Fantasy Hallowed Voyage

[Purize]

oO~* Hallowed Voyage *~Oo

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Nymserine is a realm of magic and balance. It's a place ruled by Nine gods bound to a strict categorization of ethics and morals. The scale is called the Alignment.

[Lawful Good]-------[Neutral Good]----[Chaotic Good]

God of the Forest------------------God of Fire--------------------God of Love

[Lawful Neutral]---[True Neutral]----[Chaotic Neutral]


God of Prophecy-----------------God of Balance---------------------God of Magic


[Lawful Evil]---------[Neutral Evil]-------[Chaotic Evil]


God of Death--------------------God of the Ocean----------------------God of Hate

The God of Balance protected the balance and equality of the world and created the three main Elemental gods: Ellcrys, God of the Forest. Aurora, God of Fire. And Thaisa, God of the Ocean. In honor of these three deities, the three major cities of Nymserine were erected. Naturally, other cities and villages span across the lands of Nymserine, just as the minor gods play their own roles in the world. These gods can grant powers, called boons, to faithful and capable creatures that they see as worthy. Just as well, from time to time these gods will come down to the lands of Nymserine and create offspring called Demi-gods... However, this is a rare practice. The God of Balance ensured that every god could only have one living Demi-god offspring at a time.

However, the paradise that Nymserine symbolizes is taking a turn for dark times. A war, come to be known as The Purge, has broken out. Ghouls and other dark, demonic creatures are being led by an ancient Arch Demon of unknown origin to attack forces of the neutral and the light. The Imperial Army of Nymserine put forth their best efforts to combat this onslaught... but resources and units are spread thin. A specialized group of warriors called The Circle lead the war against the hellspawn alongside the Imperial army, and are possibly the game-changing factor in the difference of forces. So far, the war has been contained to the western-most regions in Nymserine, but the rest of the realm worries for the outcome.


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oO~* (Please read other Tabs for more pertinent information.) *~Oo

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[BugDozer73]

As I took my first steps off the boat, I really felt for the first time like the world was moving beneath my feet. It was weird being on solid land instead of a ship. Not that I hadn't left my ship my whole life, no: I had been many places; foreign islands, coves filled with treasure, ancient burial grounds and shrines, docks of all kinds. This shouldn't have made me feel any different. But the finality of the talk I had with Greuwn the night before didn't leave me with any comfort. I was going to be leaving the safety of my ship and crew behind for a long time, quite possibly forever. Nylea shouldered her bow next to me. A beautiful green bow, humming with power and etched intricately with her mothers immortal feats. She sported no quiver, as the bow made arrows of green energy whenever she drew the string. A pang of jealousy pricked my chest momentarily: My mother hadn't even acknowledged my existence, and my father? He probably didn't even know I was still alive. Not that I minded my arsenal. It was the best port royal smiths could offer, but they weren't divine artifacts. Not that it matters. I though to myself, in scolding. Nylea turned and looked me in the eye, giving off a nonchalant attitude, her specialty. "So, whats first? Need to get a map to your moms shrine?" I looked over at the mountain past the silhouette of the town, and on the peak sat a marble temple lined with gold, basking in the light of the sun. The volcanic shrine, a popular tourists attraction. I wasn't planning on buying a t-shirt, though. "No, I think I know where were going. The solstice is in two days, which is her festival. Im thinking we sneak into the temple then and try to make contact with her." Nylea nodded and together we stepped into the bustling streets of the markets that laid directly beyond the docks. I wasn't liking the change in scenery, but I was determined to make some headway into my past. First things first, we would need some lodging. Not to mention the fact that my expenditures at sea might have carried my name and dashing features into the crowds memories. I wasn't eager to catch much attention.

 

[Purize]

I closed the bag that held the few possessions I owned. Looking around my room for the last time, I realized it looked the same as the day I moved in a few years ago. The pale translucent curtains still fluttered lazily in front of the open bay window, and the beat-up bookshelf held the same old dusty books that I had read through countless times. Even the wardrobe was bare once more, holding nothing but cobwebs and a few wrought-iron coat hangers. I put out the chipped oil lamp that sat on the simple bedside table and exited the humble little room for the last time. In the living-area by the door they stood there waiting for me. Holly and Alfred smiled kindly at me, those sort of loving sad smiles. Little Blake was squirming restlessly in Holly's arms, so she set him down, allowing him to stumble up to me. I picked him up with a smile. I would miss them a lot... They took great care of me the years I had stayed here with them. They had loved me like a family I never had.


I walked up to Holly and Alfred as Blake started patting my face with a tiny chubby palm. "Good luck out there, Fae." Holly was the first one to speak. We had bonded effortlessly and she especially made me feel welcome in their home. "Thank you Holly... I really will miss you guys." Blake giggled as he pulled on the tips of my ears. Scrunching my nose in mock pain, I set him down. He wobbled off to pick one of the many toys scattered about the living space. I watched him go with a sigh and turned back to the two of them as Alfred pulled me into a hug. Alfred was a burly, well-built man. He looked tough and the wrong person to get involved with in a bar fight, but his eyes were soft and kind. It didn't take long to find out that Alfred was a big teddy bear, and very family-oriented. He pulled Holly into the group hug and I closed my eyes, cherishing the closeness while I could.


We pulled away after a moment, tears glistening in Holly's eyes. "We'll miss you too." I smiled, fighting back my own welling emotion. "Don't forget you are always welcome to come back and visit," said Alfred, trying to keep up a tough appearance. I nodded. "Of course, I'll come back and visit from time to time. Next time I see you guys, I'll have Sayomi with me." Holly and Alfred exchanged an glance of uncertainty that I didn't miss. I knew though, I would find her. We would travel the world together like we always talked about doing when I was younger.


I hitched the strap to my bag higher up on my shoulder and gave them my last goodbyes. I walked over to give Blake one last kiss on top of his head and told him to be good for me before making my way to the door. I opened it and turned to wave to them all. "Goodbye everyone! I promise I will return someday!" As I left I heard their voices telling me to be careful, and wishing me good luck. It made my heart ache thinking that this would be the last time I would see them all in a long time. I walked through the village, taking my time looking around at the familiar buildings and friendly faces. This place was my first real home. I would miss it dearly but I knew I wanted to explore. I wanted to see everything, meet new people, travel in rain and sunshine. I knew that my real desire wasn't in this small village, it was everywhere, and most importantly, I wanted to find Sayomi. The girl that saved me and taught me everything I know. I would find her and travel the world with her. This was my dream, and I was determined to fulfill it.

 

[BugDozer73]

The cobble of the unkept streets by the rotting wood of the dock soon gave way to more manageable terrain. The crowds diversity and volume seemed to change along aside of it. Past the moldy rocks cluttered together laid the starting buildings of the cities lower section. It was constructed in a sort of tier design, not politically classified as class identification, but obvious to the surplus of citizens judging one another. Sometimes I despised all of my kind.


The lower section closer to the docks and port had decent shops for produce and imported materials, but beyond the struggling merchants, there was the clustered collection of run down shack-complex buildings that offered minimal amounts of space for the impoverished to fight over every sunset. Overhead of the muddy paths hung clotheslines with all assortments of colorful garments, some dripping, steaming, and some stale from the over exposure to the sun. I could never get past the smell of them, mixed with trash and filth from the ally ways and residents.


It wasn't terrible; I did have a way of exaggerating things. Compared to other cities I had explored, the lower-class were more guarded and provided for then some middle class. It didn't excuse the throng of "wealthy" bums that went through life exploiting people. I may have been a notorious pirate, but I would never be able to pull of a scandal more foul then the treatment of people: Not that I pulled foul scandals at all. I liked to think of my self as more distinguished, dashing, and generous. I refused to call myself a hero, though. The impoverished had their fair share of sleazy filth that, if given the chance, would be as dreadful if not more so then the current tyrants.


It always interested me how people thought and acted, including myself. For someone with a quiet, irregular pattern of hatred for humans, I was a terrible flirt, hypocrite, and hoodlum of sorts. I condemned myself for similar flaws, but it was just my luck to be born half god and have the honor of being both naturally inclined towards human flaws, and the arrogance of the divine to consider myself above them all. Maybe I hated myself more than I hated humans. Maybe I just had a weak stomach and a lack of patience and experience, and choose to hate things only when it suited me. Maybe both. The second would more than justify the first.


Still, I never would show my true feelings in public. I was complicated, and normally, by this time in my small bouts of introspection, I would succumb to the laziness and search for some water to quell my headache.


Nylea and I made our way through the murk of the first ring into the second of the 5 rings. The second was more like the majority of most cities. Home to the surviving lower-class, more successful merchants, and majority of the stone masons, carpenters, and guilds of the species. The guilds, while technically categorized as terrorists, help to pay to maintain a much cleaner second ring, as well as provide for the first as well. They were a necessary evil, one I didn't want to get mixed up in.... again. The people we passed had less holes in the rags they covered themselves in. The colors were fuller, and they smelled like they had been fortunate enough to make it to the neighborhood shower line in the last few days. I ignored the snickers of a stationary group of thugs perched atop a run down inn. I recognized one of the larger grunts with a scar on his left eye, now milky white. I wonder if he remembers who gave it to him. I refrained from blowing him a kiss, partly to keep my face from resurfacing in his memory, and also to keep his heart rate down. Seeing my stunning features would probably leave him stiff for the next week.


The third ring was much nicer. Here, the private "investors" called the political crew actually began to spend some money on maintaining the environment. For the first time, a small bit of nature was allowed to grow in certain areas that gave it more ambiance. Most of the folk had decent clothing, less scars, smelled like flowers, and even offered free samples, if you looked rich enough. The merchants consisted more of the personal outfitters, including the tailors, smiths, enchanters, potion brewers, and a whole assortment of anything your mind could imagine and fuel your greed. Guards became more present, traveling in groups of 4-5 through the crowds, rather than the 1 or 2 patrolling the entire first and second rings. The city was a lot larger than it appeared, and I realized the sun was already setting. The incessant glare of the golden shrine to my mother, seated in the center of the 5th ring had lessened, something that subtly agitated me.


After a few more blocks, we found a nice inn, with silver torches next to the entrance and some nice carpeting on the main floor. We entered and strutted up to the front desk, coughing to attract the attention of the man counting coins behind the counter.


"Welcome to the Phoenix Inn! What can I do for you today?" He offered in a very pleasant and rehearsed tone. "We would like a single night room to stay in, please." I offered with a smile. I withdrew a sack of silver from one of my pouches and put it on his desk right in the center of his attention. He grinned and nodded, then began rummaging through some drawers for keys. I turned and noticed a small blonde elf in a maids outfit exiting a room down the hall, staring seductively at me. I offered her a wink back, and she giggled.


Before I could finish a plan to get Nylea her own living arrangements, I hear a series of playful barks, a familiar tone to my ears, arose from the crowd. Nylea turned and in an excited tone, called to the source of the noise. "CASPIAN! You came!" I turned as well, just in time to see the large, man sized, raven black wolf with pearl colored markings on his fur dart into the room and pounce on me. I fell back with the grace of a practiced martial artist who had trained in a maneuver for years, which in my case, was true. Caspian, Nylea's canine companion who she had raised from a puppy, (yet another gift from her mother) would always choose me to pounce on before greeting his master. I sputtered and writhed around, desperately trying to keep the whipping tongue of the beast from entering my mouth and nose. I could hear a cry of surprise and fear from behind the counter. As I was able to remove Caspian, giving him a welcoming scratch behind the ears as he turned his attentions to Nylea, I found the elf girl had vanished. Before I could curse someone, I found another problem presenting itself.


"I am SORRY!" exclaimed the man with disgust. "But we do not allow pets in this Inn. I must ask you both to remove yourself.


Typical. I tried my best charming smile and laughed. "Oh come on, he's just a dog. No harm, really. He's well trained. He normally licks me twice as long." The man made a disgusted face, and shook his head. Nylea spoke up. "But..!"


But two armed guards walked in and grabbed us, taking us outside. I quickly grabbed the silver before I was removed, and when I had exited, caught Nylea as they threw her out. Caspian followed growling at one of the men, the one with the odd hair color, which was a Hugh of lavender. The man in turn leveled a spear at the dog. Nylea glared at them reached for her bow.


I rose quickly, drawing my blade and cleaving the mans spear into two pieces, ending the maneuver by planting myself between Nylea and the Ugly ducklings.


I held up my hand to Caspian who stepped back, and I turned to look at the man who's weapon I had just halved. "We apologize for the mistake. We will take our business elsewhere. Thank you for your courteous handling of my sister and I." The man huffed out of his nose, much like a bull, like he was attempting to judge the amount of sarcasm I had just presented his tiny brain with. After it presumably overloaded, he rolled his eyes and turned and made his way back inside, followed by his compatriot. I sheathed my blade and turned, helping Nylea to her feet.


"Well that was rude." She said while prolonging her glare in their direction.


"Why didn't you just melt their faces off?" Caspian had put his head against her hand, as if assuring her that he had once again been the hero that had saved the day, now ready to receive his praise.


"Well, Nylea" I said with relenting sigh. "We already have a crowd of citizens staring at the bums who were thrown to the streets. I say better that than a crowd of guards rounding up a flame hurling murderer and his little veterinarian sidekick." Nylea stuck out her tongue to me, but didn't seem to mad when I ruffled her hair a little and brushed the dust off her clothes.


"Whatever." She replied. "Now what do we do?" Caspian turned to me with the same curious eyes. I wasn't Greuwn, so why did I always end up making the choices. "Well, now we take a step back."


She looked at me with confusion. "Your still deciding?"


"No" I said, looking at the plummeting star that lit the world. "We return to the second ring and find the most cushiony ally to crash in." She groaned, but didn't raise any of her mumbled protests to an audible level. In a half an hour, we had found our way back to the cracked cobble payments and smell of ripe soap and murk water. We wandered into a deserted corner of the ring and made ourselves comfortable.


We had both slept in worse conditions before. Spending our lives with pirates had given us plenty of opportunities to explore new situations. There wasn't much that could faze us, but that didn't signify a desire to snooze in damp shadows. We knew better than to complain - there was no one to complain to, and the self pity was counterintuitive to the goals. Both Nylea and Caspian snuggled up next to me and were breathing like baby lake pixies in minutes. I kept my eyes open. The stars were a sufficient show, and being so close to answers didn't grant my mind any time to relax. Besides, Twilight was the Guilds favorite hour to do their jobs, and I wanted to make sure things would be hot if they were dumb enough to find us.


I could still see the shrine to Aurora on the skyline, brooding silently amongst the light of the night sky. It looked colder now, smaller, less grandiose. Darkness had a way of doing that to things. I was ready for some answers. I she was going to give them to me.

 

[Zotohxan]

I feel the familiar tickle at the back of my mind while wading in the pond behind my house. I didn't feel much like communicating with nature today though, something just felt... Off. This time of year is always fairly difficult, knowing that it's the anniversary of the day my parents lost their lives. But even though I and those surrounding me all know the truth, they still try to get me to listen to them, to cheer me up. Usually it'd work, but not right now. Sometimes, having time alone is really the best thing you can do for yourself.


After twenty minutes of this, of the water surrounding my body and the warm light gleaming on my skin, I hear a rustling in the trees. "Anna," Comes my brother's breathless reply. Why he never thinks to look here first when I go 'missing', I'll never know.


