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messymagician · 4 years

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The Devil’s due

Sarah (Arcana OC) X Julian (Arcana) Follows the main plot story, with changes. 4.3k words. ________________________________________________________________

Chapter 6 : Infiltration

The walk to the palace was… ho boy.

The entire way Julian's dramatic nature was put to work as he effortlessly slipped into the 'role' of Asra. Though the way he kept glancing over at Sarah for approval made her little brain click it's gears.

First dropping her off at Asra's shop… now trying to confirm his acting behaviour with her, as if she'd know Asra's mannerisms. He clearly expected them to have a history. Was it because they were both magicians? Or did he know something she didn't. It was impossible to tell without asking. But with the palace gates looming overhead already she hadn't the time for this ongoing mystery.

Suddenly realising that Asra, the real Asra, could possibly already be in castle grounds made the fine hairs along the back of her neck stand on end. That would be quite the disastrous occurrence. But it's too late to be turning back now. His pace is far quicker than both ladies little legs. Leaving them panting and sweaty by the time the trio reaches the bridge. "How do you suppose he'd be feeling in this moment? Like a Lamb, entering the den of wolves… or maybe, a wolf. Entering the den of…. Vipers. Hmm. Vipers he wouldn't mind, he and Faust would fit right in."

"I don't-" Her words are ended by the sharp screech of marble on heels as Julian, as Asra, halts himself. Looking suddenly sceptical and nervous.

"Faust….. that's the snake's name isn't it?" His expression twists and turns as she nods slowly. Not entirely certain on the answer but the name certainly rang the right bells. He grumbles, rubbing at his temples in irritation as his browline pinches together. "I...I remember that shake, she nearly... squeezed the life out of me once." Who, Faust? But she looked so sweet from what Sarah could remember.

He's very clearly stalling. Keeping a slight distance from her with constant searching glances her way. Like he was looking for something under her thinly veiled exterior motives. Like she was the hard one to understand, not himself. She already knows this spell isn't one of her best and, as much as she wanted to reassure him, they really needed to do this as fast and clean as they could. At least by now he seems remarkably sober compared to before.

“So it’s safe to say he would be surprised. When he’s surprised, is he more of a…” His gaze narrows and mouth hangs open, staring off at nothing. “This? Or more like this?” Sarah struggles to keep a straight face. Watching his wide eyes swing to her, looking very shaken. It’s impressively done, but knowing he’s trying so hard was making her giggle quietly into her palm. “More like that- ” she snickers, having to turn away and rub at her freckled cheeks to get them to relax again. If she blew his cover she’d feel awful, it’s time to get serious… but not too serious. Just slightly serious. Like... casual business. Yes, this is exactly what today is, casual business.

Noticing their struggling charade, Portia takes a step or two ahead, walking backwards in front of them. “Hey Ilya, I know this is gonna be a challenge but… try not to talk too much, okay?” It was a suggestion but it certainly sounded more like a very gentle threat coming from Portia. Sarah always had the feeling this quaint sweet servant act of hers was hiding a lot of sneaky but lovable gremlin behaviour.

“Oh, no naturally, Asra doesn’t talk much.” Julian coughed, trying to hide his face by turning away, “believe me, it’s hard to maintain such an aura of mystery once you open your mouth.”

Portia’s hands poised themselves in front of herself again, looking him directly in the face with just the faintest of a smile. “Hmm. Maybe he was just quiet around you? You’ve got a real bad habit of doing the talking for everyone, Ilyushka.”

The awkwardness in the air had been broken and already Sarah could feel her spirits rising back up with confidence. Things were going to be okay. They could recover from a slip-up even if it did happen. Which with any luck it won’t. The ever-growing silhouette of the palace grounds had reached their peak. Portia takes in a long inhale and holds it, squaring herself out… only releasing as she roughly pushes forward against the gigantic main doors. There's a grinding churning sound as they open, like stone against stone, as everyone piles in before they close once more. Settling with a heavy ‘shhhunk’. Her figure goes loose for a minute, looking around in short searching head movements. “That’s weird… where is everybody?” It looks pretty deserted. Not even a guard behind the main doors? A relief for Portia maybe but seemingly not Sarah or Julian who look around sceptically. “So, uh, where can I take you first, oh great magicians?” she chirps sweetly, slipping straight back into her role as Nadia’s trusted servant. Speaking loud and clear as she would any other day.

Julian's eyes immediately narrows. A teasingly sly twinkle in them. "The bedroom, of course." Pausing a sufficient amount of time for Sarah's entire face to redden before continuing the point of his request. Seemingly happy with himself for garnering such a reaction. "Bring us to the room where the dark deed was done." His dramatic flare made Portia momentarily scowl while Sarah tried to forcefully wipe the darkened colour from her cheeks. Lucio's bedroom, he was talking about Lucio's bedroom, you stupid dipshit. The scene of the crime, obviously.

The halls are uncomfortably empty. While Portia and Sarah's cute little shoes were both quiet on the cold floor Julian's boots clattered with each step. Rather unfitting of his Asra illusion. The sound echoing endlessly through the halls. To Sarah's growing nerves each step sounded louder than the last and her mouth ran agonisingly dry.

Approaching the stairs it seemed something important was missing. It wasn't until the trio reached the top that Sarah remembered the usually so vigilant figures that guarded the wing. Lucio's hounds… neither of them were there, only adding to the uneasy emptiness of the palace. Her sudden curious searches had obviously attracted Julian's attention, as he too now seemed to have lost some nerve. "Looking for something?"

His words were carried so eagerly by the still air, forcing Sarah to take an unknowingly held breath and frown. Squaring her shoulders and pushing the anxiousness aside. "No. We're ok." They couldn't go getting worked up over nothing now, not after it all working to their favour. She should be relieved, not nervous.

On breaching the hallway of Lucio's wing Julian seems to shiver, brushing his shoulder off while glaring at the almost ashen coloured walls in vague unease. "Did you say that no one ever comes to these rooms anymore?"

Portia's tightly tied hair flopped from side to side messing as she shook her head. Eyeing the walls with the same expression of turmoil as her brother. "Nope. Never, in the years I've been here… nobody, if they don't have to. And when they do… Lets just say there are a lot of stories floating around downstairs. People have heard things. Seen things."

Yes… now that she was no stranger to. The ghostly visage of something white and needlessly angry plagued the back of Sarah's mind. She had seen it once or twice, both times having been lured to the malevolent apparition by the same dogs she knew regularly guarded the stairway. A wispy almost drowned moan ripples it's way over the rafters as they reach the bedroom door. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Julian bristle from head to toe at the sound.

The door is… already unlocked. Portia leaning onto it with utmost caution. A heavy scent of dust and ageless preservation filling the air. The door, already ajar, is suddenly flung open. Accompanied by a sharp, floor shaking, crash.

The room is buzzing with activity! Positively alive with motion as servants scramble left and right to clean every surface in sight. The many years of layered dust, ash, and grime being scrubbed at and scraped away. Long curled smoke stains twirled up the back wall where the bed is. And standing beside the bed, with wide eyes and a commanding presence, is Countess Satrinava.

Her richly coloured pink-purple hair seems to bounce the light of the room away from her. Her finely defined jaw sets slightly as she glances from Portia up to Sarah and Julian with a flash of recognition. At once her surprise, which had been well hidden, was completely swept away. Replacing it was a calm and dignified half-lidded gaze. Enough to make Julian swallow as she spoke. "Portia, there you are. Hello, Sarah, Asra" she nodded just ever so slightly. The still-shocked trio nodding back in kind. "At last, we are tending to the ruin of this room. There have been a number of curious accidents."

Her eyes settle on Julian, still under disguise, and seem to deepen immeasurably. Though she cannot look to check, Sarah can feel Julian clam up and already knows he's choking on the sudden pressure. "I see you are back already. How went the search? I have trust in your reputable skills as a magician that it went smoothly?" Nadia asks who she thinks is Asra.

"Right, I am the majulian- magician here to… I ran into my apprentice, here, on the way out and she requested my help. To help you." He stammered, his entire face turning tense and caught off-guard. Nadia takes a calculated step in their direction.

Having recovered from not only the renovation shock but Julian's awful fibbing Sarah quickly jumps in with a smile. "I do apologise about not telling you sooner, Countess. Asra and I have been working together for a while." She smiles a sickly sweet smile, taking Julian's trembling hand in her own to hide his shiver.

Of course! Miss Nadia had already met Asra this morning! Else Portia would have had no way of finding her at the shop. His hand squeezed hers tightly, to the point of almost suffocating it, but she simply smiled as he opened his mouth again. "Yes, I, we, paired up while I was on a, uh, quest tooooo open my third ear. So I can better hear the spirits. Important for this investigation." Currently, the only thoughts going through either of their minds, looked a little something like-

'Oh my god, please stop talking, you're making it so much worse.'

But, to everyone's luck, it seemed the Countesses mind was preoccupied with other things. Gazing longingly over at a far wall. "I do wish we would have had more time this morning to talk, you look so different now, but you are indeed a stranger to me. Or do my eyes deceive me… it is terribly dim. Perhaps if that lamp was lit?"

Sarah's tongue felt like it caught in a vice as she bit down on it nervously. Was… was her disguise spell leaking? Or was she remembering Asra's appearance wrong? The questions made her nauseous as she followed the Countesses slender delicate finger. Up the wall to an old not yet cleaned sconce dripping with cobwebs. Hung high up, far out of reach, at least out of reach to light by hand.

She can hear Julian's throat Bob as he swallows hard once again. Her fingers tingling as she slyly puts her free hand behind her back. "Uh, lamp, what lamp?" He blurts hurriedly, pretending not to see it, only to receive a gentle tug at the hand.

Sarah looks to him with confidence swimming in her visible eye, the other hidden under long curls of hair. "That lamp." She gestures, squeezing his hand just enough to see the lightbulb in his head light up. As if rehearsed Julian's free hand flourishes in a quick nonsense gesture, a good visual distraction to Sarah's actual act of magic, as she tries to stare down the lamp.

A coil builds between herself and the target before it snaps. The sconce roaring to life but not before showering the Count's portrait below with lively sparks. A surprised "Oh my" escapes Nadia as Portia scurries for a nearby ladder.

"It's fine milady I got it!" Springing over to the portrait to deal with the smouldering sparks while they threaten to set the portrait alight. Julian allowing himself an expressive wince as all eyes are on the portrait as if awaiting the reveal of the damage. The loyal servant padding the portrait's face down with a heavy rag.

The slight chaos keeps everyone's attention. Everyone except Sarah. Something figuratively grips at the base of her neck and forces her eyes to wander from the scene. A shape, giving off malicious intent, is forming slowly out of drifting white smoke. Far off in the most decrepit, darkest, corner of the room. She feels herself stiffen; the grip she had on Julian's hand tightening very suddenly along with her chest. Though he doesn't turn in time to see what she sees, the vaguely shaped white trail suddenly rushing forward at great speed. Ramming into Portia's ladder

"My goodness, Portia!" Yelps the Countess as the ladder is wrenched out from beneath the redheads feet. Falling very abruptly down into Nadia's awaiting arms.

Julian stares for a moment, bewildered, before clearing his throat. "Ahem, so quick! That was a feat of amazing foresight, Countess. Almost as if you saw the future. You may have... abilities. In uh, in magic." Nadia's expression wavers from concern for Portia to curiosity about the disguised doctor. Gently lowering her most trusted companion safely to the floor before giving him a look Sarah did not much care for.

"I wonder. Perhaps when I am through here, I shall join you both in investigating." She hummed, eyeing them both as Portia jumped back into the fray.

