The conflict in Dolphus’ face as he finally caught up with Ari was readily apparent. The sharp expression from Ari darkened his brow for a moment, but the disgust with magic immediately cleared it. Alexis’ affiliation with the cursed thing was a revelation he was still processing how to cope with, and the emotional closeness that had once been projected onto her was loosening its grip a touch.
Of course, it would take a lot to divorce him entirely. But more than anything else, Dolphus felt despair at the sensation, as the goal of finally being able to connect entirely with her seemed to slip further out of reach, with the impenetrable bulwark of magic rearing its ugly head between him and the only remnant of his mother that remained.
But what else can I do? Who else…
Dolphus opened his mouth.
“DEAD?!” Alexis bellowed, smashing past Ari as she set her fangs on the crumpling Dolphus in fury. “You let him DIE?! That’s just as bad as committing murder!! How many other wretched souls have you put below the soil, you horrible child?!”
“I-I-I-I-” Dolphus stammered, but to no avail.
“I think we’re going to hold a trial here and now!” Alexis pulled out a gavil and handed it to Mariner, who stood behind the bench with a threatening air. “Do you have anything to say in your defense before we find you guilty and have you keelhauled? WELL??”
He slowly closed his mouth again.
Dolphus’ lips parted yet again as Alexis knelt down; in spite of everything that had happened he was still perfectly malleable in her hands. And yet there as an impossibility in what she was asking - to tell all about Ari would be to throw himself to the mercy of whatever Mariner had in store for murderers. He would undoubtedly be tried for the same gruesome act that Ari had committed.
What if she talks? What if she mentions my wing, or explains how the marine broke his back? Or what if-
No. He swallowed. Hard. There’s no way. She wouldn’t do that. She couldn’t. It’s not in her nature. I know her well enough; she wouldn’t.
He would have to play the game, the same one he’d been playing almost since he was born. Alexis could be told later, after he had grown close to her, overcome any obstacles - yes, even the acursed magic - but Ari had to get to safety first. Had to be ingrained within the crew - had to become vital.
“Yes,” Dolphus blinked out something resembling a nod, “right,” and with an adjustment of his collar he swiftly marched along towards the ship, not quite processing that Ari had deliberately slowed her pace to allow him to approach.
It was more important that he restrained the water which had suddenly built up behind his eyelids.
Dolphus looked up as Ari spoke with parted lips and wondering eyes, then looked back down without answering, his brow crinkling with distress. He had heard her perfectly fine; he wanted to answer, but the feeling of his heart being slowly sliced in two held his tongue and dared him to try speaking without something horrible happening.
Alexis was her, after all; no question about that. But Ari’s hand was still on his shoulder.