Grancrest oneshots

Curse

3rd pov

No one had a reason to ever check to see if the ability to ink a Lord was possible, with the Academy watching the Lords destroy themselves in constant battle, there had been no reason to ever try and ink them, with all of them doing exactly as they're supposed to. The threat of the Grand crest was destroyed with the death of both Archduke's, and so the continent went to war again, Lords killing each other and taking each other's crests, but never getting close to rising above that rank and trying to become Emperor.

So, it's no surprise that the group of them are having trouble, Siluca rationalizes to herself, even as she watches her fiancé writhe in pain, his shirt torn open in order for them to research and check with others to figure out the best way to help him. Things like this almost make her eager to see the Grand crest, since it would mean the loss of magic and things like curses would no longer work. It had been so odd as well. She tries to recall anything else from last night that might help.

The rogue mage had managed to bypass all of the wards and guards around the castle, as well as the shadows they have posted in place. They had managed to slip past Irvin, Emma and Luna as well, two of them having strong senses of smell and hearing. The mage had completely ignored her, only tying her up and shoving her to the floor, before reaching into a bag on their hip. They have Theo pinned, his hands tied together over his head, a knee resting on his wrists, the other almost in the center of his chest, almost depriving him of his oxygen. The fear and horror Siluca had felt at seeing the ink can not be explained, nor the fury and anger she had felt as Theo had started squirming to escape, muffled yelps, screams and moans coming from him. Siluca yells furiously, before finally managing to get the damn gag off, hollering for the guards, which scares the mage, as they drop the ink and brush, heading straight for the window.

They don't escape, a shadow perching there that takes them out, even as guards barge in, splitting up in order to free both of them. Siluca races for Theo, none of them blame her, and sets to checking him over, finding only the ink as the damage done, but clearly it's having an adverse effect. Nothing comes to mind that stood out, it was a normal brush, they weren't chanting, the ink is normal as well, so what the hell is causing him this much pain?

He had been letting out cries of pain earlier, as well as squirming a bit more, but at this point, he's lost most of his energy, lying on his back, a hand limp on his chest from where he'd been clutching at it, small moans escaping him, otherwise the only clue he's in pain is the way his face is scrunched up, something they're all taking to mean his time is running low. The circle was only partially finished, a good 4th of it left to go, so they don't have the full circle, but that would've meant death and even with the Holy Grail, Theo is only holding on. They aren't sure the holy Grail can even help him with this, all things considered.

Moreno, Ellet, Laura, Irvin, Aishela, Aubest and Boltz are doing everything they can, with Siluca just trying to keep Theo awake and aware, which is a bit harder than they're thinking it is. Boltz and Irvin are heading out to grab anything they are asked, and Siluca knows something that will help, heading for the door, continuing to monitor Theo with the spell she put up, yanking the door open and stepping into the hall. There's no time for subtly, so she settles for yelling, "Emma! Luna!" as loud as she can. The two girls come running, stopping in front of her.

"This is very serious. If any of the people in the room ask you to get an ingredient or item, I want you to find it to the best of your ability. It'll only be things you can smell or hear out, alright?"

The two nod, determined to do good, since they can smell Theo from here, can smell his exhaustion and the way he's almost slipping away from them. Siluca opens the door, inviting the two in and then heads right for Theo, glad to find he's still ok, if rolled over onto his side, curling up around his chest. As she passes she utters, "If you need something living or from the wild, ask the girls. They need to be able to hear and smell it out." before returning all of her attention to the man she refuses to lose, well aware now why some mages are willing to commit suicide when their contracted Lord dies. She knows that's exactly what she'll do, once she finishes Theo's dream, refusing to leave it unfinished.