Shadow of the Abyss

Chapter 183 : Syris II

"Please~," Said Ren all cutely.

Before Altair could answer, nearly bending to her sparkling eyes, the familiar voice of Syris sounded. "Altair? Ren?"

"Syris!" Said Altair, smiling, catching a glimpse of her accompanied by Lyain. He beckoned her over. "Just in time. Ren said she wants to visit a brothel."

'Oh, that's a swell idea!" She explained brightly. "I've always wanted to see what's inside a brothel."

Altair wanted to cry. 'Am I the only one not interested in this?' he thought, forcing a smile. He ignored Lyain's spiking killing intent.

"My Lady," said Lyain in haste. "Such a place is not befitting of a lady."

"But I'm curious," Syris said flatly, shooting an eye at Thanatos. "Hello, my name is Syris."

"A celestial... no..." Thanatos' eyes narrowed, startling Syris, who backed away. "A High Human. How interesting." His lips perked before his expression became one of indifference. " My name is Thanatos."

"You're scaring her, Thaan," Said Altair calmly, shaking his head. "Forgive my friend. He lacks a sense of decorum when it comes to private matters."

"It's not my fault she did not attempt to hide her bloodline." Said Thaan, rolling his eyes. "Aside from fulfilling curiosity. Is there any point in heading to a brothel?"

Altair tried to think when Ren spoke first. " Of course. What are the chances of the people who framed Zag still frequent that very brothel? I'm sure they'll have some girls they like, no?"

"I see. Well, I'll leave it to you. But you'll not see me in any of those places. If you need me, I'll be in the Red Raven. " Said Thaan, taking his leave but not before deciding to visit Zagreus within the imperial holding cells within the castle.

The trip to the cell had been rather simple as he shrieked from shadow to shadow with the aid of [Shadow Cloak]; he arrived beside Zagreus with a busted lip and smiled, making himself known.

"Already getting into fights?"

Zagreus rustled his disheveled hair and rolled his eyes. "How'd you get in? There are fifth and sixth circles guarding this place."

"The Seven Schools of Magic aren't as well known or studied within this Era. Rather than create skills themselves, they try to gain skills via the system. And if they can't, they give up on the idea." Said Thaan calmly, glancing around at his empty cell that held neither a latrine nor mat for one to lay their head. "I'm sure you can break out if you so choose. You've still got a sliver of divinity."

"Naw. But I am curious about something. Is Altair here yet?"

"He is. And he's trying to get you out. Though I suspect it'll come down to force." Thanatos remarked, studying Zag's busted lip. "Who did that?"

Zag touched his lip, smiling. "Oh, this? One of the guards did. Quite an interesting thing these mortals are. They aren't that much different than the Gods of Olympus."

Altair was reminded of the City of Sacrilege he visited a few months back. Recalling the way mothers would throw their young into the flames as sacrifices, how they'd offer up their young in the name of Baphomet.

"Looks like I've got too much to learn. I ought to research the effects of single-parent households vs dual-parent households. No, I should research education itself if I am to reduce choices such as this in my kingdom, " he mused silently to himself. Altair pulled his head back as they were preparing to leave, disturbed by a set of eyes lingering on him.

He turned, meeting a set of approaching ashen eyes. A head short, with tawny colored skin. He was handsome and tall, with a strong, lean build and broad shoulders.

"mind telling me why you brought three fine ladies to such a place?" said Vynn sharply.

Altair was confused. "who... " he stopped and laughed. 'Wait, I don't even care.' he thought, walking out with his arms around Ren.

At the touch of the cold air, the trio smiled, feeling the icy gale of wind caress their faces.

"My lady, your cloak," said Lyain, holding a snow-white fur-lined cloak.

"a little longer," Syris muttered, smiling at her puffs of snowy breaths.

"Art, we never learn anything to help Zag," said Ren, looking up at him sad.

"Now you remember him?" Altair remarked, kissing her forehead as he coated her body with his. "I asked a few whores. None of the men were there. I'll visit Zag and see if I can't... persuade his captors to drop the charges."

That had been his original idea, but seeing Ren was so interested in witnessing how some of these night walkers lived their lives. He couldn't refuse and most definitely did not regret visiting. Altair knew he'd gotten a lot of perspective on what to do within his kingdom.

"Good, thanks, Art. Today was fun. I learned a lot." she said, snuggling up against his chest. The cold had never bothered them, but even Altair had to admit that if the temperature continued to fall. This city would die in a matter of months if nothing is done.

"And don't worry, Ren is working hard on your birthday present."

"Oh? What is—" Suddenly, the door came flying off its hinges with a 'Bang!' as Vynn came storming out.

"So not only are you shameless bringing a maiden to such a place, but you are also rude. Did you not see me talking to you?" he said fiercely.

Altair knew there was no point arguing with a man who, by his estimation, seemed like a drunk. So he turned, tickling Ren's ribs as she erupted into laughter. Syris came about adding to it.

It had been quite a surprise how well the two hit it off, though Altair was still worried about Ren's other half.

Vynn had the grace to blush. He had tried playing the chivalrous knight, but he had never been ignored in such a manner.

"Stop it! Art. Syris. I'm gonna pee. Hahaha~"

"Master!!!! Is that you?!"