Imago Ch15: Idle Unpleasantries (Patreon)

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 L knows that she’s been taken outside. The breeze on her skin and stones beneath her feet tell her that much.  Apart from that, though...she's in a world of her own. The mask is heavy, weighing on her as she walks. After a few almost-panicked yanks at her manacles, she's given up struggling, alone with her thoughts while Desdemona and Thisbe lead her to their dryad, Helios.But why?Had something about the runaway nymph piqued his curiosity? Or was it her loss of memory?  Regardless, he's interested enough to pluck her out of the Rookery without even asking Astraea. That can't be good. But this is why she returned, isn’t it?To shake out some answers.Lyra might have known him, or worse, he might be the one responsible for her flight.If that’s the case, now that she’s returned he might be looking to clean up that loose end.  But then again… if that were true, he wouldn't have had her summoned so openly.  Surely an assassination attempt would be more covert.So....why...?A dull thud of air pressure that she can feel more than hear. The distant sound of a heavy door closing. Something’s shifting. The space around her is closer. L stumbles as she’s taken up a narrow set of stairs, then beyond into a broader space. She can feel the rock hard glassy feel of polished tiles underfoot.Someone helps her down to her knees, resting her on a velvety pillow. The cushion is nice. Kneeling on it is not.She is released, and left in silence.L's antennae quest around in the dark, tasting the air. Old wood. Some kind of spice she can't identify. Cold metal and stone, damp earth and dry leaves. A warmth as well, heavy and thick, like too much perfume.It's a waiting game, and she knows it, but the fluttering feeling in her stomach isn't willing to handle that. L tries to press it back down, but the feeling does have an undeniably seductive counterargument.Would Lyra wait?She shifts to stand. Two firm, sinewy hands slam her back onto the pillow. Her wings flare out in alarm. L tugs against the chains again, struggling to rise, but the hands squeeze like vices, holding her in place. They stay just long enough to make sure she understands before reaching up and twitching something on the mask. With a series of smooth clicks, it retracts from her mouth and ears. "Lyra."The voice is masculine but light, with just a hint of whimsy. L can hear the smile as its owner whisks away the veil, although her blindfold is left untouched. She takes a moment to work her mouth. "Where am I?"A bright laugh."Exactly where you asked to be. Or have you...forgotten?"It’s a jab. She’s not sure if it’s meant to be friendly. "Lord Helios.""Desdemona said that you wished to speak with me?"“She asked many questions. I wanted to know why.”  She tilts her head up, facing blindly in Helios’s direction. “But she wasn’t the one who wanted to know the answers.  Was she?”It’s a statement, not a question.  There’s something about his casual demeanour that makes her want to put him on the backfoot.A momentary pause, then a laugh. Something creaks, followed by footsteps. The heat in the air grows stronger as he approaches. She feels a hand tug at her chin, then tilt her head up. His fingers are warmer than she expects - like a fresh cup of tea, or paving stones in the sunlight. "And after I commanded her not to convey this to you." He tuts. "But what can you expect? She is only a nymph, after all. Frivolous little thing." "She didn't tell me." L pulls her head away. "She’s just bad at hiding.""I see! Perhaps she could take some counsel from..." His hand grips the blindfold, then pulls it free with a flourish;  something flares, so bright that L jolts back with a cry, a blinding flash of white light blotting out her vision. "... yourself?"It takes a terrifying moment for her to realise she hasn't been vaporised; the light was just light, and her vision is returning. Her blurry gaze fixes on the glowing figure before her.He could have stepped off of the cover of one of her novels. Helios’ form is that of a lithe young man, well over two metres tall, his skin golden and shining from within. Fair blond hair rolls down from his head in gentle waves.  He wears a silver chestplate, ornately decorated with filigree forests. Plumes of black fabric drape around his arms, and gauzy obsidian breeches tuck into silver greeves. He stands barefoot on the marble, looking down in gentle bemusement with eyes so intensely green that it’s hard to look directly at him. He grins."Sorry, Lyra. You must understand, I like to have a little fun.”  