Chapter 8: 8: Festering Thoughts Lie

Every morning at the break of dawn, Captain Fervor went on a run. He did so at the same time every day, on the same path, with the same speed and intensity. He had learned through many runs at which time, speed, and so on to take the run so he could be alone with his thoughts. He hadn't seen a soul outside on his runs in quite a while, the fields and houses still preparing for the day and the small base where his soldiers waited for him to his back. 

His heavy armor pushed against him as he ran, and he pushed harder, enjoying the feel as his muscles began to tense. His thoughts drifted from idea to memory to rumor as he pumped his legs forward, through highs and lows. This was the life. He had been assigned this post as a fresh-faced captain and he loved it. It was so easy to run without interruption.

Which is why today he found himself in utter shock as he ran into a hooded person. Even worse this person seemed to be far sturdier than he, barely seeming to notice as he ran into them. From behind the figure came two knights who were probably glaring at him under their helmets but Fervor couldn't see their eyes.

Rubbing his sore behind Captain Fervor stood back up. "I apologize. I didn't expect anyone to be around the corner."

The hooded person sighed, "No, it is my fault. My father said to travel at day, but I wished to arrive sooner. You are not the first to run into me in my haste."

Fervor looked at the two knights, studying their armor. It was quite ornate, not really practical for physical combat though they likely had good defense against magic blasts. They were probably guards of some kind. The kind that was meant to stand out to show how little their liege thought of threats. One of the held a rifle caster at their side while the other held a sword with a core in its hilt. A rune was etched on it as well.

"Well, I hope you arrive safely at your destination."

"There is nothing that would." The man said as he led his group onward.

Fervor watched as they went on, not really giving any thoughts to where they were from, glad to be able to continue on his run now with that once in a green moon interruption was over. Still an odd thing, to see knights such as those out here. Not them in particular but them in such low numbers suggested whoever the hooded man was didn't want to announce his presence to too many. Maybe that was one of the Princes that their emperor had sired in his conquests, coming home to report on his own conquering of lands. Though he had met the Emperor once, and that figure didn't have the same presence as him.

Ah, why waste thoughts on that. He had nothing to worry about. No war was close to breaking out, the local population was subdued and docile, and those reports of trouble happening in other villages were isolated a comfortable distance away. All was good here, and nothing was going to change that.

"Hello." A voice said.

Fervor jumped in surprise before turning around. A young woman stood in the shadows of a building, a party mask covering her face- one from a party his post had last week. Was this one of his soldiers?

"Oh, hello. Is something amiss, miss?"

"Are you the Captain of that post?"

"Yes, I am Captain Fervor."

"Good. I wanted to see your face. It's burning to the ground as we speak."

Fervor tensed, "Such humor is in poor taste, miss."

The woman laughed, a laugh that echoed off the buildings and filled his ears with nothing else. "Look towards it, Captain." The woman pointed towards the direction of his post. A black cloud of smoke could be seen twisting into the sky.

Fervor pulled out his blade and pointed it the masked woman. "You villain, surrender yourself now or..." His fingers hovered towards a trigger for the caster on the hilt of his blade. "Or else."

The woman laughed again, as she moved her finger in front of her. Fervor began to feel the air around him grow warmer, sweat beginning to drench his hair in seconds. The metal on his sword began to turn red as he felt himself begin to boil. He would have screamed if his mouth wasn't dry. He dropped his blade as his eyes looked up at the masked woman. 

"I didn't want you to miss the fun your men had, Captain. Doesn't it feel good? This is but karma for you, maybe. I don't really know. But I do know one thing. This really hurts. I should know. Of course mine stopped before I could die. Oh, there goes those eyeballs." The masked woman laughed again as Fervor boiled and burned away onto the stones that lined the path he had run so many times before. She shook her head and began to walk away, "Boring. Ah why do I get stuck with the easiest targets?"

----------------------------------------------------

Lyrica smiled at Leannan, as she moved closer to her. "You know you are allowed to actually ask for seconds, right?"

"I know that. I'm just anxious."

"To complete your mission? Geez, even Deidre isn't this nervous."

"Why would she be? She's used to this."

"Well, my Deidre was always nervous. It was one of her endearing points. Of course now she's way different. Almost a new person. If she wasn't as easy to tease I'd barely recognize her. Much more fit for her job now."

"Really? I think she's probably still nervous."

"Why? Her extra mission is done with and you're here."

"Oh. Me being here is the issue. She's getting all tied up in her own thoughts and fears now. I am a mirror to so many issues she's covered up with workouts and calling my little Lara a nerd."

"What issues?"

