A/N: Written while on crack. This should take place during the six-month grace period. I took liberties on Rush's physique so expect some changes, but not that exaggerated (or maybe it is–shrugs–but no pointing please, this is how I like my ukes/subs. Deal with it).

Summary: It takes one ridiculous job for Rush to get another taste of his old life, and an errand from Ghor for David to be unwittingly confronted with possibilities he did not wish to prepare for. Two-part intermission. DaSh even if you don't squint. Rated T for a reason.

Scattering Sand

Part I: Rush

Act I: Idea

"A mediocre idea that generates enthusiasm will go further than a great idea that inspires no one." – Mary Kay Ash

:::

Rush chewed the rim of his cup, deeply regretting spending his weekend in Balterossa. If he had known he'd end up with Caedmon and the twins, he would have kept walking till he reached Baaluk. The sovani and the girls were getting along a little too much on ganging up on him.

"Just saying. If you don't want to get teased, go get yourself a tan. You're as white as a bean curd."

He didn't exactly know how their friendly catching up ended with them teasing him about his nonexistent feminine looks. It just snowballed right after Hannah asked what his secret was for callous free hands—and heck if he knew! It was a mystery for him too, now that she mentioned it.

"'Em not," Rush grumbled.

Hannah and Caedmon had the nerve to stifle a laugh.

"I'm sorry Rush, but I have to agree with her. You're awfully too pale for a boy," Hannah said, her smile annoyingly apologetic.

"Too pretty for one too," Hinnah smirked, sipping her ale. "Makes me envious."

Rush turned to Caedmon for help, hoping that whatever friendship they had would tide him to his side, but the sovani's eyes had that same mischievous glint as their other two companions.

"I have received a request for a security team," Caedmon said in a stride. There was something foreboding with the sudden change of subjects. "I could use some more men for it."

Hannah wrinkled her brows. "But I thought the Silver Falcons do not take mercenary work?"

"We don't. A request is hardly mercenary in nature, Miss Hannah." Caedmon paused as if thinking of what to say next. "It's from an old acquaintance of mine, actually. Someone I am indebted to."

"Ooh, how very curious," Hinnah teased. "You? Owing a debt? Not something I hear every day. Mind sharing?"

"Perhaps when we are all part of the same nest, Miss Hinnah."

"Che. Don't you mean litter?" Hinnah mumbled. "…So what's the princess's part in this?" she jabbed a thumb at Rush's direction, ignoring all his indignant splutters. "And please don't tell me it's only guard duty, that'd make it pretty boring kitty-cat."

"I need someone mingling in the crowd."

"As a…?" Hannah urged.

Caedmon plucked a grape from their fruit platter and then popped it into his mouth, Rush prayed he'd choke on it. "A cupbearer."

The twins exchanged rapid glances then burst out laughing, one giggling the other guffawing. Rush felt the tips of his ears warming from embarrassment, he didn't even know what was so amusing. "Stop laughing you two! I don't see what's so funny about it!"

"Hehe, I'm sure you'll make a cute little waitress."

"Hah? What's that got to do with being a cupbearer?" he frowned. "And stop laughing already!"

"Let's just say that in Balterossa it's a gender specific occupation," Hannah giggled.

Rush stared, opening and closing his mouth unable to put into words how unbelievable they were. The sovani joined the laughing she-demons.

"I said stop laughing!" he finally blurted out. "I haven't agreed yet, and for the last time! I don't look like a girl!"

"You may want to reconsider. It's for a clan gathering and the guest of honour is… he's from Athlum."

Rush scowled, crossing his arms. That was low. Caedmon knew he wouldn't be able to refuse if he put that on the table. "So? I don't see why I should cross dress for it."

"If you can breathe fire then you are free to join the hired performers."

"Breathe fire?" He can conjure fire, but breathe? He was no dragon. "What the hell? Don't they have ordinary male staff?"

Hinnah patted Rush on the back, her guffaws dying down to mere chuckles. "Sorry princess but that's not how Balterossa rolls. Have you ever seen any manservant 'round here?"

"The bartender?"

"Yah, and he's also the owner. Doesn't count."

"Speak human, Hinnah."

"What my sister meant to say, Rush, is that women do the mundane things here—serving duties," Hannah explained. "Quite surprising especially since Balterossa is ruled by a woman, but that's h-mm... customs for you."

Hinnah downed the rest of her ale. "Yadda-yadda-yadda. That's good and all—but we don't get to see the princess in action," she pouted as she set her cup down with a thud. "Shame."

"I bet he will be fetching in the traditional garbs, too," Hannah shared her twin's pout.

Caedmon regarded the twins, perfectly coming off as nonchalant. "Whoever said that the offer was only extended to the lovely Sykes?"

Hannah and Hinnah shared squeals of delight and Rush could only gape at the sovani.

"Caedmon!"

Act II: Ignorance

"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." – Martin Luther King

:::

Before the crack of dawn, Rush and the girls were made to sit around the dining table at Caedmon's home for the briefing. The sovani was to report to his 'acquaintance', a certain Kamila-something-something, at exactly seven in the morning while they were expected to follow in the afternoon, posing as part of the newly hired servants due to arrive the same day. Caedmon had already intercepted the real ones, and had them stay in an inn until the gathering was over. Kamila preferred she didn't know who the members of team were, element of surprise and all that.

Just as Caedmon finished his briefing, Hannah grabbed her purse and bolted out of the sovani's home saying something about errands to make while Hinnah dragged Rush to the bathroom. The she-demon was about to follow him inside, but he pushed her out and locked the door before she even had time to react. Fine, he accepted that he would be subjected to much humiliation till the novelty wears off, but he'd be damned if he let her bathe him like some hapless damsel in one of Irina's icky, mushy books.

