What had happened?
Seldon studied his hand weakly. His face was pale, eyes stood weak. He had no idea what had led up to.. All of this, but it happened. He was in bed still. But he felt healthy as ever. Healthier even. He was brimming with a new power.
Yet, only thinking about the consequences made the young Seldon pale and nauseous. He closed his eyes and slicked the white hair back. His eyes met a mirror. And with a sad sigh, he looked upon the new appearance that had followed the sudden influx of energy. White hair, one red and black eye. Visible for life. It would most likely never change.
A black, whispy energy filled his hand as he looked back to it. Only to be extinguished as he clenched a fist. So many questions.
And no answers.
What had happened?
She had been standing in the hall on the way to her brother's room. Seldon had not been well in days. But her heart stopped when she saw something black sweep over her, then consumed her world. Any sense of the moment when blackness screeched in whispers throughout the halls of her home and made her, as well as everybody else, blind; had gone out the window when sight, and some semblance of reality returned.
Cold ripples washed up and through her body. She was alive... it was no explosion-
but what? Had somehting else occurred? She was not someone to simply see things, nd she was in perfect health. But then she remembered her brother, and went running.
"SELDON!" she called off, and dashed into his room, and froze in the doorway at what she saw and drew her blade. Pointing it at the white haired man she demanded, "Who are you and where is my brother?" But upon seeing his face, her grip tensed before slacking, and her eye's widened. Her jaw dropped opened as she stuttered his name.
"S-..Seldon?"
Seldon heard heavy footsteps down the hall. Petrin, it could only be her.
He looked up as he saw Petrin dashing into his room. Staring up at her in confusion and awe. Unknowing what to say. "Petrin," he answered before swallowing heavily. He looked away from her. He didn't want to be seen like this.
"Hey sis," he stammered weakly, obviously trying to hold back sobs. And with a greeting he only rarely used. A greeting he solemnly used in these kind of situations. "I'm looking pretty bad, huh?"
She was frozen in place, stunned for the longest times before the words broke from her-
"Seldon... Seldon what happened to you?" And soon she was rushing to her brother's side.
"I-.." He took a deep breath to push the sobs in his aching throat down. "I-I don't know.." He murmured weakly. "I feel.. Healthy. Not sick at all.." He glanced at his hand again, still feeling the ominous pulse that had taken over the entire mansion in his very core.
"It just.. Went dark.. And cold.. And silent." He murmured with widened eyes. "I saw-" he took deep and frantic breaths as he got into panic. Only now realising what he did see.
Seeing the panic in his voice, Petrin was quick to grab Seldon as she embraced him fervently.
"Gods... Seldon, all I care about is that you're alright." What would she do without him? If both of her brother's would leave her... or die....
She didn't want to think about it and pulled away to peer up, wide eyed, at his face, his hair...
"Your hair.... what happened? I felt it too... the strange darkness that consumed everything."
Seldon grit his teeth as he felt the warm and comforting embrace of his elder sister. He teared up, but fought them back desperatly. He wasn't allowed to cry. He was a Stark, goddamnit. And above that, he still had to remain strong. For their father, for Petrin. For the good of their house.
"I.. I don't know.. I-" he took a deep breath, holding his oddly coloured eye close. "This.. Happened.. And next thing I know.. I look like this."
A warm hand cupped his cheek as she looked him in the eyes.
"Did someone come in here... did they do this to you?"
Still holding his left eye closed, Seldon shook his head. "No.. It just happened.. All of a sudden. An influx of energy.." He held up his hand, conjuring the whispy darkness in his palm again.
Petrin gasped at the sight and pulled away, only slightly, flinching in fear that whatever the black wisps were might hurt her.
"What.... how?" she asked, looking from his hand back into his eyes. Then she noticed his one eye was closed. "Your eye..." And she moved to brush some of his strange, white hair aside.
Seldon shook his head slowly, "Don't.. Please," he whispered as he closed his hand again, keeping the eye shut.
"Seldon...." She watched her brother retract from her, eyes welling with concern. "Seldon please..." She moved closer to him again. "What happened to you.... people will question it- and if they had experienced the same darkness we had.... Many will... they'll... they'll think you're a mage, or have been tainted by another of magic."
"I know," he grit his teeth. "I know!" He snapped at Petrin, opening his left eye. The black, whispy energy seething around it.