"Issues like having to listen to you ask questions." Lyrica rubbed Leannan's hair.

"Stop messing with me."

"I'm sorry but you're so easy to mess with."

"I suppose I am if someone I just met a few days ago can mess with me."

"Eh, most of the capital's citizens can easily be messed with. Well, in a different way than you but still."

"So... Could I mess with you?"

"No."

"Oh." Leannan sulked as Lyrica patted her on the back.

"There, there. You can mess with Deidre."

"She knows better than to try that." Deidre said walking over.

"With you, I doubt she'd even need to try."

"I'm going to scout out the caves from a safe distance. Leannan, come with me."

Leannan nodded, standing up and saying goodbye to Lyrica. Lyrica watched as they disappeared behind some tents and then stood up herself, walking over to the woods.

She quickly returned to the clearing she had previously visited and sat down upon the stump. One day from show time, hopefully Deidre didn't have another mission, though she doubted that was true. The empire likes to do things efficiently, as Ys could attest. Of course, she just had to guide three virtual strangers she just met through a trap filled cave, which was surely not gonna end with someone dying to a trap. Probably the guard, whatever his name was.

Lyrica waited in silence for a good half hour until out of the woods stumbled a disheveled looking Leannan. "Ah, there you are."

Lyrica didn't answer staring ahead.

Leannan waved her hands in front of the girl on the stump. She blinked and shook her head. "Oh, sorry I was... well, you know.

"Sure, you good? I just want to make sure you still are willing to-"

Lyrica placed a finger on Leannan's mouth, "Aw come on, I know what's likely to happen. Besides the worst could come to me and I'd be fine. Y'dia."

Leannan sighed, "Well, I don't want anyone to die, and I'm sure we both know that Deidre is going to be reckless."

"Well, I'm sure it will be fine. Ah, geez you're way more nervous than I'd've guessed. It's not like this is the first time you've been in a situation like this."

"Yeah. Are you sure you're okay with this?"

Lyrica nodded, "Do or die time, right?"

"I'd rather no one die, Lyrica." Leannan pulled her cloak back over herself and returned back to the woods. Lyrica glazed over again before deciding a nice nap was in order.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Deidre shook her head, "I think we could easily be able to access them today."

Ys sighed, "Sure if you want to get your face clawed up, but there's easier ways to make yourself more attractive."

"I saw no bears when I looked. Leannan back me up."

The brown-red haired girl was laid on one of the L'iia'cun's rugs and gave a noncommittal grunt. She hadn't moved since returning from the scouting.

"Did you look in the caves?"

"W-well..." She refused to look at Ys's eyes.

"Well, if you want to go into a den of those things, go ahead. I doubt Lyrica, Lara, or any of my people would be dumb enough to join you."

"So... Leannan would be?"

"I assume you'd be only able to drag one person to it."

"Fine, we can wait until tomorrow."

"Trust me I'd rather be rid of you as soon as possible as well."

Deidre drug Leannan out of the L'iia'cun's tent and into the nearby guest tent they both were sharing. The two laid down on some furs that had been piled up to make spots for them to rest. 

Leannan rolled over onto her stomach. "Hey, Deidre. It shouldn't matter how long we take. What's the hurry?"

"I... want to go home. And get away from here."

"Really, because I don't remember you packing like you wanted that."

"Well, yeah. But if the end of our stay is so close in view, can you blame me for being anxious to get it over with?"

"Nah, I get how you feel. But wouldn't you want more time to spend with Lyrica where she grew up?"

"No, not really. I doubt either of us will care that I didn't see the place where she might have rolled a ball on the ground before I kidnap her away. Why? Are you worried about her?"

"I'm slightly worried about you. You seem to be unable to decide how you feel about her. I thought that you were friends."

"I mean would you still consider those friends you once made as a child, who you grew distant with, as friends?"

"No, not really."

"Besides if the thing is full of traps, I can't stand to be sentimental even towards you."

You are reading story Tune Somnia at novel35.com

"Oh, thanks. I'll be sure to remember that if pitfall kills me."

"You know I made an oath to put mission over everything."

"You also made an oath to 'always be of sound mind' and yet."

"Point taken."

Leannan looked towards the ceiling where a fly buzzed around, "By the way, it isn't because you think she's cute now, right?"

Deidre coughed, "She's cute but also like La- um, nevermind. Not like it matters."

"Why? Won't you have time to crush on her and Lara?"

Deidre's eyes went down. "If things go well."

Leannan cocked her head, "It will, won't it?"

Deidre nodded, "For our mission, it will."

