Fable - Ask A mysterious guest, A wonderful dinner.

[Desiminla Mendrev]

Desi woke with a start.

They were falling!

They slept in the rafters where a platform and ladder allowed her to hang in a plush captains hammock she had recovered from an old pirate ship. It was a really cozy bed.

But this also meant rolling out of bed would result in a nasty fall. All of this raced through Desi’s mind as they braced for the impact…

That didn’t come as Desi felt a pull on their back. The white haired child found themselves suspended from their bed where they had fallen in the night. However a web had attached itself to their back saving them from the plummet down to earth. Francesca..

“Thank you..” Desi would mutter as the massive skull crawler would make itself known.

Climbing down the webbing and biting her mistress free.

Hanging onto their shoulder as Desi dropped down lightly.

The black and white haired tarantula crawling up their leg and into their hair. And people wondered why their hair was so silky and silvery. Just a perk of having a deadly creature that could melt your brain using your hair as a mobile nest.

Aunty was still visiting so Francesca had been having to stay in the attic. She had been quite depressed at the whole situation but the tarantula was obedient.

She hopped free of Desi’s hair as They began to descend the stairs crawling off to hunt in the attic or catacombs.

The manor was stately with expansive rolling grounds and beautiful forests full of fun..and hidden dangers and adventure outside the walls.

Next was the garden and the lawns one in front and one in back used for outdoor parties in front or behind the manor.

Following was the first floor that held the servants quarters, as well as the kitchens in the back while the front holds the main entry way powder rooms, closets and lounge rooms for guests and the houses residence to relax.

The second held much the same, with a library and wine tasting and pipe lounge, and father’s study.

Finally the third floor that contained held the bedrooms of everyone who lived there as well as a guest room.

Desi’s room had been empty for so long however it often simply doubled as a second guest bedroom.

Desi was often the first to rise in the morning.

Due mostly to the fact they rarely slept giving them little excuse to “over sleep.” Saving their nights and instead enjoying lightly napping through the day. They were often a bit “spacey” or “air headed.”

In their tones and behavior and those that did not know the family would think their sleep schedule would be the contributing factor. Those who have always known Desi know they are always simply…

Sleepy.

Taking in most things slowly and responding to them carefully. Matured well beyond their years, but still given to childish tendency’s they went straight to the kitchen avoiding the table.

Their family wouldn’t be up for a half out at least but they didn’t want to Shane running into anyone on their way to breakfast and on Desi’s way back up.

“Bread and eggs miss Desi? I have some bacon cooking as well. It isn’t all done but a couple of pieces may be cooked enough.” A voice greeted them as Sherry came to great them.

“Um..That sounds delightful..Thank you Sherry.” Desi replied shyly giving the head housekeeper a rare smile that warmed the older woman’s heart.

“Pretty as a sun beam through a rain cloud.” She would think to herself as she readied the food and handed it off to the child.

They ate quietly as they sat on the counter before Sherry shooed them out and into the dinning area.

They finished and brought the plate back.

Enjoying the quiet of a house still lightly sleeping before the bustle of the day began..Everyone was always so intolerable when aunty visited. Desi liked her, but she often just..

Looked at them..

like she wanted to take a bite out of them, but she was always nice, but between Alysandra’s cooing over her Aunty’s magic, her dad being on edge to a small degree, and unity’s general tendency to enjoy any new guest as an excuse to be even more happy and excitable than usual.

They were pulled from their thoughts.

They heard the sounds of someone coming down.

They silently panicked for a moment looking for an escape and finding none they decided it best to just take the threat head on and stood to leave. It was too late. Now whoever was coming down was sure to see them.

Desi was many things, but they weren’t rude. So they casually readied themselves for anyone to come down.

“Please be unity.” Desi thought to themselves.

 

[Unity Mendrev]

When Unity awoke from her slumber it was to the sound of a songbird singing in the tree beside her window.
She yawned and rubbed her eyes sleepily as the bird continued to serenade her.
She tried to resist, she tried to press her head back into the soft pillow and fall back asleep, she tried to squeeze in just a few more moments of sleep... But it was no use, she was wide awake and already excitement was bubbling up within her.

Today was going to be another fantabulous day!