With a deep sigh, Rush padded across the room to the brass tub in the far corner, the stone floor cold under his feet. The water was already drawn for him, steam rising from the glassy surface in winding ribbons. He tested the water with a hand before dipping in, easily settling into the large tub, sliding his back on the side till his head rested on the edge. There were three lit candles on the end table beside him, puffing out a relaxing scent of wild flowers. It must have been Hannah, he smiled. The time when Hinnah started caring for another will be the time when Emmy and Blocter started having an affair.

"Want some flower petals in there too, princess?"

Rush's eyes snapped open, his hands immediately diving southwards. "Hinnah! What are—"

"A Mháthair," Hinnah rolled her eyes. "You are such a little virgin."

"That's not the point!" he spluttered, his face hot. "How the heck did you get in here!"

Hinnah took out a small, slim iron stick from her pocket, grin widening as she wagged the blasted thing at him, "Lock pick, ever used one?"

"No. And not planning to. Now get out!"

"Relax will you? I just wanted to give you these," Hinnah held out a bucket full of multi-coloured vials. "You threw me out before I could dump them in your bath."

"Well you can leave it right there, so get out. Now."

Hinnah raised a brow then sauntered towards him, uncapping a ruby red vial with her mouth as she did so. "Where's the fun in that?"

"Hinnah!"

"Geez Sykes, relax. You're not my type," she said easily, pouring the contents of the vial to the water. It only took a quick moment before the water was overrun with thick suds of white bubbles. "My special mix. Nice, yah?"

Rush's eye twitched. "A lot nicer if you get out."

"On second thought, I'll help you clean up."

Rush was about to demand that she get the hell out when he suddenly felt her hand curl around his nape. Her spindly cold fingers made him contort instinctively, and an irrational fear made his heart skip a beat. If this b—

"I said. Relax. You're being too overdramatic. I don't eat little boys for breakfast, yah?" she whispered in his ear then loosened her hold.

Hinnah busied herself with the vials, picking two apple green ones from the bunch. "Hannah and I used to do this all the time for our very important person… I feel like doing it for you. So consider yourself lucky."

Rush rubbed his neck warily, barely paying attention to the girl. What the hell was that? It wasn't like Hinnah was going to try anything funny. Sure, he was surprised, but for him to actually want to cause serious harm over her little teasing? Hinnah was a friend. He shouldn't be thinking of ripping her arm off just because of that… But if she had held on a second longer he would have done just that. It scared him.

"You suck," he grumbled, raising the white flag for now.

Hinnah threw her head back and laughed. "Haven't heard that in coon's ages! You really are precious, princess. Now scoot over a little so I can wash you properly."

Reluctantly, Rush did as he was told while Hinnah worked up a lather. He expected her to scrub his skin off, but surprisingly, she was quite gentle about the whole thing. Her hands were lightly tracing circles across his back, pressing specific spots that was really–oh, wow, that felt kind of good. Slowly, he began not to mind her intrusion too much.

"So, who was she?" he asked, attempting small talk.

"Who is who? Here," Hinnah gave a wash cloth to him. "Be a little more specific, princess."

"I mean that girl you used to take care of."

"What makes you think he's a girl?"

Rush stopped scrubbing his arm. "He's a boy? But—"

"Gender is hardly an issue back home, are you done with that? Or do you want me to do it for you too?"

"I can manage," he replied hurriedly. "So he didn't mind that you're—"

"A woman? Of course not. I told you, it wasn't an issue. He'd only whine when we insisted on following him everywhere."

He handed the washcloth back, and Hinnah draped it on the rim of the bucket. "What? Are you guys his babysitters or something?"

Hinnah fished another vial, this time yellow. "I like the word 'caretakers' better, has a more mature ring to it. His brother's quite the worry wart, you see… reason why we were needed. Rest your head on the edge."

Rush tilted back his head as Hinnah quickly worked with his hair. "So what happened to him? Why aren't you taking care of him now?"

Hinnah stopped her ministration. "He's... sick. Can't remember anyone." She peered over him, white hair falling to the sides of her face. "It's quite frustrating every time we're with him. It's especially hard on his brother. They can't even have a decent chat, and I know he's just dying to sit down and talk."

"Oh... Any luck finding a cure?"

Hinnah clicked her tongue.

"No? Maybe I can ask someone about it. Pagus should know something."

"He used to have long hair," Hinnah replied instead, holding strands of his hair between her thumb and forefinger. Rush guessed it was her way of telling him to drop it, but just in case, he'll ask Pagus about the matter. "Well, I'm done. Soak up for a while before you rinse. Clean water's over there," she said, pointing at a couple of urns at the end of the tub. "But, I can rinse you too."

Rush shook his head vehemently, "No–I'm good."

Hinnah snorted. "Admit it. It wasn't as bad as you thought."

Rush blew over the suds of bubbles, maybe he should get some of this stuff for Dave and Irina.

"Fine, I'll leave you and your modesty alone. I hanged your clothes on the door, yell if you need help." Hinnah picked up her bucket and left him be.

:::

After Rush had painstakingly rinsed off Hinnah's bubbly concoction, another dilemma had followed.

The clothing she left him was… strange. It consisted of a sleeveless blouse that much to his exasperation would only reach until his midriff, a flowy skirt with embroidered leaf patterns and a piece of transparent blanket edged with thick, black floral lace; the set had a bottle green theme going on. Frankly, he didn't have any problems with them—there were worst things he could end up with—the thing that really got his head reeling was the underwear. He already had his normal white undies on, but what in the God Emperor's name was this?

Staring him in the face was probably the scariest thing he'd ever seen. The monstrosity resembled a corset. Only it was a third of the length, had small clasps at the back and a strip of thin, noodle-like strap stitched on each side. Probably something Mom would wear... He wouldn't freak out so much if it ended there, but the thing had a pair of filled water skins glued on each breast cup.

