A Mess of a World: the Etched Stone

9.8) Alessida

"Damen and I must speak with our superiors before we leave. You four stay here." Zaki'a said, glancing at Damen, who nodded in agreement. Alessida saw that his armor had been buffed up, he carried a similar pack to Zaki'a, and he now carried a sword and shield. The shield had the same crest as his armor for the Defenders of Light.

Alessida also noted that Tristis wore different clothes too.

The material for his clothes was newer and more form fitting, but remained a leathery brown and hooded. A leather strap went down across his torso, small green darts were stuck in securely, and two long slender daggers were sheathed on his back.

Alessida stepped away from him after seeing the darts. "Are those things poisonous?!"

"Yes." He said, menacingly, before looking away.

Zaki'a gave him a pointed glare, before telling her. "He would be foolish to use them against us. I wouldn't worry."

"Hold hanging the man for second!" Sama exclaimed suddenly. "If you're talkin' to the higher uppers, what're we going to be doing? Sitting like a bunch of lumps until you get back?"

"What?" Alessida mumbled, not used to the expression.

"Kaartan saying. I wouldn't dwell on it." Damen whispered to her.

"Sorry, Sama, but we can't take you with us. I'm sure you'll find something to occupy yourself-lves." He added, glancing at the others. He started off and Zaki'a followed.

She'd only taken a few steps before she looked over her shoulder, "Be sure to stay out of trouble, if you know what's good for you."

"Are you crazy?! You want to go to Spirit's Wood?" Tristis said, once they were out of earshot. "You're trying to get us all killed." He added in a mutter, "I believe I got involved in this."

"Would you rather be in the dungeon with your friend?" Alessida asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Yes!" Tristis exclaimed, plopping down onto the sidewalk.

"For someone who looks as old as you, you sure are a baby." Sama remarked, crossing her arms. He glared at her and she continued, "How did you even know?"

"Defender Elnih told me, and even though I don't like it, I'm oathbound to help." Tristis grumbled, swatting his hair out of his face.

"That's funny you say that, since here I was thinking you are the most likely to stab us in the back. And 'oathbound'? What's that supposed to mean?"

"I take commitments seriously." He replied icily. "But if I survive that treacherous demon-filled forest, the commitments over, and if I'm murdering anyone you are definitely at the top of the list!"

"Murder..." Lorraine repeated in a whisper with her distinct accent. She turned away and started muttering inaudibly to herself.

"So why's your hair white? You sick or something?" Sama asked, scrutinizing Tristis.

He looked up at her with a scowl.. "Excuse me?"

"D'you could pass for an elder with a scarf cov'ring your mouth?"

There are no words to describe the look of fury that boy had on his face. "Just how old do you think I am?"

"Dunno. Either your face or your hair is all messed up, innit?"

"What are you doing in Spirit's Wood, Jade?" Lorraine asked Alessida suddenly. Her question earned the attention of the other two, who halted their bickering to hear her answer.