Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 16)

(I continue to be torn lol she’s going to be aggressive with her questions but feel free to make them as elusive or not as would be in character. Now that she’s interacted with Michael she’s going to be on edge at baseline lol I leave it up to your judgment whether they tell her the truth or not. Don’t think she’d figure it out on her own probably unless she gets good clues but also now that she’s asking directly maybe the bit is up? Idk. What are you feeling?)

“Narfi.”

(Let me show you their natural answer to that real quick
I don't know if I want to reveal just yet but it's quickly becoming inevitable. Maybe in lieu of suspense I can just drop him out and let him scheme for a good while rather than go aggressive.)

Both of then gave her blank looks.
"Who's Narfi?" Severus asked.

(That could work ^^ or even I doubt she’d call him on it directly tho he may ask her why she’s being so fucking weird if he keeps up with the bit)

“Your…” she sighed, frustrated. “He said he’s your brother. And that he’d protect me from Michael. But then he heard me ask Gaius to get me a new lock yesterday and then suddenly Michael shows up at my bed side last night? That can’t be a coincidence.”

(Alrighty. I dunno if he'll try to stick to it; the jig is quickly coming up.)

Septimus and Severus exchanged a look.
"Ulysses, Argus, and Silvius are the names," Septimus said slowly. Severus watched him, brow furrowed.

“So who is Narfi?” Her voice was weak. “A nickname?”

Both of them shook their heads.
"I've never heard that name in my life," Septimus said grimly.
"What does he look like?" Severus asked.

“He’s really tall and muscular and has long hair.” She gestured. “Tied back… seems young, ish. Not like actually young. But not old.”

Septimus took off his glasses and worked at the lenses with the hem of his robe, brow furrowed. "You'd be better off stopping your line of questioning here," he said stiffly.
"What was he wearing?" Severus persisted, giving Septimus a pointed look.

“Uh… traveling clothes? And a sword.” She gestured for that as well. “He seemed really nice. But. Well… he was the only one who heard…”

(What was the timbre of his voice? The angle of his jaw? Was one eyebrow a bit thicker than the other?)

"Is his hair brown?" Severus asked.
"Severus," Septimus sighed, "she should stop. Go away, child, stop asking questions and just be glad you can't be harmed."

(Bro we should know by now I remember no details Lmao)

Ky gave him a dirty look them looked back at Severus. “Yes… who is it?” She was right in figuring out who the more helpful brother was.

(I offered none of those details don't worry)

Severus sighed heavily. "It's--Septimus, did you know? Why wouldn't you--"
"There wasn't any harm in it," Septimus said irritably. "He couldn't do any physical damage and he told me not to interfere."
"Septimus." Severus gave him a horrified look. "You said--gods." He turned back to Ky, sighing again. "Child, there is no Narfi."

(Oh good lol)

Ky tensed, a chill creeping through her entire body. Her voice was weak when she managed, “then who is it?” Her gut had suspicions but her brain refused to put them to words.

(I think I said his voice was deep but soft but that's about it)

"My nephew, Michael." He looked at Septimus again. "And you didn't tell her."
"He was going to will me away!" Septimus retorted. "I have work to do; I can't afford to be removed."

Her entire body felt weak and she had to put her hand down on the nearby chair to steady herself, stomach flopping. She’d hung around with Michael; made secret deals with him. Let him watch Gaius and Sera. Shook his hand. Trusted…

She’d trusted Michael.

And Septimus knew. And just let her. Let him.