He poked the piece of clothing–? Gear?–expecting it to come alive and bite him. It didn't. What the hell was he supposed to do with this? Wear it?

"Hey princess! You died in there? I still have to do your mehndi," Hinnah yelled from behind the door, knocking impatiently.

"Uh, just a sec."

"You've been there over an hour! Henna's a pain in the ass to dry, and Hannah's expecting it done before she returns."

"Ye-ah..." he replied weakly, unsure of what to do... but what should he do? He can't–doesn't want to wear this thing!

"Rush Sykes!"

Rush panicked, his eyes darting from the door to the offending material. Hinnah gave a final hard knock before the door suddenly opened in a wide swing, making him stumble back to his rear.

"Hinnah!"

Instead of teasing him about his state of undress, Hinnah marched up to him with heavy purposeful steps, clearly exasperated. "I can't even trust you to wear your clothes. What were you doing here? You're only in your underwear still!"

Rush flinched, she sounded too much like Mom when she was mad.

"Stand up, stand up!" Hinnah yanked him up, and then grabbed the corset-thing in one quick swipe. "You're always like this! I don't know if you're doing this on purpose or what, but wait till–"

He prepared himself when she stopped her tirade, squeezing his eyes shut. Hinnah looked angry enough to fling a raptor at him. Seconds ticked by, and nothing. He dared a peek at the girl, only to see her simmering down. "Hee... Hinnah?"

"Just. Just hold still," she sighed.

He didn't move a muscle, feeling guilty.

Hinnah slid a strap on each arm, and then reached behind him to clasp the hooks together. The thing felt tight and uncomfortable around his chest, but he didn't let out a peep of protest.

He hoped that Hinnah would stop being so quiet, but she only continued her work wordlessly. Securing the skirt just above his hips, tying up the back laces of the blouse, cutting a loose thread… The whole thing didn't even seem to last ten minutes. When she was finished, she folded the blanket before handing it over to him and motioned for him to follow to the kitchen.

"Sit there," Hinnah pointed at the head chair. "Hands on the table."

Hinnah made a turn towards the counter where bowls of ink and a line of neatly arranged paint brushes were waiting. She picked up a bowl and a pair of fine tipped brushes, tucking one behind her ear as she sat to the next chair across him. Setting her ink bowl where she could reach it, she turned his hand around and started to paint from the base of his palm.

Rush watched in awe as a vine of leaves and flowers started to form from seemingly simple strokes. The pattern ran diagonally across his palm up to the tip of his index finger.

"It's alright to breathe, princess," Hinnah said as she painted a small blossoming flower on each fingertip. "I'd make something more detailed, but we're supposed to be servants."

"Oh."

Hinnah blew over his palm before reaching for the other to repeat the process. "For a vigilante, that cat sure is living quite lavishly."

"Erm, really?"

"Yes, really. Look at the furniture, only rich snobs have divans and animal rugs... The house itself. I mean two floors for a single human? Like seriously? He even has a well. I won't be surprised if he has a servant hiding in his basement, and speaking of, he has basement too! A wine cellar at that! I mean what the hell, right?"

Rush tried not to laugh, but a wayward chuckle escaped him. Hinnah gave him the evil eye, but it only made him laugh harder.

"Hey, I'm trying here, and stop moving you damn brat."

"All right, all right, but you sound a lot like Khrynia back then," Rush said, calming down. "So, uhm, you're not angry anymore?"

"One, I don't know who 'Khrynia' is, and two, me? Angry at you?" Hinnah stopped painting to stare at him, her expression incredulous. "Frustrated maybe, but angry? That's Hannah's forte."

"But you…"

"Time of the month."

Rush formed an 'o' with his mouth. That explains it. Irina and Mom and Emmy become really weird at least once a month. "So, uh, Caedmon's house isn't normal?"

"Not that it's that unusual–I don't care where he spends his coin—the well just threw me off. Water's hard to come by in Balterossa, and having your personal birdbath costs quite a fortune."

"...Well Caedmon's the leader of the Falcons."

"Yes, I'm well aware, but that has little to do with it. It's his benefactor." Hinnah blew over his newly painted palm, resting it on the table. "Feet," she said, patting her lap. "It's so obvious, really. It's not a secret that Kamila favours Caed's little group."

"So?"

Hinnah hiked his skirt up to his knees, raising an eyebrow. "Someone's been shaving their legs. What about your armpits?"

"I'm going to pretend you didn't say that. So what if Kamila likes Caedmon?"

"Hairless as a babe, can you get more girly? Oh yes, you have narrow shoulders too," she teased as she began to paint the sole of his foot, making him squirm a little. "Kamila's the current head of the Abd Al Rashid."

"Al-who?"

"Clueless as ever," Hinnah sighed, shaking her head. "The Abd Al Rashid is the most influential clan in the south, hell, all over frankly… old blood and all. They've been around since Flaumello's time, maybe even before."

"If they're so great, why aren't they in charge of Balterossa?"

"Don't know, don't care, but if you ask me, their place is the place to be. Being a merchant has its own merits, especially with their particular trade."

"Of?"

"Weapons. The wines and spices and whatever sundry things they sell are only a front. They make the sturdiest, pointiest swords and things that go boom in your face, and then sell it to the highest bidder." Hinnah switched to his other foot. "Can you just imagine what that means?"

Rush shook his head. "...But doesn't each town have their own smithy? I mean Dave has a few, and so what if they make explosives? They can't match Gae Bolg or other Remnants or mystic arts."

Hinnah suddenly exploded into a laughing fit. "Oh that's priceless! How could I miss that? You are so going to get the shock of your little virgin life!"

"Hey!" he snapped, more suspicious than offended. It was as if she knew something that he should. "I was asking nicely, and yes! I get it. I'm a virgin. Move on."

