The Warmth of the Hearth

There was silence as Laurent is seen back in his office, skipping dinner as he found himself no longer hungry from the worry. What is it that I’m missing? He has skimmed through the list of names and has sent word of such matters to Kayden with the hopes that he may be able to better prepare Ezicion for the possible catastrophe that may come to face in the near future. However, he knew in his heart that something did not add up. Was this simply a ploy by the greediest of the lower houses? Among the names he was given, all of them pertained to the idea that this was a possible coup to oust the upper nobility.

“Your face will get wrinkled from all the scowling that you are doing.” Olin jests, entering the room without having Laurent notice. “I am not surprised though, seeing how you have always been one to protect those who you deem are in need of protecting.” He pauses, eyeing the paper that Laurent was holding. “Is this the moment I am bound to tell you I am proud of you brother?”

Laurent simply laughs at the sudden sentimentality in his brother’s words, not used to seeing his ever-dependable brother being this open about how he feels. “And I suppose I am expected to tell you that I feel the same afterwards? Then by all means, please proceed.” They pause for a moment before bursting into laughter. The two mages, now older than they would like to admit, have forgotten what it is like to feel childish bliss once again.

“I have started gathering whatever knowledge I can scour from my men; they can be trusted.” Olin states, now taking a more serious tone. “If I were to decide however, I believe that the best way to tackle this would be to do it under covers. We cannot afford informing the enemy that we are on the move.”

“Agreed, I have made preparations of my own as well.” Laurent stands from his seat and proceeds to tidy up the mess on his desk. “But for now, I feel my hunger coming back to me. I suppose grabbing a bite from the kitchen won’t be too bad.”

“Shall I call Rem?” Olin inquires.

“There is no need. I believe myself quite capable of fetching my own food to eat. You should go rest as well, and I require your company with my meeting with Kayden tomorrow.” Laurent declines, pushing Olin outside his office and closing the door behind them.

The sun rises the next day behind a gloomy sky, painted with grey as a line of clouds seem to signify incoming rain. Laurent stares out of the window of his carriage, deep in thought as Olin stares at him from the other seat. “Anything on your mind Laurent?”

“I was just wondering if this really is within the boundaries of what we are capable of Olin.” Laurent speaks, his eyes still fixated on the scenery outside of the carriage. “As much as I have faith in our abilities as individuals, there is not much we can do about a force that we know nothing about.” He pauses, acknowledging the fear that has been bubbling up within him no matter how he may try to deny it. “I have Luke waiting for me at home. I have already lost a loved one once, and I can’t bear the thought of failing once again.”

Olin reaches a hand out to squeeze Laurent’s trembling arm. “You are very brave to acknowledge the fear that is stirring up within you, dear brother. Although we have often been called polar opposites from one another, I have never found myself ever disagreeing with your beliefs. In fact, I admire them.” He gives off a smile, which Laurent reciprocates. “As always, you will not face this alone, nor will you ever find yourself in such a situation. We have overcome the most difficult of times together, and this will be no different. I will always have your back.”

“You are the best of brothers and the best of friends Olin, that would never change.” Laurent replies as the carriage stops in front of the Blaise Manor. The two of them step outside to be greeted by an enthusiastic Kayden and the ever-beautiful Celine Blaise.

“It is great to see you, old friend!” Kayden brings Laurent and Olin into a tight embrace, happiness welling inside of him. “It’s been months since you’ve seen the sunlight Laurent! By the Gods, look at how pale you are. Olin, you should be making sure that Laurent does not drown himself in books, we know how often he tends to do that.”

“We are glad to see you as well Kayden, and please do not talk about me as if I am not here.” Laurent replies, slightly annoyed but glad at the jests Kayden has thrown at him. “And can you not speak like my brother is my keeper?”

Kayden bursts into laughter as Celine smacks him lightly on the shoulder. “Dear, I would like to believe that Laurent did not come all this way just to be teased by you.” She eyes Olin who simply smiles and giggles unintentionally. “You too Olin, how can you be so mean to your brother?”

“Whatever do you mean my dear Celine. I am simply happy to have seen the both of you happy and well. How is little Carson faring?” Olin responds as he and his brother are escorted by the couple into the manor.

“Oh, he has grown to become more like Kayden with each day that passes. Including the way he tends to be the cause of many of my broken instruments.” Celine giggles as she looks at Kayden frowning. “Oh dearest, do not worry. I have not come to love you any less.”

“I know that and I have already apologized for all of the things I have broken. Although, it is not my fault that they were so frail.” Kayden retorts and faces Laurent and Olin. “Now, should we get back to business?”