Dutch was in quite the flux upon seeing her brother and her guardian walking together towards her. Not only was the woman late, but the night guard wasn't letting her go anywhere and her brother actually looked engaged in conversation with the unbelievable Human.
"Please tell me," Dutch said to Sorn upon their arrival, ignoring the girl. "You're not enjoying this inferior's company."
Her brother smirked. "Don't worry, Mil, we were only talking about your awful morning breath and inability to go anywhere without your guardian."
Dutch glared, a thunderstorm in her eyes. "I hope you both die an ugly death."
"Ladies first." He said, waving her in front of him.
She ignored him, turning to the Human standing stoic beside them, probably internally smirking at Dutch's lack of comeback to her brother. "I'm hungry." She complained, "And you're late. I'm supposed to be in class early this morning for exams." The woman said nothing, as per normal. She turned back to her brother. "When are your exams?"
"I finish tomorrow."
"Ugh..." Dutch threw her head back. "I still have a week left and you finish tomorrow?"
Sorn shrugged. "Perks of graduating I guess."
Dutch rolled her eyes.
<–––––<<<
That night Sorn came to her room, although it wasn't to see her, but to talk to Livery, the little house-maid that had been given to Dutch instead of one of her own maids. The girl wasn't all bad, even if she was too pretty. She was a good maid, very diligent and quick to listen, but still much too pretty. And it vexed her greatly that her brother was taking to her prettiness.
So that's why she sat just outside the door, her ear to the crack and her breath held. It wasn't hard to hear them, but comprehending the conversation was another matter.
"What do you know of the family?" She caught Sorn saying.
"It's not what I know, but what I remember. They were respected well enough, but my family liked living apart and I barely ever saw them. The Inkwells were closer and always first in line for the dinner requests."
"How well did you know Crest Inkwell?"
Livery chuckled. "I was engaged to him for a time."
There was a pause and Dutch could image Sorn gnawing on his bottom lip, thinking. "Would he recognize you?"
"It's been thirty years, I'm surprised I recognized him."
"Well, no matter the case, why don't you stay away from him the best you can. I'll keep pestering Ike, seeing what else I can learn."
"I'd be careful sir, the Penworthys are notorious for their silence."
Sorn chuckled. "So I've come to learn."
Quickly Dutch moved away, taking a seat at the table and glaring at the door. Sorn walked out first and smiled brightly at her. "Are you done having fun?" She inquired harshly. "I'm hungry."
"Coming milady." Livery flowed into the room, pretty smile in place and green eyes bright. Sorn left and Dutch began thinking a little too hard on things she didn't understand.
<–––––<<<
Who better to talk to than her love-bird? After-all, it seemed Sorn was already talking to him, so perhaps sharing with her wouldn't be such a bother. It wasn't chance that two days later, Ike Penworthy came to the Academy and straight to her room for a supposed dinner.
Releasing her guard early, Dutch also sent Livery to town after the meal was prepared. Now by herself, she greeted Ike warmly.
During dinner, talk was light and airy. Ike telling of his business on the mainland and Dutch explaining how awful her exams were.
After dinner was when Dutch became serious.
"I have a question for you, Ike." She stated after a silence had ensued.
"Oh?"
"About a name I heard this week. I asked Sorn about it and he said you might know." Of course that was a complete lie, but he didn't have to know that.
Ike smiled over his glass. "What might this name be?"
"You must know I only heard it in passing, but it's such a curious name that I'm deeply intrigued."
He chuckled, "Why don't you tell me this name you're so curious about, or do you want me to guess?"
"No, you don't have to guess. I'll just tell you. It was Crest Inkwell."
Ike blinked. "I'm sorry."
"Crest Inkwell, that's the name I heard. Quite a strange name. I can't recall having ever heard it before, but it holds a familiar ring. Do you know it?"
Ike leaned forward, nearly dropping his glass as he grabbed the sides of the table. "Who did you hear talking about this name?"
"I can't say for sure, although I think Livery was one of the people there." At Ike's frown, Dutch explained; "Livery, my maid."
He stood quickly, so quickly it startled Dutch. "Excuse me, I'm afraid I must leave."
Dutch stuttered. "But Sorn said you'd know who it was, surely you can tell me something. I promise, I won't tell him. I know you two are working on this together, so maybe you can just give me a clue as to who he is."
Ike wasn't going to answer, she could tell. He was already halfway out the door and then gone. Not even saying goodbye.
Dutch slumped, twisting her lips at the lack of information she'd received and at the same time, not realizing how much she'd given away.
©JJHays2017
[Note]: This is where I grin darkly and make you wait until Monday to find out what happens next. xD sorry...
What do you think will happen?
JJ
07.27.18