Village of Hansel, The Thearid Home, Present day.
The home of Xeto's friends was unlike anything Rebecca had ever seen. Once entering through front door there were stairs that led almost six feet below the ground. They entrance room was somewhat spacious due to the abundance of furnishings. Though the shelves that filled the walls were occupied by endless bottles of potions.
Rebecca's body ached lightly as it asked for rest, waking as early as she did wasn't uncommon but recent days demanded more of her. She had helped gather most of the bodies alongside the Commander and the survivors of the attack before coming here. They were to rest a bit then continue with the burials. The room was silent for an odd amount of time as Xeto, Alzac and Kyone refrained from talking to one another.
"You've kept your home in good condition," said Xeto finally. "Everything is just as when I left."
"Aye. That's Anaria's touch," said Roy. "I consider this more Anaria's home than mine. She spends much of her time here fiddling with potions and the like. Going to be Hansel's renown alchemist, that one." A smile on his face. "I have occupancy in other homes." He turned to Rebecca and winked before downing a swig of vinewater.
Rebecca scoffed followed by a chuckle. The elven was the complete opposite of Xeto, she found it rather curious on how they had become such good friends.
Roy had offered a cup of the drink to all when they had arrived, a surprise considering what Alzac had done prior. Rebecca though had rejected the offer. Vinewater was a very light drink, better used as a cure for the common stomach pain. A mug of Hallosian wine would suit her taste better. She leaned against a wall, sunlight from the nearby window warmed her neck as she envisioned the famous violet-glassed bottle of Hallos wine. Better yet, she could nearly taste the sweet drink on her tongue.
Xeto took a seat at a table at the center of the room, elegant it might have been, though a lifetime ago. Beside him was Roy, and across was Alzac, who found entertainment by digging through his fingernails.
The floorboards creaked under Kyone's weight as he too leaned against the wall behind his lieutenant.
Xeto kept his voice low. "Anaria, how is she?"
Roy kept a grin. "Good of you to ask. She's fine. Last I heard she was deep asleep, worn from using her magic is all. We were fortunate to have her here to help the injured." He paused before tapping the center of the table with a finger. "But not as fortunate as having you here." He lowered his voice. "I'm glad that you're here, lad. I'm glad to see you in a better state than when you left. I know a lot has happened and that losing—"
"You don't have to mention it," said Xeto abruptly. His body was tense, more so than usual.
Rebecca sighed internally, something of his past had nearly reached the surface. She wanted to know as much as she could about the commander if she was to help him. She had been at his side during one of his darkest times, or so she thought. What else could have ensued before then that he was unwilling to share? She pushed the thoughts away; it was selfish for her want more. Two years they worked more as commander and subordinate, not friends, but recently he had opened more…that was enough for now.
Roy's smile dimmed as he leaned back in his seat. "I understand. But with you here now…would it be selfish of me to ask for your help once more?"
Xeto nodded. "Anything for you and Anaria."
Rebecca smiled. It was beautiful to see his devotion to his friend on display.
"Disgusting," mumbled Alzac. No one paid him attention.
Kyone drew closer to the duo with a demanding look. "Commander Alcazar, I'll remind you that you are currently on leave without permission. Insubordination is a heavy crime within the Demon-Hunt."
Xeto looked up to the kasaber with unchanged emotion. "And Commander Iska, I believe General Taloz will forgive my faults once he hears of what we did here."
"I doubt that, I mean no offense, but acting freely is still misconduct."
Xeto remained focused. "We protected innocents from demons, as is our duty. I don't see an error there."
"No, I don't believe you would. Your judgment is driven by personal ambitions. We're much farther north than we usually operate, we're within Zuland's borders now."
"What's your foundation here?" asked Xeto, his voice rising. "The Demon-Hunt has operated all around the Allied Kingdoms before."
Kyone growled lightly. "Yes, it has, but only when called upon by powers of a nation to do so. Xeto, you know this, why must you act as you've forgotten the codes you live by?"
"To protect the people I care about, Commander. I know you would do the same if you were in my position."
"The Demon-Hunt is my family; I care about all of my brothers and sisters within the fold. For that reason, I don't want to see you hanged for this. Return home before it's too late."
"I am home."
Kyone sighed. "Taloz gave us two days to bring you back." His eyes landed on Rebecca then back to Xeto. "If you won't do it for yourself, do it for your lieutenant. She'll be punished for following your orders, can you live with that?"
Xeto remained silent he broke eye contact.
Rebecca grew tired of watching in silence as she pushed off the wall. Standing firmly, she crossed her arms. "My coming here was my own choice, Commander Iska. Please don't try to use me as your coin of guilt against Commander Alcazar."
"Fucking peon," spouted Alzac.
Kyone's ears drooped as he shook his head disapprovingly. "Alzac and I will be leaving at dawn tomorrow. I hope you'll be there when we do."
Xeto fidgeted with his hands as he remained silent.
"What!?" yelled Alzac as suddenly stood, launching his chair to the ground. "If we return home without them, it'll be treated as a crime."
Kyone glared at his subordinate. "Not one that will see us hanged. Now then, let's go." He motioned for him to follow as he made his up the stairs and out of the home.
Alzac, red-faced, turned back a final time halfway up the steps. "You'll get what's coming—both of you will."
The cabin was again silent with the absence of Iron Grail.