strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff

Of all the things she has to do, and of all the tasks she’s assigned, it’s the one to the Launceleyn - Loren - that continues to pique her interest. Not the temper tantrum Phoebe through and her subsequent stomping off (in for a rude awakening in a bit, that one). Not the summoning, though it did involve the man. Not the conversation about Monsters. But the Manor. Also, she wants to get her tumbler back. It has sentimental value. It gets darker earlier now, so Wessex is at the Manor’s front door at a reasonable hour, knocking on it without any pretension or fuss. She has a couple of concerns to address about the suitability for holding a large group of people, the safety, etc. Stepping back from the door, she peers up at the top while she waits and finds it excessive. Nowadays her people don’t live in large places like this; large families live in farm compounds, each branch having a different house, and that’s even if they’re able to grow that large. She thinks of her own small place that’s in progress and hmmms to herself - deciding it’s a much more suitable place for her kind of leadership. WESSEX come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts unsex me here

They say blood makes you related but

loyalty makes you family

Of all the people Loren expected to find on his doorstep, Wessex was probably the last one. Luckily, he’d been in the front room doing some tidying up: it was amazing what a mess two children could make. Of course, he was also avoiding Jace and Beatrix. The three of them still hadn’t figured out how to cohabitate together, and it was almost entirely the summoner’s fault. Moreover, instead of taking one of the rooms, Loren usually slept in a bedroll towards the front of the manor. It might’ve been odd to anyone else, but even though he’d been a duke for a brief moment in time, for most of the librarian’s life he’d been sleeping on uncomfortable surfaces.

So he left the heart of the house to the kids and spent as little time at home as possible. It was unfair to Beatrix and Jace, the summoner knew that, but he was still unused to being around other people. All that left his mind, of course as soon as he saw who’d shown up. He stood there for just a moment, surprised, before his training and manners kicked in.

Loren swept into a bow, the motion familiar from hours of practice. ”I wasn’t expecting you tonight your highness, but it’s a pleasure. Please, come in.” The Launceleyn straightened up and stepped aside and gestured for the tall blonde to enter: so far, so good. However, all the while, he couldn’t help but wonder what had brought the queen here. If he’d known she wanted to see him, he would’ve obviously gone to meet her somewhere more convenient. Then again, maybe she was just here to check up on the preparations for LongNight.

Which would suck, because the summoner’s efforts on that front had been less than successful.

"What can I help you with, your highness?" To cover his nervousness as he waited for her reply, he ran through everything he knew about Wessex. Remi had provided a lot of information—and Loren had seen a bit of the woman in person—but the librarian didn't know a lot about her personally. Except, of course, that she might have been sleeping with Edy. Or...something with Edy. With Edy it was always hard to know.

LOREN

Wessex would be lying through her teeth if she were to say she didn't delight in doing the unexpected. But this visit isn't entirely that, is it? She did say she'd stop by to check on the Manor, didn't she? Though no specifications had been offered, is it that surprising to find a Queen on his doorstep, when he is a Launceleyn and obviously known to others? She needs to see for herself what kind of man he is - if he takes after Zariah or Edy or is a breed unto himself. And truth be told, he is one of the few without any preconceived notions of her; gaining an ally would take some weight off her shoulders, strong as they are. Her brows furrow into a small frown at his courtly display, waving away the gesture and the title with a shake of her head and flick of her free hand. "None of that. Just Wessex." Though it was nice to hear, and she wouldn't mind hearing it again. At some point. "Unless I'm angry," she backtracks, "in which case, Your Majesty might work wonders," comes out as a throwaway jest, but wr all know there's some truth in jokes. The Ascended steps over the threshold with a nod of thanks and sense of familiarity, glancing around to see if anything's changed since Edy's death. If it has, she doesn't visibly comment on it. Turning to Loren once she's clear of him and the doorway, she offers an explanation. "I'm here to talk about the Manor and LongNight preparations. Mostly." Noticing a stray toy peaking out from underneath a cabinet, she looks back to the only adult Launceleyn left. "How are Zariah's kids? They ran off, after Edy's… and I'm ashamed to say I didn't even try to look for them. That wasn't a good move on our part," she confesses, meaning that neither her nor Ronin tried to take care of the brats. They would have, if they hadn't run off, but… so things went. And for the record, she understood why they did it. "I hope you know we never would have hurt them. I may not be good with kids, but I would never -" The Queen trails off, leaving the possibilities of what could have happened open ended.  Admitting it may not endear her to him, but at least she can own up to her failure for this one thing (the learning curve for ruling is steep and she's trying her damnedest to do it all at once). People appreciate that, right? WESSEX come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts unsex me here

