Two warriors follow behind, making noise. I decide to use them to camouflage the sound my own chain-mail is making by walking with them until we pass in front of the door and signaling them to keep going.
I assemble an enhancing construct for my hearing. I don't catch any sounds coming from inside to begin with but Yvonne breaks the silence once the Rykz get to the end of the hallway.
“So? You said you had answers for me about Elizabeth Vil.” She says impatiently. “Talk.”
“Just wait.” Cecil replies calmly.
“Who is she? Leomi has a theory about her mother but I find the coincidence unlikely even if the specifics were true. It seems to me like she is filling in the blanks with whatever fits because that's what she needs right now, what she wants to be true. Have you seen what's under the mask? Can you describe her face?” She asks.
“Elizabeth Vil is...” Cecil starts. I tense and open the door to rush in before she can say anything. “Here to answer your questions.” She finishes with a smile.
Fuck. She tricked me into this. I take hold of my weapon in my right hand to grab her by the front of her tunic with my left. Yvonne is surprised and on her guard but Aisha remains there, not worried in the slightest.
I lift Cecil up and slam her against the wall, her feet hovering a few centimeters above the ground. Her elegant composure doesn't waver, she remains as confident as ever. If anything, her smile seems to widen.
“What is this game you're playing Cecil?” I utter angrily.
“None. Lady Yvonne has been going around asking about you, I simply thought it best to bring the two of you together before she spread rumors that would be tiresome to quash.” She explains.
“You're toeing the line, some could say you're crossing it.” I threaten.
“But you wouldn't, would you?” She asks rhetorically. “After all, I didn't break my word. You cling to truth and justice despite all your deceptions.”
I slam her against the wall, restraining my strength but using enough to make her feel it. I swallow, failing in my attempt to make the ball of nerves in my throat pass. I should have kept going after Leomi. Cecil groans, yet she now wears a grin. I detect Yvonne approaching me from behind, her hand extended in front of her, her expression full of expectation.
“I knew you didn't have it in you.” Cecil says. “Don't. She is worth more than I am as an asset.” She tells Aisha whose fingers are making precise movements in thin air. “So, are you going to harm me, Elizabeth?”
“Jessica, let her go.” Yvonne says worriedly, laying one hand on my left wrist.
“I'm, I'm not her.” I stutter, distinctively losing control of the situation.
“Let her go.” She repeats herself.
I release my grip, too busy trying to think of a way out of this to gather any aggression. Cecil lands on her feet and steps away serenely. She then nods at Aisha and both women walk out of the room.
“You're Jessica, aren't you?” Yvonne asks, squeezing my arm.
I keep my back turned to her, trying to think of ways to deny my identity that she wouldn't have already heard and dismissed. With my mind in turmoil, I find none and the silence is dragging on. I need to say something, anything.
“We don't look the same and I heard she lost an arm. Mine's doing fine.” I tell her, falling back on my best arguments.
“I don't see why you would spend so much time and effort proving you're not Jessica unless you are.” She comments. “Show me those burns you claim to have, that shouldn't be a problem.”
“That's...” I hesitate.
“You can't. Because whatever is under that glove isn't something you can casually show.” She says sadly, walking around my arm to face me.
“Don't you owe Jessica your life? You should respect the fact that I want to remain hidden if you think I'm her.” I argue desperately.
“Unless you prove you're Jessica, I have no debt to Elizabeth Vil.” Yvonne counters flatly, reaching up to seize my mask.
I let go of my hammer and intercept her hands. Clank. It impacts the ground. I'm rooted in place by apprehension. I see no way out that wouldn't just work to feed her suspicions. I activate the illusion construct anchored to the wood. Yet, I have little hope that it'll help on her as she's already expressed her doubts about it.
“I know you're Jessica.” She affirms without a doubt, shaking her head. “Wasn't that hard actually, I'm ashamed it took me so long.”
I don't respond. Anything I say at this point would hurt. Like she said, I'm trying too hard while refusing to show my arm, which would immediately disqualify me as Jessica if it was human like I claim it is.
