Amethyst woke up in her own time. The cozy nest she had found herself in had beckoned her to long hours of rest and relaxation. She sat up and stretched so hard that her vision went black and her arms felt tingly. She fell back onto the bed once more and proceeded to stretch in all sorts of different ways, dreading the moment when she inevitably would have to get out of the bed.
She was feeling a bit sleep drunk, her groggy eyes were slightly crusty and she knew she needed a bath. As they had left the ship the day before, they wiped down with the remaining fresh water and rags. But she had heard someone at dinner mention a "bath house." She was hoping that she would be able to access it and let all of Ashara and the years of slavery wash away.
Finally, when she could justify remaining no more, Amethyst raised herself up and put her toasty toes onto the floor. The hard wood was a cool contrast, but not an unwelcome one. She enjoyed the luxury of being comfortable. No more a slave, she was feeling like a master now. This is how they woke up, on their terms.
Tenya had seemingly felt the same about her cozy bed. Tenya was still curled tightly in a ball, she looked like a cat with her head tucked into the nook of her arm which was only covered with the thinnest blanket, while the rest of her had the heaviest and thickest blanket tucked around her. She looked like dough ready to rise. She was mumbling in her sleep; Amethyst tried to listen, but there was no organization to her sounds. She was in a deep slumber and Amethyst wasn't about to spoil Tenya's much needed rest.
Quietly, Amethyst snuck to her clothes, which were no longer crusty and smelling of salt. Instead they had a fragrance of honey and flowers. They were soft now and folded neatly. The tears she had acquired from all her journeying, which had been haphazardly sewn together, had been cut and re-stitched or patched. Amethyst imagined that the servants had done this during dinner. She was in such a daze the night before, she couldn't recall if her clothes had even been there. Amethyst hugged her favorite outfit to herself and took in a deep breath. Her senses took in every bit of the sweet aroma. When she put them on, they felt better than ever. Even the small itchy bits that had always been there had vanished.
Amethyst smiled and did a little twirl, her tail had its own mind and celebrated alongside her. She was careful to stay near the center of the room, but her tail knocked hard into one of the walls. She glanced at Tenya who merely shifted, then began to mumble again. Amethyst suppressed her desire to laugh. She felt like she had just been able to pick out new and fancy garments. She excitedly gathered the day's traveling gear and exited the room. The soft touch of the latch gently being sat on its iron rest made Amethyst almost feel bad for leaving Tenya to sleep, but stepped away all the same.
The first person she saw was Ebba, who was eating a fat apple. Ebba smiled and wiped her face. She was still rambunctious, but after the Kraken she had managed to reign in her energy a bit. She was wearing a dress which was in fashion in Melydaesos, but that Amethyst knew Ebba did not own before. She also boasted a little tiara and her hair was braided in a way that made her look like she had been born and raised in that house.
"Good morning little angel." Amethyst said with a smile, though in her mind, little rascal fit better. Amethyst opened her arms in a gesture for a hug. She started to kneel in the habit of hugging a smaller child, but Ebba had grown in stature over the last several weeks. So Amethyst remained standing.
Ebba walked quickly over, holding the apple at arms length away from Amethyst before wrapping her free hand around Amethyst's waist. She purposely leaned down lower and even started to kneel a little to remain at Amethyst's center. "Good morning." She whispered gently into Amethyst's belly. Ebba took in a deep and exaggerated sniff. "You smell like lavender!" She said, her voice still muffled by Amethyst's body.
"Is that the name of the floral scent?" Amethyst said with a smile, laughing as she said it. Ebba simply nodded vigorously, but remained entirely attached to Amethyst, who didn't mind. She took the opportunity to cuddle Ebba for as long as would be allowed.
Like in the bed, this blissful moment ended and Ebba pulled away. She then took a large bite of the apple and offered a bite to Amethyst who politely declined. Ebba shrugged her shoulders and with a mouth full of apple she said. "What?" bits of the apple shooting out. "It's not wax or anything."
Amethyst started to laugh hardily. She felt tears welling and her stomach and chest groaning at her excitement. Her laugh turned into a few rough coughs as she struggled to catch her breath. It was clear Ebba was not expecting such a laugh, but she joined in all the same with a toothy grin. "You are so cute!" Amethyst said. "And you are very funny."
Ebba stood a little taller. "Stochastís is a weird guy, so really he is the funny one." Ebba looked around for a moment and said. "Well I just got back from the bath. It's empty right now if you want to have one."
