After parting ways with Tegan, Alto and I begin making our way through the palace, looking to meet up with Nina. I could sense that she's apparently wandered off somewhere other than the ballroom, and after a quick telepathic exchange, I realized she's apparently gotten lost in her inebriated state. So, we're coming to her, since I don't want to randomly teleport within the palace while there's technically still a public presence here.
As we make our way through the opulent halls, random onlookers gawking and guards bowing respectfully, I notice that Alto is doing that thing again. The one where she casts me strange looks when she thinks I won't notice. Her expression is thoughtful, but in the way that tells me the questions on her mind are concerning her.
"Something on your mind? Or are you suddenly just that enamored with my charming appearance?" (Mizuki)
I pose the question without looking at her, tone light and playful. Her steps falter slightly, but her tone is even when she responds.
"Thank you for doing that...with Tegan. What you said, too...about me." (Alto)
I purse my lips, studying her in silence for a moment.
Ever since I Bonded with Ciri, my conversations with people have felt...strange. Like there's a third layer to every interaction. There's what they say and how they act, there's what it makes me think and how it makes me feel, and then there's this...sensation. Faint, especially so until recently, but definitely there. I'm not sure how to describe it, honestly, and it's not particularly nuanced. I suppose it's...sometimes a sense of deja vu, like I'm hearing something for the second time, and sometimes like the Mandela effect, like this conviction that what I'm hearing is different from what I've heard before.
And right now, hearing Alto's comments, the latter kind of sensation is flaring up. The same way it did before, when she introduced Tegan, teasing him with dark-sounding half-truths.
Putting the odd sensation aside, I shrug at her good-naturedly.
"I meant every word, to both of you. But...is that all you were thinking about? You seemed, I don't know, concerned? That doesn't seem like the kind of thing to make you look concerned." (Mizuki)
At my words, Alto's lips twitch, forming a faint smile. Yet, it doesn't reach her eyes, which instead flicker with something hesitant, conflicted. Her footsteps suddenly stop, and I halt by her side as well, watching her patiently.
"I...need to talk to you..." (Alto)
Her voice is soft, and while she meets my gaze, it seems to be with difficulty, her eyes full of hesitance and concern. I raise my eyebrows at her, feeling a trace of concern myself.
"Well, I'm always available for that. As it happens, I have something I need to talk to you about, too." (Mizuki)
Her brow furrows for a moment, then she tilts her head.
"Perhaps you should go first, then?" (Alto)
I can tell from her expression that the suggestion is more than just courtesy. It's a preference, but one I don't mind indulging.
"Okay. Well, I'm going to visit Azazel tonight...you want to come?" (Mizuki)
Whatever else seems to have been on her mind gets deprioritized when that statement hits her ears. Her eyes widen, and her tone lowers with something teetering between wariness and reproach.
"...why?" (Alto)
I raise my eyebrows.
"Kind of figured that's something you'd want to be included in?" (Mizuki)
Her eyes narrow faintly.
"You know what I meant." (Alto)
I glance away thoughtfully, pursing my lips. Indeed, I know what she meant.
I shrug at her nonchalantly.
"Well, I promised Alara I'd handle acquiring books for the library. Specifically, a comprehensive magic spell section. Azazel's the only way I know how to do that." (Mizuki)
Her expression slackens with exasperation.
"That is...a very poor reason. Ciri and Nina have both told you to be wary of him, and you've expressed concerns yourself. Books hardly seem worth it." (Alto)
I force a wry grin.
"That's not something I ever expected to hear you say." (Mizuki)
However, her gaze and tone do not lighten.
"Don't change the subject." (Alto)
I sigh, rubbing the back of my neck. Guess she's not going to let this go, and I can't exactly blame her.
Indeed, me going to see Azazel over some books sounds ridiculous, given the recent caution expressed by the Elder Dragons and not exactly refuted by myself. Yet, I also don't want to fully communicate my other reasons for visiting Azazel to Alto. If he is listening, or worse, can read Alto's thoughts, that'd only cause more problems. Of course, it's possible he can still read my thoughts, despite his supposed blessing, but I do consider it less likely.
Still, I need to tell her something.
I give her a smile exuding forced nonchalance.
"Relax, it's not like Nina and Ciri were cautious about Azazel specifically. He hasn't done anything to warrant treating him like a threat. Just trust me, yeah?" (Mizuki)
She falls silent, her eyes narrowing at me studiously. Eventually, she responds.
"Very well...I'd like to accompany you." (Alto)
Her tone is not angry, per se, but it's certainly...muted, full of begrudging acceptance. I smile at her sheepishly.