She sat up in bed and stretched with another yawn. Her hair was an absolute mess, she could brush it herself, but she liked having Alyssa do it.
She climbed out of bed in just her nighty and ran to the window to look at the songbird and listen to the last notes before it flew away.
In a few moments it was gone and Unity went to her vanity to pick up her hairbrush and then she left her room to see who else was up and get breakfast from Sherry.

She left her room, humming the songbirds song as she skipped down the stairs. Immediately she spotted Desi and ran to them, "Good morning Desi!" She threw herself at them, wrapping them in a tight hug.

 

[Alysandra Mendrev]

Alysandra awoke from her dreams of handsome princes, to a light weight on her chest, and something soft nuzzling her cheek. She resisted opening her eyes, desperately grabbing at the remaining fragments of the dreams. "M-Morning, Ceres..." she mumbled, finally relenting and lifted her arm to pet the cat. "About time you rose, young one." a sultry voice purred into her mind as Ceres rubbed against her hand.

Reluctantly climbing out of bed, Alys stopped for a moment to stare out the window, before going over to her wardrobe. She selected a wine colored summer dress and fixed her hair in the nearby mirror. Alys applied her makeup carefully, reminding herself that Auntie was visiting today. She could only hope her siblings were taking the same precautions to make themselves presentable.

Alys gently lifted Ceres off the bed and set her on the floor. She could already hear Unity's joyous voice, and feel her exuberant energy as she descended the stairs. Oh! Desi was awake too! "Mornin' Des!" Alys said, giving them a side hug and a peck on the cheek. She quickly moved away, trying to respect their want of personal space. "And a good morning to you as well, cutie-pie!" Alys picked Unity up from under her armpits and gently spun her around before bringing the girl into a tight hug. She placed a loving kiss on Unity's head as she set the youngster down. A small frown formed on Alys' lips as she noticed her siblings weren't dressed for their visitor. She knew she would have to help Unity, but she had expected more from Desi.

She took a seat at the table, a warm smile on her lips. "Your morning tea, Miss." a voice beside her spoke, and hands setting a pot of tea and a cup in front of her. Alys turned, having not noticed Sherry approaching. "Oh! Thank you Sherry!" she beamed at the elderly woman, who returned the smile before backing away.

"Where's Daddy?" she wondered looking around the room. Hopefully he hadn't forgotten about Auntie's visit.

 

[Desiminla Mendrev]

She left her room, humming the songbirds song as she skipped down the stairs. Immediately she spotted Desi and ran to them, "Good morning Desi!" She threw herself at them, wrapping them in a tight hug.

Oh thank the gods. Desi thought to herself.

It was just Unity.

Wait.

Unity.

Desi almost dodged the attack but Unity was far too quick. Seizing her sibling around the middle and squeezing relentlessly. “Unity! Personal space! I-oof..” Desi lost their breath for a moment as the squeeze tightened before relaxing to a simple hug. “Dear sister. We have discussed this. I am not a doll to be cuddled..” Desi said grumpily but they returned the embrace regardless. Looking down as her hair fell around her face and cast their sister in a veil like shroud of silvery white hair and cobwebs that smelled like old parchment, and roses.

"Good morning Desi!"

“Good morning Unity dear.” Desi responded giving their sister a rare smile. But something was wrong.. Unity usually let go by now..Footsteps. Alys! Desi couldn’t struggle free of her smaller sisters grip. She held on grimly beaming the entire time innocently.

"Mornin' Des!" Alys said, giving them a side hug and a peck on the cheek. She quickly moved away, trying to respect their want of personal space.

They couldn’t escape as Alys pulled them into a hug as well squishing Desi between them both trapping them for a moment until they both released them.

A kiss on the cheek from her older sister the stinging cherry on top. Desi was thoroughly mortified and simply listened waiting for a chance to exit as their eldest sister greeted the youngest.

She placed a loving kiss on Unity's head as she set the youngster down.

A small frown formed on Alys' lips as she noticed her siblings weren't dressed for their visitor.

She knew she would have to help Unity, but she had expected more from Desi.

Desi felt the disapproval in Alys’ gaze but they stood defiantly. So what Aunty was coming over..

Desi had other things to do…

Where's Daddy? she wondered looking around the room. Hopefully he hadn't forgotten about Auntie's visit.

