Party of Two

"Turn left here."

"What about those stairs?"

"Not those. The ones we're looking for are further down."

With a chunk of crystal in hand, Fiana helped navigate the twists and turns of the labyrinthine sewerage system. So confusing was the layout of the sewers that Fiana had to keep referencing the map in order to not get lost.

Perched on Fiana's shoulder was a crow, one of Theodore's undeads. Its job was to record each and every step and turn they made, just in case Fiana lost track of where they were on the map.

Meanwhile, Theodore led the way ahead, spotting dangers while listening to Fiana's directions. Though he was suspicious of Kalman's motives at first, he was glad that he took Fiana with him after all. If he had to do all these by himself, it was going to be a rather difficult and stressful trip.

"Let's find a place to rest," Theodore suggested upon descending what he counted to be five floors.

They'd begun the journey in the middle of the night, but judging from his own sleepiness, Theodore reasoned that it should be around sunrise by this point. Knowing what might be lurking in these sewers, he wanted to find a safe place to catch up on some shut eyes before continuing on.

"Good idea," Fiana agreed as she search the map for a secure spot. "There should be a good spot around the corner just up ahead."

And it was as Fiana had said, there was a corridor around the corner with a dead end. With only one entrance, it was easier to watch, though if they weren't careful, they themselves could be trapped.

As Theodore sent out his mice undeads to keep watch, Fiana helped install some traps using the behavioral matrices Theodore had enchanted ahead of time. In hardly any time at all, everything was properly set up.

After double-checking everything and pouring a drop of healing potion into the small vial containing Albatross's blood, Theodore went and curled up in a corner, ready for a nap.

"Please wait a minute," said Fiana, stopping him as she pulled out a leather mat and laid it over the humid floor. "There you go. Better than a wet floor, right?"

"Yeah. Much appreciated."

Theodore did not think to bring such luxuries. He could always dry himself off later with magic and with his skills in the healing arts, he did not have to worry much about getting sick. Even so, he appreciated Fiana's consideration and the additional comfort.

Since the first day he got here, Fiana had always tried to make things comfortable for him. It made Theodore somewhat sorry about using her to get into the tower terrarium when he needed the Dandelion Mandragora. That, and dragging her into this whole mess.

Of course, none of it could be helped. Theodore had to do what he had to do. It was either this or submit to the will of the Circle of Mages and whatever nefarious plans they have for him.

Settling his thoughts, Theodore rolled up and went to sleep.

***

Waking up a couple of hours later, Theodore found himself within a field of Aether. The field was dense, a characteristic of the condensation type Aether-form. However, unlike Barnaby's which was akin to a solid wall, this field was akin to a bubble of water.

Taking a moment to collect his thoughts, Theodore recalled Fiana expanding this field as he was taking his nap. Though initially on guard, having observed it quietly for a moment while pretending to be asleep, the act did not appear to be malicious. It seemed that Fiana was just putting up a protective field as a precaution. It certainly did not make any sense to betray him at this juncture, where there was still so much to be done. And so, Theodore let it be.

"Awake?" said Fiana when she sensed movements in Theodore's location. "I brewed some tea. It's Aetherglow, your favorite."

"I don't drink it for the taste," Theodore retorted, feeling as if he had this conversation before. "But yes, some tea would be nice. Wouldn't hurt to bolster my aggregated Aether either."

The tea was brewed using Aether and the rising steam was dissipated by the Aether bubble Fiana had expanded. It was very little, but Fiana was doing what she could to minimize signs of their presence. Not that it would be all too effective with the light of brightstone lamp lighting up the entire corridor, but she certainly was doing what she could.

(Unless, of course...)

"Say, Fiana, what is this bubble for?" asked Theodore, gesturing at the Aether field.

"Oh, this? This is for camouflage. The barrier bends light around it and renders us invisible to those outside, though only when we're staying in one spot. It doesn't work as well when in motion."

"So that's what it was."

"Did you think I was up to no good?"

"If I did, I would have stopped you."

"Yes, of course. There's no way I could pull a fast one on the Demon Lord."

"..."

Suddenly, Theodore grew quiet. In the silence, Fiana poured him a mug of tea, which he sipped down without a word.

After the brief tea break, they resumed their journey.

***

End of Chapter 117

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