"Thanks." (Mizuki)
There's silence for a moment, the two of us seemingly lost in our own thoughts. Then, recalling her earlier intentions, I give her a curious look.
"So, what did you want to talk about?" (Mizuki)
Hearing my question, her expression becomes conflicted.
"I...wanted to tell you about a...suspicion, of mine." (Alto)
Her voice is hesitant to my ears. I raise my eyebrows, my interest piqued.
"Suspicion? About what?" (Mizuki)
She purses her lips thoughtfully, hesitating again.
"About...you." (Alto)
I frown, my eyes narrowing. I'm thrown, both by the evasive series of responses, and by the implications of her statement. What have I done that's suspicious?
"What about me?" (Mizuki)
She studies me for a moment, her expression tense and contemplative.
"I believe that you may be...sick." (Alto)
I blink, stunned. Of all the things I was not expecting her to say...that might be the thing I was not expecting the most.
Sick? Me? Honestly, the idea is absurd. Not just because I haven't experienced a day of even minor illness since I came here, or because my constitution has become so insane that I've never felt better in my life, though that's also a factor in my surprise. Rather, I can't help but wonder where the hell she'd get such an idea about my health, much less with the confidence to tell – not ask, tell – me about it.
I give her a puzzled look.
"Why the hell would you think I'm sick? I feel fine. Incredible, actually." (Mizuki)
Before she can respond, realization dawns on my face, then gives way to suspicion. I glare at her skeptically.
"Wait...is this some kind of 'sick in the head' segue? Like, over a decision I made recently?" (Mizuki)
While I would find the implication annoying, it would at least make sense. I've made some...unexpected, decisions lately.
Honestly, every time I think about the fact that I'm legitimately Bonded to Ciri now, I feel a pang of anxiety about it. Did I make the decision too rashly, forming a mystical soul bond with a woman I barely know, who's more than a little loose in the head...and apparently otherwise, too? My fear about the Author is transient, but that decision is forever, with potentially negative consequences in my love life, despite Ilina's 'blessing' on the matter.
However, Alto shakes her head, surprising me again.
"No...I'm being serious." (Alto)
My expression only becomes more incredulous, my tone slightly exasperated as I respond.
"Then what?" (Mizuki)
She sighs deeply, glancing away briefly. When her eyes return to mine, they're full of concern.
"Mizuki...I...I think...you're losing your magic." (Alto)
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
Earlier, in the royal ballroom, shortly after Elira's unplanned declaration...
Nina's eyes study Ilina – standing a short distance away with a beet red, horrified expression – and her lips twist into an amused smile.
'Delightful. That's one less irritating thing to worry about.'
Indeed, while she certainly didn't expect Ilina to flaunt her close, personal relationship with Mizuki, nor for the news of their engagement to come out today, she's not bothered by it like Mizuki, Ilina, and the others seem to be. In fact, she's pleased.
Mizuki's relationship with Ilina was the last point of secrecy that required her to walk around pretending about something, and she's glad to now be rid of that burden. She may have enjoyed supporting some of Mizuki's deceptions in the past, but those were different. For one, they weren't so...boring. More importantly, they were for his own purposes, as opposed to serving to appease others.
Now, though, Mizuki's power and status are beyond question, she's been publicly identified as his mate, and even Ilina's situation has been brought to light. In one fell swoop, she gets to go back to living her life as she pleases, not constantly worrying about revealing something to insects whose opinions should never have mattered in the first place.
As for her original concerns about Ilina's and Mizuki's children being welcomed in Ilina's homeland, that's a moot point now. All she wanted was for them to be able to live and walk around the Elven Kingdom without issue or open hostility. Even if the common elves by and large are unsatisfied with Ilina's marriage to Mizuki, they already have the support of the royal and noble families, and Mizuki's true nature is public knowledge now. Who would dare be mean to children with such a backing?
So, yes, she can only muster one emotional response to today's events – satisfaction.
She takes a long sip from her wine glass, savoring its rich flavors. Swallowing, she lets out a deep, contented sigh, seemingly oblivious to the chaos and fervent chattering around her in the wake of Elira's engagement declaration.
'Mmm...their rather pathetic existences aside, the elves' creations certainly aren't useless. Who knew berries could be so wonderful? Perhaps, when Mizuki is King of these lands, I should have him give me a vineyard of my own to manage...'
An uncharacteristically blissful smile graces her face at the thought. However, a familiar voice interrupts her reverie, its tone distinctly exasperated.
