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Fable : Fall of the Guild	By : Samson Category: +A through F > Fable Views: 8222 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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Chapter List
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Blood Debt.
Fable : Fall of the Guild

Part X - "...It Was To Save A Country"

By: Jesse Racine AKA Samson

Original Date Written: January 15, 2013

Timoteo took in a deep breath, letting it out in a long, slow sigh. He was lying on his back, his head turned to the left, his right forearm resting across his stomach. The bed sheets only went up to his waist. He couldn’t feel Bianca cuddling up to either of his sides, but the spot in the bed immediately to his left was warm, proving she hadn’t been gone for long. He felt someone crawl up along the bed, coming from a spot not far from his legs. A soft hand lightly came down on his chest, slowly rubbing along him, gently feeling around at him. He heard her murmur pleasantly as he opened his eyes. “Good morning...” Opening his eyes a crack, he saw her in the candlelight, sitting on her knees beside him. Resting her free hand on her right thigh, she looked down into his eyes with a warm smile. Her eyes were only partly open, but they were bright with happiness, shining contently. Like him, she was still nude from the night before, leaving herself fully exposed as she sat over the bed sheets.
He hesitated, meeting her eyes, thinking of the night before. He remembered everything, the passion, the raw love as they naturally joined for the first time. Most of all, he remembered the step they had taken together, their first few tentative paces towards starting a family together. After the recollection had passed through his mind, he found that he was still comfortable, still relaxed with the idea. Nothing had changed, since the night before. Slowly, he started to smile, opening his eyes a little more. “Yeah...Good morning...” He said, warmly. He felt his hand over to her’s, drifting it across his stomach until they could hold hands, the two threading their fingers together with affection. “How are you feeling?...” She softly asked, smiling a little more strongly. His smile grew to match. “I feel fine...How about you?...” Bianca brought her free hand over to his left shoulder, beginning to lean over towards him. Her thick, black hair hung down around her face like a soft curtain, feeling smooth against his face as her strands ran along him.
She came down until her lips met his, the two closing their eyes, kissing slowly, lovingly. “Mm...” Bianca softly mumbled, letting out a warm breath against his cheek. He raised his left arm, holding her by her hip, stroking along her soft skin. His lungs filled with the light blueberry scent of her hair, her breasts lightly rested over his chest as she leaned over. They orally embraced several times before Bianca pulled away, moving an inch to the side, nuzzling the left side of her face against his own. Quietly, she murmured out by his ear, saying “I woke up only a minute ago...I was going to send Abel to Grizelda, and ask her for advice...Then, I was going to make breakfast, but I must’ve woken you up...I’m sorry...” Timoteo kissed her jaw, smiling as he softly said “Don’t be silly...” Bianca smiled again, breathing slowly and peacefully, enjoying the scent of his body. She started bringing one leg over him, raising her left knee and shifting it over to his right side.
She released his hand, Timoteo shifting his arm away from his stomach, letting it rest by his side. Her knees by his ribs, her feet by his hips, she lightly sat down over his stomach, being careful not to come down too heavily. He could feel her womanhood, warm and soft, pressing against him between the supple cushions of her thighs. Holding him by his shoulders, she laid down over him completely, letting her bosom press up against him. She moved her head to the side a little, nestling her face into the side of his neck, kissing at him. He grinned for a moment, knowing immediately what she desired. He reached his arms up and around her, feeling his hands down her hips until he reached her big, curvaceous tush. She pressed a long, sensual kiss to his neck in approval, slowly reaching her tongue out, flicking it along a single patch of skin. At first, Timoteo merely held her by her bottom, caressing along her, feeling her plush skin run under his fingers and palms.
As she licked at him, though, he eventually began to fondle her, gently sinking his fingers into her, playing with her by rubbing her around. Bianca let out a warm breath against his neck, gently grinding her hips left and right, playfully rubbing herself against him. She licked at a certain spot over the side of his neck before he felt her take just a small amount of his skin between her teeth. He winced just slightly as she bit through, but he smiled at how she reacted. Once she had bitten through just enough skin to draw blood, she eagerly wrapped her lips around the cut, suckling earnestly. A tremble ran up her spine, Bianca letting out a shaky breath when the blood trickled against her tongue, her breathing starting to deepen a little. He kept playing with her voluptuous bum for a few moments before a little grin grew on his face. He released her for a moment, letting both hands hover over her creamy cheeks. Bringing them down just hard and fast enough to make her flesh jiggle a little, he patted her over her behind, tapping her with both hands.
“Mm...” Bianca mumbled, giving his cut a little kiss before resuming her lapping. He grinned a little more, beginning to move his hands progressively faster, his pats starting to turn into light spanks. “Naughty little witch.” He teased. Another quiver ran down Bianca’s spine, a trembling breath flowing out against the side of his neck. She ground herself against him again, twitching her hips, rubbing her lower lips against his stomach. He could feel her heating up some more down below, her breathing beginning to speed up a little. He had only given her warm, soft bum a few more light spanks before a voice suddenly cut into their moment, emanating from Timoteo’s pack. Propped against the wall over to the left of the bed, a blue glow shone from within his pack, the voice coming from his Guild Seal. “Tim...Are you there?...I don’t have much time to talk. We need to meet up.”
