New Moon

Everything seems so much bigger through the eyes of a young child. Even the most mundane things like the tranquil, temperate woods behind a doting grandmother's cottage become something else entirely when perceived by a five year old. For example, Allinea Lular sees the potential for grand adventure and fantastic tales amidst the towering trunks… pretend enemies lurking around every bend, and mystical beings just out of sight. Though Tobias Lular has always viewed things a little differently than his sister. 

He follows dutifully in Alli’s wake as she trounces her way through the undergrowth. It's his natural place to follow her lead, ever since he was born a few minutes after her. Alli's arms are spread wide to bask in the world around her, and her gaze even wider as she looks upon the lightly frosted wood and spins him a tale of fantasy and wonder. Her cheeks are almost as pink as her hair from the chill in the air but she's far too intrigued by the "magical" shimmer of sunlight bouncing off the thin coating of ice to pay her condition any mind. Fairy dust, she dubs it.

He nods in understanding and pays close attention to her ramblings, though he doesn't quite see it that way himself. The frost is nothing more than condensation as a result of lowered temperatures correlating with a lesser dewpoint. The ensuing moisture rapidly froze into ice crystals, which are admittedly very pretty, but hold no inherent magic on their own. Far less whimsical than Allinea's version, which is why he feels no need to refute it. He prefers her story, he knows his is boring… Alli wouldn't say so, she's always nice to him, but he knows he's not as cool and interesting as she is...

His eyes scan the trees thoughtfully as their species names pass through his mind. Sycamore… the tallest and oldest, some as old as the Quetzalcoatl… Willow, a first choice of nature mages because of their whip like appendages… Maple the source of the molasses for Grandma's tasty blueberry syrup… Tobi never forgets a fact he's heard before. They're all up there somewhere, in a mish mash of information inside his head.

Suddenly, Allinea stops short with her hands on her hips in front of a broad elm. She peers up into the tallest branches and cocks her head to the side, "See this one Tobi? This is where the king of the fae court lives!" She points excitedly towards the tippy top, her breath makes excited puffs in the cool air as she babbles, "His throne is up there, but you should be careful! Cause mom says that sometimes the fairy king steals little kids to raise as his own…" her expression gets rather sinister and she wiggles her fingers for ominous effect.

His brows furrow incredulously, he's never heard of anything like that. A fairy court that steals children? No way… that was just a bedtime story. No, as far as he can tell, it's just a normal elm. An essential habitat for the endangered saber tooth squirrel, but certainly not a home to a mystical monarch. Though he sees no reason to dampen his sister's enthusiasm, "I can't… really see it…" he admits forlornly. He wishes he could. Alli's imagination sounds like a wonderful place.

She frowns in disappointment, "Really…? Alright, you wait here, I'll go get proof!" She bends her knees and leaps with a grunt to grab hold onto the bark. He watches with bated breath as she takes branch after branch to ascend higher and higher… he feels the faintest blossom of curiosity blooming in his chest when he sees her reaching for something. A glimmering leafy shape that he can't quite make out from down here. She stretches as far as she can, but still can't reach. Can it be…? Is that the Fairy King’s crown…?

With an irritable grumble she leaps up to a new vantage and balances precariously with both feet on a limb. She sways slightly but rights herself quickly and returns to her task. The very tips of her fingers are just brushing her quarry when a sickening crack rings out in the still forest. The frosted and brittle branch gives way beneath her and she tumbles at least twenty feet. It seems like it takes an eternity for her to reach the ground as he watches uselessly. She spins on to her side at the last second and her upper arm absorbs the brunt of the impact. Another crack, this one even more disturbing than the last. 

Tobi rushes to her side in a flash, but her head is bowled over towards the ground, "Alli? Alli are you ok?!" he frets.

She finally turns her head up to him and his heart shatters when he sees her eyes are watering… he can't remember the last time he saw Alli cry… she shakes her head dully, "Uh uh…" she mumbles, and the tears start to fall in earnest. Her arm is bent rather oddly… he can feel his panic rising with how wrong it looks.

"W-what do we do?!" He doesn't have a clue. Alli is the one who comes up with ideas, all he knows is he really hates seeing her in pain…

She grits her teeth and seems to force a tougher face, "We gotta get back to Grandma… she can help…"

He gulps nervously, they aren't even supposed to be out here… dads gonna be so mad when he finds out… "Ok… you're right. We gotta get out of here." He gives her a shoulder and helps get her off the ground without the use of her injured arm. 