"You almost gave me a heart attack! You know better than running off... Especially now." He's always so worried about me. Even though he won't admit it, I'm pretty sure he's scared that I might end up just like them. We moved far from the West where I was born six years ago after our parents were killed, but... No one really believes it'll be contained just there. Arthur is a member of The Imperial Army, though they'd given him leave to stay with me during this time.


Finally I open my eyes to look at my blonde haired brother, his teal eyes shining with worry as he steps closer and closer to the bank of the pond. "Don't worry, Arthur. I prayed to Ellcrys that I would be kept safe within this hallowed forest, and you know that my bond would keep me safe anyway. They could get through to me if they really needed to, and I can defend myself." I tried to keep my voice patient and respectful, but sometimes I just can't. I understand that he's ten years older than myself, that my brother gave up so much of his own life to raise me, but that doesn't mean I can't get tired of his over protective tenancies every now and again.


I swim to the edge of the pond, my dress made of thin brown material flowing gracefully around me as I float weightless in the water. Just as I lift myself up he appears kneeling before me, offering a hand and helping to heave me up. "You know I'll worry. Ellcrys may watch over you, but so do I."


Instead of arguing anymore I just nod, scrunching up my nose at the heavy feeling the absorbent garment leaves over me now. "Let's go home. Harmea is at the house, she's making a special stew for dinner tonight." At this news I can't help but smile and nod, holding my brother's hand as he leads me back through the forest. It's only a five minute walk back to the house, and the closer we get, the more excited I become to see my sister-in-law.

 

[BugDozer73]

The sun was already begging to ascend into the shimmering teal sky, casting its rays across the world. The sunrise had always been a soothing spectacle for me. To me, it was a promise that time was an honorable man, with true words. A smile, a true smile, one forged through the hearts flames, emerged on my face. It waited for the arrival of its friends, the heat of the early morning, the glow of the clouds, and the unwavering courage with which it always progressed. Caspian yawned, revealing his maw of canine fangs greeting the same morning miracle. His eyes gently opened, followed delicately by the girl snuggled into his hide. They're small display was a welcome companion to my fleeting emotional purity. Beyond the smell of the pitch we had rested, now soaked into our clothes, and the aches from the uneven ground, thankfully mostly dry, I was content. I liked being happy. I had missed its relieving company after learning the truth of my past, and leaving behind the majority of my family. For the time being, Nylea and Caspian were the only ones who brought me some of the forgotten sentiment of joy.


I try to hard to be sophisticated.


That may be true, but shut up.


Was it weird that the majority of my thought process was enacted by a conversation between people in my head who all sounded exactly like myself? I normally shrugged it off as an over active conscience, but sometimes I wondered.


"How did you sleep?" I offered to the girl stretching at my side.


"About as well as you might expect considering our current arrangements." She smiled mid stretch, which was an odd facial expression, with a mix of content and focus on re limbering her self for the coming daylight. I chuckled and stood, allowing myself to move around with a similar goal in mind. Nylea stood and Caspian followed her example, minus her young girlish expression. resting at an amusing mix of curiosity and disdain. I was afraid I was rubbing off on her.


"Here" I said, offering her a bit of the loaf of bread we had brought as food. Our provisions weren't much, but then again, neither was our plan. Even if we got to the temple and made contact with Aurora, what then? I had assumed something would pop up, but what if nothing did? I didn't plan on sleeping behind garbage beyond last night. I did have thoughts of my own estate on my own islands, but I still had a few kinks in the plan to work out.


As if Nylea was reading my thoughts, She swallowed the food she hadn't given Caspian and spoke up as she made sure her own gear was fastened for the upcoming day. "So what do we do after we talk to your mom? Did you think that far ahead? Its not like we can just send a messenger hawk to Greuwn with a letter saying "Hey, just talked to my divine mother, looks like she's not ready to take custody of me yet. Think I can come and crash on the ship for a while?" I smiled at her jest, and she smirked, appreciating her talent for keeping me generally focused.


"No, I'm not going to be going back to Greuwn's ship for a while. I need to find my own way. And as for further plans, well.... Im sure something will go sour and offer a new direction for our unappreciated amazingness." Caspian sneezed, which I decided to interpret as his agreement. "Lets just focus on getting to the temple. After our lovely stay in the sewer inn, we smell like we belong in this ring. Thats not going to make it easy to get past the others."


Nylea scratched her head and then shrugged, walking out into the streets. I followed, and was slightly surprised to see a different scene than I had the day before.


The citizens collectively looked more festive. They were already in the middle of preparing for the Festival of Aurora. I had never actually seen the celebration personally, but the tales other sailors told around the bar table tops didn't really do it justice. Banners of gold, white and red were strewn about carefully, with vendors selling seasoned meats and vegetables, as well as masks, costumes and toys for the children.


It took me about 3 seconds to realize I had made a mistake. TODAY was the festival. How drunk had I been when I made this plan anyways? Ugh. Looks like our need to waste time had been eliminated. Nylea had the same thoughts, apparently, and pointed to the costume vender. I didn't give her enough credit, but she was a better strategist than I would admit. "Good idea" I said. I handed her some coins and we split up to acquire our disguises.


It was really lucky how all of our current issues seemed to have resolved themselves. Almost like magic...

 

[Purize]

The village I had currently resided in for the bast three years was only a few miles away from the famous city of Akron; the city dedicated to the God of Fire, Aurora. In my previous travels, before I had settled with Holly and Alfred, I had passed through the marvelous city. It was hard to forget with it's many rings and colorful variation of all sorts of creatures and people. Three three major cities of Nymserine were, of course, all mesmerizing. Each one being living monuments in honor of their Elemental Deity. I only had the privilege of passing through Akron briefly... but I fully intended to visit them all. In taverns you heard rumors of the famous glistening temples in honor of the city's patriot God; magnificent structures crafted of gold, marble, jade and much more. I only had seen the Goddess Aurora's temple from the skyline, but I remember it's towering outline and apparent prestige clearly. Just thinking about the city made daydreams swim through my mind, filling me with excitement with the prospect of adventure.


I knew I timed my departure well, too. Today was the day Akron held a festival in the honor of Lady Aurora. Year after year, I would hear people in my village buzz with energy and gossip about the festivities. Many villagers left they day of or the night before to travel to Akron in celebration. Even outside of the city, the infamous festival attracted onlookers, adventurers and God of Fire worshipers everywhere. I had always dream of seeing the banners and the market stalls painted bright reds and golds, the people beaming with happiness and joy in their preparations. The event was historic, and I wanted to be a part of it. So, what better way to start off my journey than with a little fun in one of the three great cities?


A few hours after sunrise, I began to see makeshift kites soaring high above the treeline, the low hum of life carrying in the distance. I'm getting close, I thought to myself, unable to fight down the grin that crept at the corners of my lips. It could be observed, if one knew me well enough, that I become excited and awestruck by the oddest things. Holly always said she loved that about me. The way I would find the beauty in everything, like the silver lining of clouds after a storm. I never thought much of it, though. Finding pleasure and optimism in everything in my life was simply how I chose to look at things. I found that I was a happier person that way. I want to live for living in the moment.


Another hour or so later, the sun drew high into the sky, it must be closer to noon by now. I could see the outskirts of the city now, the dank smell of the outer rim drifted lazily in the breeze. Mid-stride, I froze, an all-too-familiar feeling seizing me without warning. I stumbled into a tree and my shoulder bag slipped off my arm and onto the leafy ground. I clutched one arm around my core, and the used the other one to try and unsuccessfully keep my upright against the tree. I slipped to the ground with a gasp, but not from the fall. A terrible pain, like a combination of icy burning and a sharp blade slicing through my insides, spread through my middle. I knew that there was nothing I could do but wait it out. When the phantom-like lacerations came over me, nothing could be done. It would simply fade after a moment as if it never happened. As if on cue, my muscles began to relax again and I lie there panting a moment more. With the back of my hand, I wipe away the thin sheen of sweat that had formed on my forehead and shakily got to my feet. I threw my bag back on my shoulder and continued walking. My eyes narrowed in attempt to focus on my destination ahead of me.


I had no idea why these pains attacked me at random... There was no known logical explanation. Sayomi had spent the better years of our travels trying to find a doctor who could tell me why they occurred, but none could ever find a reason, no matter how many odd tests and healing spells they put me through. Every doctor and physician and spiritual healer had all told me the same thing: I was perfectly healthy. There was no known cause, and no known cure. The strangest part about it though, was it didn't feel like an illness. I had been sick before. I had sustained injuries before. However, somehow this feeling wasn't quite like either experience. It almost felt like I was growing. Not that I would tell anyone that. And to make it only so much more strange, some times it wasn't even painful. On rare occasions I actually felt very powerful. I tried not to think about it. I accepted that is was are part of me, and that it might not ever go away. As much as I'd like to know the answer to why it happens and how much i'd like to fix it... it honestly wasn't on the top of my priority list of concerns was. It scared everyone else, but to me it was simply how I was. Pain was pain. Strength was strength. The feeling only last for a moment anyway...


Regaining my complete composure and gradually accumulating my excitement, I passed through the decorated rings of the city. Just as I'd imagined through rumors and the things I'd read in books, the streets were decked in red and gold. Streamers, banners, market stalls, little alters in front of houses and some shops, costumes and decorations... they were all here. I was finally here. Finally I could begin my adventure.

 

[Zotohxan]

"-and you know better than just running off! Arthur was so worried... He wouldn't stop pacing around the house, do you know how long he looked for you? Honestly, Anna... I don't know what to do with you sometimes!"


Even though she was lecturing me about 'running off', Harmea's words were like a warm embrace surrounding me. Every syllable that escaped her lips sent a jolt of happiness through me, and every time her tone would change, my ears picked it up like a sonar tracking something as large as a whale. It's always been this way... I've always had this connection with my brother's wife, even if she didn't notice it herself. I've never mentioned it to either of them, as I know Arthur wouldn't look kindly upon my having any sort of 'special' connection with someone who means so much to him. As despite being beyond caring and over protective of me, he's also incredibly possessive and selfish when it comes to what he considers to be 'his'.


I'd zoned out halfway through the twenty-five year old's rant, just allowing the mysterious feelings to bombard my body without restraint.


It was probably ten straight minutes of Harmea telling me what I'd done wrong... Of course I despise being ranted and raged at, but I understood it in a way. She and my brother have a connection known to one another, and to everyone else. She could feel just how concerned Arthur was, and no doubt such stress put her on edge regarding her current pregnancy. It would be their first child after all, and no one would want anything to happen, no matter the number it may be. But being their first, they're no doubt even more protective than they are even of me...


Harmea is a vampiress, and my brother is her 'eternal'. Her soul mate destined from the time before the world began. The gods blessed them with one another, to complete each other. To my knowledge it's fairly rare anymore for people to truly meet their soul mates, but my brother and Harmea were lucky enough to meet only a year after our parents died... It helped him heal faster, to get closure from the event that ripped us from the life we should've had. If only I could've been so lucky...


"Are you even listening to me!?"


I flinch out of my thoughts, whipping my head over so that my blue eyes could meet her blazing red ones. I hadn't meant to upset her, but perhaps I should've been paying more attention.. "Y-Yeah, of course!" I give a nervous smile, and she merely sighs and shakes her head. "Just... Don't do it again." With that she runs a hand through her flawless, pin-straight red hair and turns to head back to the kitchen, hand now resting on the painfully obvious mound where a flat stomach once was.


Mere seconds later Arthur is before me, offering a hand to help me up. He says nothing as he pulls me off the couch and toward my bedroom. "You're going to stay in here until dinner, alright? I just... I can't be worrying about you right now, Anna. The baby is due soon, and I'm horribly stressed as is." He leans down to kiss my forehead, then closes and locks my door from the outside.


"So fun.." I mutter, walking over to my green sheet clad bed and flopping down on it with a huff.


I know he only does such things to protect me, but honestly.. It seems sometimes I'm more of a prisoner in my own home, rather than a member of the family living there with free will. Many times I'd thought of running away, but I simply couldn't... If I think they stress badly over my going to the pond- the only place I ever 'run' to- I wouldn't even want to imagine what it'd be like if I were to actually leave them. Especially knowing I'm good enough, they would never find me.


So instead of satisfying my lust for adventure and freedom, I do as I'm told. I play the submissive role well, silently laying on my bed and staring up at the white, textured ceiling. There's hardly anything to do in here anyway, as I've never been one much for decorating.


My walls are bare, painted a sea foam green they're flawless of any imperfections. No small holes from thumb tacks, or dulled areas where tape once held something up... Just green. My blue carpeting was no better, no random indentions where furniture had been moved from it's position after months or years of being there; the interior design is the same as the day I graduated from a toddler's bed and into my current Queen sized one. Right across from my bed there is a hardwood dresser, a flat top with a vanity mirror hanging over, and six drawers settled in three rows of two. Top left for my under garments, top right for socks. Middle left for my pajama tops, middle right for pajama bottoms. Bottom left for pants, bottom right for skirts. My shirts and dresses hang in the closet, the grey door to which is just to the left of my dresser.


Go just three more feet left of that and there's a corner, the connected wall almost entirely taken up by the window. The walls intended for that were made into book shelves, 57 books total filling the spaces, and being the only truly colourful parts of this little comfortable cell. Beneath the window of course there is a bench seat, the cushions lifting up to reveal a small storage area. All that fills it is extra pillows and blankets, nothing exciting as I'd like.


Unfortunately my life is kept rather dull, though I have the feeling things will perk up soon enough. There's a sort of energy radiating throughout the forest recently, settling an unease deep in my bones. I haven't a clue whether this is something good or bad, but I know it's coming.. Perhaps it has to do with the upcoming festival, seeing as how I live only an hour's journey from the beautiful town of Akron. I'd never been personally, nor had I spoken to anyone truly from the town, but the trees gossip noisily of the decorations and masses of people.


Of course I know I'd never be able to go, but that doesn't stop me from imagining. From dreaming of what it might be like to hear the cheers and shouts of people praising their god. I close my eyes and picture it..


I'd walk through the crowded streets, watching friends and neighbours interact as if it were the most normal thing. Perhaps for them it would be, but for me, the prospect of interacting with someone other than this immediate family is merely a pipe dream. I would hear the sounds of artists playing their music, people singing along. The stomping of feet as people dance and children run, their musical sounds of laughter fitting the scene with the greatest of ease. Colours would surround me, the likes of some I'd never even thought to imagine... Things would be so beautiful, like a dream come to life before my very eyes.


"Okay, Anna-" But of course... That's all it would ever be. "-c'mon, wake up. Harmea's got the table all set-" Merely a dream. "-You can't leave us waiting."

 

[BugDozer73]

As Nylea and Caspian disappeared into the ever growing throng of the festival-goers, I set my own plan into motion. I felt bad, and scared for what I planned: I didn't want to leave her behind, and I knew she would put her foot down. I just couldn't bring her along with me. Greuwn agreed, and was waiting to receive her in the harbor after I gave my signal. She was the closest thing I had for family, and while it would hurt to leave her behind while I found my way, I would not risk endangering her on my trails.


Once I had completely lost sight of her, I moved. I dashed forward through the crowds, ignoring everyone in my rush. My vision became a blur of Red and Gold. I tuned out the dull roar of the sea of Akroan's, along with the street venders cries, musicians songs and heart beat of the city, so robust and humming with energy. The sun was rising, almost reaching the center of the sky..


I was running out of time.