At the sight of his eye, Petrin froze. But when she noticed the blackened energy, she jerked back and watched it in horror.
"I'm not human anymore," Seldon whispered before he put a hand on Petrin's shoulder, standing up. "I don't.. feel human.. Anymore."
Petrin couldn't help herself. The strangeness of his eyes, his hair... it was as if her brother had been chewed up with change. And at his confession, her hands went to his face and she made him look her clear in the eyes.
"You are human, and so much more than that. You are a Stark, of noble birth, and are growing up into a fine man. Mother and father are proud of you, and me too," she assured him, eyes dancing with passion. "Whatever you feel, whatever happened, you will always be my brother. You will always be a Stark."
Her smile wavered as she reached a hand up to touch his hair.
"Although we might have to explain the loss of red in your hair." It was a jest done out of nerves, to try to ease the mood, but tensions were high, and even she feared what her brother confessed might be true.
Seldon shook his head, swallowing heavily. "I've seen it, Petrin.. The void." He muttered. "It gazed right back at me. Stark or not.." He gave her a slightly mortified smile. "But.. Thanks, sis."
A soft chuckle left him as she reached for his hair. "It's harder to cover it up than the eye."
In spite of herself, a few hot tears rolled down her cheeks. And though she whimpered, mouth opening as if to speak, she instead threw her arms around him and hugged him tight.
Seldon put his arms around Petrin as he felt the close hug, closing his eyes briefly. "I.. I'll need to control this," he whispered softly.
"You can," she nodded, sniffling back tears and smiling for her brother. "You will. You're strong. You're a Stark... We'll figure this out." And her hand found it's way to his and threaded them together. "Together."
Seldon nodded slowly, softly squeezing her hand with a pained smile. "Even if it's just to protect the house. To protect father.. To protect you," he whispered, "I will control this."
He gazed down in her eyes. This was going to be alright. He knew that he could always trust Petrin. Time and time again had she proven just how much Seldon could rely on her. "I'm sure Mattie'll understand aswell, but we shouldn't tell the other servants," he offered. During his time as a little child, he loathed Mattie, but the older he got, the more he liked the energetic old woman. And it was onviojs the feeling was mutual.
Her smile, though sad, was also a proud one. She moved a hand to brush some of his white hair from his face.
"You look so different," she laughed weakly. But then her gaze grew serious again. "We can explain all this..." Her eyes shined with the idea. "A small white lie... That you were protecting us.... A mage... The darkness and you.... Our hero."
Seldon nodded softly. "They'll hunt me if they find out the truth," Seldon answered, taking a deep and soft breath. "But it's the only way.."
"They don't need to know you have magic, Sel. They don't."
Seldon nodded softly. "True," he answered as he stood up with a soft sigh. "I hear.. Whispers, so much voices.."
She continued to look into his eyes, fearful for him as she asked, "What do they say?"
"I can't.. They're too silent, too numerous," Seldon answered with a sad smile. "Just whispers.."
"Then ignore them. Don't listen," she encouraged. "Like the wind." And her eyes refocused elsewhere, as she let her own powers caress them both. "It's just a breeze.. unnoticeable. But be careful." She warned, placing a hand on his. "Even the winds can cause death."
Seldon nodded slowly. "I know," he whispered as he looked down on the palm of his hand. A wisp of black energy surrounding it again.
She saw it, and took his hand, and slowly guided him to curl it closed. Her eyes sought his.
"Can you control it?" she asked. "These dark wisps?" Her voice lowered.
"I think.. I can," Seldon answered. "This.. Power," he closed his fist again as he looked at Petrin. "It's nearly limitless.. I can control a seperate dimension, where everything is rendered null and void.."
At such a revelation, she felt prickles of fear tingle her all over. But she drew in a breath,a nd tried to remain strong.
"Most magic may seem it. But being with magic.... It'st he Gods way of blessing you with a little of the powers like their own." She touched his hand, trying hard not to fear touching her own brother's hand. But the black tendrils had once been there, and it was unnerving and making her heart hammer harder.
"With such power... you know it was given to you, so you can be responsible for it. Not like-" And she paused, hesitating and deciding to drop what she was going to saw as she smiled awkwardly and dropped her gaze.
"Never mind..." She shook her head and looked at him again. "I'm just glad you're okay."
But it was only then she began to wonder... who else would notice before they came scouring the castle to see if the siblings were safe? She took his hand suddenly and gave it a squeeze.
