Every year, hundreds die within the walls of Basgiath War College. It's no surprise that many are those who choose the Riders Quadrant. Dragons do not tolerate much, but neither do the ruthless gryphons on the outside of the wards.
At least...
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・・・ ・・・ ・・・
It wasn't surprise that took me to the floor. I knew it was more likely than not, but the anguish that slams into my chest doesn't care about how prepared I was to hear the news. Benen pulls me onto an unfinished chair before I fully hit the ground, then throws a wary glance at my squad as they linger in the walkway between the wooden counter and mud-brick walls.
I can't seem to catch my breath, wheezing in air but still drowning. She's dead. Did Aetos kill her? Did she turn again? Was she sick? Was it heartbreak? All of the possibilities race through my head. Despite how badly I want to ask, I can't feel my lips enough to move them.
"(Y/N)." I manage to crane my neck upward after a moment of struggle to see Benen's face as he leans down in front of me. "Do you have your notebook?"
I nod carefully, reaching over my shoulder to grab my bag off my back. Violet comes forward and leans down next to me with a tilt of her head as she carefully puts her hand on top of mine to stop me from moving. "I think you need rest," she tells me carefully. She glances over at Benen, who I don't believe she ever met, but she's probably figured out who he is by now, if only be the workshop surrounding us. "No, no," I mutter as I push myself to stand, forcing them both up and back. "I'm fine." I turn my attention to Benen as he moves another step away. "I'll stop by here later tonight or tomorrow."
Benen nods. "When did you last eat?" He glances over our group after a moment, extending the question to everyone. "Nine hours," Rhiannon answers. "I was going to ask about that," I state. Benen sighs to himself. He reaches under his counter to grab a small pouch, then quickly dumps two handfuls of shining coins into it. "I know a guy who owns a restaurant. Tomas; do you remember him?" He throws a glance my way, but I shake my head.
"Well, he'll know you," he continues. He reaches the pouch out, but yanks it back when Rhiannon reaches for it. "I'd think," I say, setting my hands out to take it after she steps back. "He'll probably feed you for free, but give him some money anyway. I owe him a bit. You're going to stop by you grandfather's house, aren't you?" The question comes so out of nowhere that I don't answer immediately. His gaze narrows slightly at me until I nod.
He watches my squad with expectant eyes that tell me he wants a moment alone. Upon Ridoc's request, tells us where most of the festival is being held and how to find Tomas', then requests they step outside to the street. "Don't tell me..." I whisper, turning my shoulder slightly in so they can't read my lips. "Tell you what?" he questions, narrowing his gaze again. "I wanted to ask how Basgiath is and give you some spending money." "Not great, and they don't even know about Grandpa yet," I answer with a sigh. I glance down as he sets another pouch of money into my hand, then offer a small smile of gratitude.