Once again in the third ring, I decided a disguise wasn't a terrible idea: None of the citizens were without masks, even the guards were participating, though still easily recognizable by their Golden armor, red capes and long, shimmering spears. I dropped my remaining silver and collected a Golden cloak and a mask that resembled the face of the Phoenix, the animal of Aurora. They would have to do. Once the Ceremony began, I wouldn't be able to enter the temple... legally.


I dawned my temporary disguise and returned to my haste, but I knew I wouldn't make it in time.


The third ring of the city was the most populated, and therefore, the largest, but the fourth ring, I soon discovered, was just as time consuming. Size wise, the comparison wasn't logical: It was the slender of the architecture and the citizens. The roads were paved with bronze, and gardens with flowers and trees of the most beautiful variety grew in every nook and cranny. Each home was as large and grandiose as the most spectacular in the third ring, but these were just the start to the ring. Statues and fountains, feeding man made rivers sprouted up magnificently along side the greenery, and the citizens wore robes of golden woven silk, with red highlights. Even the way the walked was more proper and distinguished. It was hard to not be impressed, even knowing the evil that provided for it. I shook my head of the distraction and pushed on, but didn't get very far before it happened.


As the crowd became more and more dense, I found myself being corralled into a stand still. Upon further inspection, I realized everyone was looking towards the entrance towards the fifth ring. Everyone surged forward, and I allowed myself to be swept along with the currents.


The fifth ring was the most beautiful of all. It opened to a celestial courtyard, with tiered gardens more wondrous than I had ever seen, aside the stairs that rose to the entrance of Auroras temple. In front of the gates stood a statue of the woman. She was giant, at least 20 ft tall, made of polished marble. She held aloft her sword, the ancient relic of her power, aimed skyward like she had just won a battle. She wore tailored armor, covered by white silk that flowed gracefully despite the wind conditions. and behind her were extended her fiery wings, wrapped around in the most awe inspiring way, engraving the feeling of unworthiness in all her onlookers. I was so enraptured I hadn't realized the crowd had stopped once again. The sun was in center sky.


Im too late...





A man in the finest robes and no mask stepped forward, flanked by a battalion of guards. The crowd cheered as his voice began to boom over them.


"GREETINGS, AKROAN'S! Today! Today is the day of the Sun, of the fire,.... Of AURORA!"


He threw one arm back, gesturing dramatically to the statue behind him, drawing wild applause and cheers from the crowds.


I could see the temples doors shutting. The man smiled at the crowd. He was short, and skinny as well. His hair was white, and his face revealed he was in his late 60's... probably. Then again, I was terrible at guessing ages.


I had to do something. I have to reach Aurora. I began to panic, and surge forward in the crowd, drawing some cries of indignation. The man continued.


"I am Gideon, the Head priest to the great god AURORA! Today, It is my most heart felt honor to lead thew ceremony...."


He was cut short when the crowd split, allowing me to break free. I wasn't thinking. I didn't notice the tremble begin in the ground. I didn't notice a shrill shriek from Gideon as he pointed at me in anger. I didn't notice the ache in the core of my legs.


I did notice the armed guards rush forward.


I ducked low and rolled left, narrowly avoiding a javelin that soared by. I rose deftly to my feet, blade already drawn. There were 12 guards in total, all large, ripped men in full armor. Easy enough..


I parried the faster guards uppercut, extending the hidden blade in my left gauntlet and stooping low to slash behind his knee. He shrieked and fell forward, and I twirled, my foot making impact with his helmet and sending him sprawling down the stairs behind me. Another two charged, and I let forward, rolling between there blows, and rose to counter a third trailing behind. We locked blades and I drove my hilt to his, twisting to disarm him and grasp his wrist. I spun him around and ducked behind him like a shield, hearing the impact of two more spears in his abdomen that were undoubtedly meant for me.


I let his limp corpse fall from my arms, watching the guards encircle me. I parried, slashed, dove and twirled, letting my sword become a flurry of death. 4 more fell bleeding before I felt a spear graze my side. I cried out in pain and tripped, my blade scattering away from my hand as I made impact with the ground.


SHIT.


Before I could think, two guards let forward and locked my hands behind me, holding me firmly as I writhed to break free. I could see the gates of the temple slow to a stop, beyond the approaching guards that readied their blades for the killing blows. In the dull ringing in my ears, I could hear noise, shrill and aggravated emanating from the priest. The rumbling in the ground grew much louder.


The ground moved, and the guards, crowd, and priest all fell. The statue began to crumble, and the peak of the mountain began to smoke. I could only focus on the intense pressure collecting in my skull. I fell to my knees as well, cradling my head.


Suddenly, the doors to the temple flew open, and a circular wave of red light shot out in every direction, knocking everyone back.


I flew down the path and hit my head on a step, temporarily blinding me. As my vision cleared, I rose to my feet, rubbing my temples. The crowd of people and guards did the same, their previous cheers now pained groans. The guards turned to face me, and I tried to think of a way to escape, but realized none of them made an attempt to approach me. Some even removed their helmets, and I found beneath them expressions of amazement. I turned and saw the crowd step back in a semi circle around me, showing similar emotions. Gideon looked at me, and said nothing.


"Its a miracle... a gift from the Great Phoenix!" Yelled a woman from the crowd. In response, other began yelling similar things, and the cheers began a new. I looked around in shock, expecting an explanation, but that when I noticed myself.


I was... different. My clothes were gone, replaced by light armor, similar to the one on the statue. It was the same colors as hers as well, with silk, not as long, flowing. On my right shoulder and side was a more focused set of armor, like that of a spell swords. my left arm was left more bare, and I noticed a new set of tattoos, black, spiraling intricately down my arms to my wrist, in the shape of flames. All of my gear was gone, replaced by this... whatever this was..


Gideon silenced the crowd with some effort, speaking with a pleading tone.


"People, people PEOPLE! Settle down, please! How can we be certain this display was truly a boon of the Great one and not some sorcery?"


I didn't really listen. I was more interested in the fact that I had been undressed and redressed in seconds. My mind dug up some other thoughts, and I curiously lifted my right hand to the empty sheath strapped to my back. Only it wasn't empty. my palm wrapped around a solid hilt, and slowly I drew the mystery blade and held it up to the light to examine it. It was solid black, like Onyx, with a golden handle, wrapped with red leather. Along the blade were glowing golden runes. As I looked at them further, they flared up, bright as the sun, and a searing hot pain emerged on the right side of my neck. In a moment it stopped, and I ran my fingers lightly over the skin. Gideon rushed forward, passed the guards and aggressively grabbed me, turning my head to examine my neck for a moment before stepping back in awe.


"It says Chosen by the Light... You are chosen by Aurora... CHAMPION!"


His excellent reignited that of the crowds, and he lifted my right hand, brandishing the blade skyward which drew a beam of light from the heavens, not at all helping to quell the growing crowds cheering.


Gideon stood back once again and kneeled, bowing his head to me, followed quickly by the citizens and guards.


"I dont understand..." I said in a disbelieving tone. I had an idea, and while not angry, I was not happy with the curt way my mother seemed to "Claim" me. I didn't even get to speak with her. Maybe it was just a trick. Could the priest be mistaken?


"Come!" Gideon said as he rose from his bow. "We have much to discuss." He turned to one of the guards.


"You! Go now, and send the messengers forth throughout all the land. Tell them that the champion of the Phoenix has been revealed!" The soldier nodded and rushed down the steps towards the fourth ring.


Gideon returned his attention to me. "Champion... Akron welcomes to return of its king. Let us parade the streets... your streets, and make our way to your new home."


"WHAT?!" I said in shock. How could I have planned for this...

 

[Purize]

I took my time, deliberately walking slowly and leisurely through the streets to take everything in. I savored everything. The sights of the decorations, the smells of various foods being cooked in the vending stalls, the sounds of children's laughter and the excited chatter of adults, the taste of the air on my tongue that blew in on the breeze from the trees and surrounding buildings, and even the feeling that courses through me, making my hands tremble. I've passed through cities before, seen small-town festivities, but this one made those memories seemed distant and grey in its grandeur.


I remembered when I was younger, maybe fifteen or seventeen, and I watched a festival from a balcony. As the sun began to set, glowing red-orange lanterns were released into the sky. I would never forget the way they looked like drifting fireflies in the distance as they rose into the soft blue and pink sky... I would never forget how I longed to float away so peacefully like one of those elegant lanterns. I thought about what would happen if I stood on the handsomely crafted marble railing of that balcony and tried to fly with those lanterns. Maybe I'd be free like they were. Free from pain. Free from loneliness. Free from that kingdom I had been born to... I blinked a few times, as if I could blink away my thoughts and clear my head. That was a long time ago, and I was free now.


I got closer and closer to the center of the city, passing through ring upon ring. Eventually I found a large mass of people standing in a crowd just in front of the grand temple of Aurora. I walked up behind the huddled group and instantly got the impression I had just missed something. People were buzzing with excitement and confusion and some were getting up off the ground as if they'd fallen. I felt my eyebrows knit together inquisitively. On the front steps of the temple was a pile rocks and rubble and a priest speaking excitedly to a man dressed up in a particularly impressive God of Fire costume. I tilted my head, unable to make sense of any of it. Someone in a rush bumped me with a rough shoulder. I stumbled back and turned to glare at a group of guards as they rushed past me and into the next ring. Shrugging it off, I made my way to the front of the crowd in hope to figure out what was going on.

 

[Zotohxan]

"The Champion has been revealed."


I furrow my brows as I hear the trees whisper, an excitement foreign from their tones beyond clear to my ears. "What?" I call back, my own voice low so as to not bother Harmea or Arthur. Though, the former mentioned glances at me with a quirked brow of her own, but then just shrugs off my random chatter and goes back to cleaning up our now empty dishes from dinner. No doubt she and my brother both are used to me talking at odd moments with nature...


"The Champion! A man of great worth, born of the great Goddess Aurora! She has given us the gift of a Champion!"


Having never heard such a word used to describe anyone other than the victor of a game or competition, I'm understandably confused. "What did he win?" A rumble of laughter goes around the entirety of the property, every fauna which had heard me seeming to be in on a joke I myself am clueless about.


"What?" I frown, a crease appearing between my brows as I huff and walks straight out the front door. Thankfully Arthur had seen me appear to be talking to myself, and knows that I'm going out to talk to nature, rather than 'running away' again.


"Young miss..." Oh how I hate that they call me by such a title... I've told then countless times to just call me Anna, but no... "A Champion is one chosen by the gods, sent to Earth to be the item of much affection."


My frown only deepens as I hear this, it doesn't sound much like anything the gods would do... Of course they appreciate our praise as us acknowledging and appreciating them as well, but... I've never even imagined them to be ones to send down a person just so that they could be treated with such a higher regard than any other... As the way the whispers sound, this person would be treated as a god of their own accord.


Of course I don't know much of the world, but honestly... That just doesn't seem right. "A-Are you sure?" I stare up at the sky, silently sending my question to Aurora herself, though I know I'd receive no personal response from her.


Usually those from the ground who I speak to will give me proper answers when I question them about something true, but other times they decide to have a sense of humour... It's times like these I truly hate being the only one able to understand them. For, well.. What if it was something serious, and they didn't realize it? Just because they're around far longer than I am, doesn't mean they know everything... Simply... More.


"Arthur!" I shout as I walk back into the house, arms still crossed, pout firmly in place on my face.


He walks out of the kitchen with a faint smirk on his lips, "Yeah, Anna? They messing with you again?" Even though we are the same species, Arthur doesn't have the ability to talk with the trees... Mom always said it was because Daddy dropped him on his head when he was a baby, but I think she was just messing with him when she said that. He's too smart for that to be the reason...


"Yeah! They said something about Aurora having chosen a Champion, and wh-" I'm cut off on my explanation by a loud crashing sound coming from the kitchen. Arthur's eyes go wide as he screams out his wife's name and turns to run in that direction to check on her, only for the woman herself to practically appear before us. "Did you just say that Aurora chose a Champion?!" She exclaims, her eyes wide and jaw dropped ever so slightly, revealing just the tips of fangs beneath her lips.


"Um... Yeah... That's what they said, I-" Again she cuts me off, grabbing onto my brother's arm with a grip so tight her knuckles turn white, and I can already see a bruise forming on Arthur's arm where she holds, though he gives no indication he feels any pain at all. "We've got to go to Akron! No doubt that's where she'd reveal him.. C'mon, Arthur! It'll be good for Anna to get out of here, and you know we won't get to travel once the baby is born! This may be our only chance to meet him in the flesh!"


I see the indecision on Arthur's features, he doesn't want to go... It's quite a journey on foot as he doesn't want his precious wife going anywhere on a horse which could jostle her stomach horribly, and our carriage is missing a wheel for the moment. I know he wants to say no, I can practically see it on the tip of his tongue... But he won't. He couldn't do that to her, not with how excited she is, not much gets her this way anymore... "Okay, yeah.. We can go." He turns to me, the ghost of a smile now on his lips, "Go pack a bag Anna. A change of clothes for all of us just in case, and a few snacks. I'll go work on getting the wheel fixed." He then turns his gaze back to Harmea, the love in his gaze enough to make me sick. "Go rest love."


And with that we all split up to do as he'd stated, and even though I hadn't gotten my honest answer about what a 'Champion' is, I know this will be something I could never forget.

 

[BugDozer73]

The next few hours became to what I could only imagine the sensation of falling overboard a ship during a storm. I was swept up by Gideon, who led me forward, behind the new line of once hostile, now disturbingly loyal guards holding the growing crowd at bay. My head swam, and I knew that I had to come up with a plan. I needed to get out of this situation, I couldn't stay here in Akron. I was an adventurer, not a king. What about all the other politics? I hated politics, and Becoming king would only drag me closer to those pigs. Then again, I realized that now I had an opportunity to try and help these people, and combat the rot at its core. Would I even be able to handle it? And what was Aurora doing? I wanted to talk to her, not be made her dress up doll and turned away. Maybe this was some kind of test?


My head was already in pain from the impact from earlier, and the mess of attempting to stabilize my current situation was doing it no favors. I needed to focus, and for what I could see, there was no getting out of this for now. My best option was to play along for a while until I could get time to plan.


Together, my group made their way through the streets of the fourth ring. The throng of residents I considered an ocean earlier had grown exponentially, that no matter what direction I looked, I saw people everywhere, cheering, clapping, laughing and celebrating, and crying and reaching out to me, calling for me. It was so disorienting, I could barley understand Gideon as he whispered in my ears.


"We will see the palace very soon. For now, we must show you to the people-" His mouth kept moving, but the sudden emerging sound of the jarring bells drowned out his voice. Between tolls and roaring crowds, I could make out a few words.


"Your grace,..... Greet your people.... Ceremonies..... new life... smile." I turned back to the people, never stopping the slow moving parade through the streets.


I felt almost as if I were tranquilized. My senses were so entirely overloaded that I would probably be made to wait weeks for them to heal. I raised my hand and waved, drawing more cheers and cries from the populace. I reached out to the people that strained against the guards to make contact with my hand. I took hold of one the belonged to a crying lady, smiling with tear stained cheeks, desperately trying to hold on as long as she could. I saw some other, younger girls screaming in one even faint. Men with adventure armor shook my hand with admiration, and children climbed on their parents shoulders to get a closer look at me...


It was terrifying. I HATED being trapped. Not terribly; I had worse fears, and I had never really been "trapped" so to say, but In the moment, with waves of screaming people held at bay only by several large men in armor, mixed with the new "title", I felt as trapped as a captain with no crew in the doldrums. Keep smiling I though, forcing a smile back onto my dazed expression.