"Nina, it looks like there's...discussion, to be had." (Mizuki)
She glances at Mizuki, who's looking elsewhere with a tired expression. Following his gaze, she sees the nobles and royals following after the departing Elira with exasperated looks, while Ilina and Alara are giving Mizuki expectant looks over their shoulders.
She fights the urge to roll her eyes. The thought of another tedious meeting already diminishing her buzz.
"Hmm...I would rather continue enjoying the party, if you don't mind?" (Nina)
He cuts her a surprised look, but it quickly transitions to understanding. He nods.
"Sure...we'll catch up later." (Mizuki)
With that, he quickly makes his way after Elira, leaving her to her thoughts. She glances around, ignoring the lingering stares and the loudening murmurs left by the nobles' conspicuous exit. Her eyes search for a familiar, blonde elf, but to her surprise, Alto is no longer nearby. Instead, she spots her already walking to another side of the ballroom, making an apparent beeline for a tall, dark-featured elf standing arm-in-arm with a plain-looking, brown-haired elven woman.
Nina's brow furrows, a curious glint flashing in her eye, and she considers walking after Alto to watch the impending interaction. However, before she can take a step forward, something flares at the edge of her senses. An...awareness, which Azura's other denizens would find incredulous, but every one of her kind with any significant life experience is all too familiar with.
Bloodlust.
Elder Dragons possess what could be considered a sixth sense, of sorts. A heightened awareness of others' emotions and intentions. It's not clear if this awareness is mystical in nature, per se, or simply a consequence of their vastly superior natural senses, cunning, and experience. However, its effects are undeniable.
This awareness is why it's nearly impossible to deceive Elder Dragons. There are other effects as well. Namely, the ability to sense strong emotions from those nearby – especially emotions directed at them – without the need for words or obvious visual cues. Adoration, lust, fear, anger...violent intent.
It's the latter that she can clearly sense at this moment, and she finds that...quite surprising. Bloodlust does not necessarily mean a concrete plan for violence, but it's quite rare in the Elven Kingdom nonetheless, and Mizuki isn't even around to be the subject of it.
Sweeping her eyes across the crowd around her, she eventually finds the source of the bloodlust.
It's a middle-aged elven man with black, greying hair and cold blue eyes, with a slim build wrapped in fine clothes, and a blonde elf woman of similar age standing stiffly at his side. However, the man's gaze is not fixed on her, much to her disappointment...it's been awhile since someone has been so daring. Rather, the man's eyes are tracking another elf across the ballroom. A familiar young woman, her petite but alluring figure cloaked in an elegant blue dress, silky blonde hair tied up in a rare, neat bun.
Nina raises her eyebrows at the sight, mildly intrigued.
'Curious...what could Alto possibly have done to-...ahh...'
Realization dawns on her face as she pieces together the identity of the man in question. After all, Mizuki already explained the events of this morning to her, complete with a description of Alto's parents.
Making the connection, Nina frowns, her lips pursing thoughtfully.
'Oh dear, what a bother...this won't do at all.'
Her dissatisfaction at the man's attitude has nothing to do with a fear for Alto's safety or wellbeing. Mizuki would never allow Alto to be harmed by anyone, and she doubts the man will truly enact his bloodlust in the first place. However, that does not mean he will not act on it in some other capacity. And that could be...problematic. At least, it would catastrophically upend the peace within Mizuki's little family, which she has promised him to protect like her own.
She taps her wine glass absentmindedly, studying the man with a thoughtful expression.
'Best to pull weeds up by their roots, I think...'
It takes her little time at all to arrive at that decision, and truthfully, the term proportional response has no place in her vocabulary. If not for the headache it would cause Mizuki, she'd rather just destroy whatever is precious to the man, eat him, and be done with this matter.
'Ah, I suppose I will have to show restraint this time...'
Of course, restrained by her standards...well, it still does not bode well for Setti Silver.
She moves her eyes to a young elven boy pouring wine nearby, dressed in serving attire. A mischievous smile forms on her lips.
"You...elf boy." (Mizuki)
The young man blinks, turning towards the sound of her voice with a confused expression. However, when his eyes meet hers, a kind of horrified recognition emerges, and he pales considerably. He points a trembling finger at himself questioningly. She smirks, nodding.
"Yes, you...come here." (Nina)
Reluctantly, he finishes pouring wine for another visitor and makes his way over to her, offering a forced smile that's full of anxiety.
"L-Lady Nedonera...how can I h-help you?" (serving boy)
She smirks, then moves her hand into the cleavage of her dress under the boy's stunned yet attentive gaze. She frees a single platinum coin, providing no explanation for its prior whereabouts, and presents it to the boy with a coy smile.
"I have a job for you..." (Nina)