Lowell

Chapter 20

Back in the castle Estelle had often asked Flynn about his friend who seemed to frequent the castle dungeons. The man always seemed to be mentioning Yuri in some context. Most often a complaint that was less a bitter remark and more concerned bickering of a mother hen. It amused her to hear Flynn mention how exhausting it was to deal with Yuri.

Especially, since Estelle had no friends to speak of. Oh, sure she had emotionless conversation with the children of nobleman, but what did it count for when they all just smiled and went along with her. She was jealous of Flynn and his friendship.

But as she looks at Yuri's sleeping form she remembers a brief remark Flynn made once. He had looked exhausted that day like he hadn't slept. When she asks why he canceled their meeting in the library he rubs the back of his neck.

"You see I had to deal with something involving Yuri." Estelle had pressed to know what happened Flynn sighed mournfully. "Ever since we were little he's had moments where… where I need to be there."

"Moments?"

He laughs awkwardly. "He has a bit of a… well, let's call it a condition. He… every time this happens he just… gets away from me." There's a heaviness in Flynn's eyes. "He lashes out occasionally and I have to calm him down. He's usually like that for hours." Flynn grips his hair and Estelle wonders if he might cry in this exhausted state. "I wish I could do something for him. All I ever can do is hold his hand wait."

Estelle takes his hand and rubs soothing circles. "You really care about him." But it's more than that. She sees in the sad way his lips curl up at her gesture and in the red rings in his eyes. Estelle holds him in a hug and presses herself against the uncomfortable armor lovingly. "Have you been together long?"

"No. Yuri doesn't see me that way." The words hurt her, because she knows that Flynn loves deeper than most people.

Estelle wonders now if that condition he spoke of is related to all the strange occurrences surrounding Yuri. It might explain why he seems to have moments where he's not quite there. But where did the horns come in? The material is strangely familiar as she runs a hand on the surface. She's seen this before... right this was the material embedded into a few pieces of jewelry. Estelle thought it was a rare coral, but she must have been wrong. A thought occurs to her that she quickly laughs away and dismisses. It's impossible!

Estelle looks up from the horns to see Repede looking at her with judging eyes. Estelle knows that Repede is just a dog, but as he stares into her she feels caught and afraid. Repede can't talk so there's nothing to worry over, but she still mutters an apology. "Please don't tell Yuri."

The dog gives a gruff bark and stares at her till she places back the horns.

"I was worried." Estelle says trying to ease her guilt in snooping through other people's things. She wasn't one to normally intrude on other people's privacy. She didn't really sleep that night and her legs were tired as they made their way towards Aspio.

The City of Shade had well earned its name by being built into a cavern. Upon entering they could feel the chilling damp air and the gloomy light of blastia.

"It looks like this is Aspio..." Estelle says as she touches the cold cave walls.

"It's so gloomy and damp here... It's giving me the chills, too." Karol mutters as he follows behind.

"It's because the city is in a cavern." Estelle notes factually.

Yuri sniffs his air, but his nose was still clogged. He idly looks at Repede and asks if the dog can smell Mordio. Repede shakes his head and Yuri scowls. They might have taken too long to get here. The knights at the gate look lacked and depressed and stop them lazily.