She leans on him and they start the trek back to the cottage. They leave a telltale pair of merged and staggered footsteps on the frosted grass the entire way… thankfully he's able to spot the smoke from the chimney to guide them back. Alli is getting dizzy from the pain by the time the quaint home peeks through the foliage. He practically carries her the rest of the way when Ryllae comes bursting out the back door. 

Her eyes are wide and concerned when she sees them, "Oh kids… thank God you're-" she pauses mid statement when her gaze trails from the streaks of tears on Alli's pink cheeks to her disjointed arm. 

Tobi sets her down on the grass so she can rest and looks to his grandmother nervously, "I'm sorry! I know we weren't supposed to be out there, please don't be mad!" He falls to his knees beside her and his lip quivers with fear, as Alli's eyes glaze over from the pain he knows she's feeling, "Alli needs help, please, she's hurt really bad!" He babbles. For a moment, Ryllae doesn't respond, seemingly lost in her own thoughts. She merely watches his nerves fray more and more with every passing second, is she mad?! Is this cause we wandered off?! "Please grandma, I don't want her to die!!!" He can't imagine a life without his twin.

Finally, Ryllae takes his hand gently in hers to settle him. Her palm is incredibly soft and still carries the warmth from inside her home in contrast to their chilly surroundings. She was always able to soothe his worries, regardless of the scenario… "You want to help her, Tobias?" She asks at last. He nods furiously in response, she only climbed that stupid tree for me…! She has to be ok… "Then let me show you how…"

He watches in confusion as she guides his hand to hover over the break in his sister's arm. Her much larger hand covers his and intertwines their fingers and he watches her closely. She studies him carefully before continuing, "Listen carefully Tobi, ok? Imagine the energy flowing through your body, a churning river of power within you... and direct it all to your hand. Then picture it flowing into Alli, patching her bones back together, sewing up her skin and returning it to normal."

What… what good will that do? He has to try. He has to save Alli. His face contorts with effort as he tries to do as she asked. He tries harder than he's ever tried at anything… but nothing happens. Alli whines with pain and his shoulders droop, "I… I can't…" Alli is the one with the imagination… 

Ryllae rubs a calming circle into his back , "You can, Tobi. I know you can heal her. I believe in you." She insists.

He stares at her blankly for a moment, Ryllae has never asked something like this from him before… The weight of her words encourage him to try just one more time. Finally, the faintest sparks of silver manifest from his fingertips, a dim luminescence that feels cool on his skin. He gasps in awe as it slowly brightens and glows onto Alli's wound. Is that… mine? He’s seen this phenomenon before, twinking off his mother’s heels after she dashes around in light speed… is Momma helping…? She'll save Alli for sure then! He does just as Ryllae instructed, careful not to miss a single crucial step, recalling in perfect detail every word she said. He makes sure to put everything back together correctly, good as new… and slowly the pain in his sister’s expression recedes. 

She blinks a few times as her entire body relaxes, "Tobi… you did it! You used magic!!" She shrieks giddily. 

He slumps over with sudden exhaustion as the last of the light recedes, "I… I did?" Was that really my power…? He blinks rapidly to try to stay vertical, but can still feel it lingering within him… in the depths of his core, a vision of a glowing orb reflected in a pool darker than black… rippling with every beat of his heart. A full moon shimmering within him… he can't look away… "I feel… sleepy…" he mutters, and Alli catches him mid fall.

Ryllae pushes back his bangs with a look of joy on her face, "You can rest sweetie, you were wonderful…" the awed expressions of his grandmother and sister are the last thing he sees as his vision fades to black…

---

"You know, I always wanted one of those when I was your age Tobi, but my father would never allow it." Otto remarks as he gives a thoughtful once over to his son's current outfit. It certainly makes a statement, but so did the other 27 outfits his father picked out. His room has been converted into a relative disaster zone in pursuit of this project. Tobi had no idea updating his wardrobe would be this intensive, but his father is not one for half measures… as he repeatedly reminded him whenever Tobi began to fret about the mess.

Tobi frowns slightly and lifts his arm to test the weight of the garment. It dwarfs him somewhat, like it's wearing him instead of the other way around,  "I dunno... doesn't it look kinda silly on me…? What if Cher makes fun of me…?" He worries with a tiny voice. Then Alli would jump to his defense as usual and they'd end up in a big explosive disaster fight for sure… oh that'd be awful...