Helios leans forward, grinning in her face. “How did I do? I know you’re hard to impress. Are you overwhelmed by my countenance?""You hurt my eyes."  L answers, blinking back involuntary tears as she turns away from the emerald stare, taking in the rest of the room. A throne-like chair rests on a dais, and behind it a series of waterfalls feed into aqueducts running in parallel along the walls, radiating more of that saccharine warmth. She breathes in, letting herself adjust slowly to the sweet-smelling humidity.He offers a hand to her to help her up. L hesitates, then reaches for it."You know, you are the only nymph who talks to me like that." Helios says, grabbing the chain between her manacles and yanking. L struggles upright as he bends down to meet her, flashing a wide smile close enough that she can feel his breath on her face. "You really are... unique.""...Lady Astraea will want to know where I am." She blurts out, fighting down an impulse to bare her teeth. Prodding at him is starting to feel more dangerous by the second. "She worries.""Well then! We shouldn't keep her waiting."  Helios turns, waving for her to follow. A rattling of armoured boots behind her catches her attention. L glances back to see another of the ever-present pairs of spriggans move stolidly into place.  She turns and hurries to catch up with Helios; he’s already halfway down a hallway to the left of his throne. "I didn't see you at court." She says, trying to ignore the jingle of her chains and the heavy boots of the guards just a half-step behind her. Better to focus onsounding out his motives. "Were you there?""Hmmm?  What was that?"  Helios says, his attention fixed on the murals carved into the hallway wall. L frowns, quickening her pace until she's only a step or two behind him. He can’t possibly have not heard her. "Were you at court?" She asks again. "When we returned?""Oh! Yes, of course. Why wouldn't I be? I'm of the Silver Rose, I wouldn't miss court.   That's Copper Thorn behaviour." Helios smiles inscrutably . “But your lady would know that better than I, of course.” L's footsteps echo as they pass under a row of arches. The hallway seems to go on and on; they’ve already walked the distance of Astraea’s entire residence. There's glowing lights every metre or so, casting just enough illumination to keep their shadows sharply defined. Her legs could use a break, and after an experimental flutter she takes off, hovering above the tiles. One of the spriggans grabs her by the chain and jerks her back to the floor, so forcefully she feels her shoulders might pop out of their sockets.  L bites back another cry as she hits the ground. She pulls away awkwardly, half-turning to give the guard a wounded look. "I wasn't - ""Here we are!"  Helios interrupts, pulling open and gesturing to a door indistinguishable from any of the others. "Please, nymphs first."L gives the stone-faced spriggan a glare, before hurrying past Helios into the room."Lady Astraea - ?" It’s an intimate little chamber, the walls constructed of thick glass. It’s the sort of place she'd think of as a sunroom in a land that knew the sun, with an ornate garden table and numerous potted ferns. Far below, she can see Astraea’s tower district and the domes of the Rookery, a few blazing lights still winding their way towards it.Desdemona stands in attendance in the corner, her arms manacled and mouth hidden behind a tangle of metal branches.Apart from her, the room is empty.  L spins, wings raised in alarm. Helios has already closed and locked the door, cheerfully tucking a keychain back under his ornamental armour. "Where is Lady Astraea?""Astraea? Oh! I think..." Helios crosses over to the window, squinting down at the spires below. "It's a little difficult to tell all the Copper Thorn domiciles apart, but ... she's... that one, I believe. The eighth story on that third spire over there, not far from the Rookery.""You let me think she was here."L's heart begins to pound. There's a sour taste in her mouth. She takes a step away, the glass brushing against her outstretched wings.  