They say blood makes you related but

loyalty makes you family

Luckily for Wessex—well, luckily for them both—Loren had quite a bit of experience with royals who wished to be treated as if they are nothing special and yet still would take offense at the slightest disrespect. So it was an easy mantle for the Launceleyn to assume. He inclined his head in acknowledgment, voice polite and deferent. ”As you wish. And understood.” While he caught the note of jest in her voice, he felt it best to treat it as the request it was.

As the queen stepped easily over the threshold, the summoner wondered idly whether she’d been here before. Well, obviously she’d been here before, but the real question was how well she knew the manor: if she’d indeed been involved with Edy then it was possible she knew it very well. Then, however, Loren had much greater concerns on his mind than whether or not the two royals had been fucking. Wessex was indeed here about LongNight, and the summoner didn’t feel nearly as prepared as he would have liked to have been at that point. His anxiety wasn’t helped by that last word she threw in there. Presumably they’d get to that.

Sighing, Loren ran a hand through his hair in a nervous gesture, no longer bothering to try and put up a facade in front of Wessex. It was too tiring and trying for him to maintain these days, though maybe it would come back to him with time. ”I wish I had better news to report. I made plans to get supplies, but they met with varying degrees of success.” The food and water would hopefully come through, but the summoner didn’t know about anything else. ”I was flat out refused medical supplies when I requested them, though I believe it might be best for Ronin to handle that. However, I obviously defer to your judgment.” Going through the list of tasks that he’d been assigned (and the few he’d taken it upon himself to deal with), the Launceleyn pondered what else to tell her and in what order.

”I did some research, and will barricade all the entrances except for the front door when the time comes in order to prevent the monsters from getting in or the people from letting them in.” Or the people from getting out, which he knew might be a problem, but they’d get to it. Loren bit his lip and gave Wessex an appraising glance. ”Honestly I feel the biggest problem remaining is convincing people that the Manor is a safe location. There are enough bad memories, and enough worries about Zariah either coming back or somehow being able to spy on anyone inside the walls that it might be worth just migrating everything over to the temple and having everyone gather there. Maybe it's just superstition, but I can't think of many ways to change their mind about this place in the short amount of time we have left.” It sucked to admit that the one idea Loren had thought was good was probably terrible. ”We might want to prepare the temple anyway, so we have two locations to gather just in case.”

There was still more. ”Remi, Jigano, and I will meet soon to determine if I can summon the Spark Bird. If I can, Rexanna indicated that the Ascended could copy the ability from me, at least a few times.” Loren was not at all looking forward to that experience. But he’d never forgive himself if his personal problems got in the way of saving someone’s life. Pausing for just a moment to let Wessex process all that, Loren found his fingers beating a tempo on his thigh and stilled them. This next part was going to be delicate. ”If I may be so bold as to make a suggestion, if I am successful in my efforts, I think it would make sense for me to go and show the fairies. While we don’t seem to have summoners to spare, they might have some of their own. I know that our relationship with them has been fraught of late, and I don’t have a personal relationship with any of them, so I’d likely need an escort. But I feel that this might both be a gesture of goodwill and help save their lives if the monsters do indeed prove capable of leaving the Hollowed Grounds now that the barrier is down.” That was a lot of information, but hopefully the queen had kept up. If not, she could always ask him to repeat himself.