"We need to confirm the story... as to what happened to you," she said. SHe looked into his eyes. "So there's no question when another asks."
Seldon nodded. He could always count on Petrin for sage advice. She was correct. He knew that all magic had it's limits. But she didn't feel what he did, she hadn't seen what he had seen.
He glanced at Petrin, giving her an assuring, yet sad smile. "I'd never abuse it, sis. You know me."
He put a hand on her shoulder, returning the squeeze. "We do," he answered. "We'll have to stage it as an assassination attempt.."
At that, her smile grew, but also became more wrenched in sadness.
"Yeah.... and you'll be a hero.. you know that?"
"That always used to be Toma's job, huh," Seldon answered with a sad smile.
"He was a good traction.." she went on, somberly. "Is.. still is a good one...."
Seldon nodded slowly. "I miss him," he said as he glanced outside the window.
"I do too."
And she moved to hug him, holding him close as her eyes threatened with tears.
Seldon returned the hug as he grit his teeth. He rested his chin on Petrin's shoulder, fighting back his own tears.
It was at that moment the pair were found, first by a servant, a young thing who took one look at the young master and nearly fainted after her scream. It was a domino effect after that, and soon the entire castle seemed to be cramming it's way into Seldon's room.
Petrin could barely get a word in, trying to reassure everyone Seldon was okay. That she was okay. That the castle was okay and that- when finally they'd hear her out, she gestured to her brother and gave him a clumsy, lopsided grin.
"He's our hero. We should be thanking him he lost only his hair and eye color to that thing. It was a monster, stark and terrible. I ain't never seen anything like it."
Seldon was honestly surprised at the reaction and dashed forward to grab the servant before she dropped to the ground, instead softly lowering her.
And so, the rest of the servants of their house tried to force themselves into his room, causing the normally reserved and perhaps even shy Seldon to take several steps back, glancing at Petrin. "I think it was some kind of demon," he started. "It was all dark and black, then it approached me. I managed to keep it busy untill Petrin arrived."
"A demon in Wallund? What is this war coming to?"
"It's like dark forces are coming out to smite us all. This was never the will of Ansgar. He never wanted us to strike out at the snake, only contain him. Even snake's have a purpose, you know."
And other such conversations went on through the room, causing even Petrin, who could keep a level head, to get dizzy.
"Please, please, everyone, I know you're all worried but we're safe.. really," her voice pressed, eyes sincere. She turned to Seldon. "He's our hero... The Hero of Wallund. We shouldn't be fearful, not of him or what has happened, but thankful we were blessed and spared."
Seldon nodded and stepped forward. "Be it monster or demon," he started after Petrin was done, "I will protect my home. My friends and family. I will protect the ones who reside here. I have done that just now and I will again."
He smirked softly. "Even if it turns my hair purple and my eyes completely yellow."
Some of the nervousness was eased by the laughter now vibrating through the room. Petrin smiled proudly at her brother and hugged him, kissing his cheek softly.
"In any case, we should at least check through the keep and the rest of Wallund." She nodded to her brother. "Would you wish to stay here? Keep things in order while I rally a few men to scout?"
He let out a soft laughter aswell, glad that it was good recieved before he turned in the hug, nodding at Petrin. "That sounds like a good idea."
She gave his hand a light squeeze.
"Rest well and do a thorough search to ensure the manor is safe. I'll get Sir Thentil, Sir Marley and a few others and we'll be back within a few short hours. But try to rest until I return, alright? Drink some of father's wine if you need to." She gave him a crooked smile. "May Ansgar's blessing keep you safe, brother." And she moved to leave the room, calling out to her men.
"May he keep you safe aswell, sister," Seldon answered with a solemn nod. "I will take care of the house and make sure I rest." He smirked slowly. Perhaps he would crack open a bottle. Hell knew he needed it.
As Petrin left with her men, Seldon settled at his desk and frowned slowly. Opening his hand and conjuring a black whisp of energy. "Ignore the whispers, it's just wind," he murmured to himself.
She was worried the entire time she was gone, but it seemed more than just the castle had been effected by the strange, temporary dark. Though uneasy from this news, she continued on and made sure the citizen's of Wallund were safe. Once those obligations were settled, she made haste to return to the castle, and once inside, she immediately sought out her brother, hoping he was still alright in her absence.