Bianca opened her eyes, giving his cut one last suckle before she let her lips part from his skin. “Is that Gibbons?” She mumbled out, curious. “I think so...I better see what’s on his mind.” Timoteo quietly said, giving her rump one last affectionate little pat. Bianca moved to the side, getting off of him, stretching her legs out as he slipped out from under the covers, getting up from the bed. Lying on her right side, she watched him with a light smile lingering on her face, her breathing coming under control once again, the blush in her face dissipating. He walked over to his pack, getting down on a knee beside it. Pulling it open, he fished around inside, digging through gold coins and jewels. When he found the source of the glow, he pulled it out, standing back up and heading over to the bed. As he sat down on the edge of the bed, he said “Gibbons, I’m here.” Gibbons was quick to respond. “My partner and I need to see you. We just got word that Darrah’s dad more or less wiped Benedict off the map. Are you home, right now?”
Bianca moved, starting to crawl over towards Timoteo, coming up behind him. Timoteo looked down at his Seal, holding it over his right thigh. “Yeah, I’m in Darkwood. What’s wrong? Is the League sending people up to Hook Coast? I know some of the bandits escaped, but-” “That’s not it. The League’s not gonna bother with the last few handfuls of bandits. I’ve just got something I need to talk to you about, and I don’t wanna do it over our Seals. Can we meet you at the Cullis Gate in Greatwood, say, ten minutes from now?” Bianca got up on her knees when she reached Timoteo, slipping her arms under his, wrapping her arms around him in a tight, loving hug. Pressing her ample chest up against his back, she closed her eyes and touched her face to the back of his head, affectionately smelling his hair. He smiled a little at her tender embrace, but he couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread over Gibbons’ mood.
He was dead serious, which was already a sign that something was really getting to him, but beyond that, his tone was almost apprehensive, uneasy. He wanted to let Timoteo in on something, but more because he had to, not because it was something positive. “Sure, Bianca and I will be there.” He answered. “Good. We’ll see you then.” Gibbons said, the glow surrounding Timoteo’s Seal fading away barely a second later. Bianca shifted her head to the side, resting her chin down on his left shoulder. “He sounded hesitant...” Bianca quietly commented. “Yeah, I noticed that, too...” Timoteo lightly said, resting his Seal down on the bed, by his side. “Ten minutes...We’ve got enough time for breakfast. And I still need to send Abel to Grizelda...” Timoteo raised his hands to her’s, over his chest. Holding her hands lightly, he turned his head towards her a little, curiously saying “That’s right, you mentioned wanting to ask her for advice. What about?”
Bianca smiled, closing her eyes, touching the side of her face to his lovingly. “About what we did, last night...I wanted to tell her about our decision, and ask her for her thoughts. To my knowledge, she’s never had a child, but she’s older than we are...She may have insight into parenthood that could come in handy.” Timoteo smiled a little, saying “Right...I wonder how she’ll react? I hope she thinks we’re ready, too.” Bianca chuckled faintly in her throat, opening her eyes a crack. “I’m concerned about that, too...I can’t be sure how she’ll react. I’m hoping she’ll be happy for us.” Bianca slowly released him, beginning to get up from the bed to get dressed, Timoteo doing the same. Once they had gotten ready, Bianca called Abel to her side, quickly giving him a message to carry. She then sent him back out into Darkwood, letting him search for Bianca’s guardian. After a quick breakfast, Timoteo grabbed his Seal again, using it to teleport both himself and Bianca to the Greatwood Cullis Gate.
There weren’t any League members watching the Gate, luckily, so the two simply waited in the area, keeping an eye on the forest path not far from the Gate. Within a few minutes, two more figures materialized over the Gate, appearing within shimmers of blue light. Timoteo and Bianca smiled a little when they recognized Gibbons, he and a young woman both dressed in ordinary clothing, neither of them in their League uniforms. Gibbons was dressed in his old nighttime outfit, from his days as a thief. It had been some time since he had last worn it, but the stealthy outfit still fit him perfectly. In an all-black ensemble, he was as dark as a shadow from below the neck, not even his belt buckle reflected light. His dirks were clipped to the back of his belt, as usual, with the turtleneck of his shirt lowered, revealing his face. The woman at his side was wearing a unique suit of armour, possibly one she had fashioned, herself.
At the very least, Timoteo couldn’t remember ever seeing a similar kind of armour on sale, anywhere. She was wearing a long-sleeved leather garment, with reinforced sections over the elbows and shoulders covered in dark metal. To go with it, she was wearing skin-tight black leggings, along with black boots buckled up tight on her feet. She had a shroud-like cowl on, covering her head with a hood, wrapped around her shoulders and hanging down behind her to the middle of her back. In sheathes on the outsides of the her thighs, there were a small pair of swords, the handles reachable within a moments notice. To top it all off, she had two holsters against the small of her back, a pair of firearms tucked inside. She pulled her hood back when she saw them, revealing her short head of crimson hair, her golden eyes scanning over them with interest. Gibbons smiled when he saw them, joking, saying “Hey, guys. It’s good to see someone I don’t want to kill, for once.”