"In the library! Investigating the library!" She looked as though she was more concerned about the conversation than what had just transpired only a moment ago. Bringing Nadia's cherry-red eyes back to her in turn.

"Ah yes, a perfect place to start. I believe you keep the keys." Her tone, unlike with almost everyone else, was always much softer when addressing Portia. There was no denying the two had a very cute chemistry between them. Viewing Portia through rose tinted glasses, not seeing her behaviour as suspicious as the 'two' magicians.

Portia's cheeks seem to glitter and spark as she recognises her own genius. An opportunity to keep the Countess busy while Julian and Sarah do their research with minimal interruptions. It would take a little bit of work, but nothing she couldn't handle. "I uh, yes, I… ahem. Follow me." As she motions to the hall door and pushes it heartily open all three followers trail through. Now slightly behind the Countess the Asra facade is dropped if only for a very brief moment. His face cracking into a wide stupid grin. Half-lidded confident eyes and bared teeth that nobody could replicate if they tried for a million years…

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The journey is short but it quickly feels like an eternity. The slightly strained look to Sarah's squinted eye giving Julian an uncomfortable feeling. She was starting to slip. The facade, the disguise, let loose a long curl of Julian's natural hair colour before she sucked roughly in through her teeth and returned it to white. Swallowing on occasion, trying not to bring attention to herself, she waited until the library doors were ahead of them to allow herself a quick flexing of her fingers. Quietly gripping onto the air and letting it go over and over to keep her magic in line.

The loud 'ka-klunk' of the library doors is quickly followed by a relieved exhale as the glamour vanishes. Returning Julian to his rightful appearance as himself in a dazzling warping of reality. Much like a stone being thrown Into a pond, his Asra disguise rippling in the air before dissipating. Leaving only the doctor's surprised expression. " Well, that could have gone worse. I may not know magic, but there's definitely something going on here. Something beyond my knowledge." He admits quietly, pacing back and forth before striking a confident air. Straight back to being himself. "Luckily for us, we're at the library. Let's see what we can learn."

As he immediately strides into action, bee-lining for the shelves, Sarah takes a moment to steady herself. A spell as simple as a disguise glamour shouldn't be so taxing, yet for the short period it was on him she feels utterly drained. Trying not to let it show as she heads for an opposing bookcase and begins to lead over the titles. Despite it being a place she would assume the Countess to frequent often the library feels almost… forgotten. A lot of the shelves are coated in a thin dusty veil that makes her nose tickle. One or two even carrying the faint scent of dampness.

Ah the library. She had been here before. Not long into staying at the palace, Portia had introduced her to the wonders of the library and it's many many books. There were many shelves and countless topics, from horse care to mythological theories, though very few had been touched in years. The rare couple she had interacted with stuck out like sore thumbs as each one lacked it's dusty coating and looked well maintained.

Taking a second to glance away from the shelves Sarah found herself just standing there. Watching Julian's fingers flutter over the books spines. Unwittingly she takes a step away from her own search to follow his, just a few paces behind. His creased brow and confident walk. There was something leading him through the shelves; an air of repetition as if it had happened a dozen times before. Picking up a few books without needing to read the entire way through their titles and slinging them into a cradled arm.

"All these books, and I kept going back to the same old… Just around that corner. I had a desk." He grumbles, seeming to follow an already established path. "It's coming back to me… it's close, at the back of my mind. I can just taste it." So thoroughly focused on where he was headed he hasn't yet noticed how curious his smaller companion must be. Turning a hard crimson once spotting her trailing behind him with a bright sparkle in her eye; like a lost dog trailing a stranger with a basket of bread. "You're… mad at me?" He asks curiously, much to her surprise.

"N-no! No of course not." She assures with a winded breath, still recovering from such a long usage of her magic.

But it doesn't seem to help much, a heavy sigh shaking up his broad chest. Staring past her. "You're not, huh?" He mumbles, seeming to already be beating something up in his frantic brain. "You know, Sarah, they do say there's such a thing as being too forgiving."

Her eyebrows fly up, not expecting the sudden almost disappointment in his statement before huffing childishly and crossing her arms. "I know you'd rather I punish you, but I don't want to. You've been doing that to yourself enough, I'll have no part in it."

Obviously also not expecting such a reply the red colour to Julian's face stays persistent as he stares at her with a slightly open mouth. Though it's quickly eclipsed by his single showing eye going wide. A sharp inhale cutting the conversation as he briskly shuffles, books in hand, past her to a large desk.

Ah… she knew that desk. After all spending time in the library means getting to snoop around undisturbed. That and she was originally hired to catch Dr.Devorak, not help him. The desk was cluttered and had a special almost unnoticeable 'normal' look to it. Unassuming would be the right word. It sat patiently and politely waiting for it's master to return with a dried up ink and quill on the side. Several notes scrapped to one side. "There it is, that's my desk." Everything must have fallen away for him as he leafs over the documents and pillages the drawers. Very clearly looking for something in particular.

Sarah manages to catch a few scraps as they fall off the desktop, placing them back on while giving each one a quick look-over with a fond smile. She had struggled to read these before, and still does now. The handwriting managed to shift from calm and cursive to loud incomprehensible scribbles. His wordless muttering is almost hard to hear over the rustling of old paper.

Though… she finds herself managing to deafen both intrusive noises. A note in her hand completely enveloping her attention. It wouldn't have stood out if it wasn't for the large drawing slapped onto the middle of the page. An ominously shaped beetle. There was no colour and yet an overwhelming sense of 'red' came to mind, enough so that she hadn't noticed Julian stiffen and still as he plucked something from an underside drawer.

His hand shakes, holding it tightly. A dark metal key with an almost slick texture. Like it was oily all over save for a large red stone in the eye. "Ah ha!" His abrupt and sharp bark jolts Sarah's shoulders. Bringing her hastily back to reality as the taste of foreboding remained in her mouth. "This is it. This is what was calling to me." He shook his head, long untamed locks of hair feathering out from the movement. "Don't ask me how I know, but I know. It's not any of these old scrawlings. It's this!"

He throws the key up in the air, snatching it back on the way down and shoving it into his coat pocket with a scheming glint to his silver eye. Catching Sarah off guard as he grabs her by the shoulders and swiftly pubs her with an adoring grin. "I'm one step closer. If it wasn't for you, dear Sarah, I'd still be two behind." He growls, sweeping her from the spot victoriously into his arms, only stopping when his nose is only an inch from hers…

An ear splitting cacophonous screech from the large stained glass window causing every bone in their bodies to buzz. Immediately springing to move, Julian pushes Sarah hastily into the nearest dark corner. His arms lightly quivering; she can see his throat bob uncomfortably as he stares at the window. Taking a slow and steadying breath, both of their faces flush as his chest presses up against her own. He looks… pretty embarrassed. Still a little jumpy.

"Just a bird. Sorry…" Sarah can feel herself shudder as his eyes travel down to meet every place they'd sandwiched together. Biting his lip with a grumble. "About everything. I'm sorry." His head drops with a look of askance. Closing his eyes as if looking at her would be too much to bear. "I don't know what I was thinking, rejecting you like I did. Temporary madness. It perhaps goes without saying that I find you… very, very attractive." The words make her mouth run dry. Trying discreetly to swallow. "Whether I'm destined to hang or not. And by some miracle, you see something attractive in me, too." He pauses only for a moment to bite at his lip before sneering. "But to what end? I pace, I drink, I tear my hair out. And still I don't know what to do. Sarah. What do you want me to do?"

He whines unhappily. The tired dark-circled eye alight and aflame with a passion she'd not seen in anyone before. The question, the whole speech, was overwhelming her in ways she didn't want to admit. Was it… fear? It couldn't be. She DID find him attractive and she DID want him to be proven innocent… the shaking of her arms and stiff dryness of her throat finally started to dissipate as she managed to breathe after what felt like an eternity.

She reaches up gingerly, placing one hand on either side of his pale face, entangling his hair in her fingers. Bringing his head down far enough to press her forehead up against his. The gesture easing Julian down from whatever coiled up state he'd gotten himself into. The library disappeared, giving way to a looming sense of calm. She could feel his grip on her shoulders slowly melt as he moved to wrap his arms around her head, tightening a softened hug as she swayed with him for a few moments. Sarah hummed quietly, finally breaking the illusion of comfort by pushing him back enough to stare up at his face with a ballsy smirk. "...Try to be quiet. We're in a library."

It worked, Julian looking abashed and finally loosening from his jumbled up position.

"So it is." He clears his throat, detangling his lanky arms and legs from the mad scramble he's forced them into. Patting the pocket with the key as if to check it was still there. "This key is coming with me. The key to everything, maybe. Now all I have to do is find whatever it opens..." He huffed, seemingly having moved on from their little 'moment.'

Sarah, too, was quickly forced out of her smug aura once distant sound broke the tension. Coming from behind the library doors. The two of them giving it a wary glare as general sound refined into what was clearly a set of voices. "AH! Milady! Finished up so soon?! That's a surprise!" Came Portia's comically loud and exaggerated shouts from behind the barrier. Nadia's composed and melodious tones waver through the library, but exactly what she says is too quiet to decipher.

In a sudden jump Julian tensed and responded like he had done the bird. Only now with a more serious intensity. Snatching Sarah's already held out hand on the way past as they scrambled to stash away amongst the awaiting arms of the library's shadows.

#Arcana #Arcana oc #Arcana Portia #Arcana Nadia #Arcana Julian #The Devil's due #arcana fanfic

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messymagician · 4 years

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I love Xan’s design for the mer!au ❤️

AH! THANK YOU!

I just finished a coloured version of her.

Again, I have to give credit to @glimmerblossoms for the octopus idea. I’d never have tried it without them.

#MOREEEE!!!#MOOOOORE!!!#yesssss #i love them #so colourful #Xan

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messymagician · 4 years

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Masterpost with some info on the mers I’ve drawn so far :3

#LOOK AT THESE LADS!#holy FUCK!#CASS IS SO GORGEOUS #JAX LOOKS BADASS?!?!?!#ILYA AND ASRA ARE FUCKING BEAAAAAAAANS #Seriously this trend is amazing and Nav is amazing go check out their stuff please for the love of the gods #I'm so blessed to be a part of their au like bruh #mer!au #arcana #the arcana oc #Nav #droid

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messymagician · 4 years

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This mermaid AU is my absolute favorite fandom trend we've had! I'm tagging @arcxus-of-altihex and @hypotheticalandroid and @messymagician, my sweet merm peeps! 🧡

#Look at her!!!#i love her striped arms omg #what a bean #the arcana oc #3rrol #mer!au

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messymagician · 4 years

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the mer!AU has been going around the Arcana fandom very quickly. ;w; my friend @arcxus-of-altihex and @hypotheticalandroid have their characters all drawn and and Nav asked what type of Merfolk Sarah would be! :D I decided on a Sea turtle! Unorthodox? Absolutely. But I thought it’d suit her and I somehow managed to pull it off. (Y’all’s first look at Sarah and it’s as a merperson XDD my art priority is a wreck lmfao.)

#my art #Arcana Sarah #mer!au #her fins were caught in a net #that's what those scars are #<3 i had so much fun doing it #thank you for asking me Nav!!!

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messymagician · 4 years

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The Devil’s due

Sarah (Arcana OC) X Julian (Arcana) Follows the main plot story, with changes. Just shy of 4k words. ________________________________________________________________

Chapter 5 : Salty and bitter.

A gentle touch to the shoulder made the rather scruffy-looking magician grumble and gripe from her sleep. Scrunching up her little round nose as quiet chuckles roused her awake. "Mrrrrrmmmm…. What year is it?" She sighed sarcastically while lifting both palms to her face to squish the sleepiness from her eyes. Yikes she felt awful. Not mentally, just physically. Her knees were stiff and it felt as though both of her eyes had been left dry all night.

