This was not the birthday dinner that Tori thought they would be having when she asked Axton if he wanted anything to eat for his birthday. She had been hesitant to ask, as they were eating dinner at one of the poshest restaurants in the empire. Axton told her that he would settle for a frozen strawberry dessert and would like to play a round of dungeon crawl.
He had listened in while she was leading her little cousins over comcry and wanted to try it. Hed arrived at the restaurant with a character sheet she had given him in his hand, completely filled out, and seed sowhat impatient all through dinner.
Tori tried to encourage everyone to enjoy the atmosphere at the owners private dining room, on the roof of The Three Queens, as they played. Coffee was served, along with frozen custard and frozen strawberry sorbet. There were musicians and Tori managed to get two dances in with Piers as practice. They slowly added in another set of dancers after a few steps until there were four sets on the dance floor.
She and Piers had bumped into Ilyana and Henrik twice and Nanny Rey and Constantine once, but everyone was very patient with Piers trying to beco accustod to dancing with other people.
When Tori returned to her seat, Axton was already seated to the right of her and had his character sheet and a set of three dice that Tori had defaulted to using. At first, it was just them and Ewan, who hadnt finished his character sheet yet, and Constantine, who had been uncertain about joining, but Ewan told him about the cleric class and the two were discussing. Then Ilyana ca to watch, and the others would drift in and out to see where the story was going.
Toris comcry was open as she looked down at her notebook.
Paladin Aiden reaches the abandoned temple. Surprisingly, there is a wide well in the center of the main room. Its old, dilapidated, and carved with ancient symbols around its crumbling walls, but he cant read them, Tori said, going by the notes shed made.
They heard a muffled snort co from the comcry. Aidens illiterate.
Hes not illiterate, Maeve. Theyre ancient symbols. There are old books and scrolls laying around the room. What do you do, Aiden?
Paladin Aiden searches the room to look for a book to decipher the ancient symbols.
Smart move, Tori said with a nod. You find an old book with symbols matching the carvings and try to say them out loud. Do you say them correctly?
He probably wont....
Cousin Eili, please.... Tori lifted her hand and rubbed her head. Aiden, roll twelve or higher to see if youve said the symbols correctly.
There was a pause and then Aiden cried out. Fourteen!
Paladin Aiden has read the symbols out loud and the carvings begin to glow. There is a sound of wind blowing through the temple as the interior of the well begins to glow in the sa light blue color as the carvings. Next up is Druid Ava. You're right behind Aiden.
A childs voice spoke up. I follow Aiden into the temple and push him into the well.
Tori, Axton, Ewan, and Constantine all stared at the comcry. Roll fifteen to see if your push is strong enough to push him into the well.
There was another pause and then a childish grumble.
Ten! Hah! Aiden laughed. I live!
Ewan seed to let out a breath of relief for Aiden. All right, Paladin Aiden is pushed a few steps forward, but stops himself before he can fall into the well. Cousin Eili, youre next and right behind them.
Understood, Eili said. I push Aiden into the well.
Grandpa! Aiden imdiately cried out in protest and on her side, Tori and the others muffled their chuckling.
It was her turn, Aiden. Therefore, it is her right, the forr marquis said. It was reasonable, but Aiden still complained in the background.
Roll five or more to see if hes pushed in.
Wait, why is it five? Last ti it was fifteen! Aiden said.
Youre close to the well now, Maeve said. All you need is a little push.
Why are you trying to kill ?
Im not, Eili said. The well is glowing. What if its a portal? Youre the leader. You should go first-aww...I rolled a four.
Axton looked at Tori. Your cousins are brutal.
They want to push the story along, Tori said. All right, Paladin Aiden is shoved a little closer to the well. Its still glowing. Fighter Axton, youre next.
Axton nodded. Push Aiden into the well.
Aiden! Co back! Eili shouted. It seed that her little cousin was rage-quitting.
Aiden, co back, Tori said. Youve been pushed into the well. Dont you want to see where you end up?
Am I dead again? her little cousins bitter voice asked, sounding as if he were further away from the comcry.
No, youve been transported into another world, Tori said. Welco to my world. As she described the new world to everyone, a server ca towards Axton and whispered sothing in his ear. He nodded.
Tori, the musicians have to leave soon. Did you want to do one more dance? he asked.
Tori nodded. Okay, were going to end here today. Rember where we are: Aiden has fallen into a magic well and has been transported into another world. Ava, Cousin Eili, and Axton were right behind him in the temple, Maeve, you are stealing so sacred weapons after breaking into a tomb outside the temple, and Uncle Lawrence, playing for Cousin Deidre, you are stuck in quicksand.
Ill get out next ti! the forr marquis assured them.
Tori slid her finger across the comcry to end the call and then leaned back against her chair. Axton lifted his hands and began to clap, followed by Ewan and Constantine. Good job, dungeon master.
I cant wait to play next ti, Ewan said.
Did you settle on a class? Tori asked. Ewan nodded.
Barbarian!
Tori, Piers said behind her. He had been practicing his footsteps under Nanny Reys guidance with her other friends joining him every now and then. I think I can do it better now.
All right! Tori pushed herself up from her seat. She looked at the others. Do you mind one more?
Sure! Ilyana said.
Id be happy to help. Constantine also agreed. Ilyana went to call Albert and Henrik, who were getting so fresh air outside with the twins. They ca back in and were paired off.
Do I have to dance with Sir Nassaun again? Albert asked. Can I at least lead?
No, Im taller, Axton said as he stood in one corner. Constantine matched up with Nanny Rey.
Lets try to enter from the side, Tori said as she stood on the edge of the dance floor and raised her arms. Piers settled in front of her and nodded. He had a look of concentration on his face.