Seldon looked up at Petrin as she entered his room again, frowning. "Is everything alright?" He inquired, putting a piece of charcoal down and standing up.
Petrin paused in midstride to regard her younger brother. Sighing, she smiled and nodded her head.
"Of course. Just some people noted the black out, but everything in Wallund seems well." She paused a moment, and though smiling, her expression was laced with concern. She took a step nearer to him.
"How about you...? I see you're hair is still.... different."
"I think it's permament, sis," he replied with a pained smile. "Same for the eye." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I can't ignore them, the voices.. If I'm talking to you, I can. But when it gets silent and I'm alone." He took a deep sigh.
"Voices?" she dared to take further steps towards her brother, curiosity and concern glowing in her eyes.
"The same whispers and voices you told me to ignore.. Like the wind," he answered with a slow sigh. "There's just too many of them.."
Petrin frowned and placed a hand on his cheek, hoping to guide his eyes to her's. There was a strangeness to his eyes, one that was hard to shake. The shock of his transformation, this deformity would take some time to get used to. But she smiled, although it was a sad one. She could still see her baby brother in there.
"The winds don't speak to me. Not like that anyway."
He knew well enough she had some semblance of control of the winds, but what this darkness, this corruption to her brother was....
She didn't like it. And knew if it became as bad as she dreaded, she'd vow to find a way to stop it, to cure it, or help him at least live through it.
Seldon nodded slowly as his eyes met her. Returning the same sad smile as he laid his hand on hers. "It's still me," he said with a soft whisper.
She rested her other hand atop of his and looked into his eyes.
"I know, Seldon," she told him softly, patting his hand. "I know." But something sent a shiver down her spine. She knew this was just the beginning, and whatever was to come- would be as radical and intense as the changes to his hair and eyes.
"As long as you do," he answered with another sad smile, before stepping back and walking over to the window, stretching his back. "It's a fine day, Petrin," he murmured as he looked outside.
Her lips trembled a little as her grin grew leftward.
"Aye, that it is," she told him softly. "Shall we go for a ride?" she asked, after a time of silence as she moved to stand beside him. "I think we could both use it to clear our heads."
Seldon nodded softly. "Now there's an idea," he said with a soft grin, glancikg back and forth between Petrin and the window.
After a short while, he stood up and nodded. "Let's go."
Petrin gave him a gentle smile before it turned coy as she challenged, "I'll race ya to the horses."
And without any other warning, she bolted out of the room and towards the stairs.
"Alright," Seldon agreed. "On thre-" his eyes widened as Petrin dashed out of his room. "Oi! That's cheating!" He called out as he ran after Petrin.
Laughing, she replied as she rushed down the stairs, "Its not cheating since I hadnt set any rules!"
"Oi!" Seldon only called in response, rather than taking the stairs, sliding down the rail, whizzing past Petrin. He landed with a loud thump, glancing back at Petrin with a soft grin, before sprinting towards the door.
Petrin released a shrill cry as her brother passed her easily. And she couldn't help but smile. After all, she was the one trying to cheat. She should have thought of the banister first!
Chasing after him, the pair soon found themselves in the courtyard, boots stomping along the stone way. And Petrin could only hope she was gaining on him more than she wanted to believe.
Seldon might be younger, but that didn't mean he was slower.
Though, a stray rock did throw him off balance and he tumbled forward, crashing into the ground with a loud and rather colorful curse.
And like any good older sister would, she laughed at him as she took the lead.
"You should be careful of your steps, little brother!" she went on with a laugh, sticking out her tongue at him as she continued down the way. The stables were nearly in sight, and she felt the excitement inside her belly rising at her procured victory to come!
Seldon wouldn't allow her to goad him like this. With a skort he got to his feet again and immediatly chased after her, determined to win. And his determination got him far. Far enough to make it a neck to neck race with Petrin.
She made it to the barn door first and with a laugh, and turned to her brother and stuck her tongue out into his face.
"You're too slow, Seldon the Snail," she teased as she panted through heavy breaths. "Looks like you lost this one."
Seldon came to a skidding halt next to her, doubling to rest his hands on his knees. "Fuck," he managed to breathe between pants. "My knee hurts," he answered breathlessly.
"Aww, does the little Selly need his boo boo rubbed?" she teased, waltzing on over to his side and bending over. "'ere.. lemme have a look."