"I'm going to be heading out, I wanted to give you something before I leave." Asra soothed quietly, enjoying the sight of Sarah's almost childlike waking grumpiness.

It had been longer than he could remember since he'd had such a sudden connection to someone. But something about her… it was familiar. In the best possible way. Like being wrapped in a warm blanket that reminded oneself of home; watching her little mannerisms felt like a long lost pass-time.

Her drowsiness setting aside eased him back into the present, taking her hand to deposit something small but sturdy into her palm. Standing up and throwing a long shawl over his shoulder. "For the shop. You're welcome to stay whenever you need to."

She didn't have much time to both process his words, investigate the item, and thank him so the latter fell to the wayside temporarily. Flipping the chunk of metal over in her hand before the light morning blindness set aside and she could clearly see what it was. A key. Chunky and unpolished.

Oh wait, this is a key to here?! Her mouth opens to object but the front door clicks downstairs and as she quickly scans the room for Asra it seems he's already outside. Leaving her sitting with her legs dangling off of the spare bed for a moment. A key to the shop. Wow. Her meltdown yesterday must've really had some kind of impression huh. She huffed through her nose, struggling out from under the covers.

It looked like it was just past dawn. Not quite midday yet, the sun still hanging low in the morning position. A few flocks of pigeons sat softly cooing to one another on the opposing roofs outside. She stretches out, feeling her shoulders pop, before getting up and immediately going to explore the shop. There are so many cool things to look at, most of which totally blew over her head last night. She fumbled down the steep staircase and dropped the last two steps in one jump, feeling the last of her dopey waking-up brain finally turn its lights on.

The sweet smell of tea and cinnamon from last night has faded. Leaving a colder, but much fresher, air in the room. Her stomach rumbled hungrily but it was eclipsed by eager out-loud reading of ingredient bottles stored behind the front desk. "Ground amethyst, acorn tops, charmed writing quill ink, powdered pearls… Asra must have collected these himself." She mumbled to nobody in particular while turning a vial of melted lavender buds over in her hands.

An indeterminate amount of time had passed. Sarah, totally lost to the exploration of the shop's inventory, was startled by a loud knocking at the front door that made her jolt upright directly into the shelf above. Smoothing down her hair shortly after with a grumble. A customer? But she's not the store owner. Should she let-

"Sarah? Are you here? It's Portia- milady said that the other magician had you here last night-" a wave of relief made her eyes almost roll at Portia's little voice coming from behind the door. Briskly jogging over to pull it open, seemingly to the curvy woman's only brief surprise. "So you are here, I owe that new guy some money." She sweetly sings with a bright look to her rosy face. Portia was a lovely little hard worker, around Sarah's height but with just an absolute mountain of messy constantly curly hair tied back behind her head. If she didn't know her and Julian were siblings she probably could've guessed based on their hair alone. "We need to talk…"

"God, don't remind me. Julian was saying that all day yesterday." She cringed, stepping aside to let them in. Her words seemingly slipping Portia's mind as her little eyes got temporarily distracted by the sights inside.

"Wow, this is what the shop looks like? He wasn't lying huh, it really is a place for magical doo-hickeys." Her hands brushed along a crystal ball before she shook her head quickly and moved onto a long cabinet of herbs.

"...You said we needed to talk?"

"Oh! Sorry, Sarah. You're right." She swallows, placing a hand at her hip and cocking her head. "Milady wanted me to come check up on you. Um, see how you were doing on the investigation. You know with Ily- ...Julian." her cheery demeanour seems to diminish. Melting at the heavy weight of her love for her brother and her duty to Countess Nadia.

Sarah felt a sting of guilt and pity. This poor girl has Julian of all people as a brother. Being hunted down must be rough on her just as much as him. "Do you want me to catch him?" She asks gently, watching Portia's expression widen after being caught off guard.

"Me? Why would that matter?"

"He's your brother. And if Nadia catches him she'll…" The words struggle to come out. The both of them feeling sickly at what they already know is coming. "...He'll be hanged. Portia, are you really ok with that?"

"I-.... No. Are you?" She asks back innocently. As of trying to gauge Sarah's affinity toward her brother and her job.

But the answer was clear even to a blind man. Her brows pinching and turning up in mild worry. "No."

The previous unease in Portia's shoulders evaporates along with a long low breath. Like the concern never existed, a bright smile pierces her freckled cheeks. "Great! So we're partners then." She winks mischievously. Putting a smile back on Sarah's face too.

"Partners?" She echoes back as Portia's hair flops to one side over her shoulder

"Well, we both want the same thing. Right? You don't want my brother to die. I don't want my brother to die." Hmm. That is certainly a way of putting it. Though Portia quickly rolls her eyes and looks fed up. "Now we just have to make sure my brother doesn't want my brother to die."

"We need to get him out of the city." The little Devorak starts, placing both hands comfortably in front of her in a streamlined way. "As long as he's in Vesuvia, he's in danger." And as much as the plan sounded good something gnawed irritably at Sarah's ankles.

"Is he really going to let us help?" She asked uncertainty, watching Portia pout enough to give her an answer without words. If last night was any clue, Julian wasn't easy to just 'help' without getting some fussy kickback.

"Sounds like you're talking from experience." She griped, watching Sarah's chest heave in a long sigh.

"I am… last night-"

"Last night?" Portia quickly interjects, shushing her own surprise with pursed lips. It seems both siblings have a knack for trying to carry the conversation. It made Sarah smile a little despite the topic's contents.

"Yes. He… kept distancing himself. Trying to get me to go away, saying he needed to do things alone…"

Portia nodded firmly, rolling her eyes and flipping a small curl of fiery hair out of her face. "That sounds like Ilya, alright. Let me guess, he said it was to keep you safe?" Was he like this to everyone? Both his sister and the mysterious wizard, Asra, seemed to already know what would have transpired during last night's outing. It only made her more irritated that she fell for it and didn't fight harder.

A soft look of recognition passes Portia's blue eyes. "He used to do that to me all the time when we were younger. Never let me handle anything… Always shouldering someone else's burdens, while lamenting how heavy the load is." A short pause let Sarah giggle at Portia's dramatic body language when pretending to be 'faint' from dragging the world's problems around. "I mean, it's nice to hear he's still my same brother. And now that I'm older, maybe I can finally help carry that weight. Ilya needs people he can rely on…"

A spark intertwined between the two as they locked eyes. Some form of eager anticipation almost palpable in the fabric-scented air as Sarah pulled up the key to the shop and Portia grinned firmly. "He might need you. So let's go find him."

"Do you know where he went?" The obvious tone of both quiet challenge and mild intrigue made Portia head for the door. Already knowing that seeking out this Magician was a very good idea… for everyone's sake.

"I think I might know where he is. Follow me."

___________________________________

A heavy scent of booze and old wood filled Sarah's lungs as the tavern door swung open with little resistance. Inside was well lit with candles that hung in old bird cages from greying ropes. Several very plain and very old looking metal tankards clapped against grainy wooden tables. The atmosphere seemingly inviting them in, a little prepared for trouble.

Low-grumbling murmurs and hushed conversations made the air feel alive. A big, almost stereotypically, burly man behind the bar stood cleaning his mugs. Only stopping for a moment to nod their way before going back to his work. Oh yeah. This is absolutely the place.

Portia also seemed sure Julian would be hiding out here. A firm and unshakable look of certainty to her blue eyes. "Trust me. I know my brother. He'd definitely hang at a place called The Rowdy Raven." Her round elbow jabs playfully into Sarah's side, which she returns with a small nudge while their eyes scan the room in opposing directions. A semi-hidden spark of auburn forcing Sarah to double-take in it's seat. Sighing as she puts a hand on Portia's shoulder to get her attention.

Julian. Slumped drearily over a table with his face obscured by a thick tangle of indescribably frazzled hair. A tall glass mug in one hand and several more littering the table. All but the one he's loosely holding onto are empty. "Oh boy." Grumbles Portia from behind Sarah's arm. "There he is. Listen, when he gets like this, what he really needs is a good boot to the ass. You want to deliver it or should I?"

"A boot to the ass." Sarah repeats, with an almost cute scrunched up expression. As if she was trying her damnedest to look angry. Oh boy did she have the boot, she just had to stop feeling sorry for him first. He did this to himself and now they were going to drag his sorry boney butt out of it!

"Alright, you're up then." With a final pat to the back Portia let Sarah approach first. Clearing her throat as loudly as she could manage while crossing her arms to look bigger.

"Julian."

The semi-wasted man seems to jump a tad at the sound of his name being addressed so clearly. Almost dropping the slightly swaying cup in his hand while hauling his forehead away from the table. Looking up with an obviously not quite focused eye. Dazed for a moment before it shot wide open. "Sarah!" His speech was a little fumbled. But then again…. When wasn't it? "You uhhh- you're here. In the Raven. In front of me." There was a note of unprepared disbelief before he could straighten a little more. The collar of his white flowing shirt crooked on one side. "What, uh. What are you doing here?"

"What are YOU doing here. It's the middle of the day!" Portia barks from behind her now taking point to Sarah's right.

"It's never too early for a glass of Salty Bitters. Bartholomew makes a grand one. Barth! Hey, Barth!" Julian yells over the barely talking crowd, making Sarah's cheeks go red with embarrassment. "Two more bitters, would you?"

"Julian!" She whines, quickly re-centring his attention on her. "This is stupid, you're liable to be caught, acting like this."

He sneers cockily, only making her frown. "Caught? Me, caught?" Though within a matter of seconds it dissolves. Leaving only a sad mope. "Mmmm. Good. I deserve it." Just as fast as his mood changed before, it swiftly changed again. Clearly influenced heavily by the bitters. Throwing his arms out in a dramatic fashion. Backhanding a chair on accident that wobbles precariously before settling back down. "You must be relieved. Even if you weren't last night, well. Just look at me now, hmm? I'm all…. I'm all washed up. You'd better get out of here, before I drag you both down too."

Armed with the hindsight of last time, and both Portia and Asra's unsurprised reaction to the story, Sarah feels her crossed arms tighten. Not this time you sad sack of fermented leech juice, she's not going anywhere. Sarah wasn't about to walk out on him drowning himself in drink and dramatic sorrows while he gets arrested. "No."

"I- er, what?" He spluttered, having almost put the mug back in his mouth to drink. Staring at her in disbelief.

"We aren't leaving." She reiterated firmly, glancing over to Portia who gave a small hidden thumbs up to relieve her tension.

Julian looked positively stunned. Sitting in confused silence for a while before groaning and flopping his head noisily back down onto the table. Pressing his cheek into the wood grooves while his eye closed. His voice now partially muffled and very quiet. A reluctant retry at the same shtick. "I don't want either of you two tangled up in this mess. I can't be the reason you get hurt."

"Oh drop it already." Sarah lowered her crossed arms, knocking Portia's shoulder as a signal to chime in.

"We get to decide that, Ilya, not you! Stop trying to push us away."

"I-" His cheeks flushed red beneath the mop of hair where his face was. Lifting back up to look at them both in a dry-mouthed stupor. "Well, you both came all this way…" turning the charming less serious act back on with a mild smile. "Why don't you pull up a seat? Take a load off. Have a Salty Bitters. They're disgusting………. I've had five."