"Fine, fine, but just so you know, Kamila's nephew is the guest of honour," she said, resuming her work. "Anyway, I agree that no mere human can compare to a Remnant, but what if? What if Remnants suddenly get tired and stop following humans—stop working? And mystic arts? They're not for everyone. Even if you have an affinity for it, you can't count on your magical reserves to hold out infinitely."

"Well... it's not like there's a war, why would anyone need them?"

"...Because there are monsters as big as castles and never ending swarms of jhanas? And it's not like the lords share a pint of cheap ale every afternoon. Their treaties are worth shit. They'd jump at the first chance to tear at each other to better themselves off. Honestly, do you even pay attention?"

Rush didn't want to answer that.

"Naivety's fine and all, but don't be blind to what's happening around you." Hinnah placed her brush on the table and then wiped her hands with a cloth. "Staying with that blond pretty boy will do you no good. You don't belong with them. They're already running circles around you and you don't even know it."

Rush frowned. "Dave's not like that. He won't do that. He will never do that to me..."

"He's only a human."

Hinnah patted his ankle before she stood up, resting his feet on her chair. "Stay there, understood? I don't want you smudging anything. We'll continue after my bath."

Act III: Bonds

:::

Rush made sure he was at the exact same position when Hinnah returned to the kitchen, drying her hair with a towel and already wearing the identical set of clothes. She didn't look impressed and grabbed his hands for inspection. Poking and prodding her designs, nodding then and again, she seemed satisfied with it.

Pulling another chair, Hinnah set out to work on the back of his hands. She painted a bold outline of a triangle, its base on his wrist and its tip opening up to the base of his index finger, before she started to fill it out with swirls of leaves and flowers. After filling the outline up to the tip of his finger, she painted a bracelet-like pattern around his wrist, connecting the vine on his palm to it. She was almost finished with his other hand when Hannah came bouncing into the kitchen with a large paper bag held in one arm.

"Oh, you're still not done," she said, placing the bag on the table.

"Did you manage to find a wig?"

Hannah sank dramatically into the chair opposite her sister's, "Oh you wouldn't believe the trouble I've been through just to get it!"

Hinnah rolled her eyes, mumbling under her breath. "Oh please, do tell."

"Did you know that I've been to every salon looking for one? 'We don't have black hair, sorry,' they say."

"So you didn't find a wig?" Rush hoped.

"Don't worry your pretty little head Rush, I managed to get one just for you," Hannah grinned, opening the bag to take out a thick mop of wavy black hair.

"Where did you get it?" Hinnah asked, sounding genuinely curious.

"From a..." she trailed off, giving him a sideways glance. "Let's just say someone was willing to sell their hair in the market."

"That's hard to imagine... Irina spends hours fussing over hers."

"Ah yes, but people make business out of this. The mitra I met grows hers just for that purpose." Hannah draped the wig over her arm and held it out to him. "See? Isn't it soft and shiny?"

Rush was about to reach for it when Hinnah pinched his leg. "No touching! And you! Go take your bath. We'll be done when you come back."

"As you wish, sister dearest," Hannah hummed then ruffled his head. "After I'm done with you, you will be so pretty."

Rush cringed at Hannah's ominous words. ...He must have really pissed someone to deserve this. The only consolation he had was that his family and Dave were thousands of miles away from Balterossa.

Hinnah made do with her promise and speeded up painting his feet. She painted the similar pattern of flowers and leaves, the vines running diagonally across each foot, and added a curvy flower petal on each toe. When she was done, she cleaned her hands then started painting on her own foot just in time for Hannah to come back.

Like her sister, Hannah already had her disguise on, but her hair was already braided in a tight bun. The transparent blanket was also fixed a little above her hairline, serving as a veil... oh, so it was a veil not a blanket.

Hannah gave a twirl, smiling pleasantly at both of them. "Pretty isn't it? The family will be wearing something more extravagant, but this is still pretty all the same."

"Please. Whatever silk they're wearing wouldn't make a difference," Hinnah dismissed, not looking up from her work. "A mitra's still a mitra at the end of the day."

"Hey, Rush look at this." Hannah took out a lily shaped hairclip and offered it to him with her palms. It looked like it was made out of shells. "Doesn't it look pretty? I'll put this on your hair later."

"Uh, yeah..." Rush wasn't sure if he should be more concerned over the utterly girly accessory, or how Hannah kept on saying pretty.

Hinnah paused from her work to look at the clip. "I guess that makes sense."

"What makes sense?"

"Wearing that clip's like saying you're hitched. Off limits," she replied. "It's like an engagement ring."

"Huh? But–but I'm not!"

"Exactly," Hannah patted him on the head. "As much as I want to break their necks if they do anything untoward you, I'd rather not blow our covers."

Hinnah snorted. "As if you won't if someone did dare."

"Self defence, surely Mr. Caedmon would understand."

Both sisters shared a laugh, Rush on the other hand couldn't understand why he should wear it instead of them. "You guys should wear it."

"Do you know what to do if someone cops a feel?" Hinnah countered.

"Well, no... but I'm a guy."

"And we're the only ones who know, but your choice. Just don't come crying when all of Balterossa finds out their national hero's a cross dresser."

"You're sweet Rush, but don't worry about us," Hannah said. "Hinnah and I can take care of ourselves. Now let me make you even more pretty."

Rush groaned at the news. Oh boy...

Hannah pinned his hair away from his face and bounded it with a black cap-thingy, before securing the wig on his head. When she was fixing the wig he swore she was turning his head into a pin cushion as she pushed pin after pin to keep the wig in place. After the last pin was practically embedded in his head, Rush thought Hannah was finished, but the unhappy turn of her mouth told him otherwise.

"Give him a fringe," Hinnah said. "That one like Cecelia's, remember her?"

