Molepire: The Serpent's Silver Tongue

Dancing with a dagger - [7]

[7] 

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Just what I needed, another problem. I grabbed my coat from where I had discarded it and sped to the main Mole Hole ladder. If Aster told anyone about our plan, we both would be seriously fucked. I mean, conspiracy and treason?! That would not look good on my CV. 

~~

I stalked towards the deepslate castle, Casper had mentioned it'd be safer for our discussions. The trees rustled loudly as the wind silently breezed through the pine and birch branches. The woods creaked and groaned as I continued down the gravel path. The sun was hidden behind the thick pines, the shadows mingling with the forest mist. But as I turned the corner, a figure leapt out of the tree, landing in front of me. I stopped, shocked and very confused but as I noticed their pointy ears and the silver blade slipping out of their sleeve, I began to panic. I walked backwards but my back hit the firm logs behind me. I darted my head to the side but no-one was around. 

Shit. 

Aster approached me with hostility written across their defined features. They pressed the cold steel up against my throat, my pulse jumping at the metal blade pressed against my carotid artery; Now, I wasn't scared of this twat but the sickening venom lurking in their icy eyes made me worry... just a little bit, not a lot, obviously. Their body pressed against mine as they narrowed their eyes. "What the fuck is this, Aster?" I demanded, gritting my teeth. They scoffed loudly, raising an eyebrow, "You little prick, what are you planning hm? I know what you're up to, so don't even pretend. It's dangerous, are you fucking brain dead?!" Well, this confirmed my suspicions, it had been Aster hiding in the other room. I plastered a smug expression across my face - I could play dumb - as I glared down at the small bastard. "I have no clue what you're talking about, you're clearly delusional. Now, get the fuck off me." I declared, grabbing their wrist; they pressed harder as I let out a choked cry from my throat - were they always this good with knives? Maybe I should conspire more often. 

"Delusional?! You're the one whose delusional, thinking you'll get away with this." They hissed, but as my eyes closed slowly and I swallowed thickly, I heard a small chortle. It was hard enough trying not to move so the dagger wouldn't slip but the overwhelming desire to keep my eyes closed and apologize for my actions settled snugly over my shoulders. My head rested against the log as I spoke up, "Of course I'll get away... with it, no-one suspects me-" "Incorrect, I suspect you, and with good reason. All I need now is some concrete evidence, which I suspect will be relatively easy to get a hold of." Now it was my turn to smile - God's this nymph really did know how to amuse didn't they? I opened my eyes as I replied coyly, "Aw, the degenerate Nymph suspects me, whatever will I do?" They inaudibly gaped at me, disbelief seeping into the tense atmosphere surrounding us.

The wind wailed as Aster hissed a reply, poison dripping from their words, "Degenerate?! I will not hesitate to slit your throat, darling." A small blush crept into my cheeks, but as the Nymph continued to bore into my eyes, I could safely assure myself they didn't see; I couldn't even figure out why I was blushing, it was just a stupid petname. I raised an eyebrow in a desperate attempt to hold my dignity together, I let out a small chuckle. "That's funny, pretty thing," I said curtly, but they quickly cut me off, "Do not mock me, this is serious." I bit back a snort of laughter - mainly for the sake of my throat. "But of course, what is more serious than someone who is a foot shorter than me?" 

If I were to look up rage in the dictionary, I'm pretty sure I'd see their face under it.

Aster forced the blade against my throat, the jagged edges brushing against my freckled skin. I forced a sly smirk, trying to calm my racing heartbeat. "My height does not define my capabilities - underestimating me will result in your eventual fatality." OK, what? My head began to swim with confusing definitions and muddled spellings - literature was NOT my strong point. They rolled their eyes, before continuing, "You are an idiot, and you still expect to rig the vote and steal the law book?! Don't get me wrong, I hate laws just as much as the next criminal but you're insane if you think you'll pull it off." I thought for a moment, trying to think of an appropriate response - my scapegoat, of course. "I'll just blame it on my cowardly brother, he's always been pathetic. He's playing a game far too confusing for him to comprehend," I stated, sighing as my back began to ache. "You're just using him, that much is clear, but he's smarter than you, and better respected. Your social standing here means nothing."