Amethyst's smile persisted. "Your hair isn't even wet." She said with her hands firm on her hips.
Ebba scrunched her hair. "Oh." She said as she stepped around amethyst. The two faced each other while she did. "Guess I fell asleep on one of the chairs." She backed away a couple more steps, then turned and shouted, "I gotta go pee!" As she walked quickly away.
Amethyst watched bewildered at the sudden shift. There was a genuine look of fear on Ebba's face When she touched her hair. She also went the opposite way of the bathroom. Amethyst considered pursuing her, but a hand was placed on her shoulder. She was startled and whipped around quickly. Nuru was standing there and watching Ebba run off as well.
"You scared me." Amethyst said, her breath caught in her throat, her left hand covering her racing heart. She took in some deep breaths and her smile returned in relief.
"Apologies, is she okay?" Nuru didn't look at Amethyst, instead her eyes were trained on the hall that Ebba had run down. The two had bunked together the night before. There was a soft look of concern on Nuru's face.
"Up until that last second." Amethyst looked back towards the hall as well. Her right hand gently rested on Nuru's tense shoulder. She knew it couldn't be Nuru, Ebba hadn't seen her until she would have run off. and the fear started at the mention of the bath.
"She was talking in her sleep, but I didn't understand any of it." Nuru said glumly. "But it didn't sound well. She was also gone in the early hours before she normally would be up." Nuru removed her hand from Amethyst's shoulder and let it fall to her side. "She repeated the words, "don't let her hit the ground, Amethyst."" Nuru turned and looked at Amethyst. "I know your name, but what do these words mean?"
Amethyst felt her stomach drop at the words. She was nervous about what they could mean. She was reminded of old ghost stories, but determined Ebba must have had a bad dream. "It's Hyperian." Amethyst said as she explained the meaning. "It is likely she had a bad dream." Although Amethyst had concluded it was a dream, some part of her felt uneasy.
The door to Amethyst's shared room opened and a groggy Tenya stepped out. She was wrapped in the thickest blanket and was rubbing her eyes. "Where is Ebba? I need to tell her not to shout while people are sleeping."
Amethyst suppressed a laugh, but Nuru was unable to. Both burst out into laughter as the tired Tenya squinted her eyes in their direction, she then grumbled and went back into the room. This caused Amethyst and in turn Nuru to laugh harder.
§
An hour or so later, after the outburst of laughter, everyone had woken up and left their rooms. The strange encounter with Ebba had been forgotten. Stochastís Made his way into the guest space. His face was solemn and looked tired, but in his most excited voice he could muster, he announced that breakfast would be ready soon and to gather in the guests dining room and then he would take them all on a tour of the whole house so they felt more at home.
Excitedly, everyone gathered. Breakfast was an assortment of fruits and bread with sugar and honey, along with wrapped sausages. There was not such an enormous amount of food as there had been last night, which everyone appreciated. The manageable portions left everyone satisfied, but not so full that they felt like they would have to sleep again, except for Wa Chini, who had so clearly eaten too much both the night before and this morning, that by the time everyone had finished, he had already fallen asleep with his head resting on his arms on the table.
Once everything had been cleared away, Busara, who was sitting on the opposite side of the table, used his walking stick to poke and prod the sleeping cat. Everyone was as quiet as they could be while watching Busara boop at Wa Chini's nose and ears. The cat's delayed reactions as he swiped at the stick had made even the gloomy Stochastís break out in muffled laughter.
Suddenly Wa Chini slammed his paw down and in Asharan he yelled, "Damn flies!" Before he looked around. He had a small grin on his face with narrow sleepy eyes. In his normal and squeaky voice he said, "Oh hey guys, I got the fly." He then yawned a big yawn and stretched a big stretch. He then climbed under the table and seemingly went back to sleep.
Later that afternoon, Stochastís, now in a better mood, was joyfully giving his tour. The buildings were packed with artifacts from all over the world. He explained that his father had fought against the last world crisis along with his mother. They had repelled the East Asharan forces, and had gone so far as to press eastward claiming territories even beyond the eastern rebels. They had given the territories to their allies at the time in West Ashara. He spoke about the trips his father had been on and the places his father and sometimes his mother had been to. Amethyst could tell that Stochastís's love of travel had been born from his father.