____________________________________________________________

Lyrica still sat on her stump, talking to a person hidden behind a nearby tree. Mors would have risked seeing who this newcomer was but she didn't want to alert them that she was there. She stretched her ears to catch their conversation.

"...I know it's coming. You know it's coming. They're not that type of person to give me this choice."

"Yeah. I get that."

"So, why are you checking in? Shouldn't you be elsewhere? Enjoying your being not as likely to be dying in a cave?"

"Oh, I was in the area nearby to make sure everything will go well for us. And besides I need to check your back anyway."

"Ah, because of that?"

"Yep. Now take it off."

Rabo scooted up behind Mors startling her attention away from the two.

"Why are you watching his sister again?"

"I felt like I wanted to be doing it."

"Sure..." He rolled his eyes. He could say his lady enjoyed watching women a bit too much but he enjoyed not being lectured by a girl younger than him.

"Which way did you approach me from? Could you see the face of the other talker?"

"Behind you, and no. They seem to be hidden behind a rather big tree."

"Well, silence your words." She commanded before returning to the conversation.

"Aw, come on. What about the automaton I left her?"

"Boss already took it. You're lucky I agreed to this at all. Anyway, are you sure about this?"

"Well... No. I hate having to waste an asset like you. Bad enough that I'm not going to be there to protect Lea."

"Speaking of that, can I off she who should be my other?"

"Sure, if need be. This one is boring. Ci'sgo'tte is getting lazy with you, love."

"Thank you, I shall make sure to do my best to not die. Tell Lea hello for me."

"Yeah. See you later or never. And if you do make it, say hello to Isolde." 

Lyrica stood up and began the trek back to the camp. As soon as the two spies were sure the woman was out of sight and earshot they began to try and circle around to find out who the stranger was. As Mors stepped into the clearing, she found no one else around, and no sign of anyone having left but Lyrica. 

"Ugh, Rabo. I do not be trusting that woman. She has secrets to be hiding?"

"Oh, are you worried she might want the keys for herself? They probably would fetch a hefty purse."

"Ah, perhaps. Let's return to our camp. I'm needing the lunch."

---------------------------------------------------------------

The streets of the lower capital were in disrepair, water puddled in the holes, flattened patties of horse and human excrement dotted the already dotted cobblestone. Carriages often would breakdown on the main road up to the higher levels. Of course that was just the main street upwards, if anyone was dumb enough to travel on the streets the citizens used the results would be much worse. Even horses were considered in danger on those roads. The councils had long ignored the slums in favor of the wealthier region above, even making new roads up to the higher levels from the outside so that visitors may avoid it entirely. Of course that didn't stop the rich and royal who came in to visit from showing off to the peasants. So the side roads were mainly for those coming in for more clandestine reasons.

The most profitable spot in the lower capital was a former dance hall and now bar where as things usually went, those who were less than reputable did their business. Also criminals hung out alongside the politicians as well. 

Lord Ferdinand Agnes was sat at a booth, a full mug of local spirits sitting in front of him, untouched as he stared at his booth mate, a rather odd looking man who had for some unknown reason tried to cover his baldness with tattoos onto his smooth dome, which only made the lack of hair more noticeable.

"Well, Ferdie, I expect you brought the money?"

"Ye-yes, of course. I wouldn't dare not to."

"Good." The Tattoo Haired man looked around at the rest of the bar. "Noticed a lot less of your elk here in the past few days. What's up in the mansions?"

"I am not under liberty to say, Demym."

Demym smiled, a cold smile and leaned closer to Ferdinand, "Oh, is that so? I thought we were close, Ferdie."

"It's not that sort of deal, it's... you know."

Demym blinked, and then after taking a deep drink from Ferdinand's mug replied, "You lot really believe that shit? Twins, it must be fun to be so rich you can afford to waste other people's time with your urban legends."

"It is not an urban legend Demym. And if I were you I would be less vocal about my doubts."

"Ah, hush. You can leave now, you've paid your debts for now."

Ferdinand thanked him and stood up and left. Demym sat back and vibed to the music from the piano player that was in some corner behind him. The rest of the bar slowly moved forward, the sad drunks of the early hours slowly regaining some senses and either ordering some of the mediocre grub or leaving to crawl home. Demym fingered the check, feeling the paper cut his skin. He let it stain an edge before returning it to a pocket. Perhaps he should up the payment's that snotty noble owed him. Clearly such money was of no effort for the worthless heir who was clearly making money from past familial endeavors. Maybe he could pretend to be a Cysgod member and get the superstitious lord to give even more money to him.

As he was in his headspace planning how to return the stolen capital of his peers to himself, a man who also stole the capital of his peers but at a less insane margin, a masked woman sat down in front of him. 

