Varrin said nothing as he hugged his mother and held her close for a bit.
Ashton blanches, but nods. He puts up a defence, but can't stop a single strike of hers from getting through. The leaden core of the practice sword means that her blows are heavy and powerful, leaving Ashton struggling to stay upright at the end of the tenth attack. Mirellia knows that her son is going to have bruises tomorrow morning, but he manages to stay standing. "H-Hah...I did it." He groans. "I've earned...my reward." Ashton puts his sword on the ground, leaning on it.
Abigail grins at his joke, standing up a little to grab her pack and handing him a flask of wine. "We'll share." At his question, Abigail shrugs. "There's more to everyone than meets the eye, and you've already seem me dancing naked by the fire, summoning spectral monsters. I know what you're talking about though. Let's just say that when I get emotional, I can be somewhat 'animalistic'.
"Interesting! Interesting, I think this sphere object is what we're after." Samuel listens attentively to his wife's story, making thorough notes. "I think we'll be able to figure out which casino is from the description you've given. There can't be too many of that size owned by a single criminal, so narrowing it down shouldn't be too hard. Next will come scouting, but you've helped us a lot." He reaches out to squeeze her hand. "Well done, my love."
She chuckles. "You know where the library is, I assume? Not that you've spent much time there." There's a hint of mock reproval in her tone. As he goes to leave, she takes hold of his wrist, pulling her towards him and kissing his lips hard. "Kick their butts for me, okay, dear?" With a hopeful smile, Angelica lets him leave.
"If you mean to imply that I'm some sort of monster, you're wrong." Abigail uses fire magic to warm up the wine, before taking a swig. "I'm just a humble human witch, who was cursed by a far more powerful sorceress." She hands back the flask. "It's not too much of a cross to bear, though. I'm generally good at keeping my emotions in check, and my transformation helps me butcher witch hunters. It's how I saved Corinne."
Ashton slowly recovers, looking up at his mother. "Actually, I was thinking that you'd come up with some sort of suitable reward."
Ard took the wine again, 'You like it better warm?' He took a swig, 'Hmm, not bad.'
Elves from another world capable of traveling between dimensions? Well, that would explain how they just vanished... and it'll make getting Madeline back even more difficult than it already is. Varrin frowned as he read the book. Their armor seems pretty tough, and combined with whatever magic they used to cover the land in snow while passing by, I can see why some people think they are immortal ethereal spirits. I should read this book carefully, and see if I can find similar ones... That's when he remembered something he had forgotten. But first, I should take off my brigandine and return it – I doubt I will need it here. Between his worry about Madeline and how comfortable it was, he had completely forgotten he was still wearing his armor.
"A sword?" Ashton frowns. "That's not really my thing."
"Ah yes, I've heard of Skellige's beserkers, though I've never seen one." She nods her assent, leaning forwards to let him settle in behind her. "Thanks. The markings? Oh, they're old runes, to symbolise my skill with magic. I got more and more of them as I learned more magic from my grandmother."
Unfortunately, Varrin has no more success in divining more information from the library. It seems like useful information about the Hunt is exceedingly rare.
"Okay, just don't put yourself in any danger, dear." He looks a little guilty for putting her in this situation at all. "He wasn't disappointed that you didn't... you know?"
He makes a show of thinking for a moment. "Well, the maid here hasn't really been up to my standards. Perhaps you could take her place for a little while?"