But the tour didn't just include his fathers victories, but his mother's too. She had been both an archeologist and a renowned historian. She had also written and published many books which had been translated into a few other countries as well. It was clear by how her achievements were laid out, that it was Stochastís's father who had built these exhibits. Stochastís had even said as much when he described his mother as "a humble and silent woman, who when she chose to speak, did so with such fervor that the pharaoh himself would choose to give her all of Ashara."
The harvest had already been nearly completed, and many of the flower's in the gardens had already bloomed and passed. Only those tough flowers were still blooming this late into fall. Though it was in no way so cold that all of the leaves had fallen from the tree branches yet, the flowers signaled that winter was fast approaching.
As Stochastís took them past the hedge maze, there were two bodies wriggling just beyond. Stochastís let out a long and exaggerated breath as he walked hastily forward. "Aféleia." Stochastís said firmly. "Apaísios." He said grumpily.
The man was on top of the woman, both were clothed, but it was clear that that would not have remained the case much longer. The man, Apaísios looked up and smiled at Stochastís, his shirt was still missing from the night before. "Stochastís, it is good to see you home."
The girl, Stochastís's sister Aféleia, pushed herself away from the man and with a wide smile she ran over to and hugged Stochastís. While they were embraced Amethyst looked at Apaísios and could see little to no life behind his eyes, or his smile. She could see how forced it was, the man didn't do much to hide it and she knew Stochastís felt the same. Maybe she was projecting, seeing Stochastís less than pleased to see the man.
"Uh... How was the trip, Stochastís?" Apaísios asked, sitting up awkwardly.
"Oh, it was great, I had the pleasure of meeting the Serpent Guard and you remind me of them. Perhaps you should visit someday." Stochastís let Aféleia go. He didn't bother to look at the man while he spoke. "Aféleia, I need to go into town, would you be so kind as to help my guests feel more at home?"
Aféleia looked at Apaísios. "Hey, let us visit again tomorrow." She went over to him and gave him a little kiss. Apaísios attempted to pull her in for a longer, deeper kiss, but she slipped out of his hands and with a smile she walked back to Stochastís. "Who is staying." She asked innocently as they both turned and walked away.
Amethyst kept watching Apaísios. His stance had become defensive, his eyes narrowed and he had no desire to fake a smile any longer. While Amethyst looked at him, he didn't break his focus on Aféleia and Stochastís. He swiftly turned around and gathered up the few things he had brought along. A simple cloth satchel and a metal shield and helmet. Confident and tall, Apaísios walked beyond Amethyst's sight and away from the house.
Tenya nudged Amethyst gently. "Hey, we are picking up and heading out." Amethyst could feel Tenya's hand gently brushing up and down her arm, offering support in a small way.
Amethyst lingered on the empty view. She was contemplating what his intentions were, and if anyone was aware of his strange and controlling behavior. She looked at Tenya, who had painstakingly focused on her curly and fluffy hair for an hour that morning. She had also found the time to frame her eyes and lips with simple makeup. Her exaggerated features stole Amethyst's breath, and she didn't know what to say. Tenya smiled a knowing smile and confidently flipped her hair back. She grabbed Amethyst's hand and wordlessly they finished Stochastís's tour.
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§
Stochastís had asked Amethyst to accompany him. Tenya, who needed no invitation, geared herself up in her standard armor and sword. To Amethyst, she looked like a bodyguard. The Idea was amusing to her as she was the last person who needed anything like that. Tenya seemed to embody the role and even stood behind Amethyst a little.
Before they left, Ebba had begged to follow along, but Stochastís kneeled down and suggested that she wait here and play with Aféleia. After looking to Tenya for encouragement to come, Ebba started to throw a tantrum. Hearing the commotion, Stochastís's mother Ofeíletai, grabbed Ebba by the ear.
"Mother!" Stochastís and Aféleia shouted in unison.
"What?" Ofeíletai asked coldly. "It is clear there is no discipline." She looked down at Ebba with a curious look. "And her mother is not protesting." Everyone looked at Tenya, whose arms were crossed, and was glaring towards Ebba and Ofeíletai. Amethyst translated to Tenya. Ofeíletai switched to Asharan and asked, "Do you wish I teach the girl? When did she last attend a classroom?"
Tenya's countenance shifted from firm, to morose. "It has been a couple years since any formal tutoring." She said in a defeated tone. "And to the quality of her education before she was..." Tenya hesitated before letting herself breathe deeply. "I cannot speak to the quality of her education except to say she is clever, and clearly smart."
