⚡ 014.

[childofhades]

[Waking up in a strange room with a headache and no recollection of how he got there was something Nico had been hoping not to experience until he was much older. But as soon as he opens the journal to get his bearings, the situation immediately becomes clear.

He's now en route back to his own room in the Pietus Tower, and with no memory of elves

Comments

filtered and dictated;

[thelifemeddler]

... Did something happen?

[My, his manner changed quickly.]

filtered indefinitely

[childofhades]

I got turned into a ten-year-old for a week, if that sounds as "something".

probably a good idea

[thelifemeddler]

One of the castle's tricks. Of course. Do you remember our conversation?

[How inconvenient. He's sure the black wants to sink his claws into this kid now. Krasus won't let that happen.]

[childofhades]

I don't remember it, but I read up on most everything I did and said last week. I wasn't the smartest kid.

[thelifemeddler]

You can hardly be blamed. You were confused, and children are not entirely self-aware.

Has the dark one spoken to you since?

[childofhades]

Um, yeah. He did. Pretty much said the same thing, that he's gonna watch me.

[thelifemeddler]

Then it is just as I feared. [He lets out a slow, quiet sigh.] With your permission, I would like to try something.

[childofhades]

Um... [Well that doesn't sound ominous or anything.] Go right ahead.

[thelifemeddler]

I can set an enchantment in place that would deter him from touching you. [But not utterly prevent it. Krasus doesn't have that sort of power himself. It would piss Deathwing off and make him go for Krasus though, which is better than going after children. Krasus is good at hiding.]

[childofhades]

I don't want you to have to go to that trouble. I'll be fine.

[Because he hates, above pretty much anything else, asking people for help.]

[thelifemeddler]

[Krasus is familiar with this type.] It is no hardship, and even though the root of your power is unknown to me, Deathwing is still a threat to you.

I know his workings best; he will not hesitate to strike if given the opportunity.

I do not intend to afford him that opportunity.

[childofhades]

Well, if you're sure it's not any trouble to you...

[Just doesn't really want to admit how badly this whole situation freaks him out.]

[thelifemeddler]

I am sure.

[He feels bad for the kid. He really, really does.]

I know of a sanctuary where we will not be overheard. [He knows this sounds creepy, and he adds:] Do you know of Alexstrasza the Lifebinder?

[childofhades]

Um, never heard of 'em.

[thelifemeddler]

She is one of the Great Aspects, wondrous and powerful as the Life she represents. Under her gentle watch you will be safest. I would take you there myself, but I would risk any interference in this. Not yet...