Chapter XII ~ The Eyes of Honor

 In the Eyes of Honor

As with these flames that had a subtle subject as of late, it was a hypervigilent matter as water would be to fuel it. Water in of itself was plentiful and fair few times it was far too plentiful when rain would fall. That would prove dangerous… and often times, it left a few overly defeated due to its strength. Botched landscape was the typical outcome as of late. That was among other matters on both of their minds, and Quasimodo still had that bellowed inquiry buzz among his thoughts. Having been asked to overlay his findings, it took Quasimodo a solid minute to consider in the best way he knew how…

Naturally, he would busy himself as he would gather his thoughts. A little too much and Claude would immediately suspect, which was already displaying on those chilling features. "… my son, do pardon my suspicions, but you are diverted," he drawled on, warningly.

"Quite, I am as diverted as a shot deer, father," he admitted as Frollo took off his ruined cloak, setting it aside. "Before I came over the prism, just as you had, I had used the last drop of the Seafire," he began to explain. "One had followed me and Fidele closely for three nights. However, before the flame had injured it a great deal, I noticed something about the prism."

Frollo was listening though, however he was gazing up the mysterious quartz that seemed to have grown straight out of the ground. "As to what may thrive behind it," Claude went on, skimming a hand along the jewel, his eyes glistening in the wonder of it all for a moment, before it all fell away again. "… if this land had greeted you with open arms, do speak of what you have seen or I shall forfeit what had just been spoken —"

Upon hearing that request, Quasimodo sighed all of his anxieties out in one go… finally giving his busying a rest for a moment. "I had come here upon your desire~ a-and my only intent was to find safe passage for our people. I least expected any of what I witnessed in this place…"

"Had something befallen you, boy?" were the first words on the matter straight out of the Magistrate's mouth.

"It is… rather only me falling upon them ~" the young man had to admit, even as to avert his gaze elsewhere for a second, fondly knowing where this could go, if he worded things just right. "… you see, this land has been made home by a group of seven miners. Miners who are guarding a treasure." he went on to mention, hoping this would not explode in his face afterward.

"As far as we have journeyed upon the matter, treasure has many forms~ So you speak of dwarfs. Creatures as ancient as the hills they make home in~ as they delve so deep and so greedily…"

"These seven ones, no… they are not guarding gems as most would think," Quasimodo continued, grave-toned.

Claude's brow furrowed at that, and yet there was no need to say it outright~ as they both knew. "Have you met a woman on your travels, I take it…?"

"I least expected to, but I have… There are more than one. Just as many as the Dwarfs. Seven." Quasimodo replied, relieved in a way.

"Females among Dwarfs~ sounds to me of the works of nymphs, or fae." Claude spoke, out of mere research done on his own travels. That was when worry began to settle in again. "…when the matter of the Mad Queen came from the word of mouth before the assault on Paris~"

"Regarding those who had gone mysteriously missing, for one?" Quasimodo added that as food for thought.

There seemed to be a deep groan erupting from Claude's throat, as he loosened and slid off Snow's saddle in order to put the beast at rest. The reality of it all was growing heavier with the cracks growing vaster with each passing day. As dangers and stakes grew higher, considering their own venture had been in force exile, ever since the attacks from this mysterious legion of undead. It was going to the point now where there were others in hiding, among other curses dispelling through the land until this point. This land was not marked… therefore hidden away and untouched. The fact there were living people inside this scape was a brilliant miracle.

"Relay it to me, as we partake, son. Remember every detail. It is essential." Claude remarked, as their stay was set for the time being, until more of the tale would be revealed. Quasimodo's heart was overflown with worry as he rallied each thought with care before ever opening his mouth to speak.

"Indeed, there are maidens making home in this place, while under the protection of these seven dwarfs. As many as them, there are seven Maidens." Quasimodo further explained.

"I had the chance to meet them, personally, after I had witnessed an enchantment at the lakeside. At the time, I wasn't aware until I saw a pair of swans… They were simply floating along the water. I had a mind to hunt yet… their beauty stopped me. It was until something came over them — as if the glimmer from the moon brightened over them. Followed by a snake-like haze, the pair were vanished away revealing two young frightened women… One of them spotted me, and fled~ deep into the forest… She had a head of auborn hair, and deep brown eyes - much like of that of a doe's. Her fellow was a light blonde, with shy blue eyes."

