Episode 3 Sneak Peek #20

To list the number of continuity flags in this scene would be too many... This section may not end up looking quite like this when you encounter it in game. ;)

Veyer cracks their eyes open. “It’s heartening to know that you have common sense,” they say lightly. “I’ve known too many of your order who had a troubling habit of throwing themselves headlong into danger without a second thought. An admirable trait to some, perhaps, but on the whole, I prefer those with a drive for self-preservation. In my experience, it gets you farther in life.”

A faint smile tugs at your lips. “Mine, too.”

You hear a snort from across the grove. Aeran’s back is to you, but you have no doubt he is scowling.

“You recall what I said last night?” they continue grimly. Their dark eyes flicker upwards, to the tower wall and the black spires beyond it. “Should you confront the shroud directly, take care. It may not behave the way you expect.”

You swallow hard. “Don’t worry. I’ll be on my guard.”

“I have no doubt.”

Aeran trudges across the grove, pacing to and fro as his apprehension gets the better of him. “Don’t listen to them, $firstname,” he snaps. “They’re trying to get under your skin and throw you off. I don’t know how it benefits whatever game they’re playing—”

Veyer sighs. “Believe what you’d like to believe, Kellis, I won’t stop you. But the fact of the matter is that no one understands what we’re dealing with here. No me, not Lethalis. Not even you.”

“Why are you here, Krellion?” he says furiously. “Have to admit, I was quite surprised to see you in Velantis, let alone involved with Lethalis. Guild mage or not, I didn’t think the emperor let his lapdogs run this far free.”

The mocking amusement dies in Veyer’s eyes, their expression growing forlorn. They sigh heavily and lean against the tree, twisting their ring around their index finger. “I suppose I deserve that,” they say. “Were you anyone else, I would give little credence to such pointed comments about my character, but in your case it’s understandable. You have every right to despise me. That we have found ourselves as allies is an unforeseen turn of events. In respect to that… I apologize.”

Aeran pauses, taken aback. He stares at them, eyes narrowed with suspicion, uncertain whether to read their apology as genuine. “Fine,” he grunts after a moment, scratching the back of his neck. “Fine.”

Eager to escape this turn of conversation, he stalks across the grove and takes up position on the perimeter. This mutual loathing has left you with more questions than you care to admit—another reminder that no matter how much you care for Aeran, there are many things about him that you do not know.

“What’s the story here, Veyer?” you ask, joining them. “What is it with you two?”

“Ah.” Their smile fades and press a shoulder against the trunk, stuffing their hands into their pockets. “It’s a long story, one that isn’t mine to tell. I meant what I said—Kellis has every right to hate me, I will not argue that. But if you want the truth, it would be best to hear his version of events. I cannot speak to mine.”

“That’s not helpful,” you point out.

“No,” they reply sadly. “It’s not.”

A sober silence falls between you. You cross your arms and glance at Aeran from afar, watching as he crouches in the grass and lays Taraniel beside him. The bow glints in the dappled sunlight, its silver-white curve a stark contrast against the green. Beside you, Veyer casts an eye around the grove, cautiously taking in what must be a familiar sight. They withdraw Malsara’s token from their pocket and roll it absently between their fingers.

“If I may, $firstname,” Veyer says quietly, meeting your eyes. They press the token into their palm and curl their fingers around it, forming a fist. “I believe we have developed a certain rapport. If it is not too presumptuous of me, I have a request. One that must remain between us. Will you hear me out?”

A cool breeze rushes through the grove, rustling the leaves above. You pause, goosepimples running down your arms. The intense look in Veyer’s eyes in difficult to ignore. Gone are any traces of their customary nonchalance, their acerbic wit, the mocking sarcasm. You’ve never seen them so serious.

1. They are your ally. You have no good reason not to trust them.
2. Whatever game they’re playing, you want no part in it. You’re already a pawn in too many mages’ hands.