It's happening again. Just like with -No. Think. He likes his standing, doesn't he? And Evander gave me back to Astraea in front of everyone. The way Astraea talks, no one would even think about disobedience.Stay calm. He won't. He wants me scared. For some reason he wants me scared."What do you want, Lord Helios.""What do I want?" Helios asks, taking a seat. "Why, just to talk, Lyra."He gestures to the chair across from him. Desdemona steps forward and places two fluted crystal glasses on the table, then takes a bottle down from a shelf and fills each of them with something shining and lavender. Helios lifts the closest one, light from his hand shining through the drink."Please, make yourself comfortable."The longer L sees his smug little smile, the more she hates it. She doesn't move toward the seat, and she certainly doesn't touch the glass. "I'd rather stand." She says, her voice flat.Helios leans forward, his eyes lighting up. "And what would you say if I said, ‘Lyra, I order you to sit down’?""I would ask why you thought you were my Keeper." L says levelly. "You heard Lord Evander. I am Lady Astraea’s Kept." "Of course you are!"  He places a hand on his chest in mock injury. "I meant only to assist you both! In fact, it's why you're here right now. To see how you are adjusting. Perhaps I could be of service?""I’m adjusting.”“Are you?”“Yes!”  L snaps, struggling to keep herself under control.  “I am following Lady Astraea’s orders. I am wearing white.  I don't wander out of doors. Even when they're not locked.”“Then tell me, Lyra, what do you know about our culture?"  He waves a hand.  "And before you get on with that 'I don't remember' nonsense, I mean what have you worked out for yourself, silly thing. Surely even in Annwyn you heard stories of us.""Some." L answers, watching Helios’ hand. It sways back and forth, like an agitated cobra. She can’t shake the feeling that he’s about to spring.  "Lady Astraea and the other nymphs answered many of my questions. I understand I have behaved...unexpectedly. I apologise if I caused discomfort."She clears her throat. "I am trying to begin anew.""So you say, so you say.” Helios nods earnestly. “And yet here you are, refusing to sit. Denying my hospitality. You have to admit it is... confusing. Assuming your aim is to, in fact, begin anew. Would you like for me to explain the proper etiquette?""...please." L says."Well..."  He says, pushing up from his chair. The ceiling is lower, here. He almost seems to brush against it as he circles around behind her.  "When a dryad asks you to sit, the correct etiquette is to..."Helios pushes L forward, grabbing her shoulders and forcing her into the chair. She stiffens, but keeps still. “...sit."  He circles back to his side, taking his own seat again.  "I understand that might be a bit confusing for a Wilds nymph, of course. Would you say that's more to your nature?""I'm told it is." L grits her teeth. "Is this what you sent Desdemona to chat about?""Yes…and no. Let's try a different tack.  Why don't you tell me a little about yourself? What you're hoping to accomplish by returning here. Really, we were all a bit surprised! Half of us thought you both would have stayed in Annwyn once Astraea found you!" Helios chuckles and takes a long drink. “You two always were a bit...surprising." He circles his hand in the air. L’s antennae start to prickle."It is difficult to thrive there, even after Lady Astraea found me. We decided it would be safer to return."  She laces her fingers together, awkwardly rattling the manacles.  "That is all I want for us."A smile creeps along his lips. It’s impossible to read it, but L smiles back anyway, trying to make it convincing."Yes well, we all tried to tell you."  Helios starts, opening his folded hands. "Annwyn is a mad place full of mad people. There's no stability there. No place to establish your roots. Humans are so flighty and unpredictable."  He leans forward again, taking her drink from in front of her and considering it. "Can you believe there are those who want us to be MORE like them?”“No.”  L adopts Lyra’s impassive stare.  “I can’t.”Helios' eyes sparkle again.  “I can't say for the rest, but for my part, I think you made the right choice. Returning to us, I mean. Returning to Father Evander. Even after everything, he welcomed you both back like lost sheep."She ducks her head down in what she hopes is a suitably relevant gesture. "Lord Evander was very gracious."Helios pushes the drink back into L’s hands, tilting her face up to look at him. He smiles. "You aren't as good a liar as you think, but I like that you try. It's adorable."L flinches back from the touch. Now the prickling's running down her spine. She's struggling not to look at the locked door.  "What would I lie about?"He tilts his head at her."Lyra, do you know what I find most tiresome in all the world?""Annwyn, it seems." L says, stone-faced. Helios looks at a loss for a long, long moment - and then he bursts into laughter. It’s loud and echoing, rattling the windows and hurting her ears. "Oh, you stupid, flighty, empty-headed little insect!"  He says, grabbing her cheeks and shaking her head. L is too shocked to pull away. He doesn’t sound like he’s trying to insult her. If anything, he sounds ecstatic. "You really are just so very…simple! No, no, no. It's... here, let me show you." He snaps his fingers. "Dez! Come over here, pet."Desdemona drifts closer to him, a silent, silken form at his elbow. Helios nods and slips a knife from his sleeve, idly tapping at the point. "Here, place your hand here, right here." He says, pointing at the table. She hesitates.“Desdemona, I order you to place your hand on the table.”  Helios’ eyes glow and his voice doubles over in a too-familiar cadence.  Desdemona stumbles forward as though pulled and mechanically slaps her hand on the table."What are you doing?" L rasps. He’s no longer looking at her. "You disobeyed a direct order, didn't you, Dez?"Above the mask, her face pales. She nods. "She didn't - " L starts."Let's see…” Helios muses, idly watching the way Desdemona’s arm trembles. “Should we take a finger, or... the whole hand? What do you think, Lyra?"  "I said she didn't tell me!"  L leaps from her seat, wings snapping wide. This doesn't feel real. There's no time to think.  "Maybe you should have chosen someone else if you wanted subtlety! That's not her fault! Why would you hurt her for it?"His eyes glance to L’s, a sly flash of intense green. "But I am her dryad. Surely it is my responsibility to guide her?"L stands, braced against the table, struggling to keep control. She can see Helios' light gleaming off of the knife edge.  "She got you what you wanted, didn't she? We're speaking. You can ask whatever you like.""Mmm…yes, I suppose so.”  Helios says, turning the thought over.  “I suppose so.  In that case, I’ll spare her the blade if you can answer my next question."It all happens so fast. He grabs hold of L’s arm and presses the hilt of the knife into her palm, then closes his other hand over hers, trapping it in place. Her mind is struggling to stay present. Helios’ voice lapses into a gentle singsong, like wind rustling through soft leaves.  "’If you're a child, you know me well, and when you're old I'll be your hell. I'm often felt but rarely shown. I'll drive you mad if you're alone.’ “What…”  Helios’s eyes glitter. “...am I?""W...what?" Cold sweat trickles down the back of L's neck. "Is that a riddle?""Is that your answer?"  Helios asks, his smile growing wider and wider. "NO." L struggles to release her grip on the handle of the knife, but Helios holds it tight. The heat of his hand is growing intolerable. She can't think about it. She has to focus. Why doesn't she know more riddles! It's not as if they aren’t in half the stories she’s read. She looks to Desdemona's pale face, to Helios' smug smile, and then past them to the city shining in the dark and the vague shapes of the trees beyond -To her own reflection, staring back at her from the glass.To Lyra, solitary and wandering in the forest.To Lloyd as a child, alone in his room."It’s...” L starts, barely above a whisper. “...loneliness."Helios tilts his head again, considering. He runs his free hand over L’s jaw, tracing it with the back of his fingers. "What kind of childhood did you have, little flutterfly…"  He whispers, campfire-warm breath stirring her antennae. “...that you would say loneliness?"L gives a half-shrug, trying not to tremble. Helios tightens his grip on her. "I suppose I can see the rationale, but the word I was looking for..."He lifts L’s hand, trapped holding the blade, over Desdemona's and lowers until it pierces the butterfly’s skin. Desdemona’s jerks. L’s heart stops. "...was..."Helios drags, slicing up the back of Desdemona’s hand until he’s reached her wrist. Desdemona breathes faster and faster as Blood spills over and across the table. L struggles to let go, but Helios’s fingers squeeze until she can feel her bones grate together. She can’t even scream. "... boredom."Then he lifts her hand away, releasing her. She drops the knife, recoiling as it clatters to the tabletop."Good effort, though."" - D-Dez I-I'm sorry - " L stammers, moving to her and trying to tear a strip of cloth from her sleeve. There's so much blood. It needs pressure, she knows that, but her shackles are too cumbersome. She can't get the leverage. " - I'm - ""Sit."  