There was a moment where the crowds parted to reveal a particularly beautiful girl, in nobel's clothes, with the most stunning white hair. Her eyes met mine for the brief second, but before I could examine her further, the crowd shifted and swallowed her up once more. The parade proceeded, leaving me no time to turn back or even process it, but my mind swiftly grabbed the fleeting thought and dragged it into the recesses of my mind to return to later on.


The day went on, and after parading the streets for several more hours, we had made our way entirely through the rings and back again. I shook a few more hands, brushed the streaming array of Aurora color themed confetti, and let myself be directed past a large set of golden gates. I turned in time to see the entirety of the kingdom of Aurora. The palace was magnificent, laid on the mountain close to the Altar of Aurora. It was made of polished marble, with golden etchings, windows and roof. Red carpets and banners flew lavishly, and in the front of the gates stood a magnificent garden, sporting statues and fountains in every patch of green. It was breath taking. Only one breath, though, for as soon as I took one, I had already been ushered through the front doors, which shut behind me, and the roar of the crowd disappeared. The sudden quiet after hours of noise was nearly as discombobulating as the noise itself, but my head began to clear in seconds.


Gideon moved me along, now free of the need for crowd control guards. "Welcome to the palace. This will be your new home." I looked around at the marvel, with the raised ceilings and golden fire braziers lining the pillars down the hall. Under our feet was a lush red carpet, a nice contrast to the stinging purity of the marble around it. To our right, a line of people stood, dressed all differently.


"Who are these people?" I looked at Gideon with curiosity, to which he received with a smile. "These-" He paused while gesturing to the line. "Are the heads of your staff team." He clapped twice and the line began to move, and they began to introduce themselves.


The first was a well dressed man of his early 60s, perhaps, and spoke with a distinguished accent that I found to be amusing. "Good evening, my king. My name is Siran. I am your personal attendant, as well as advisor. I am here to attend to your personal needs as well as keep you running smoothly on the political side of your duties." I nodded, and to which he bowed and moved on.


Next, a man in his 40s stepped up, covered in a more regal set of the city guards armor. Under his right hand was a plumed, greek style helmet, plated with gold. around his back was a red cape, and at his side was a long, impressive looking blade.


"My king! I am Tulius- head of the palace guards, and a General in the Akroan army. My sword is yours." His face was firm and well boned, but was also with a long scar that fell from his left eye down his cheek, like an icicle. He saluted me, which I returned much less dramatically, and he stepped aside, allowing an old woman to press forward, dressed in the traditional garb of the maids.


"My lord.." She croaked happily, and curtsied rather flawlessly for a woman of her age. Practice makes perfect, I guess...


"I am Dibela. I lead the caretakers of the palace. This encompasses the people who clean, cook, wash, stage events, and generally maintain your grounds."


"Very good" I said, suppressing a chuckle at my attempt to mock the seriousness of the people before myself. Dibela smiled warmly, and Tulius also cracked a smile, but Siran shot me a look of disapproval.


Gideon spoke up as a group of four people stepped forward. "These are your own personal servants."


He pointed at them from left to right, naming their jobs- outfitter, messenger, jester, and medical therapist.


I couldn't help but smile at the jester, who winked back. Maybe this wouldn't be terrible...


I stopped myself before allowing my mind to be swayed. I couldn't remain here. The small display of divinity at the temple was only a start, but I still intended to find out more truth about my past. Besides, Aurora had only left me with one answer, and a new ocean of questions to throw in with the others. Gideon stepped forward himself, bowing and interrupting my silent moment in my head.


"As you already know, I am Gideon. I am the head priest of Aurora, and your new mentor. I will guide you in her glory and instruct you how to achieve the full potential of your abilities." He turned to the others and nodded, and they left silently.


Gideon smiled, then froze, a puzzled look emerging on his face.


"I just realized I have no knowledge of your name..."


"Thorin." I said, to which he smiled, as if the sound of it pleased him.


"Today was a long, and... unexpected day. But a grand one in the least. As well as one the will lead to many, much busier ones. As news spreads of your deliverance, all of the people in the land around the city will come to see you. We have very much work to do."


My shoulders slumped at the idea of more "greeting" and Gideon grasped my shoulder.


"I know." He said tenderly. "that you may not want this, or have chosen it. It was thrust on you suddenly, and that can be hard. We will get through this together. Your staff, and I, will help guide you through the steps to shape you into an excellent king. But for now, you are tired. I will show you to your chambers, and you may rest until tomorrow. Tomorrow evening, there will be a banquet held in your honor. We will invite the towns nobility and other guests. There you will be able to make..."


He stopped as he saw my frown deepen. The more he droned on, even despite the attempt he made to alleviate some of my mentions, I felt more and more overwhelmed. "I apologize. You are tired, and not ready to hear these things. Come."


He led me down the winding hallways, and before I knew it, I was in a lavish bed room. Gideon wished me sweet dreams and exited, and two guards shut the doors behind him. I didn't even stop to look around, but fell forward into the large bed, embracing sleep instantly.

 

[Purize]

The grumble of voices and sounds of festivity became increasingly more amplified as the costumed man was ushered through the crowd by the priest. People screamed and cried and rushed forward to him, only barely contained by a wall of city guards. It only took a few moments of hearing "Champion of Aurora!" "Our King!" "A gift from the Goddess!" shouted over the sea of people to figure out what was going on. I must have missed the sudden coronation of Akron's latest Demi-god. Suddenly curious, I stood up on my tip toes to try and look over the crowd at the man in Aurora's robes. I'd never met a Demi-god before. Of course, I had heard legends that they existed and heard stories of their grandeur... but for one to show up so suddenly on the day I travel to Akron, and on the day of the festival no less! The crowd parted for an ever-so-brief moment and my eyes met with those of Akron's newest champion. The moment lasted for maybe only a few seconds, but it felt a lot longer, as if lingering... He was swept away again, the crowd enveloping him and drifting away along side him like the ebb and flow of an ocean tide.


I stood there a moment, watching them parade away with him. The city was almost deserted in their wake. Everyone was probably following the crowd all the way to the royal palace. My curiosity hung in the air like a fog for a moment, as still as the streets now. The quiet was eerie in contrast to the former cheers and screams. I shrug it off and continue down the streets. I quite honestly didn't know exactly what to do now that I was here. I had every intention of enjoying the festival and reminiscing in the city of Akron, but with this turn of the events, most stall vendors were gone, caught in the excitement of Aurora's champion. Lost for ideas I decide to go to the palace along with everyone else. The I would find a hotel to stay in for the time being. I would only be in Akron for a few days before I started moving again. I wanted to visit the other two major cities.


Making my way through ring after ring, I begin to see more and more people the closer I get. Eventually I found the majority of the populace gathered all inside the inner-most ring around the palace. The doors were closed and I could tell people were lingering absentmindedly. Sighing I look away from the palace and around the people around me. I was just wondering about what to do next when my stomach started to growl dramatically. My eyes went wide in surprise at the realization that I hadn't eaten anything all day and it was probably closer to dinner time at this point. I turned again and started to look for a nearby restaurant in the neighboring ring.


It didn't take me long to come across a tavern-like establishment. I walk in and find that it was actually fairly busy. Perhaps it was because everyone had crowded in these central rings and they too were starting to develop appetites. I walk up to the bar of the place and perch on a wooden bar stool. A brawny man with a beige shirt rolled up over his thick dark-haired arms raised an eyebrow at me inquisitively. I smile at him as I catch his attention. "Good afternoon sir," I say to him politely "What is there to eat here?" The man grunts as if my question was a waste of his precious time before answering, "We got steak, fish, and various Faerie foods." He leers at me for a moment. "But you don't look like no Faerie folk." He grumbled. I shook my head patiently. "No sir. I'm not of the Faerie, but I do think I'll have some grilled salmon, please." I sported a half smile and he grunted again. "Anythin' to drink? We gots the finest selections of spirits." I told him I would settle for a glass of orange blossom nectar and he turned away to collect my order, murmuring something like "might as well be a fairy." I turned in my stool to get a better view of the rest of the tavern. It was filled with men and women of all shapes, sizes and races. I saw warlocks, nymphs and even an orc among other species I couldn't quite name. Some ate raw meats while others gulped down liquors and spirits at incredible speeds. There were, I noticed, quite a few Faerie folk. The particular establishment must have specifically catered to them. The bartender asking me if I was of the Faerie though, struck me as odd. My mother used to always tell me I was named Fae after the Faeries. Of course nowadays, no one says "Faeries" very often. They generally only say "Fairy". But, my mother said I had the beauty and elegance as one of the ancient Faeries, that one day I would find my own unique path in life. She said that I didn't have to conform to the life that the Elven kingdom wanted to shape for me, just like my name didn't conform to my race. I wasn't sure what she had meant at the time, but at this point in my life I could understand. I didn't mold or conform, I was carving my own path through life. The clatter of something on the counter behind me made me turn, breaking me away from my thoughts. The bartender set down my plate and my glass of orange blossom nectar. I marveled at it for a moment, I really did love salmon...


In a matter of a few short minutes, I had cleaned my plate and emptied my glass. I was perfectly satisfied with the meal and sat there a moment staring at the array of spirits on shelves behind the counter contentedly. The bartender cleared away my dishes soon after, and I payed him for his service. I got down from the bar stool, feeling a little short trying to hop off of it and turned again to the open space of the tavern. I took a step towards the door when a quick rustle of movement followed by a loud clap caught my attention. I turned in time to see a woman holding her face gingerly, hunched over slightly in pain. A brutish man stood before her, seething. His face was red with drunken rage. He caught her by the shoulders and shook her, rattling her slim frame and making her cry out. "Listen here you filthy bitch! I ain't done drinkin' and I ain't goin' home. So sit your ass down and keep your big mouth shut for at least ten minutes, you got that?." The woman was fretfully pale and still in a daze from the initial blow. She pulled herself together as best she could, though still visibly shaking, and said. "Really, honey I think you've had enough... we really should go-" She was cut off by the man's roar and he raised his hand again. At that point, I had barely realized I was already sprinting across the room towards them.

 

[Zotohxan]

An hour later, I couldn't believe it... I was really sitting in our carriage, sandwiched between my brother and my sister-in-law, heading toward Akron. Before us the road formed of trampled down grass and tightly packed dirt seemed to stretch forever, winding between trees and fields alike, but I know our destination would come close enough. I was thankfully blessed upon birth with a great deal of patience, so even though my excitement made it feel like I may jump straight out of my skin, I was able to stay mostly still.


"Okay, Anna... Now, you know that you can't go running off anywhere once we get to Akron, right?" Arthur's voice pulls me out of my own mind, prompting me to huff in annoyance and cross my arms over my chest. Even though I do have great patience, my irritation certainly grows when I'm babied or made to wait long for something I so desperately want.


So... Perhaps my patience isn't the greatest, but at least I'm not one to stare my brother in the face and constantly question, 'Are we there yet?'


"Yes, I know... And I won't run off while we're there, I promise." And I really won't. I'm not willing to give up this one chance at adventure, just to go a bit faster than Harmea's pregnant waddling can go. That is... If I can help it. "I may go a bit ahead of you two, but I'll make sure I don't get too far ahead." I can feel a slight blushing on my cheeks, though I try my hardest to keep it at bay. They both know how bad I can get though, so there's no way I could get into too much trouble for straying ahead.


Arthur just rolls his eyes at me with a smile, "Yeah, yeah." He shakes his head, reaching over me to take Harmea's hand. "You doing alright, love?" His voice is soft as he speaks to her, knowing that their babies ears have already developed, and as they don't know if it will take on the advanced abilities of its mother, they'd rather not take the chance of giving their fetus a headache.


"I'm fine." Her elbow brushes against me as she rests her hand on her large bump, "And so is little Juniper." I scrunch my nose up at the name and tune out of their conversation, leaning forward to look out the window better, which in turn forces them to move their entwined hands behind my back rather than in front of me.


I sort of just zone out for a large majority of our journey after that, watching the scenery change beyond the confines of the carriage. Vast fields replace the monotonous trees, which then are replaced by marshy swamps and small streams trickling through. No one landscape seems to last very long before another takes its place, but the quick changes seem to give it so much more life... Every tree and even blade of grass has a personality all its own, and faint whispers make their way to me as we pass through.


"-a... Anna, stop spacing out." I glance over at Arthur, the pink in my cheeks vivid now as that was the most stereotypical way for me to come back to reality one could think of. "O-Oh, right.. Sorry." I blink a few times and clear my throat, turning from Arthur's amused expression to instead look out the window once more. I'd apparently been so lost in the various conversations that I'd missed our travel through the several rings, and now we're in the center, right around the Temple of Aurora.


My eyes go wide and I immediately jump over my brother to exit the now opened carriage door. I get a few strange looks, but nothing too extreme. "Wow..." My voice is barely a whisper as I look everything over, watching as the plants' colours seem to grow slightly more vivid around me with my pure awe and excitement. My body is practically vibrating with it... "This is amazing." I don't take my eyes off the decor as I speak back to my two travel partners, receiving nothing more than slightly disinterested grunts in return.


Of course... They'd seen the world before, but I've been cooped up in that little house. Even with the ability to speak to any plant life I come across, and even having seen maps and heard stories of year-long travels, this world really does feel small when you've seen so little for yourself. No amount of stories, no priceless keepsakes, and no photos or written recordings of the foreign lands would be enough... Not for me, anyway. And even though I could never admit it to Arthur in fear of him revoking this one precious opportunity, this journey only solidifies my resolve to one day see more of this world I've been born into. One way or another.

 

[BugDozer73]

My eyes fluttered open gingerly, reacting gently to the first rays of the early morning, flowing delicately in the two large open balconies with flowing silk curtains, drawing a small yawn, stretch, smile, and array of tiny dinosaur noises before rising gracefully to observe the surroundings I didn't pay attention to 1 coma ago. Of course, It happened nothing like that. In actuality, my eyes opened softly, bringing into focus the objects decorating the chambers. I groggily searched my mind for some memories, and jolted up at the sudden lack of them, clumsily rolling off the side of the bed in a panic, crashing painfully to the marble floor with a surprised yelp.


As I sat up rubbing my head in a vain attempt to alleviate the resulting headache, and found the large doors in front of me swinging open, revealing two blurry, armed guards rushing forward in concern. As my vision refocused, I let the first one help me up, asking if I was alright. I nodded, and looked at them both, now not spinning around with the rest of the world, and remembered the events of the past few days.


"Im fine, thanks. Just .... had a bad dream or something. Didn't mean to bother you." They both bowed, the turned and exited through the doors, shutting them behind them, leaving me staring in disbelief. This whole thing was too ridiculous to take seriously. I turned and spotted a brass wash basin by a mirror, and crossed over to it, splashing the cold liquid against my skin, which was sticky from sweating in my sleep. Maybe I HAD had a nightmare. The water was refreshing, and cleared my head quickly.


I dried my face, and stood back, taking in the room around me. It was large, the doors leading in to a lavish bed on a slightly elevated marble platform. It, like most everything else I had seen, was golden, with red yellow and white silk sheets, and flowing tresses. On either side of the bed were large arching doorways that opened up to a connecting balcony with a fountain opposite the wall with the bed, potted plants of many variations, and a breathtaking view of the entire city. As I brought my way to the edge of the balcony, I could see the different rings in totality, the bustling streets, packs of citizens, and the sparkling waters of the bay beyond the docks in the 1st ring. The town was still covered in the festival decorations, and the temple was already under repairs, the rubble of the collapsed statue completely swept away.