With her twin's advice Hannah ransacked Caedmon's kitchen drawers for a pair scissors. Rush prayed real hard she wouldn't find one, he didn't need another jab against his masculinity, but someone out there really hated him. Hannah found not just one scissor, but two. Picking one, she proceeded to give him a fringe that ended just above his brows. Hinnah hummed at the result, but Hannah still didn't look satisfied.

Hinnah stared at her twin, "What?"

"I should have put the makeup first."

"It's fine, fix his hair first then put the makeup. You still don't have your mehndi."

"Wait-wait! Don't I get a say in this?" Rush blurted out. When was this decided? They didn't mention any makeup last night.

"Oh, I already had it done in the market, see?" Hannah showed her hand to Hinnah. "While I was waiting for the wig. Half or full?"

"Half, it's a waste to braid it all up."

...Fine, whatever. They can do all their girly stuff, like he cared or anything. He already sank this low, what was a little more makeup? ...Cruel world.

Hannah brushed the wig, parting it into two portions. She braided the upper half, twisting and looping locks of hair till she made some kind of bundle, and left the lower half as it is. After clipping the newly cut fringe up, Hannah fetched a small basket of paint brushes with different shaped tips and small white, cloth covered tubs.

Hannah rubbed some kind of lotion all over his face. It felt a little sticky at first, but slowly it made his skin tingle, like the skin had just been stretched. She dabbed a flat tipped brush on a tub of green powder, instructing him to close his eyes. He felt the brush going over and over on his eyelids, and after a while he felt something a little thick applied right around the edges of his eyelids.

"Open your eyes and look up to the ceiling, Rush."

Out of the corner of his eye, Rush saw Hannah dab her brush in a tub of black stuff. "What's that—"

"I said look up."

Hannah began to draw on his lower eyelid. Rush tried his best, but the whole thing was uncomfortable as hell that he couldn't stop his eyes from tearing up. "Wait, you're poking my eye," he said, reaching to wipe the wayward tears.

Hannah grabbed his wrist. "Don't. Let me." She dabbed a linen cloth below his eyes then resumed where she left off. This time around, she was more careful on how she used her brush.

"It's coming together," Hinnah whistled behind her sister.

Hannah replaced the black stuff with a tub of pink paste that smelled of bloodroot and berries. She swiped some of the paste onto the tip of her ring finger then held his jaw with the other hand. "Open your mouth a bit," she said, opening hers as if to serve as an example. She applied a couple of layers of the paste over his lips then beamed at her handiwork. "There, finished."

"And just in time for the henna to dry," Hinnah said. "C'mon princess, let's wash your hands and feet."

Feeling exhausted already, Rush followed Hinnah to the sink and let her do as she pleased. She dried his hands and feet with a towel then made him go back to Hannah to have his veil fixed on.

Hannah fixed the veil in a matter of seconds. When she unclipped the fringe and slid the lily-shaped hairclip on the side of his head, she finally, finally said he was good to go.

Rush sank into his chair, thankful that the two were finally done treating him as their dress-up doll. Now all he had to do was to wait for them finish up so they can follow Caedmon to Kamila's estate.

"Oh, I forgot something!" Hannah gasped, making Rush jump back into attention. "You still have to put these on," she said and slid fake gold bangles and anklets on his wrists and ankles, and fastened a black lace choker around his neck herself. "There, done. Just sit there and relax, we'll be done in a second too."

Not trusting her words, Rush watched the girls like a skull-scavenger. They were busy colouring their faces, but he just can't be too sure. Hinnah caught him staring as she was finishing applying the same pink paste on her lips. She grinned wickedly then suddenly ran to his side, squishing their cheeks together, visistone held in front.

"Smile princess!"

"No fair! I want in too!"

Rush didn't even have time to react before Hannah darted behind them, positioning herself to his free side. He was about to complain, but one look at their bright smiles made him swallow whatever protests he had. The things he do for his friends he said to himself, and gave a small, awkward smile of his own.

:::

Slipping the cloth slippers on, Rush waited for the twins by the door. They've been bickering for the better part of the hour regarding their Nightblooms. Hinnah was convincing Hannah that they should bring them along, but Hannah was not hearing any of it and Rush silently agreed with her. Sure they were kick ass swords, but they weren't exactly portable. Times like this made him thankful he didn't need to rely on a weapon thanks to Mom's talisman. He had put the little Remnant on earlier, tucking it under his blouse before the girls noticed.

"I can't leave her with that idiot," Hinnah growled as she and Hannah joined him in the front porch.

"It's Young, or you leave Azureblade here."

Rush wondered who Young was, the name sounded familiar.

"You're seriously leaving Crimson in his care?"

"Better him than here."

"Well shit. If we only borrowed the tablet–"

Hannah whipped her hand to Hinnah, squeezing the sides of her face, expression calm. "Stop flapping your mouth, sister."

"What tablet?" Rush interrupted, trying to prevent anything more serious from happening.

"Just a trinket," Hannah dismissed, letting her twin go. "Let's go, Young's... ah. He said he's waiting for us at the square."

Hannah grabbed his hand and led him hurriedly out of the door, almost making him stumble. Looking back at Hinnah, he mouthed if she was okay. Hinnah only nodded, closing the door behind her.

Their walk from Caedmon's house to the market was peppered with Hinnah's constant grumblings, whining that her soles were getting fried. Rush only chalked it up with normal female temperaments. He knew it was hot, but it wasn't that hot. Though, when they reached the shaded marketplace, both sisters gave a sigh of obvious relief making him rethink his earlier thoughts.

The square was at the bottom of the market, and what could have been an uneventful walk was ruined because of Hinnah again. She almost broke a mitra's nose for bumping into him, claiming that the man was giving him the 'looks'. Rush swore she was overreacting, and was about to heal the man when Hannah dragged him further down the path, saying something about not wanting to make this 'Young' wait. He didn't have time to argue and could only mouth an apology to the stranger.

