❝ Its so quiet… ❞
Erenn huffed as he scanned the empty halls of the palace, his hand gently touching upon the marbled stone walls as he looked out to the rising sun over the courtyard below. It was indeed quiet, Phinnease had to travel to Candria for an important meeting and told him to stay behind, though took August and Solf with him. It seemed to be of utmost importance so they left in a rush, and put Sir Faust in charge of things. Erenn had always felt uncomfortable around Faust, as if something was off. But everyone felt that; though he was still widely respected among his peers despite his lack of words. In fact, he had not once ever spoke to Erenn since they met. And even now; as he was put in charge to “babysit” Erenn, he was nowhere to be seen. Kuvira was nowhere to be seen, Riley was off in Zhou and the others were busy either on missions or dealing with their own troubles. Even sir Estel was apparently dealing with the growing crime in Piore right now. That sounded like fun, at least more fun that he was having right now, wandering the nigh empty palace save for the odd maids and servants who only served to annoy him with their questions. Hell; he wanted to at least know what had happed with Lady Ellianette, having heard the news that she was found and had retuned to her home in Zhou. But he hadn’t heard anything else, though it wasn’t like he knew her well.
The blue haired male sighed; shaking his head as his hand shifted to comb through his long hair, touching upon the earrings which his father had given to him before leaving. A Holy Relic, apparently. “Omertà” was its former name, though with every owner its name and structure changes to its wielder. Of course, Erenn was still oblivious to its nature, and had attempted various times to call to it to no avail. It frustrated him; and usually ended with him storming off out of the training grounds in a fit or rage, and of course with Solf or August chewing his ear off. But right now they weren’t here, and it was quiet. Almost sad, if he were honest. He quickly shook those thoughts out of his mind, before he proceeded to wear the typical, mischievous smile he always wore.
Erenn looked around quietly before he turned around and ducked down the hall; slipping down the spiral stairs down to where Finn’s study was located. Of course the door was locked, as he would find after several attempts to open it, leaving him in a huffing mess until he noticed that the door was now ajar. It opened! He had to stifle his excitement; before he moved to grab the handle and pull it open. And as if on cue he would feel a looming shadow behind him, and suddenly freeze in place before gulping and turning slowly. It was Faust.
❝ What art thou doing, child? ❞
The masked male spoke in a low brogue; almost a metallic sounding voice which only served to bring cold sweats to Erenn who now looked up at the looming figures porcelain mask. A moment of silence passed between them as Erenn attempted to think up a reply; though knew whatever he would cook up wouldn’t work. Faust was a known truth seer, meaning that he can see through anyones lies. But just as Erenn went to speak; the masked man shifted, before pushing the boy aside and the door open before walking into the doorway. He didn’t look back at the dumbfounded Erenn, but merely spoke in a flat tone.
❝ Follow. ❞
Erenn nodded; and did as he was told. Leaving the door ajar on the chance that this spelt trouble; the young man quietly followed Faust into the dimly lit room. As they entered, the masked man raised his hand and all of the various candles in the room lit up simultaneously. Erenn was a little surprised; but didn’t speak as he watched Faust shift ands creep over to the large bookcase by the door. His hand glided along the wooden frame as his eyes scanned the books, perhaps looking for something. It was almost as if he had forgotten Erenn was there until the boy spoke; with hesitation.
❝ What are you looking for? ❞
He asked, almost regrettably. Erenn was almost waiting to be chewed out for breaking into the study, yet the deafening silence only served to tickle his restless nerves. Plus being in the presence of such a strange man only served to add to the weight of his unrest. The blue haired male waited for a response, fixing the collar of his black tunic as he leaned against the stone wall, near what appeared to be a broom. Perhaps he was staying close to it on the chance that his gut feeling was right, but he did not move.
❝ I could ask ye the same, child. ❞
Faust replied; in his typical flat tone. It wasn’t much of an answer; but Erenn did notice that he had stopped searching upon pulling out a leather bound book to inspect it. He couldn’t see much of it, but it seemed old, very old in fact. As if to break the silence, Faust spoke once more. This time his tone was slightly different, though Erenn couldn’t figure out why.
❝ Hast thou read the works of Sir Elias Rosenrot? ❞ He turned to face Erenn, before approaching the young man and moving his arm out to hand him the book. Erenn looked down at it, and the colour seemed to drain from his face. If he could put it into words, he felt a deep, confusing fear just by looking at the book. He knew it was bad news, and thusly backed away slightly to which Faust would chuckle before pulling the book away, and slipping it under his sleeve. He then spoke; but his voice was completely different now; almost sounding female.
❝ He was… A relic of his time. A genius to say the least, and one who had fathered much of the Magick world. He was also the one who invented the Grimoire; and is most well known for his demonic books. This is one of them; inscribed with the Seal of Solomon to keep the spirits at bay. Your father is an avid collector of them, did you know? He too dabbles in the dark arts. ❞
Erenn frowned; a little taken aback by this new information. His father was a practitioner of dark magick? That wasn’t new. But him hoarding Grimoires was news to him. It was a known fact that they were outlawed and were sought after for the purpose to destroy them. But to think that Finn was casually keeping them in his study was questionable, but for some reason he didn’t doubt it. But why?
❝ And? Why is that important? And why the hell are you going through his things- ❞
Erenn asked; though as he went on his tangent he was silenced by Faust slamming the book onto the ground, and thusly destroying it by crushing it under his foot. It burst into flames, and the silhouette of a horned creature seemed to fade into the room with a shrill cry. Erenn was now more than confused at this; but he remained silent as Faust turned to face him. Erenn shifted to grab the broom handle as the large man approached him and waved his hand over the boys face, to which he would fall to the ground unconscious.
❝ Because it is a grave sin, child. Lest ye forget the path we walk; you must question those who you follow. Trust not the word of others, but your own soul. ❞