"Then I shall assume the responsibility." Ofeíletai said in a firm and even tone. Her hand still firmly, but not tightly gripping Ebba's ear. Those cold eyes lingered strongly on Tenya, to the point that Tenya's folded arms dropped, and she looked away from Ofeíletai's overwhelming gaze.
"Mother." Stochastís said calmly, his hands up as though soothing a wild beast. "It is not your place to discipline or offer such things." He was slowly closing the gap between himself and his mother.
It was clear Ofeíletai had no intention of backing down. She kept her head held high and looked downwards at Stochastís with her eyes. Submissively, he let his hands down and backed up like he were taking his place in a line of criminals, his head hung low.
"I would like for her to continue her education." Tenya said her arms still folded. "Would you please teach her?"
Ofeíletai smiled a little, her firm grip released and she told Ebba to hug her mother as they were leaving. Ofeíletai was going to take on Ebba's education while they were in her home. Tenya put on a firm smile and hugged Ebba tightly. Ebba, who had been sad a moment ago at having to stay behind, now seemed rather excited to follow after Ofeíletai.
Tenya's smile faded away and Amethyst could see sadness in her eyes. But they didn't have time to talk over her feelings now. Stochastís was eager to find and talk to his friend Mágissa and find out why she had not been sending letters and also find out why Sofía had locked herself away. On their way out, Nuru asked to tag along to visit Bontu and Wa Chini said that Garba was dangerous and had to go along just in case. Busara, who was the only one remaining, had disappeared with Íroas. Aféleia said that she had seen the two talking in her fathers private room, though the reason eluded her.
So everyone but Ebba and Busara left out into the afternoon sun. Though bright, the sun's heat was welcoming and inviting. The cool breeze blew at their backs as they made their way towards town. Amethyst glanced around at the hills and fields. but for all the beauty that was erected around her, it was Tenya who held her attention.
Amethyst and Tenya walked together, while the others chatted. Stochastís led the group, but did so quietly. Amethyst knew that it was still not the right time to talk with Tenya, but she had wanted to anyway. She knew Tenya had blamed herself, and was angry with how much of Ebba, Sven and Wilhelm's lives she had missed. Even when she had been right next to them. Amethyst surmised that this must be the case, and walked closely with Tenya, who seemed lost in her own mind.
The city was just as grand in the day as it had been the previous evening. They zigzagged through the confusing streets until they reached the temple. It felt more staggering when standing near its massive columns and pillars than Amethyst had even realized the day before. There were people of all kinds in the courtyard preceding the temple.
There were stalls and stands selling wares and goods that were divided up into long rectangles on the far side of large stone cylinder braziers which were carved and decorated with vines bearing all sorts of different fruits. They passed by a large fountain just at the bottom of the staircase leading up to the temple, which by themselves looked like a feat of engineering. It was filled with people who were naked and bathing themselves. People were crying out to be cleaned and saved by the temple's holy waters. Beggars and transients were lining the massive staircases leading up to the entrance far outnumbering anyone who looked to be in good standing. They were asking for alms and donations so that they could eat, or pay for a boat home and all sorts of other things they needed.
Amethyst's heart went out to them, but both Stochastís and Tenya walked past unbothered. Nuru and Wa Chini had broken off the main group before they had even reached the markets. So Amethyst was alone in her desire to help it seemed. She also hadn't brought anything to help them even if she could. But her heart still felt heavy regardless of her means.
As they reached the top of the stairs, Amethyst saw crowds of sick and injured people. They were all sitting in makeshift tents or against walls while those who could have been priests and priestesses attended to their needs. They were feeding them and soothing them to the best of their ability. Some had hands laid on the heads of the sick offering peace and good health. At least that's what Amethyst had imagined.
Stochastís moved past them like they were not even there. Tenya had glanced at them as she walked by but made sure Amethyst remained behind Stochastís as they made their way into the entrance of the temple. They approached a man who was dressed in simple, yet district clothes. The inside of the temple was even more beautiful than Amethyst had imagined. Pictorial carvings told stories like the mosaics of Katili's home, but were much larger and more intricate.
Amethyst didn't spend much time looking at the details of the temple, but couldn't help but notice the quiet serenity. The rippling water in the smaller fountains that lined the walkways. There weren't any plants or fish, but they were still beautifully detailed with colors of blues and hues of green which glowed softly, making the water appear to be what was glowing. The mosaics on the walls demanded her attention as well, as they too were softly glowing in vivid and brilliant colors which defied Amethyst's understanding.