Otto is taken aback by his assessment, "Silly?! Absolutely not, there is no accessory on earth that commands more authority than a cape. You simply need to wear it with confidence." He says matter of factly and grabs a cape from a nearby rack and drapes it over his shoulders. He opens his eyes and spins around with a dramatic flair that makes the cape billow around him intensely.

"Wow… you make it look so cool…!" he looks up to him with starry eyes. The fabric flows off of him like an extension of his body… dad really is a hero!

Otto straightens the collar and looks down to him cooly, "Confidence and good posture will take you a long way in life, son. Remember that."

Confidence… he makes a quick mental note to himself, he's determined to follow all his father's advice. Can it really be that simple? To just decide to be arrogant? I want to be a hero like mom and dad… he steels himself with a slow breath and does his best to imitate his father's dramatics. 

His nod is visibly impressed and the young boy smiles from ear to ear, "That was good." He crosses the room over to him and leans down to inspect his posture, "Chin up, shoulders tight." Tobi goes stiff as a board in compliance, "Excellent, you look very distinguished. So, what do you think?" He steps back to take in the full ensemble once more.

Tobi looks slowly from his own cape up to his father's full height and matching one… and he can't deny his flood of sheepish admiration. Just like dad… who cares what the girls think, they just don't understand good taste like dad does! "I love it!" He wraps it around himself like a cacoon, "So warm!!! Like you… can I keep it?!" 

Otto looks almost giddy at his excitement and he chuckles lightly, "Of course you can. It suits you." He confirms. Tobi races over to hug him around his thighs and he pets his hair softly, "Whatever you want, son… say the word and it will be yours..." his voice is little more than a whisper when he makes that promise. 

A sudden knock turns both of their heads, "Honey, you do realize this is your son and not your dress up doll right? What's taking so long?" His mother's voice wonders.

Otto grins in response, "Just a minute Vesilla, I believe we’ve arrived at the piece de resistance.” he turns back to the young boy, “Would you like to show your mother?" Tobi nods giddily and his father places a hand on the door knob, "Ready?"

Confidence… like dad. Be like dad! He nods once more and Otto opens the door. He sticks his chin up regally, just as he was shown and struts out before his waiting family. He hears Alli go "Ooooooh!" And clap a couple times and his mother's smile is huge. It warms him all the way to his depths as he reaches the end of the hallway and spins just as he was shown.

His mom leans over to whisper to his dad, "What have you done? He's a mini you..." She jokes quietly.

Otto ruffles slightly, "Spoiled our child once more. Did you expect anything less?" 

"You'd think I'd know by now to anticipate the most dramatic outcome from you… He looks really happy… good job." she reflects. They exchange a contented smile as their typically introverted son blossoms far more than he usually does.

Alli runs over to investigate and lifts up the tail of the cape. She's so lost in her examination that she doesn't notice the tall figure approaching down the hallway.

"Ah, I see I'm intruding on the runway. Excuse me children, I didn't mean to disrupt your fashion show." the new arrival remarks light heartedly.

They slowly tilt their heads back to examine the newcomer, "Uncle Dominick!" The children cry in unison. Alli latches onto his leg and Tobi gives a wave in greeting.

He rests a hand on each of their heads and smiles, "My, my you two are growing so fast…" he looks down to where their parents are watching at the end of the hall, "They're turning 8 soon, right? You should apply to send them to Blumnorth! Such bright children would be incredibly successful there."

Otto is visibly disgusted by the suggestion and walks over to scoop Tobi up in his arms, "Absolutely not. There is nothing my children could learn from that overblown pompous place that I couldn't teach them better myself. They will study here, with us."

Dominick seems perturbed by his assessment of his Alma mater, but before he can reply, Tobi chimes in, "A-Actually, I wanna train with Grandma! She knows a lot about my magic.” He bridges his pointer fingers together and presses them against each other, “She even said I could live with her for a couple years if you guys said it was ok..." He's been wanting to ask for a while...

"What…?" Otto is stunned by his comment and seems to retreat in himself for a moment for some reason. Did I make him sad…? Did I say something wrong? Vesi slowly crosses over to place a gentle hand on his back and the two share a moment of silent communication. His father slowly turns back to him with a melancholy forced smile, "If that's what you want, Tobi. I'm sure Grandma Ryllae will be an excellent teacher." He concedes at last.