“Father has not risen yet?” Desiminla looked perplexed for a second. “My tea leaves did predict he would sleep in..Or he may be getting his soul dragged from his body to the pits of hell by a soul snatcher. The stem was tilting funny. I couldn’t see the angle.” Desi muttered sleepily their eyes blinking slowly.

Even their involuntary movements took their time. One could almost believe Desi’s heart only beat when it decided it was ready. Taking their sisters undoubted confusion as a chance to slink away upstairs and beat a hasty retreat. Alys would come for them. Of that Desi was certain.

Unity was normally an ally..

But her excitement made her Alys’ most valuable soldier. Every time there was a family gathering or get together Desi would never dress up.

That is.

She WOULD never dress up.

If not for one person. The eldest of the Mendrev sisters. Alys became a demon. A literal apex predator. There was no where Desi could ever hide. They were always found.

Promptly captured and dragged kicking and gently swearing into her room for “A much needed make over.” Unity and Alys cooing and enjoying a chance to mess with the grumpy middle siblings hair as much as possible.

Desi had yet to escape them.

But this year the ghost child of the family had an idea. They quietly took their leave. Their plan ready to begin.

The catacombs.

They had found an entrance to the old cave system under the manors cellar.

It was dirty and incredibly interesting.

Two things Desi was almost positive repelled her oldest sibling like sober to aunty Cinna.

Perfect.

 

[Alysandra Mendrev]

Alys pushed her chair back gently, and patted her lap invitingly. "C'mere Unity, dear. Let me fix your hair." She offered a cup of tea to her youngest sibling, and began brushing her hair.

"Alys-" Ceres' soft voice spoke in Alys' mind.

"Yeah. I know." Alys replied mentally, continuing to brush Unity's hair as if she hadn't felt Desi's emotional aura fading as they slunk away.

"But Cinna-"

"Let them go. Its fine. Desi will be here and presentable by the time Aunty arrives."

Alys could feel energy rising up in her like a strong geyser. This was it-the excitement of a hunt. She loved the days that they had visitors because she truly loved seeing them.

But deep down in her heart she couldn't deny that she also enjoyed finding Desi and dressing them up.

She could of course just use a spell to locate them or send Ceres after them. She might look like an ordinary cat, but Ceres was more than capable of wrangling Desi by herself.

But where was the fun in using a spell or having somebody else do it? There wasnt any.

"Unity, sweetheart." Alys said with a wicked smile. "How would you like to go on an adventure?"

 

[Unity Mendrev]

“Unity! Personal space! I-oof...” Desi lost their breath for a moment as the squeeze tightened before relaxing to a simple hug. “Dear sister. We have discussed this. I am not a doll to be cuddled...”

“Good morning, Unity dear.” Desi responded giving their sister a rare smile. But something was wrong... Unity usually let go by now... Footsteps. Alys! Desi couldn’t struggle free of her smaller sister's grip.

"Your better than a doll, dolls don't hug back!"
She looked up when Alys came down the stairs and squealed with laughter as she was lifted up in the air.

"And a good morning to you as well, cutie-pie!"

She giggled and hugged Alys when she brought her in.
"Good morning, Alys!"
When she was set back on her feet she ran into the kitchen. She was on a more important mission now, climbing into her chair and getting Sherry's attention for breakfast.
The elderly woman was already prepared with Unity's breakfast and brought it into the dining room as soon as she heard the patter of little bare feet on the floor. She placed a bowl of oat porridge and milk garnished with strawberries.
"Good morning, miss Unity, did you sleep well?"
"Good morning, Sherry! Yes, I slept like a rock!"
"Oh, good, I'm glad to hear it."
Sherry went back into the kitchen while Unity began eagerly eating her breakfast with a spoon.

Alys entered soon after and Sherry served her as well, then she and Desi had a brief conversation about daddy.
Unity sat in her chair, swinging her legs while she happily chewed her oatmeal.

"C'mere Unity, dear. Let me fix your hair."

She perked up and scooted out of her chair readily, climbing up into Alys's lap and handing over her hairbrush while she sipped the tea she was offered.
Unity's hair was long, uncut since the day she was born. A mixed blessing, more of a curse whenever she was found charging through the underbrush or forest on their property, but the long hair was a symbol of crowning beauty in noble circles, and Unity didn't mind the upkeep. Mother brushed her hair and Unity refused to break that tradition, even if she had to brush it herself.

"Alys-" Ceres' soft voice spoke in Alys' mind.