The woman at his side smiled a little with amusement, glancing at him through the corners of her eyes before the two started to approach the others. Timoteo and Bianca walked over and met the two, Bianca giving Gibbons a friendly hug when she reached him. “I’m glad you’ve kept safe.” Bianca said, in greeting. “Who, me? Pfft, the League couldn’t find it’s ass even if it sat down on a thorn. I’ve been fine.” Gibbons said, grinning a little as he hugged her back. Timoteo glanced at the woman by Gibbons’ side. Though she was trying to hide it, Timoteo could tell that something was bothering her. He had gotten enough experience with Darrah’s body language to tell that Gibbons’ companion was unhappy with Bianca’s hug, her eyes resting on the two a little jealously. Timoteo blinked, suppressing a reaction of surprise or confusion. He knew that Gibbons had gotten himself a partner some time ago, but there must’ve been more to it, than that. Were they lovers, or had Gibbons simply used his charms on her?
Either way, she was clearly in disapproval of seeing him hug another girl. Bianca and Gibbons released each other, Bianca taking a step back, coming back to Timoteo’s side. Gibbons looked to Marilyn, but before he could introduce her, Marilyn did so, herself. “Hi, I’m Marilyn. I’ve been working with Gibbons for a little while, now.” She held out a hand to Timoteo, and he introduced himself in kind, shaking her hand lightly, not giving her the firm handshake he felt was required with another man. Bianca found herself staring at Marilyn, her eyes narrowing just a little with confusion. She took in a light breath, a little sniff, as Marilyn looked at her, offering her hand, as well. Without raising her hand to shake Marilyn’s, Bianca quietly said “I...Feel like I’ve met you, before. Something about you is familiar, but...I can’t place it.” Marilyn raised an eyebrow lightly, keeping her hand out as she said “Can’t be, I’ve been around Witchwood for years, now. This is my first time on the mainland in ages. You could be thinking of somebody else.”
Bianca slowly raised her hand, still staring at Marilyn with a faintly suspicious expression. Slowly, she said “Perhaps...But I’m certain I know you, somehow...I just can’t figure out what is so familiar.” Gibbons gave Marilyn a sidelong glance, Marilyn and Bianca briefly shaking hands. “So, what’s this news you had for me? Darrah and Alexander are still on Hook Coast, so I’m hoping the League won’t be sending people up there.” Timoteo commented, sticking his hands into his pockets. Gibbons and Marilyn slowly looked at each other, then back to Timoteo. “...What?” Timoteo asked, a dreadful sense of foreboding coming over him. Gibbons’ expression began to calm until it was cool, a hesitant look coming over his eyes. “Look, Tim...We, uh...We’ve got time to talk, but we should do it somewhere a little more discreet.” Marilyn nodded a little, her expression calm, as well. Bianca looked over at Timoteo, her eyes a little concerned, worried over Gibbons’ secretive news.
Timoteo couldn’t help but feel a rising sense of trepidation, wondering how bad Gibbons’ news was, if he had to keep withholding it. He nodded a little, saying “Okay, um...Come with us, we’ll take you to our home. We’ll have privacy, there.” “That should do. I’m sorry I keep dragging this out, it’s just that...This is important.” Gibbons said, a little apologetically. “I’m sure. I trust you, it’s just...You’ll have to understand my curiosity.” Timoteo joked, trying to lighten his concern, chuckling a little. Gibbons didn’t smile. If anything, the look in his eyes became even more uneasy. Marilyn started to look a little uncomfortable, too. Bianca noticed how they both reacted, her worry for Timoteo only rising. She slowly walked past the trio, softly saying “Follow me, it’s this way...” Marilyn gave a nod, she and Gibbons beginning to follow after her, Timoteo doing the same.
“...Well, here it is.” Timoteo said, stepping behind Bianca, having opened the door for her. Gibbons and Marilyn were smiling as they glanced around, stepping into the front hallway. “It’s nice, cozy. Aside from the chance of balverines jumping through the windows at any moment, it’s nice.” He said, starting to grin a little. “Bianca’s crows and ravens make sure that that’s not much of a problem.” Timoteo answered, chuckling a little as he shut the front door. “We’ve lived here for a few months, now, and we’ve only had a single balverine attack. No damage was done.” Bianca explained, smiling lightly. Marilyn gave off a little sniff, flatly saying “This place smells like sex. A lot of it.” Gibbons glanced at Marilyn, starting to smile wickedly. Timoteo and Bianca both started to blush, Bianca much more than Timoteo. From her forehead down to her chin, her face was starting to simmer with bright red. “R-Really?” She asked, sheepishly.
Marilyn was barely holding back a laugh, grinning as she put her hands to her hips, saying “No, I’m just messing with you guys. Judging by how flushed you’re both getting, though, I guess there’s some truth behind the joke.” “Uh...Well...” Timoteo slowly said, embarrassed. Gibbons raised an eyebrow at Marilyn, saying “Well, what do you expect, Marilyn? They just said they’ve been here for months, you think they’re gonna play board games, or something?” Marilyn’s brow deepened a little, her grin turning wolfish. “I suppose you’re right. It’s practically a law of nature...Lock two animals in a small enough space for a long enough time, and they’re bound to start fooling around.” Bianca tried to say something, too embarrassed to get a word out, simply making a flustered little sound. Timoteo raised his hands before Gibbons could say anything in response, quickly cutting in with “Enough, that’s enough. We’re not here for that.”
