Carol
Xavier de Delekou
Private Study, Provincial Delekou

Xavier tensed as she touched his shoulder, her words echoing in his head mockingly. *'You are a good man.'* Laughter of being a coward rang through as it repeated. *'Good man... Coward... You are a good man, Xavier.'* He shook his head to clear it as she pressed something into his hand. Turning it to the side, he studied the design, impressed. No one would know it contained a lethal dose of poison. Closing his fingers around it, Xavier pocketed the pendent, following her gaze to the fire. 

*'The right decision? And what was that? Kill thousands... His friends and family for mercy or kill his family for being complicit in the plot?'*Xavier felt his throat close as emotions threatened to overwhelm his calm demeanor. 

He returned the gesture, pecking her left cheek with his lips and smiled gently. "I admire what you stand for, Jasmine. Perhaps if more of us had the courage you do we could bring real change." As he pulled the doors of his study open Xavier let his typical boisterous mask fall back on. "Please send our regards to Elroy - I'm sure Candela would have very much enjoyed watching me get beaten in a sword fight with your husband since she cannot do so herself." Chuckling, he escorted her out of the study. Motioning for Teo to come over, he continued. "Xolile bless your travels, Lady Thèvenet. If there is anything you need before you leave don't hesitate to ask. Our home is yours."
Erin
Jasmine Thèvenet 
Provincial Thèvenet

The sky was turning a golden, purple color as Jasmine rode into Bladegarden. She was finally home, after long days of travel. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she at the oh-so familiar town. She was looking forward to sleeping in her soft bed again, and to have Elroy beside her.

Elroy.

Jasmine's eyes glanced over at the men escorting her, and a playful smile appeared on her lips as an idea entered her mind. "I think I want to surprise my husband with my arrival," She said. "Would you care to escort me to the outskirts of the training area, and then leave me and take my horse with you? I do not want to give away my position."

"Yes, my lady," Replied Braxle, a guardsman, with a smile on his own lips. He seemed to think the idea was as amusing as she did. It was rare for Jasmine and Elroy to be separated for a day, much less almost an entire week. She wanted to see him as soon as possible.

**. . .**

The guardsmen escorted her to the outskirts of where the soldiers usually trained by the lake. No one else was in sight, but the faint sound of clanging swords was a sure sign that Elroy was training with his men nearby. It would be a challenge to surprise Elroy, as it was pretty much an open field with not much to hide behind, but Jasmine would hope for the best.

The sounds of metal on metal grew louder as Jasmine began to see a group of men come into view. Two were engaged in combat: she was quite sure that one of them was Elroy, even from so great a distance away. As she grew closer, she was certain.

It was so fascinating how such a dangerous act could look so elegant and beautiful. Elroy was extremely focused, a hard look on his face and flashing eyes that Jasmine rarely saw. The man he was sparring against was doing a good job from what Jasmine could tell, but he was no match. Elroy obviously had more technique as well as superior strength.

The man tried to thrust his sword at Elroy, but Elroy effortlessly (or it seemed effortless) parried the thrust before striking hard against the man's sword, sending him stumbling back as the singing of metal rippled out into the air. As Jasmine quietly walked closer she forgot momentarily that she was trying to surprise her husband. The smoothness and elegance of his attacks and display of such great strength, with such a serious, focused expression, had almost a hypnotizing effect on her. A faint, subconscious flush appeared on her cheeks as she continued to watch with wide eyes.
Carol
Elroy Thêvenet
Training grounds, Provincial Thèvenet

"Again." Elroy called to his opponent motioning him forward, his own sword pointed slightly downward. It was a fake opening one that Elroy could quickly close at the sign of an attack. His opponent studied his stance for a moment before pulling his sword back to swing downwards. Elroy's eyes were trained on the mans sword and the slightest hints of movement in his peripheral were able to give him enough warning to pull his sword up to block the swing. He let the blades meet with a clash before pulling his own away suddenly causing his opponent to stumble as the support his opponent expected from the block was torn away. Elroy's chest rose and fell with deep breaths, wiping the sweat from his eyes. Squinting, he glanced around the training field to find Andrès and the men he was training. Surprise crossed his face as his eyes landed on his wife standing just beyond the training fence. Watching? 

"Go join the others." He commanded, stepping forward to help the man back to his feet and pointing towards a larger group a few feet away. 

"Yes, my Lord." Elroy nodded before turning back towards his wife, holding up a hand in greeting. Tucking the blade under his arm he began to jog to the edge of the arena. "Is everything alright?" He asked, taking her in and searching for signs of harm. Elroy knew she had gone to visit Delekou, but expected her to return to the Provincial, not the training yard. Perhaps there was urgent news.
Erin
Jasmine Thèvenet 
Provincial Thèvenet

Blinking her blue eyes, Jasmine was let out of her trance as her husband noticed her after his bout. Raising a hand to a warm cheek, she realized she was a bit flushed. A happiness melted inside her as she saw him come over, but he looked worried instead of pleased.