"Yeah. I know." Alys replied mentally, continuing to brush Unity's hair as if she hadn't felt Desi's emotional aura fading as they slunk away.

"But Cinna-"

"Let them go. It's fine. Desi will be here and presentable by the time Aunty arrives."

Unity hardly paid attention, she was off in her own little world, but when Alysandra started talking to herself, she couldn't help but notice.
"Are you talking to Ceres again? Can I hold her?"

"Unity, sweetheart." Alys said with a wicked smile. "How would you like to go on an adventure?"

Unity matched her grin.
"Yes! What kind of adventure? Do we get to climb trees again? Is Desi coming too? Can I carry Ceres if we go through the garden? I love it when she tries to get the butterflies. Will we need to dress up? CAN we dress up!? I wanna be ranger, and you can be a wizard!"
She bounced almost excitedly in her lap, her mouth going a mile a minute as she rattled off questions.

 

[Alysandra Mendrev]

Alys hummed quietly to herself as she carefully ran the brush through Unity's hair. She knew that Unity had her reasons for keeping her chair long, but sometimes she wished Unity would let somebody cut it. It was such a rat's nest some days.

"Are you talking to Ceres again? Can I hold her?"

"Hmm? Of course you can hold Ceres, sweetie!" Alys tilted her head to look down at the cat. "You don't mind, do you?" A sigh from Ceres echoed through her mind, letting Alys know just how much of a bother it was. "Oh, come on now! You know you love having her pet you!" Alys teased gently.

Ceres slowly pushed herself to her feet. She yawned and stretched leisurely, before padding around the chair a couple times. With a hop, she landed in Unity's lap. Ceres stretched up, putting her paws on Unity's chest and nuzzled against the girl's cheek. After a moment, she lowered herself again and laid in Unity's lap purring.

"Yes! What kind of adventure? Do we get to climb trees again? Is Desi coming too? Can I carry Ceres if we go through the garden? I love it when she tries to get the butterflies. Will we need to dress up? CAN we dress up!? I wanna be ranger, and you can be a wizard!"

"Its gonna be a spooky ghost hunting adventure! We need to capture Desi the friendly ghost and dress them up before Auntie Cinna arrives!" Alys said excitedly as she finished brushing Unity's hair and hugged her.

She paused for a moment to ponder Unity's requests. Aunt Cinna could arrive at any moment, so they didn't really have time. But Alysandra couldn't find it in her heart to tell her baby sister no. She just hoped her father could keep his sister occupied until they returned.

"Yes! We can dress up!" She quipped cheerfully, a grin splitting her lips. "Wouldn't be much of an adventure if we didn't, now would it?"

Alys gently lifted Unity out of her lap, and Ceres hopped down to the floor. "Go finish your breakfast, then we can get our costumes on! And I'm sure Ceres wouldn't mind if you carried her while we looked. You know how much she likes you! We'll start our search in the garden!"

"Desi should be well hidden by now..." she thought to herself, feeling her excitement rising once more.

 

[Desiminla Mendrev]

Desiminla was quick.

One did not gain the reputation of a ghost by not being silent and nimble.

They did not have much time. Alys would be rounding up her back up and sounding the horn for the hunt at any minute. They had only bought themselves until after breakfast at the most.

The house was beginning to wake. She weaved and slid past maids, grounds keepers and servants as they began their daily tasks integral to the upkeep of the manors sprawling building and grounds.

“Morning Desi!”

“Desiminla! The cart is not a fence to
hurdle! Desiminla!”

“Oi Des! Mornin and such!”

Desi would pass upsetting nothing and “seemed to always be in the right spot to miss or dodge every body, tray and shovel with out missing a beat.

Muttering warm greetings to each in turn as they heard them.

“Morning Walter.”

“Sorry Ginny!”

“Good one to you too Becca!” They laughed finally passing the door to the cellar. Desi opened it carefully and shut it quietly.

Alys could always send that damn fur ball after them but Desi knew her sister. Alys liked hunting them down.

They slipped into the small entrance into the catacombs smoothly. Just a few dark a creepy tunnels and Desi would be outside of the grounds and in the forest in no time!

 

[Cinna Mendrev]

"Knock knock!" There was a light tapping on the front door of the Mendrev home followed by silence as Cinna waited for someone to welcome her in. "Hal? Alys?" The knocking grew louder for a few moments before she huffed and let herself in.

