[Potironette]

Kellan sighed, feeling uncomfortably guilty. "Don't die and tell us what happened later." He said in a semblance of wishing farewell.

"It'd be nice if we knew how to keep Aunt Augusta safe, but I guess we'll figure it out if the worst case scenario happens."

Kellan looked over at Jei, knowing that his brother's existence kept his moral compass in check at times, "Don't worry, we'll be good."

[Kitarun]

Marius smiled and nodded, leading the boys out of his study. "I knew I could trust the two of you..." He said, and gave each of their heads a ruffle before hurrying off to take care of whatever was happening in the forest.

When he was out of sight, Jei turned to Kellan, shifting closer slightly. What if it is magical, Kell?" He asked softly, leaning against the older boy.

[Potironette]

Kellan tilted his head towards Jei's. "It probably is magical." He sighed, "We just have to prepare for the worst and hope Uncle Marius isn't dying. We should look for Aunt Augusta and tell her about the fire."

He pulled away and opened the door.

[Kitarun]

Jei whined softly when his brother mentioned Marius dying, shifting slightly closer. He opened eyes he hadn't realized he'd shut, and looked up at his brother when Kellan pulled away, reaching out for the brunette. He took his hand, holding tight to it, flushing slightly and averting his gaze. He was terrified, but he didn't want to admit it.

[Potironette]

Kellan felt a warm tug on his hand. He turned back to Jei. So he'd been that affected.. He had no idea until now.

Eyes softening, Kellan relaxed his shoulders and bent towards Jei, pulling his brother towards him in a soft embrace. "We'll be fine." He said soothingly as his eyes narrowed at the thickening smoke outside the window. "Things will turn out alright." A blanket statement, but what else was there to offer? Lies never made things better.

[Kitarun]

Jei burrowed into the embrace, ear pressed to his brother's chest, eyes shut, as he listened to the rumble of his words in the beating of his heart, letting it calm him. He stayed like that for a couple of minutes til he felt calmer, before pulling away, though he kept a tight hold on Kellan's hand. "We should go find aunt a Augusta..."

[Potironette]

"Mmhmm." Kellan murmured, his eyes softening around the edges. He gave Rune's hand a light squeeze before disengaging himself. He turned around and squared his shoulders, walked out of the doorway.

He asked a servant where Aunt Augusta was, remembering that Rune had done so to ask for Uncle Marius. The servant lead them somewhere to an open, sunlit room facing the gardens. Aunt Augusta was sitting in a chair, her back turned to them, and the servant left them be.