"Stupid Petrin," was all he could breathe in response to his goading. He sat down on the ground, more to catch his breath rather than the pain of his knee forcing him to.
He glanced up at Petrin and shrugged slowly, lifting his sore leg slightly, a nasty gash seen on his knee.
She gave a whistle at the side before she tsked.
"Seems the cobblestones bit well into your skin. Though you won't die.... But if I had to guess I'd say the worst of it,might be your whole,leg turning to stone."
"Well, then I can kick your ass even harder with it," Seldon bit back with a soft smirk.
"Here, use my kerchief to at least cover the wound. Good thing we'll be riding or it'd be painful if we continued to run on that fucked up knee," she jested with a wink. She knelt down beside him, fishing out the kerchief between her breasts and unfolded it with a sharp flick of her wrist. Stretching it out, she moved closer and brushed off any of the dirt from the wound before moving to secure the white kerchief tight.
"There." She sat back with a grin. "Good as knew, right?" And she stood now, offering him her hand. "Come on. The horses are waiting. Can't have them die off with boredom now can we?"
"It would be," he replied with a soft snicker, before letting out a soft hiss as she pressed the kerchief on his knee. "Oi. Careful," he warned.
He took Petrin's hand and pulled himself up, grunting softly as he put weight on the painful knee. "Fuck," he chuckled softly. "That really hurts."
"Good," she went on, grin smug. "Maybe next time you'll reconsider the challenge and realize where the truly folly lie...." And she moved to step away from him. "Come along already, the horses are getting bored just watching us from their stalls!"
The boy let out a soft snort. "I would've won. It was a fluke and you know it," he countered, limping behind her towards the stables.
Perhaps it was cruel of her to take advantage of her brother in such a state, after all, he had gone through quite a horrendous transformation only but hours ago...
But even still, part of her knew if she tried to coddle him, he'd remained focused on that. Besides, on any normal day, she'd do the same.
"Man, you limp as if you're an old man. Did the cobblestone bite up your knee that badly?"
"Oh, it hurts like a bitch alright," Seldon answered with a soft grunt.
As they reached the horses, the young white-haired man didn't waste time pulling himself in the saddle, albeit with a painful hiss.
She was mounted on a horse, long before he, but lingered inside the stable to ensure he could very well mount one on his own. Once he was, she grinned playfully in his direction.
"Want to race?"
And it was the same as before, for the second she declared, "Last one to the Lake has to jump in in all their clothes!" And with a kick to it's side, her horse bolted out of the stable and took off for the hill.
The instant Petrin requested a race, Seldon grinned. "Yah!" He callef as his horse, Alucard, bolted out from the stables. "Only works once!" He called at Petrin,l as he had taken quite the headstart.
Even though he had gotten ahead of her, Petrin and her horse, Stormrider, weren't too far behind him. And if he were to look back, he'd see her grin as she kept pace.
"C'mon, Alucard," he urged the horse on, padding his neck before sitting up straight again. And the steed did speed up with the urging and lashing of leashes, aswell as the short calls Seldon made to spur him on further.
This time, he wasn't going to lose.
Seldon was working his horse harder as they tore across the lands. She was growing a bit frustrated that she could only keep up, but not get ahead. She was still a few horse heads at his rear, and the small lake was quickly coming into view.
He had lost the previous race due to sheer misfortune. Wouldn't happen this time around. This time, he would win.
Seldon raced his horse forward, not even glancing back now as it might make them lose valuable seconds. He didn't care where Petrin was, how close she was, as long as he was first, he was first. The lake was in sight, causing Seldon to spur Alucard one last time, to finish first without question.
The lake was nearly in view, so was the lead. But it seemed no matter how many times she kicked into Stormrider's sides, the horse couldn't move any faster, and soon the pair were already galloping on the shore.
With a swear, she slowed down her horse, who was breathing strongly and heavily beneath her.
"Ah, Ansgar's cock, Seldon," came her tongue, which was most unlike that of a proper lady (a way she spoke mostly just in front of her brothers, especially Seldon). "I swear to the Gods of this world you must've cheated." But she smiled anyways and moved to dismount, boots squishing into the muddy bank.
Seldon slicked his white hair back, smirking at Petrin. "I'd have a hard time to imagine just how by his cock I would've done that," Seldon retorted with a soft laughter. "Now. What was that about who would lose?"
