Heart Of

Chapter 45 - Camping Out *NSFW*

-NSFW-

While Rohdri and Rien talked, Valleus and Aushen had a conversation of their own a little further ahead. "So, how'd you talk to Rien?" the prince asked curiously.

"It's hard to explain," Valleus replied with a half-grin. "The Dragon referred to it as 'speaking to his soul'. I had to give up control to him for him to do it."

Concern crossed over Aushen's features. "Give up control? Is everything all right?"

"It's fine," Valleus assured him quickly. "Even though I wasn't in control, it wasn't like I was 'out of control', either... if that makes sense. The Dragon spoke to him as me. It felt strange... but not bad."

"That's good, then," said the prince. "What a convenient ability."

"Not as much as you'd think," Valleus quipped. "The price is steep— the Dragon is out of reach for a while. Using that ability wore him down. He even said my draconic abilities may be affected for the next few days." The knight grimaced as he explained.

However, Aushen had nothing but confidence in Valleus. "It's unfortunate you won't be able to speak with the Dragon for a while, but I'm glad you did what you did. We got lucky with Rohdri speaking Theuril, but we couldn't have gotten this far without you establishing contact."

Valleus chuckled. "As usual, you shower me with undeserved praise. I didn't do anything this time- the Dragon did all the work."

"The Dragon is part of you, isn't he?" Aushen replied, flashing Valleus a smile. "I know you're not entirely merged, but I'm sure he's taken on some of your characteristics by now. In my mind, your influence has everything to do with the Dragon's accomplishments."

Valleus turned away bashfully. "Well... thanks."

Comfortable quiet laid upon the pair, but gradually, their thoughts fell to less pleasant things.

"Valleus," Aushen murmured, expression grave. "I'm sure you don't want to talk about this right now... but we need to discuss what happened."

The knight let out a nervous breath. "Y-You're right..."

Aushen sensed that Valleus was uncomfortable broaching the subject, so he decided to start. "About Carmine..." Valleus winced at the sound of his cousin's name. "It seems he was colluding with the cultists." The prince knew it was an obvious statement, but they needed to establish the facts before moving further. "He and Caesonia were discussing their group, the 'Sages'. Caesonia also mentioned someone called the 'High Sage'. I think it's fair to assume that's their leader."

Valleus simply nodded. He was listening, but didn't have anything to say.

"For... whatever reason," Aushen continued, voice conflicted, "Carmine wanted power, and used that 'Heart of the Kitsune' to get it. Did it possess him?"

"Not quite," Valleus answered. He tried to keep his tone even, but his sadness couldn't be completely hidden. "The Dragon told me that the same thing that happened with him and me is happening with Carmine and the Kitsune."

"And there's no way to undo it?" Aushen asked.

"No," Valleus replied firmly. "His choice is permanent."

Aushen could sense the deep hurt burning Valleus just beneath the surface. He wished he could take his pain, or help him forget it. However, the pain from betrayal of this magnitude would take more than a little talking to soothe. It would be easy enough for Aushen to try to offer light comfort, that Carmine had hidden it so well that Valleus couldn't have been expected to notice- that Carmine seemed to regret the pain he'd caused him, that Carmine still seemed to care for him. None of that would help, though- not really.