A Clove of Fates

23. All These Things You Have To Do

I recognized Fraed's friend as soon as I saw him.

He had the same emerald streaked hair, the same pointed ears and elven glow. He was even wearing the same dark trench coat studded silver along the collar.

He was leaned against a post as if that was the only thing holding him up. He rubbed his eyes.

"Vik! You there?" Fraed asked.

He blinked, shifted lethargically, and closed his eyes momentarily. "Ah. Fraed." He opened one to get a better look at us. "Is that Elke with you?"

"Her sister."

"Oh." Said the elf. "And you've brought the Crown Princess herself."

"I guess so." Fraed replied.

"I know you." I said when we got closer. "You're that elf from the party. The one that stole my bag."

"As I already told you, I never stole anything." He straightened and ran a hand through his hair. Gone was the carefree air he held about him last night. Exhaustion leaked through his pores. "My illusion magic just happens to be extremely sophisticated. Don't be embarrassed, every acquaintance I make must go through the ordeal. That is, except for you, Sorenson."

Fraed smiled. "Yes, well, I am immune."

"I didn't know that Syna's followers part timed as sailors." Ifera observed. She slid her hands into her pockets (my pockets) only the thumbs visible, and a smirk played with her lips.

"I don't part time as anything. I'm a full time undergrounds man. Which Fraed knows well enough. Should I be worried?"

Fraed ran a hand through his hair. "Yes, but don't. We just need a ride to Fjall."

The elf, Vik, raised his eyebrows. "Fjall? What're you going all the way up there for, a five day spa retreat?"

Fraed opened his mouth before closing it again. He smiled placidly. "Something like that."

"And this wouldn't have anything to do with this very princess going missing the other day?"

I tensed, sent a sharp look to Ifera. She flinched and met my gaze. Not looking away, she said. "Nothing at all." She smiled and turned to him. "What can I say? I've got a penchant for adventure."

Vik blinked at her before turning back to Fraed. "You already know what I'm going to say, Sorenson—"

"Viktor—"

"—But I still feel the need to say it. This, whatever this is, sounds like bullshit. And you know how I feel about bullshit, don't you? Please tell me if you forgot, because I could understand if you were confused. Are you confused? You must be, because this doesn't make any sense."

"Viktor, if you would just—"

"Fraed!"

His mouth snapped shut.