Actually, he might remind her of that fact. ”I think that’s everything, but if I missed something or if you’d like me to elaborate, I’d be happy to do so. Also, I believe you indicated there was something else I could help you with?” That’s what that mostly had to mean. Honestly, Loren had probably just spoken more words to another person than he had in quite a while, so he would welcome a bit of a reprieve.

Strangely enough, the conversation turned to Loren’s few remaining relatives. Sighing, he gives Wessex his most put upon look. ”Beatrix and Jace are a handful, and understandably don’t like me much at the moment.” Very few people liked him these days, however, so the summoner had gotten used to it. ”But they are fine, thank you for asking.” As for whether it was a good move on their part to basically abandon children in need, well, Loren obviously was too diplomatic to comment on that (although he agreed with Wessex’s assessment).

She kept going on about the children, however and he gave her a surprised look. ”I suppose that makes two of us who are not good with kids. But thank you. I appreciate it.” Then he hesitated, a nervous look in his eyes, foot tapping in an anxious gesture. It was probably a bad idea to say anything to this woman that was not strictly necessary, but the sentiment she’d expressed had so closely echoed what Remi had told him about Zariah that Loren knew he couldn’t stay silent. ”You know, Remi told me Zariah made a similar promise not to harm Aoife.” The Launceleyn paused, finally meeting Wessex’s eyes. ”And then Zariah broke it. I vowed to do everything in my power, including sacrificing my life or taking hers, to prevent her from threatening another child ever again.” His voice came out firmly, without a hint of doubt. Then, he looks down, hoping Wessex doesn’t take it the wrong way. ”That wasn’t a threat, to be clear. Just...I don’t know. Something I thought you should know, something to keep in mind.” That something was that history had a nasty habit of repeating itself, and if this queen started acting anything like the last, then Loren would oppose her. If that was a threat that cost him his head, so be it.

LOREN

He must have her confused with people from his past; had she not let Phoebe walk away, with nary a mark upon her body or threat upon her person? Has she ever punished anyone for speaking the truth? He does not know, he assumes, and so she will be bright and teach him the lesson of patience and being sure before he acts - or rather, says. Wessex isn't the kind to interrupt a train of thought, preferring to let the other's speech run its course before saying anything in return. At least, for the first, most important topic. At some point during his rattling off, she drifts towards a chair in the first room past the foyer, gesturing for him to follow as she makes herself a little more comfortable, taking the occasional note. “The good news is that there’s some time to get it all settled, so don’t worry too much yet. For food and water - pack snow into old wine barrels from the Rathskellar, and keep them outside until right before the sun goes down, then bring them into the basement. Kids can help with that. And I’ll see if Amalia can go overboard on the bread - or maybe some harder travelling biscuits. Most people will bring good with them, too. It’s always been a communal event that way.” She pauses briefly, not wanting to seem too directorial, but given the Rathskellar last year… “Some alcohol is ok, but not a lot. It can make people rowdy and loud.” Skipping over the medical supplies, she’ll come back to that in a second. He has a point about the Manor and the Temple, causing her to pause for yet another think. “Have you talked to many people who say they don’t want to come here? In my opinion the temple is too large to police. Too many entrances and exits. Here, people are contained if need be. We can give the keys to someone who can be trusted not to make any stupid decisions.” Her thoughts immediately go to Rex, one of the more trusted Ascended, who could stand guard on either side of the doors if need be. “We should also have a code to identify real people from the monsters, just in case anyone gets stuck outside. But I do agree that we may need to prepare another place. If the Blighted continue down this path… who knows how bad it may get. We have to take care of them and the non-Blighted and that may mean separating them for their own protection.”  Where, though, is another problem entirely. So back to the medical supplies. “You know…” Wessex says with a slightly sarcastic intro, “we did have healers before you guys dropped in. Most farms have their own kit with bandages and herbal remedies. More can be made. It’s not a total loss if we can’t get them, but I will pay the Infirmary a visit, myself.” Ronin isn’t the be-all, end-all of authority. She has her own. Phoebe will have to recognize it one way or another. Wessex is about to mention the tumbler after she’s reassured that the kids were alright, when Loren starts to tread into dangerous territory. Old Wessex would have snapped, snarled, and walked out in a huff. But even wew Wessex, the bright one, the Queen they need her to be has to clench her jaw at the ‘not-threat.’ Turning towards the man to make sure she’s crystal clear, the Ascended’s head tilts as she regards the man with a cold flash. “Yes, I know. I was the one who warned them that she might stoop so low.” Which seems to be a fact that everyone forgets. “It was very upsetting to Ronin, obviously, but to me so was the fact that no one realized earlier that Zariah was capable of it, much like the way she manipulated Remi.” Wessex had been right about a lot of things because she considered all the possibilities, even the worst ones. “Why do you think I would do something like that?” she asks quietly, fixing him with a measuring look. He knows nothing about her. He literally knows nothing. She’s trying to save people and he thinks she’d do thins and then turn around a hurt a child? Fuck off with that nonsense. WESSEX come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts unsex me here

