In the dark mystic woods of the witch's forest a tense stalemate is being held between a cautious nephew in denial and a gleeful uncle of unknow origins. Ariellia watches the two similar, yet incompatible men stare each other down with silent anticipation. It's all she can do not to pop out the proverbial popcorn and just watch the fireworks fly.
"No need for the suspicious looks, I'm not the one rudely pointing a sword at my elder now, am I?" Jasper is still sitting on the bed, having never moved from the spot even when he disarmed Rei.
"Perhaps I wouldn't be so hostile if you hadn't kidnapped my wife."
"She's your wife now eh, a fortnight ago you were talking about divorcing her. Why the sudden change in tune?"
"I would expect an elder to know that eavesdropping is impolite" there's clear displeasure written all over Rei's face.
"How else would I be able to meet your sheltered bride?" Be it his skill or similar appearance to Rei, nothing would have kept Jasper from gaining an audience with the duke like a normal person if he requested it. He obviously chose this method to annoy and test his nephew.
"It's a pleasure to meet you by the way Lady Garrod."
"Likewise!"
She later realizes her response might have been too spirited by the sharp look of rebuke from Rei. In his eye she appears clueless, wholly unaware of the danger this stranger could pose to their lives. At least she has the decency to meekly shrink back behind him with a shred of guilt for making light of their dire situation.
"Don't be so fierce nephew, if you're not careful your divorce might come sooner than you'd want."
A frustrated sigh escapes Rei's throat. "Which side of the family did you say you were related to again?"
"Your father's, he and I share a father but have different mothers. The blood on our side is much stronger than your mother's." Jasper looks confused by the sudden change in the line of questioning.
"Right…" Rei nods without saying much more but it's clear he's likely made a personal decision to write off this side of the family due to Jasper's affront.
"You don't have the leisure to be feeling dissatisfied with me. I came here to warn you of a looming danger that's fast approaching your quaint little dutchy".
"Danger, what danger!" Arie jumps in like this is all she's been waiting for. The pretty minx is lacking in courage and soon shrinks back as soon as she receives another side-eye from Rei. As vexing as her spontaneous outburst may be, it does lessen the tension in the room, and he finds her oddly cute for it.
"Ahem" Rei clears his throat and puts away his sword, no point in leaving it out if he's not going to swing it anyway. As unreliable as he seems, it would be wise for him to hear what his uncle has to say before deciding. "Speak, what danger?"
In return Jasper's lips twitch, having lived longer he clearly sees the lovey-dovey atmosphere building around the two oblivious fools. Just how are they hoping to get divorced? The sight of their bashful teasing and flirting makes his fangs itch. Perhaps he's been taking himself too seriously, just because he's part of the monk's guild doesn't mean he has to live like one. Casting these silly thoughts aside, he begins to explain why he's here.
"Rei, you can't stay here. There is someone looking for you, they have spies everywhere. It's a wonder why they didn't find you until now."
"Who is they?"
"I'd rather not say" for once Jasper actually looks uneasy. His demeanor this entire time has been jovial and flippant, for him to take on a guarded position must mean something more is at play. It's a short span of time but from what Rei's seen he doesn't seem to be the type to divulge his secrets easily.
"Even if what you say is true, why should I run? Who am I running from?"
Jasper finally gets up, moving away from the bed, crossing the room and leans against the window. His red eyes appear to be staring out the window into the forest, but his gaze seems to see something much further than that. "Have you ever wondered why you were brought here? What circumstance would force a mother to let go of her two-year-old in the middle of winter?"
…
Yes, every night to be honest, but he isn't about to admit his heart's torment to a stranger.
"It's your father Rei…my brother is not the same as he was, something has changed in him. I did not see it, but Vaiya knew, she saw something that night that forced her to hide you."
"Vaiya?" he asks.
"You mother, her name is Vaiya. She was so troubled she didn't even want to tell me at first. It took her some time to trust that I wouldn't pick your father over you, that I wouldn't endanger you by knowing. The night she sent you away, she left you in the care of her most trusted knight. From what I have seen and heard in town, it appears you arrived in Rahnoff alone. I fear he must have died trying to fulfill his mission."
"Why would my father try to harm me?" Rei's usual cool begins to slip without him knowing, his voice displaying more emotion than he meant to convey. He feels the warmth of a small hand melding into his, it was Ariellia offering her silent support. If it had been before he might have been displeased, now he can't help but tighten his grip, holding onto the only thing he knows as his whole world unravels.
"As I said, your mother has been very secretive about what she saw. She hasn't told anyone the full story, not even me. However, I know your mother. She wouldn't take the action she did if it wasn't something that could endanger your life."
"Who is he?"
"What?" Jasper looks back, he seems bewildered by the open-ended question.
"Who is my father?" The determination in his red eyes would leave most shaking in their wake, even Jasper finds himself assured. He finally feels Rei is ready to know the truth.
"Your father's name is Daymon Clovis Bastion, commonly known as Daymon the wise. The fourth King of Ethus."