Tobi beams in response, "Thank you dad! I'll study hard, I promise!" He hugs him tight around his neck and presses their cheeks together, "I'll never take the cape off, so that way I won't forget you… so please don't be sad, ok?"

Finally his father's smile reaches his eyes, "Very well. I won't be. I'm so proud of you, Tobias. Never doubt that."

---

Drip…

Drip……… 

Drip……………………

Drip.

The storm stopped a while ago, and yet occasional drops continue to fall relentlessly into the crystalline surface of Tobi's pond. According to his mother, certain locations can help to channel lunar energy. With the source of their power so far away, it can oftentimes feel somewhat intangible. Normally this place is perfect for him to be in tune with his magic, but tonight that is simply not the case. The stubborn residual precipitation ripples the surface with every lingering drop and the normally pristine reflection of the moon is repeatedly distorted into an unrecognizable blob. He can feel his irritation rising as a meditative state eludes him. He keeps getting so close… but then the image on the pond is destroyed once more by the falling rain and his mind wanders to transient passing thoughts. 

He can hear the contented breathing of his grandmother resting behind him against a tree. She is a silent observer as always, exactly what he needs in a mentor. Hands off, and respectful of his need for contemplation, she has no compulsion to forcibly fill silences as so many other people do. He learns much better without hovering, Ryllae is perfect for that. Only tuning in to offer advice when he requests it. These past few years have been an opportunity for him to mature, though he does miss his family. Especially his sister. But he fully believes that here, with Ryllae, is the best place for him to cultivate his abilities for now.

Not to mention, she's incredibly knowledgeable about healing magic. She recognized his potential far before anyone else… including himself. I suppose that makes sense considering her history… she likely has a lot of experience spotting the potential in young wizards from her time in Phoenix Wing. And yet, there's something that's been bothering him lately… more so than his fleeting perturbation at muddled reflections. He finds himself unable to resist pursuing this concern with his meditation seemingly impossible.

"Grandma?" His query shatters the silence of the otherwise still night.

She blinks a few times, visibly tired yet she would never deny his night owl tendencies. She follows him here whenever he requests, "Yes, Tobi?" Her response is quiet and soft, he can barely hear it over the ambient crickets.

He stays facing forward, studying his own reflection atop the pitch black surface, "You were a guild master once, correct?"

She seems to ponder a moment before replying, "That's right, why do you ask?"

He rubs his knees ruefully, "Then… why can't you use magic?" He furthers bluntly. It's a simple enough assumption to make. Every guild master he's met before is immensely powerful, a paragon of their guild. And yet Ryllae always tells, never shows during their lessons. There has to be some reason.

This time she delays for long enough that he turns around to look at her. She sat up and seems to be reflecting on something. He raises a brow at her, not understanding the need for so much avoidance, "It was a sacrifice." She finally responds simply.

He cocks his head at her curiously, "What? What do you mean?"

She takes a deep breath and stares at something only she can see on the surface of the pond, "Sometimes, in order to protect those we care about, we have to give something up I'm exchange-"

He shakes his head in dismissal, "I know what the word means." 

She finally meets his gaze, and he's surprised how much determination she's mustered, "You may think you do, but until you're faced with the dilemma yourself you can never really understand." She stands and walks over to where he's kneeling, "What would you do, Tobi? To protect the ones you love? … What would you give to keep Allinea safe?"

His eyes flick back to hers in an instant, "Anything. Everything." He answers with ease.

Finally his grandmother's harsh expression softens and she lays a gentle hand on his shoulder, "I know. I saw that desire in you that day you carried her out of the woods. You're destined to heal pain, Tobi, and you're very talented. But a kind and nurturing heart like yours, like ours, comes with its own setbacks. I merely want you to be aware that the day may come when the world demands more of you than you ever expected. You too may have to make a sacrifice one day."

Ryllae sounds more noble than he's ever seen her before… and he can easily discern the woman who lead a guild for two decades. Magic or no, he feels immense respect for her. He takes a moment to commit this most recent lesson to heart. Sacrifice… that concept seems so vague in the context she's provided. He returns his focus to hers, "Thank you for your guidance, Grandma… can you… tell me the story of your sacrifice?"

She gives his shoulder a last fond squeeze, "I'm afraid that's not my place… you should ask your father."