Gibbons and Marilyn both slowly lost their grins, Gibbons giving a little nod, his demeanor quickly becoming serious, again. “You’re right. Sorry. Let’s take a seat.” He calmly said, walking over into the kitchen, coming over to the dinner table. The other three walked over, the four of them taking a seat at the table, Bianca beside Timoteo, Marilyn beside Gibbons. Timoteo put his elbows to the table, looking across to Gibbons, his expression interested as he said “Now, c’mon. You’ve kept me in suspense for hours, now. What’s this big news that you had to tell me in person?” Gibbons didn’t respond, his eyes going down to the table. He looked at Marilyn through the corners of his eyes. Her expression a little uncomfortable, she glanced back at him. Bianca’s eyes went concerned again. “...Why do you have such trouble telling us? Is it bad news?” Bianca softly asked. Gibbons put his elbows to the table, folding his hands one on top of the other. “...Yes.” He said, a little quietly.
Timoteo blinked, earnestly staring into Gibbons’ eyes. “...Gibbons. What happened?” He calmly asked. Gibbons let out a little sigh, meeting his fellow Hero’s eyes for a second before needing to look away, again. His jaw hung open a crack for a moment or two before he finally decided how best to begin explaining. “...Tim...It happened while you were going after Benedict...I didn’t want to just tell you over your Seal...I needed to tell you myself, in person...” “What did?” Timoteo calmly asked, trying not to let his imagination get the best of him. Gibbons waited a moment before looking up to his eyes, meeting his stare. “I don’t really know how to prepare you for this, so...I’ll just tell you. Your father was...Executed, at the Arena. We couldn’t stop it. I’m sorry.” Timoteo’s mind went blank. Bianca looked over at him, her lips parted slightly, her eyes full of pain. Timoteo simply blinked. “He...What?” He quietly said. Gibbons looked over at Marilyn as she explained more.
Her eyebrows raised lightly, she softly said “We don’t know when he was brought to the Arena...We might have missed him. We only noticed he was there when...When we attended his execution. By then, it was too late...We couldn’t have done anything, for him.” Timoteo’s eyes slowly fell to the table, down to his hands. Bianca’s eyes started to glimmer. Timoteo’s brow slowly started to sink. “...You said you’d keep an eye out for him.” He simply said, quietly. “I know...I’m sorry. He must’ve been brought in when Marilyn and I were on a mission...” Gibbons apologetically said. “Tim...” Bianca lightly said, bringing a hand up to Timoteo’s back, barely touching him. Gibbons and Marilyn watched Timoteo quietly, unable to tell which emotion he was feeling the most strongly. Timoteo found himself incapable of thought, his mind distressingly blank. His father was dead, after all? He had failed his mother, his brother. He had let down his entire family, and cost one of them a life.
Timoteo’s chin quivered, his brow sinking as rage bubbled inside him. Gibbons said his name, but he could barely hear him. Timoteo’s jaw went tight, his teeth grit and bared. “Son of a bitch!!” He suddenly shouted, making Bianca flinch with surprise. Gibbons and Marilyn watched as Timoteo bolted to his feet, shock painted clear across their faces. Timoteo grabbed his chair as he turned around, picking it up and flinging it at the wall behind Bianca, breaking off one of the four wooden legs as it crashed hard against the wall. An inferno was blazing in Timoteo’s mind, and giving in by the slightest inch only set him down a slippery slope. The very moment he had given in to the fire by even the smallest amount, he found it impossible to turn away, only allowing the inferno to scorch through more of his mind. As the fears that had haunted him for months turned to reality, all of the self-hatred he had barely kept contained began to spill out on to the surface.
“It’s all my fault! I’m the reason he’s dead!” Timoteo loudly said, quickly approaching his downed chair. “Tim-!” Marilyn tried saying, cut off when Timoteo raised a foot, stomping down on the chair. A loud crack popped through the home, Timoteo breaking off part of the chair’s wooden backrest. Bianca watched, stunned, shaken at seeing Timoteo so upset. Furious tears started to trickle down Timoteo’s cheeks as he pulled a fist back, punching the wall hard enough to immediately split the skin over his knuckles. “I could’ve saved him!! I could’ve gone to the Arena and gotten him out! I’m a twice-damned coward!” “Tim...” Bianca said, rising from her seat, taking a step towards him. Timoteo stepped past her, marching up to the table, slamming his fists down into it. His expression wholly wrathful, he stared into Gibbons’ eyes, shouting out “I could’ve worked with you to get him out, I could’ve started doing something the very day I found out he had been taken! But no, you know what I did? I just sat around and let him die! I abandoned him!”
Gibbons slowly stood up from his seat, Marilyn doing the same, the both of them watching Timoteo with regret. Gibbons, in particular, was saddened by Timoteo’s outburst. Never before had he seen Timoteo so visibly shaken by something. Timoteo so tightly clenched his hands into fists that they were turning white. He raised up his injured hand and punched it down into the table, only injuring his hand further, making the splits over his knuckles deeper, wider. “If I had just gone down to the Arena, I could’ve saved him! I let my father die, I...I...!” “Tim, please, stop!” Bianca lightly said, grabbing his around his waist from behind, hugging him tight. At her touch, at her plea, the fire of his anger was almost immediately doused. Gibbons looked at Timoteo understandingly, reaching across the table, putting his hand on Timoteo’s shoulder. “Tim...Even for us, breaking someone out of the Arena would be tough...” He merely said. Tears ran down Timoteo’s cheeks, his jaw still tight like a vise.