"A vision of Heaven turned Hell~" Claude deepened with a growling disdain upon hearing this.

Quasimodo tried to keep his emotions at bay, yet a tear begged to be known. Nervously, he chuckled, carrying on with his findings. "Forgive me," he had taken a moment even as Faer desired to go and comfort him, now was not the proper time.

"Go on, my boy~ as the world grows weary, beauty finds its way." Claude needed to soften, as passioned he had become on the matter.

"I felt compelled to follow them," Quasimodo strongly carried on. "That was when I was met with the dwarven protectors. One of them was defensive, right from first sight of me. Rightfully so~ these men treasure these maidens, for they were taken from their lives by the Mad Queen of Germania… Who sought to suck their lives away for her own vanity. These birdskins that we see are but masks, hiding the fact that they were to be enforced to accept her demands. They are only granted their humanity once a day, each night under the moonlight."

"Plots seem to be underway as the rest of world is tormented justly as a distraction from deeper means such as this. This light I see in your eyes, son… Best you know that none can come from lust~ as we so learned harshly." Claude warned, forebodingly. "… especially toward fae magic, whose spells cast death and woe."

"None of this was to my expectations, sir… I know naught if it is lust in me or desire~ but a calling? I feel called to help them. The auborn one, who calls herself Casey or Cassandra, had told me that her being here is out of her control. It seemed that this Curse had brought her here by force, in order to feed the Mad Queen after she no longer found victims to enslave… Come with me. Meet her… She and her flock are in desperate need of safe haven, and a chance to break this. It might link to the deadly numbers chasing us down as of late~" he said, bringing his hand over one of his father's hands in hopes of having this work.

"You have made a vow to her, haven't you?" Claude darkly concluded, gently moving his hand from under, not quite agreeable just yet. "For I do not know these women, however, if what you tell me is true, then you must lead me to this truth."

Quasimodo's lips thinned as he too rose up with the Minister of Justice. "That I shall, father. I am under no spell either. I am sure you remember the last time." he challenged.

"Do not remind me, Quasimodo. We both have learned that a witch's sway can come in many forms. Tricking the eye, and thus enchanting the mind… Swan Maidens fleeing upon seeing you whilst you stayed your hand from hunting one? I suspect fairy mischief —"

"If they had not changed their shape, I would have shot one of them — praise the Lord that I stayed my hand. I beg of you, please~ you only need to meet her~" Quasimodo reasoned. "Speak with her, yourself. The one they call 'Ette. I promise you, father."

Claude was absolutely apprehensive of this, fearing that his one adopted son had fallen victim to an enchantment one way or another. However, knowing that this fit of butting at each other when each had different views. This took getting used to after their personal falling away years previous. After a long moment of consideration, Claude simply sighed. There was a modest, warm look in the son's eyes, without a hint of doubt.

"Trust me, sir. It's unbelievable, a miracle of my coming to this place~ This is nothing like what you might believe."

Between father and son though, there was a sign of anguish in the elder's eyes that swelled from disdain to a poisonous sorrow that threatened to leak directly into the youth's own heart before shaking his head.

"My own life would forfeit should anything come over you, dear boy. As you have come close to death once by my hand~ at the brink of my sanity…"

"That does not define us, Your Honor. You know that…" Quasimodo reassured his father with utmost concern. "… I am not under any spell by any weilder, I promise. Do you see it in my eyes? That — there is any indication that any part of this moment that is fabricated?"

Claude studied those aquamarines, deeply, with a few steps closer to the young man as a start. This was his son, the little bundle he once mistook as stolen goods… had become the voice of Paris through the hours of those darkened days. Everything about him was sound, untouched, as himself, and that natural way he had to turn his head was a gift, although Claude considered it a curse at times. Even now, he had to hold faith in his son… yet under one condition~

"If those words hold as true as His, then you will lead me to them. My condition is for I alone to speak with her. Am I transparent, Quasimodo?"

The Woodsman swallowed intensely despite nodding at the condition, despite the tears wanting to form in his eyes, he fought against that, strongly. Gladly, he would abide since this was a fairly sensitive situation. The Minister's hand was greatly needed should this war ever come to an end~ and perhaps become the ending of a complex curse that went beyond imagination.