Helios snaps, his voice suddenly vicious and sharp. L's legs go out from under her, and she collapses bonelessly into her chair. She stares up at him, on the edge of tears. Helios plucks the knife off the table and with one clean motion slices off a length of his own sleeve. He takes Desdemona's hand and wraps it gently, tying it to stop the blood."You may go back to your place, Desdemona."Desdemona steps back silently, staring straight ahead. A slight tremor rattles her chains. Helios retakes his seat, giving his drink a jaunty swirl."Now. Wasn't that exhilarating? I actually thought you might get it right!"L struggles to form words. She stares at the table, at the dark streaks of blood. "Why would you do this…?""Oh, Lyra, keep up, would you?”  He snaps in her face, suddenly irritated.  “Boredom boredom boredom! I’m being a good host and staving it off with entertainment.”“Entertainment?” L rasps, forcing herself to stop before she goes any further. A coldness settles into the back of her mind, blanketing over her distress, guiding her away from the blood.She's dealt with this before. She can deal with it again."I think I should go.""Oh, do you?"  Helios sits up straighter. "Go where?"L twitches.  "Where I belong.  With my Keeper."“But I have yet to fulfil my obligation as host!”  His gaze sharpens, and he gestures magnanimously to the drink. "Please, partake of my hospitality, Lyra."Some deep part of herself feels the compulsion to drink, even as her waking mind has every reason to object. The fact that it's mysteriously-coloured fairy food is the least suspicious thing about it. “Lyra…?”  Helios all but purrs. “Be a good guest, would you?”Not a request.L’s mouth twists into a sour line, but she plucks the glass off the table and gives the liquid a little swirl.  She can feel him leaning in, watching with anticipation.  Her hands are shaking. She places the glass to her lips, struggling to keep the fear and frustration from exploding. The drink tingles against her skin. Waiting for her lips to part.  Waiting to enter her - Someone raps at the door. Helios scowls, slamming his hands on the table. L twitches back, hastily setting the glass down. As the dryad rises and stalks across the room, she can see Desdemona hastily smoothing her dress, covering her own startled flinch. "What is it? I said I’m not to be disturbed!” Helios growls, opening the door just a crack. He frowns, listening to a raspy murmuring on the other side. “Well, send her away!   Inform her I’m…”  More frantic whispering. Helios cuts it off with a curt gesture.  “Tell her we'll be down in a minute."  He forcefully shuts the door, glancing over his shoulder at L as he turns the lock. "Come here."L folds her hands."Is that Lady Astraea?" Helios smiles. his frame elongating as he moves back toward her, filling the space. She half-rises, fighting the urge to run. "Is she here?"Helios stops by Desdemona, his fingers twitching on the mask’s controls. It contracts, sliding away from her head and into his waiting hand. "Come here, Lyra." He says, the golden heat of summer afternoons rolling from his lips. L's wings blur.She slams into the door, grabbing the handle and rattling it with all her might.  "Astraea!” L shouts, fists slamming into the wood over and over. “Astraea, I'M IN HERE!""Lyyyyraaaa…" Helios croons behind her. "You aren't being a very good nymph right now."He grabs her around her shoulders, perfect nails digging into her skin, and shoves her up against the door. She flails but he pins her to the spot with his knee. L starts to scream -- and the mask slides over her head, snapping shut, copper roots sealing over her mouth. Helios drags her to her away, her manacle chain in his fist."Come now, Lyra. It's time to see your Keeper." “Mmmn nmmm!”  She shouts, stumbling, fruitlessly trying to pull free of his grip. He unlocks the door with one hand, their impassive spriggan escort falling in behind them. Helios stalks down the hall, tugging her along like a child with a balloon. Not quite halfway down its length, he stops, considers the closest door, and swings it open. The room beyond is dark, but L can see a half-made bed, blankets heaped into a nest.  "What if I lock you in here...?"  He asks, looking back over his shoulder. "I could tell her that you'd fluttered back into the Wilds? Or better yet, back to Annwyn! Do you think she'd believe me?"“HNGGMN NMMM!!”  L shakes her head fiercely, yanking as hard as she possibly can. Her wrists jar with the force of it. The light in his eyes kindles, and he turns, blocking her view of the hallway. L gasps something incoherent through the mask and braces her foot against Helios' side, flapping frantically."You don’t think so? Well, I do! And I’m a much better liar than you, Lyra - ""Sir - " One of the guards rasps, his head bowed respectfully. Helios whirls. His hand flashes. The mask steals L’s scream. What’s left of the spriggan topples into a charred heap, his comrade taking a half-step back. “What did I just say?” Helios chides the ashes. “No interruptions. You heard me, didn’t you, Lyra - ” Desperately, L plants her foot against the wall. She lunges, her elbow pointed straight for Helios’ face. Too late, she sees his smile. He yanks down, dragging her under his arm in a struggling, shouting bundle. The world spins, blood rushing to her head as he tilts her toward the floor.“Yes. I thought you had. Now…let's go test your Lady Astraea’s ears, shall we?" 

Astraea stands on the steps of Helios’ estate, shifting nervously, staring up at the mark of the Silver Rose emblazoned above the great double-doors. She slows her breath, running a hand through her hair in an effort to compose herself.“Just a visit.” She whispers. “That’s all. Just pleasantries - “ The doors swing open. Helios smiles down at her, his hair and clothes slightly dishevelled. L's tucked under one arm, kicking frantically in an effort to get away. Her arms and wings are pinned against his body and her hair is in disarray. One of her shoes is missing.Half her face is hidden behind a mask."Sister Astraea." Helios greets her, his voice smooth as velvet. A single spriggan guard hurries up behind him, standing nervously to attention."B-brother Helios." A muscle in Astraea’s jaw tightens, her eyes on the captive nymph. "What is this?"Helios places an arm on the threshold, propping himself against it and leaning forward."Your Kept wanted to speak with me. Then, out of nowhere, she grew hysterical and attacked! You understand how nymphs are - well, this one especially. Measures needed to be taken."Astraea swallows, a cold sweat breaking out on her forehead. She bows low to Helios.  "I…deeply apologise for my Kept's behaviour."L forces her head up, shaking it frantically. "MMN HRGHMM -""It seems you're having a hard time controlling her."  Helios’ expression grows kind, even sympathetic."L-Lyra." Astraea’s voice shakes. "Please. Control yourself."L freezes, going very still. "She is quite the handful.”  He chuckles.  “I am afraid it’s even worse than Brother Evander realises.  But you know, I’ve been thinking...”  Helios settles a hand on L’s wing, the lightest bit of pressure keeping it in place. “...what if I were to assist you? In her training, that is.” “Brother Helios… this is not the Gleaning."He holds out a hand, flashing that open, honest smile.  "Not permanently. Just for the cycle, as is my right. Even with that, there is much I can teach her.”  He steps out, approaching Astraea.  “Unless you have an objection…?”Dangling from Helios’ arm, L can see Astraea’s face turn pale, her mouth working as she tries to speak. Only now does she understand what’s happening. It’s just another round of the same game he’s already played. This time, it’s Astraea’s answer he’s interested in. And the knife is held to her own hand. And no matter what answer he’s given, he’s going to cut - She kicks out, her shoeless foot catching against his thigh. Her toenails rake through the gauzy fabric, digging deep. Four angry amber lines split his flawless skin. Helios cries out in surprise and pain, grabbing her by the hair and yanking her head back. “You vicious little gnat. Be still, your betters are having a discussion.”"... let her go."Something crackles, and Helios’ attention snaps back to Astraea. She rises, branches unfolding and fists tightening, aether snapping in the air around her as she grows tall enough to tower over him."Copper Thorn."  Helios's voice goes deadly serious, but his eyes are still laughing. "Do I need to remind you of your station?"