Begin! Axton said, looking over the top of Alberts head. They began to move and after two beats, Tori gave Piers hand a small squeeze, signaling for him to lead them in.
Good! Nanny Rey said. Much smoother that ti, Your Highness.
Piers gave them a small nod, but kept his eyes on their feet. Piers, lift your head. Rember to watch where we are going, Tori reminded him.
Piers swallowed and lifted his head. Imdiately, he t her eyes and he looked away. Sorry...its difficult.
Im much shorter than you, so just look at the top of my head, Tori said. You should still be able to see others around us.
All right, Piers said. They continued around the dance floor and as the song ended, Tori smiled widely.
Good job! The music finished and they looked towards the musicians as they clapped. Tori looked back at Piers with a proud expression. We didnt run into anyone that ti!
Piers, who had a faint sheen of sweat over his forehead, nodded. I tried to keep distance, as Nanny Rey instructed.
Nanny Rey can do everything, Ilyana said. The old woman chuckled. They gathered their things and headed downstairs. It was already late and only a few diners remained in the quiet restaurant.
Three carriages were waiting outside for them, with the largest set to take the local students back to their district.
Tori, can you ride with ? I want to apologize. Piers asked. Tori furrowed her brows and looked back at him as they stepped outside.
Apologize for what?
My brother.
Axton grimaced and let out a low hiss. He looked towards Ilyana, who nodded. She also wore a wince on her face. Tori had told them about the tip off from Miss Elsen. Sonia had to be held back from going to confront them; she was convinced Alessa had sothing to do with it. She was probably right, but as Tori had no proof, she had to assure her friend it was likely just Gideon acting out alone.
Then, Ill see Albert back to the Martins, Axton said.
Sir Nassaun, can I ride with you, as well? Ilyana asked. Im also interested in the ga and have so questions about a character...role?
Class, Ewan said as he climbed into the first carriage.
Since youll also be dropping off Miss Agafonova, Ill join you, Constantine said with a bright smile. As youre more familiar, I have questions about the cleric class.
In that case, I will escort the others to make sure they go ho safely, Nanny Rey said before embracing Tori and pulling the collar of her cloak closer together to make sure she was warm. You will be safe with His Highness.
Thank you, Nanny. Please make sure they arrive ho well, Tori said. She didnt think anything of the dispersal of people over three carriages. She planned to go back to Lyce with Ilyana and Constantine and drop off Nanny Rey on the way there, but in this way, she could at least be assured that her other friends would get ho safely, Albert included.
She put her hand in Piers so he could help her into the smallest of the carriages. Inside, she sat on the center of the bench facing the back. Piers climbed in after her and paused, noticing that she hadnt made room for him next her and relegated him to the back bench across from her. His eyes lowered, but he took his seat in silence.
The footman closed the door and Tori looked across at him. You heard what Sebby said.
Youre not seducing .... Piers said in a quiet voice.
Tori chuckled. The carriage jerked forward, and she leaned back against her seat. Did you see your brother lately?
Piers seed to take a deep breath and nodded. He was sitting up straight and lifted his head. His eyes t hers. I saw my brother tonight, at the palace. I spoke to him. I am sorry that my brother had acted in such a way to target you. His eyes quickly darted away.
Tori lifted a hand and gave him a shake of her head. Its not your fault, Piers. You and your brother are two different people. We cant control our siblings. The image of her own two brothers appeared in her mind and she cringed. God knows I cant.
He still caused you so much trouble. Not only you, but Imperial Grand Scholar Sophos. Your family, the duchies. He did not think his actions out clearly.
Whats done is done. Im already working on a policy retraction, Tori told him. You dont need to get involved.
He is my brother. I should take so responsibility for failing to educate him properly and allowing him to act as he did. Piers looked upset. I am the older brother. I should be responsible.
Tori took a deep breath. She reached across the small carriage and patted one of his hands that had gripped his knees so tightly they were turning white.
Piers, I know you want to help and to discipline him, but this is not the ti. If you fight with him because of this, it may seem as if you and Gideon are at odds. It is important for you two to get along, Tori told him.
Piers shook his head, looking down at the floor. Sotis, I dont understand what hes doing. He raised his head and narrowed his eyes. He said he was doing this for a friend.
Tori let out a low breath. I figured as much.
He cocked his head. Is it that Hart girl? He has never done such a thing before, except for helping Fabian.
I dont know, Tori said. Im like 99% sure. But he should be allowed to make his own friends. You cant pick his friends for him.
What if he is terrible at picking friends?
Okay, he has there. Tori closed her eyes and leaned back against the bench once more. I didnt know you were protective of him.
We are not close, but Gideon is my younger brother. I have to take care of him, Piers said. There was a firm resolve in his eyes. Like Master takes care of you and Senior Kasen. Uncle Oliver also says it is important for to take care of my brother. If he is exceeding, I should praise him. If he is making bad decisions, I must correct him.
A warm smile tugged at her lips. Gideon was an annoying douche, but she was still relieved Piers had so affection, she supposed, for him.
What did you tell your brother when you saw him? Tori asked.
I told him I was disappointed in him.
Toris brows rose and she let out a low hiss. Knowing how much Gideon idolized his brother, hearing Piers tell him those words mustve been as if his heart was ripped out.
Was that not enough? Piers asked, furrowing his brows.
No, thats enough. Her voice was a bit strained. She wondered if it was too much. She made a ntal note to observe Gideon at Lyce the coming week to see if the blow was as devastating as she believed.
If he continues to act like this, I will have another discussion with him, Piers said firmly. Tori nodded and glanced out the window.
I wonder if Gideon cried.
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