They say blood makes you related but

loyalty makes you family

Wessex did Loren the courtesy of remaining silent through his long explanation, so he did the same for her. When she finished, he bowed his head, both out of respect and so she could not see the chagrin in his eyes. ”You’re right. About all of that. And I’m sorry, I meant no offense to you, or your people. I have simply been alone for a very long time and even before then I could rarely rely on others. So I am not used to having help, only giving it. It sometimes leads me to believe that I am the only one who can solve a problem.” But there were many others out there, it seemed, that would be pitching in, and frankly, that was a relief.

He’d retrieve the barrels and fill them with snow, as she suggested. It seemed that he might not have had to get as much food as he had, but it obviously couldn’t hurt to have extra supplies on hand. However, he did have an answer to her question about those who would not gather here. ”Amalia and Jigano flat out refused to stay here for LongNight, saying they’d take their chances in the temple instead. In fact, only Rexanna has confirmed she would be willing to come here.” It was one of the many reasons Loren felt grateful to the hybrid woman. As for the code, well, Loren just nodded. He’d leave that to Wessex.

The point about the blighted was definitely a good one. ”You’re right, we may need to place the blighted elsewhere, along with those who can mind them without getting hurt themselves.” The Launceleyn hesitated then, as a terrible thought came to him. ”I am loathe to even suggest this but...I think someone mentioned a prison. I have absolutely no desire to put any of our loved ones behind bars, but...if they become erratic it may be safer for everyone, and surely a prison would be defensible against the monsters.” He can feel bile rising in his throat even at the idea of it, but he knows it’s a good one, given their limited time and resources. Finally, if the queen wanted to handle the healer, Loren had no qualms with that. In a fight between Phoebe and Wessex, he had little doubt who’d emerge the victor.

Well, her desire to protect Remi obvious raised her in the summoner’s estimation. Even so, Loren bowed his head, knowing how dangerous this was. ”I don’t know you, but even so I don’t think you would ever stoop that low.” Pausing, he studied the ground below him, though still alert for any movements Wessex might make. ”But...I did know my cousin, once upon a time. And yes, she was always cruel. However, she was never monstrous. I would never have believed that she could threaten a child, or hurt one.” Hesitating, Loren realized that he and Beatrix and Jace are living proof of that lie, so he amended his statement. ”Well, no child that she was not related to by blood.” Unconsciously, his arms came up to hug himself. The scars he’d received from his family were hidden now, but they were always on his mind.

”But she did. And I can’t help but think about the fact that sometimes power does funny things to people’s heads, their morals, their beliefs. They can still think that they are good people, but when they feel they are doing what is necessary to protect themselves and those they are responsible for, they can become ruthless.” He looked up again, knowing she probably would react poorly to his statements. However, if she did, it would just confirm that he was right to worry. Besides, he’d never been particularly good at avoiding harm to himself when it might protect others, even in the abstract. ”I have heard of the tensions between the Ascended and those who blame them for this blight. What lengths would you go to protect your fellows, and what would you do to one who harmed them?” They weren’t her only people, but she was Ascended herself, and surely they held a special esteem in her eyes. This could be how it started anew, the cycle of violence they always seemed to find themselves in.