Quasimodo held an air of graciousness in his eyes as he agreed to these terms while they both listened sharply for the sound of wings above their heads, belonging to Faer. For they had a witness to this conversation — not that Claude wasn't very fond of that. The winged messenger fluttered down to perch on the safest spot, on Quasimodo's shoulder, timidly avoiding eye contact until Claude provided a fragile hand for him to perch on.

"Our companion, spared from the snag." Claude spoke, calmly. "… for you have seen what my son had. I request that you fly swift once more, and bring these maiden fair closely by."

"They can only regain their humanity by the moonlight." Quasimodo provided. "Under the sun, they wear white feather."

Once Upon a Dream

Casey's mind was in a whirl during the meanwhile of how this first meeting would go on. Her flock provided the same support for her ever since the very start~ ever since that rescue from the dungeon, and that first painful transformation. Eleonor expressed her own heart, just as well as Casey had, albiet each to their own, yet Casey was so spirited that she felt the need to fly. Twilight was overcoming the beautiful skies as they continued to wait, yet again, for the men… including the one who came to her upon a dream. She could not get him out of from her thoughts, though, as her heart was overflown with hope, more than ever before.

It was the end of the day and the moon was at hand over the waters again, taunting them~ mesmerizing them with its beauty. All the while, the Dwarfs all clambered close by to meet with them, having the chance to witness their Maidens transform back to their true selfs.

At once when the light was reflected off the water, the Swans all seemed drawn towards it and began drifting under it~ In a graceful dance, they all opened their wings as emerald shimmered over the enchanted water that veiled them, covering all for a moment before revealing seven women.

Happy held a nervousness matching with Doc's whilst kneading his hands together as the maidens all gathered themselves after another typical transformation. There was still a range of pain each time too, despite being used to it since two years had gone by enduring it. Casey still massaged her wrists as she sat down on the bank, following Eleonor and Caroll Anne. Mary and Ida each took Casey's side as there was an air of unrest among them. Another new face was coming and they didn't feel ready for this meeting, however Casey held hope, for all of them. Quasimodo's warmness and kindness kept her strong and her mind focused in the moment. This Minister was also a father, and Quasimodo had trust in them, as this could be their way to freedom if it was all played right. For the time being, they were mere strangers to each other. Yet, to her… it was beginning to seem so much more.

One man would begin it all anew, just by seeing the truth, first hand was the open door. All they needed was the courage to push on~ in order to keep on holding that hope. Moving forward was the only way to find out the real enemy that has kept themselves unseen thus far~ there was more foulplay than what met the untrained eye. Being under the eyes of those willing for their cause seemed to be the best for their well-being. The Woodsman's coming was long overdo~ and it settled so much on her stomach that she could barely eat.

Meeting this Judge though unleashed anxiety among her flock, that began with her, no doubt. Quasimodo had specifically asked her if she was ready for this open door… also Jiminy was tearfully encouraging her to trust his words. Casey was beginning to feel a familiarity in all this, after always being surrounded by family. First being among the Dwarfs, more people were clambering around them with protective natures. Punished by evil ambitions, yet kept safe and they will no longer be left so vulnerable. What would happen now that they left the comfort and stillness of Mondfall…? As it was usual, she was accompanied by her flock as they gathered on land, taking a place beneath one of the trees… Flourishing her cloak over her chilled shoulders, Casey chose to sit between Eleonor and Ida. Antoinette brought forth their meals for the night and sat close. Mary began to hum out a little song as they were to wait for Faer to return, as they were told.

From where they camped at the moment, those mysterious statues and that taunting crescent mount were closer to them now, and much more prominent then ever before. As they ate together, on this final moon in Mondfall, Jiminy Cricket was always nearby, often up in the canopy to keep watch for any approachers with an eye out for the little elf shapeshifter. Eleonor kept her eyes above as well, deeply thinking to herself before she set her bowl of stew down… Ida had her own thoughts to speak of as well…

"We always had people around us, coming to us, with pure intention~" Ida brought up, which brought a lump to Casey's throat. "Knowing that there is a way,"

"Then we have those who have horrid intentions," Eleonor added to that naive statement. "…all of which have clambered around you, 'Ette - with you being the last maiden captured." she then eyed Casey who was averting her eyes during this uncomfortable conversation. She was hoping Jiminy was not hearing this yet with one peer above her head, to her dismay, there he was… listening.