I want to tell her the truth, I... miss my friend and I could use her help. But what if she blames me for all I did, she could be acting to push me to expose myself and then she'll...
She'll what? This is Yvonne, if she thought I was a danger to Leomi, she would be kicking my ass right now. She makes use of my distraction to slide the mask aside. The illusion forms as soon as it does, changing my traits to those of Elizabeth Vil.
“Uncanny.” Yvonne says, touching my chin. “But ultimately, it can only trick the eye.”
“How?” I ask, defeated.
“You came out of nowhere with an odd left arm, with the kind of insanity only you and Leomi share for each other.” She sighs in relief, wrapping me in a gentle hug. “I'm so glad you made it out okay.”
“I... I didn't.” I say. The dam on my feelings breaks. I tremble in her embrace, too shaken to return it. “I, I almost killed my Lady, Yvonne.” I force the words out.
“But you didn't, Jessica. You would never.” She replies, rubbing my back. She frowns a little as she does, unaware that my limb's sense allows me to detect the small movement. “Shh. It's okay. It was hard for all of us. None of what happened was your fault, you hear me. None of it.”
“I'm a monster, Yvonne.” I admit, breaking the hug to turn away.
“You're not but I need to ask.” She says. “What are you doing Jessica? Leomi is doing better... but not really. What happened for you to treat Leomi like you did?”
“I lost myself. I accepted the Rykz' deal and they... replaced my arm with something. I wanted revenge, to make her pay. It got me through the hardest parts. But now, because of all I've done to Leomi, I'm stuck in this situation where she thinks she's the worst possible companion for me, Jessica, while all I want is to get back with her and forget everything.” I utter, sadness and regret filling my voice. Yet, my tears refuse to flow.
“You always were half-mad in love with Leomi, you know.” Yvonne chuckles.
She guides me over to a small table and takes a seat. I join her, taking hold of the mask and setting it down. I cool down, taking deep breaths. She waits for me before turning serious.
“Never again will you touch her with the intent to harm her, Jessica.” She warns me. “I can't imagine what you went through... what you're going through, but you cannot hurt Leomi because of it. It's not an excuse and it isn't right to do this to her while hiding behind that facade.” She tells me.
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“I told you. I'm a monster. Sometimes, when I open my eyes, I'm not sure of what I'll find. There is a part of me that likes fighting and... hurting.” Myself and others. I think without saying. “All my wins feel like losses, yet I don't seem to be able to stop. Battles make me feel strong, powerful.” I explain, staring at my left hand laying on the table. “I believe that this, more than anything, is what I wanted to prove to Leomi. That I am strong. It's what got her attracted to Elizabeth so much but I can't even reveal myself anymore, not without damaging the image she has of Jessica and our relationship with it. That's not something I'm willing to sacrifice, however messed up it is.”
“Give her some time to sort out her feelings about you, both of you. She'll realize that you were never as pure as she thought you were.” She says.
“Pure?” I ask, baffled. “I kept throwing myself at her.”
“You were so shy and embarrassed by it that it only made you look adorable.” Yvonne makes a teasing smile. “And as much as it might hurt you...” She starts, but hesitates to continue.
“What is it?” I press.
“Elizabeth Vil is a rebound, Jessica. Leomi needs to work through her feelings. Just be there for her and then... fade away.” She says, visibly worried about how I'll take it. I smile in reassurance.
“I was hoping as much.” I feel a weight lift off my chest. “So you won't tell her about me?” I ask.
“I honestly don't think the two of you would survive that. Not right now at least.” She makes a small grimace. “You made a mess.”
“I'm glad I don't have to use the fact that I saved your life to make you.” I confess.
“Debts don't work like that, Jessica Elizabeth Vil. I'm not going to let you destroy yourself and someone else because I owe you my life twice over.” She comments. “Now tell me everything that happened, in order.”
