Kazius was genuinely surprised when he finally woke up. How long had it been? Did they really get away?

As he began to look around, he would make eye contact with a relieved looking Alice. Her eyes were red, sunken from crying a lot it seems. Whether it was due to concern for him, broken heart due to what happened to Remus, or both, Kazius wasn’t sure.

“He’s awake!” Alice exclaimed, her voice a bit raspy, likely from all the crying.

Kazius was so relieved she was okay. He prevented her death… It was very clear to him that who likely killed her originally had been Elande… But he acted in time… But the whole situation…They dragged Remus into this… And he lost his life for it. Death still claimed someone… It broke his heart; he had indeed grown to see Remus as a grandfatherly figure despite their short meeting… He was too weak to protect anyone… Even himself.

“I’m glad you’re okay.” The usually loud and excited Werewolf would state. Damon looked like he had it rough. Most notably, was the after math the insane impact from the kick from Elande… His face was bandaged, a noticeably bloody spot visible where his left eye had been. It seems he really did lose his eye from impact.

Kazius at this would look around. There was no Eve nor Azanor… But the room they were in was a fairly nice one. Like an inn, but slightly fancier, drapes and some flamboyant decorations. The style of the place was very different from anything he had seen. The Oriental decorations being something quite new to him.

“Alice… Damon… You’re alive… I’m glad… Where…. Are Azanor and Eve? Where are we?” Kazius questioned, slowly regaining his voice, struggling some, but eventually managing.

Alice nodded with a tender expression at first only to make a bit of a strange expression, “We’re in a brothel….” She stated, not sounding too thrilled about it.

“A… A what?” Kazius questioned, wondering if he had a concussion.

“It’s a long story… A friend of Azanor and… Grandpa runs it.” Alice explained, growing noticeably sadder at mention of Remus. “When you got hurt… Damon too… Between that and Grandpa I was panicking… But apparently at some point Grandpa caught up Azanor on what happened to their friend Rowan… Well… He ended up in Blossom… That one place that was nearby on our map… Azanor took us here, only place he could think of that could be safe… Rowan is letting us stay here for free and the Lady of Blossom sent her personal handmaiden to treat you both.” Alice explained.

“Oh…” Kazius muttered in understanding. Now that he thought about it, he recalled Remus bringing up the name Rowan once before… Still, it was hard to focus on such thoughts. Remus coming to mind only making her feel all the more depressed.

“Do… Do you think Grandpa survived?” Alice asked Kazius, seeming almost hopeful. It was like Kazius had the answer to everything at times.

Kazius frowned, shaking his head, “I’m sorry, Alice… There was… There is just no way. I’m sorry… To you as well, Damon… If only… I wish I was stronger.” He admitted, hating how weak he felt.

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“It isn’t your fault, Kazius.” Alice assured in dismay, “I didn’t even help the fight… I can’t make up my mind and couldn’t use my weapon.” She stated in dismay.

“If I can’t blame myself then you can’t either…” Kazius stated firmly.

“I don’t blame you for the eye either… I may have a tough time using a spear now though… But I will manage.” Damon stated, sounding determined. Indeed, with one less eye, that would affect his depth perception. Rather than improving, his spear work may very well get worse. Something that was likely devastating to him. “I will get stronger.” He stated firmly, a fire in his eye despite the situation. “What kind of General can’t protect his King and Queen.”

Alice was a bit flustered at his words but seemed a little happy at the fact Kazius didn’t object to it. “I… I want to not be a burden anymore… I want to make choices… Ones that will help everyone… I… I want to make Elande pay.” She admitted bitterly.

“We all do.” Kazius corrected. He would make him pay for everything he did to them and tenfold. After killing him, the Demon King would be next. They will all pay.

Damon nodded, being surprisingly serious still, but he wouldn’t be in a joking mood at the moment after such things.

As they spoke, the door would be opened by a man with pink hair and violet eyes. He had quite a flamboyant appearance. His hair quite long and his clothes strong, resembling a robe that exposed a good amount of chest. This of course made Kazius look at Alice in confusion. She shook her head as if answering a silent question on whether he was related to her or not.

“Oh my, sweetie. I am so glad you are up. Azanor was so worried about you. Then there was this little sweetheart here, she didn’t leave your side for a second, you know? Such a caring little thing, very different from that idiot Ratier… Oh, stop looking so gloomy! Remus would not want you all sulking like this, you know?” The man stated with a hand on his hip.

Kazius didn’t know what to make out of the male. He really looked a lot like he could even be Alice’s brother. Almost as if sensing the question, the male would laugh. “Oh my, where are my manners? You must be confused. No, I am not a member of that family. My name is Rowan, sweetie. I’m a shapeshifter. As much of a blockhead as he was, Ratier had a pretty face. I quite liked it you see. So I asked him if he minded me copying him a little. That egomaniac of course agreed, but I quite enjoy this sort of appearance. If you ask me, I wear it much better than he ever could.” Rowan mused in delight with a flip of his hair.

“So that is… How Ratier looked?” Kazius asked with a raised brow.

“Yes, but not as good-looking, correct.” Rowan mused in delight, “Anyway, welcome to my little establishment, make yourselves at home… I bet you’re starving, you poor dears. I will have someone bring you some food. I was just catching up with Azzy. ”

“And your establishment is… A brothel?” Kazius asked to confirm.

“Correct. As I said, I am a shapeshifter. I can be anything anyone may ever desire.” Rowan explained with a wink. With that he actually became a she, his appearance remaining mostly the same except for now having feminine features, even his voice changed, “This is simple stuff, I could become totally different… Want to try?” Rowan stated in a flirty manner, earning her quite a glare from Alice.

“No thank you, I am okay.” Kazius stated awkwardly, not expecting such an offer. Still, he declined. After all, he liked Alice.

Alice looked relieved, but the look she gave Rowan was quite something.

Damon was looking at the exchange and laughing a bit, finding humor in Alice’s reaction to the offer.

“Pity. Oh well, look at you 3 now. Seems you are getting your spirits up some then, good! No more of those gloomy faces, alright?” Rowan questioned, seeming like she had actually made the offer to get the group to stop looking so sad.

“Anyway, eat and then when you regain your energy, we will talk again. Rest up, darlings.” Rowan would add with a wink.