Douce Dépendouce

Chapter 18

The next day I had started early. I had figured that if I dragged myself out early, I would get the tasks done sooner, and hopefully give me more time before I had to worry about anything else. When I had gotten up, my first stop was the Secret Stone Circle. Avalon had us a following meeting to fully discuss the plan which had taken longer than expected. Alex in all seemed more pleased about the whole thing than she should have been. I was honestly dreading the whole thing entirely, and wished for it to be over as soon as possible. I was dragging out what had been going on between me and Ydris over the past month, I didn't know how much longer I could do. With every look I received, I truly didn't know how or why Avalon hadn't pulled me aside yet and asked what truly was going on. In all, I was thankful and wished for it to stay that way before I eventually told him the truth and what all the actions were leading to. Tonight had been the most prominent night out of all the weeks. The amount of aimed endings of sentences and looks I received had made the whole situation worse than it seemed. It had just been over a month since I told them, and I had no clue on when Linda and Alex would stop with the glances; I was half expecting them to go behind my back and just tell Avalon already.

I broke away from my thoughts when I felt a buzz in my pocket. I stopped as I sucked in a breath as I pulled my phone out, seeing a text from Lisa. I had texted Linda roughly fifteen minutes ago telling her that I had arrived in Moorland and was working my way up to Nilmers. As we had decided to start as soon as we could, besides starting off with the fundations that were needed to perform this act, the next step was to head to the Circus. It seemed that every time a task was needed there I was the one who was sent there. I partly didn't know if it was out of coincidence, or the fact that Alex and Linda had a short temper, but I deeply knew that it was put on me for more than obvious reasons. Partly as I was the one who could communicate with him easily, and partly due to what had been going on.

I read Lisa's message as she was asking where I was at, and told me that I had a short amount of time to be there. It was just beyond dark when I stepped off the bus and now it was completely black. I texted back a reply as I struggled with my gloves before I sent it and continued on the path, putting my phone back in my pocket as I headed up the hill, the way up familiar now. When I reached the top, I could see a faint shadow not too far up ahead. I shortened my step a bit as I soon realized it was Xin; there hadn't been a single time where I hadn't run into him. I sucked in a breath and watched as he headed into the Circus tent, the curtain revealing the bright lights. I turned towards there but quickly stopped when I felt a gaze on me, making me turn. Leaning against the wagon was Ydris, his eyes locked on me as I looked up at him, the expression on his face reminding me of the night a few weeks ago.

"I'll be surprised if you're here for yourself my dove," he said, bringing my full attention to him. "Must it now be the Druids turn to reach out?"

I nodded, walking closer. "They've finally realized this."

"I suppose it's better late than never," he replied, adjusting his balance and soon dusting off his coat. "I'm guessing that time is now I suppose?"

"Yes," I replied, trying to keep my mind from drifting. His sly grin turned into a smirk and soon purple smoke came into view, covering him and soon disappearing. Immediately, the smoke disinterested and I pulled out my phone, texting Lisa and telling her I was on my way before I quickly walked back down the hill and soon sped up, my mind racing as I hoped he wouldn't pull anything in or out of the Druids.

After a quick exit off the bus, I quickly ran back up to the Secret Stone Circle, my breathing fast as I could see it in the air. I then proceeded with the routine and soon entered the portal, then entering Fripps Lare once more, thinking of the worst as I stepped in, seeing everyone's heads snap around and lock on me. I looked at them, Lindas eyes narrowing as she looked behind me, then back at me.