As they speak about her, Nill’s attention slowly drifts inward. She stops poking at the chair and looks down at herself instead. Her fingers comb through her hair, tugging at tangled strands. She turns her hands over, examining her nails, and brushes at her sleeves, at the worn fabric along her arms. Then she twists slightly, glancing over her shoulder at the back of her shirt where two ragged holes have been worn through the fabric. She shrugs.

Across the table, Vesta sets her cup down carefully. Without comment, she rises and moves to a nearby cabinet, retrieving several pouches. She returns to her seat, pressing a quick kiss to Tristan’s cheek before settling back into place.

From her rune bag, she draws three stones. She lays them out in a neat row on the table. 
Vesta frowns.  “Well, that’s…” She lets out a small, awkward laugh. “Shadow, confusion, moon. All three represent hidden things. Unknown information. Obscured paths.” She exhales softly. “I suppose that means we don’t really have a choice.”

She looks up at Nill, then extends her hand across the table.

“May I see your hand? This will not hurt you, I promise.”

Nill studies her own small hand first, then flicks a glance towards Storm, searching for reassurance. After, she carefully places her hand atop Vesta’s.

Vesta does not speak again, and closes her eyes. Her shoulders stiffen, and after several long seconds, she inhales sharply and opens her eyes, blinking a few times. She releases Nill’s hand.

Nill tilts her head, studying Vesta’s face with quiet intensity.

“I kept the question vague,” Vesta says slowly. “But the vision was clear. Clearer than I expected, to be honest.” She shrugs. “I see you fighting with us. Around Volaire, in the amphitheater. Monsters, undead, people, Fae.” She pauses, processing. “It is evident that you join us. As for whether the Fae will come after you specifically…”

She reaches for the second pouch.

“I am going to try something else,” she explains. “It shouldn’t place a target on my back, as I’m not scrying directly. But I would like to know if they intend to pursue her.”

Vesta selects five bones from the bag and cups them in her hand. After a brief moment of focus, she casts them onto the table. They scatter softly. Only one bone crosses over another. Studying this, Vesta taps her chin, thoughtful.

Nill leans forward, peering at the pattern with curious fascination. “So… yes, but it’s not a very strong yes…” Vesta murmurs. “If more bones were crossed, I would be concerned.” She runs her fingers over the bones. “I wouldn’t discredit the possibility of the Fae coming after her. However, it does not appear to be urgent.”

She gathers the bones and returns them to their bag, setting both pouches aside before reclaiming her tea.

“Perhaps it will be a matter of them pursuing Nill only once she is discovered?”

Her eyes lift up to Storm.

“This method isn’t always accurate. The future shifts. Information changes based on choice and action. I’d take it as a warning, not a verdict.” Then, she turns to Nill. “You should avoid drawing attention to yourself, if you can.” Nill nods once.

“I am being used to the hiding. And the escaping.” Both Nill and Vesta silently look to Storm.

Read More...