"HelloOo?" She dragged out her annoyed greeting, dropping several bags of gifts she brought for her nieces at the front door.

"Oh! I didn't hear you. Good morning Cin-"

"Move the gifts to the living room and don't you dare touch a thing inside any one of those bags." She stepped over the small pile of gifts and walked past one of the family's servants who seemed taken aback by her snippy attitude. Cinna had grown up with many of the people in this house surrounding her and they would note the bitterness that grew as she aged.

Of course, none of them would understand it wasn't them that she was annoyed with. It was the constant burning in her throat when she came around such appetizing people. She didn't want to be around them all. They were clumsy and fragile. They cut their fingers while preparing the same foods they've been making for forty years for god's sake. How could they not learn after so many years?

She tried her best to act natural, to ignore the pain and smile through it all for her brother and the beautiful nieces she adored. The girls she treated like her own children.

"If you see Hal, tell him I'm here. He knows where I'll be." She waved to the woman as she headed towards one of the rooms. Her favorite room to be exact. One with the floor to ceiling lined with bottles of wines older than their parents. It was one of the things that comforted her when food no longer did. She could eat, but it wasn't satisfying. Wine, however, she adored. In her current state she was still able to get intoxicated. A strangely mortal feeling. One she longed to feel with other activities she used to enjoy.

"Damnit. Why would he lock it? Surely he knew I was coming." She jiggled the handle that closed off the room. "Hal? You're a fucking asshole. Unlock this door right now or I'll kill you myself." She demanded out loud, marching off in search of the key. She knew where it would be. He'd had the same hiding spot since they were toddlers: in the back of the 3rd drawer on his right nightstand.

She stomped towards her twin's empty room, quickly rummaging through the drawer. "Aha!" She smiled, holding the brass key up in the light for a second before something else caught her eye. A diary? Since when does he have a diary? She raised an eyebrow curiously, snatching up the book and reading as she sat on his bed.

Dear Diary,

Today I met a woman. I was in town looking for more fertilizer, but unfortunately Leif wasn’t at market today. I hope she’s okay, she has the best fertilizer in Liadin, and it would be a shame to try and important top quality fertilizer. Back to the woman I met. She was beautiful. It reminded me of my youth, looking at her. Time stopped when our eyes met and I tripped and fell right on my bum. But she was so kind, she helped me up and when our hands touched, it was electric. I haven’t felt such magic ever since my beloved passed. Perhaps I’m just lonely though. It’s been hard. At times I still feel so absent from my daughter’s lives.

Cinna is still insisting to them she’s the younger twin and I’m afraid they’ll learn to be liars. Or alcoholics.

The orchids are growing magnificently.

Love,
Hal<3​

"Excuse me?" She felt her eyes watering as she read her brother's diary. "Why would even write something so...heartbreaking on paper...Its just so sad that he would speak this way." She began to sob loudly, tossing the book on his floor and burying her face in her hands. "I am the younger twin. Why would he say I'm not? That's just evil. My heart aches knowing my own twin is such an evil liar."

 

[Leander Urahil]

Halwyn was an early riser. Or rather, he had become one. Sleep seemed to evade him at every possible turn, and when he could finally catch it, it wasn’t like he was able to hold onto it. The only good thing about waking up daily at four in the morning was that it gave him ample time to garden. Well, he had plenty of time to garden to begin with, but it was rather relaxing to be the only one awake in his magnificent greenhouse.

Time evaded him in here, and if he wasn’t careful, he could spend all day inside the greenhouse. And perhaps he should have because the glass door opened, with a frazzled maid catching her breath.

“Sir, your sister has arrived.” She said between catching her breath, causing Hal to drop a potted plant. He winced. The maid winced. And the poor nasturtium was crying out for help. “I-I’ll clean it up.” The maid pipped as Halwyn stared at the red bloom to then look at his hands. He was a murderer.

“Where did you see her last?” He asked the maid in a hushed tone.

“By… by the wine cabinet.” The maid squeaked and Hal sucked in a deep breath, trying not show his annoyance. The maid was new and had yet to realize that despite his face constantly looking irritated, him hardly speaking unless needing to do so, and preferring to be alone, Halwyn was a very kind man.

