Saer told Errshek where he’d last seen the Twins.It at least gave him a place to start.
As with every time theDaemoenicatraveled by Hellsfire, Errshek would go first to the Hells—using their birthplace as a central hub—and then to wherever the Twins might be.It allowed more chances for their maker to ask about the Sixth’s comings and goings, though it couldn’t be helped.Saer counted on the forgettable Envy to be equally dismissed by Lucifer.
He also counted on Errshek to follow through with the task.He took a risk, not binding him to the request, but doing so would ruin everything he hoped for as they moved forward.
As they all moved forward.
After Errshek disappeared in a blazing explosion of flame, Pride set about his own series of chores.He bartered for a few sets of simple linen garments of various sizes and other odds and ends from the nearest settlement.Otherwise, he had nothing left to do but return to Errshek’s modest encampment.
And wait.
Saer had never excelled at being alone with his own thoughts and feelings, nor at relying on others to do things for him.
In the light of day, Pride could ignore the uneasy hollowness festering in his insides.Night, however, was always a different beast.
Not uncommonly, Saer found himself sitting on the same stump where he’d first encountered Errshek, reliable flames keeping him company beneath the canopy.He reinforced his separation from his maker, that It held ultimate responsibility for Neyu’s unmaking, even if Saer acted as the sword.
Could he teach his kin to break the addiction?
Could he, well and truly?
The riddle was insurmountable.He didn’t know how he’d accomplish it.
But he would.
Days turned into a week.Weeks into a month.Saer took the time to repeat the reality of Neyu’s passing to himself, solidifying it like a keystone.
A month turned into several.
Saer burnt and carved Errshek’s unrefined stump into a more suitable chair.He rearranged the stones of the fire pit for uniformity, going so far as finding different, like-sized rocks.Picking up tricks from the locals, he crafted some frames he could hook prepared fish filets to in order to smoke them.
As each sunrise and sunset passed, Saer hiked for wood to feed the fire pit.Midday crested when he returned from one such trip, arms amassed with lumber and an ax strapped to his bare back.
An unmistakable roar of spontaneous combustion erupted behind Saer amidst taking the lumber into his usual pile.
He paused before setting down the bundle of wood.Wiping off his hands, he turned towards the imploding pair of fireballs, independent blazes each retreating into two separate, naked, humanoid entities.
He frowned and did a double-take at the odd pairing, then moved to the pile of linens he’d bartered for and took out a shirt and pants for each of the newcomers.
Errshek and a twin turned his way.
Lavender eyes.Arek.
Curiouser and curiouser.
Taking the offered garments with his usual bored expression, Arek lifted them in muted thanks and donned them without further preamble.Saer turned to Errshek with the second set and broke the silence as the youngest demon took hold of them.“I’m both fascinated and impressed that you were able to split them up.”
“Not my idea.The good ones never are,” Errshek muttered as he took the clothes and wandered off.If any of the otherDaemoenicasaid it, it would have been sulking.From Errshek, it came across as a simple statement of fact.
Arching a brow, Saer shifted his attention to Greed who donned the linen top.“If you really want all of us in one place at one time, Errshek isn’t the most convincing one to get it done,” Arek said.
Understanding dawned.“Alus,” Saer said.
If anyone could persuade theDaemoenicato gather in one place, it would be the most magnetic of them—Gluttony.
Arek’s cynical smirk served as answer enough.
The twin’s expression renewed his hope that more might follow in their stead.Saer reached a hand forward.“I’m glad you’re here, Areknar.”
