on the counter and got up to leave. He didn't think his drink was worth paying for, but now that he pretty much owned the town, he supposed it might somehow fix it.
It seemed like it wasn't going to get better. When Dixon stepped into the estate that was given to him, it felt more like a mausoleum than a grand house with luxurious furniture and decor. Perhaps it was because of the previous person that owned the place, but Dixon couldn't stand the silence of it all. He had noticed some maids and footmen scurry into the corners when he stepped inside like mice hiding in their holes. They didn't make a sound as they eyed him with frightened eyes.
Rubbing a hand along his jaw, Dixon looked around, his gaze unreadable. Without so much as speaking to the carriage driver, he stepped forward into the shadows and disappeared.
((So last night I made a post and then I accidentally exited out of the tab and everything was lost... I’ll probably type it up again tomorrow night or so))
(( OTL Ouch. I hate when that happens. :/))
The morning Ivy left had been beautiful by all means. The sun was warm, there was the lovely tune of the birds singing not so far off, the breeze provided just the right amount of relief from the warm sun, and physically, Prince Niel hadn't felt better in ages. And yet, his chest fest hollowed and cold, the silence the surrounded him felt palpable, and while he'd always been a solitary sort, he felt truly alone.Una had left not long after, per his instructions. If there was one thing dragging him forward towards home at this point, it was his sense of duty to his poor citizens. His life belonged to them after all.
The journey back to the castle was only another day's ride now that he was traveling alone. The landscape had grown increasingly desolate and depraved as he approached his kingdom. His surroundings hardly seemed to register, though. The castle gates opened for him and upon his entry, he was greeted by Advisor Saza.
"My Prince, it is so good to see that you have returned in such good health." He crooned, "We shall hold a banquet-"
"No need." Niel interrupted the man unceremoniously. "I've had a long journey. I'd prefer to recover in my quarters for the next couple of days. I'll speak to my father then. I have some affairs I need to tend to. My bodyguard died protecting me, so her family will have to be compensated. I made a promise before she-er- moved on."
Advisor Saza chuckled at this. "My Prince, surely there is no need to pay mind to such things in the face of impending war. Your bodyguard served her purpose. Shouldn't you occupy your time with more pressing matters?"
"What pressing matters am I to serve? I should be dead, shouldn't I?" Niel huffed before waving the man off and returning to his room.
~~~
The following day, Niel had been cleaned, shaven, and dressed anew, the gold lining on his robes glinted magnificently in the sunlight that danced upon his image. Aside from his servants, the Advisors seemed to be leaving him alone and he hadn't heard any word from his father, so he decided to carry on as he'd said. He travelled to one of the districts where Una's parents were said to live. As he approached, however, the unfamiliar feeling of insecurity began to tug at his insides.
"The hell am I going to say to them?" He cursed under his breath. He dipped into a small tavern around the corner and ordered himself a poor excuse of an ale to settle his nerves. The flavor could only disappoint, but he supposed it did take the edge off. The owner of the establishment was being kind enough to offer their best product after all.
"Is milord also new to town? Milord looks much more rich than the last lord. He just arrived this week, though doesn't look nearly as rich as you."
"A new lord has come to this district? Was he much of a storyteller?"
Niel sipped the drink, doing his best to ignore the flavor and not grimace.
"Yes, Milord. Though he seems to have taken leave of his property for the time being."
"I see, thank you for the information. I should get going. I need to visit the Awanata's before the end of the day."
"Did you say the Awanata's?"
"Yes, do you know them?"
"Yes, sir. Mr. Ahote Awanata is currently ill, so Mrs. Niwanna Awanata has taken another job working at the new lord's territory. They haven't been doing well as of late, then again, none of us are, really."
Niel felt a twinge in his chest, thinking about what Una would give to be there for her parents in their time of need, yet he had sent her away, likely to never see them again.
"I see." He nodded solemnly. "Thank you again." He nodded, leaving a tip for the man's trouble before heading on his way.
Dixon wandered aimlessly around his town for the next several weeks. He managed to get the tavern to be a little bit more lively with his constant patronage, but it still didn't have the lively crowds that would listen to his storytelling. He didn't have women fawning over him. Everyone cowered since they knew he was a demon. It was too quiet.Needing to get out of the dusty house, Dixon headed out to the fields. The land had improved somewhat, probably because the previous lord was a demon interested in famines and constantly made it hard for the land to flourish. Perhaps it was because of his Pyry background, but Dixon didn't revel in starving people to death.