“I won’t let you take her.”"You’ll have her back.” He holds up a hand. “But if you refuse me now, we’ll have to revisit those terms.”Astraea blinks furiously, hands glowing, eyes flickering.  Helios's mouth curls into a smile. He pulls L close against his side, waves of heat coming off his flesh. His fingers feel like they’re burning. She squirms, trying to writhe away as he licks his lips.   Astraea steps forward.Golden energy splinters from her in waves, cracking tiles, scything through the air. She pulses, shedding light like leaves. Helios takes a step back, forced to avert his eyes from the violent flare of aether.L can’t look away.She's never seen Astraea so righteously angry, but she’s seen that light blazing in her eyes.  The last time it was terrifying, an unstoppable force roaring through the world after her.  But here and now, it washes out Helios' light until there's only her, shining and mythical, standing before the threshold. Come to save her."You will release her-""Sis - " Helios stammers. Astraea steps closer. "RIGHT - "Another step. "Sister Astr-"She raises her hand. "NOW."Helios strikes so fast. Light blazes. By the time L can see again, Astraea’s crumpled form is on the tiles a short distance away.  Back in her human form, the tiles around her charred and pulverised.  Flecks of stone pepper in her hair, her garments, her skin.L gives a strangled cry, kicking wildly. Desperate to reach the fallen dryad.The spriggan lifts his spear, belatedly rushing past to interpose himself in front of Helios, but it’s clear he doesn’t need the protection. The dryad lets out a slow, languid sigh of satisfaction as Astraea groans and struggles to rise. "You both are just delightful, you know that? A gift for me personally.""What's going on here?"The voice is cold, familiar, and not at all comforting. The air ripples, shimmering and tearing into a golden-hazed portal. Fili picks her way through it, bent and scowling.  After a moment, Puck peeks out from behind her. "Sister Filandra.”  Helios’ enthusiasm evaporates.  “How kind of you to join us." "I asked you a question, little brother.""I am…” Helios stands up stiffly, asserting himself.  “I am invoking the right of hierarchy to claim Sister Astraea's Kept for the night." Fili looks from person to person, taking in the damage. She nods slowly, measuring and weighing her words before she releases them. “You can’t.”“It is our law, natural law, whatever some may wish." Helios’ voice scrapes like shards of flint. "If you object, you can take it up with Brother Evander.”Fili holds up a hand, hobbling closer.  "Calm yourself, Brother Helios.  I am not challenging the ways of our people."She stares down at L, disdain crackling from her like lightning.  "I am simply… also invoking the right. Little brother."L goes limp, staring up in confusion. Is she...being rescued?Helios grits his teeth. "She attacked me." "That is a matter for later."  Fili says, waving her hand as if to brush the words away.   "The nymph, Brother Helios."Helios stares up at her, breathing hard. For a long while, L doesn't think he's going to move. He sets her down with bad grace, sullenly detaching the mask and reaching for her manacles. "Those can stay."  Fili says. A hint of spiteful satisfaction crosses his face, and he nods, yanking on the chain as he passes it to Fili. She doesn’t bother to say anything, just takes it and drags L behind her. Back to the pathway, where Puck is helping Astraea up. L tugs against the chain, trying to get closer. "Are you alright?" She whispers."Don't touch her."  Fili hisses, yanking her backwards. Astraea gives a pained smile anyway, and nods. Before L can object, the elder dryad gestures. Another portal splits the air, flashing with golden energy. With a final contemptuous snort, Fili steps through, Puck ushering Astraea by her side.And dragging L along in her wake. continue reading ->

Hey, everyone, Hark here again! Thanks as always for reading along! If L had a nickel for every time she was attacked by a possessive, villainous aristocrat that had whisked her back to his mansion…well, you know the meme.At least this time our favorite moth knew what he was up to from the start. She’s learning! Don't forget to leave a comment with your illustration suggestions for heart. And please join us next time on September 20th as L starts to unravel her most perilous situation yet. Tea.