Tales of Avanturia 1

Chapter 10: Behind The Mask

The Blood Roses had returned to the mansion and were awaiting the night. They made the plan to look around the house and especially take a closer look at the people there. They had to find out who the two shrouded people were, and the three were more than sure that one of them was living in the house, or at least had some connection to the family.

Then sun was slowly starting to set...

Bella was in the gardens, taking some looks at the beautifully vibrant flowers. Brynjolf had fallen asleep on a bench just outside.

Fenrock was standing on a balcony, leaning against the reeling.

A lot of thoughts went through his mind. Like always. And he was thinking about them, rather than relaxing. Like always.

Then he heard someone approaching from behind, gentle footsteps slowly approaching. It definitely wasn't Francis..

„Hello, sir.."

It was the daugther of sir Florentin. What was her name again... Lucia? She joined him at the balcony and looked out on the forest aswell, „Hey," Fenrock replied, „And please, just call me Fenrock. I don't really do formalities. And what about your name? I believe we haven't gotten the chance to get to meet each other properly."

She giggled briefly, „Okay then. Hello Fenrock. My name is Lucia. I'm the irresponsible daughter.."

„Irresponsible? Why, because you walked around in your house?" he asked.

„That's one of the reasons.." she mumbled, „You see, to my family, I'm a disgrace. They only want me to marry Francis Lelóuche because he is wealthy and it would benefit the family. And because they would get rid of me this way."

„And let me guess, you're not really fond of that idea?" Fenrock guessed, looking at her.

„You can say that. Ugh, I hate this guy, he's so arrogant.. But I don't see any other way..." Lucia replied, „Anyway, this is not why I'm here."

„Then what is it?"

„I um.. I kinda followed you into the forest today and I heard you talking to that Phooka." she replied.

„You did? Wow, you must be really good at sneaking, because none of us didn't sense you at all." Fenrock mentioned, „Colour me impressed."

„Yeah, you could say I've got a lot of experience, hehe.. Anyway, I think, I can tell you something about those shrouded people."

Fenrock's eyes widened, Lucia really had his attention now, „You see, I've overheard Francis rambling in his room about our family and how he'd grew sick of pretending to have any interest. I think he was talking to someone via a Telenomichron or something like that. I didn't understand everything he said, but he sounded angry."

„Interesting.. Well, thanks, Lucia, I really appreciate your aid." Fenrock thanked.

Lucia then started to return back inside, just when Fenrock noticed something, „Wait a second.." he said.

„Ye.. yeah..?"

„How did you know, that we were talking to a Phooka?" Fenrock asked.

„I.. um, it.. it was just an assumption, I.. well, I only thought because..." she stuttered nervously.

„You're a curse bearer aswell!" Fenrock exclaimed.

„Shh! Tune down the volume!" Lucia hissed, „*sigh* Yes.. yes I am. It's always been with me.."

A wide smile spread on Fenrock's face, „That's awesome!"

Overflowing with happiness, he hugged her, elevating her in the process, making the young woman blush, „Whoah! Calm down, please!" she pleaded, „Why's that awesome?"