Matters of State [Job, Nessa]

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In truth, the chaos mage could not understand why his mind was wondering. Their interaction was just a kiss, a trifle, a ruse. It had meant nothing, and odds were would never happen again. In truth, he had probably pushed it too far, and Nessa was too nice to have said anything. Though, if anything he had learned just how much she had grown since his departure, most likely it had meant nothing to her. Besides, it was not like it was his first kiss, hell in the grand scheme of things it wasn’t even that eventful, far less involved than the last kiss they shared. Yet, somehow, this seemed to mean more.

Markus listened as she spoke, to preoccupied to look at her, perhaps see some hint to what she was thinking. Instead he kept his gaze forward. She spoke about her plan, the way she worked on her feet, her laugh at how convening they were. In true, everything she said proved Markus’ thought process, she agreed the entire situation was just that, a ruse, a convincing lie. Markus pushed the thought from his head, it was over, done, ended. There was no need to dwell upon the events when so much had to be done. They had almost lost their chance, and had to be more careful moving forward. If they were seen again, they wouldn’t be able to play it off. Victoria, Markus knew, would remember them, he wondered how long it would be before his parents heard about the Wizards Saint that had graced Bellam. In fact, Markus could see it now, his fathers head clicking, turning, plotting. It had been years since he had seen the mad, but to this day Markus feared that mind of his. Always plotting, always planning, always trying to get forward in life, push the Eldridge name. In truth, Markus was happy to have never been apart of that life, and after what he had done, they had been happy to let him leave. Markus was sure of it.

He was not looking at her when she spoke, his eyes were scanning the horizon, the trees. Even though it had been years, he knew this forest well, it was the one place he used to feel safe. Cocking his head, Markus thought about what she said. What she asked. The plan? In truth, there was no plan. If Markus was alone, he would confront the family, and perhaps die as his rage took over. This time however, things were different, he was not alone, he had someone to watch out for… and, she needed to know the truth.

He would reach out his hand, and touch her face, his eyes still looking away from her. His face a mask, a canvas, devoid and trained, as it has always been. Then, he let his hand drop, and took a deep breath. His eyes would turn upwards as they looked directly into the eyes of his companion. This time, probably for the first time, he held nothing back, he did not hide his emotion, his fear, his rage. The once blank, expressionless eyes of the Chaos Mage would be filled with an ocean of doubts, and currents of emotions. Releasing his breath, he would speak to Nessa. His voice was quiet, louder than a whisper but not by much. His tone was nothing like hers, his was iron, sharp, far from relaxed.

“Before we continue, there are things you should know.” Markus would start. “I took this job for one reason, and that is because despite everything we are taught as mages… This is personal.” Markus was talking slowly, thinking out every word. His eyes never left Nessa’s. “My name is Markus William Eldridge, Second Son to Victor and Maria Eldridge. Lost heir, and…” Markus paused, in truth he always hated titles, and could think of only one that truly spoke volumes. “Mistake to the Eldridge Family. Victoria was my sister, and we are going to free slaves which belong to my parents.”

Markus' eyes would flash with a chaotic energy, as his rage threatened his sanity, and a single tear would roll down his cheek.

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Markus froze when he felt her step up to him, close the distance he had created only moments ago, stepping close enough for them to embrace, if that was what they desired. His eyes widened as he felt her reach up, her hands clasp around his face, framing the line of his jaw. When she spoke, it was sweat, soft, delicate. Markus was not sure, but he knew there was something behind the single word, something wordless, something empty. Without saying it, she accepted him, understood him, believed in him. Someone who, up until now, she never really knew.

Then. The word was repeated. Louder, stronger, resolute. Markus could feel her conviction, feel her absolution, and understand her decision. His eyes could not leave hers, his mouth was open slightly, a wordless thanks upon his lips. Something he could not bring himself to say. He felt as her thumb glided up his cheek, and could feel the wet remains of his pain be wiped away. His eyes stayed glued to hers as she grew closer, he forehead pressing against his, her eyes looking into his. Once more, he was silent as she spoke. As the words tumbled out, not in uncertainty, or confusion, but in absolution. He sighed sharing her breath in a way far more intimate than any kiss they had shared, this time he shared a promise. A secret. A vow. Somehow, she was with him. Somehow, it would be okay.

When Markus had found this job in the basement, he had decided that he would die if it meant saving this woman, and harming his family. Now, suddenly, the chaos mage wished to live.

Markus watched as she stepped back, loosing the distance they had just shared. His breath left his chest with her, and he took another. Any sadness that once lay within his eyes would have been wipe free, and doubt cleared. For the first time, the chaos mage felt wanted, felt safe. He kept his hand in hers as she grew serious, as she spoke again. Markus could see the Ace and Wizard Saint she had grown to become. Markus could see the light even in his own shadow. Her father was right, she did have a way about her.