---

A late teenage Tobi is enjoying an early morning breakfast with his sister in the ornate Serpent's Hand castle dining hall. His guildmates are gradually emerging around him, all beginning to go about their morning routines. Alli is debriefing him on the mission she's selected for them today. Yet another challenging one, but she will never pass up a learning experience. Apparently this time she intends for them to hunt down a pack of balverines… she’s gotten this far before they even finished breakfast.

Just as he's about to suggest the influence of his magic may only make the beasts even more feral, their mother appears in the doorway to the dining room. She drags her feet over to them, plops down on the other side of the table, and lays her face flat on the tabletop.

"Good morning, mother." He greets her respectfully. This is pretty standard behavior for this time of day, so neither twin shows much of a reaction.

"Ugggghhhhh………" she replies less than eloquently.

Alli nudges his shoulder, "You wanna get it? Or me?"

He hops up from his seat, "I'll get it. Hold tight mom, It'll just be a moment."

"Thank you sweetie……." Her reply is muffled against the table.

He hurries to prepare a cup of coffee just how she likes it and returns to the table with it steaming in his hands. He sets it down in front of her cordially, "Here you are."

She perks up from the smell alone, "Thank you Tobi, you've saved me…" he smiles at her affectionately as she takes a deep gulp and the caffeine flows through her. She looks more human with each passing second as her frazzled state settles out. When she opens her eyes she slowly glances up from the cup to him, "Did I hear correctly you two are tackling another quest already? You both-..... Wait a minute."

His eyes widen slightly, "Is something wrong…?" He worries. Did I prepare her coffee incorrectly? He’s certain he didn’t. He would never forget something that important.

Vesi stands from the table and glares at his shoulder, "Just what the hell is the meaning of this?!" She demands with a snarl.

He winces beneath her anger, "I'm sorry mom, I don't know why you're upset!" He admits anxiously. Their guildmates are starting to turn their heads at the ruckus and he wilts slightly beneath their gazes, his family always had a tendency to be the center of attention… and drag him along with them against his will.

Her anger cracks and she sniffles a bit, "When… when did... when did you get so damn tall?!" She blathers, standing on her tiptoes to try to reach his eye level, but still not quite making it. The top of her head is about at his chin now when she stands flat footed.

He wracks his brain for a moment, "Um, I believe my last growth spurt was 23 days ago?" He recalls his sore limbs from that morning with clarity. It was a Tuesday, partially cloudy and Allinea was wearing blue.

She looks crestfallen, "23… 23 days… god I think you're even taller than your dad now…" she circles around him and pushes down on his shoulders in protests, "This is unacceptable. As your mother I order you to go back to being my waist height. There's no way my little boy is TALLER THAN ME!!!" She rants and tugs on her hair with distress.

He clears his throat sheepishly and discreetly bends his knees to lower his height, "I didn't mean to upset you, mother…" he speaks quietly, in an attempt to lower her volume as well.

She scoffs with a half grin and pats the top of his head now that its within her range, "Oh… You're a good boy, Tobi." A chiming sound from her pocket draws their attention and she pulls out her lacrima. She holds it up in front of her face, "Hey, what's up?" She says casually.

"Vesi, they're on the move." A voice he doesn't recognize states. It's quiet, and his mom turns away from them after that and he misses the next part of the message.

She nods quickly, "Yes, we'll be there. Did you call Otto-? ok. Good. Yes. We'll handle it, Slayer Squad won't fail, you can count on us." She confirms, sounding impressively professional. Even after all this time, he can't deny an admiration for his mother's team. Must be something big if they need all 5 of them!

Allinea seems to share his curiosity, she shifts to rest her elbow on the table,  "What was that about, Mom?"

Vesi turns back to them with a rather forced smile and places a hand on each of their shoulders, "Nothing to get worked up about kids, just a job. We'll be back later tonight, good luck on your mission!" She concludes suddenly before vanishing from the room in a flash of purple light.

That's odd… mother isn't usually the one to keep things from them… Allinea's brows furrow in a mirror of his concern and she points a finger towards her half full cup of coffee still sitting on the table. That really strikes him as off… what could possibly be so pressing to tear mother away before she finished her coffee…?

---

A quiet day in the Serpent's Hand library is the perfect atmosphere for some intense studying, and Tobi is more than willing to take the opportunity. Though he's been stationary for quite some time, and a chill is beginning to accumulate on his skin. He pulls his cape tightly over his shoulders to ward it off and settles further into his chair. He's on the third volume of 'The Physics of Telekinesis' when he hears a faint pad of footsteps behind him. Otto enters his peripherals and pretends to be searching for a particular entry in a nearby bookcase. It's not really a convincing act when he's very clearly trying to catch a glimpse of what he's reading…

"Can I help you, father?" He inquires without looking up from his book.