After recomposing myself from the stunning view, I returned to the inner sanctum. There were large tapestries, chests, mounted tools, and a godly bath house through a small door on the right wall. As I stepped inside, I found a large, smooth, coral tub, with small streams of water flowing into it at varying locations. The walls were the texture of pearl, and floors were heated. I looked down at myself and realized I was still in the clothes Aurora threw my way the other day, now covered with the dirt from the circles, as well as my own sleep grim from the other night, and I felt my skin crawl at the thought. I quickly slipped out of outfit and slipped into the steaming waters of the basin/tub/spring. The more I tried to figure out which it was, the more confused I become, so I just let that mystery remain.


I soaked for a good 20 mins, letting the grime wash away while I thought about my future and leered at the colorful clothes in a crumpled heap outside the tub. I didn't like them. I may be Auroras blood, but that didn't mean I had to look anything like her. Maybe I could hire someone to make me different clothing, perhaps enchanted. At the very least, I would rather look like me than a dress up, gender bender, phoenix mamas boy.


While examining the pile, I noticed the hilt of the sword from the other day. My gaze focused on it, and I scrunched my eyebrows in curiosity, reaching over to grab it, and pulled it in front of me. It was a single handed sword, but still was longer then most of the class of blade. It had very small protruding hilt guards, made of tempered gold, etched intricately with silver. The sheath was a brick crimson, earthy in its texture, down to the golden gilded apex. The handle was smooth, wrapped tightly with soft red leather. My hand fit like a puzzle piece as I wrapped my fingers around the hilt and pulled gently outwards, withdrawing the blade from its sheathe, which mad a noise much like a drawn out chorus of angels. The blade was black, like onyx. It was smooth and full, but still slender as it rose to its deadly point. It was double sided, and had a line of golden runes raising in a straight line a third of the way up the blade, starting at the hilt. I looked in the reflection of the tub to see the same runes in a small line running vertically, from the top of my neck to the bottom, beneath my right ear.


The blade itself was... magnificent. Perfectly balanced to a comfortable weight; heavy enough to always know it was currently in my hand, but light enough to wield it as effortlessly as if I were moving my arm. It hummed with energy too, and warmed up after a small arching practicing swing. It seemed almost, alive... a force of energy that I was somewhat subconsciously connected too.


I focused my will on the sword, and watched in awe as flames seemed to pour forth from the hilt, until the entire black blade was alight with fire. I quickly willed the flames to dim, and they were extinguished, and my heartbeat slowed. Mom might have stiffed me on the outfit, but i'd have to remember to write her a thank you note for the sword. I sheathed the boon once more, laying it along the side of the tub while I rose to dry off.


I picked it up and strode naked back into the main chamber, dramatically ignoring the heap of garbage wear as I passed by. I opened up some drawers to find heaps of clothing, of varying styles and colors. I tore through them looking for something more my style, and found a some soft brown leather trousers, white island shirt with a low V cut wrung with loose brown leather wrapping to tighten it, if I desired so. I turned to the closet and found some other miscellaneous pieces I found enticing. I added a light armor and leather mid section that resembled a belt that had been stretched out, and covered from about my pelvis to my belly button, as well as sturdy but thin silver neck bracer. Across the room was a small display mannequin that wore a set of light armor for a spell sword. I walked over and examined the gleaming metal, before carelessly ripping off the chest and leg pieces and fitting them nicely on my own body. I reached down into the collapsed remainders of the armor set to retrieve the right arm and shoulder plates, fixing them to myself. I crossed back to the closest and slid on a pair of armored boots, miraculously fitting perfectly, snug and comfortable with animal coated interiors. I strung on some straps and loops, adding some space for other weapons and equipment which i realized suddenly had been replaced by Aurora the day prior.... shit. I sighed grabbed a odd cloak, seemingly plain, but subtly regal. Maybe I was just crazy. I wrapped it over back and left shoulder, so it hung loosely from my back. I shouldered my blade, and turned to the mirror, admiring my handiwork. Guess this would have to do for the time being.


I took one last look around at the beautiful room, now covered in piles of clothes, water puddles, and assorted armor pieces. Whoops... I shrugged and exited the room, nodding to the guards as I passed, who remained motionless.


I turned and strode down the hall, then stopped when I remembered I had no clue where I was going, or how to get where ever I chose to go. Thankfully, A familiar voice drifted down a side hall, calling my name cheerfully.


"Up early, my liege?" Gideon walked briskly towards me with open arms, embracing me quickly. I smiled and embraced him back, begging to enjoy his company. He wore long white robes, so long that they dragged behind him as he wrapped his arms around me and guided me down the halls. "Not to worry, You will soon learn to navigate the palace halls. What happened to your clothes?" He shot me a curious glance, which might have been accusatory, but I payed it no mind. He couldn't tell me what to wear. "I wasn't interested in being dressed up by Aurora. I like to choose my own style."


"You look as if you were an adventurer, not a king." He said, with a sound of distaste, but I waved him off.


"Until I can get my own gear specially tailored, this is what I will wear. I may be a champion now, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy exploring the worlds secrets."


Gideon smiled at this, turning his head down the hall way to the open courtyard of the entrance. "Be your ambitions as they are, you have always been the champion. You were born in the light of her divinity, and have always carried that. Don't let yesterdays display fool you into thinking this a new chapter of life."


"So, where are we going? Im still trying to figure out whats going on really. I came here looking for answers about my past, and suddenly Im king. I don't really know what Im supposed to do or how to act. Im not even sure if I would want to stay... "


Gideon stopped and looked at me curiously for a moment, then smiled softly and patted my shoulder.


"Thorin.... No one chooses to rule. No one chooses this life. And in this life, there isn't as much glory as the populace would imagine. Often times, the champions are slaves to the wills of there parentage more than anyone. I have seen champions of Aurora rise and fall, and it is never without hardship. Many times, the champion ends up dying from personal choice to escape a life of servitude. I don't condemn your future with my words, and will hesitantly admit that from the short time I have spent in your company, you have displayed a much more defiant nature, willful and fiery. I cannot say what the future holds for you, nor can I inform you on the direction, ideals, or importance of your "quest". What I can do is help you become a strong, wise, willful ruler for your people, and open your mind to the full extent of your godly powers."


His words struck me un matched. They were so shocking coming from him that I had no defense in place to soften the blow they had. I blinked twice, and fought a war in my mind to repress the fear, anger, sadness and anxiousness that flared up. Gideon offered me honesty in response to my own, and that was at least a comfort. I needed to be strong. To keep moving forward.


"Gideon," I said as we continued outside. The light from the early morning sun had intensified as the day went on, blinding me a little as we stepped into the fancied in garden, behind which stood more cheering crowds of people. "You still didn't answer my other question."


"Oh?"


"Where are we going?"


He smiled, and turned, pointing to the temple.


"To make a call home. We shall confer with Aurora for guidance, as well as retrieve your artifacts of birthright, left behind by the previous champions."


I looked up at the temple: the statue was already rebuilt, the architects adding the finishing touches.


"What about all these people? What do they want?" I assumed that the way they called to me was born from more then just admiration.


"The people want to see you, to touch you, to worship you. To them, you are a symbol of hope that the condition of their lives will improve. Its been nearly 500 years since the last champion reigned over this city, and in her absence, many aspects of Akron have fallen out of balance."


I stopped at some of his words. He had made previous references to helping other champions, then saying that the last one was alive over 500 years ago. How old was Gideon? And there were others before me? How many?


As we made out way through the gates, the people rushed forward against the lines of guards. One particular woman was crying with seductive despair, holding out a small, sickly child.


"Please, Thorin, you must help. You must heal my child, please! I beg you.." I stopped and looked at her, confused. I stepped forward and cradled her child which she quickly lost hold of as the guards pushed her and the other back, despite her screaming protests. Gideon turned and looked at me with worry, turning to rest a hand on my shoulder. The child in my arms was barely breathing, with pale skin and sunken eyes. He was obviously starving, and suffering from a powerful infection. Gideon looked like he wanted to say something, but just shook his head sadly. The woman eyes were streaming with tears as she locked with mine. Her screams ceased, but her expression was as panicked and distraught as ever.


The child stirred weakly in my arms, and I looked down to see its eyes open slightly, cloudy but peaceful. He lifted his hand weakly towards my face, and with my right hand, I took his, willing him to be comforted. These people were held tyrannically under a group of greedy individuals with no care for the rest of the world. And children, much like him, were left to suffer... children who had done nothing wrong, punished in spite of it, children who had a lifetime to explore, who were knocked aside, like flowers choked out by a weed. It was so wrong..


A small tear slipped down my cheek, and a warmth grew from my chest, speeding up my shoulder and down my arm to my hand, which began to glow brightly, to which I took no notice. I simply stared into the child's eyes, paying no attention to the spectacle that was silencing the crowds. He began to smile, and shut his eyes: his breathing ceased, and in my arms, he died.


The silence was broken by the shrill screams of pain, emanating from the mother, who, heartbroken, collapsed into the arms of several villagers behind her. All eyes were on me, in shock, fear, sadness. I didn't notice any of it. All of my focus was on the tiny ember of life that remained after I had put out his flickering flames.


They would never know that it had been I who had smothered the fire of his life to cinders. All they would remember was what happened next. I let my energy flow back into the child once more, and like a man blowing on the fire coals, reignited the flames.


In a flare of light, much like the first, silence was again found by the crowd after a collective gasp of surprise. When they looked again, The boy hugging my neck with a smile, before giggling and climbing down from my embrace, and running playfully over to his mom, who ripped through the guards to grab him and hold him, sobbing painfully as she ran her fingers through his hair.


"Thank you, oh thank you. You are a hero. You saved my child. He saved my child!"


As the crowd recovered from the shock, reaching new levels of noisy cheering, I decided to ignore the fact that I had no idea what had happened, being as how that was the way with most of my current situations. Instead, I rushed up to the temple with Gideon to avoid the re ignited passion of the crowds. Gideon looked at me with shock.


"Healing is one of the powers of the phoenix. But how did you know what to do? Have you already trained in pyromancing?"


"Only a little, when I was younger. But that was something new. I was honestly hoping you could tell me how that happened."


Gideon just shook his head in disbelief. "This... is an interesting turn of events. Come. We must talk with the goddess for guidance. Perhaps there we can find answers to theses many questions."

 

[Purize]

The rotation of the world seemed to almost stop. Time slowed, sluggish as if it too had partaken in the tavern's spirits. I was only faintly aware of a glass mug being bumped off a table by a startled patron. No one could react fast enough. No one knew it had happened until it was over. But at the same time, in that brief moment of clarity and beauty of the stillness, the reality was the chaos. Everything happened at once.


The glass mug shattered against the hardwood floor, the man's hand sped towards the woman's face as she threw her hands up to protect herself, a silent scream never escaping her lips, people stood up out of their seats noticing my figure dart up to the belligerent man, my hand shot out, faster than his meaty drunken one. I caught his swollen fist and twisted it back, disarming the blow, and use my other hand to land a fist of my own into his right cheek. His face rippled on impact and maybe if I wasn't so serious and in combat-mode, I might have laughed. He staggered back in a daze, his reaction time too delayed by the too many drinks. He held a hand absent mindedly to his face while I quickly turned to the woman, eyes wide in a mixture of shock and fear. She seemed otherwise unharmed, and that was good enough for me when I heard a familiar gargled roar accompanied by thundering footsteps. The hulking man charged in my direction and took a swing at me. I stepped to the side easily, letting him barrel into a group of men a few feet behind me who had gathered to watch. He ended up slugging one of them in the face and a series of shouting and garbled strings of profanity erupted from the group. Everyone was fighting and swinging at everyone else. Punching, kicking, crashing mugs over another's head. "Uh oh..." I said under my breath. I looked at the woman again, expecting to see her white with fear at the impending chaos but she looked interested.... and not at the bar brawl. She was staring at me. I was about to say something when a tankard suddenly hurtled at my face. I ducked, missing it by centimeters, and took the woman's hand. Stealthily and smoothly I made my way through the all-out-war that had ensued in the tavern and wasted no time finding my way to the door. I wasn't the only one who had this idea, several people were trying to make their way outside. Not that I blamed them.


When we finally made it out on the the porch of the tavern, I let go of the woman's frail hand and wiped my forehead. The combined body heat of several drunk and brawling men could really turn up the temperature of a place. "Thank you..." I turn my head to look at the woman smiling warmly at me. "For what you did in there. That was some true bravery," she said. Seeing her in the light now, I noticed several half-concealed bruises and marks of injury. My insides churned with fury but I contained myself. "I couldn't just watch..." I murmured and shrugged with a sheepish smile. She shook her head, her face looked tired and hinted with sadness. "You'd be surprised how many people only watch... or even simply look away." She was silent for a brief moment, as if caught in thought. "In this city, the weak comply to the strong. The onlookers turn a blind eye, and it's everyone for themselves. I believe that if there were more kind folk... brave folk, like you, This world would be much better off." She looked into my eyes, they were uncharacteristically bright for her willowy, beaten frame, and they swam with emotion: Hope. I opened my mouth and closed it a few times, speechless like a fish gasping for air until I looked up at the pink sky, the sun ascending over the trees. "More kind and brave people, huh?" I smile faintly as I thought. When I look back to the woman though to say something else, she had disappeared. I turned in a circle, but nothing was around except the drifting sounds of a bar fight from the tavern, and the shadows slowly creeping out of the nearby alley ways. I blinked and sighed.


It was amazing to me that this world could be so beautiful and vast, hold so much promise and life and yet it's equally as awful. This world is ridden with disease and pain and torture. Woman and children suffer and die slowly and men are slaughtered in battle. What an ugly yet beautiful world. I realized I wanted to help them. I wanted to help the people who suffered and went through daily hardships, but at the same time I only wanted to focus on the beauty... to turn a blind eye. I frowned at myself and decided that I would help any person who needed it, I would never ignore their pain and pretend that this world is perfect and carefree. If we don't help each other... Then we're no better than the people and things that personally cause the pain in the first place.


I kicked a small pebble that was at my feet and watch it skitter along the pavement. I should really try and find an Inn. I thought as I watch the sky for a few more moments. I knew there would be some nearby. Where there's a tavern, there's always an Inn to stay at for the night. I walked along the streets, which were a lot less crowded now that the day was waning. I passed into a deeper city ring and it didn't take me long to find a decent looking Inn. The others, I noticed, looked a tinge too shady for my taste. I walked into the lobby and walked up to the front desk. A weary looking woman stood behind it. She looked like she had been beautiful once, but now stress and tiredness scarred her features, grey hair mixed with faded brown was twisted into a bun on her head. She looked at me with a bored expression as I approached the counter and asked for a room. None too hasty, she turned to pluck a small set of keys on a wall of hooks behind her and said, "Room 402. It's 10 silver coins a night." I nodded and fished out my ten silver coins and handed it to her. She gave me a look that practically growled "you can go now" so I turned hurriedly to find my room.