His admission of guilty drinking was almost funny. Given any other situation, Sarah would have likely found that statement hilarious and joined him. This, however, was not the time to sit and wait. "Well… we have two options. We can either spend all day here, crying into our drinks-" She gestures down at his mug with her head, raising her brows a little despite the half-lidded glare underneath them. A quiet 'you should they're delicious-' mumbling from Julian as she continued. "Or we can find out the truth, and discover what really happened."

Before any answer could be made Portia jumped in with her own. "Or, third option, we get Julian out of town and figure the rest out later!" She squeaked in mild distress. Obviously not trusting either of them to keep Julian out of trouble enough to make sure he's not caught.

He sighs, running a glove up through his mess of hair. "I can't just run away, Pasha. I tried it before, didn't turn out so well. It's time to face the music.

Looking exasperated, Portia rolls up her sleeves. "Fine, fine. So, if you didn't kill the count. Someone else must have, right?"

Julian's already red face seems to only get redder before he settles down. Trying to think through the hazy fog of one too many Salty Bitters. "I'm, I… didn't actually think about that. Either I did, or there's another killer on the loose." His charmed smile comes back after a moment. Considering the two little dumpling women in front of him with a silent hum. "Which is…. Bad. It's bad, if there's another murderer out there who isn't me." Catching his slowly rising concern with a side of sarcasm. "Though let's, uh. Let's be clear here. All signs point to me."

"If you mean signs as in; the fact you confessed, then yes. But other than that…. There …. Isn't really much evidence at all when you think about it." Sarah's hands lower from their crossed guard, landing squarely at her hips. The candle lanterns above, and quiet Rowdy Raven style music coming from a small band in the corner, threatening to unravel her seriousness with it's bubbly attitude.

Portia jumping back in as she leans over the table. "We still don't know that, Ilya! Shouldn't we find out for sure?"

He sits in relative silence for a moment. Eyeing the two troublesome pains in his ass. "I suppose we should. But …" finally the tenderness in his shoulders. A sparkle of victory lighting up his verbal assailants eyes. "...I don't think I can do this on my own."

Yes! Finally! If only she'd tried this last night. Though, Portia was a huge help too in getting him to back down. Both of their satisfied blue eyes met for a minute before they were grinning from ear to ear. "It's a good thing you don't have to, then! We can all figure it out together." Sarah's voice was restrained from being a shout, but she was clearly very excited.

Portia interrupts once more, a hand to her lips in thought. "So, if we can't get Julian out of the city yet, what's the next step?" She asked with a little shrug. The loose shirt she wore slipping off of one of her shoulders.

Oh. Yeah. The plan was to get him out of town. They'd discussed it on the way here… but it seems that plan has quickly changed course. Sarah mulled over their options in silence, running through a few scenarios before nodding firmly. Julian's life and freedom was now hanging from a rope, like before, only now there were steps underneath to get him out safely. But how to reach them… what would be the first action to take in proving his innocence. A frustration settled in the pit of her stomach, realising that every which way this happened they would need both Julian's lost memories as well as him being in the palace. A place not easy to get into if you're well known for murdering the count.

With a reluctant wave of her dainty hand Sarah curled the nearby lantern smoke into a quick visualisation of the palace. Much to Portia's poorly hidden delight at the sight of magic but underlying worry on realising where it was. "We should start at the scene of the crime." She roughly pointed to the palace's smoky form. Her ocean eyes narrowing on where she knew Lucio's wing to be. "It might help jog Julian's memory."

Julian opened his mouth ready to point out the glaring flaw in that plan but Portia beat him to it. "It won't be a problem for us, but how will Ilya get into the palace undetected?" She whines, thinking Sarah hadn't planned that far ahead yet. "If someone sees him it's all over."

Admittedly the how of this goal was still slipping her mind. She tried to look reassuring while searching the wood train a in the table for clues before a little candle lit up in her head. If they saw Julian he's as good as toast. But what if…. They didn't see him specifically? What if he… didn't look like himself. Her brow creased with uncertainty. It was a risky spell to perform but she knew she could do it. She had used the spell a few times before… but couldn't quite remember when. "I know some magic…. That might help with that." She squinted, mulling it over before feeling a front confidence pickle at her sides. "A spell to disguise him, make it so that we can walk in without him being recognised."

"What, you mean I'd become another person?" Julian's hair bobbed with his dramatic head movement. Looking up at Sarah and finally letting go of his mug of leftover bitters. "But who would I become?" The question was a dreaded one. She needed someone relatively unknown but in her memory strong enough to look right. Not only that, but they needed to have a logical reason to be travelling with Portia and herself.

A single person came to mind. As much as she didn't want to betray the kind strangers trust so soon after meeting them it's the only conclusion that made sense after several mental retakes. She bites her lip uncomfortably, looking discreetly at Julian's sleeve while debating whether she should tell him who she had in mind. They seemed to know each other, he had guessed Julian's entire talk with her last night… "I can only think of one person but… let's change you outside. Out of sight." Sarah cringed, already feeling her fingertips tingle.

Moving the off-kilter doctor proved to be a hassle as he tried quite valiantly to stay upright. Swaying this way and that, occasionally tripping over his own long boots as they all went outside. The crisp air was clean and cold compared to in the Rowdy Raven but it was a very welcome breath of fresh air. The sky was nice and blue now that it had hit midday. The tumbling trio scuttled away to a damp corner. Dark and out of sight, exactly as they had been looking for.

Sarah felt her nerves knot and twist as the disguise spell came to mind. Taking a deep breath to centre herself and closing her eyes. She just needed to see him… the cloud like fluffy white hair. His shining purple gaze. The ever so slight golden tint to his skin. She could almost smell the shop again, hanging from his shawl. Not wanting the vision to fade she quickly fumbled into her pocket for a handful of indescribable powder. Grey and unassuming. Before blowing it directly at Julian.

The powder shifted in the before shimmering like glitter and fading. Settling onto his scrunched up face as he avoided inhaling for a second. It…. Worked. He didn't look like himself any more. No blood red hair, no silver moon eye…

Portia seemed staggered by the sudden change for a second, staring with vague familiarity. "Ohh, who's that? He's handsome!" She gasps, watching her tall brother twist and turn to try to see himself. Though it seemed to him nothing looked different. Only to them… "What, what? What do I look like?" After fruitlessly trying to spot the change he scuttled deer-legged over to a nearby puddle. Dropping to his knees and peering in with wide eyes. "Oh my god." He stares, stiff, at the image reflected back at him. Asra. Looking exactly as Sarah had seen him this morning. "I'm definitely too drunk for this."

Sarah had to hold her face on seeing his wide and very unwittingly dumb grin on Asra's pretty face. Only managing one surprised snort before shutting herself up to prevent giggles.

#Arcana #Arcana oc #Arcana Portia #Arcana Asra #Arcana Julian #The Devil's due #arcana fanfic

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messymagician · 4 years

Text

The Devil’s due

Sarah (Arcana OC) X Julian (Arcana) Follows the main plot story, with changes. 3.5k words. ________________________________________________________________

Chapter 4 : Distance.

Sarah’s hands swing consistently at her sides with each step. The salty fragrance of the shoreline tickling her nose and leaving a taste in her mouth. Julian, who was only a few beats ahead, looked like a distant tower. His long squared coat and cloak creating the illusion of him being bigger than he really was. She winced as he lightly kicks a pebble away from his path, surefire proof of the theory kicking around in her head. He was getting frustrated at something.

Even the approaching soothing visage if the pier didn’t feel like much of a safe haven as their walk began to find a conclusion. His boots, lit under the twilight by purples and blues, stopped abruptly. The sound of footsteps fading, leaving only gently crashing waves. It might have been peaceful if it wasn’t for the elephant in the room- Julian’s ‘talk’ that he still hadn’t succeeded in having yet. The tension was palpable and it tasted like awful rotten wood.

Eventually, after a seemingly timeless pause, he takes a deep focused breath. Glaring out to sea at the rising moon with a determined glint in his shadowed silver eye. “Feel that breeze… nice night for sailing, don’t you think?” Flashbacks of their meeting at the aqueduct seized Sarah’s mind. It was the same premise. Meaningless talk only to delay the inevitable. She steps forward, lightly placing a hand on his wrist before retreating it back to her chest as if trying to free him from the wall he was building around their conversation. “We uh… need to talk. We’ve, uh. Needed to talk all day. I guess I was enjoying myself too much to take the plunge."

Knowing roughly what he was about to say, she smiled kindly. Allowing for her long dense hair to drag slightly in front of her eye. "Julian… What’s wrong?” Her tone is strained and dark. Already knowing the answer gives it a sense of defeat.

He snickers, sneering out at the clouds, “lots of things. Too many to count. Give me a number, and I’ll tell you it’s too low.” The humour doesn’t manage to outweigh his word choice this time. “I’ve done the calculations. Thought of every possibility. Run through the scenario in my head over and over… There’s only one way I can see this whole thing playing out. And it’s not a happy ending.” He grumbles, crossing his arms and gripping uncomfortably tight at either side. The slight creak of leather accompanying his next line. “Isn’t it better to cut things off at the pass? To spare you the trouble of a tragic ending?”

She could almost feel her nerve endings lighting up at the abrupt statement. Staring at him with a confused expression that below harboured anger and sympathy locked in a ferocious battle. Though he cannot see it as he is just looking away… looking as if he’s going to run away. Her thoughts wander and lash out though she manages to keep some composure. Tensing and relaxing her hands repeatedly like trying to grip onto reality and keep it steady. “…You weren’t going to get a breakfast this morning. Were you."

"Erhm. Ahem. No. I wasn’t.” He flushed red, even less sure of what to say than before. Deciding despite all efforts to be vague, to admit to something for once. “…I may have panicked. A bit. I would never have just left you, though. Even if I wanted to.” A similarly confused and conflicted look crossed his face. Finally taking a glance back at Sarah with mixed ambitions. “…I don’t. Want to leave, that is. But I just don’t see how else this can go?”

He looked lost. Oh so lost. Lost for the right words, lost on what to do. Like he truly couldn’t find even the smallest semblance of a future where pushing her away wasn’t an inevitability. He breaks eye contact and drops down in defeat at the edge of the pier. Dangling both lanky legs over the edge. The heels on his boots not breaking surface tension as they drifted back and forth, just barely touching the waves.

Sarah hesitates to move. But eventually relinquishes control to the urge to at least try and salvage the situation. Awkwardly lowering herself down to sit beside him, making an effort to see that her shoulder was up against his arm. It didn’t take much effort considering Julian leans onto the contact. Seemingly wanting it despite his words.

There’s a light silence. Broken only by the occasional lapping tide. Until eventually he moved again, pointing a long gloved finger out over the water to a distant silhouette. An island a while out on the horizon line. “See that island? It’s called the Lazaret. It’s where the city sent their infected, during the height of the plague. A perfect monument to my failures. Always visible from the shore, always reminding the city of how much it suffered.” He grimaces, as if just looking at it was burning holes along his skin. The reflection of the moon no longer bouncing off of his shining eye as it hid behind thick clouds. “Every death, every body burnt in those pits, is another mark against me. And there are so many marks…"

She goes to interject. To say that the past is the past. But he continues. "I don’t want to drag this out, Sarah. This… whatever it was, whatever it could have been. It has to end. Before it’s too late for you.” He huffed, almost smiling, though she knows by now it is a hollow and forced smile. “I’m only going to end up hurting you somehow. I know it.”

She hasn’t realised it until going to speak but her jaw was taught and teeth were being gritted against one another. Her reply came in one note and one only, “I’m not afraid of pain.” Stubbornness.

“You shouldn’t be so cavalier with your own safety, Sarah.” To hell she shouldn’t. The reply would only add more fuel to the well lit fire.

“I could say the same to you. This? This isn’t healthy, how many people have you pushed away?” She snapped back angrily, watching him open his mouth.