"I am aware of that, blackwing, thank you…" Casey finally spoke, trying to maintain her sourness. Yet she could not stop thinking about the young man, already showing devotion. Even deep in her memory being fuzzy thus far, she did remember one love she once had before it vanished.

"Being honest, I never expected any of this to ever happen, and yet all of this was thrown at you, and then right onto me~ None of this is fair, like what I screamed - that night - in front of all of you. You make it seem like — Eleonor — that I enjoy this with some kind of sadism, or something? No, I am not. You are making me feel guilty for something I have absolutely no control over. Is this jealousy, I don't know but the way you've been at me is another issue that I have no control over. I am trying to figure this out, with you, I am part of this journey WITH you. I am ONE of you…" Casey explained, with much strength in her tone, however she kept herself calm, despite the initial upset Eleonor seemed to trigger.

Jiminy was able to hear this begin to play out as the nightly seconds ticked onward. The sound in the Diamond Swan's voice did not sit right with him. Whether or not it was calling to a paternal part of him, but he had to will himself to just wait a moment longer in hopes that the girl would pacify this somehow without fueling the fire more by her own words. Eleonor's seemed to soften however her features remained harsh as she listened to what she planted in Casey being brought out with passion.

"Our answers lie in wait, out there~" Dorothea prodded herself in, to try and calm the heat of the moment.

"In the hands of men of war, no doubt…" Eleonor spoke, not as discreet as she would have liked. "As this one had come to you in a dream, who can say it is truth when it could very well lead us to an undesirable end ~"

Casey furrowed her brow at her. "And so, are Jiminy and the Seven in the same boat then?" she asked, prodding back. "Men of war — they are all men of war…" she reasoned. "Jiminy's home was taken over by diseased air, for one… His whole town flocked out into the inlands — The Seven's glen was burned down. They led us to safety when they could have just fled and left us with that monster. And you the one telling me not to say anything against their choices… Remember that? Elle?" Casey had her voice drone down to a sarcastic growl at the end of that reminder. The fact that she felt a hand on her shoulder to help cool her anger. The jewel about her neck felt warmer than usual and so she knew someone else was listening right then. "… I am not all that thrilled either, Eleonor… I don't know what this man is like, but Quasimodo trusts him…"

"Quasimodo…" Eleonor sighed out his name with some melancholy. "… as our one door, to our imminent demise, or salvation… you seem quite taken by him. As it's been read long before, in other lands… of True Love's supposed touch in matters like these. No prince, of humble stature~ unlike others."

Casey straightened herself after hearing that, as it had been on her mind as well. The anger she harbored in her eyes melted away, and soon she was able to speak. "It was never a matter of stature, or wealth." she admitted. "The fact that I've taken to him, I am not denying that. Someone who is in the middle of a war, has seen us, and wishes us freedom just the same." she went on to explain to these others around her. "… he who has already shown that I am worth talking to — worth for him getting to know me, as myself? So in all fairness, I don't know if I am taken by or not… but so far he's treated me more like a person, than just a woman. And I find that very relieving,"

Ending at that, Casey kept her eyes still on the water. "We're going to be okay. We're all going to be okay…" she uttered with the others slowly coming to her side, all sitting side by side. She was assured also by how deeply warm her diamond became through out that entire speech. In truth, they are all afraid, yet they were still being.

Eleonor had a hard time swallowing her pride, as one who remained alone herself in her life before the Curse ever came to be… It was bitter to swallow, but the Diamond Swan had made her point quite clear on where she stood emotionally. Spotting the Cricket bound his way down from the canopy, Eleonor knew that they were about to get an earfull.

"Keep up your chin though, love…" Antoinette replied. "Coming to someone who wishes only wellness, he may look a little off, but he sure is easy on the eyes…" she agreed to that cryptic hint the Fairy had given. Casey shared at her an apprehensive sort of face, prior to sharing a smirk. Ultimately cheered her on, that…

Jiminy's heart was put in more relief when this conversation went soft after the two spoke their minds. He slowly began his small trek down to them as they continued to speak… "So you and I see the same, Antoinette? That I am not wrong in it?" she asked her. "I understand how this make look to all of you, but please… I ask of you to trust in this. I trust him~ this is our way. Eleonor, please listen…"

Jiminy had come to them just in time as these words had softened. When he got near, the girls were able to recognize him, even in the shade of night this late hour.