But Loren was sick and tired of it. If by speaking up now there was even the slimmest of possibilities that he could prevent another tragedy, he had to do so.

LOREN

The fucking Temple? What have the Gods ever been able to do against LongNight? It’s stupid, and Wessex clearly thinks so. Not only that, but Amalia knows better. Unfortunately (or fortunately) she doesn’t have to justify herself to Loren in this regard. It is a decision that can wait another couple of weeks. “I’ll take those feelings into consideration. Regardless of their refusal - we need to keep preparing, ” the Queen says and promptly moves on. By then Jigano, who she thinks likes to oppose her just to oppose her,  may not be in any shape to have input, so there. “Zariah had a Prison built. I personally resolved not to use it unless absolutely necessary… but depending on what happens, it may end up being absolutely necessary.” She makes a sound like a frustrated growl, betraying her feelings on the matter. And unbeknownst to Loren, at being left out of knowing what’s going to happen. She decided to trust her Lady, she agreed to be bright, to endear herself, to lead. And that involves making the hard decisions, but there are so many unknowable factors. How to get them in to the prison? Will they kill themselves - or each other - in there? “I should probably take a look at this Prison, just in case. Do you know what might make others wary of the Manor? What could Zariah have done to it? Other than the rumored ways to listen in on conversations.” Which means that Zariah might have heard a lot of sex going on upstairs. And downstairs. And in the Queen’s chambers. What a kinky little thing to put in place. As for the rest of his explanation, Wessex is quiet for a long time, thoughts obviously running haywire behind her eyes. She takes her gaze off of Loren as she formulates her thoughts, knowing that it is necessary to know exactly what she wants to say and how to say it. This is important speech-making time. “I understand that you have had prior experiences that make you think a certain way. Caution isn’t bad. It’s very necessary. You know nothing about me and so - you want to protect those you love. I get that.” She looks around the room, out the window to the world outside. Her world. “I’m not in the habit of justifying myself. Never have been. I tend to think that what people don’t understand is their own problem and move on. But you and the rest of the people here need to know something: I’ve personally changed wet smallclothes on about a quarter of the Naturals when they were toddlers. Helped raise Amalia.” Ha, lot of good that  did.  “These are my people. This is where my family is buried, where my heart lies. And when I fight - and I do fight - it is with those who can defend themselves. Ask anyone here what Wessex’s word is worth and they’ll tell you I always make good on it. I do not hurt children. Is that clear?” Settling back into her chair, she turns her eyes back to the Launceleyn. She’s not here to debate her ruling style with him. “I will protect everyone equally, as best I can. We do not tolerate discrimination against anyone. Or retaliation.” Had they posted that change? Fuck, she can’t remember but makes a mental note to check the Notice Board. “Now is that really what you wanted to say, or are you dancing around something?” Cause they might as well have it out if he is. WESSEX come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts unsex me here

They say blood makes you related but

loyalty makes you family

Wessex’s comment about their need to keep working was obvious, so Loren simply nodded in response. Somehow, it didn’t surprise him in the slightest that Zariah had been the one to build a prison: she ruled through power and coercion, and it had probably never have occurred to her that there were other, gentler, ways of securing loyalty than by threatening people with bars. Besides, the Launceleyns loved their walls and cells, except for Loren for obvious reasons.

Well, she was gone, and they had a chance to build a new kingdom from the ashes she’d left behind. ”I can go with you, if you feel it would be useful. I...have some thoughts about how I might lure those afflicted with the blight, with no harm to anyone. Obviously I’d only try it if their condition worsens.” It would require a summon that the Launceleyn had never called before, both because he feared its powers and because he was disgusted by the way it could ensnare the minds of others. However, desperate times called for desperate measures.