“I’m only trying to protect you-”

“I don’t need protection.”

He sighs in exasperation, watching every word only rile her up more. “It’s all I can offer you. I’m not a good man, Sarah. The things I’ve done… I did something unforgivable. I must have. Where else does this pit in my stomach come from? I wont have you come down this path with me. You deserve better than that…”

Nothing he’s saying has anything to do with their relationship. Regardless of how he might think it’s relevant. It’s exactly as she had feared. 'I’m dangerous.’ 'I’ll hurt you’ 'you deserve better’ 'I don’t know what I’ve done’. None of that really expresses how he feels about her. It’s been a short amount of time, she can give him that, but surely there’s something forcing him to push her out….

Her anger finally boiled over. Like a teakettle the bubbles and whines have already come out and hissed on the fire. She opens her mouth to speak but swiftly closes it again. The lack of response earns her a quick side-eye from Julian before he looks back out to sea and misses her getting up. Dusting herself off. He’s clearly very set on verbally fighting her so she lowers her weapons in defeat. “Fine. I’m going."

"Listen, Sarah, it’s not you it’s me, I- Wait, what, you’re leaving?” He blurts, brows thrown upwards on watching her stand up and prepare to walk away. He scrambles as the wooden planks, getting up in a manner of moments before hurriedly reaching out for her hand… But managing to stop himself before they can touch. Immediately attempting to salvage his composure as he retreats back to himself. “At least let me walk you home. It’s dark, never know what scoundrels are about in the shadows-”

She huffs, hiding sarcastic laughter, “What, like you?” The retort leaves a sting in her fingers and a lost look on Julian’s face. Understanding that her reaction may have been…. Strong, she rubs at the bridge of her nose sleepily and nods. “…Alright.” Despite the low blow he seems alright once she confirms he can take her home.

“We’d better get you back home before the guards start their rounds…” His expression says it all. The excuse is awful, her comment was awful, everything is falling apart.

His hands slide into his pockets as he leads her off the pier and through the streets. Heading into town with a hard frown and a gated step. Every so often either of them would go to speak … open their mouths and make an awkward face before shutting it again. She squints as they turn a corner and watches curiously as Julian- so sure of where he’s going- starts to lead her…. The wrong way. She’s too afraid to speak, thinking that anything she might say would only drive him away faster. Having recovered from her bout of outrage and already starting to feel the repercussions of her anger.

He leads her across a wide street to a little sweet looking corner shop. It has a small sign hanging near the door of a snake wrapped around a mortar and pestle. She doesn’t have much time to take it in before Julian turns to face her with a solid look of conclusion. As if this is where their story will end.

“Well… here we are. At the shop.” He barks stiffly before loosening and looking very unhappy. “…end of the line.” She can already feel a short story coming and winces knowing it’ll feel bad to hear. “When I came to Vesuvia I was seeking answers. Finding you… that was a rare treat.” His face snapped to a smile. Melancholy and bittersweet.

He reached a hand out to hold her shoulder… but hesitated to make contact as if unsure if touching her was a thing he was allowed to do anymore. She could feel her eyes welling but was too shaken to blink the water away. Then, briskly shaking his head, he steals a kiss from her cold cheek. The point of contact almost burning as it reddened under a blush. “Thank you, my dear. The time we spent together, however brief… It mattered to me. I won’t forget it.”

She’s left standing alone. A tear finally breaking the clean dryness on her face as it rolled down to her chin. Quickly followed by more until he was out of sight and her lip trembled. She felt a pressure in her head on trying to stop them from falling and must’ve looked awful after rubbing them away. Both eyes red and tired, dropping herself down onto the little shop’s stairs. Trying to bury her face under the mountain of hair that had draped forward to shelter her from the world. It felt as though she would sit there all night…

She was too caught up to notice the shop door lightly click open. A figure curiously following the sound to look down on Sarah’s hunched over figure. They looked like they could use a break… “Rough night?” He asked gently, trying not to sound imposing as the little lady jumped from his stairway warily. He had white almost opalescent hair and a kind air… no, more than just an air. An aura. Something about him forced the knots in her shoulders to give up entirely as she sniffled and ran a hand over her perky cheeks to rid them of the tear tracks.

“Y-yeah…. You could say that.” She mumbled back with a heavy heart. The stranger’s head nodded in understanding, pulling the door further open to stand in its arch properly. One hand on the door while the other rested at his hip.

“You look like you could use a shoulder right now.” He spoke in a light and almost humorous way. Clearly trying to ease her out of being so upset. “…Would you like to come in?” Inside the doorway she could see small glimpses of a warmly coloured front room. A sweet scent drifted from inside, which made her stomach turn with discomfort. Being so mad and sad in such a way had made her feel almost sickly. Two emotions she wasn’t very well acquainted with.

The offer took a while to register and longer still to make a decision on. The white haired stranger however seemed to have all the patience in the world and simply waited in relaxed silence for her answer. “….O-okay. Thank you sir.” His eyes seemed to soften at the reply, standing aside so she could come in.

The inside is honestly quite beautiful. A magician’s dream in some cases. Soft silk hangs from the ceiling and although the architecture seems bland it’s impossible to notice with all the colours lining the walls. It’s dimly lit with a few heavy candles along a glass counter-top. And a large almost potion bottle shaped lamp hangs down from the rafters. The glowing liquid inside sat still and undisturbed. She hadn’t quite realised what she was looking at until the loosely dressed stranger shut the door behind them and walked past in no hurry. “Sorry for the mess. I haven’t been home long.”

“You’re the magician.” She breathed between wide eyed gapes around the room. A soft scent of tea carried down from upstairs in wispy trails of steam.

His slight laugh at the statement forces a small speckle of colour to come back to her freckles. “I am. I’m a magician, maybe not the magician~ there’s always more to learn.” He stopped near a large curtain, pulling it open, and looking back at her with just the faintest hint of a squint. Clearly thinking hard before lighting back up. “And so are you…”

Sarah blinked slowly. This was him, the guy the baker always spoke of. The one who’s neatly transcribed notes she had been reading in the palace library for weeks. The name finally coming back to her in a flurry. “You’re Asra-” his cheeky attitude only seemed to get stronger after her recognition set in, just the barest parting of his lips setting a sassy smile.

“And by that long sunset coloured hair you must be Sarah. I’ve already been to the palace and spoken with Nadia about the investigation. In fact- I was going to look for you tomorrow…” He ushered her slowly into the back room. A cosy and warm table with surrounding seats welcoming her to sit down and get comfortable. Something she obliged in once he gestured out at them casually. “Seems fate wanted us to meet sooner!”

He laughed but her expression turned sour. Fate didn’t bring her here, Julian did. It only gave more questions than it answered, forcing a headache onto her already sore eyelids. “Are you alright to talk about what happened?” Asra probed carefully, watching her pick at the table in thought.

“I…” What would she tell him? What could she tell him? Her head swam and the steam drifting up from the tea she’d been given made her brain feel heavy and hot. “I’d rather not…”

His expression is strangely carefree, though she can understand he’s holding back questions of his own to make her feel more welcome. “That’s alright, you don’t have to if you don’t want to.” Their face was eerily recognisable despite this being their first meeting, and both of them could feel it. Like a lost memory echoed through the reflection of a foggy mirror. A silence between the two almost filled a hundred words and either magician felt different curiosities arise.

As she tries to hide a building yawn Asra’s eyes drift to the staircase outside the back room. Watching Sarah carefully sip down tea while it was still hot enough to be steaming. “I’ve read a lot of your work-” she started, pulling his attention back. “The palace library I mean.. A lot of the books have your notes in. I liked how you described trying to conquer water summoning. I could never get that right.”

“It’s all about visualisation and sensation.” He beamed, managing to look both embarrassed and thoroughly overjoyed at the prospect of his messy notes having been read through. “The way the water moves and feels… it’s probably my most honed spell yet- how about yourself, what form of magic are you working on?”

“O-oh, um-” her cheeks flush red, tapping at the teacup in her hands with sudden nerves. Asra was a real magician. She didn’t quite consider herself anywhere close to what her perception of his abilities were. As anxious as she was about it, the fact she could talk with another magic user properly was quite a breath of fresh air. “-I’ve got some… Empathic transkinesis. B-but I’m not great at using it yet-”

As ashamed as she was to admit to not honing one of her skills Asra seemed utterly engrossed. Leaning over the table with intrigue. A sparkling look in his eye. “Empathic transkinesis, now that’s an ability I’ve not had the pleasure of experiencing before. The mental projection of feeling and memory through contact, right?” She nodded shyly, watching his interest grow with tense shoulders. “Perhaps you could show me sometime~” Another look of all-knowing sympathy took over his deep purple eyes. “But not tonight. You look exhausted. I have a spare bed upstairs, it’s already fitted… would you like to rest?”

God what was it with her and not sleeping in her own house anymore. It’s a good thing she didn’t get homesick or the past few nights of adventure would have made her feel somehow even worse. She nodded, not wanting to walk home, and stood sluggishly as Asra led her away from the back room and up the stairs.

Something cold and smooth making her jump and it slithered up beside her leg.

“Friend?” It called, sending a forked tongue out to meet Sarah’s hand as she lent down to pick them up. A long slender snake of gorgeous lavender colour. Undoubtedly Asra’s familiar. “Yes, Faust. This is Sarah. She’s going to be sleeping here tonight.” He replies without looking back; beating up a rough pillow back into fluffy perfection after it had been left unattended during his trip away.

“It’s nice to meet you, Faust.” Sarah’s smile was bright, if a little tired, as she rubbed the snake’s chin with her finger, something the snake leaned into with glee. “Scritches!” It called out excitedly, making everyone giggle before the bed was fully made and Sarah flopped onto it with a long sigh.

“…Sarah…” Asra’s tone was… unnervingly concerned as she turned to face him and sit upright. Watching Faust the snake slither up onto his shoulder. “Faust tells me you’ve been spending time with Ilya…” She blinked. Unknowingly. “…Julian.”

Her heart squeezed at the name and immediately Asra could see her muscles tense up. “I… I was.” Oh gods was he mad? They did literally today get hired on this manhunt alongside herself… she hadn’t had any way of observing his behaviour towards the job yet and… oh man what if she’s turned in for treason-

“Was?” Was his only reply. Looking surprised and concerned. Focusing not on the fact she was 'hanging out’ with their wanted target and instead getting technical over praising. A sudden expression of understanding and sadness breaking his curiosity. “Ohhhhhh… No wonder you didn’t want to talk about it.” He sighed, running a hand briskly up across his pearly hair. “Say no more, I already know what happened. He decided what was best for you and wouldn’t listen even when you told him he was wrong….right?”

She sat in stunned silence. Where …. Where was he getting this from? And how was it so…. Accurate? “Probably right after jumping into a relationship with you. Featuring at least one dramatic speech.” Their serious tone faded to something just a little less so, smiling in that same eerily understanding way as he had before. “Knowing him, probably more.” Knowing him….. Knowing him! “Well?” He asked cheekily, smirking at the reality-shattered bobbing of Sarah’s mouth as she tried to formulate words. “How did I do?”

“H-how did you-” was all she could manage to scrounge up before he nodded quietly to let her fall silent again.

“I know Ilya. The only thing he loves more than drama is his own suffering. And he’s determined to chase both.” An overwhelming calm finally eased Sarah’s tense and aching muscles as she breathed out a long, steadying, sigh of relief. This was…. A surprise. Not an unwelcome one mind you. Knowing that Asra was… at the very least a neutral party and at most a friend to Julian was…. Very sobering.

