Ober notices Olwan by the flinging of Merry and Bell’s ears. Who Isaac also recognizes the gesture but his words only falls on neighs, so he turns his question to the lord magister. Who says, “Merry and Bell probably saw a black cat. You know how they are to omens. Speaking of which, how are you faring Isaac? Why did you not come back to Kinguin after the festival?”
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After the festival where Ober looked like he was done with everything, eyes sunken with battered purple robes. The silver neckless he wore remains around his neck. And Isaac answers, thinking about Amerie, “I have to go with Amerie.”
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“Amerie? Where is the Pri—” and Ober catches himself as he sees Isaac’s eyes growing wide. Nodding in understanding, while also realizing who the boy is travelling with based from a floral herbal scent “Nevermind about her, but I believe we have the same agenda.”
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“Huh? Do we?”
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The lord magister nods, gesturing for Isaac to come in the carriage, “I will speak on the way.”
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“Ah but…”
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“Your companion?” He whispers through a voice directly into Isaac’s head, “They are a Nautren right? I am afraid that many have been following me around and only when I am in cities do they stop chasing. This one seems different.”
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The boy nods, stepping up into the carriage without looking at the alley where he senses Olwan to be hiding. “She is different” He says telepathically. “Nautrens at Módbeorg call her Nautriarch Synwy but her name is Olwan.”
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Great, Ober would have sent out loud with a frustrated sigh but he is able to quickly cut the connection. Speaking with his usual tone. “Want some tea?” He asks as always.
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Which the boy says, “Milk. From mountain goats.”
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Ober chuckles, “And where did you get that idea?” Nonetheless waving his hand for a kettle and two cups to materialize and magically hover. Both black horses resuming their trotting to the castle above.
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“From a tavern here! They serve great meals as well!”
Isaac shifted nervously in his seat as Ober's piercing gaze seemed to bore into his very soul. The carriage rattled along the cobblestone streets, the sound of hooves echoing in the air. Ober's bald head glistened in the dim light, his wrinkled face etched with a mixture of wisdom and severity.
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"So, young Isaac," Ober began, his voice deep and commanding, "I hear you've been quite busy lately. Providing solutions for the plain spirits, are we?"
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Isaac swallowed hard, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. "Y-yes, sir. Amerie and Peacock are at Módbeorg right now, speaking with a Nautriarch about it."
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Ober raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I see. And what brings you here to Gitael, my boy?"
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Isaac's heart raced as he tried to find the right words. "I... I was forced to come along with a Nautriarch. They wanted to stop a civil war, and I just sort of got dragged into it." His eyes widened as a sudden realization hit him. "Oh no! I came with someone, but I didn't ask her if it was okay for me to leave. What if she's worried?"
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Ober chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that seemed to fill the carriage. "Ah, Isaac. Always the thoughtful one, aren't you? Don't worry, my boy. If you're here with me, everything will be fine. I remember you well, and I know you have a good heart."
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Isaac felt a wave of relief wash over him, a smile spreading across his face. "Thank you, sir. I appreciate that."
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As the carriage approached the Goatern Tavern, Ober leaned forward, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "This the place?"
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Isaac nodded eagerly, his earlier worries forgotten. They step into the bustling tavern, the aroma of roasted meats and spices wafting through the air. The clatter of dishes and the murmur of conversations filled their ears as they made their way to the counter.
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"What'll it be, gents?" the barmaid asked, her red curls bouncing as she wiped her hands on her apron.
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Isaac's eyes widened as he scanned the menu, his mouth watering at the tantalizing options. "I'll have the lamb stew and blue rice, please!"
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Ober stroked his chin thoughtfully. "The roasted goat and a mug of your finest ale for me."
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As they waited for their food, Isaac's gaze wandered around the tavern, taking in the lively atmosphere. Suddenly, his eyes locked onto a familiar figure across the room - a lady he recognized from somewhere. He quickly averted his gaze, not wanting to draw attention to himself.
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Ober, ever observant, noticed Isaac's reaction but chose not to pry. They found a table in a quiet corner and settled in, the wooden chairs creaking beneath them.
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"So, Isaac," Ober began, leaning forward conspiratorially, "what do you make of this place? Quite the lively bunch, aren't they?"