Two flights up, I found room 402. I unlocked the door and pushed it open with a creak. Even in the dark I could see that it was a pretty well accommodated room. It was certainly worth 10 silver coins. On the wall across from me there was a large window with lacy curtains, the ends of which had been eaten away a bit by moths. Against the left wall was a fair-sized oak canopy bed with homey-looking quilt blankets. bedside table with an oil lamp and a wardrobe stood next to the bed. The left wall was occupied by two bookshelves on either side of a love seat and a small table with a candle stick half-melted in it's holder. Under the table was a thin rug that covered part of the dark wood flooring. The walls themselves had a subtle floral pattern. I smiled at the setting. The room was definitely nicer than most Inn rooms I had been in. I close the door and lock it behind me before crossing over to sit on the edge of the bed. I take off my boots and and my belt, letting my travel bag and miscellaneous adventurer items rest on the floor in front of the bedside table. I light the oil lamp and look around the room once more. I noticed that next to the wardrobe on the same wall with the door to the room, there was an antique looking floor mirror. I looked into my reflection, staring at the tiny wispy girl with silvery hair and blue eyes. She looked so gentle and foreign and I realized it's not often that I actually see my reflection that isn't something like a puddle or shop window in passing. I tilt my head, and the girl mimics me. I raise a hand, and the girl offers her tiny lithe one. I sigh and look away from the mirror deciding to settle into the bed for sleep. I close my eyes and a familiar sensation wracks through me. I gasp and arch my back, the pain was blinding and so sudden. The icy burning and feeling of blades sinking into skin, biting and shredding up my insides winded me. It was something I never got used to, not matter how many times I felt it, the sharp pains never dulled. Finally, My body went limp and my gasps for air were mixed with soft sobs. Tears trails down one cheek and I shakily wiped it away. I realized that this was the second time today the pain had come over me. It was becoming more and more frequent... and it took every effort I had to try and stifle the growing fear. What the hell is happening to me...?


Eventually, I faded into unconsciousness. In my sleep, the same reoccurring dreams and visions swam before my mind: At my feet lay a bent silvery metallic band in the shape of a circle that I could quite make out. Visions of feathers drifted down from a blood red sky. Flashes of my naked body, my back, tricking with blood. My silver hair concealing the wound that I never saw.

 

[Brendanfp]

"Stay low and don't go picking any fights until I have healed" Ifrit had told me, but that was precisely what I was about to do.


I had come to the small town of Oros on a lead that the Oracle had passed through, however it was a false claim. There was no Oracle here, but I had found something just as interesting. Three demons who had made a home in the tiny town. They feed off of unfortunate town folk who wandered at night. I had gotten to this town a day ago, and was confronted by the three demons. They hoped that I was just a young traveler who had lost his way, and I don't blame them. To any mundane person I would appear to be just a young foreign boy, helpless and easy to pick off, but this could not be anymore false. A grin stretched across my face when I remembered how the demons had begged for my forgiveness. There was no demon alive who deserved my mercy. I hate conflict and will help any one who comes too me, but not a demon, no not demon.





"You did well they were weak stragglers who refused to come fight in the Purge. I should thank you"


"No one asked you" I thought


The idea of me helping Levia made me shudder. His cold malice chuckle echoed through my skull. Ever since I had been cursed by his wretched amulet he has been able to invade my thoughts and influence my mood and sometimes even my actions. I would never give in to him though not now not ever.





"Keep telling yourself that you naive child"


I ignored him. For now I had a task to complete. I stood at the edge of Oros, where an old decrepit house stood. Its grey wood creaked against the faint wind, and a smell of must hung in the air. That was not the only thing I smelt though. I took a deep breath in, and the scent of a demon, a fourth demon, filled my nostrils. I had to end him here, before he discovered that his friends weren't returning. I reached to my side and there hung my sword and my lamp. I touched the lamp, it was small and silver, big enough to fit right in the palm of my hand. Inside resided my only friends a Djinn named Ifrit. She was healing her essence from our last battle with the demonic trio. I tried to tell her she didn't need to assist me, and she knew I was right, however she would never let me go into a battle alone. I had promised her that I would not get into any trouble while she healed, but I could not let this last demon get away. It would be morning soon I needed to do this fast. I reached over my shoulder, removed my satchel, and placed it on the ground. I didn't want to ruin my one and only gift I had received from my love, before...





"I killed her, along with the rest of your filthy people ?"


I cringed. "Just you wait" I thought as I pushed open the door and enter the house.


I took caution, looked to the left then to the right, no one. I listen close. There was muttering no, it was chatter. I quickly advanced on the noise into a kitchen. There sat a family of three a mother, a father, and a young girl all engaging a


leisurely conversation.





Was I wrong about the house ?


No.


I looked closer and saw that these people were under the influence of demonic magic. Their eyes were glazed over with a layer of a crimson glitter. It was a low mundane trick among demons, and only affected the weak minded. The demons probably used the family's house as a hide-out and hexed them so that they could come and leave as they pleased.


"Filthy, low life demons" I muttered to my self, as I turned around to investigate the rest of the house. I made my down the hall. Old paintings hung on the wall, and swayed with each step. I turned a corner and came to the base of a staircase, there he was. The demon stood there mid step. In his hand was a large black suitcase. I was sure that instead of clothes it held demonic weapons and some flesh he had kept from his previous victims. The thought made me cringe. I examined him. He was tall and built, his muscles hidden beneath his black coat. He was brutish and his face was stern as if made from stone. All demons had at least one distinguishing trait of their body, whether it be leathery skin, long claws, or hellish horns. The demon in front of me just happened to have all three. He glared down at me from the stairs his face showing no indication that he was surprised.


"Are you lost little boy ?" he said with an evil grin.


"No I'm just fine, just came here to take care of some business"


He was not as foolish as the others though. He saw my sword, he felt my power, noticed my confidence. The demon set his suitcase down, muttered under his breath a spell in demonic tongue. It was short and concise, but I heard them clear "strength and speed."


With lighting swiftness he was already at the bottom of the staircase and his large clawed fingers griped my throat. "Strength and speed enchantments" I thought. Simple enchantments but demon magic was a simple thing. He lifted me quickly into the air, and then slammed me down into the rustic floorboards. I heard them crack beneath me, and the demon was perched on top of me. He was stronger than the others, but I already knew that he was no where close to me level of strength. With one hand I gripped his forearm, and with the other I reached for the silver hilt of my small curved sword. He saw me going for it and reached to stop me but I was faster. I pulled on the hilt, and swung the blade across his arm cutting straight through the bone. Demonic blood splattered down on to my face, to any normal human it would corrode the skin, but the same demonic blood coarse throughout my own veins.


"What have you done" he screamed as he held his sizzling flesh.


In my hand I held an angelic ivory curved sword. The blade glowed faintly and the light slowly singed my flesh. The demon was still looking down on me and with his other hand, he swiped against my chest, his claws cut through the white Linen shirt.


"I kill y-" he had no time to finish his threat because before he could I had muttered a word under my breath, and the demon flew across the room. Into a wall on the far side of the room. I got up and winced from the pain.


"Shit" I muttered to my self. I let him get one in on me, "you're too old to be making these mistakes" I scolded myself. I heard the demon cough from the whole in the wall, where he now lied.


"You still alive ?" I remarked.


He could only respond with another cough. I strolled over to the demon. He had no more fight left in him. I squatted next to him, and flashed him a smile then reached into my shirt.


"Hey don't die yet" I told him. I pulled out my amulet, it was a simple design. The chain was made of obsidian chains, and hanging from the chains was a small crimson pendant which was bordered by more obsidian. His eyes widen, he recognized it.


"Tell me what you know about it" I said calmly. As I brandished the blade in my hand. He just stared at me and smiled his devilish smile.


Silence.


"Have it your way then" I spat at him and plunged the blade into his chest. His body tensed as his flesh sizzled, then with one twist the demon went limp again. I stood up and muttered a hellblaze spell. His body was engulfed in blackish flames, "easy clean up" I joked as the flames dissolved his body. I looked down at my chest at the slashes across my chest. My clothing was enchanted and had began to sew it way back together, but I would have to wait until Ifrit was done resting, before it would be healed. I sheathed my blade and the burning light of the blade went with it. I made my way back to the kitchen to find the family was in a daze. The demons death had released them from the hex. They held their heads as they regained their senses. I saw the table spread and couldn't resist. I snatched up a loaf of bread from the table, and stuffed it in my faced. "That would be enough thanks for me. " The father looked up at me.


"Who the hell-" but I was already out the door. I didn't feel like explaining to him how he had been used by a couple of low-class demons. My wounded ached.





"You held back. Now look at you. Pitiful"


"Shut up" I thought


I picked up my satchel from the ground, and stopped. Three men were riding this way on horses. They stopped in front of me. A portly fellow was the first to get off his horse.


"Have you heard the news !" he exclaimed as he gripped my shoulders.


"No, what is it ?" I said confused, resisting the urge to blast this man with a pulse a magic.


"Aurora !" he yelled "She has chosen her champion ! In her own blessed city." he says as he shakes me in excitement.





"Oh ?", Levia said coolly.


"And what more" said another man mounted on his horse "Word is that the Oracle is there to greet the young lad"


"The boy looks a bit too mundane to be a champion" said the third man. I didn't hear his comment however, because I had just heard the best lead to the Oracle i'd heard in a long time.


"We must tell Tom and Clara" said the first man as he ran to the old house I had just left. The other two men dismounted and followed him. I looked down at the small silver lamp glinting in the mornings first rays. Ifrit is still healing, I thought to my self, so she can't fly me to Aurora's city, Akron. I lamented. "I hate stealing, but I have to get there before the Oracle" I thought. It was true the Oracle traveled the world delivering prophecy wherever Tempus leads him to, and it made it made him hard to track down. I quickly mounted the horse of the portly man, and took off. I reached into my satchel, which was enchanted to enable it to hold countless items, and from it I produced my map.


Akron was close, I thought.


As I left the town I noticed something. A smell. A wondrous sweet scent. Upon expecting the bag I found two, bottles filled to the brim with golden mead. I popped a bottle open, and made a toast to my newest demon friend, "May he rest in peace" I laughed and raised the bottle to my lips, and set off to Akron.

 

[Zotohxan]

I'd had to be practically dragged from the temple when Harmea started feeling pains a bit later on in the day. I was told by several flowers- which are surprisingly and in such a cliche in tune with the reproductive ways of a woman- that she wasn't going into labour, but it didn't matter to Arthur. We were quickly ushered to the carriage and taken curb around curb to different medics until I was told of an apothecary lodging at a nearby Inn. I told my brother about it, and I swear I'd seen some sort of smoke come from the wooden wheel from how fast he'd turned his direction and headed that way...


For two hours I was sat outside a room, on the hard wooden floor, listening through the door to the sounds of Harmea's pained breaths, and Arthur's frantic questions. All the while I was just hearing over and over again how the sleep deprived man inside would repeat the same words, "They are false contractions, every common in the third trimester. The child won't be born yet, but within two months."


And of course, every single time he would mutter anything even along those lines, Arthur would have an instant, panicked rebuttal. "But she's in so much pain! Come on, you can help her! I'll pay you anything!" Even money we don't have wouldn't sway the medicine man though, not that I blame him... It's night by this point, the sun already sleeping far past the horizon, and the moon resting peacefully upon her starry perch.


Obviously I don't blame Arthur either, he's a man worried about the woman he loves and their child within her. But I do believe he could've handled it a better way than harassing the poor, tired man...


Once the ordeal was finally over, even Harmea's pains stopped, my brother finally met me in the hall and we called our own sleepy goodnights to. I then somehow managed to convince my penny-pincher sister-in-law to buy us a room with two beds to stay in for the night. They took one, and I took the other.


The room was beautiful, in all honesty... Though, that of course may have been a bit of my sheltered home life coming back at me. I'd never seen a room aside from mine and Arthur's, so this is definitely some sort of a step up. It was what I'd call a 'normal'. Two fairly large beds, a sofa on the opposite wall, lanterns hung on either side of the curtained window, and a candle atop the dresser on the wall next to the door. I wouldn't have expected more, as such minute details are never really discussed after another's travels. But me... I want to tell all of it. Every crack and crevice the room has, every shadow cast upon the wall from the moon's dull brightness...


That would take hours, though.. To tell everything I see, every sound I hear, every smell around me and every texture I touch? Yeah... It would be far too much.


So just suffice it to say, I didn't get much sleep before I'd heard everyone else in the building settle down into a nice slumber for the night. And even though my day of adventuring was cut pretty short, I can still happily say that it was one of the best days I've ever had. And strangely enough, though I know it could never really be topped, I've got a strange feeling in the back of my mind that something great is coming... Something much more grand than any carriage ride and any night in an Inn... I suppose I'll just have to wait and see what life brings in the morning.

 

[BugDozer73]

As we pushed past the vast marble slabs for doors, I was greeted with the fresh scent of smoke and powerful incense, which filled my nose and overloaded my senses with the intensity of its fragrances. Much like the palace, there were long draping red tapestries, with elegant carpets and stained glass, but in a much more ritualistic and divine decoration.


"Welcome to the hall of Aurora" Gideon made gesture to the open space of the room with a long sweeping motion with his arm across his body. Two men in hoods approached us, breaking away from some of the others who were slowly milling around the open room. The taller one removed his hood, revealing a bald man with a brown trimmed goatee, maybe in his forties.


"Grand Master Gideon! We offer thanks for your presence. And this must be the Champion!" Some other hooded monks (I think they were monks) stopped their milling and stepped forward, bowing low and emitting a low moaning noise, or perhaps deep-throated humming. The head monk, the one with the goatee (I assumed him to be the head-monk) raised an eyebrow at gideon, and they excused themselves to the side of the temple momentarily, leaving me alone with the hooded ones, who just stared at me in silence. One rather bold monk stepped forward to touch my clothes, as if testing wether or not I was real. I looked over at Gideon awkwardly, not knowing what to do or say as the monks slowly encircled me. Gideon and goatee man finished up their hushed conversation, and he returned to me, reeling the gathering monks with his presence. I felt as if he had just pulled me above the surface, and was grateful for the help: My anxiety was growing and I was staring to get an itchy trigger finger.


"Come, Thorin: We have much to discuss, as well as see. Im sure you will be pleased with the temple. It is well, too; they will come in handy on your up-coming journey." I looked at him quizzically, but he simply looked ahead and guided me down the hall and to the left into a lower arching room with dim lighting and a large brazier burning low at the end of the hall. In carved grooves along the way, were small pools of light, illuminating small trinkets.


The first of these was a small satchel, with a looped leather strap, holding a variety of small glass vials filled with many different colors of liquids, powders, and other substances I struggled to place through sight alone.


Gideon smiled at the sight of it, as if good memories were flitting through his millennia old mind.


"The belt of Selenius. The first son of Aurora. He was not a strong magic user, with only limited connection to the Goddesses powers, but he was no worse for ware because of it: He contained substances with magical properties as magical bombs, so to speak. Breaking the vials would release their magical properties." He pointed to a vial with frost on the glass, on the inside containing a ice blue sloshy liquid. "This one contains the blood from a frost giant. Breaking the glass will unleash a burst of the northern winds fury." He plucked another from the strap, holding it up to the light to examine its contents more carefully. Inside was a metallic brown and green bubbling mixture.


"Basilisk venom: A corrosive acid that can melt through anything." My eyes went wide as the list went on: Ground dragon scales, cloud nymph vapor, shade ink, Phantom plasma, Ent sap, Spider venom, and so on. Most had at least two vials; in fact, there was only one vial that stood alone, one with a golden tint and a glowing red tinted liquid -- no, not red... more like a rose gold color. With this vial, Gideon was the most tender, using both hand to withdraw it slowly, like a child. His eyes sparkled as he held it up.


"These are pure, unfiltered phoenix tears- the most powerful medicine in the know world. These can heal any wound, or even bring a person back from the dead." I looked at him in disbelief, but he looked serious, and I realized why he was so careful.