She swallowed, looking from the floor to Faust and finally up at Asra. Almost more lost than before. “….Can you help me?”

“It depends on what you need help with…. But that look in your eyes tells me you already have a plan you want to use.” His half lidded glare catches a fire quietly smouldering at the back of her own. Pulling it forward like tightening a focus. “You want to go after him, right? I can’t stop you but… just…. Be careful.” With a slight wave of his hand the bedside lamp snuffs out. Faust slithers into his shawl and he turns to leave, hesitating at the stairs.

“Who knows? Maybe you can shake him out of his ouroboros of self-flagellation. Unlikely. But stranger things have happened. Just don’t hurt yourself in the process.” A note of finality to his voice She nods firmly.

The tears that had stained her face had been replaced with a determined sense of duty. She had to try. For Julian. “Thank you, Asra.”

“….Goodnight, Sarah.”

Whatever came tomorrow she was going to be ready for it. And she was going to get him to see reason, whether he was willing to listen or not…

#Arcana #Arcana oc #Arcana Julian #Arcana Asra #The Devil's due #arcana fanfic

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messymagician · 4 years

Text

Writers note; mod Medic here. Having a friend read over my writing is actually really helping a lot. I write exclusively past midnight so there's more than a few mistakes.

With any luck future post a will be better than before in terms of punctuation and grammar

#mod speaks #not arcana

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messymagician · 4 years

Text

The Devil’s due

Sarah (Arcana OC) X Julian (Arcana) Follows the main plot story, with changes. 2.5k words. ________________________________________________________________

Chapter 3 : Theatrics.

It's barely any time at all before their meandering stroll leads the troublesome duo to their destination. A small spark lights in Julian's eyes; a beaten up and scruffy looking shop sitting quietly beside the street. It feels old and weather-worn, the windowless walls already carry a small air is mysterious security. Sarah mused quietly to herself, intrigued by why a 'teahouse' would be so closed up. Though she had suspicions that this wasn't really the type of place Julian's prior description would actually be.

What once might have been a gorgeous display of fresco style art was now worn and dilapidated. The paint strokes having cracks following thin lines and heavy discoloration of their 'romantic' scenery. "So it is still standing." He barks almost triumphantly, making Sarah giggle silently in her head. "I used to come here all the time, back in the day. It was an irresistible spot." His looming figure leaning just a little closer over her hadn't gone unnoticed. "High ceilings, great ambience… little booths, tucked away~" The innovation to his words made her shrink; desperately resisting the urge to turn beetroot red by staring ahead at the building in fascination. "And underground. You could lounge around for hours, just talking. And we, ahh, I've been meaning to say, we do… we do need to talk"

Do they really? Haven't they been trying to talk all morning? Not that Sarah has had much of a say the entire day so far, including this morning when they had left the house. And 'Just talking.' Why did she doubt that? An enclosed space likely containing some form of purchasable liquor was bound to rile some folks up and attract the secretive sort. Though, just thinking about it, that does sound awfully Julian… a renewed sense of danger tingled across her shoulders but it wasn't a frightening flight or fight response. Eagerness, perhaps? A willingness to adventure let's say.

He pushes lightly on the wall and it creaks angrily open. Not sounding rusted or underused despite the aged appearance it held, no dust flying from its hinges. Julian ducked under a low wooden beam while Sarah merely needed to briefly raise a hand to make sure she didn't catch her hair on any rough edges. She squints in the dark staircase, eyeing Julian's gloves as he tries to pry open a stubborn-looking iron door. Eventually managing to get it to budge aside before putting a palm on Sarah's shoulder and leading her in. "After you, my dear."

The atmosphere is immediate and undeniable. While it's very dim it isn't badly lit. Lanterns hang from old ropes here and there while all around them drape loose moth bitten cloths. Alongside them, the ceiling sports long dropping fabrics of bold complicated patterning and design. There's a heavy air fighting between smelling comforting and smelling boozy. The actual walk space is narrow, Sarah's hands instinctively appearing up at her chest in anxious support. All around them sit strange and unique looking artifacts and random piles of what might seem like junk to someone who didn't know better.

Julian, pushing her ahead slowly, regularly stops her in her tracks to check around an upcoming corner. Each time he leans over her head She catches herself looking up at his chin, trying to figure out what in particular he's looking for…

It eventually hits, lighting a little bulb in her head. There are voices in here… as much as she tries to see the confined spaces and thin walkway make it impossible to tell where anyone is; though she's absolutely certain the place has other people in it. Julian's eye wanders from searching, down to Sarah's sweet if a little aimless look of confusion. "Well… this is all very unlike the way I remember it-" he assures quietly, not that she quite believes him. This place has his name all over it, from the awkward spacing to the dark but cozy atmosphere. "The place must have gone under… that's a shame." He sighs, heavily, a nostalgic look in his single lantern-lit eye. "They used to serve this smoky tea that I haven't been able to find since."

He sounds disappointed… yet keeps leading them further into the fray. More interesting items passing by as she finally takes note of a few to try and identify their use or origins. A big metal moon, clearly hammered together roughly, with a wise and timeless smile. Large swaths of fabrics laid haphazardly over a very high-backed chair. Many weapons, mostly a cluster of shiny tipped spears and a few open chests of assorted trinkets like messy feathers and old worn brass bells. "It seems to be some kind of… oddities… antiques… artefacts? Emporium." He drones out before she could say the same. "How embarrassing… it's still cozy though."

A hand had drifted idly down to her hip, which she hadn't noticed until he pulled just a little, tugging her closer. The raised brow and wide smarmy grin he wore made her snort; quickly covering her mouth from the awful noise and pushing him back away with faked anger. He goes to do it again when something catches his eye, causing it to widen. "Now what have we here…" Sarah, tracking his line of sight, looks over to a large mirror. The glass old and dusty, it's surface speckled with mold. And perched atop it… is a doctor's mask. Much like the one she'd watched him relinquish the night before.

He snatches it from its place, almost as if to hide it, while her perceptiveness catches sight of boots coming from behind the mirror. They too vaguely resemble the high leathery boots Julian has on, causing her brow to furrow. "What's this? It's not really a medical mask, is it?" He fumbles curiously to himself while examining the long bird-like apparel. Tapping its beak, peering intrigued into its glassy eyes, before flipping it over to look inside. "We used to stuff the beak with-"

"Herbs!" She finishes quickly, a sudden jolt wrestling with her shoulders. "R...roses and camphor…." Her voice is barely over a whisper but the initial outburst must have been of quite a surprise as Julian stares at her with a wide eye. "It's… not a real mask. The lining is too thin, and it wouldn't cover the face properly... Those eye holes are too ornamentally shaped-" her hands reach over to point out the flaws, leaving him speechless in their wake. Just staring at her for a moment before all the colour goes to her cheeks and snaps him out of it.

"Er- yes- you're quite right I… didn't expect you to know quite that much about…" He frowns down at the fake mask. Looking into its sightless gaze in silent contemplation before Sarah swiftly changes the subject, feeling her ears burn red.

"Can you hear that?" There's a brief pause, both straining to catch what she meant. "Voices…" Another silence...And then it finally catches up. She wasn't lying, there are for sure sounds coming from nearby. The previous conversation seemed to have derailed Julian's cautiousness; which was now back in full force. His whole body beneath the angular clothes that widen his frame goes unmistakably stiff. She was sure should his gloves have been off she'd see his knuckles grow white from the pressure they were gripping the mask with.

"Yes." He hissed back, a notch quieter than her inquiry, nodding just past a long drawn curtain. "Coming from…. Over there?"

The soft background buzz of idly chatter quickly cascades into a mournful wail. It gives both of them quite the start, but… something about it puts its sincerity to question. It was warbling and almost tuneful. Comically fake sounding and very over the top. "Sounds like somebody's faking it." He huffed, halfway between relieved and unnerved. Fixing the false mask securely over his face much to Sarah's surprise. As if out of habit, almost, completely auto-piloted.

Curling a free hand around hers he slowly holds the other up to the beak of the mask as if gently shushing her. Pulling her along towards the sound of the cries taking care to not knock over empty bottles that littered the floor. Towards a distant heavy-looking pair of curtains. They were drawn tightly, only a small gap, widening from top to bottom. Dust particles danced excitedly at the sharp beam of light coming through from the other side. Peering through, the source of the hysterical wails, from beside a heavily torn cradle on the other side, was… an actor.

Sarah's shoulders dropped at once, a heavy but silenced exhale of relief parting her lips. Taking a second to collect herself before peeking back through. The man too wore a mask, though very different from Julian's. Porcelain and only half-covering with exaggerated streaks of mascara that were smudged from 'anguish.'

"Wait up in my room? On my birthday?!" He mourned, loudly, "What do you expect me to do all night in here? Clomp around in my hooves? Beg the busboy for table scraps?! If I can't disgust anyone doing it, what's the point?"

"Oh my god." Breathes Julian, trying to hide his sneering expression with an even bigger grin. "That's fantastic, it sounds just like him." Him? She looked again out at the 'distressed' man, pouring his heart into the role of an angry, vengeful, and pompous bastard. Was that supposed to be...

"Count Lucio?" She whispered, still unsure of that answer, as Julian leant a little further toward the curtain. This must be a theatre! She didn't even know Vesuvia had a theatre. Even without word of it around town, the seats appeared to be absolutely packed with an audience. Laughing along to the cheeky dramatization of their former count. It seems to be quite a popular thing in this part of town.

"Well I'm glad to see the arts are flourishing. A renaissance may have begun while I was away." He cheered before looking suddenly quite stricken. "But… if this is about Lucio on his birthday then…. You don't suppose this is a show about the murde-"

Much like the rest of today Julian's thoughts never come to completion as everything goes wrong at once. The audience's roaring laughter is just barely outshined by a heavy sandbag that lands with a THUD between them, the curtains starting to close. During that same second the speeding rope quickly catches around Julian's ankle, hoisting him effortlessly high into the air like a deer caught in a trap. Sarah's eyes squeeze shut at all the sudden movement but when she dares open them again quite the sight is ahead of her.

Julian. Suspended upside down on stage in front of a silent crowd absolutely frozen for at least a heartbeat. She can see the split second it takes for him to plan his next move before he thrashes wildly. Wriggling like a snake caught by a bird; something small and shiny flying from his boot. Something he just barely has time to catch, a knife. With a hard grunt of effort he swings up to fold in half, only just managing to grab the rope at his ankle and swipe wildly, severing it- Falling clean out of the sky with a hard 'whump'. Not onto the stage. But rather Count Lucio's lap, the both of them looking mighty caught out.

"....Doctor Devorak! Here to cure my boredom!" The actor for Lucio cheers after a tense pause, rolling with the occasion despite its unusual nature. The crowd adores it, exploding into shrieks of laughter and applause, while Julian appears visibly nervous. Sarah can see his throat bob uncomfortably with a hard swallow.

Unable to watch, knowing he'll be more than embarrassed, Sarah backtracks immediately. Only getting a turn away before pacing densely back and forth without thinking. Oh my god what the hell just happened. Oh no he's going to die of anxiety-she should have done something about it! What would she even do?! Feeling jittery and suddenly confined she flees for the exit. Retracing their steps mindlessly in a speedy trot. Managing to get free of the building and immediately press herself against the stone cold mural of the wall.

Why would there be a play about the murder!?

