Secrets of an Alchemist

Varian and the Great Tree: Part 2

(Let's keep goin! I don't have much to say today, happy readings! Also, prepare yourselves if you have any attachment to these characters. It definitely won't be as bad as some other fics (this fandom is lowkey wildd when it comes to angst), but I've got things planned.)

(Chapter warnings: Fictional curses, Lance being a simp)

"Two years ago, I'd call fighting jackal monsters on the back of a speeding carriage whilst a rhinoceros chases the woman I love absolutely bonkers," Eugene rambled as the group walked, approaching the archway that was the entrance to the Great Tree. "Now I call it Tuesday!"

"Actually," Varian interrupted, walking up alongside Cassandra. "Those were binturongs, not jackals. Surprisingly large for their species, however. Someone's been feeding them well." Eugene rolled his eyes at this correction. Varian flinched slightly as Ruddiger, who had been sitting across his shoulders since the crash, leapt to Max's back. Beside him, Varian could hear Hook Foot gulp nervously.

"Wh...what do you think they eat?" Hook Foot stuttered, eyes glancing around fearfully. Varian ignored him, instead turning to Cassandra.

"Time to get some answers," she declared, eyes narrowing. Varian nodded in agreement.

"You uh, probably didn't hear me-" Lance was on the path ahead, standing next to Adira as she sharpened her sword. "-but I'm the one who told the Princess to run the caravan off the cliff-" Lance ran a hand through his imaginary hair, his hand instead squeaking across his bald skull. "-so really, I saved us. Don't feel like you have to thank me." Adira ignored him as he continued, still sharpening her sword. "But you can if you want..." With that, Adira swiftly sheathed her sword and stood, walking past Lance to the rest of the group. Lance laughed nervously. "I get it, I get it, you've got stuff to do. You're welcome!"

Oof, Varian winced. He's really fallen for her.

"Adira, wait!" Rapunzel called, stepping in front of her to halt her. "Who was that man that attacked us?" Varian avoided eye contact.

"And don't give us any of your cryptic runaround talk," Cassandra added, tone laced with a threat.

"His name... is Hector," Adira admitted, momentarily looking away from the group before meeting their eyes once again. Her eyes momentarily stopped on Varian, widening in surprise for a split second before continuing to sweep the group. Despite himself, Varian flinched ever so slightly. "And I don't think I appreciate your tone." Adira shot a look at Cassandra.

Cassandra gasped sarcastically, following it with a laugh. "Oh! I'm sorry I gave you the impression I care about the things you appreciate," she spat.

Suns, Varian thought to himself. Harsh.

"Alright, alright!" Rapunzel came between Adira and Cassandra, placing her hands on the latter's shoulders. She turned to Adira after a moment, leaving one hand on Cassandra's shoulders. "Who is Hector?"

"He's a member of the Brotherhood," Adira said. "A group of warriors sworn to keep any and all away from the Dark Kingdom."

"Dark Kingdom?" Rapunzel murmured, taking in this information. She swiftly pulled a piece of parchment out of her bag, looking down at it. Varian peeked over her shoulder to see a drawing of a castle covered in black rocks, cryptic writings surrounding it. "That's where we're headed."

Varian shot a look at Cassandra before leaning over to whisper to her. "Why didn't you guys show me the scroll? I could've tried to translate it."

Cassandra raised an eyebrow at him before pausing to think for a moment. "Never thought of that," she admitted. "You could try later, though." Varian blinked before giving her a swift nod, both turning back to the conversation at hand. "How many are in this 'Brotherhood?'" Cassandra asked, arms folded once more. Varian watched Adira intently. Sure, he had been told before, but having a second confirmation-