“And you left her there alone, I’m assuming?” The maid nodded her head meekly. Hal sighed. “Well, you don’t know any better. Please clean this up. If you can save Natalie Nasturtium I would be greatly in your debt.” And with a hurried pace, Halwyn Mendrev went off to find his twin sister.

“CINNA!” He shouted, his deep voice cracking. Really, Halwyn needed to talk more, or at least practice raising his voice more. “You are not getting drunk before dinner! I have an important guest coming tonight and I want things to be perfect.”

 

[Cinna Mendrev]

By the time Halwyn arrived, it was too late. Cinna was clutching one of his pillows, sobbing uncontrollably as he tried to lecture her about waiting until guests arrived to get completely shitfaced. Something like that at least. It didn't matter. He was an evil monster and Cinna hated him for the cruel lies he wrote. "Go. Away." She demanded, her voice muffled by the pillow.

"I hate you." She snapped, sitting upright and pointing at his journal on the floor. "How could you write such terrible things? After everything that has happened?!" She could have easily been referencing the death of his wife, a woman she was quite fond of. "How could you be so evil? Think of your daughters!"

She stood from the bed and grabbed the journal, flipping to the page she had been reading and pointing to the passage as she read aloud, "Cinna is still insisting to them that she is the younger twin... Ex-cuh-use you? I am the younger twin. How dare you suggest I am old!" Shoving a pen and the journal towards him, she continued. "I'll give you another chance Hal. Fix your lies. I know you're getting older, but it is still horrible to lie to yourself. I will not allow you to do so."

She wiped the mascara that had run under her eyes. "Now, if you don't mind I'm going to get a glass of Merlot....no...Sauvignon Blanc....wait, what meal is being prepared? I should match my drink with the food....oh fuck it I'll just have both." She paused for a moment, a hint of sadness in her voice. "And for you information, brother, I drink because its the only thing that still feels normal. I would not expect you to understand, but you could at least show some sympathy."

 

[Desiminla Mendrev]

Desiminla was making the most of their head start.

The winding tunnels they knew so well eventually giving way to the lush forest that surrounded the sprawling manor in a gorgeous natural veil of seclusion.

Alys would find a few “surprises” halting her progress allowing Desi to make their escape fully. She saw the forest at the end of the tunnel as they ran.

A new root poking through the old stone floor at the opening made itself known however and threw quite the wrench in Desi’s otherwise flawless manor escape.

It sent them tumbling down the small hillside and they soon found themselves facedown in a shallow stream. Water running gently over them.

Warmth flooded their face as the water ran red. Blood from Desi’s nose streamed gently.

Staining their plain white shirt and skirt. “Ow..” The white daughter groaned pulling themselves up and pulling their long wet hair out of their face.

The necklace! Desi quickly checked their chest finding a gorgeous silver pendant a midnight sapphire shaped like sparrow. Their mothers last gift to them.

The midnight sapphire was a stone that glistened despite its black appearance. Hues of purple and blue along with sparkles of white made it seem like the night sky itself was contained within.

Dwarves claimed making them involved the gods cutting pieces of the night sky from the heavens themselves. Their hand found the chain and the bird. Instant relief flooded them. Using their bracelet to tie their hair into a pony tail.

They pulled themselves up onto all fours and moved to stand. They instantly regretted this course of action collapsing back into the stream on all fours.

“Hurting…Bad idea..” They whimpered biting their lip and wiping away the blood with a free hand before pulling themselves from the frigid water and resting on the bank. Their ankle had been twisted badly after her foot was caught under the root.

It was already red and quickly swelling. The thought of what her sister would do if she found out Desi had been hurt out here on their own.

They would be glued to their sisters side for a month. Let alone being able to explore and adventure. They would have to make it home alone and try to brew a healing potion before Alys found out.. easy enough. They were already feeling better honestly.

Maybe…

Another attempt. Another whimpering collapse.

Tears stung the white haired middle daughter’s cheeks despite their best efforts to hold them in.

The leggings she wore under her skirt were ripped at the knees and more blood was already spreading from scrapes on them as well. “I can do this..” Desi muttered. Fire burning in their eyes as they reached for a long branch. Breaking it off they used it as a crutch to begin walking. Finding the road that lead back to the manor quickly. Only a thin tree line separating the hidden tunnel exit from the road.