The man led the three through the temple to a chamber near the back of the temple. The Temple was comfortable until they reached that chamber. Through cloth doors, The heat and humidity grew to uncomfortable levels. Amethyst was reminded of Stone Town and The Sewers. She started to tremble as the memories came flooding back and for a moment her mind lost itself. She was scared that just past the next row of cloth, she would see The Sewers having been transported back in an elaborate trap.
Tenya's hand gripped Amethyst's firmly, and no such event came to pass. Instead they were entered into a perfectly round room, with a domed ceiling. The floor was detailed in black and brass colored tiles separating the white tiles. In the center was a chair that was starkly red compared to the bright white tiles of the floor and dome.
The man in the simple garments bowed and stepped back through the cloth doors. Everyone remained in silence as they waited. Stochastís didn't seem to be confused or worried. He was pacing quietly near the chair.
After a short while, a woman stepped out from the cloth doors. She had long damp curly hair. She has smooth and flawless skin which glistened with oils and sweat. She was clad in a light mostly see through white garment. The outfit was encrusted in gold leaf and she had matching jewelry to match along with a golden crown which held the hair from her eyes.
She walked in gracefully, each stride was long and well calculated. Her bare feet touched the tile effortlessly. Her nails were well trimmed on both her hands and her feet. She held herself tall and regally. The moment her eyes met Stochastís's her performance dropped and a wide smile grew, she laughed giddily and ran towards him. She threw herself into Stochastís and gripped him tightly.
His solemn look faded and his shoulders dropped, he hugged her back as affectionately as she had him. He smiled and held her while she let her head rest on his shoulder.
Amethyst and Tenya stood awkwardly, they exchanged a look wondering if they should step away. Tenya was sweating, her hair was damp as well. The rest of the world fell away as Amethyst lost herself in Tenya's eyes. She didn't know how long she and Tenya were locked in their trance. It was long enough that Stochastís cleared his throat and the girls looked over to him and the woman.
"This is Mágissa." Stochastís gestured one hand towards Mágissa, while his other remained on her shoulder.
Mágissa stood politely, her dainty form was soft and gentle against the rugged Stochastís. She had her hands lightly touching in front of her while Stochastís introduced Amethyst and Tenya. She smiled as Stochastís lost focus on his reason for seeing Mágissa. She giggled and blushed as he told the briefer account of the time he had spent with the two and their friends.
Just before he was about to launch into another detailed story, Mágissa put her hand on his elbow. "This is not the reason you have come this morning." Her smile faded and her hand lingered on his arm. "You have come to find out why I did not continue sending you letters and why Sofía Is not able to greet you."
If Stochastís was surprised he didn't show it. He was unwavering and unmoving. He stared into Mágissa's eyes. She looked down at his feet and took in a deep breath. and looked back into his woody eyes. Her mouth opened, but words failed her and she had to take several breaths before she could try again. Stochastís was still and stoic, not allowing any emotion to be read.
"As to the first." She started, her hand squeezing on his arm. "It is simple to say that I withheld the communications until your return. Had I sent them, I fear that they would have been used as leverage against you, or failed to reach you in time." She danced around the subject she was truly uncomfortable in saying.
She prattled on about the stars, and winds informing her about this and that before Stochastís put his right hand under her chin. All at once she stopped speaking, and allowed her free hand to raise to his and she let herself slip away into his touch for a second, her eyes refusing to meet his.
She let out a short and shaky breath. "Sofía is sick." Her eyes were looking anywhere but at Stochastís. With a small twitch of his finger, her eyes shot to his. "You must not go to her, Stochastís, If you do, the course of your life will be greatly altered."
His silky voice was confident yet not overbearing. "Will she or I die if I were to visit her?" Stochastís's voice was soothing and trusting. Amethyst could tell that whatever answer she gave, he would believe with no hesitation.
After a long pause, Mágissa cleared her throat and spoke confidently. "Neither you, nor Sofía will die by the choice to see her. But--"
Stochastís adjusted his hand so that his index finger covered her lips. "Then I shall go to see her." Stochastís embraced her once more, then held her at arm's length with his hands on her shoulders. "Thank you Mágissa, I shall return to keep you informed of her condition, and seek your advice then."
"Do not go today!" She had nearly shouted. Her voice echoed off the chamber walls. She patted his arms as they rested on her. She looked down, presumably to regain her composure. "Tomorrow. return tomorrow."
