A Cassarian Story
Varian always knew that he cared for Cassandra. But he didn't realize how much until she was gone.
Six long years after Cassandra leaves Corona, she finally returns. Varian is overjoyed, but she comes bearing terrible news. A stran...
It is difficult enough for Cassandra to conceal her newfound feelings around Varian when the others are present. But now that they are alone? She fears it may be impossible.
Good thing the poor guy is clueless, though. He still seems to wholeheartedly believe that she could never fall for him. At least she has that going for her.
As the rickety cart takes them farther into darkness, Varian pulls out his alchemical light. Cassandra has always been slightly curious what, exactly, causes the liquid it contains to glow. But she knows that if she were to ask, Varian would give a long-winded explanation that she most likely wouldn't understand, anyway. So she remains silent, and focuses on the tracks ahead of them.
Meanwhile, Varian is struggling to center his thoughts. He knows Hugo can hear what he is thinking, and he doesn't want anything embarrassing to cross his mind that Hugo could use as more fuel to tease him. That's all he needs...
How's it going over there, Freckles? Hugo asks.
Nothing to report yet, Varian responds.
"Since you're up front, keep a close eye on the track," Varian tells Cassandra, as he studies the stone tablet Abhu found. "It should fork soon."
"Soon is correct," Cassandra says, pointing ahead.
Sure enough, the track splits into two separate directions ahead of them. In each direction, there is a tall, wooden pole with a letter painted on it. The letter to the right is 'T', and the letter to the left is 'N.'
"According to the tablet, we need to go right," Varian says.
"If we go right, does that mean that's the correct letter?" Cassandra asks.
"I'm assuming," Varian says.
"I wonder what would happen if we didn't listen to the tablet and went left."
Working together to tilt the cart, the two of them head down the right track. As they do, they can see that the left track leads to a dead-end... a drop-off straight into a deep pit.
"There's your answer," Varian says.
Cassandra gulps. "Guess that's why you're the brains of this outfit."
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Varian opens his mouth to respond, but he hears Hugo's voice in his head:
Would you quit thinking up flirty remarks for your lady love and tell me what's going on? I'm picking up on some excitement.
Just came across our first turn, Varian informs him. There was a letter painted: 'T.'
