The Corruption- First Draft

Chapter 3

A couple days pass as the group heads to the demon embassy, and they arrive around midday, just in time to enjoy the cooler environment as the sun rests itself. Akae led the group as they walked up the main road to the embassy, the path well worn from horses trampling over it over the years.

He walked up to the door, knocking on it with a loud bang. Immediately the butler from before opened it, greeting them all. "Fancy seeing you all again. Sir La'et, I apologise for not using my abilities to teleport you all. I'm sure you know how it is with mental health," he said, playfully pointing to his head and giving a shit eating grin at the same time.

Akae sighed. "It's alright I guess. I can't relate though."

"No, of course you can't," Eilis said as his smirk dropped, beckoning the group to follow him inside. "I've talked with Lord Cassius about the situation so far, so he's caught up on everything. He's waiting for you all in the conference room," he led everyone through along side corridor that went straight to a tall tower, and took everyone up the stairs. Havre was pleasantly that the stairs were wide enough for her.
Jaryn took in what he saw of the embassy, rather confused on the architecture. Then again, he's never really visited castles before today. He has to wonder if this castle is the biggest of them all on Mirthae. The gothic decor left Ryo on edge, though Jaryn was rather fond of the look. The brothers paused momentarily at a family portrait of the Benoist family, back when Garbone and Lennon were babies. Cassius, and he assumes to be Garbone's grandmother and parents, and a satyr were in the portrait as well, all with a forlorn expression except for Cassius who looked, accomplished.

The two brothers quickly rejoined the group after examining the photo, Jaryn couldn't help but ask: "Does Garbone's parents know about what's going on?"

"Oh no, they died long ago. We're still trying to figure out how they died, but they went missing for a while until their bodies were discovered."

"How's Garbone been handling all of this?" Havre interjected.

"You can ask them yourself, they're right in here," Eilis opened up the door to allow everyone inside. "I'll leave you two to catch up for now before Lord Cassius starts the meeting," he said as he led the rest of the group into the conference room.

Havre stood in the living room, looking at Garbone. They laid on one of the many couches in there, smoking what smelled like wullo, close to falling asleep. Havre woke them up by saying "It's nice to see you again, Garbone."

They jolted upon Havre saying that, now fully awake. They looked at her with a smile. "It's nice to see you too, Havre. If only we weren't here for something so serious," they sighed, taking a light puff from the blunt. "Grandpops has been freaking out nonstop since Eilis told him about your village being attacked."

"I could imagine, with Lennon running around being connected to the killer. How have you been holding up?"

"It's been a struggle coming to terms with Lennon not being here still. Sorry I haven't returned your letters, I uh, this whole situation put me in a depressive sleep."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Did you get that tattoo recently? It looks nice."

"No, it's uh, uh- a magically induced one. I was tortured with it."

"By the gods, I'm so sorry," she whimpered, gently holding their hand. "If there's anything you need, please let me know."

Garbone's face turned red though they didn't want to acknowledge it. "Uh, thank, thank you," they stuttered. "Having someone here that isn't my grandpops is more, more than enough. I almost feel brave enough to join the meeting," they chuckled quietly.

"Oh you weren't going to join us?"

"No. I don't want another interrogation. But since you're here, maybe it won't be so bad. With a pretty face like yours I'm sure uh, things will be fine. Shit I'm sorry, did I say that last part out loud?"