"I will listen, as long as you do not stoop down to foolery. I am thinking of all of us… the flock. As a whole, as you should…"

"I am…" Casey replied, no longer holding onto anger. "Even now, I am not fully understanding, but I trust in those around us. For once… I would have thought our feather bound time in Mondfall had proven that by now."

"Yes, there are risks… but there is a greater one if we just stay here. It's exactly what that monster wants… to stay trapped, with no hope?" Mary spoke up, after being a listener for the most part. "I am not settled on that, Eleonor…"

"If anything, we need all the help we can get… The Seven honored us thus far, out of love from their hearts. It would only lead to something more than that." Dorothea reasoned. "We worry too, Eleonor, but we also fear remaining still ~ with no purpose left, and no life."

Eleonor appeared to roll her eyes, seeing that not one of the flock was siding with her on this front. This sudden change into dangerous waters was as clear as day and she was still no friend to change as Casey's heart was dead on set. Eyeing the specific jewel that dawned over them all for two years, Eleonor sighed deeply in immense defeat.

"M'ladies…?" Jiminy's calm broke in, as if by an answered prayer in Casey's eyes. "I could not help but overhear…"

"Forgive us, sir~ one of us has cold feet." Mary whispered to him as he passed on by.

"Understandable that may be, but words can be as crude as swords. Good on ya to hold onto hope in your own way, girls."

"I believe we're ready for this." Casey mentioned. "The future is uncertain, but it's worth the try."

"You see, it did take a great deal of puzzling for even I to convince the townsfolk to even set foot out of the Villagio. It was to the point of madness, for one cricket and one little boy to do. However, this seems to be something much deeper~?" Jiminy asked, with his voice full of hope.

"I've yet to find that out, Jiminy." Casey told him. "If it ensures our journey to freedom, I have to trust his word. I trust the Fairy…"

"Faith can go a long way, hon…" Jiminy comforted her, knowing how difficult this was to even ponder over.

"I know." Casey sighed, with a mind overthinking yet.

There came a moment when that fuzzy headed elf had plowed through from the canopy above them, having to land squarely into Eleonor's lap. Given her mood, she soured at the sheepish thing before she saundered up onto her feet, sliding him off.

"Sorry-sorry!" Faer fiddled at the awkwardness, but seemed relieved that he found the flock in time. "Ah! It's 'Ette! Glad I found ya! Quasi wants to talk~" he told Casey right away, as if time was no friend this time around.

"I am she…" Casey replied, feeling some kind of disconnect from her former self for a moment. Tears clung to her lashes upon hearing this news. "Eleonor?" she then asked her despite the initial disagreement they had.

"~ er, uh… He-he kinda wants to talk with ya, a-alone?" Faer cringed on the last word while twisting his fingers, tensely. Jiminy could not help showing his apprehension.

While the others needed to wait further in their anticipation, Casey had to keep her own head screwed on just right. She was in glee of seeing him again though, and as she came to Grumpy who waited for her, she stood still for a moment before uttering anything else. He perched atop a stone, leaning forward against his pick, somber, waiting for her. "Good evening," she called to him, before he shook out of his thoughts.

"As if any eve was ever any good…" he spat to the side before softening at her general direction. "… eh, lookin' after you f'this long, I dunno what else we'd do without ye."

"… you - you are our friend, Grumpy. All of you saved us. You'll always be one with us, always."

Without a doubt, those words brought forth tears, as much as he didn't wish to admit that. "This one - he better do ya right." he pointed a rightiously angry finger in the air. Casey stifled her tears of farewell as well before she smiled, lovingly.

"Funny though, it's always been women causing most of the world's problems," she joked, knowingly since he was often a stiff against females before. Yet, he was among one of the strongest to hold onto compassion.

Grumpy slapped a hand to his forehead, snickering silently as she chuckled. "Sad truth though."

"You and Snow White, and yer fellow birds… rubbin' off on ol' me." he seemed cheered up before locking his eyes upon her brown ones. "Y'feel right with the lad?"

"I do." she admitted, while keeping her hands neatly folded in front of her. "Such gentle hand, yet strong as stone. I believe in the Fairy… and he, he didn't have to do this but he hasn't left us. With his help, perhaps we all have the chance of becoming normal again. For you as well, to be done with all this… wickedness." she told him.

