The brisk night air of early winter was felt throughout the inn in the early hours of the day. Murdoc lay on the floor inside Antonis' room, his eyes set forward in thought as Antonis prepared his minimal belongings into a pack. The fireplace crackled, emitting heat which Murdoc gladly accepted, granted he was lying on a cold floor.

The general tightened a knotted string, pulling it out to close the opening of the bag, causing Murdoc's ears to perk up gently. His eyes lifted to eye the dog's back with a solemn gaze. Sensing this, Antonis relaxed his shoulders as though to sigh, letting the bag carelessly press against the bed he stood at.

"Do you really believe that leaving them in the hands of Faholgalian soldiers would keep them safe?" Murdoc asked after a long silence.

Antonis turned his head to the left, a bit towards Murdoc, but his eyes remained lowered. "We have no choice in the matter. Darcia is still out there and we are wanted men."

"Hmm. You haven't answered the question."

The dog frowned in disapproval as he turned his head back forward, "Have you met with Aidan?" he asked with some curiosity, though wanting to change the subject.

"No." Murdoc answered, his eyes never leaving Antonis' back.

He found that to be a strange answer, his ears twitching on his head slightly, "Oh?"

"Contrary to popular belief, I am not as inhuman to trouble him more with my presence." Murdoc said this before a brief pause, as though choosing his next words precisely. "I don't suppose he's confided in you of what had happened to him at the Ministry, has he?"

Antonis heard the concerned tone Murdoc had used, seeming out of place for the wolf, but what he had said caused Antonis to think on it. "No..." he said after a time, "He hasn't said anything to me." Another pause. "...He doesn't look me in the eye anymore."

"He had yelled at me a good number of times (though I'd suspect it's well deserved), but I've noticed he's become attached to Mundegard."

"They were together in the dungeon. It's to be expected." Antonis grumbled, moving his hand to grip the bag but doing nothing with it.

"I've also noticed that woman's--"

"Debalora Pardia." Antonis corrected sternly.

"....Pardia... She has a liking for Voltrick as well."

"Why does this concern you?" Antonis asked suddenly, turning his head to glance down to the wolf, "You allowed Mundegard to live yourself. Why do you question their 'liking' to him?"

The one edge of Murdoc's lips lifted gently, as though to smirk or sneer gently, Antonis couldn't tell. "Isn't my interest obvious? I practically treated him as a slave..."

"So you are interested in his personal matters?" the dog questioned, lifting a brow.

"On the contrary, he strikes me as someone who would rather kill himself before revealing anything remotely personal out on the open. I would like to know what he's hiding."

Antonis frowned gently, turning his gaze away from the wolf in thought. It was true how Voltrick kept his personal self hidden under a brutish mask....but Antonis had witnessed some instances when Voltrick seemed...innocent. Especially the night in the stables.

"If I could see who the tiger really is, then I would be comfortable seeing him die...if only for my own selfishness." Murdoc remarked coldly, bringing Antonis out of his own musings as the wolf positioned himself to stand.

"It seems this is a good time to depart."

Antonis lowered his eyes to the bag, his hand still gripping onto it tightly. "Yes...Let's go."

Debalora sat back upon one of the cushioned seats in the lobby of the inn. Slim legs were crossed while her hands were clasped together and propped up by her elbows upon the chair's arms.

She sat in silence as she waited for Antonis and Murdoc to leave the room and say their farewells. Well, Antonis would bid his farewell. Murdoc was guaranteed to be out the door first. She honestly didn't mind it. Saying goodbye to Murdoc would be a little too awkward for her. Especially if he said it back.

Voltrick stood with his back against the wall in the opposite hallway and out of Debalora's view. His arms were crossed as he waited for Antonis and Murdoc as well. Except he wasn't waiting to say goodbye... He had a request. It was probably more personal than it'll appear later, but there was no harm in speaking his mind. ...at least half of the time. ...at least some of the time.

Antonis threw his bag over his shoulder, turning towards the door to part it open for the two of them. Murdoc followed behind Antonis treading lightly on the floor, head lowered slightly as though he were tired.