Petrin folded her arms across her chest.
"Yeah, yeah, loser gets to jump into the lake all clothed and the like," she teased, stepping close to get up into his face, before suddenly, she was moving to shove him in, just like that!
But Seldon knew his sister. And his distrust was affirmed when he felt the push at his chest. "If I'm goin' in, so are you!" He exclaimed, grabbing onto Petrins arms to pull her along in the water.
Petrin let out a cry as the pair crashed into the water, she,t aking in water and coughing when they resurfaced as she flailed a little to remain afloat, her limbs quickly getting entangled into his.
Seldon could only laugh between pants and coughs as he tried to stay afloat aswell, Petrin didn't make it easy after all, he went underwater involuntarily more than once because of her.
Eventually their chaotic flailing ceased and Petrin floated in the water a bit to catch her breath before taking water into her mouth and squirting it towards his face.
Seldon raised his hands to block the incoming ray of water, laced by spit, no doubt. He managed to keep most away from his face, though some of the water hit.
He dropped his hands in the water again, before aiming to splash a good amount in her face.
Naturally, his splash was countered with one of her own.
And it was only natural the two kept at it untill they were exhausted.
Panting softly, Seldon swam to the shore, pulling himself up, before holding out his hand for Petrin.
And it was only natural that Petrin would take his kind gesture and pull him back into the water with a laugh before she herself strolled proudly up the embankment.
"You know... You'd think you'd learn to be a lot more wary of your older sister, Sel," she told him with a wide grin.
Seldon was pulled in the water again. Alas. He tried to make a gesture of peace. It wasn't too surprising Petrin reacted like this.
He smirked softly as she pulled herself out, grabbing her leg as she did to pull her back in the water, using her leg to pull himself up at the same time, quickly stepping away from the edge of the water, fearing her retaliation.
Petrin yelped and was soon pulled under, the waters deafening and sucking her in. After a moment, she broke the surface and coughed out waters before rubbing them from her face and glancing at the shore. And to see Seldon simply standing there gave her quite the cause to laugh.
"Seems you are learning," she went on, floating lightly in the water.
Seldon folded his arms, smirking at the small victory he achieved and the recognition he got from her sister. The latter was something hard earned. "After years of living together, I tend to pick up on your behaviour," he snorted with a soft laughter.
She gave a roll of her eyes and spread out her arms behind herself, and began to swim away from the shore, floating leisurely on the water. Her eyes were closed, and the scenery was... well, serene.
Seldon arched an eyebrow. "You staying in?" He inquired as he folded his arms.
She continued to leisurely kick herself further and further from sure.
"Sure look that way, don't it?" she told him, eyes still closed, as she smirked. "It's peaceful here."
And a good place to forget that there was anything wrong with the world.. wrong with her brother... and that there was a war always echoing around their lands.
Seldon pulled off his top and put it on a rock to dry, followed by his trousers, before he sat down on the river bank, in only his underwear. "It is," he murmured in agreement.
The world around them. His personal world came crashing down. The silence was interrupted by the soft whispers that influenced his mind. He sighed softly. He was certain they wouldn't quiet down, so he had to learn to live with them.
Petrin continued to float, but caught sight of her brother stripping and teased, "You know, despite your new hair do', whatever woman you marry will be all over that body."
Seldon glanced at her as he heard the teasing, smirking softly and flexing slightly for her. He wasn't too impressive, a trained body, but not too muscled. Rather slender, though he still had quite the body.
She fanned herself off with an over dramatic sigh and pretended to swoon, her body diving under the water, unseen.
Seldon's smirk widened slightly, before he stepped back with an arch of his eyebrow, sitting down at the edge of the water.
And that's when she resurfaced nearer to him, and grabbed his wrist suddenly, and threw herself back towards the water, letting her dead weight drag them both into the lake.
"Holy fuck piece of shi-" Seldon seemed to attempt cramming as much swears as possible in one sentence, before he splashed into the water by Petrin's doing.
He surfaced again with loud coughing, spitting out some water. "What the FUCK?!" He called out. "You gave me a heartattack!"
And at his screaming, she tossed her head back in a laugh.
"You're too young to have a heart attack, baby brother," she told him and stuck out her tongue. "Besides, you looked too comfortable. As your older sister, I had to see to it that you weren't."