I do so, talking with a tight throat. Releasing it all for the first time. I care little about how erratic I sound when I mention my motivations leading to the battle for Castle Lance, counting on Yvonne to understand. She does, remaining open and supportive throughout my story.
She nods in approval when I tell her about the fact that I opposed the mercenaries and bandit's methods. She berates me for attacking Leomi twice, but her words imply that despite her disapproval, she can't contest that it tore her friend out of her dark corner.
I skip only the part involving Celyz. If Leomi isn't already aware, I won't divulge it. I simply mention Father's death and I that threw myself into the arms of a friend that offered. She takes hold of my left hand in support when I narrate the events, looking sad.
“I'm sure he wouldn't have blamed you. Odo is at fault, you're not responsible for Nobility's skewed worldview.” Yvonne says.
“Thanks.” I make a thin smile.
“Far as I can tell, what you want is what you always have, simply... slightly more aggressively. You desire for Leomi to push you down.” She winks. I blush, but can't help it and nod.
“I'm unreasonably taken with her, it's scary.” I admit.
“You're no monster, Jessica. You're going through tough times, that's all.” She says softly.
“I don't know. This limb has changed me in some ways.” I sigh.
Yvonne remains quiet. Her show of trust in not showing any hesitation at being in contact with the parasite does much to relieve my anguish on the matter. Yet, not enough to show its appearance.
“You should beware of Madame Cecil. Master Amand was about to pull his Order back and barricade inside the Temple to bleed the Rykz dry but he received a single message that completely changed his mind. According to what you said, that woman is the one who sent it.” Yvonne tells me.
“Amand mentioned that a Shade influenced him, and Cecil said she learned this illusion construct from one of them.” I point at my face.
“Just be on your guard.” Yvonne says seriously.
“Shades work to further Emperor Rasaec's interests, I don't think there is much to worry about.” I dismiss.
We sit there for a while, talking about her trip to the capital. How disappointed she was to have to write a report instead of speaking to the King directly. Her relief when Vikiana came back with good news.
I ask her all I can about the institute but all she can tell me is that the building is huge and that people avoid it like the plague. The single entrance was guarded by a single guard but she suspects that there are either many more inside or a few very skilled combatants.
“What was that, back at the meeting, between that vixen Celyz and Leomi?” Yvonne suddenly questions.
“Fuck. Leomi.” I abruptly stand.
“What's wrong?” She pushes.
“I... I'll tell you later.” I say, setting my mask back on and pick up my hammer.
I rush out of the door, Yvonne follows close behind. I hesitate but don't say anything in the end as there isn't anything I can think of saying that would convince her not to go check on her friend.
“Do you know where she is?” I ask.
“We were supposed to meet with the faction back at the west wing.” She replies. “I'm not going to comment on what you do together, Jessica. To each their own and you're both adults... at least I think you are.”
“I'm eighteen.” I reply shortly.
“But keep yourself in check, I won't let you hurt yourself or Leomi because it's how you evacuate your pain.” She declares sharply, echoing her earlier words.
I don't respond, making a turn west. We go through a corridor decorated with various plants and paintings. Yvonne guides me through a few more before we reach a hall. We find over a hundred Nobles in a disorganized mob, their backs to us, whispering to each other.
Lance is standing at the forefront, facing us. The contours of her eyes are red. She cried. I feel a pang in my heart. She notices our arrival but refuses to turn, remaining focused on her faction.
“There will be no spoils to split.” Countess Lance affirms. “The Izla has suffered enough, Nobility's riches will be used to ensure that no one starves and to pay for the formation of this new organization I've told you about. This is the best result we could hope for.”
“We followed you thus far, loyally.” Edusa speaks up. “We agreed to help you end the war because the Duke's mismanagement made it impossible to hold the city. We didn't ask for much. We even tolerated Elizabeth Vil's crimes and challenges by respect for you. Yet this is how you reward us?!”