They made their way down the hall until Antonis spotted Debalora seated in the lobby waiting for them to arrive. Murdoc glanced her way for a moment before continuing on, thinking it was best to give them some time alone. It wasn't that difficult to tell they were...intimate.

As Murdoc left, Antonis stayed behind and lowered his bag to the floor, his eyes gazing down at Debalora with a solemn look.

After a long pause, Antonis tried giving her a small smile as he noticed her downcast expression, hoping it would cheer her up somehow. "I hope you won't hold this against me."

Debalora's ears perked up before she quickly came to a stand. "No.." She said softly as she approached. "I would never... This is what you feel is best. I cant hold that against you."


Voltrick quirked an eyebrow as he barely turned his gaze to see Antonis and Murdoc. Murdoc had continued on his way and left the inn... This frustrated Voltrick a little, he wanted to speak to both of them. But if Antonis had to be the only one, then that's the way it will be. He will have to wait for Debalora, though. Top priority for Antonis is Debalora.

It infuriated him before, now he was unsure how he felt. Debalora was married to Vincent, and now she shows love to Antonis. It has been quite some time since Vincent... Voltrick and Debalora were completely different people. If Debalora needed someone, she had that right. Voltrick didn't. He still cared for his own wife... but now he didn't even know if she was alive or not. Gordan is the only one who would know... and Voltrick hasn't seen him in days.

Antonis left on his smile, giving an air of patience as he waited for her to approach him. Just as she came nearer, he held his hand to take hold of her chin gently, lifting her closer. Without a word, he gently kissed her as though to silence her words.

"You are an angel..." he whispered to her as he pulled away, keeping such a secret between them. "...and your beauty terrifies me." he added with a gentle smirk, lifting a brow and removing his hand from her.

Further down the lobby, Murdoc had stopped near the exit patiently, not bothering himself to try and open the door. It was an annoyance to change back and forth from a noble to furre just to open a simple door. As his head turned to the left, he spotted a figure standing in the shadows. Hiding his surprise, Murdoc adjusted himself to face the person, sniffing towards them slightly in curiosity. Had it been one of the soldiers, he would put on an air of becoming docile, if only to make their leave easier.

The figure moved, seeing the wolf notice him and walked towards him without hesitation. Now able to see him, Murdoc's brows lifted, immediately lowering his head with flattened ears to the side of his head meekly. A few steps back were taken as Aidan approached, his features stoic with less trace of emotion as Murdoc had ever seen him.

Murdoc stood, looking up to Aidan almost suspenseful, his ears lifting somewhat. He had no idea how to act with the feline, especially how he looked down at the wolf analytically. Had Aidan known Murdoc was a noble? He should be recognizable with the scar along his eye...

Debalora's eyebrows raised in surprise and Antonis' kiss quickly interrupted her, but quickly calmed her features and closed her eyes briefly fur the duration of the kiss. After Antonis' compliments, a shy blush appeared as she looked down with a smile. It only took a moment before she smiled back up to him and moved closer to wrap her arms around him lovingly.

"Stay safe, Antonis.." Debalora said softly. "I have a bad feeling something may happen during your travels... I pray nothing will."


Voltrick's ears folded back as more frustration took him. He wasn't exactly comfortable watching Antonis and Debalora this way. Anyone, for that matter. As a result, he looked toward the front door of the lobby. The sight of Murdoc still in the lobby surprised him, but someone approached him and made Voltrick's head peer more around the corner of the hallway to see.

An eyebrow arched as he saw Aidan approach Murdoc. Even after everything that has happened, Aidan is still willing to approach Murdoc. Voltrick still felt a bit protective of Aidan and was tempted to fully turn around the corner as a warning to Murdoc. But Murdoc's reaction halted Voltrick in his place.

Both situations bothered him, really. Even though he didn't know what Aidan was doing... both Debalora and Antonis and Murdoc and Aidan had some kind of shared relationship with one another. At least they talk to one another.