Seldon snorted softly. "Holy shit. If my hair wasn't like this, you'd be the reason my hair'd get grey at young age." He pushed himself back. "You tease."
"Tease?" she snorted. "What sorta come back is that? Really now, brother, you can do better than accusing me of that."
Seldon rolled his eyes, splashing some water at her. "Agnar's beard. You don't ever shut up, huh?" Seldon ducked in the water before suddenly puhing himself up, aiming to pounce on Petrin and push her underwater again.
Petrin gave a yelp, finding only half a second to hold her breath before her brother splashed into her, and the pair both went underwater. Loud bubbles gushed around their sinking bodies, and she twisted, eyes closed a moment as she felt her limbs get caught up within his.
The warmth of a body contrasted the cool waters and soon her eyes opened, and found herself staring back into his face, which was but inches away from her own.
Seldon laughed loudly before he also went underwater,bubbling along with Petrin, before limbs got entangled together. Both ceasing their movements, they both surfaced again because of the flailing.
Seldon felt Petrin's body against his, their noses almost brrushing together. And a crimson blush set Seldon's cheeks ablaze.
The moment, however brief, came to an abrupt end as Petrin pushed away, smiling and blushing herself before resurfacing for air.
Seldon gasped deeply as he broke surface, panting and coughing heavily. He made his way to the shore, pulling himself up to breathe heavily.
It was a strange occurrence, to find any means of attraction towards her brother. But he was a good looking man, despite his changes and well.. there wasn't a lot of men Petrin did like. So she supposed she shouldn't be surprised she found something kindling there.
But once out of the water, she let the air cool her off. It was just an awkward moment. She'd chalk it up to that. With a huff, she gave a wring of her hair. Her red locks could be so unruly. Never the less, it seemed playtime was over.
"We should head back."
Seldon was still sitting down on the coast as Petrin got out, still catching his breath. He looked up to her and pulled a hand through his hair to get some of the slick wetness out. Before nodding and getting up slowly. He wasn't sure what he just experienced. Only that it made him feel odd. A warm and fuzzy feeling in his stomach.
He shook his head to literally shake the thoughts off, before getting to his feet, nodding at Petrin. "Ofcourse sister," he mumbled with a soft nod.
Quietly, she collected herself, and any things discarded, before beginning the journey back home. The cool air did wonders to level her head, and by the time their small castle home came into view, she was smiling.
"It's strange to think but you know what? I don't think we'll get many more days like this."
It was hard to tell if she meant the weather, for the winds were changing; or if she meant moments to be shared- just like this. They were getting older, and the war was creeping ever closer to home.
Seldon seemed to do the same, anything that had been thrown away was picked back up. Sadly, it weren't much of his clothes. He was still wearing those. And had been wearing them since his involuntary bath in the lake.
Seldon glanced at Petrin as they finally reached the castle home, she spoke. With what he interpreted a melancholic smile. "I'm.. Afraid we won't, no," he answered with a soft sigh. "It will probably rain soon," he said, glancing up at the sky.
"Ah.. It's starting already," he murmured, wiping a tear away with a bitter scowl, shaking his head. He wasn't as receptive to the idea as Petrin seemed to be.
She caught his expression, but said nothing.
"Come on, let's go see if we can't find something to eat." And she entered the castle with him at her side, she taking the lead just so to keep him just out of her sight.
"Sure," he answered, straightening his expression again with a shake of his head. He followed his sister in without saying anything. Honestly, he had no idea what to say or do. The entire situation was less than favourable. Moreso for him than for her.
He still had no clue what happened to him either.
Though it was early, a meal was prepared for them in the dining hall. While it was being readied, Petrin lingered around the great halls, eyes taking in the scenery outside while her mind was elsewhere. So much had happened, so much needed to be answered...
and she knew so much had yet to come.
With their elder brother off at war and now Seldon having changed so drastically...
It was only a small relief he still acted like himself...
But it was hard to ignore those changes, even as she stole a glance his way, studying his reflection in one of the windows against the great green of their lawn.
Seldon was currently seated at the table, fist propped up underneath his chin as he stared through one of the windows. Though he was more than obviously lost in thought. Away from this plain of reality. And, ocassionally, the longer Petrin looked at him, she might notice how the oddly coloured eye twitched sometimes.
And the longer she kept looking at him, she'd hear whispers, maybe even see shadows cowering in the corner of her eyes.