Shaking his head at her questions regarding the manor, the summoner poured over all the conversations he’d had since returning. ”I think it is mostly a function of bad memories and fear that she might return at any moment.” Hesitating, he added, ”There are also hidden doors that she forced Remi to make, but the two of us are taking care of that, and I don’t think anyone other than the two of us, or maybe Ronin, even knows about those. And Remi assured me no one can stumble upon them by accident and nothing can get in or out." At least that was one thing the queen didn’t need to worry about.

After Wessex finished speaking, he regarded her for a long moment, then gave her a tiny smile and swept into a bow even deeper than the first. ”Crystal, your highness.” While she might not like it, the Launceleyn believed that a bit of formality was called for, given what he was about to say next. ”And that was all, your majesty. Thank you for listening to the musings of a man who has had too much time to think and worry as of late. I am ever at your service, should you have need of me.” Straightening up, he snorted out a laugh. ”Sorry. Habit. I was always taught that pledging fealty required a bit of ceremony.” This woman, regardless of his remaining concerns and what others might think of her, was someone he would be proud to follow.

Hesitating, then, he ran a hand through his hair. He should probably have just quit while he was ahead and not dead, but from what the alchemist had told the summoner, it seemed Wessex and Ronin could use all the help they could get. And, if the queen accepted it, there was indeed more that Loren could do. ”I’m pretty sure the last person you want to take advice from is a Launceleyn, especially one you don’t know. But...I was speaking to Remi, and it sounds like, especially with Ronin’s...condition, you could use someone who could at least help you set up, well, offices and paperwork, and whatever else a fledgling kingdom might need. I used to run a library, so I know a little bit about organizing large amounts of information. And I am more than happy to serve in any support capacity you feel might be useful.” It was hardly his most coherent set of thoughts, but hopefully Wessex understands.

LOREN

My, he’s making himself useful, isn’t he? Is the first thought, the one that comes after he seems to pledge fealty is far more surprising. Wessex is pleased. And slightly taken aback. But also quite… reassured that this man, Launceleyn even though he is, chooses to follow her. Bright, indeed, she thinks to her Lady. It’s the first indication that she can do this. “Words are nice,” she concedes. “But actions are better. Hold me to my promises and I’ll hold you to yours.” And just like that, she’s accepted it and is moving on. Back to the problems at hand. His offer to help her organize information isn’t ignored so much as re-prioritized in the conversation. The Queen also wants more time to think about it; logically, it makes sense. She needs help during the day (strong as the Wraith is, even she needs to sleep) and Loren seems to have the ears and tongues of many. A man like that could be useful, but also dangerous. She doesn’t want to let him know too much, perhaps because she still has difficulty trusting that he won’t turn his back on them when Zariah comes back. The Voice said to trust that she had a plan; Wessex has come to the conclusion that Zariah is part of the eyes and getting places plan. She hasn’t disappeared. She’ll be back. So the Ascended Queen needs to have a firm support system in place in order to keep the throne. Either that or she needs to be as strong as fuck. “Good to know. Thank you for taking care of that. Every time we dismember some of her creations it feels like a step in the right direction,” she adds, continuing on in a frank manner. “We give her too much power. Talk about her like the boogeyman, when the reality is that if we’d all accepted that someone might get hurt and rebelled at once, we probably could have easily overwhelmed her and taken her down. And I think she knew that, which is why she built this fucking fortress. To hide behind.”  She considers the walls and wonder what they would say if they could talk. “It can’t fall back into her hands,” she says matter-of-factly. Not fearfully, because Wessex isn’t afraid of Zariah any more. But the woman thinks she’s smarter than she is and doesn’t appear to have any limits, which makes her dangerous. Remi can’t fall back into her hands. “I’ll seriously consider your offer, though I think any serious improvements will have to wait until after LongNight. In the meantime, if you hear something important or time-sensitive please send me a message. I’m almost finished with my place… it’s the ivy-covered, two-story one by the Bakery. Nowhere near as big as this, but could also be used as a sanctuary for LongNight.” If she were mortal, this is where she might be pinching her nose bridge to try and prevent an oncoming headache. ”Anyway, let’s hear your ideas for the Prison,” she says and gestures for the man to proceed. Might as well, while she’s here. WESSEX come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts unsex me here