"But Gideon..." I looked back at the strap curiously. "How come there is only one of those vials?"


"A phoenix gives its tears as a gift to mortals of extraordinary spirit and honor. It isn't a common occurrence, and already a challenge enough to find the Phoenix." He slipped the golden vial back into its spot and lifted the satchel and strap, presenting them to me. I looked at him in shock.


"Gideon, this is a priceless artifact. I can't take this." Somewhere inside of me, the pirate smacked me silly, scolding me for my refusal, but Gideon shook his head- "Until your magic is refined and matured, these will keep you safe and help you to solve more challenging situations. Not to mention it is your birthright, as the champion. You will need them for coming hardships. Take them."


Again with the journey/hardship thing? What wasn't he telling me?





I nodded, keeping my mouth shut for the time being, and took the items, sliding them over my garb and fortifying my current arsenal of a magic sword and un-tempered divine magic. I felt safer already.


We moved down the hall way once again, passing a golden necklace with a string of glowing rubies, a polished shield with etchings of heroic feats, a golden stick, shaped like the but of a torch, and other things I didn't recognize, before stopping at a medium size, worn out, leather journal with small swaths of red cloth strips stitched inside. Gideon lifted the journal and blew off a small layer of dust before turning and handing me the book. I opened the pages and found the neat handwriting of its previous owner.


My face flushed red and I closed the book quickly


I looked at Gideon, hastily trying to keep the conversation moving. "Who did this journal belong to?"


He smiled, pairing it with a chuckle.


"Thats your sister, the one I mentioned living 500 years ago. She was level headed and driven, faithful to Aurora and to her people. Her name was Arlinn. Her journal might help you find answers, as well as guid your magic training: She was a prodigy pyromancer, and recorded many techniques and findings within the pages." I thanked him and slid the precious literary treasure in my new satchel.


Great... this thing is worthless to me..


He turned and made his way back dow to the end of the hall, and ended at the base of the large brazier, which, upon closer inspection, was rather ornate for a simple lighting instrument. Gideon put his hand to the wall, and a small burst of fire curled over the stone and around the sides of his hand, and a small red line of stone shot from his hand and curved around behind the brazier, where is stopped. The fire rubbled lightly, then began to lower, until the fire was low enough to be a reflecting pool. Gideon guided my gaze to a fist sized, opaque black sphere with a small fire within the stone sitting itself inside the center of the current flames.


"Take the stone"


"Ill burn myself." I knew I wouldn't, but the anxiety was still there: It wasn't a habit of mine to stick my hands into open flames. Though I had no experiences with any amount of uncomfortable heat, sunburns, hot metal, etc, I wasn't eager to dip into the red hot plasma.


"Don't be silly, Thorin: Take the stone."


He wasn't going to relent, and so I meekly slid my hands into the flames, coldly licking the exposed skin of my hands, which gently wrapped around the unblemished, perfectly spherical surface of the stone. When I lifted it from the coal bed, The flames died quickly, the coals cooling to black char. The stone itself was heavy for a stone, but not in general, weighing no more then 3 pounds. It was cool, but had a tingling warmth that seemed to be trapped within, most likely from the miniature inferno in the center. It was mesmerizing to stare into, and I nearly lost myself in its black depths, pulled back by the sound of Gideon's voice.


"This is the Phoenix heart, the most guarded artifact of the disciples of Aurora. It is a Pyro stone, which can focus, enhance, and help to develop a Pyromancer's power 20 fold. This will help you pull of larger spells with more accuracy and lethal efficiency until your own ability allows you to cast without it." I looked down at the once, seemingly harmless stone, now nervous of the bomb in my hands.


"Don't be afraid. It is a divine artifact. It won't hurt you. It will only act as a transformer to expand the magnitude of your spells. And with that, You will be ready to start your life as the champion."


"Thank you Gideon, but you keep mentioning this "quest" thing... what are you referring to?"


Gideon's expression darkend. "Don't worry child. We will discuss everything at length in the coming days, after the banquet tomorrow evening. For now, you should make your way back to the palace. Spend some time training, talking with the caters, relax. I have to go for now and commune with the other monks. I will see you soon."


Before I could object at the abruptness of his departure, he turned and swept his way out of the corridor, leaving me alone.


I looked down at the stone, and raised an eyebrow in curiosity. I lifted it slightly, and focuses on the fire in the room, willing my power to fuel them. A heat rose from the orb, and the center flames grew suddenly, as well as the dim light, becoming blinding as the flames shot forth in excited fountains, pouring and curling over the low ceiling. I fell back in shock and surprise, losing my wind and ending the spell. I rose as quickly as my body allowed, shoving the stone into my sack and making my way back to the palace.

 

[Purize]

I awoke the next morning to my body feeling stiff and groggy from sleep. Sunlight filtered softly through the light lace curtains and spilled onto the hardwood floor like a kaleidoscope display. Small particles of dust and drifting lint shown delicately through the gentle streams of light, stirring slightly as I propped myself up in the bed. Looking past the curtains and out the window, I saw that the sun had risen up past the horizon, and I realized I slept in longer than I intended. Yawning and stretching, I swung my feet out from under the covers and over the side of the bed. I rubbed my eyes drowsily as I stared into the antique mirror. When I turned just right, the sunlight from the window caught the luminous blue stone pendant I wore around my neck, casting a sparkling glint of blue, crystalline lights on the ceiling. Mesmerized, I watched the blue sparks dance about, and my mind wandered to my mother. She had given me the necklace before she died. Despite this fact, the necklace and it's pendant of mysterious properties never made me sad. Of course, I missed my mother, but the necklace had become like a reminder of her once-warm presence, her loving embrace and soothing words. It was a reminder of her life before it ended, and I remembered her fairly well although she had died when I was much younger.


A cloud must have passed over the sun, because the sparkling light in the room faded, leaving the room to its cool colors, and my pendant to its faint luminous blue. Exhaling a sigh, I bent to put my boots on and reequipped my belongings and accessories. I strapped my sword sheath over one shoulder, and then slid on my traveler's bag over that to conceal my strange weapon. I had learned over the years that walking around openly with a spellsword tends to make people nervous.


After I had redressed and ready to go, I took one more glace around the elegant little room. I had an irrational appreciation for building and interior design. Sayomi used to catch me standing in front of buildings and simply staring. I liked to study the curves and etches, the minute details and the style. Perhaps this was because of my childhood, when the only thing I ever saw was the same polished, ornate rooms and handsome halls and luxurious court yards. Spending year after year being cooped up in the same place, I suppose I got bored and took to studying every nook and cranny of the place. That castle was huge... not that I have another castle to compare it to, but in my youth it was the only thing I was familiar with. The world could have stopped beyond the front door for all I knew. Now I knew better. There was so much else to be seen and experienced, to be searched and studied. No book in the castle library, no angle or view from the tall balconies could show or inform me of the vast world that lie waiting beyond the borders of that Elven kingdom.


I realized I had gotten lost in another daydream and shook my head as I closed and locked the door behind me and began down the Inn's third story corridor. I made my way back down to the lobby and saw a man now sitting behind the main desk. I walked up to him and placed my room keys on the counter. He looked at me with a kind, business-like smile and took the keys to hang them back up. "Thank you for staying at the SilverBird Inn, Ms." I dipped my head to him in response and walked out the front door. The air was warm and still slightly sticky from the morning moisture. A light breeze flowed in between the buildings and streets, and the sun and peeked out from behind the clouds. I stood for a moment, deciding on which direction to take, before I finally decided on visiting the temple. While I was in Akron, I may as well see the two main attractions: The Temple of Aurora, and The Palace of Akron. The face of the man dressed like Aurora strayed into my mind. The latest champion of Aurora. What were the odds of me visiting Akron on the Day of the festival and a champion being named out of the blue? I had to admit it was intriguing. Aurora was not exactly my patron Goddess, but I respected her and her children as I did any other god and demi-god.


I had to travel through a few rings until I made it back to the ring that was home to the temple. The statue that was in a heap of rubble just yesterday was almost completely restored and monks milled about unhurriedly. I walked up the grand marble steps up to the temple doors and strolled right in. Inside, massive marble pillars that stretched from floor to ceiling sported long red tapestries bearing Aurora's symbol, and tall panes of stained glass towered along the back wall on the other side of the room. In front of the stained glass windows was a gilded and decorated altar of Aurora. Along the side walls were doors that lead into separate wings of the temple. If I thought that petite little room at the Inn was pretty, this temple hall was dazzling and magnificent in comparison. Fine details and embroidery marked the walls and bottoms of pillars and the room radiated with colorful light thrown by the early morning rays of sun in the stained glass windows. I felt myself trembling in the excitement and greatness of it all. Gods sure do get the best quality of offerings and things made in their honor. Whether that was out of fear or respect however, I didn't know.


I advanced slowly down the hall, taking everything in. Once I reached Aurora’s altar, I stopped, admiring the craftsmanship of the sculpted marble and gilded edges. It was beautiful. All of it. The altar the flooring, the walls, the ceiling, the way the building presented itself to the eye. It was beautiful. I stretched out a tentative hand to feel the texture of the smooth marble underneath my finger when a crashing sound reverberated off the walls. I jumped away from the altar and turned towards the source of the sound. In the back corner, beside the left wall of the temple’s main room knelt a monk. He was hunched over his robes over a toppled wooden crate, with candles spilling over the floor. Some were broken, held together only by the wick, and some had crumbled or dented. I rushed over to him and fell to my knees to help him pick up the candles, he looked up in a brief moment of surprise, but didn’t speak as I helped him place the candles back into the crate. I stayed silent as well as I helped. I didn’t know the limitations and restrictions that came with the life of a monk. For all I knew they were mute, unable to speak for meditative spiritual purposes, like the ‘speak no evil’ thing. Or perhaps they simply couldn’t talk to women. I had heard of monks who could talk freely unless it was too a woman. It prevented the monks from falling into any temptations… We finished picking up the candles and we stood in unison, the monk held the crate with both hands. He looked at me with appreciation and ducked his head in a bow before walking off with the crate. Part of me wondered why he was carrying around candles in a crate, but at the same time, I was filled with a warm fuzzy feeling. I really did love helping people, but the thing that made it worthwhile was the gratitude.


Satisfied with my visit to the temple, I walked back outside to the grand marble stairs. The sun still shone true upon the city and more people began to mill about and begin with the chores of their day. Next stop, I thought to myself, The Akron Palace. The palace wasn’t far away, it was close to the temple in the inner-most ring, so I set off along the sidewalk. I had noticed that the buildings and the all-around décor of the inner rings became more and more ornate the closer I got to the center. The cracked and somewhat overgrown walk ways of the outer rings were gradually replaced by neat and clean-cut bricks. Even the dirt and rundown streets were paved in stone and brick here. The buildings stood more proudly, lawns and porches well-kept. The people in this part of the city looked more pristine as well. Men were clad in casual, but rather noble-looking clothing, and women wore dresses, and some even carried parasols with their gloved hands. I couldn’t help but note the differences between the first and third classes of the city. It was the most perfect example of a caste system if there ever were one.


A skirting shadow dipping into a dark alley interrupted the study of my surroundings. The movement was so subtle in my peripheral vision that I wasn’t even quite sure it had happened until hushed and hasty voices drifted from the mouth of the alley. My eyebrows knit together in curiosity and I couldn’t help myself as I gravitated towards the opening between the two buildings. It was a dark and damp stereotypical alleyway, even for the center-most ring of Akron. Peering into the dim light, I could see two figures at the end of the way, one huddled up against a brick wall at the end with the darker figure standing in front of them. Something glinted in the shadowy form’s grip and I heard the cornered man speak.


“I-I don’t have the money! My wife— she is sick and her medicine from the apothecary—” The man was interrupted by the figure before him as a hand shot out and closed around his throat.


“I don’t care. I want my money, Dean.” His voice came like a low and menacing growl, and with a quick motion, he thrust the man who must Dean, against the wall, his head making a sickening crack against the brick. I smelled blood, and that was enough for me to darken the entry way to the alley. At my presence, the figure stiffened but didn’t turn. I walked up to them slowly, cool confidence with an air of danger rolled off of me in waves. It wasn’t until I stopped a few feet away from the men, that the darkened figure finally turned to face me. He let go of Dean’s throat, allowing him to collapse on the alley floor, groaning and coughing. A circle of dark liquid slowly oozed down the wall behind him where his head must have made contact. The assailant’s eyes met mine, they were a piercing yellow color, the pupils were in slits like a cat’s. A sharp-toothed grin crept across his face, glimmering in the dim light.


“Can I help you?” He said calmly, as if I’d just walked into a friendly neighborhood store, but his voice still held a hint of foreboding.


I tilted my head and offered a smile, mirroring the chilly note of his tone. Rather than answering though, I pulled out my sword. The echo of the blade against the sheathe reverberated sharply off the brick walls and the man’s own smirk vanished. He raised his hand, revealing the long dagger he carried and took a step back. “People like you disgust me.” I murmured as a wisp of faint glowing light formed in my open palm.


The light shimmered and shifted to my breath, my heart beat, my every thought and motion. It was a part of me, but sometimes I could hear it talking to me. I commanded it and it aided me. Sayomi had told me it was called at Focus, a ball of crystalized mana unique to spellsword users. It was connected to me as well as my sword. The blade and the Focus worked together with me almost like extensions of myself. So, when the man made the first move, jabbing the dagger towards my middle, I was ready.


With a sudden burst of mana energy, I shifted to the side, my entire body diffusing to the direction I willed to move to. It wasn’t quite teleportation, but rather using mana to bolt a few feet in any direction. It certainly came in handy during combat. He staggered in the spot I stood only a moment ago and whirled to face me again. This time, I struck first. I brought the sword down towards him in a diagonal swoop and he only barely blocked it with his shorter blade. I shot my Focus from my hand and it passed through his body making him careen backwards against a wall. He regained his composure quickly and charged at me for another attack, dagger held above his head. My Focus, which still hovered at the other end of the alley shot forward, coming in on the man from behind. I diffusion shifted to the side and let my Focus shoot through him, slamming him face-first into the opposite wall I had just stood in front of. He dropped his weapon, and stumbled as he lost his footing and ultimately fell back on his posterior. His once menacing expression and icy gaze was replaced with a red rectangular band that stretched from the top of his forehead down to his chin, characterized with the indentations of rough brick and mortar.


I kicked away his dagger to the furthermost corner of the alley next to a pile of rubble and knelt down beside the dazed man. I noticed that on his right arm, there was a black insignia. A symbol I didn’t recognize. If it didn’t seem so distinct I would think it was a simple tattoo, but still I did not pay it much mind. “I suggest you pick your fights more wisely, sir.” I said to him, a sweet smile curling over my lips. He glared up at me and spat blood. “You dirty bitch—” he started, but I shook a finger at him and tsked. “A tough guy like you ought to know better, hm? I suggest you take your leave.” I stood back up and took a step away from him, motioning towards the mouth of the alley. He stood up gingerly and placed a hand on the wall to keep himself upright and steady. After muttering some sort of incoherent curse under his breath he slunk his way out of the alley, and out of sight.


I finally turned to address Dean, the man who still sat on the ground, staring up at me with wild amazement and maybe even a tinge of fear. I offered him a hand and helped him to his feet.


“Are you alright?” I asked, looking at his head.


Judging from the dark smudge on the wall behind him, I guessed the back of his head was bruised and bleeding. He smiled painfully and gently tapped behind his skull to feel for the abrasion. Wincing, he lowered his hand again and nodded carefully.