Murdoc kept his eyes on Aidan as the cat stared him down with such a vacant look, he was beginning to feel frightened as time went on. Aidan's features were almost...dead-like. The wolf rose his head slightly as Aidan made no movement, daring himself to approach him cautiously. Aidan's gaze lowered to the ground as Murdoc came to his side, pressing the top of his head against Aidan's hand. Murdoc stayed like that, stiff as he felt the gentle movements of Aidan's fingers against his fur, the cat contemplating this act. As though awakened from a daze, Aidan frowned heavily after a moment, drawing his hand away from Murdoc as he stepped around the wolf, walking towards Antonis and Debalora. To this sudden sign of abandonment, Murdoc's ears lowered once again as he slowly came to a sit, head turned away from the others.

"...We'll be safe," Antonis replied to Debalora just before he heard footsteps behind him. His head turned curiously, seeing Aidan approaching them. Antonis shifted to face the cat, inspecting the bandage around his head. With Aidan so near, Antonis lifted a hand to inspect it, tilting his head slightly. Aidan looked down while the general did this.

"It must have been troubling to get up so early to see us off." Antonis said, his eyes lifting beyond Aidan to see Murdoc sitting in melancholy.

"It wouldn't be fair not to." Aidan answered in a quiet voice, grumbling somewhat as one does when first awakening.

Voltrick leaned his back fully on the wall again and look forward frustratedly. Not only was he not going to be able to talk to them, but now Aidan was talking to Antonis. Voltrick remained silent, but his frustrations grew. A more angered gaze appeared on his features, but still waited it out. Maybe he'll get his chance to talk to them, maybe he wont. But something bothered him about how easily everyone talked to one another... it almost made him cringe. Maybe it was jealousy... or regret.

Antonis frowned gently as he examined Aidan, the cat having his head lowered slightly as to avoid eye contact. The dog saw Aidan's eyes darkened, small rings under them as though he hasn't slept for a few days.

Before Antonis could voice a concern, Aidan rose his head a bit, taking in a breath, "Goodbye..." he said quietly, his eyes still refusing to glance up to Antonis' face before he removed himself, walking past Antonis and down the hall. Looking back, Antonis' brows wrinkled in worry to his younger friend, not sure how to react to that sudden farewell.

----------

Aidan continued down the hall, keeping his posture until he was well away from the others, his head lowering forward as his tightened fist began to quiver. Arriving at his room, Aidan closed the door behind himself and looked up. He gazed at the unused bed for a long time. He awakened from his injury to the head on it and hasn't used it again. It brought back too many bad memories...so did trying to sleep on the floor.

He moved to the small table, crossing his arms after sitting at the chair and leaned against the wall. Aidan stared, alone in his thoughts. He couldn't look at Antonis anymore. He knew Antonis disliked Voltrick, and for him to find Aidan back with the tiger after their fight....Antonis must be ashamed. He didn't know what he would do if Antonis learned of what occurred at the Ministry.

And Murdoc...a Noble. Aidan closed his eyes and pressed his head against the wall. He wanted to leave...but he didn't know where he would go. Aidan had done a failed attempt at that the other night. Why did Voltrick have to follow him? Why couldn't that wolf just found and killed him, saving him the misery of living like this?!

He had wished no one would find him in that alley...He still feels uncomfortable when he tightens his stomach, imagining those stab wounds....He wonders whether Voltrick will kill Antonis...What does Voltrick want from him?...Murdoc looks like he's remorseful...

Aidan stared blankly, a hand tightening and loosening as these thoughts filled his mind. But in the midst of all this, he wanted to hurt someone...just like he did with Jonas...

-----

Voltrick's head turned quickly after hearing Aidan's goodbye. A frustrated look crossed his features as he watched Aidan quickly leave. That was strange.. Aidan made it so quick and... emotionless. Voltrick's ears folded back as Aidan disappeared into the opposite hallway. Voltrick thought Aidan and Antonis were close. But he guessed with the awkward silences and not speaking to each other... was already proof they're not as close.

Voltrick thought it was weird... The day Aidan and himself came back Voltrick and Aidan argued. But then Antonis came in and kneeled before him. Aidan slapped him... but then it seemed like everything was somewhat okay... between them. Maybe after time passed, more harsh feelings developed.

The tiger would never know. He hurt Aidan more than Antonis did. Voltrick's features scowled and gaze lowered slightly. Voltrick never even apologized.