Grumpy pulled back, coughing back emotion before he got down from the stone. "F'llow me, lass." he told her before she chose to take his hand into hers, with one last thing to say. At that, he looked confused.

"Speaking for all swans, just know how grateful I am. Just like him, you stayed too. Just like Jiminy Cricket, you all stayed for mere strangers. We've endured together…"

As soon as she told him that, Casey had to wrap her arms around the compassionate dwarf, thus stunning him to stay still in it for a good moment. In time, she felt Grumpy lax and felt him embrace her in return.

"Now we're not strangers~" she heard him muffle before they both parted from the hug.

As soon as she shared her heart with Grumpy, Casey entered into one part of the wood where the lake met a creak. Nearby she could hear the counting hoof of the Woodsman's pony, Fidele.

"Quasimodo." Casey uttered, no longer in worry like before. She graced her hand along the trunk of the willow tree before she heard a rush and a whisper.

"Cassandra~" she heard Quasimodo speak her old name with such gentleness, that it calmed her heart.

He made himself known to her after coming out from behind the willow, seemingly had finished a quick ride because he was breathing quickly. Casey stroked the diamond out of habit and approached him.

"Are - are you alone?" Quasimodo whispered, first and foremost.

"Yes, I-I am, I am alone…" she reassured him, taking his mighty hand. "Quasimodo."

Taking her hand, he happened to lead her out closer to the frontside of the tree where they both kneeled before one another. She was deeply happy that he was there waiting, however there still was slight worry of coming events. It stirred the late night quite well. "… forgive me of asking but we've become so wary." he uttered, with care in his voice as this was quite sensitive.

"Yes," she sighed. "… even my fellow swans, they've - they are on edge about this, yet they have hope~ I have hope." she told him.

So this was a last chance if the timing was just right. Cassandra was sweetly surrounded by warmth by those strong arms; strong and safe. His voice was greatly invited but it made her heart hurt having to hear it waver.

"Quasimodo,"

"Cassandra," he began, clearly in stress, however with just as much zeal as she had, he exhanged a gaze before carrying on. "Do you remember that one place where I had first seen you?"

"Exactly where?"

"Yes!"

"I do not see how that's~"

"It's all right~ just listen, please… Just- do you-do you remember it? Don't say it. But do you remember where?"

"… I do. Of course I do, Quasimodo…"

Casey swallowed before she nodded her answer. With emotion in her throat, her lips thinned fighting that same fear even he was trying to battle. Finding her hands be taken by him, she felt her heart warm up, solidifying her faith that was so hard to explain to Eleonor before.

"My father has only one wish. To speak with you, to m-meet you personally, and I obliged him. He is to come to that place and to see you change come the dawn~"

"As a means to prove that what you've told holds true for him?" she asked, in a shaken voice. "I am willing to do whatever it takes, Quasimodo. We're ready, now or never. It is an honor that we speak alone." she decided, no longer afraid. She was able to see how touched he was by his smile, which told her that he believed the same. Such courage from someone who was a pure stranger in this land. In her mind, something was beginning to click properly into the place that her heart knew the truth.

"We have a settlement deep in the Olives~ a foot closest to the Prisms, so it isn't too long of a trek for you and your flock…" he softly told her. "… sworn protection - we keep our word. I don't want you to feel afraid, Cas."

"I'm not afraid~ not anymore." she replied. "Now that you've come."

He had to be quiet for a moment as she happened stare once again into his eyes. "The Blue Fairy is here… We may not being able to see her, but she is in agreement." she stated, referring to the enchanted stone she always wore. "She has warned us, time and time again, that this will be hard but I would soon find my true home. As to what that really entails, I do believe I am beginning to feel that she is right… Now, after two years, it has grown not so awful - being a swan - but is has its lonesome moments, even as a flock by day."

"You are strong," he hummed after listening to her, deeply.

"Strong enough, since it's been awhile ever since I trusted others so much. To have hope, it's not common from my experience…" she admitted.

"Even elsewhere for you, my lady, it is more common here than you think," Quasimodo humbly spoke, gazing downward at first, at her hand.

"… let us go to that place, then." she said after a moment, after drawing a deep breath. Now felt like the right time.