“I’m a fucking coward...” He simply muttered out, apparently oblivious to, or unable to comprehend, what Gibbons had just said. Bianca’s hold around his waist only tightened. “Timoteo...” She mumbled, shutting her eyes, pressing the side of her face against the middle of his back. “Don’t blame yourself...Assaulting the League head-on would be insane.” Marilyn lightly said, looking at him compassionately. Timoteo’s hate and sadness parted once more, allowing room for his anger to return. Looking up to Gibbons, his face had turned dark, his eyes empty. “...Someone needs to pay. I want revenge.” He coldly muttered out.
With those words, Timoteo ensured that yet another turning point would occur during Albion’s long history.
Gibbons merely looked at Timoteo in understanding, but hearing such need for retribution from the mage understandably surprised him. Bianca, meanwhile, opened her eyes, her hold around him tightening even further, the concern in her eyes beginning to turn to fear. “Tim?...” She whispered out. “I’m sick of it all. Running, hiding, worrying.” He roughly said, baring his teeth again, his eyes almost black with rage. “If it’s not the League, it’s the Witchspotters. If it’s not the Witchspotters, it’s another group of fools backed by the League. I’ve seen too much suffering, too much loss, to ignore it, anymore. Something needs to be done!” Gibbons and Marilyn slowly looked at each other. “Well...” Marilyn quietly said. “...There might be something we could do...Possibly.” Gibbons said, continuing her sentence. “Which would be?” Timoteo muttered out, almost glaring at them both. Gibbons looked back over to Timoteo, taking his hand from Timoteo’s shoulder. “Let’s just sit down, first, and take a breath...I’ll explain.” Gibbons said, giving a little nod.
Gibbons and Marilyn explained to Timoteo and Bianca the upcoming visit Leroy Kreel, as well as Vincent Hopkins, were expected to pay to the Arena. It presented a unique opportunity, as not only was it the first time Gibbons had heard of the elusive Leroy making an appearance, but he was also putting himself in the same area as Vincent. It might be the only time the two leaders would put themselves in such close proximity, meaning that, under careful circumstances, both men could be eliminated at once. Gibbons laid out a plan he had theorized long ago, but had never found an appropriate event to put it into play, for. The plan almost assuredly demanded the destruction of his identity as a League member, and such a high cost kept him from ever seriously considering the plan. But, with the help of Timoteo and the others, Gibbons felt the desperate plan might be the only conceivable way to assassinate both Leroy and Vincent in one fell swoop, without causing the deaths of everyone else involved. Unless Timoteo wanted to make a suicide mission out of it, Gibbons cautioned, his plan might be the only way. Timoteo’s lust for vengeance made him open to the plan’s requirements. Bianca, meanwhile, was silent during the entire explanation.
Darrah and Brute were both contacted by Gibbons, who briefly explained the situation before asking if they wanted to help. The more Heroes involved, Gibbons said, the more likely it was that Leroy and Vincent would be lured into the trap. Darrah readily agreed, and Brute, although grave, likewise agreed. Darrah teleported to the Cullis Gate near her mansion home, then Bianca did the same, teleporting the both of them with her to the Greatwood Cullis Gate. During the hours it took for Bianca to lead Darrah and Brute through Darkwood, Timoteo withdrew, distancing himself from Gibbons and Marilyn. He wasn’t avoiding them, he simply had little desire to speak with anyone, at all. His mind had become a speeding black tunnel, ripping at him with hate, consuming all light. His hatred for himself was second only to the new intensity with which he despised the League. At times, Timoteo wondered if how he now felt was how Gibbons had felt all along, Timoteo cursing himself for not doing something direct about the League, earlier on.
Gibbons and Marilyn gave Timoteo time to be alone, but they were both freshly disappointed in themselves. Not only for how much his father’s death had shaken Timoteo, but for witnessing firsthand the effects of their shared failure, the consequences of their inability to honour Gibbons’ old promise. Bianca told Darrah and Brute the things Gibbons had withheld over his Seal, offering more details about Timoteo’s father, as well as how hurt Timoteo was over it all. Darrah started to become as worried as Bianca was, almost unable to believe that Timoteo had been so upset as to have a violent outburst. Darrah sympathized with Timoteo, wanting to comfort him after such distressing news, Brute feeling similar empathy for his friend. By the time the trio had reached the heart of Darkwood, Timoteo felt dead inside, cold and empty. All he wanted was revenge. All he could think about was retribution. A member of his family had been taken, and blood had to be shed in response. Only if lives were taken, could he possibly forgive himself.
Bianca opened the door to the cottage, stepping in with Darrah and Brute close behind her. The home was warmer than usual, the air dry, suggesting the fireplace had been burning for some time. While Darrah had initially been resistant to the idea of leaving her father’s side, once she had been filled in on the situation, her attitude had quickly changed. “Where is he?” She quickly and worriedly asked, looking around, still dressed in her armour. The three looked over into the kitchen, spotting Gibbons and Marilyn, seated at the dinner table with glasses of apple cider placed before them. Marilyn nodded over towards the other end of the home, lightly saying “The fireplace...He’s been there for close to an hour, now.” Darrah was quick to walk in the opposite direction, heading for the front of the staircase, for the light of the fireplace. Bianca wasn’t far behind her, Brute slowly walking into the kitchen. Sighing a little, he took the third chair, looking at Gibbons with his eyebrows lightly raised.