They say blood makes you related but

loyalty makes you family

At Wessex’s comment that words were all well and good, but they paled in comparison to actions, Loren nodded. ”I can do that.” And he would, indeed, do everything within his power to fulfill all the promises and pledges he found himself making lately. However, if he failed—or if he needed help—he now knew it was better to admit that fact than keep everything to himself. Though if he was being truly honest, he probably would only hold the queen to her promises about keeping everyone safe. After all, that was the only one that really mattered.

Although she didn’t take him up on his offer to help her set up at least a rudimentary organization, the Launceleyn hadn’t really expected her to. Still, Wessex now knew that she could call upon him for that if it became necessary. ”You’re welcome, though I would’ve done it regardless. I have no interest in putting up any more walls between the Launceleyns and the rest of the world.” He fell silent as Wessex spoke about how they’d responded to Zariah’s power grab. Though he agreed with the queen’s assessment of the situation, he wasn’t going to voice that. He only replied when Wessex spoke about Zariah’s return. ”It won’t. I’ll make sure of that.” Even if his cousin was stronger than he was in a lot of ways, Loren was not weak. And he was willing to raze this manor to the ground and build something that was an actual home if that’s what it took.

As the queen kept speaking, the summoner inclined his head. At least she was considering his proposals, which was all he could really ask for. ”I will. And if you need help finishing your home, let me know.” That was actually an offer he could probably follow through on. While Loren was physically weak, his summons were definitely not. When Wessex asked him about his ideas for the prison, however, he hesitated, an extremely uncomfortable expression coming over him. He rubbed his hands together anxiously, not sure if he should say anything just yet.

Thankfully, he was spared from having to respond just yet because a bat flew into the room from deeper within the Manor. Loren eyed it warily, but all it did was give a startled squeak at the sight of them before flitting to a corner to hang upside down. Weirdly, it then started to hum to itself. Honestly, it was kinda cute. ”Huh. That’s new.”

Shaking his head, Loren turned his attention back to Wessex. ”Sorry. Right. The prison. I uh...well. It’s less to do with the prison itself and more to do with the blighted. I can summon a siren. Probably. Supposedly anyone who hears its song it supposed to be enthralled. I don’t know if it’ll work on the blighted though, but if it does it’s a non-lethal way to lure them to a specific location.” While he knew that he was speaking less than eloquently, the summoner was deeply uncomfortable even bringing up the possibility: it was too close to the mind games his illusionist family used to play on him. However, they were desperate.

LOREN

They are both momentarily distracted by the bat. Wessex looks back from where it came, thinking that she might go and take a look - but then remembers that this isn’t her house and she doesn’t have free reign anymore. Turning back around in her chair, she abstractly points to the bat as it hangs there, and says “Humming bats. They do that,” as if it were common knowledge. Which it is. To her. “So can you summon them and control them, or do they just do their natural animal thing after you get them here?” she asks, unclear about the limitations of his magic after he reveals that he can call a siren. Because it would be incredibly helpful if he could control them, but not insurmountable if he couldn’t. There’s argument about his plan. It’s a decent plan and the only one they’ve got other than getting the blighted all in one by one. So long as the rest of the non-blighted can plug their ears and not hear the song, it could work. Wessex loves it when other people are smart. It makes her life so much easier and her personality so much nicer. “It’s a good idea. Let’s keep it on the table.” Utterly unaware that it makes Loren uncomfortable, Wessex wouldn’t back down anyway. He will have to deal with his shit at some point and she needs to keep people safe. “I think that’s it for now. We should catch up on everything we’ve talked about in a couple of weeks, but I’m sure I’ll see you around. Just one more thing. There was a glass tumbler of Edy’s. Has her initials etched into it. Have you seen it?” WESSEX come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts unsex me here

