"You never went through with it in the end." Carl wasn't sure if the look he gave Tyler was too contemptuous. "You're always like this... Tyler. Whether it was when we practiced swordplay as children, the day the Godma forces stormed the palace, or when we discussed bribing the governor in the vineyards... you always hesitate when it comes to making decisions. True, most of the time you're right - you always manage to make the better choice." Or rather, you always make your choice after I've already acted. His lips twisted bitterly. "But you know I'm not like you. Compared to you, I lack your calm and patience. If it were the old me, when I thought you had died in the skirmish at Ronnar just now, I would have learned black magic without hesitation. Even with no aptitude for magic, I would have fought to become a necromancer, just to bring you—and them—back." Even if the chance was infinitesimal. "But that was the old me, the one who could only sob at the graves of loved ones." He sighed. "All these years with you have changed me in ways I never noticed. In the direst moments of battle, the first faces in my mind are my family—Daisy, Amy, and you, Tyler Wynlers. I no longer pin my hopes on those black flames that defy ethics and morality. My hope lies with you, the living. The dead are buried, with only their headstones standing eternal in the past. I made an oath, and I will keep it. You know what kind of man I am." He met Tyler's gaze, which had lost some of its certainty. "Let this topic die with the night. May it fade with the darkness, never to return."

Carl quickened his pace, eager to leave Tyler behind. Though he had forced a mask of acceptance moments ago, he wasn't sure if his resolve would hold. Don't follow me, please. He prayed silently. But those familiar footsteps started up again. Oh, gods above, no one knows me better than Tyler.

In truth, Tyler hadn't meant to condemn Carl; he only wanted to warn him, to prevent him from repeating the mistakes of ten years past. He pondered for a moment, weighing his words. Finally, he steeled himself. "Carl, I think we should discuss something else."

"About what?" Finally, it's over.

"About," a weighted pause, "our squad leader. Devalosfang Dear."

----------------------------------------

She tucked the blanket around her. "The young lady has fallen asleep, madam."

Amy's pale cheeks burned crimson. "She's burning up again..." Elisa's hand ghosted over Amy's forehead. So hot... Her eyes traced the silver hair dampened with sweat, ...it took so much effort to bring the fever down.

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Daisy leaned against the foot of the bed, her gaze vacant. Her swollen eyes made the dark circles beneath them even more pronounced, her barely rising chest the only sign of life. "Madam, it's late. Let me escort you back to rest." Seeing no response, Elisa touched her shoulder again. "Madam?"

"Ah? Oh!..." Daisy blinked, surfacing from her daze. "You're right, it is late." She tried to stand but nearly stumbled into the dressing table. Daisy squeezed Amy's hand as the latter steadied her. "I'm fine, don't worry for me." She offered her personal maid a gentle smile. "You should rest. I'll watch over Amy..." Her knees buckled beneath her.

The maid moved swiftly, catching her under the arms. Daisy knelt half-collapsed against Elisa's chest, the soft contact drawing forth a wave of sorrow. Tears spilled unbidden from her eyes.

"You're the one who needs rest." Elisa mimicked the tone Daisy had used earlier when ordering her to bed, helping her up slowly. "Your body is so weak now; you need proper sleep." As Daisy tried to protest, Elisa pressed a finger to her lips. "Please, hear me out first, madam." She attempted a pout. "You must take care of yourself. Tomorrow brings the vineyard workers, the steward's red-inked ledgers, those cunning wine merchants, and perhaps... even that person claiming to be the governor's messenger." That's what worries me most. "So you must rest now. Leave Miss Amy to me." She lowered her finger from her lady's lips.

"You... you exasperate me, Elisa," she said, a faint laugh in her voice. "Sometimes I wonder if you're Lady Wynlers." She bent and kissed Elisa's forehead. "Truly, you're more a daughter to me than a maid."

"And I wouldn't dare dream of having a mother like you." She nestled into the embrace.

"Yes... parents are chosen by the gods; we cannot hope to change that." She forced ice into her voice. "You will never be my daughter, and I will never be your mother. Your mother was Sfinna, who entrusted you to me with her dying breath. I swore to keep you by my side and care for you, and I cannot break that oath. Those who break their vows are cursed by the gods, dragged to hell by Oris, beyond even the Triad of Destiny's salvation." She coughed several times. "Now rest. No more fussing. That's an order. Now, help me to—" She managed one step before her strength failed entirely. She began to fall.

This time, Elisa didn't merely support her. She slipped her arms around Daisy and lifted her in a princess carry. Poor lady, light as a leaf. Daisy blinked her brown eyes. "Oh? Ah... I'm just tired. Take me to the desk and bring me The Monowe Herb Compendium..."

"I'll carry you to your room, lay you in bed, tuck you in, kiss your cheek, and bid you good night." Tears traced down her face. "Please, let me be your daughter. Just for tonight."

Daisy sighed silently, then nodded in surrender. "Just for now." Her eyes closed as sleep claimed her.

The candlelight dimmed as Elisa carried her carefully from the room.

I will protect you. My lord, my lady, my young miss. No matter the cost.