As they walked the crutch snapped leaving them to fall flat once more. The stream of curses in elvish that were uttered then would have had them grounded for a month. But no one to witness, no one to punish. They would gather the two halves and leaned against a tree. A carriage began to make itself known. Must be the special guest father had mentioned was arriving.

A friend of aunties. In their torn and tattered attire they doubted anyone would think her anything but a vagrant.

Tearing the bottom of their skirt they used the strip of cloth to wrap around the makeshift crutch repairing it somewhat. Only her magnificent necklace would mark them as anyone of noble birth.

The driver barely glanced at her as the carriage passed. Nothing to worry the good lady about. Just another vagrant orphan no doubt…

Desi didn’t call out as they simply focused on fixing the crutch. The iron in their pride refusing them to bother a stranger and guest with something as trivial as their own problems.

 

[Unity Mendrev]

"Hmm? Of course, you can hold Ceres, sweetie!" Alys tilted her head to look down at the cat. "You don't mind, do you?" A sigh from Ceres echoed through her mind, letting Alys know just how much of a bother it was. "Oh, come on now! You know you love having her pet you!" Alys teased gently.

With a bright chirping sound of joy, Unity had the poor creature dangling in her arms as she rubbed the cat's soft fur against her face.
She hummed happily while Alys brushed her hair.

Life was perfect, how could anyone think differently? Sure, there was sadness at times... But mommy always said that the sad times make the happy times better! If you're happy all the time, then being happy just doesn't mean as much.

"It's gonna be a spooky ghost hunting adventure! We need to capture Desi the friendly ghost and dress them up before Auntie Cinna arrives!" Alys said excitedly as she finished brushing Unity's hair and hugged her.

She paused for a moment to ponder Unity's requests. Aunt Cinna could arrive at any moment, so they didn't really have time. But Alysandra couldn't find it in her heart to tell her baby sister no. She just hoped her father could keep his sister occupied until they returned.

"Yes! We can dress up!" She quipped cheerfully, a grin splitting her lips. "Wouldn't be much of an adventure if we didn't, now, would it?"

Alys was getting Unity hyped up as well, and she was getting excited!
"Oh yeah! I forgot Aunty Cinna was coming over today! We gotta catch Desi quick!"

Alys gently lifted Unity out of her lap, and Ceres hopped down to the floor. "Go finish your breakfast, then we can get our costumes on! And I'm sure Ceres wouldn't mind if you carried her while we looked. You know how much she likes you! We'll start our search in the garden!"

"Desi should be well hidden by now..." she thought to herself, feeling her excitement rising once more.

Unity hopped back in her chair, still holding the poor cat under its front legs in a tight hug as she sat back down and scarfed down her food.
Once she was done with her food she quickly hopped down and ran for the stairs, "Thanks for the breakfast, Sherry! We gotta capture Desi now before Aunty Cinna gets here!"
She bolted upstairs and into her room, with the cat dangling and bouncing in her grip as she ran.

She quickly got herself dressed and dug into her toy chest, removing a green cloak and hood she used to dress up as a ranger, also finding her kid sized bow, perfect for shooting at small game and a necessity for any good ranger on the hunt!
She also got out the tall pointed blue hat and blue scarf, complete with a small length of twisted wood which would be Alys's wizard staff and costume!
It just fit since Alys was already really good at magic and was learning to do more! She made the perfect wizard, and Unity was the daring tracker that could sniff out a two-day trail across a rocky mountainside! (Or so she liked to pretend)

Decked out in her costume she was ready for anything!

 

[Leander Urahil]

Halwyn had gone straight to the wine cabinet, but Cinna wasn’t there. He sighed, a rather melodramatic one that caused his shoulders to hunch forward as if he were already too exhausted. The elf then began to head upstairs. There was only one place Cinna would’ve gone: his bedroom. They were twins after all, and Hal would always claim that he knew Cinna better than she knew herself. They couldn’t share telepathy or any other fabled magic twins were said to have, but he had grown up with her, watched his vivacious twin take whatever she wanted.

And when she wanted something, she’d do almost anything to get it. Alcohol was no exception. The dreary, drooping man, opened the door, hearing her sobs out in the wall. Oh, the drama.

“Cinna you can’t—“ Hal began but was soon cut off by Cinna’s onslaught of words. She always did have a bad habit of interrupting him and speaking so quickly that he could never even try to get a word in. A moment of horror washed over his face as she first began speaking. She had read his diary?