They say blood makes you related but

loyalty makes you family

At Wessex's explanation about the bat Loren glanced over at her. ”Good to know. Are they dangerous?” From where he was standing, it just seemed cuddly, but he of all people knew that appearances could be deceiving. When the queen asked about his summoning, the Launceleyn was reminded once again that the people of the Hollowed Grounds had somehow never seen a summoner of his caliber. ”They’re completely under my control. And they’re not exactly real animals, though they’re identical in most regards. But they don’t feel pain and they don’t exhibit independent thought. If anything, they’re more like extensions of my will.”

He could certainly keep the siren on the table. It was actually being forced to use it that bothered him. Still, he nodded: he wasn’t about the disobey her, not after he felt that he’d narrowly escaped offending her earlier. ”Will do.” At her comment that they should catch up in a few weeks, he nodded again. ”Feel free to call upon me at any time.”

However, when she asked about the tumbler, he frowned, and shook his head. ”No, sorry. It might be in the kitchen, but if it was in Edy’s room I’m afraid it might’ve ended up in Beatrix’s possession. She uh...well she wanted to hang on to as many of Edy’s things as possible. When I see her next I’ll ask her, and I’ll keep an eye out for it.” Biting his lip, Loren wondered if he should ask the question that was on his mind. Still, he figured it was worth a shot. ”So were you and Edy, uh...you know. Together?” He blushed furiously and looked down.

LOREN

“No,” Wessex answer, almost confused by the question. Why would bats be dangerous? Of course the Hallowed Grounds had never seen a summoner as strong as the Launceleyn lad. You know why? Because all the animals were self-contained and all they had to do was track them. Eventually they’d find something, if it was out there. They didn’t rely on magic; they had normal skills. Wessex stands when Loren extends the ’any time’ invite and wonders if he’ll regret saying that laer. The Queen might take him up on that, and her most convenient time is not necessarily his most convenient time. Try as she might to be conscientious of the difference in their waking hours, when shit has to get done, it has to get done. With nothing left to talk about, and Edy’s glass missing, “Thank you, I’d appreciate it,” she is about to exit the room when Loren throws in an unexpected question. And look, it’s not that they don’t know each other well enough to be asking such personal questions, or even that she has the general opinion that who she’s sleeping with isn’t anyone else’s business. She might have told him, if it got her gift back, but he just can’t seem to be comfortable asking. It doesn’t matter who said what to whom, who saw what, or heard what. The Wraith turns around slowly to eventually reveal a pitying expression. “Ask again when you aren’t going to be embarrassed if the answer’s yes.”     + WESSEX come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts unsex me here

They say blood makes you related but

loyalty makes you family

Well, the bats weren’t dangerous, which was a relief. Loren didn’t respond to the obvious confusion in Wessex's voice: the summoner knew, better than most, that even the smallest of creatures could be deadly. As the queen thanked him, however, the Launceleyn shook his head. ”Don’t thank me. You’re in charge. My time is yours.” That had always been the way it had been with his family. Or at least it had before they came to Caido and until Zariah had gone mad with power and pride.

However, when Wessex accused Loren of being embarrassed, he hugged himself. While it was true, it probably wasn't for the reasons she thought. Frankly, Loren didn't care who Edy had slept with. Heck, he'd slept with Edy once upon a time in another world. But his embarrassed stemmed from another place entirely than his cousin's choice of partners. ”I’m not. That’s not...I just…” He sighed, struggling to find a way to articulate what was on his mind. Closing his eyes, his voice came out in a whisper. ”I failed her. And...I wasn’t there at the end. When she needed me. Or before that. So I guess I just...wanted to talk to someone who was.” Someone who would be able to tell him what had been underneath Edy's blustery exterior. It was stupid and selfish and the queen had every right to tell him to fuck off and leave.

LOREN