He tucked his hands in his pockets, his hat covering his face. He cast an illusion to make his clothes more rumpled in hopes he wouldn't attract attention. Though it was mostly futile. No matter what illusion he cast on himself, the people commonly viewed strangers and newcomers as demons. It was easier to distrust everyone than to have hope, Dixon supposed.
Niel traveled east towards the territory that had been rewarded to Dixon. He wondered if he would have to run into the demon again and if he even wanted to. The prince had to admit the man was terribly charming, but after everything that had occurred with Ivy... the prince was conflicted, to say the least. Thankfully it seemed Dixon was off-site. According to one of the servants, they knew about the demon and claimed he was often wandering around unsuccessfully in search of entertainment.Niel found Mrs. Awanata, but found the interaction much more nerve-wracking than he imagined. Her clothes were fairly well mended for someone of her social standing, but her expression was sharp and stern with a barely concealed scowl on her dark features. Her eyes reminded him of Una's, though much fiercer like a bear ready to attack at the first sign of trouble.
"Mrs. Awanata. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. Your daughter Una has been in my service for the past few years." Niel managed with as much regality he could muster, considering what he was about to tell the woman.
"Your Highness." The woman answered curtly, only bowing half-heartedly. "Get on with it. Where is my daughter? Did she run away? Die? Get sent on a dangerous mission? I can't imagine there are many reasons for you to come see me otherwise." The woman's words stung with bitterness and Niel noted that her hands were clenched to fists at her side.
Niel managed not to flinch, but he had to admit her presence put even him on edge. "Er-I'm here to report... that Una unfortunately..." There was a sudden chill in the air that made Niel's skin prickle and shivers down his spine. Something in the air felt off.
"My Una is the strongest warrior out there. I know you- you and your army who have already taken the life of my beautiful boy, who refuse to pay my husband's hospital bills, who-"
"Mrs. Awanata?" Niel's eyes widened as he could practically feel the intense anger radiating off the woman. Her eyes were glassy and red and the prince was far out of his depth here. His heart was starting to pound against his rig cage painfully in fear. What was happening?
"-who hardly let me see my babies in years! You have the AUDACITY to tell me that my precious daughter, who worked so hard to support us is-" She was seething in an unnatural voice at this point that made even the prince weak in the knees.
"She's alive! I swear she's alive." Niel cowered, shaking on the floor beneath her menacing figure. Niwanna paused for a moment, her aura flickering before she started at the man again.
"YOU LIE !" She hissed angrily.
"Not about this!" He responded with as much confidence as he could manage. "She sent me to check on you." He swallowed. "She's been worried. Una is on a mission that I sent her on before returning to the capital. She wanted me to make sure you got out of the country safely."
Much to Niel's surprise, the strange energy that had been surrounding the woman had dissipated and she sank into a chair, fatigued. Her hands hiding her face, but he could hear her soft whimpers of anguish. She must have been carrying the majority of the burden with her husband fallen ill.
"Mrs. Awanata. I can see where your daughter gets her strength from. I know it may be difficult, but I need you to put your faith in me this once. Una has proven her loyalty to me more than once and I wouldn't let such service go unrewarded." The prince felt a pang of guilt. He knew this woman's situation wasn't too different from many of his other citizens. Parents losing their children and loved ones to the famine and plagues affecting the country. It was a wonder Niel hadn't run into any demons during his time in his country.
Niwanna finally looked up at the prince, her eyes tired, yet wary. "Alright... I will listen." She consented.
He was nearing the outskirts of town when it hit him. A raging wave of energy similar to when he first crossed Errebist's border. A demon's energy. And as quickly as it hit Dixon, it suddenly dispersed. Or perhaps boiled down, not completely gone, but not as strong. Casting his gaze around, Dixon took in the brittle trees, the dried grass, the stagnant air. Where did that come from? There weren't enough shadows. He shot an accusing gaze at the sun, then sighed. Guess he should just keep walking.
Looking back at Niel, Ivy's mouth curved in a smile. "You want me to kill you?" she asked in a mocking tone, her head tilted.