So she knew then, didn’t she? He could feel that anxiety bubble back up deep in his gut and he frowned. Well, he was going to tell her tonight with his daughters anyways, but maybe now would be a good time to do things separately? Although he didn’t want Cinna to inform Alys, Desi and Unity before they got to meet—

“What?” Halwyn breathed out, looking at Cinna dumbfounded. “I’ve never said you’re old! But thirty years ago you hung your title as the “oldest twin” over my head for everything! Now you want to be younger?” He rolled his eyes, but quickly grabbed his journal. He’d need to find a lock for it or something. Maybe a magic one so Cinna couldn’t snoop.

“I wouldn’t be surprised that you chose to be a vampire just so you could stop aging.” Hal said, knowing these words would start another sibling war. One of many. “The girls look up to you, gods know why, but they do. You’d think you could encourage geniality or propriety or something more… more…” he trailed off, thinking of Desi and how impish she could be. But he loved her for being so creative with her mischief. And Alys! Always kind but perhaps to a fault, she still had a bit of naivety to her— which he also loved about her.

And Unity seemed to be taking right after her sisters, a ball of energy that just couldn’t be contained. She was filled to the brim with sugar, spice and everything nice— Hal was losing focus. He shook his head. He’d tell all his perfect daughters he loved them later and that each was unique and special in her own way.

“Cinna. You’re a lush.” He finalized before stomping out of his room, journal tucked under his arm.

 

[Sigwr]

A light rain had soaked the earth just before she had set out from home. The smell of it still lingered in the air. Sigwr smiled softly as her driver opened her door for her. She stepped lightly into her lavish carriage, black with gold trim and two healthy white steeds to pull it. The sound of hooves sloughing through mud greeted her ears as they began to move.

Her stomach was a ball of nerves, she had been fast friends with Cinna and it felt like she was about to betray her. Still, when she looked at Hal she melted when their eyes met. She had been so happy for him when he had gotten married, her and the twins had always been fast friends. Still, she had harbored a crush on him all throughout their childhood, she had just been too afraid. This was her chance now, and she didn't want to ruin anything.

After some time, they finally reached where the start of Hal's estate lay. As they turned onto the road, Sigwr looked out the window just in time to see a child full of filth and bloodied. "Stop Edmund!" Upon hearing her, they carriage rolled to an easy stop. Before her driver could hop down to assist, she had already thrown her door wide and stepped into the muck of the road without a thought.

She rushed to aid the child, quickly realizing who it was despite the grime and blood. "Are you okay? What happened? Are you hurt?" She called to her driver and a look of worried concern crossed her face. "Here, let us help you into my carriage. I'll help you get home." She held out her hand, but made no other move, just waited on Desi to make the decision herself.

 

[Desiminla Mendrev]

"Are you okay? What happened? Are you hurt?" She called to her driver and a look of worried concern crossed her face. "Here, let us help you into my carriage. I'll help you get home." She held out her hand, but made no other move, just waited on Desi to make the decision herself.

Desi had resigned themselves to the long trudge home after the carriage passed. What they had not expected was to hear it come to a soft halt. Desi looked into the eyes of a pure and loving person. Out in the mud with nary a concern..

“I-I fell adventuring on t-the grounds..” Desi muttered taking the hand offered to them before throwing themselves into Sigwr’s arms squeezing her tightly around the waist. Pressing their face into Sigwr’s dress to hide the tears brimming now that they were saved.

Desi was stoic and stubborn, but they were still a child given to childishness when hurt. They would rather die than be seen blubbering but in the moment Desiminla could not help themselves.

They did keep quiet about their catacombs though…Even in such a weak state some secrets were held too dearly.

“Thank you..” Desi whispered reluctantly. Pulling away to realize that along with the general nasty of the road and now blood from their fall. “Sorry..” They muttered “I would appreciate a ride back to the manor if you would be so kind to have me..” They said pulling away as quickly as they had approached.

Now that the panic had passed and relief had swept its course it would seem Desi had returned to themselves.

“I am Desiminla. Middle daughter of the Memdrev family.” They would say with a polite curtsy wincing on their injured leg.

“And I suppose your the guest my father had mentioned arriving today..” Desi guessed with a tilt of their head.