“Eh...Good to see you, Gibbons. Just wish it were for better reasons.” Brute simply said. Gibbons took a gulp from his glass, giving a nod. “You and me both.” He flatly responded. Darrah and Bianca walked out to the far end of the home, finding the fireplace lit and stoked with numerous logs, a solitary figure seated before it in one of the two chairs. Timoteo didn’t look at them as they slowed their approach, walking over quietly. He simply stared into the fire, his eyes half-closed. He had the posture of a pained man, sunk into his chair a little, his arms resting over the armrests of the chair, his fingers angrily gripping over the edge. His legs were stretched out a little, but his feet were planted against the floor. He still hadn’t taken off his boots since escorting Gibbons and Marilyn into the heart of Darkwood, having left them on for hours. His sullen body language did little to turn away his lover, nor did it push away his best friend. “Tim...” Darrah quietly said, approaching before Bianca could.
Timoteo didn’t even glance in her direction, still staring unblinkingly into the flames. Darrah’s armour clunked a little as she got down on a knee, by his left side. Bringing her hands to his left forearm, she held on to him lightly, looking up into his face. Her face was saddened, her eyes moving along his face, searching for any sign of acknowledgement from him. He didn’t seem to realize she even existed. She wasn’t sure if he was ignoring her, or if he had withdrawn so much that he couldn’t notice her, but either way, she couldn’t bring herself to be angry, even annoyed. Lightly, she said “Tim...I can’t imagine what you’re feeling, right now...I know it hurts...But we’re all here, for you. If I can help in any way, I will.” “You can.” Timoteo suddenly said, surprising them both. He still didn’t look at her as he added “Gibbons will tell you the whole plan. You don’t have to come, if you don’t want to. But I’m going, at least.” Bianca slowly walked over, kneeling down by Timoteo’s right side.
Like Darrah, she looked up into his face, trying to find any trace of warmth, of life. When all she could see in his eyes was a glassy blankness, a total disregard for himself, it hurt her deeply. He was consumed with thoughts of revenge, he was fixated on Gibbons’ plan. Bianca opened her mouth to speak, but then a thought flitted past her mind. She had been the same way, hadn’t she? With her need to kill Octavia, with her uncompromising want for revenge, she had made Grizelda, of all people, see the darkness. By the time she had met Timoteo again, shortly after his Guild graduation, she had reined in the hate enough that it wouldn’t sour day-to-day relationships, but he had still seen her lust for vengeance, in the end. He was going through something similar, going through it fresh, the hate new and domineering. Bianca’s eyes became moist. Slowly, she raised her hands to his, gently taking it in both of her’s. She brought his hand over to the left side of her face, bringing his palm to her cheek, letting his fingers sink into some of her hair.
Teardrops began to trickle from her eyes as she quietly said “Come back to me, Tim...Please...” He blinked, slowly looking down from the fire. She rubbed along his wrist and forearm, prompting him to look over into her eyes. His brow sunk a little, but fluid ran into his eyes, too. She didn’t think he was annoyed with her, he was likely frustrated with himself, angry for any number of reasons. She released his hand, standing up, moving closer to him. He shut his eyes as she slipped her arms around his neck, hugging his head into her chest, pressing his face into her bosom. Darrah watched the nurturing display of affection for a moment before attempting one of her own. Bringing a gauntlet to Timoteo’s stomach, she rested a hand over him, moving closer to him. She closed her eyes, nuzzling her face into the side of his neck. Bianca kissed at the top of Timoteo’s head before pushing her face into his hair, her eyes peacefully closed.
The three of them stayed like that for close to fifteen minutes before Gibbons walked over. He waited for the trio to move apart, but when it became clear that neither Darrah nor Bianca had any intention of letting Timoteo go, he cleared his throat. “Darrah...Now’s a good time to tell you about the whole plan. Whatever you decide, I’ll respect your decision. If you don’t want to go, I won’t think any less of you.” Darrah released Timoteo, but slowly. Sniffling as she stood up, she said “Shut up, Gibbons...I’m going. You’re not gonna talk me out of helping.” Gibbons gave a little nod, just a little knowingly saying “I thought you might say that. C’mon. We’ll talk in the kitchen...Give these two time alone.” Darrah briefly rubbed at Timoteo’s shoulder before departing, glancing back over her shoulder before finally walking into the kitchen. Bianca stroked down the back of Timoteo’s head a few times before, in little more than a murmur, she said “...Tim...Let’s go upstairs...I’ve got some things I really want to say to you...”
Timoteo slowly turned his head back, Bianca reluctantly slipping her arms from around his neck. He looked up into her dewy eyes. She felt down the side of his head, stroking along the side of his face, a little smile coming on her lips. “Please...” She merely mumbled. He blinked, letting out a little breath against her shirt, looking down from her eyes. He started to stand up, Bianca taking a step back from him. When he was on his feet, she slipped her hands into his, beginning to guide him over towards the nearby staircase. “Come...We’ll sit on the bed...” She gently urged. He didn’t resist, though his expression was still worryingly empty.
Leading him up into the bedroom, she walked over to the edge of the bed, taking a seat on the edge. Slowly, he sat beside her, unable to meet her eyes. She continued to hold his hands, looking into his eyes. She eventually hung her head down a little, looking down to their joined hands. She delicately rubbed her thumbs at him, feeling his skin. She took in a little sniffle before she softly said “Tim...When you found out about my hunt for my mother...You never hesitated. You wanted to come with me, right from the beginning...” He slowly looked over to her, following her gaze down to their hands. She continued without looking up. “You had no idea how long the search would take...You didn’t know what dangers it could pose...But, you didn’t care. You wanted to come, and you did...You saw it through to the end. And things would’ve turned out much differently without your help, I’m certain...I would’ve turned out much differently.”