"Demym Ares." She spoke in a monotone voice, jolting the man out of his fantasies and towards the woman.

"Who the hell are you?"

"Such anger. But for one who doesn't see the shadows that is to be expected."

"Huh, what are you on about you porcelain faced bitch?"

"Oh, excuse me. I am here to collect the debt of your slanderous words and thoughts."

"What."

"As I said, your debt. You clearly know what it is if you know who we are."

Demym laughed, "Oh, you're a bloody Cysgod idiot? Jaunting about in a costume before pretending to be important? An actress without a stage? Ferdie's a weak bitch and a coward if he had to send a woman like you to try and scare my tongue dry."

The masked woman shook her head. "Well, I was hoping you'd apologize, but scum as yourself shouldn't be given that hope." She produced a syringe from her robes. "One last chance to pray to the twins." 

Demym realizing the situation, lunged at the woman, mug in his hand ready to bash her brains into the hard wooden table. The woman neatly dodged before jamming the rudimentary and rusty medical device into his neck, expelling the contents and walking away.

Demym sat confused for a half second before the effects began. His eyes began to blur and he felt the signs of magic poisoning he had forgotten about from his old days working in the old caster factories. But this was worse, this wasn't one that he would rest off. He knew it was coming as his heart rate quickened over and over and over, as the sound of his own organs filled his ears with their screams, and then with a loud pop, his brain formed one last command and in a convulsion he slammed his skull into the table over and over until at last the noises stopped and his body lay bloodied to the horror of his fellow patrons.

----------------------------------------------------

Deidre glared at Lyrica as she ate her supper. She felt Lyrica often glance at her and she couldn't tell the meaning behind that gaze. It was fine at first, but that doubt and unknowing had clawed at her mind too much and now see wanted to just stare at her until whatever feelings those eyes conveyed became clear. 

Or maybe it was her own feelings she wanted to clear up. Lyrica wasn't her friend now. Not even close. Look, smell, personality, style, literally everything was different. And yet still, they were once her best friend. But to consider Lyrica anything more than a stranger was to be folly. She was not one who would usually be tempted by such a thing, but... this Lyrica was weird in that regard. She seemed to be both a manipulator and someone who made friends easily, able to fit her way into any group dynamic with ease. She was currently chatting with Lara and Leannan, able to get to the Rune User to converse about things that should require a few more months of building trust to get them to even begin to mention.

It was kind of scary. When she was... no, Lyrica was always Lyrica. But when she wasn't using that name, she only had a personality similar to that when acting or when alone with one of Deidre or Brio. But then that wasn't the same either. With Deidre it was closer, though still more melancholic- at least until Lyrica found out about what her mother did. But with Brio, when he got her mad enough... it was terrifying. No matter what the situation was, Deidre knew that Brio was likely to shit himself when he saw Lyrica smile in that way. Whether that was from Lyrica herself or the larger than normal thing of magic at his hip was hard to tell.

Lyrica. Lazy sort of a name change. Then again, she was a lazy name change from her mother away from having a J and an R attached to her name. Deidre. Deirdre. Honestly, her mother had the prettier name. This was a lot of wasted thought for a girl she had forgotten about for years. But it was reasonable, she was going to be seeing her more often. Thinking of her more often. It was good to think about her now so she could perhaps move on and be friends with her.

She looked again at Lyrica, trying to figure out what those eyes will tell her. What will they say when they arrive back at the capital? If... she made it back to the capital. If, if, if.

Lyrica smiled as she left the two to go see her old friend Deidre.

Deidre stared at the girl who smiled at her and said, "You know if you want to stare at me that badly, you could just join the conversation."

"W-what? I wasn't staring!" Deidre shook her head.

"Oh? If you weren't staring, but you kept your gaze on me... then that must mean you must have been lost in some deep thoughts. I wonder what or who they could have been about." She grinned.

"Will you leave? I don't feel like talking to you right now."

"Oh, you never do here. Ah, well, I was hoping to talk to you before we went through the trap filled cave, but fine. I will leave you to stare at me from a distance." Lyrica winked at her once best friend.

Deidre was worried she might kill her target on accident if she continued to be this annoying. Just keep the reward from Cysgod in mind and she'd be fine. Plus she would be sad if she did that. As would Lara and Leannan now.

But if she had to, she could steel her heart enough to do what Brio was too cowardly to do. Or at least her oath to Cysgod would make her believe that she did.

You can find story with these keywords: Tune Somnia, Read Tune Somnia, Tune Somnia novel, Tune Somnia book, Tune Somnia story, Tune Somnia full, Tune Somnia Latest Chapter