Going down the stone staircase, Rush saw a crowd by the fountain, circling and cheering two men—a yama and a mitra—locked in an arm wrestling match. Hannah hiked up her skirt as she trudged to the bottom, her mouth thinning into a line. He and Hinnah arrived by her side in time for the match to conclude, the yama unexpectedly losing to the mitra. Rush felt slightly embarrassed for the big guy as he tumbled over with a heavy thud and a loud yelp. The crowd then parted to give way to the winner, his smugness oozing from the wide, cocky grin he was sporting.

"I'll hang around the pub later," the mitra declared as he walked away, clearly giving the yama a chance for a rematch.

Hannah strode to the man, meeting him halfway, arms swinging stiffly at her sides, but the latter only went pass her and ambled straight to him and Hinnah. The man stopped right in front of him and levelled him with a scrutinizing gaze. Rush back stepped, suddenly feeling conscious. "W-what is it?"

The man's grin impossibly widened and then without warning Rush found himself trapped in a tight grip as he was lifted from the ground and was kissed soundly on the cheek. "Sweet pea! A Mháthair! I missed you!"

"Wha—p-put me down!" Rush squawked, mortified.

"No way," the man laughed. "It's been so long."

The man waved him around like a ragdoll, rubbing their faces together. If a person could die from sheer embarrassment alone, Rush was sure he'd been dead a hundred times over.

"Get your hands off him before I break it."

The man stilled. "Geez. You're such a spoil sport, whitey."

"Hands. Off. Now," was Hinnah's grounded reply. The man's grip slackened and Rush didn't waste the opportunity to scamper behind his saviour.

The man uncharacteristically pouted. "Can't blame me for missing my sweet, sweet little sweet pea."

"I'm not a sweet pea!" Rush protested, his tone two pitches higher. The pout was then directed at him, and he cringed at the sight. The expression looked ridiculous, not to mention scary, on Young… His eyes widened in recognition. "You're Young! That crazy guy from Baaluk!"

"I knew you'd remember! Now give me some more lovin'."

Rush immediately hid further behind Hinnah as Young tried to reach him, no doubt intending to manhandle him again. Hinnah tried to block off the unwanted advances, but there was only that much she could do against Young's heftier frame. Fortunately, Hannah managed to grab Young by the scruff of his shirt, preventing him from toppling them over.

"I'm sure he'd make a lovely rug out of you when word reaches his ears," Hannah smiled. Young stopped struggling and gave her a dirty glare, muttering something under his breath. Hannah ignored it, letting go of his clothes. "So, do you have it?"

"'Course, and old Milton made sure it won't cause any problems afterwards," Young said, obviously annoyed. "Said it'll last about a week and half or two."

"Isn't that a little too long?"

"Take it or leave it. But c'mon. Would Milton make something that'll give my sweet pea a tummy ache?" Young took out a small paper bag and wagged it above Hannah's head.

Hannah snatched the bag, not taking Young's bait. She opened it and pulled a round brown thing. "Rush, come here."

Warily, Rush treaded towards Hannah, his eyes never leaving Young. "What's that?"

"Eat it and find out," Hannah answered, dropping the brown thing on his palm.

Rush gave it a tentative sniff, smelling lemons and vanilla... Candy? But Hannah and Young was talking about effects and such... but Milton–whoever he was, but his name was reassuringly familiar–made sure it was safe. With a shrug, and not thinking about it further, he popped the treat into his mouth.

It tasted as it smelled like, lemony vanilla, but had a bitter aftertaste. ...Medicine? But he wasn't sick. "H–"

Huh? What in the name...?

Rush tried to speak again, but only a pitiful squeak came out. What? Why? What the hell was that thing? What happened to his voice?

"Don't you worry sweet pea, it's not permanent," Young said, patting him on the head. The gesture was strangely comforting, but he still gave Hannah an accusing glare. He thought she was on his side!

"Sorry Rush, I can do something about how you look, but not your voice," she apologized. "You still sound yourself, and I really don't think you can keep quiet the entire evening."

Rush pulled a face. It was so good to know his friends don't trust him.

"Hey, come now princess. It isn't so bad," Hinnah said, shoving herself between him and Young, slinging an arm around his shoulder. "You're prettier when your mouth is shut."

Rush gave Hinnah a deadpanned look, but knew he couldn't do anything about the new situation he found himself in. He'll just have to put up being a mute for the time being.

You guys suck.

The trio laughed, and chorused: "We know."

Act IV: Surprises

"It [life] is an endless procession of surprises. The expected rarely occurs, and never in the expected manner." – Vernon A. Walters

:::

Kamila's estate was in the outskirts of the city. Young insisted on accompanying them till they reach the place, whining again and again that Hinnah and Hannah were being unfair keeping 'his' sweet pea all for themselves. Rush wasn't really sure how he felt about the unusual amount of attention coming from the man, nor how he kept referring to him as a flower.

Hiring a wagon to reach their destination quickly, Hannah dragged Young by the ear to one side while Hinnah made him sit beside her. The driver, a mousy blue qsiti, gave an amused chuckle, saying something along the lines of what a lively bunch they were.

Their short journey was accompanied by the trio's sarcastic jabs at each other, and some stories of their home. Rush let the conversation roll over him, letting his mind wander back home. He was expected to be home three days from now, if he left now and used the transporter in Gaslin Caves he'd be a day early, but he wouldn't be able leave till tomorrow night. Caedmon told him that he has something to tell him. He'll be late... Dave will worry.

Then again, didn't Dave mention he had some business in... where was it again?

"Hey, what are you thinking?" Hinnah asked, poking his cheek.

Rush shrugged, mouthing 'nothing'. No use thinking about it now.