That's awful. A real murder not even a made up one… and worst of all nobody has a clear memory or story of the event! She begins to pace immediately once again. Debating whether to run further away with a growing bubbling guilt. Luckily only a few steps into the pacing…

"Sarah, there you are. What a trip, I'm still one foot in the meta realm." Comes Julian's usual comedic attitude as he fumbles noisily out of the door. Clearly just a little disturbed by what happened. "Well… the good news is nobody seemed to think it was really me." He huffed, sliding some messy locks of hair out of his working eye. "Was the neighbourhood always this sceptical? Probably…"

Realising that even here, where he is comfortable enough to walk the streets, Julian is a wanted criminal Sarah's face goes pale and shaken. The sight makes his smile drop a little. "So that wasn't what I had in mind…. Let me try again." An exasperated sigh escapes her tired mouth before both of Julian's gloves take her hands and hold them steady. Looking forlornly down into her eye, obviously asking for yet another chance to go somewhere.

Her feet hurt and heart was still hammering unhappily, but she took a deep breath and squeezed his hands softly. "I'd like to head to the raven for a bite… If you'd be so forgiving as to join me?" Owwhhhh, her weakness. Being polite. She puts on a clear pout to let him know she's unhappy, one he responds to by looking fairly embarrassed. But…. She doesn't say no, instead rolling her eyes. "My treat, of course. And… after that-" His thumb brushed over the top of her knuckles, almost forcing her to melt on the spot. "A… nice walk down to the docks. How does that sound?"

"It sounds like you're buttering me up." She grumbles, though not aggressively, avoiding eye contact for a good minute. Perhaps it would be a good idea. a free dinner and…

The idea of heading home felt like something to avoid. The thought twisted her stomach. She'd only been around him a day and a half but already his chaotic aura had pulled her into so much… mischief. Besides the past few days nothing much had been quite as fun as today, even with the interruptions seeming annoying at the time on reflection they were enjoyable. "Alright… but I'm paying next time."

#Arcana #Arcana oc #Arcana Julian #The Devil's due #arcana fanfic

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messymagician · 4 years

Text

The Devil’s due

Sarah (Arcana OC) X Julian (Arcana)

Follows the main plot story, with changes. 4.5k words.

________________________________________________

Chapter 2 : Nightmares and distractions.

A creaking ‘ka-chunk’ gives Sarah quite a sudden start, flinching under an unknown weight as she slides out of bed and takes a moment to gather her bearings.

Where…. Oh! This was Mazelinka’s house. She and Julian had clambered in through her window last night. Her expectations of getting into trouble were fortunately resolved in quite a lighthearted manner. Mazelinka was an older woman, stout, with kind but well-worn eyes and a gap in her teeth. She’d come home shortly after they arrived and damn near beat Julian to death with a wooden spoon for breaking and entering instead of using the front door like a normal lanky idiot.

She stifled a snicker under a heavy yawn, remembering Mazelinka’s affectionate rowdy attitude with a groggy smile while leaving the bed behind the look outside. Her smile dropped only momentarily as more of last night came back in waves. The bite, the long run… and Julian’s mark. Not the murderer’s mark mind you, the symbol that had so feverishly lit up at his neck to take away her injury. Recognise your master’s handiwork… What did that even mean? She didn’t have a master, or at the very least, not one she could remember. A headache blossomed slowly through her forehead as missing memories angrily refused to resurface; leaving her to sigh and lean against the windowsill.

It was going to be a warm day by the looks of it… sunlight was just barely peeking over the distant horizon- a lot of its rays blocked by the surrounding buildings. Though a few special slithers managed to reach her and softly warm up her cold cramped up fingers. The smell of last night’s soup still runs freely out of the window. Despite all that had happened, last night was almost…. Enjoyable. She grumbles silently, stretching out an arm as the feeling comes back to her skin, blinking away the remnants of sleep.

“N-no- please-...” The voice makes her tense almost immediately. Confusedly running a hand up across her eyes before sliding slowly back towards the bed. Not reaching the curtain that surrounded it before he spoke again.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry- '' It was Julian. Though his voice was muffled and sluggish. A sudden thud of something heavy falling out of bed finally pushes her to move instead of stand and watch. Taking the heavy blanket curtain and pulling it aside as Julian’s head drops back onto the uneven floorboards. A tired groan escaping him as he lay tangled in the bedsheet with a far paler skin tone that she remembers. Sweat sticks a few unwary stands of bed-head hair to his face and he shakily gets back up and brushes himself off. Unable to hide the embarrassed expression on his face. “Oh uh… Sorry, Sarah, did I wake you? I didn’t mean to disturb you-” Without an immediate reply Sarah reaches forward to take his arm, unwrapping him from the bedsheet mess he’d managed to wriggle into, already knowing what is going on. A feeling of pity, or perhaps sadness, gnaws at her fingertips as he sits back down. Still shaking and unwilling to look up at her, as if looking away would somehow spare her the trouble of helping any further. Her eyes drift, trying to catch his but not quite succeeding until she takes a breath and gently sits down next to him. The mattress bowing only a little under her weight. “...Nightmare?” She asks, expression clearly anxious. He sighs, only meeting her gaze for a moment before loosening somewhat and staring tiredly ahead. “Yes I… was having a nightmare.” He mumbled, running a hand up across his forehead to brush aside his frizzy angry red hair. “Seems silly now that I'm awake. it wasn’t real.” The tone in his voice dips with strain, uttering ‘was it?’ under his breath as if seriously contemplating the question. Coming back to his senses on noticing the concern on her face and quickly clearing his throat of exhaustion. “Why are you out of bed?” Sarah frowns ever so slightly, watching him straighten up a little, pouting as he switched subject rather abruptly. “You were talking in your sleep… and you’re still shaking-” He just snickers and shakes his head slightly, cockily raising a brow. “Shaking? Me? Impossible, I'm a doctor, my hands are as sure as death and taxes~” The muse to his voice was strong despite everything. She reached out, planting the hand she had warmed in the sunlight onto his cold forearm. Confirming it for herself as he shivered a little despite hiding it remarkably well. The cool and seemingly unshakeable resolve he had was crumbling quickly. Trying to pull his arm away only for Sarah to keep her hand firmly rooted. “I told you it’s… nothing, it wasn’t real, I have no reason to be upset-” It sounded more as if he was trying to convince himself this was true than Sarah, a dark red tint finally breaking the paleness of his face to brighten it back up a little. She stares at him, and as he catches sight of the rattled look on his face in her eyes he sighs and looks away. “Can’t hide anything from those piercing eyes, hm? Don’t know why I bothered in the first place.” The bedside lamp flickered and danced uneasily. Somehow managing to look cold despite the warmth of the tiny flame trapped inside. “Do you believe in forgiveness?” “Forgiveness?” She parrots back, the look on her face almost makes his question look silly. As if it wasn’t a difficult choice in the slightest. Though it was out of left field she didn’t feel off-balance from such a question. Whatever was in that nightmare… must’ve done a number on his self-assured aura from last night. Mazelinka had mentioned it was hard to get him to sleep… He looked like a ball of stress from her view. Tense, shaken, unhappy… It was heart-wrenching to see after their lighthearted meal last night.

“Do you think… even truly heinous things can be forgiven?” He hisses. As if expecting her to say no or openly object he continues “Or are there some things you can’t come back from?” The hand on his arm tingles, an otherworldly sense whispering into both of her ears. Threatening to drown out his questions as they tried to convince her that this… expression was familiar. Like she’d been asked this a million times already. “You can come back.” She states, with a firmness not expected by either of them. It might not be exactly what she had wanted to say… some things really can’t be forgiven. But seeing him torture himself with the question was compelling her to at least try and ease his mind. Was this about… the count? The investigation is still ongoing and… as much as Sarah was supposed to bring him in as a guilty party… Some things weren't adding up enough for her to do so. Even for Countess Nadia’s sake, who had hired her to look into the case. She frowned sternly. “You can always come back.” Her repetition hammered the nail home, though Julian still seemed anxious and pensive. Looking idly down at the floorboards with his slender hands fumbled over one another in deep thought. “If I could just remember… then I would know. If what I've done is something unforgivable.” The words were like a string tying to previously frayed ropes back together. He’s missing something… Much like she was. Memories unwilling or simply unable to resurface. “And… if you have. What then?”

“I-” his reply catches in his throat, the question taking him off guard. A more settled expression eventually taking its place as he finds the right words. “If I can’t make it right… then I’ll take whatever punishment I deserve. Without question.” As if the dawning light outside had woken him finally he puts on a smile and snickers quietly to himself. “Well isn’t this a dour conversation. Ahh, don’t mind me Sarah. It’s just the sleep deprivation talking. Five cups of coffee and I'll get the pep back in my step.” His words strain as he stretches, arms up above his head with the cracking and popping of a few joints in his spine. He seems much less tense but she can still sense the nightmare’s harsh grasp on his throat and chest.

Watching him go to stand, a frown quickly replaces her blank expression of attentiveness, and she shuffles up onto the bed behind him. The mattress creaked and complained under her spry weight. She tugs herself over to the wallside of the bed, getting comfortable before tapping the empty spot beside her with a light ‘thump, thump’. A clear invitation to come sit. He opens his mouth and starts to protest but the pouty glare she gives him cuts it short, realising that no isn’t a viable answer. “Oh, erm. Are you… is this what we’re doing now? Well, alright-” He stammers, sitting back down on the bed before Sarah’s tiny hands pull his shoulders down onto her lap. He avoids looking at her for a moment, flicking distracted glares around the room, before finally settling and feeling his muscles loosen comfortably. She was… very warm. And soft. Like laying on a waterbed. Catching glances of her soft and reassuring smile as she ran a hand slowly through his messy hair. Eyes drifting shut at the sensation of the tangled mess being combed through. A long, tired, exhale escaping. “Relax.” She hushes, watching him tense up from time to time as if he’s about to leave. “Simmer down, you said it yourself, you’re tired.”

“R-right, sorry.” Big twiggy legs shuffle from over the bed as he wriggles into a better position, settled neatly against her stomach with a leg on either side. This would usually be uncomfortable for Sarah but knowing any interruptions would seize him back up prevented her from saying anything. Instead just humming pleasantly as he settles down. The slow bobbing of her abdomen as she breathes reminds him of being out at sea… the way the boat would swing and sway, and when he opens his mouth to mention it he’s cut very suddenly short. “You need to sleep. Don’t talk.” His chest wobbles in a silenced laugh, opening his eye only briefly to look up at her through the messy bangs. “...Thank you, Sarah.” He chimes, quietly, watching a small smile spread at the corners of her mouth as she kept her eyes closed and replied without hesitation. “You can thank me later, stop talking...” She likely would’ve giggled at the dumbfounded and pouty look Julian had given her if she could see it. Like a child being told off for staying up all night. But nonetheless… it was working. Time passes in a slow, steady moving, stream. The sunlight filtering in through Mazelinka’s cracked window frame slowly creeping across the floor and up the sides of the bed. The worries and questions shared by both exhausted minds staying unspoken as each in turn fell asleep for the second time.

A few fleeting hours crawl past until the dazzling light of morning finally manages to hit Sarah square in the face, causing a small inaudible squeak as she shifts to rub at sore eyes. A bittersweet birdsong feathering in through the ragged curtain. Though the birds cheery chirping seems to be the only trace of life left in the room besides herself. The bed empty but still warm, the indent of where Julian had slept still clinging to ruffled sheets and the aching mattress.