Amethyst heard resignation in her voice as she said those last words. She felt uneasy at the possible reason. Stochastís had told Amethyst and Tenya that, as the Oracle, She could see glimpses of the future. She advised the kings of this part of the world. Even those from other nations would come to her seeking her counsel.
Stochastís seemed entirely oblivious. He smiled widely and thanked her for her words. They said a short yet longing goodbye before they exited the temple. The air was like a bath of Ice as they exited the room. The heat and humidity had made them sweat so profusely that their clothes had become entirely soaked. Amethyst did her best to ignore the beggars and transients as they made their way to the tavern.
They spent a brief time observing Wa Chini and Garba. They looked to be locked in a fierce drinking game and had gathered a small crowd's worth of attention. The crowd was singing and rhythmically beating the table as the two cats downed one drink after another. Amethyst could see money exchanging hands while the crowd sang.
They visited with Nuru and Bontu. Amethyst hadn't seen Nuru with such a look of glee. She was smiling ear to ear and each time Amethyst looked at her, Nuru's Eyes were glued to Bontu. She had the same eyes that Mágissa had when looking at Stochastís. The same eyes Amethyst knew she had when looking at Tenya.
As the evening closed in Amethyst and Stochastís gathered everyone to return to the home of Stochastís. Wa Chini and Tenya had both overindulged, and were a challenge to corral back to their beds. Stochastís had ordered a cart service so that the two drunk friends didn't have to walk. Stochastís had enjoyed a bottle of wine throughout the evening but showed little sign of intoxication.
Amethyst also had enjoyed a few glasses herself, but mainly forgot to drink while enjoying the commotion around her at the tavern. Aside from the drinking game, there had been two minor brawls, which had seen tables smashed and a very upset owner.
The time flew quickly as they sat in the cart laughing. They told jokes, and sometimes got too loud for Amethyst's liking. But she enjoyed herself all the same. The trip from the cart to the room she and Tenya shared had been blurred by a few more drinks in the cart as they were traveling.
Amethyst had undressed and was sitting in bed when she saw Tenya staring at her. Amethyst smiled and covered herself. "What?" Her face was already flush with alcohol. The observer would see her lavender skin deepen to a darker purplish-red. Her eyes wide and her body swaying from side to side just a little.
Aside from the Purple of Amethyst's skin and the irregular thumping of her tail on the mattress, Tenya looked the same. Her eyes were drooping a little and she had a smile as she stared back at Amethyst.
She laughed and covered her face, letting her head swivel back. "It's nothing!"
"You were staring at me weren't you?" Amethyst's smile remained unwavering as her eyes drooped a little.
"You are just so pretty." Tenya slurred. "And I appreciate your mind... and your big heart." Tenya let herself fall over onto the bed. They stared at each other for a while before she continued. "I just appreciate you."
Amethyst found herself standing up, then walking over to Tenya. Tenya responded by sitting up, her face became serious as Amethyst kneeled down in front of her. With alcohol on both sides, the two jumped forward to kiss.
Their heads knocked together hard. Both of the girls fell backwards laughing, holding the parts of their faces where they had collided. After the two regained their composure, Amethyst crawled back over to her bed. She leaned back against the bed frame, still on the floor and both the girls nervously laughed before letting the silence fill the room.
"I appreciate you too." Amethyst whispered.
Their eyes locked together again, their smiles returning briefly. They bid each other goodnight and both laid on their beds facing away. Amethyst's heart was fluttering. Tenya had gone in for the kiss as well! Although, she was drunk and so was Tenya. Maybe she misread Tenya's intent, or maybe the alcohol had convinced her to do it. Her fluttering heart quickly turned to vinegar as she thought about the numerous reasons why she had made a mistake, and why Tenya may have made the same mistake.
Tenya was married, she bore three children with the man. Sure she didn't have much to say about him that was good, but he was still her husband. Regardless of her feelings, she wouldn't be able to just leave him. Maybe Tenya and her could steal Wilhelm away, and all of them could run away together. But that depended on Tenya, or should she say Tennessee Brónach-Lindström. After all She was a noble and Amethyst was a freed slave of no worth. Amethyst's sour heart spiraled in her drunken state. Her mind making and acting out impossible scenarios.
The Insomnia remained into the early hours of the morning, long after Tenya's soft snores had consumed Amethyst's hearing. She wasn't aware of it, but her sobering thoughts and insomnia turned into hallucinations somewhere between dreams and reality. There her mind turned on her, creating nightmarish visions of a reality all contained in her anxious mind before her mind fell into a fitful sleep.