Arriving at the estate was no short of a racket. Before they got out of the wagon Young tried to steal another smooch, but Hannah managed to kick him down. She sounded real scary when she berated the older man for improper conduct; Rush almost felt sorry for him. Hinnah reassured him though that Young was enjoying the whole thing. The man was a masochistic bastard, or so she said.

The twins gave their swords to Young, threatening bodily harm if Azureblade and Crimsomblade so much as breathe a word of complaint. Young dismissed the threats with an exasperated roll of his eyes. Hinnah and Hannah hopped off the wagon, and Rush was also about to follow too when Young caught him and gave him a big hug, kissing the top of his head.

"Stay safe sweet pea."

It was official—Young was one weird guy. Even so, Rush didn't try to squirm away and only let Young hug him till he was satisfied. Hannah wasn't jumping to his rescue so it was probably alright, and it kind of felt nice. Between him and Irina, he was always the one doing the worrying and caring. Having Young act somewhat like a big brother was a nice change.

Young let go and helped him get off the wagon. Rush gave him a hesitant wave of goodbye before joining the twin's sides.

"That sentimental idiot, I knew we shouldn't have told him," Hinnah mumbled.

"Let's go," Hannah said, taking hold of his hand and led their group to the estate's large iron gates.

Two yamas were posted behind the gate, and gave them narrow-eyed gazes as they approached. Hinnah ran ahead and talked to the guards. It looked as if there would be a problem at first, but it seems like Hinnah took care of it as the yamas opened the gate for them. One grunted that they hurry up when they passed through, and Rush wondered what was eating the guy.

"We're late, it's natural," Hannah whispered.

Well, he didn't have to be so cranky about it…

Hannah gave a soft giggle, as if hearing his thoughts, and urged him and Hinnah to walk faster along the roofed pathway. Rush left the navigation to her, as their hands were still linked, and let his eyes wander.

The place was amazing. He'd been in Balterossa Castle and thought it amazing too, but that was before he stepped foot in Kamila's yard.

Looming in front of them was a three-floor mansion that can easily fit Baaluk inside. The walls of the first and second floors were smooth, plain sandstone, while the third, most probably made from the same material, was covered with an intricate crisscrossing pattern. Rush was sure that every line and every curve was hand chiselled instead of painted. It must have taken years to finish…

Stretched in front of the mansion was a garden probably half the length of Xiphos Way. Rectangular pools of clear blue water ran vertically and horizontally across the garden, equally dividing it into four distinct sections. Right in the middle of the pools was a large rectangular framed fountain gushing vertical jets of water. Rush noticed that resting on the four corners of the fountain were sculptures of lions made from what might possibly be white gold from the way they shone in the light. They were almost life-like with how lazily they draped themselves on the edge, paws barely touching the water and tails seemingly swishing back and forth. Irregularly shaped plant boxes were constructed along the sides of the vertical pool, housing luscious green shrubs and different exotic flowering plants. Two uncovered pebbled pathway ran through the entire length of the garden, plant boxes on one side and medium-sized palm trees on the other. The whole place made him feel as though he had stepped into an oasis fit for the gods. Idly he wondered if there were three castles in Balterossa instead of two as this place could easily be mistaken for one.

"–la! Layla!"

Rush shook out of his stupor, finally realizing that Hannah was yanking his arm. "…?"

"It's alright, I was overwhelmed too when I first arrived," someone laughed.

He searched for the voice and found an elderly qsiti smiling up to their group.

Hannah bowed apologetically to the qsiti, "I'm sorry, ma'am, our cousin can be quite absent minded at times."

"Not to worry, and call me Grandma Tarub. We're all family here." The qsiti, Grandma Tarub, turned her attention to him, locking him in her stern brown eyes. "Now you, Layla was it? Don't let Mir-Sayb catch you without your wits about you, or she'll eat you whole. She especially finds doe-eyed, innocent looking girls tasty."

His eyes widened at the warning. Nobody said anything about a cannibal for an employer! "…!"

"I jest child, but take the advice to heart. Mir-Sayb expects everybody in this household to be as sharp as her blades. Since you girls are northerners, she will be harder to please."

"So she's a ra–"

Hannah effectively cut off what Hinnah was about to blurt out by pinching the girl's side. Rush grimaced as Hinnah's face hardened, her hands diving to the spot where her twin twisted her skin.

"Thank you, we'll keep that in mind, but ma'am–"

"Grandma Tarub," the qsiti corrected, her tone slightly edged.

"Sorry. Grandma Tarub. If I may ask, does Lady Kamila not approve of foreigners?"

"Either refer to her as Mir-Sayb or Mistress. The Abd Al Rashid is not of noble blood, child." Grandma Tarub turned around then began walking away from them. "Follow."

Rush exchanged looks with the twins before they followed the elderly qsiti.

"For your question, Mir-Sayb tolerates northerners. I wouldn't hire you if she didn't."

"I thought Kamila was our employer?" Hinnah asked.

Grandma Tarub glanced at Hinnah over her shoulder, "You'd do well to observe titles."

"Sorry," Hinnah apologized, but did not sound it at all. "I thought Mistress Kamila was our employer?"

"And do not think otherwise, but her time is much too important to be spent on such mundane task as dealing with common rabble."

Hinnah's eyes narrowed.

"Something I said, child?"

"No, not at all," Hinnah replied, her tone sickeningly sweet. "I was only thinking how it was a good thing that you're here, Grandma Tarub. Isn't that right, Hannah?"

"Oh yes. We are so very fortunate that you have time for us, Grandma Tarub," Hannah agreed, her smile not reaching her eyes.

The elderly qsiti stopped walking and turned around to face the twins. Rush swallowed thickly, at a lost on how such a short exchange managed to upset everybody. The twins and Grandma Tarub looked just about ready to slit each other's throats. The moment seemed to drag into eternity before the elderly qsiti suddenly grinned.