He gives a cocky smirk, and his reason for coming is much more apparent, "Yes, in fact you can. What are all the types of slayer magic, Tobias?"

Ah, we’re starting with an easy one today, "Dragon, Demon, God, Beast-" he flips the page of his book while continuing the recital, "and the recently discovered Djinnslayer."

He pulls a book off the shelf and flutters through the pages, "In order of ascending power level?"

"Beast, Dragon, Demon, God. Studies on the Djinnslayer have been inconclusive thus far." He rearranges.

“Good. Name the three refounders of the magical world after the Great Demon War?” he continues his pop quiz.

His eyes continue to scan the text in front of him while his mind works to relay the information, “Karina Blumnorth, founder of Blumnorth Academy. Ehecatl, founder of Serpent’s Hand and Lukas Urfang, founder of Phoenix Wing. The legendary heroes responsible for slaying the great demons.”

His father’s lip curls at that addition, “‘Legendary heroes’? I wouldn’t go that far…” he grumbles slightly before pacing up the row of books, needing something to distract himself from his son’s praise of an Urfang, “What is the creature with the most potent venom in all of Azotara?”

He scratches the side of his face nonchalantly, “The giant eastern scrubland tarantula.” He recites.

“Well done.” He praises the precise reply and nods in approval.

He flips the page of the physics text once more, “There is no such thing as a trick question if I know all the answers.” 

Otto nods in concurrence, “An excellent point.” A sudden hand clamped around his shoulder causes him to look up from the tome at last, “You answered all of those with ease, I’ll have to come up with some more challenging questions for tomorrow. I’m proud of you, Tobias.”

He blinks up at him as his concentration is shattered, “I know.” you never miss an opportunity to remind me… “But I appreciate you saying so.” he concedes with a soft smile.

The brief appreciative interaction is disturbed by the chiming sound of a lacrima. Otto answers it quickly as his mood shifts to irritation at having their moment interrupted, “What?” he demands shortly. Tobi shifts his attention back to his book with his father’s focus elsewhere, though he can’t exactly ignore the conversation taking place right next to him. The voice from the lacrima penetrates even his disciplined mental fortitude.

“They’re attacking the Griffons. There’s a request for backup, can Serpent’s Hand send help?” yet another unknown voice...

Otto’s eyes narrow calculatingly, “... Yes. We’ll be there in a few moments once I gather the rest of my team, keep an eye open for the portals.”

The Griffons…? As in, the Crimson Griffons? That makes him set down his text completely with a resolute clap. His father has no shortage of qualms about the guild he refers to as ‘The king’s lap dogs’... what threat is so dangerous that the Griffons have contacted Serpent’s Hand for help… and his father is actually willing to assist? What the hell is going on?!

Otto tucks the lacrima away and turns away from him, “Alright Tobi, keep up the good work. Your mother and I should be home by the time you wake up tomorrow.”

Tobi stands quickly with a flutter of pages and cape, “Wait!” Otto stops dead in his tracks and turns to face him, clearly impatient to be going. Confidence… confidence… confidence! “Tell me what’s going on. Where are you two running off to all the time lately?”

Otto drops his eye contact and tugs on his sleeve, “It’s nothing to be concerned about, just a job your mother and I are involved in.”

Confidence!!! “Dad… Alli and I are twenty years old, don’t you think it’s time you stop sheltering us from this kind of stuff? We just want to know if you’re in danger. Knowledge is power, you’ve said so yourself-”

His father’s fists clench defiantly, “Enough! It’s not your concern Tobias, and that’s final!!” Tobi gasps in shock, his father has never raised his voice to him before. Ever. He gets angry, sure, but he always makes a visible effort to never shout at his children. All of the young man’s bravado melts away in an instant beneath his furious tone, “You and your sister are safe here, that’s all that matters.”

His shoulders shake a bit with nerves, “O-ok… Be-... be careful please…”

In an instant, his anger dissolves and he seems upset with himself for his momentary meltdown, but he can’t manage to look him in the eye anymore, “... Never speak of this again. Understand?”

He bows his head, “Yes, father…” he concedes. The moment the words cross his lips, Otto turns and hurries out of the library at a worrying pace.

… What is going on?!