Markus wondered how things would have been, were he to grow up in the same way, with the same sort of father? The man he knew as his father was cruel, vindictive, and resolute. He cared only for his name, and that of his family. His fist was firm, and his retribution resolute. Markus’ deepest scare was a memento of that man’s anger. Markus knew, given the chance Victor would make them pay, he would not kill them, not out right. And, if he were to learn of Nessa’s connections… Markus knew, no matter what, even if it killed him. He would have to keep her safe.

Suddenly, Markus heard a voice within his mind. ‘It seems, you are ready to let them go. I told you, your connection to your past would be the death of you…’ The voice was quiet, calming, almost kind. ‘Who would have known, it would have been her that pushed you forward. Go forth Progeny, go forth and conquer.’ The voice seemed to fade away, as if being dipped into water.

Markus heard Nessa speak again, and could feel the hesitation in her voice. He did not hesitate, he knew exactly where they would be, at least… he knew where they were ten years ago. “The ‘servants’ are housed in the back of the estate, and use the special entrances to get in and out without bothering the household or its guests.” Markus said, while describing the grounds to the female mage. The Eldridge Estate was a massive property on a large amount of land, and multiple buildings. The main of which was on a raised plot of land. Visitors were forced to walk through an open area with fountains and pool, and in the forests to the back of the house would hide the rundown buildings, and jail like domiciles that made up the servants’ quarters, and Markus’ old room.

Markus Nodded when she spoke about being stealthy. “The best bet would be to use this forest, it is not far from the estate, and go in through the back. We will have to avoid magical protection, and not use much of our power while traveling. But I know a few… Paths that should be safe. In fact, seeing Victoria was a blessing. If she was in these forests, that means the old escape routes we used are still viable.” Markus said, his mind now fully into the mission. It was easier that way, focusing on what needed to be done. When Markus spoke about how many slaves there would be, he once more spoke up.

“Remember, our job is to save one girl, and we will need to find her. She might be working at the event, or with the rest of them. However, if we can save more, I would not object. Anything to hurt my father, and his ‘name’.” Markus said, venom in his voice. As he listened to Nessa he ended up nodding along with her a portal would be the perfect option. However, there were things he knew she did not understand. Things he would have to explain. Markus knew how Bellam worked, and knew not all of the ‘slaves’ thought themselves as such.

“Nessa… Remember… I found this job in the ‘basement’” Markus added in phases to the words, he knew she knew about the darker side of Fairy Tail, and knew if fact what they were doing was illegal. “We cannot alert the Authorities, as far as Bellam is concerned these people are… Servants. Indentured wastes of space. My ‘family’ is saving them, giving them jobs they would have otherwise. In Bellam… being born without magic makes you nothing, less than nothing, at best you are in for a labor job, at worse… entertainment.” Markus said, trying to explain the culture of his nation. Markus remembered telling her he was born without magic, perhaps it would help explain why being a member of such an esteemed family, and having such an ‘affliction’, made him a mistake. “Many of them will not believe we are doing right, some of them might even try to stop us… it might not be possible to save everyone.” Markus finished.

When he heard her ask about his sister Markus let out a sigh. She was beautiful, that was for sure. Ten years has done her well. Though, he could see the taint of his family upon her, and was saddened that she was now alone. “Thanks… It has been many years sense I have seen her. She has grown marvelously, and I have no doubt she will have been trained by the best… Nessa… The Eldridge Family is so powerful, and so venerated into society, because of their magic. They are a line of Elementalists with great power… if we have to stop them, it will not be easy… And we can not hold back.” Markus said looked directly into Nessa’s eyes. His own still masked with rage, yet more solid, more resolute.

It did not take them long to reach the Estate, Markus stopped the group when they could see it through the trees, and he pointed out the main house, the servers quarters, and the training grounds. The rest would be hidden to the front, hopefully something they would never see.

Before they went forward Markus would stop Nessa and speak once more. “Nessa… My father is vindictive, and powerful. He can NOT know you were involved, otherwise the magical council will hear about it, and we will be labeled as rogue mages interfering with another countries economy.” Markus was already pulling off his scarf and hood. For a brief moment Markus eyes were dark as he looked at the fabric, once more tears would threaten to fall. Then, he would wrap it around her, the black looking far darker against her white clothes.

“My… My brother gave me this. It will mask your face and magical signature.” Markus said, not looking at Nessa.

“Hold onto it for me.”

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WORD COUNT REACHED : 12,756/12,500