Love Poison No Cure Needed

Silence is Dangerous 2.10

“You’re probably overthinking it and trying too hard. Does it really matter who and what. People are just people. It's not like you’re sworn enemies. Just relax and go with the flow. Oh and remember to talk. Grandma Birch said that communication is key.” Sorrel explained seriously. Kayad clapped a hand over his mouth as his eyes widened. Especially when Daylen nodded.

“Right. I just always end up saying the wrong thing. Plus today… Man, maybe I should get your soap. It reminds me of Jasper.” As Daylen spoke Kayad suddenly wished he had a recorder. He’d never actually seen two people manage to talk to each other while having completely different conversations. One, thinking they were discussing how to make friends since he’d only just come into close contact with human relations. While the other is taking it as love advice. Still Kayad figured that it probably wasn’t a bad reference for dealing with Sorrel.

As Daylen continued Kayad waited to see how many more misunderstandings could be crammed into the conversation. “If I have the scent around a bit more maybe I won’t make such a tool of myself when I’m actually around –”

“You smell something like Jasper? All I smell is pine and earth.” Sorrel interrupted Daylen. As he spoke Sorrel scanned the area and moved closer to Daylen.

“Yeah? I smell strawberries and cream.” Daylen responded slowly as he watched Sorrel’s rapid approach. The horrified look that Sorrel gave Daylen caused Kayad to immediately go alert. He could smell oleander and fruit. Which is what he associated with Sorrel. However, he realised that without any breeze even his keen nose shouldn’t have been able to smell Sorrel from where he was.

“We should go back out of here. I think it could be dangerous.” Sorrel grabbed Daylen’s arm and hauled him back out of the Garden. As Sorrel spoke Kayad leapt from his perch to the tree directly above them. AS they moved Kayad followed from above prepared to react at the first signs of a hostile vine. Kayad shadowed them the entire way as Sorrel all but dragged Daylen out of the Garden. As they exited the shadows of the trees Kayad vaguely heard behind them a scrapping followed by the sound of splintering wood.

“Something the matter?” Dr Allen Sebastian, Doctor of Sports Medicine, and the overseer of the human part of the physical education course asked as he spotted the two. Dr Sebastian was one of the few uninitiated humans on campus being a good friend of Dr Isaac.

“We’re fine, I just thought I saw a snake. We should call the grounds keeper.” Sorrel quickly said before Daylen could comment.

“Alright,” Dr Sebastian examined the two before taking out his phone and calling Mr Malone. While Daylen and Sorrel waited Kayad ghosted back onto the main building roof and then went over to the other side and swung down through the courtyard onto the veranda. Once there Kayad reverted his shift and dropped his magics just as the bell tolled. He then straightened out and headed out the main building door to join Daylen and Sorrel.

By the time Kayad rejoined them Mr Malone the Gnome grounds keeper had arrived. Mr Malone waved a hand at Dr Sebastian whole then reluctantly departed. Mr Malone then turned to focus on Sorrel and asked, “What did you feel young one.” It was clear that Mr Malone was certain as to who would have the clearest sense of the garden. Though as an earth sprite he was probably the most familiar with Dryads out of everyone on campus. He didn’t even blink at Sorrel’s very human form.

Sorrel in return gave the same focus. “Silence a horrific silence. Daylen scented what should not be there. Strawberries and cream where I could smell nothing. The only reason I can think of is that I was not the intended prey, reasonable since I would not offer the same nutrition.” Sorrel gave a weary smile at the end and nodded to Kayad in greeting.

Kayad moved up to stand beside Sorrel and nodded at Mr Malone. At the same time Kayad patted Daylen on the shoulder and noticed the faint tremble as if Daylen realised that there had been more threat then he could handle. At least Kayad could be assured that Daylen had read the warning note that had been forwarded to all the club members on the brimstone vine.

“That is concerning. I hear nothing in this forest and if you are correct then there will likely be more trouble before a solution since I haven’t seen the source. I will inform the principle you go home for today.” Mr Malone spoke slowly as if he considered each word before letting it past his lips.

As they walked back to their bags Daylen fell behind a step with his phone out. Kayad glanced at it and saw that he was messaging Jasper. With a muted smile Kayad turned away and instead waited for Sorrel to pull his bag from the protective circle before taking it and slinging it over his shoulder opposite Kayad’s own bag.

“Well this has been fun, three days in and life amongst you people has been one surprise after another. Though I don’t like the thought of the vine being on campus.” Sorrel said as he looked at his empty hand and then at his bag on Kayad’s back.

Kayad smiled at him before he said, “I’ll give you a lift home. Saves your uncle coming out early.” Kayad then turned and led the way towards the school gate. Sorrel nodded and then hopped a step to try and keep up. Behind them Daylen followed with Jasper now in tow.

“I should learn how to ride one of these.” Sorrel said as he accepted his helmet and swung on the back of Kayad’s bike after the bags were stowed in the saddlebags.

“I’ll be happy to give you lessons.” Kayad said as he put the visor down on his own helmet to hide his smirk.