“I think so… at least more so that I would be if you didn’t happen along. Thank you, um…” He paused, and I smiled, “You can call me Fae.”


He glanced at me with a grateful, sheepish smile. “and I’m Dean Howard. Thank you so much for your help, Fae.” I gave him a smile of my own and tilted my head. “So that guy was trying to hassle you for money?” He sighed, squinting his eyes like the situation he was in was more painful than his head injury.


“I suppose you could say that. I owed them money from a deal I made a while back… I even had money saved up to pay them off but…” He trailed off, his voice faltering a bit. I frowned in understanding.


“But your wife,” I said, “I heard. I’m sorry…” He shrugged and shook his head, looking beaten and defeated. “She’s very ill, but the medication really helps… the only thing is that it’s rather expensive. I had to dip into almost all my savings.” He sighed again but put on a faint smile. “In any case, thank you. I know they’ll come back for me, but at least I have more time.” My eyes widened in surprise.


“Come back? Even after that?” I was dumbfounded. Dean began to look nervous and uncomfortable.


“They’re relentless” He said quietly, almost a whisper. Before I could inquire though he straightened himself and smoothed out his clothes, patting off the dirt and grim of the alley floor. “Anyhow,” He went on, “To express my gratitude, I do believe I can show you something you may take interest to while you’re in Akron.” He smiled. When I gave him a puzzled look. “Yes, I can tell you’re not from around here, Adventurer. Not many people walk around Akron with that sort of weapon at the ready.” I sheathed my sword, suddenly conscious of its presence outside of its holster. “Ah…” I said weakly. He chuckled and made his way out of the alley, and I followed after him.


“So what is this interest you mentioned?” I asked inquisitively. He turned to glance at me for a moment while we walked along through the ring.


“It’s the city’s Adventurer Guild Bulletin. Surely you’ve heard of those, yes?” He responded. I was perplexed, however. It sounded faintly familiar, like I vaguely recalled Sayomi mentioning it in passing when I was younger, but nothing really rang a bell. Noting my cluelessness, Dean chuckled again.


“The Bulletin is where citizens of a city post various jobs and rewards for certain services up for Adventurer’s in passing to look at. That way they can make a bit of money on the side as they travel.” I stared at Dean with my mouth open, practically gawking at him. “Really!? And all cities have these? That’s incredibly convenient!” He smiled and nodded, obviously pleased with my excitement and enthusiasm.


“It is, in fact that’s why it was created. There are a good few of talented travelers out there, always passing from city to city. The Adventurer’s Guild knows this, and recognized the problem of struggles for money… so they just set up bulletin boards. Citizens come and post any jobs or favors they need done along with a reward, whether it be coins or objects of value, and people in passing respond to them when they are low on funds. It’s rather brilliant really, people get help with things they can’t normally do themselves, and travelers get paid generously.


I dwelled on this wonderful new discovery and soon enough we arrived at the Bulletin. Dean said his farewells and last grateful ‘thank you’ before departing. I walked up to the Bulletin board and saw another man standing in front of it. As I approached, a subtle air of familiarity surrounded his form, but before I could place it, or even think about it, he turned and walked away, disappearing behind a corner. I shrugged it off and stepped up to the board. It was filled with pieces of parchment, long and short, crinkled and crisp, and all of them had job offerings of various descriptions and rewards. I decided instantly that not only was this the best way to make money now, but it was the best way to help the people of Akron as much as I could before I left for the next Major City.

 

[Brendanfp]

I floated endlessly through a void of endless darkness. I had no form, felt no pain, and my senses were numbed. It seemed like I would stay suspended forever in this state of limbo.


"


You summoned me master ?" The voice echoed through the endless void. I recognized the voice, and it sent a chill down my spine. The voice belonged to Levia.


"How is your progress with the boy coming along ?", inquired another voice. This voice was foreign to me, but it was even more vile and chilling as Levia's.


"The boy, he still resist the true power of the Amulet. He has used a good measure of its power to eliminate some lesser demons, however he relies to much on his blade. I fear corrupting him will be harder than I thought."


"Boy ?" I thought, "is he talking about me ?" "And who is that other voice ?"


"Levia" the unknown voice boomed. "You are the General of my armies, and the successor of my throne, do not disappoint me"


"Of coarse my lord" Levia's voice whimpered.


With that the void started to melt away, and the voices vanished with it. A bright light flooded into the void and surrounded me in its warm embrace, and burning away at the darkness.


My eyes fluttered opened, and I turned my head.


Where am I, the thought danced around in my head.


I winced at a pang of pain in my temples, as I shifted. I was lying down on a bed in a small room. Rays of brilliant light shone in through the rosy red curtains , which covered the only window in the otherwise bland room. I sat up in the bed, and tried to recall the last memory I had. It took a while, but slowly it bubbled to the surface of my conciseness. Oros, the demon, and the horse, I remembered.


I was riding to Akron on the stolen steed, and then...the rest of the memory was lost on me.


I slid my legs off the bed and on to the hardwood floor, and as I did the two large glass bottles that had once held mead dropped from under the covers, and clanked on the floor. The bottles were both empty. I cursed, my lack of self control. "That explain the pain, and the lack of memory", I muttered to myself.


"I must have wandered into an Inn after getting to Akron, and all while I was wasted out of my mind", I chuckled. There was the pain again, both in my head and in my chest.


I looked over the room again. In the corner there was a hardwood desk ,on the opposite side of the room there was the door to the room, and by the window there was a large mirror. I stood up trying to gain my balance, and then crossed the room over to the large window. I parted the rosy curtains and light exploded into the room. The sun was already fairly high in the sky but it was not noon yet. "Good, the day is still young", I thought. I glanced over to the mirror, and my illuminated reflection look back at me. My crimson eye shone and my icy white hair was messy as always. I knew wouldn't want to stand out whenever I decided to leave the room, so I ran my fingers through my hair and used a demonic illusion that dyed my curly locks of hair jet black. Then I focused the illusion on my eyes and they turned from deep crimson red to a plain brown to match the complexion of my skin "better I thought", as I removed my linen shirt and examined the wound on my chest. The slashes I receive from my demon pal had closed up but they were still puffy and the flesh was pink with pain. In the center of my chest hung the cursed Amulet of Levia. It shone bright in the light of the morning sun. The crimson gem gleamed in contrast to the dark obsidian that surrounded it. Demonic etching were written on the obsidian and encircled the gem. I grabbed at the amulet and tried to pull it off, but like so many time before the Amulet resisted me. I cursed. I pulled back over my shirt.


"What now", I wondered as I look down at the lamp on my side. No I didn't want to summon Ifrit yet she would be beyond pissed. I smiled at the thought that the Djinn scared me more than the Archdemons. Then it hit me... the dream, how could I forget it ? Levia had been talking to the other voice as if it was some sort of god to be feared, and what secrets did this cursed amulet around my neck hold. Then it dawned on me that Akron was the home to one of the greatest sources of knowledge in all of Nymserine The Grand Flame Archive. It had been at least five decades since I had last visited the Grand Archive. I knew now exactly where I needed to go, I grabbed my satchel from off the bed, expected the room one more time, and then opened the window. A gust of salty wind from the sea blew into the room and sent my now black hair into a frenzy. I grinned, and whispered in the evil tongue of demons, "speed and stamina". I felt power surge of power and with one leap I jumped out of the window, and onto the roof below. I set off toward the center of the city to the glorious Akron Palace.


After leaping from roof to roof. I had finally reached the sacred gates of the palace. It was as grandiose as the first three times I saw it.


This city never ceases to amaze me, I thought as I hopped down from the rooftops and approached one to the two guards that stood on either side of the golden gates.


He was a middle aged man, who wore the golden armor of the Royal Guards of Akron and the symbol of the phoenix was brandished on his chest. His face was harden with experience, and he bore many scares


"Move along, this is no place for a child", he scoffed in a voice that could pass for that of a demon. Anger swelled in me, I was older than both of these guards combined but I kept it to myself.


"Let who ever is in charge that I wish to see the Archive of Akron."


His faced twisted in surprise and alert "How do you know about th..."


"Go", I said again and this time lathered my voice with a demonic hex. The guards eyes glazed over, and he turned on a dime entering the palace to carry out my will.


"How does the power feel ?" Levia spoke in my head for the first time today.


Like usual I just ignored him, and waited for the gates to open.

 

[BugDozer73]

I rushed into the doors of the palace and stopped to catch my breath, scolding myself at the sudden burst of skittishness. It wasn't like I had never been in control of fire before. Just never with that amount of unbridled passion.


I shook my head at the thought and moved forward down the hallway aimlessly, before wandering into an open hall that was a bustle with caretakers and workers alike, all decorating the room (which I had come to decide was the ball room) in long flowing adornments. Off on the far side of the room was a familiar bag of wrinkles and well trimmed facial hair,wrapped up neatly in an expensive suite: Siran.


"Whats all this, Siran?" I said, crossing the room tentatively, as to avoid workers carrying oversized loads.


"Ah, Thorin, My leige. Good to see you up and about. This is the set up for the ball you will be holding in order to meet people in the town." He gestured to the hall, and the men with which he had been speaking bowed, then exited.


"I see. Who will be attending this ball?"


"Akron's finest lords and ladies, of course, all coming to meet with you and observe the newest monarch of the city."


I grumbled at the thought of how many times I would have to wipe the filth of decent from my hands after each handshake. wonderful. I was almost ready to tell him I wouldn't be attending, but my mind twisted my view of the situation, and I began to wonder.


"Might I extend my own invitations to folks?"


Siran looked at me quizzically. "I suppose, but really, this isn't an informa...."


I cut him off quickly, my voice growing in excitement. "I mean, it is my ball. So its really my choice on what kind of ball it is!"


Siran looked miffed. "Thor-"


I turned quickly, staring him in his eyes. "Send out an invitation to the entirety of adventures and merchants in the city. I would like to meet them. Tell the "nobles" that they are still welcome, but to be respectful of the company."


Siran turned up his nose, then nodded in grudging consent. "Ill send for the messenger at once."


As I turned, I found a guard rushing forward, kneeling quickly before me. "My king." He said, not looking up.


I sighed. I was getting tired of all the royal formalities. "Call me Thorin."


"As you command.... Th-thorin. There is a visiter at the front gate, asking for you, not by name. He seeks entrance to the palaces ancient archive."


"We have an archive?"


The guard looked nervous, but I also noticed a small glaze over his eyes. "But of course. The collection of knowledge from past champions, scholars and monks of Akron."


I scratched my head in thought for a moment. Maybe the library would help give me some more answers I was missing out on.


This stranger obviously knew more about it than I did. Maybe it would be a good idea to meet with him


"Take me to see him


The guard rose with a bow, and turned, leading me all the way to the front gates, where my eyes fell upon a man with light brown hair, soft brown eyes and fair skin. As I approached, a strong female voice began to echo through my head.


"Thorin.... All is not as you see. The man before you is cloaked heavily in demonic magic...."





I stopped mid stride and felt shock creep across the emotional canvas of my face.


A-Aurora?


"No, child; I am not your mother. The voice you are listening to is a manifestation of power from the artifact known as 'The Phoenix's Heart.' which was not very aptly named."


Well.... then... ok, why not. What was it you were saying about the guy?


"He has used a cloak of dark magic to alter his appearance. I can grant you my sight, so that you can see him in his true light, if you wish it, champion."





I nodded absentmindedly, no doubt drawing odd looks from the surrounding guards and the guest.


A sharp focused heat blossomed in a point between my two eyes, and I shut them painfully, placing one hand to my head to try and relieve some of the pain, but it lasted only a moment. When I reopened my eyes, I could see long dark tendrils flowing through the air. Everything was a tinge of golden red. The lines of darkness all seemed to be drawn to the man before me, as he was covered in a layer of it. He looked relatively the same, beyond the fact that his hair was white and eyes, a deep crimson red. Obvious marks of demonic presence. I had dealt with demons before, but not extensively. Still, no one needed to study them to know they weren't a good thing to have around.


Thank you....


"You may call me Adamine, Thorin."





I smiled, enjoying the feel of the name echoing inside my mind.


Quickly, I resumed pace, stepped through the gates as they opened and extended a hand to the stranger.


"Greetings, stranger. My name is Thorin Nahiri, and I am Auroras Cham... son. How can I be of service?"

 

[Brendanfp]

Several minutes passed by, and I started to wonder if I should just enter the palace through one of the many exposed windows. I mauled over the thought for a moment or two, however I decided that such a tactic would set off some alarm or maybe worse. The sound of hurried steps echoed and hung in the air. The steps grew louder and louder as they approached me. I doubled checked all my illusions.


Through the gate emerged a man, "Greetings, stranger. My name is Thorin Nahiri, and I am Auroras Cham... son. How can I be of service?"


Before I even got a good look at the young son of Aurora my body was filled with anger. A deep blood lust that contorted my face but only for an instance. This was not my anger it belonged to Levia.


"A child of Aurora in the flesh, just seeing him makes my blood boil." The voice held so much anger and resentment I thought Levia would reach through me and strangle the man where he stood.


"If you don't like seeing him stop using my eyes you fiend", I thought.


I recomposed myself almost as fast as I had lost myself. I looked over the man who stood in front of me. He had all the classic signs of a child of Aurora, the yellow eyes, chestnut hair and royal armor were dead giveaways, however this man was the furthest thing from a King I had seen. He was rugged. His body was well toned and his hair was well kept, however his arms were exposed and were both tattooed with swirling symbols of flame. He also had a scent about him it was faint but my heighten senses were picking up on sea salt. If I didn't know better I might could have mistaken this man for a pirate.


There were two things out this Thorin that stood out to me the most. There was a pulse. Wave of heat that went out in a certain rhythm. Almost like a heartbeat, a faint heartbeat that made my hairs stand on end, and the pulsing was radiating from his satchel. His eyes were also unusual. The second he saw he they had shifted. They were brighter, almost as if flames were alive in his irises. It was some sort of magic for sure, or maybe just a new Akronian fashion trend, but just for a second I could have sworn they were the eyes of the phoenix. "Unlikely", I chuckled to myself.


"Hello, Thorin son of Aurora. If you would be so kind, I know of an Archive under the palace and would like to visit it for some research."


I paused for a second. "My lordship" I added for extra effect.

 

[BugDozer73]

I smiled at his pleasantries, and gestured back into the palace. "Certainly!" I said, trying to plan out possible outcomes of this odd situation. "I would love to show you my archives. I must say though, Im a little new to the whole "bloodline of aurora", business. This castle/palace is still a large mystery to me. I wouldn't suppose you would know how to navigate it?"


I was interested to hear his response. This outsider of demonic magic knew more about my palace then I, which wasn't a grand feat, but more than the guards was something that caught my attention. The more time I spent on his appearance, the more a thought in the back of my mind poked at my psych, but I couldn't quite place the nagging thought.

 

[Brendanfp]

He smile seemed fake, and coy, but I smiled back.


The gesture was unfamiliar to me, and even though I tried saved resented me for my demonic traits. His question was also off-putting, and I knew I would have to be cautious in my response. His body language was so open and welcoming that it almost made me question my suspicion.


"Beware, this boy he is not as he seem." Levia's giving me advice, now that was something to be suspicious of, I thought.


"Sure, i'll guide you" I responded "My grandfather, helped with the addition of the archive to the palace, and I used to read through his old manuals", I lied to him keep my voice totally calm. I smiled again.