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Isaac nodded, his eyes darting around the room. "It's... it's something else, that's for sure. I've never seen so many different types of people in one place before."
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Ober chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, the wonders of a tavern. You never know who you might meet or what stories you might hear."
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As they continued their conversation, Isaac squirmed in his seat, feeling the urge to relieve himself. "Excuse me, sir. I need to... um... I'll be right back."
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Ober nodded, waving him off with a knowing smile. "Of course, my boy. Take your time."
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As Isaac disappeared into the crowd, a group of drunk men stumbled towards Ober's table, their eyes glazed and their speech slurred. They leered at the old man, their intentions clear.
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"Well, well, well," one of them drawled, "looks like we got ourselves a lone old timer here. How about you hand over your coin purse, gramps, and we'll be on our way?"
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Ober remained silent, his expression unreadable. The men grew impatient, their hands reaching for their weapons. But before they could make a move, Ober's lips moved, uttering silent words that seemed to hang in the air.
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Suddenly, the men froze, their bodies paralyzed by an unseen force. Their eyes widened in terror as they realized the power that emanated from the old man before them.
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Isaac returned, oblivious to the scene that had just unfolded. He sat down, his eyes lighting up as their meals arrived.
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"This looks amazing!" he exclaimed, digging into his lamb stew with gusto. "And the blue rice... I've never seen anything like it!"
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Ober smiled, savoring his own meal. "Indeed, my boy. The flavors are quite exquisite. It's not every day one gets to enjoy such a feast."
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As they ate, Isaac couldn't help but feel a nagging sense of unease. He glanced around the tavern once more, his eyes landing on the lady from earlier. She seemed to be watching them intently.
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Ober noticed Isaac's discomfort and leaned in, his voice low. "Isaac, I sense there's something troubling you. Is there something you wish to share?"
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Isaac hesitated, his heart pounding in his chest. But before he could speak, the lady approached their table, her eyes filled with urgency.
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"You need to leave," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Before you say anything unnecessary."
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Isaac's brow furrowed in confusion. "But why? What's going on?"
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Ober remained silent, his eyes conveying a deep understanding. He turned to Isaac, his voice calm and measured.
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"Isaac, I believe it's best we continue this conversation elsewhere. Somewhere more private, where prying ears and watchful eyes cannot reach us."
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With that, Ober rose from his seat, leaving a few coins on the table. He placed a reassuring hand on Isaac's shoulder, guiding him towards the exit.
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As they stepped out into the cool night air, the sound of fluttering cloth clashes with a metallic tang. Ober blocks a cloaked individual’s dagger with his staff. And before Isaac or the old man can ask who they are, the individual’s blue eyes with a red outer rim disappears into darkness.
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“Ye cannot be lazing around like that, Lord magister.” Olwan walk out from the side of the tavern. Her long exposed legs and the same eyes as the cloaked individual intriguing the old man.
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“Nautriarch Synwyn, ah…but I heard that you go about Olwan nowadays.”
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“I despise the former, but I despise ye more for hurting what is precious to my siblings.”
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“Sorry that I broke your cribs…that was not my intention.”
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“And I did not call for a joke. What you have done seriously was a death sentence for Kinguin. Ye know that, yet ye still did it.”
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“What else can I even do?” Ober asks, “To bring back the Immortal Amaranth…”
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“Heh, I heard from those old fossils how terribly obsessive ye are about the Noirs. Maybe ye should have kept it to yerself, and ye would not have hurt anybody else.” Her arms turn that of lances.
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“I am not looking for a fight. And I have a business meeting with the king tonight---” uttering then silent words for Olwan who somehow blinked in front of him to paralyze herself.
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“Ghhk, ye must have did this to Monsefrius and Quenifir too right? Ye murderer”
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“I wonder whatever you are talking about. I will be going. Isaac, will you come?”
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“Do not.” Olwan says, “ye cannot side with him boy. He will eventually give up on anyone even the Amaranth in order to get what he wants.”
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Isaac ponders with a nervous bead of sweat, remembering how Amerie and Peacock are still at Módbeorg. He walk up to the side of Olwan. Hand clutch to his side.
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“And that is for another best” Ober says before walking up to the parked carriage.
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