"Good, it seems I'll be adding some new names on the payroll after all."

Rush opened his mouth then closed it, unsure of what to think of the sudden tide of events, and it seems that he was not the only one judging by how Hinnah and Hannah were burrowing their brows.

"I-I beg your pardon?" Hannah asked, clearly flustered.

"Don't make me repeat myself, child," Grandma Tarub tooted. "I can still change my mind."

"But aren't we already hired?"

"Have you signed any contracts yet?"

"No, but–"

"Then you have yet to be hired," Grandma Tarub interrupted. "A contract weighs more than any amount of coin in this house. It's proof that you have entered an agreement with Mir-Sayb, and her to you."

Hinnah crossed her arms. "So what did you do to the rest of our batch?"

"Oh you mean those brainless cattle that came before you? They're in the main hall, setting tables I imagine," Grandma Tarub gave a shrug. "I would have sent them away if it weren't for tonight. The banquets tend to be grander if they're for Master Usaim."

Rush tugged Hannah's hand, raising both his brows.

"Kamila's nephew," she whispered.

"Now let's get going, let's get going. We've dallied too long, and there is still much to do," Grandma Tarub ushered them, turning to Rush the elderly qsiti pursed here lips. "Remind me to give you some parchment and charcoal later. You do know how to write, yes, dear?"

Rush nodded immediately. Mom already drilled lessons on reading and writing in his skull even before he was five.

"Good. If all else goes smoothly, you may just survive the night."

:::

Grandma Tarub led them to what Rush guessed to be her study. The elderly qsiti went behind her desk and drew three contracts for them to go over. After reading everything, it took him about a minute or two to realize that once they signed this piece of paper there was no going back—they'd be stuck working as a maid for the next five years. Regardless of what reason, he had a feeling that Kamila wouldn't let them off the hook until they finished their term. He peeked at the girls from behind the parchment and saw them looking at him too, it seems like they all came to the same conclusion.

"I'm sorry but we didn't expect to be employed for so long. We'll have to think about this," Hannah apologized, handing back her contract. He and Hinnah followed suit.

"Very well, you have the whole night to make your decision."

The elderly qsiti seemed disappointed, but didn't say anything more as she locked the contracts away. She then steered them out and had them follow her to the main hall.

On their way there, Rush spied Caedmon talking to one of the servants; the two seemed pretty hush-hush with their conversation. If he remembered correctly, that woman should be a Silver Falcon too. He had been to their headquarters enough times to be familiar with a few faces. Grandma Tarub had clicked her tongue when she noticed the two as well, saying that the woman was from the earlier group and Caedmon was wasting his time investigating brainless, pink cheeked brats. The sovani's pointed ears canted as if hearing the comment.

Arriving at the hall they were greeted with a beehive of servants going to and fro, carrying dark wool rugs and pillows large enough to sit a yama. Some were busy putting up silk banners of red and gold on the walls, and setting gold plates and bejewelled goblets on the table. A few men were present in the room, helping the women bring down four chandeliers from the ceiling.

Grandma Tarub pushed them to the chandelier nearest to the head table and left them to their devices. A woman gave them a sack of candles each. He and the twins stared at each other before copying the other servants, placing a candle each on the many small iron holes around the chandelier.

Looking away from his work, Rush saw Grandma Tarub amble to a slender woman mitra up front. The woman had her arms crossed, tapping a thin pipe on her hip, as she looked over the folded cloths offered to her by a couple of servants. She picked two red cloths and held it out for Grandma Tarub, as if asking what she thought of it. The elderly qsiti picked the one still on a servant's arms instead, a greenish blue cloth with silver linings.

"You want to be hanged next to the banners, Mir-Sayb?" Grandma Tarub asked in obvious amusement.

"But I like red."

"Master Usaim is wearing blue tonight."

Rush watched the two women. So that was Kamila... The woman was both what he expected, and what he didn't. She was every bit the part of a rich lady, from her demeanour down to the many gold bangles hanging around her wrists. What he didn't expect was how much she resembled Dave—so much so to be easily mistaken as his mother.

The long, thick locks of sandy blond hair, and the healthy glowing, honey coloured skin were the most noticeable features. He could excuse them as something natural for desert folks, but the curve of her nose, her high cheekbones and her almond-shaped eyes were decidedly similar to Dave's—too similar. Then, when Grandma Tarub said something that made her frown, Rush saw the older boy's face for a split second.

Kamila turned her attention to him, and he suddenly felt unnervingly bare under the scrutiny of her amber coloured eyes. She smiled sweetly at him.

Face growing hot, Rush gave an uncertain smile in return then quickly ducked back to his work, praying he wouldn't be called on for staring. He let a few tense moments pass before daring a peek back to the woman. He breathed in relief when he found her already busying herself with those cloths again, but nervousness quickly settled back when he thought of how much she looked like Dave.

Couldn't be… could it?

He gave a shaky laugh and chased away the ridiculous thought. Kamila's nephew was that Usaim guy, and last time he checked, Dave didn't have an alter ego. There was no way his best friend was related to the woman. They only shared an uncanny resemblance, yeah...

"Usaim!"

"It is nice to see you again, Mema."

The sack of candles plummeted to the floor. No way...

"I missed you so much, my little cub! I thought you wouldn't be here till later tonight."

"Yes, her majesty was exceptionally brief... but enough of my dealings. How is my favourite aunt?"

Rush watched in fixated horror as Kamila gushed and fussed over the last person he expected–wanted to see.

Scattering Sand

End of Part I

A/N: Recently edited, and Lots of hearts for the reviews~

Placed tributes for three of my guilty pleasures: Les Mis, 'The New Girl' and Skyrim. If you can spot them all, you deserve a year's supply of oreo from, well… sponsored by you :3

- mimic shalle