"Oh, yes," She said with a smile. She longed to give him a kiss, but knew he was not one who often displayed his affection in public. So instead, she stood with her arms folded behind the fence. It was apparent by the glow in her expression, however, how happy she was to see him.

She lowered her voice so only Elroy could hear her. "I could not bear the thought of being away from you a moment longer, so I came to find you as soon as I arrived back."

And by the gods, was she glad she did. The view she had received had been very well worth the small trek it took to get to the training grounds.
Carol
Elroy Thèvenet
Training yard, Provincial Thèvenet

An eyebrow rose as she answered his question, but continued to look at him. The confusion changed into a knowing smirk and he shook his head at her words. "In your favorite state. Sweaty and working hard." He chuckled. "I didn't expect you home until late tonight so I lined up series of battle drills." He saw her face fall slightly and let his hand direct her chin back up. 

Leaning forward he whispered. "But when I am done and cleaned up." He smiled, blowing a little warm air against her right ear. "We should make up for all the time we lost." He pulled back and chuckled at the blush in her cheeks. Straightening, he started to walk back towards his men, glancing back with a knowing smile as he waved goodbye.
Erin
Jasmine Thèvenet
Training yard, Provincial Thèvenet

Jasmine felt her face flush further as Elroy gave her a smug, knowing smile. She had been rather blatant with her staring, she realized. And in front of all of his men, too. She let out a light, amused laugh as he mentioned her liking his current state, but she didn't deny it as she gave him a coy smile.

At the mention of his drills continuing for a while longer, Jasmine felt her expression fall a little. It made sense, however, that Elroy would be busy. Things couldn't just stop because she had returned. The thing that made her most sad, however, was how Elroy had spotted her so quickly. She wouldn't have minded watching him in action for a few more minutes.

Or hours.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Elroy tilted her chin up, the color of her cheeks returning as he teased her under his breath. He was so close now, she could see the golden flecks of his emerald eyes and a trickle of sweat running down the side of his cheek. She struggled to keep her expression pleasant and normal, as her face was in full view of the countless men behind her husband who were watching the two of them, as Elroy playfully blew a small gust of wind in her ear. He laughed under his breath as the pink on her fair face deepened.
**. . .**

Before she even had the chance to reply, he had already turned around and was walking back towards his men, giving her one last smirk and a wave goodbye. Instead of returning his farewell, Jasmine promptly turned around and began her walk back to the Provincial. Her face felt as though it was on fire, and her emotions were an odd mix of frustration and pleasure. It was unfair that Elroy was able to tease her so severely, and yet he stopped before she could even the playing field. She would have to find a way to get him back.

Once she had finally returned to the Provincial, she greeted the staff and had a bath drawn. As she washed away all of the dirt and grime from travel, she realized how tired she was. A nap was in order. 

After she dried off, she viewed the nightgown the maids had left out for her. It was new: a flowing, soft pink with long sleeves and an overall cute appearance that Jasmine was unaccustomed to wearing. It was a bit amusing how the maids seemed to think that Jasmine needed to wear more interesting clothes, and sometimes tried to find creative ways to widen her closet.

Or perhaps it was a gift from Elroy. Though she doubted it. Nevertheless, she put it on and was glad it was at least very comfortable. The bed was made very neatly, as always. Hospital corners and the comforter smoothed to perfection. Jasmine went over and slid underneath the corners of the left side of the bed, sighing in contentment at the familiar comfort of the soft bed. As she felt her eyelids grow heavy, she reached over to pull Elroy's pillow closer to her, sleepily hugging it against her. It smelled clean and with a faint spice undertone, just as Elroy did after he bathed. With one last small, content sigh, she allowed herself to finally relax a little and fall into a deep, dreamless sleep.
Carol
Xavier de Delekous


The wood of the pendent was smooth, far too much for something that would cause so much harm. Granted, it wasn't the wood itself, but what was contained within. Turning the pendant over he studied the hole Jasmine had pointed out earlier. 

*'What is right?'* He questioned despairingly. Glancing out the window, his eyes were drawn towards the smoke rising from the chimneys of the homes in the quarantined district. His heart felt like it was being stabbed by a thousand needles as he thought about his people, his *Friends* Dying for a god he wasn't sure existed. The deicision that lay in front of him was suffocating. He would have rather remained ignorant to the possiblity of different means of death. 

The laughter of his daughter, Hanna, as a little girl rang in his ears. He smiled as a memory of playing hide and seek played before his eyes. His daughter had a knack for finding some of the best places in the castle. Even now, if she didn't want to be found there was very little he could do to coax her out of her hiding place. Xavier chuckled quietly to himself. *'Except a new book.'* He had a large private collection that he could usually pull from to find something she would be curious about. 

