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Apep had believed after the death of most of her friends, that loneliness would be a part of her life forever. The Pyro Sovereign was too far away for them to communicate and her children just… didn't get it. Human emotions were strange things. Buer's visits had become far more frequent and a part of Apep truly had to thank her. Neuvillette had fixed that loneliness, allowing her to open up far more than she ever had before.
"I'm sure he's okay, Apep. I've heard of things happening in Fontaine. Maybe he's… helping their archon?" Ah, the loneliness creeped back into her stomach and the Dragon let out a guttural growl. How she hated the brat that ran the nation across from them. Apep had listened to stories from Neuvillette about how she was working, but.. not enough. It sickened her just how easy the Dragon bent to her will.
"You are lucky I have enjoyed your company, Buer. Otherwise, I would've thrown you back to your Palace."A soft sigh "Truly, I just wish I could remember how to force my human form out and travel to see if he's fine."
The tiny God rested her head against her hand. There had to be some way. A way that Buer would know and wouldn't put her under duress. "---- I couldn't do it for long.." A spark of hope formed within Apep. My kin could be in danger. Please, Buer. I need to try. "You'd have to leave straight away, but I could give you a part of my power to try it?"
She'd do that? Maybe it was as simple as she understood. She understood that Family was important to Apep. Even though Neuvillette wasn't her true family, he was still something to her. "----- If you're willing to bless me with it – let us try."
—--
Oh, god. This is different.
Fontaine was truly beautiful, but the amount of humans made her feel off. The Dendro Sovereign glanced down towards her human hands and found herself grimacing. Of course, it was easier for her to get into Fontaine like this, but it didn't mean she had to like it. A hand brushed through curly brown hair and Apep allowed her focus on her kin to hone in. Hm, there he is. Palais Mermonia. What an awful name. Her feet began to lead the way.
It had been a while since she'd been anywhere near the land that Fontaine once was. Blurred memories of her and the previous Hydro Sovereign, Laniatus filled her mind. You'll look after them if I pass. I know you will. He will have a lot of work ahead of him. "I hope you're proud of him, Old friend." The doors of the Palais were pushed open, and it seemed as if all eyes were on her suddenly. Sickening. It's like they're looking at an animal.
" Excuse me! If you're looking for Monsieur Neuvillette, he's currently with the Hydro – "
Perfect. Apep didn't stop herself from pushing the large doors that she could feel her friend behind, much to the Melusine at the desks' chagrin. Snake-like eyes narrow in disdain at the sight of the God beside her family. "How dare you! We are having a private conversation!" A claw extended to prod at the Hydro Archon
"You will leave. I do not have the time to deal with you."
"Do you know who you're talking to?!"
It was Neuvillette who broke the silence, a gentle cough and a smile. He's fine. He's fine. He looks tired. His elemental aura isn't that strong. Something is wrong. "Allow us to have a small chat, Furina. It won't take too long." Apep watched as the Hydro Archon huffed her way out of the office, slamming the door behind her. "I'm sorry. I have been quite sick. If we have a meeting, I may need to rearrange."
I knew it. Disappointed eyes narrowed at the silver haired man in front of her. Apep scoffed "And you believed you couldn't tell me?"
"Apep?" A hand raised in the Chief Justices direction. No one made Apep worry. No one had made her worry this much in quite a long time "How have yo–"
"Do not question it. How could you get sick and not let your kin know? What is it?"
"Merely fatigue. I.. may have worked myself a bit too hard." Oh, if she could have that Archon's head, she would. "I promise I am fine. It happens and my body mimics human symptoms."
A scoff, and the Dendro Sovereign turned swiftly on her foot to the chairs at the side. Disappointed, yet almost motherly eyes look towards him. "So, that Demon works you to the bone and you fall ill? Does she have no shame? What person wouldn't offer a loyal worker breaks?"
"She does, my friend. I just struggle with doing nothing. Humans call that being a workaholic." The Chief Justice stood from his desk, and moved to sit beside his friend. Slitted eyes moved over Apep's face, and Neuvillette laughed. It unsettled her slightly "---- Did you remember how to change your form?"
"No, Buer could tell I was worried and helped me. I cannot believe you made me come here, around some of these vermin and that cretin you call your Archon, just because I was –."
Human emotions are strange things. Maybe that's what opening up meant. Those emotions could move more freely. Maybe, it was Neuvillette's way of making her appreciate humans and their feelings a bit more.
A soft hand rested on her leg, and Apep sighed "Please. Do not worry me like that again. A simple message to Buer would suffice. `` and all Neuvillette could do was nod. A knowing smile on his face
I cannot lose my kin again. You may not understand it now, but you will eventually.