She looked up to his eyes, her cheeks still streaked with moisture. She gazed into his eyes as she gave his hands a little squeeze, Timoteo squeezing in return, meeting her eyes. She could see it in his eyes, the light of his true self, rekindled by her words, by her touch. Like trying to grab a sinking pebble, however, she knew every second, every word, counted. “I know what you’re feeling, right now...I know how much it hurts. He was still your father. I know how impossible it is to resist wanting revenge. I’m not going to ask you to forgive and forget...” Tears spilled over from Timoteo’s eyelids, a single drop running from either eye. He turned his head from her. “I don’t want you to see me, like this...” He lightly said. Bianca gave his hand a little squeeze. “Tears are nothing to be ashamed of...” She reassured him. He shook his head lightly. “That’s not what I mean...” He simply responded. Bianca was silent for a moment before she softly said “You had no hesitations about helping me avenge my father...And I won’t have any for helping you do the same.”
He looked back over to her eyes. She barely nodded, gazing into his eyes. She smiled lightly, murmuring out “It’s a very dangerous path, we’re taking...But...I wouldn’t have it any other way. If you want to go to the Arena, then I’ll go with you...We’ll do it together.” He smiled a little. He needed a second before he faintly said “...You have no idea how much that means to me.” She lost her smile as she said “I just need you to promise me something...” He blinked, losing his smile as well as he lightly said “Of course.” Bianca raised her eyebrows a little, new tears trickling down her cheeks. Her throat started to tighten up with emotion, but she did her best to keep her voice under control. “I just...Need you to promise me that you won’t let it pull you down. I know how much it hurts, I know how much it blackens. Revenge...Sometimes it’s justified, but it doesn’t make you feel any better. It doesn’t bring anyone back...D-Don’t let this ruin you, Tim...Please...”
She released one of his hands, bringing her hand up to his chest, lightly resting it against him. Her bottom lip was trembling as she barely managed to say “I hurt for years, w-wanting revenge...I’m still trying to forget, t-to let it all go. I don’t want you to have to hurt, too...I don’t want you to g-go through this, too!...” She hung her head down a little, unable to say any more, beginning to silently weep. Her hand tightened over his chest, grabbing at some of the material to his shirt. Timoteo released her hand, raising both arms, bringing them around her shoulders. He held her close, feeling her body tremble with each subdued sob. She slowly slipped her arms around his waist, pushing her face into his chest, over his right collar bone. “I’m sorry...” He quietly said, bringing a hand to the back of her head, comfortingly rubbing down along her, feeling her soft hair run under his skin. He let out a little sigh, trying his best to let go of his anger, for her sake.
In little more than a whisper, he said “I promise...” Bianca’s hold around his waist tightened. He kissed the top of her head in response, feeling her tremble in his arms for close to a minute. Timoteo heard someone begin to come up the stairs, and by the heavy, metallic thudding of the footsteps, he knew it must’ve been Darrah. “Tim? You guys up he...?” Darrah trailed off when she reached the top of the staircase, looking into the bedroom. Timoteo looked over, Bianca raising her head from his chest a little, sniffling, glancing in Darrah’s direction. Darrah raised her eyebrows a little, lightly saying “Oh, um...Sorry. Didn’t mean to...Eh...It can wait, don’t worry about it.” Darrah was about to turn and head back down the stairs when Bianca sat up a little, slipping one arm away from Timoteo, wiping at her cheeks to get rid of her tears. “N-No, I’m...I’m fine. What’s wrong, Darrah?” She hastily said. Darrah looked down and off to the side for a moment before she looked at Timoteo.
“Gibbons told us the plan...I was hoping to work out a few of the details, with you...With you both.” Bianca looked up into Timoteo’s eyes. He nodded lightly, his eyes no longer desolate, his expression no longer staunch like stone. He and Bianca slowly stood up from the edge of the bed, Bianca dabbing at her eyes for several seconds, hoping to dry them. Darrah smiled a little, saying “You guys have a nice little place...Out of the way. Comfortable.” Bianca smiled a little, sniffling lightly before she said “Thank you...” Before Timoteo could step past her and head down the stairs, Darrah held an arm out, keeping her hand over his chest. He stopped, looking at her curiously. Still looking at Bianca, Darrah agreeably said “Could I have a minute with Tim?...I just want to say something.” Bianca simply looked at Timoteo. He nodded, inwardly sighing as he said “Go ahead, Bianca. We probably won’t be long.” Bianca nodded a little, beginning to descend the staircase, heading for the kitchen.
Darrah lowered her arm, turning towards him. “What is it, Darrah?” Timoteo merely asked. Darrah looked at him with concern in her eyes. Quietly, she asked “Tim, are you alright?...You’re looking better, at least. Being alone with Bianca must’ve helped.” Timoteo crossed his arms over his chest, giving a little nod. Slowly, he said “She helped me see things a little clearer...Put things in a more important perspective.” Darrah looked downwards, nodding lightly. “Well...Good. I have to say...You had me worried, there.” Meeting his eyes again, she quietly said “I’ve never seen you like that, before. It was a little scary.” He half-smiled a little, saying “The great and powerful Darrah, scared? I don’t believe it.” Darrah raised her eyebrows, unamused by his joking. “I’m not kidding, Tim. You were sitting there like a zombie. Your eyes looked dead...I don’t like seeing you like that.” Timoteo uncrossed his arms, raising an eyebrow lightly, looking off to the side.