Edusa cannot see me at the further end of the crowd with her back turned. Fuck if I'm letting her talk this way to my Lady. I lift my hammer and manage to take a single step before Yvonne stops me with a hand on my shoulder.
“Don't start a fight here, the Rykz would intervene. Leomi is capable of defending herself.” She whispers.
I notice only now that there are a few warriors standing guard, their flat heads are slightly inclined in my direction. I grumble is dissatisfaction but lower my weapon.
“I was frank when I called for help. I promised no reward other than the opportunity to right a wrong!” Lance counters. “I will personally make sure that none of you take a loss, that the dead are both honored and compensated.”
“What about the land? Who will inherit the titles?” Henry asks loudly. “Whoever holds them when these creatures leave will remain. Wasn't that our goal, Countess? To obtain enough power to reshape Nobility?”
“I admit my previous naivety in the matter, I wanted to think the best of Nobles. But I both underestimated centuries of oppressive culture and overestimated my ability to influence it. This organization I am shaping will be a test, something new that offers a real alternative to the current system. You are all invited to take part in this experience, I need your experience and morals to create a charter that may stand as the basis for great change in Caeviel.” Leomi speaks frankly and with ardor.
The crowd responds with enthusiasm but there are those who remain distinctively silent. Edusa and Henry included. They are a minority but I don't miss Yvonne's concerned expression.
“I did not risk my life to become a glorified city guard.” Edusa utters coldly. “You spoke of rising up yet, in reality, you cast us lower.”
“I am saddened to hear you interpret this in such a way.” Lance replies calmly. “The rule of Law is one that all should be made to respect. Nobility has flaunted that simple principle for as long as it ruled and it will continue to do so. Caeviel would have crumbled under its internal dissent if the Empire were not there to unite us, to prevent the most glaring abuses and intervene as arbitrators for peaceful resolutions.” She pauses. “But that is no longer enough! It never was. We cannot continue to behave greedily. Revolts are becoming more and more common. Peasants acclaimed Elizabeth Vil precisely because she tapped into their thirst for justice! You can criticize her for her brutal actions, and believe me I do, but she sacrificed much for the Izla. Are you not eager to show that you are no less dedicated?” She proclaims.
“We are!” The crowd responds with cheers.
As Lance gratefully accepts her faction's support and thanks them, I keep an eye on Edusa and Henry who gather with a few others. Their faces are unreadable, but that fact alone is enough to make it clear that they disagree in this celebratory atmosphere. After a while, Leomi says that she'll need to get to the meeting soon so the Nobles disperse. Edusa, Henry, and three others slip out towards the east, a different direction from the rest.
“I'm going to talk to them.” Yvonne tells me.
“No you won't.” I shake my head. “You're going to stick by Leomi like her own shadow. Edusa is a snake, she's attacked me several times before. She hasn't tried to take my life, as far as I can tell, but she has no qualms about using her sword as a way to win over arguments. I am going to talk to her.”
“No you won't.” Leomi cuts in from a distance away, the light gray abyss of her eyes clearly expressing her ire. “Neither of you will.” She adds with more composure. “They need time to discuss where they stand and I will give it to them.”
“If they touch you, I'll...” I start.
“Use that hammer to beat your will into their skulls?” Lance interrupts coldly.
I freeze, the accusation and her earlier comment about my brutality both hit home. Clank. My weapon hits the stone floor as I slump down.
“You should leave us, Elizabeth.” Yvonne says with a sigh. “I'm sure you have a lot to do.”
“Are you going to run to that bitch now?” Lance asks spitefully. “How could you?”
“Leomi.” Yvonne intervenes.
“She slept with...” Leomi starts, turning to her friend to justify herself.
“I don't care. You forgave her, now move on.” Yvonne utters.
“I won't put what we've achieved at risk over some stupid jealousy, but this isn't over Elizabeth.” She tells me, turning around to leave.
Yvonne taps my shoulder in support before departing with her friend. I sit down on the ground. I'll trust Yvonne, she doesn't like Celyz but she's my friend. She'll talk to Leomi.