Cassidy's Point of View

The Rainy Helm

“I know you have a sharp mind, Cass. Using simple deductive reasoning would be enough to figure out why I am here.” The Elf quickly replied as Sherry set down a drink before she snatched it and downed it immediately. “Another when you get a chance, Sherry.”

Sherry looked at me while I was frozen mid-drink. “On me, Sherry.” Putting my drink down as Ayda watched Sherry walk off, I leaned in. “Ah take it this is about the runes.” My tone was hushed.

Ayda’s eyes flickered to mine. “I can do it now.” I sat up straighter at that as my excitement was easy to see. “You should know that there are more complications than I originally thought.”

“Ah’ll deal with them all.” I instantly said, and Ayda’s mouth shut a little slower than I would’ve liked. “Ayda, Ah can do this.”

Another drink was placed in front of Ayda, who looked at Sherry for a moment. “Thank you.”

“It’s on the house.” She said as she looked at me. “As long as you two don’t get too comfortable here.”

“That’s a rather odd way of doing business.” The Elf across from me pointed out.

“One of you has been here far more often than I’d like, and the last thing I need is another of you doing the same thing.” Sherry stated as she gave me a pointed look.

Ayda turned to me while she spoke to Sherry. “Has she been drinking far more than she should be?”

Sherry sighed. “No. Cass is very careful about her intake, but I don’t want things to get progressively worse.”

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The Elf smiled softly at that. “Then I will accept your kindness.” She took the drink and began sipping at it, unlike last time. “Do not worry, Sherry. We will not be here long.”

“Good.” Pointing at me, Sherry started to walk off. “I’ll say tonight was on me.”

Raising my mug, I thanked her. “Appreciate it, Sherry.”

Once we were relatively alone, Ayda’s eyes focused on mine. “Are you absolutely sure about this, Cass? Have you truly thought about all the consequences of this?”

I sat there for a moment as I thought about her question honestly. “Yes, Ah’m sure, but no. Ah haven’t thought about all the consequences. It doesn’t matter what it does ta my body, as long as Ah get an actual fighting chance.”

“I see.” She took another sip from her mug. “You should know this will take multiple sessions. It will be torturous.” Ayda looked down as both hands found her mug. “Once we start, you cannot stop. Even if you cry, pass out, or no longer want to continue, you will have no choice.”

“That’s fine. Ah’m glad Ah picked you if that’s the case. Ya could just magic me away if Ah get to be difficult.”

Ayda shook her head. “I will never make you attend one of our sessions. It will have to be your choice, but just know that if you choose otherwise, you could possibly die.”

My lips tightened, and I nodded. “Understood.”

“Do you really understand?” Ayda pressed further, and I nodded once, which resulted in her sighing. “Then we should get started.” Finishing her drink, she grabbed her bag and stood up. “Shall we?”

“Right now?” I asked, a little flustered.

“Be thankful you already have something in your system to help with the pain, and I have things in place to begin the process.” She started walking out, and I quickly finished my drink before following after her as I raced to put on my cloak. “The only thing missing right now is a few things from you and myself.”

“Us?”

She responded to my question as we started walking through the rainy streets. “A few key ingredients needed for this to be successful only come from the bodies that participate in the ritual.” That didn’t sound promising. “Our blood.” Ayda clarified at my look. “That, and my magic.”

We moved quietly through a few alleys and streets, taking the fastest route to Ayda’s library. She had enchanted it to help people find any books they might need in her absence. Not just anyone could do that, and it even impressed the Priestesses. There was a reason she was the top student out of all of us. Her magic really was that powerful.

Entering the silent library, Ayda immediately moved to the back after placing a barrier of sorts around the entrance, windows, and any other exits. As she walked, several spells shot from her hands as she moved further into the back. I didn’t interrupt because I didn’t know what she was doing. Besides, I picked her because I trusted her.

Opening a back door that should’ve led to a storage room, she entered and revealed that everything had been removed. Now, some candles were illuminating the room with runes marking the floor in some manner of diagram. Following behind her, I closed the door slowly as she moved around, grabbing all manner of things and started placing them around the diagram.

“I have looked into this extensively since Arthur left, and you asked me to do this. Sleepless nights have all led me to this.” She held up a few books. “These are all the books I have found on the subject. They are merely copies of the original, but I have gone over each of these multiple times. I admit I am not an expert in this subject, Cass. There are no experts, but if you want to stop, this is your last chance. Are you still sure you want to go through with this?”

“… Yes.”