A worried look quickly came onto Debalora's face as she watched Aidan leave; knowing full well how hurt Antonis must feel. Aidan was well, if he was going to be so unresponsive like that and just walk off. There was really nothing she could say. She could try to talk to Aidan later, but Aidan didn't want to talk to anyone right now.

All Debalora could do was look up to Antonis with concern while comfortingly rubbing his arm.

Antonis kept his gaze turned towards Aidan, even well after the cat had disappeared. The worried brow calmed somewhat, turning into that of a sort of longing expression.

"...What's happening to him?" he finally voiced quietly, lowering a brow.

Murdoc stood up and began walking down the other hall slowly as though he had heard Antonis, giving them time alone, as he needed it for himself. There was a terrible sense that something wasn't right, especially now. A feeling of guilt was rising in Murdoc, and he well expected Antonis to be feeling the same. They had to leave...but who would watch Aidan? They knew something was wrong...and they wouldn't be here to know what.

Debalora sadly looked down the hall where Aidan had left as Antonis did. "Maybe something worse happened back at the ministry. Something that would effect him so greatly to make him act this way."

Voltrick looked up again and towards Debalora and Antonis. Both ears remained folded back with a hint of a scowl. Voltrick knew what happened. He knew the whole thing. The tiger still blamed himself for Aidan enduring all of it... he always will. Voltrick continued to watch Debalora and Antonis in silence as they helplessly tried to figure out why Aidan was like this. He could tell them now, of course he could have told them before too. But out of shame and repect for Aidan, he didn't. Course... they never asked either. Why would they? No one talks to him.

An eyebrow arched as Voltrick saw Murdoc trail up the lobby and turn down the hall opposite himself. Things were obviously getting uncomfortable, but didn't they need to leave? Which reminded Voltrick why he was standing there in the first place. He wanted to talk to the both of them and ask them something. But it was almost pointless now.

After a few hesitant moments, Voltrick decided he would try to ask Murdoc. As.. awkward as that would be for Voltrick to talk to Murdoc... alone. A short groan erupted before he replaced the scowl on his face and turned his form to start walking across the lobby toward the other hall.

Murdoc stopped at just the middle of the hallway, his eyes catching something along the ceiling, head turned upwards to gaze up curiously. Finding it was only nothing, Murdoc lowered his chin until he heard footsteps coming behind him. Turning, the wolf's eyes peered up to find Voltrick approaching him with some intent. Curious, Murdoc turned himself around somewhat, his attention on Voltrick.

Voltrick halted himself in somewhat surprise as Murdoc noticed him and turned around. He almost doubted himself from actually proceeding. It WAS Murdoc. And.. it'll irritate him later... that he would rather have Antonis there as well. Voltrick wasn't afraid of Murdoc, not in the least. If it came down to it, Voltrick could tear him apart. But there was still that intimidation from him.

They haven't spoken since the ministry.. and Voltrick didn't know if Murdoc would still use that 'authoritive mindset' against him. Not that Voltrick would listen, but years as his 'slave' added to the intimidation.

After regaining himself, Voltrick finally decided to step forward and ask. It wasn't a huge question, he even began doubting himself to putting this much effort out to ask it. Regardless, it was too late now and Murdoc was watching him.

"May I speak to you?" Voltrick's low, raspy voiced asked after approaching Murdoc. Like everyone else, it was odd to speak to him in his noble form.. but that was the least of his worries at the moment.

Murdoc eyed Voltrick carefully as he thought about the tiger's arrival. Somewhere he wanted to doubt that Voltrick would want to speak with him...in fact it seemed as though they have avoided each other. But now with Voltrick in front of him, Murdoc wondered how he thought about him.

He saw a small hint of similar thoughts pass through Voltrick's features, but courageous enough to ask for a conversation. Murdoc answered Voltrick by calming his appearance, lowering himself to a sit. He chose not to speak unless it was necessary...As a Noble, Murdoc was allowed the illusion that he may be someone else...something else.

For now, he waited for Voltrick to speak his mind, hiding all manner of emotion from his face.