"Mezlinka?" She yawns, dragging herself from the comfort of the bed to breathe a deep breath of the passing morning breeze. No reply. Not from her or Julian, meaning the house is empty… Her mood was still high, however. Not dashed by the aching bruise on her side nor the lack of presence in the home. Tutting irritably at the shredded side to her clothes, a concern she hadn’t considered during their little adventure last night. “Oh, you’re, er, already up.” The voice accompanied a surprised looking face as it peered around a wall at Sarah who’d raised her hands defensively at the sudden intrusion. There was a tense second before she lowered her guard again, though the wide grin she gave Julian only changed his look of shock to a distant frown. Coming out from whatever backroom he’d been mulling around in with a sour air about him that made her joyful smile dip a little. “Listen, Sarah. We… need to talk.” Oh, man. That phrase was jarring, to say the least. In all the time she’d heard it said none felt quite this foreboding. She prepared for ‘the talk’, taking in a confident breath and nodding firmly. “Good. Good. But, er, not here…” His eyes drifted, a swift left turn away from the serious shade they’d just held that made her eyebrows bounce back up. Streams of golden sunlight trying furiously to turn the softly shaded tips of her bangs orange. “Let’s go to the market, shall we? More places to talk.” Taking a long, almost choreographed, step away to the front door. Opening it in a quick swing and gesturing to the world outside. “After you, my dear.” Her cheeks flushed with blood at the charming visage of his smile framed by little shining dust particles. Swallowing and trying to ignore it without seeming ungrateful for the offer, scampering delicately out of the house without much need to duck under the low doorway. Unlike him, who almost had to double over to slide out, making her giggle softly to herself. Having to keep herself from jumping as his arm gingerly hooks hers the best it can, leading her slowly down the cobbled streets.

It felt a lot less terrifying than the night before. At least the aqueduct did. Looking into it made her stomach churn, not so subtly pulling Julian away from it whenever they drifted closer with a glare like the crimson waters would jump out of the reservoir and attack them. Forcing an air of amusement from his clenched jaw, gently squeezing her arm and nodding ahead to distract her from the unpleasant feeling. The streets were unknown and confusing. It wasn’t often, if at all, she ever came down here on account of being preoccupied…. Elsewhere. This investigation had given her some freedom, and as of yet, she hadn’t figured out if that freedom was welcoming or not.

It loomed like a dark cloud, threatening to rain on her adventure, making even the warm air feel damp and unpleasant. The intrusive thoughts were swiftly brushed aside as she blew a large lock of heavy hair away from her eyes, shrugging both shoulders as if pushing off a coat hanging too heavily over them. Eventually, their walking leading somewhere not too different from the surrounding area. It still looked like a regular street, only there were hastily set up stalls and tent lines on either side. This must be a marketplace… though it’s not one she’s ever been to. Her curiosity is promptly dashed as Julian starts talking again. “Sarah… about that talk-” He stays looking ahead before blinking rapidly as if remembering something totally different. “Ah! Wait, I nearly forgot. First things first-” He hadn’t even started the initial train of thought and was already moving onto something else, it made her smile despite the circumstances. “Mazelinka left a shopping list for us. Just a few ingredients to pick up.” He rummaged quickly through a deep coat pocket, the sweeping shape of his cape catching a gust of wind and flaring out like disgruntled wings. “Pickled tingleberry… Charred newt flesh… Articulated goosewart…” Her eyebrows raised very suddenly… not quite the ingredients she had been expecting? Then again… perhaps those are normal items down… this end of town. “She uses them for her folk remedies. Most effective pep-up soup I’ve ever had. And I've had a lot of soup.” He muses, an affectionate look crossing his relaxed expression.

The minor crowd jostled a little, forcing Sarah’s hand to retreat back to Julian’s sleeve, looking particularly uncomfortable around so many people. The items he’d been asked to retrieve sounded…. Suspiciously specific. Almost like something you’d put in… “Does Mazelinka make potions? All those ingredients sound really… abnormal.” She winced, only slightly eased by a pleasant scent of many different tea and coffee types drifting down the alley. “What? These things? Nonsense. They’re ingredients for medicines, Effective ones too.” He huffed with confidence, almost seeming a little offended that his dear stout angry old lady was invested in any kind of magic. Sarah just nods, not certain on the subject enough to press further. She’d never been one for potion making- too easy to mess up and far too disastrous should you do so. The thought made her mouth taste awful. His wandering eyes caught hers for but a moment before the expectant look on her face forced his words. “Something wrong?”

“Oh! N-no, just thinking…” she jittered, already looking away to glare at the constantly moving crowd around them. “I mean…” her hesitance seemed to get the point across as he placed an arm firmly around her shoulders and steered them the right way. Of course, she had no idea how he’d get such ingredients, looking around all the visible parts of the vendors made them look fairly…. Normal. Drinks, foods, clothes, and tools. No lizards or rare herbs. “Do you really think we can get those here?” “I’m glad you asked~ I’ve got a guy.” He chuckles, watching that signature look of eager curiosity take over once more. “A guy?” She presses, knowing such a term makes the seller quite… ambiguous. “Mhmm. A guy. It’s important to have guys, Sarah. People you can rely on.” Boasting, almost, his free hand moves idly along with the conversation like acting out his words. It slowly lowers back into his coat however, the other hand he had on her shoulder also retreating as he crossed them. A shadowed look invading his angular features before continuing. “...You deserve to have someone like that too. Someone who can be there for you.” his voice a low rumble and expression vaguely hiding the unhappiness in his tone. It clicks like a puzzle piece. Already knowing this is ‘the talk’ he’d mentioned before. It was subtle but it was very obviously there, even more so when he hisses ‘Someone I can’t be’ under a rumbling breath. Not daring to look back down at her as she tries to move all the pieces into the right place. “So. Sarah. About that talk-” Dreading the upcoming conversation a wave of relief crashes over her as it is once again delayed. Letting out a breath she hadn’t realised was being held. He was about to try and put distance between them. Why? They’d had maybe two adventures together and he already considered that a friendship close enough to force a separation? What if she didn’t want to listen to his explanation… What if ‘ooh I’m an edgy murderer you shouldn’t be around me’ wasn’t a good enough excuse, huh? The inner dialogue in her head raced and rambled, unintentionally making her feel furious as the interuptee- a Leech collector- approached them both and struck up a conversation.

Their idle talk was utterly drowned under the weight of her thoughts. Watching their mouths move but not registering any of the words. Feeling the tips of her fingers spark and prickle with some form of pins and needles. Finally taking a deep enough breath to force concentration back to her ears. Looking from the floor behind Julian up to the Leech collector with a sweet unknowing smile as they talked. “Ah She’s doin’ fine, Still talkin’ ‘bout moving to Prakra. What’re we gonna do that for, they don’t got a leech market there…” the vendor scoffs heartily while wishing them both well and moving on.

Julian, noticing Sarah’s seemingly elsewhere mind, takes her hand as they progressed through the ever-narrowing street. As they walk more and more shopkeeps seem to recognise him, trying to strike up friendly conversation as they pass. Her simmering anger all but dissolved already on seeing an interesting sight. Julian was smiling, like really sincerely smiling. These people must know him so very well… but he hasn’t been in the city for years- the realisation that, Duh, he was here during and probably even before the plague outbreak settled in quickly. This city was far more his home than it could ever be hers. She didn’t even know the name of the only other official magician in the city. And everyone seems to know that guy, Even Countess Satrinava had mentioned his name once or twice before.

“So. Listen. We need to-” He looks about to start a rant when yet again something interrupts them. Why Julian ever thought it was a good idea to be in such a busy place during an important talk was beyond her but it had started to give her hope that the conversation would never come to be. Whatever it was she had dreaded the contents of ‘the talk’ since this morning and was already convinced she’d never want to hear it. A large shaggy dog quickly jolts her from thinking, much as it had done Julian, as it barrelled down the street. A small Boy calling after it in slight distress. “Hey, Watch it! Comin’ though-! Biscuits, get back here!” He exclaimed hurriedly- pushing past as many street goers as possible on his way through. Sarah had tried to step back in time but being caught up in her head had slowed her reaction speed down to the point where she barely had a millisecond before the boy rammed against her shoulder on his way down the street. Tangled, the large airy trousers around her legs catching one another, she yelps unexpectedly and tightens into a ball preparing to hit the floor…

Though… fortunately… that was not the case. There was a hard ‘whump’ as whatever she tripped into took her momentum and stopped it quite rapidly. Warm and very large, two extra pairs of legs staggered from the impact and didn’t quite manage to stay standing. A pair of leathery gloves gripped tightly around both her squeezed up shoulders. The two of them falling back against the cobbles with a grunt. “Sarah are you alr- Oh no-” Julian scrambles quickly, going from staring down at his tiny friend to glaring as the cart in front of them sways dangerously on it’s wheels. Lurching forward to topple over, directly onto his ankle. “That’s going to hurt later… ah! Watch out for- '' his eyes widen at the sight, the cart threateningly tipping forward as if it were to roll on-top of them. Sarah squeaked, finally daring to open her eyes and throw both hands out in front of them, despite Julian’s best efforts to move her aside. A surge of force heavily cracking a few panels in the cart, ramming it back enough to have it skid sharply across the cobblestones, the wheels buckling and collapsing under the pressure in a shower of splinters. The both of them breathing heavily and slightly bewildered.

"Are you alright? Nothing hit you did it? Those splinters- Let me see your hands-” He fussed, immediately, after pulling himself up from the floor and hovering over her like a mother horse unsure of how to get their foal to stand. Luckily she was perfectly fine and heaved herself up from the floor with only a slight cough. Rubbing her palms together as every muscle in them ached with discomfort. She hissed, ready to turn to him and ask about whether he was alright and to stop fretting, but he’d already moved on seeing the look of anger spreading across her rosy cheeks. “This is quite a mess… It looks like I'm buying a fruit cart today.” He wobbles, disconcertingly before taking a moment to search his coat and pull out a heavy looking burlap bag. The fabric jingles and clinks with the sound of the coins inside, turning to who she could only presume was the cart’s previous owner before looking swiftly away in embarrassment. She’d wrecked the cart… Oh man, what if they’re mad.

"Er, do you take Galbradine Dubloons? Or Hjallen Drakr?" He asked hurriedly as much to Sarah's astonishment currency of all shapes and sizes were poured from the bag into his gloved palm. Some of which she could identify, but bit her tongue and said nothing. Not understanding how she knew currencies she'd never seen before. Regardless the sheer amount coming from the pouch had convinced her there was at the very least a small fortune in there. Each shining glittering coin reflecting the stark platinum and gold colours of its surface onto the ones around it.

Forking over a few thickly edged dubloons to the excited cart owner before exclaiming purposefully loudly- "Free fruit! Come and get your free fruit everybody!" To the already buzzing crowd. Pushing Sarah away from the cart a little as the announcement brought a rumbling crowd of voices and faces to the destroyed Woodside. Everyone scrambling to carry as much food as they could without getting pricked by the sharp wooden splinters lodged into one or two of the fruits. "That takes care of that …" It's hypnotising but Sarah wastes no time leaving as Julian's firm grip on her wrist urged her to move elsewhere.

The busy market road behind them quietened immediately as they entered a wide and pleasantly spiralled side street. Blankets hanging above, out to dry, causing the sunlight to look almost dappled. His grip loosening before he turned to face Sarah head-on and take her hands, checking each one for injuries carefully. "Julian…" She grumbled, not pulling away despite wanting to.

"Mmhmhrm, yep? You weren't hurt were you? Everything where it should be?" He continued with a concentrated frown; completely missing the exasperated tone to her voice. "I'm sorry about that. I should've mentioned the streets can get….rowdy." He smirks gently, not waiting for another reply before continuing on. It was exhausting to listen to but better than having another day alone… "Ah! I know, I'll make it up to you, this next place is sure to rock your socks off. Nice little teahouse, just down the way. We can sit there and… talk. You'll like it." She just sighs, noting that last night was no exception. He's always this aimless…

#Arcana #Arcana oc #Arcana Julian #The Devil's due #arcana fanfic

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