Darrah brought a gauntlet to his chest, lightly touching him. “Look me in the eyes, please...” She lightly said. He sighed subtly, meeting her gaze, again. She nodded lightly, firmly saying “I’ll help you. There’ll be a huge risk involved, but...If it pays off, it’ll pay off big. And, I owe you...For helping my family, and for being my friend. But, please...If there’s anything else I can do to help you, just tell me. I’ve never lost a parent, but...I imagine you mourn deeply, and for quite some time.” Timoteo just looked downwards, avoiding her eyes again. “I just want the League to take a hit, too...It’s gone on long enough.” He simply said. Darrah nodded lightly in understanding.
His eyes flickered with surprise when she brought both hands to his shoulders, pulling him closer to herself, forcing him within range. She closed her eyes, pressing her lips to his, giving him a momentary kiss. Then, she released, bringing her arms around his shoulders, her chin by the left side of his neck. He felt like asking her what she was doing, but the words never ended up passing through his lips. He simply hugged her in return, feeling the hard metal of her armour beneath his arms, pressing against his chest and stomach. After a few seconds, she released him again, Timoteo doing the same in return. “Let’s go downstairs...” She merely said, nodding over towards the staircase. He nodded in understanding, the two of them beginning to descend the staircase, together.
Timoteo and Darrah stepped down into the kitchen together, approaching the table. Bianca had already taken the broken pieces of their fourth chair down into the cellar, but could find no replacement, leaving half of their group standing. Brute stood up as the two walked into the kitchen, looking at Timoteo a little awkwardly. Slowly, obviously unsure of what to say, unused to trying to comfort someone, he said “Tim, uh...Look...I’m sorry, man. About your dad. It’s gotta be rough. I’ll help, if I can.” Timoteo nodded a little, his expression flat, calmly saying “Thanks, I appreciate it.” Brute tried thinking of something else to say for a moment before changing his mind, simply sitting back down in his chair. Marilyn looked down at her drained glass, playing with it a little, tipping it to and fro, catching it before it could hit the table. Gibbons had his arms crossed over the table, his hands to his elbows, his eyes on Timoteo.
Timoteo raised his left hand to his right shoulder, rubbing at himself for a moment as he started speaking. His brow furrowed a little, his tone serious, he said “I’m not expecting any of you to help me. If it was just Gibbons, Marilyn, and myself, I would be satisfied. But if you want to come, and if you understand the risks, then I won’t stop any of you. Each of us has been affected by the League...” He looked at Bianca and quietly said “Witchspotters started patrolling Darkwood. Grizelda’s tangled with them before. They want us dead.” Looking over at Darrah, he said “League encouraged bandits to attack your father’s land. Even gave them firearms.” He looked over at Brute, raising an eyebrow, saying “Brute, you watched Pyre get executed. Now, you’re separated from your family, and so is your youngest sister. League’s crawling all over your hometown, and always will be, so long as they have a presence at the Arena.”
Timoteo turned his eyes to Gibbons, narrowing them a little, raising his chin for a second as he said “They burned the damn Guild down. They kill anyone and everyone: children, the elderly, anyone they suspect, for anything. Their fears border on insanity. If the League could be anthropomorphized, it’d be a mad dog, frothing at the mouth, biting anyone in sight. Animals like that need to be put down.” He looked at Marilyn, coldly saying “I always wanted to avoid the League, stay out of it’s path, live my life in peace. But I kept watching it threaten my friends, people I love and care about. It wouldn’t stop, it won’t stop, unless someone puts an end to it. I’m sick of running.” Clenching his hands into fists, he angrily said “They threatened my family, because of me. They killed my father, because of me...I want them to suffer, because of me. This has gone on for far too long. The League wasn’t stopped when it was young, and now we’ve all paid for it...But not for a single day longer. We can still make a difference. We can still salvage Albion...Heroes don’t all need to die off.”
“Abso-fucking-lutely. Timoteo finds his inner badass, and it’s about damn time.” Gibbons joked, pounding a fist on the table, grinning widely. They were all motivated and stirred by Timoteo’s words, but their individual reactions varied. Gibbons was obviously enthused. Mostly due to Gibbons’ chiming in, Marilyn chuckled, but the inspiration put in her eyes was genuine. Brute smiled a little at Gibbons’ words, but he, too, was moved by Timoteo’s cold, firm words. Darrah and Bianca were both moved by Timoteo’s words, but they, unlike the others, felt concern. It wasn’t like Timoteo to speak so harshly about something, and the black hate was beginning to seep into his eyes, again. They didn’t smile at Gibbons’ comment, simple gazing at Timoteo sadly, Darrah eventually looking over at Bianca. Bianca met her eyes momentarily, and the both of them understood each other without a word. They couldn’t blame him for feeling so angry, but to see him so at odds with his ordinary behaviour truly shook them both.
They both wanted to help him, but neither of them really knew how to make a difference; if Timoteo didn’t want to calm down, nothing either of them ever did or said would ever change anything. If he was dead-set on retribution, it might’ve been the only thing that could settle the roused monster inside of him...
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Fable : Fall of the Guild