*'I can't lose her. I can't lose them or leave them alone.'* His mind raced through the possible actions, torturing him with the screams of his wife and daughter each time he chose to design the filter. Jaw clenching, Xavier did his best to push back tears that threatened to show.*'I have to make a decision.'* The setting sun drew him from his thoughts, the city basking in its golden rays. Night was nearly upon them and Xavier decided it shouldn't be up to him. He would ask those it would affect.

———————————

The light breathing of his wife told Xavier she was asleep. He had other plans. Quitely and as gently as he could, Xavier slipped from the bed grabbing a satchel he had packed earlier with him to the door. The creaking of their oak doors made him inwardly curse and he glanced back to see if Candela shifted. A few moments passed before he reassured himself she was still asleep and left their chambers. 

"Relax." Xavier chuckled, motioning for the guard who stood up to sit. "I can't sleep and experimentation usually helps. Keep an eye on Candela and if she asks where I've gone keep quiet. I'd rather not be disturbed." The guard nodded and Xavier winked mischeviously, hoping to offset any suspicion. 

As he rounded the corner of the corridor leading to his office, Xavier quickly entered and lit his oil lamp. He scattered a few papers with designs across his desk before drawing a black cloak from his bag and draping it around his shoulders. Opening the window, he let the breeze disturb the curtains, watching as the flame flickered from the cold gust. Glancing down, he stepped out onto the balcony and closed the windows behind him without fully latching them so he could get back in. Pressing himself against the wall, Xavier waited until the coast was clear before dropping down to the ground below. It wasn't a far fall, perhaps three feet and one he had made plenty times as a boy trying to escape his fathers fury while pretending to study. Without wasting anytime, Xavier passed through the main gate, flicking a silver coin to the keeper with a knowing wink as he journeyed to the quarantind homes. 
———————————

"Cyrus!" Xavier hissed, pounding (as quietly as one can) on the deformed wooden door that led to the farmers house. "Cyrus!" He heard scuffling inside and stepped back to ensure he hadn't woken anyone with his rucus. The door opened slightly a surprised face appearing in the crack.

"Xavier? What are you -? Are you insane?" Cyrus opened the door further, grabbed Xavier by his shirt, and yanked him inside before shutting the door. Xavier removed his cloak and set it on the bare table inside.
 "I need to talk to you." He glanced around the room that seemed to serve as the kitchen, living, and dining for signs of Cyrus's wife and son. "Alone." Cyrus noted the level of urgency in his friends eyes and nodded, directing him to a door that led to a smaller room in the back. 

When they were alone, Cyrus turned to him with a stoney gaze. "Was condeming us all to die your idea?" He asked accusingly, stabbing the lords chest with his finger. "You've condemned my whole family to die and there is *Nothing*..." He hissed, "I can do about it." 

"Cyrus, I would never order something like that." Xavier countered, surprised the man thought it possible. "But I don't have a choice. Thèvenet and de Barbarac ordered the pilgrimage. I can't defy them without destroying Delekou in the process. They would burn the city to the ground if it meant pleasing the Phoenix and purging disbelief." 

"You have a choice, but you are choosing yourself over all of us. You swore to me you wouldn't be like your father." Cyrus continued failing to feel any kind of sympathy towards the man he had grown up with. The words cut Xavier like a knife and he stood in front of his friend speechless for a moment.

"You are right, but that is why I'm here." He couldn't deny Cyrus' words. The power of change Xavier thought he would have as lord had been much less than he initially imagined. It wasn't until he stood in the shoes of his father that he realized why decisions that had angered him as a youth had been made. "I cannot change the orders, but I can try to give you back some control." He pulled out the wood pendent from Jasmine and held it out for Cyrus to hold. "This contains a poison that you can take before you reach Mt. Aurileme. You can decide when..." He paused, cringing as the next words left his mouth..."You die. At the very least, it saves you from a painful death by fire." He shrugged, sighing despondantly. "The water supply for the pilgrimage would be poisoned and those who drink from it will die, slowly and painlessly over the journey. The decision was left to me, but I don't feel justified making it." Their eyes locked and Xavier's lips pressing together in a grim frown. "This will put myself and my family at great risk, but if you believe our people would prefer this death than the fiery one that awaits them at Mt. Aurileme I will do it." Xavier watched Cyrus process the treason of his words. Many emotions crossed his friends face during the following minutes. "Cyrus, I need your answer." He continued, shaking the man from his thoughts. 

"Do it." The man's voice was quiet and solemn. "If death is unavoidable then this can be our last act of defiance." Cyrus shook his head. "I will tell the others when the pilgrimage begins." Putting his hand on Xavier's shoulder his sighed. "I do not blame you for this, Xavier. I know you do not have a choice. Come." He said, opening the door that leading back to the main room. "You owe me a night of drinking before sending me to my death."