Fantasy Memento Mori [Closed]

[Lucyfer]

Keres didn't expect Lisette to test it on herself and she did actually start to step back, "Your Grace, I'm not–" but her hand was caught before she could get far enough away to avoid it. All she could think was how terrible it would be to kill the princess and not even mean it. She couldn't explain it away.

Yet, the gloves worked.

Lisette didn't keel over in pain, and for a moment Keres enjoyed the brief contact as her cheeks flared with warmth. Mixed embarrassment and, well, the strange flutter that accompanied unexpected but welcome contact.

And a terrible sense of nostalgia that told her this wasn't abnormal. No matter what Sebastian remembered, her body still held its memories. She had this curse for a while. And she had managed it, somehow. Likely gloves.

She let out a relieved sigh as Lisette confirmed she was okay. "I'm glad to have that mystery solved. I suppose I'll need to make sure I have plenty of gloves until this is…solved." Uncertainty tinged that, with the certainly this was normal warring against the idea it could be solved.

"Now let's hope I remember how to ride a horse once I get started," she chuckled, trying to lighten things as she got her bearings again.

 

[cleopat]

Lisette enjoyed the subtle reactions from Keres when she touched her gloved hands, and nothing happened. The surprise that Lisette risked herself to see if the gloves would work. The slight flush in her cheeks with the contact.

It was rather cute, if the situation surrounding it wasn’t so tragic.

“Just please don’t tell the others how we tested this theory, especially Sebastian,” she asked with a wink. Their little secret. If any of her guards or Sebastian learned she put herself in danger for that, they may blame Keres for it more than Lisette, who simply did it without asking first.

“I think I have full confidence that you’ll remember how to ride a horse,” she offered with a friendly smile. “It may feel weird at first, but it should be a skill that will naturally come back to you.” She just hoped it would be soon after they packed up to leave, so they wouldn’t spend more time on the road than necessary before stopping for the evening.

If it did, then she wouldn’t complain, and she would chastise those who did complain about an amnesiac woman.

“Is there anything else you need? Or wish to ask?”

 

[Lucyfer]

Of course, Keres shook her head, denying that she’d tell anyone. She may have no memories, but she wasn’t an idiot. She wasn’t about to mention testing her powers again on Princess Lisette! That was just asking for trouble, and she was fine with as little of that as possible. Besides, Lisette’s comfort and confidence in her was…refreshing.

A strange thought as well, yet another that seemed pulled from the dregs of not-there memories. It seemed she remembered what was new, even if she couldn’t remember why it was new. Why should it be strange? Refreshing? Did people not always have confidence in her? ‘Well, someone didn’t.’

“Certainly no more I need before we camp,” food. Now that shock was wearing off, she recognized she was hungry. Well, who fed slaves well? Certainly not slavers. That was to be expected. At least she could be somewhat reassured she hadn’t eaten the bodies. ‘Why would I even think such a thing?’

Another thought to push down.

“Though I…suppose I still don’t quite understand what it is you’re doing, I’ve gathered that part of the confusion is why you are away from home. Don’t consider it me prying, only if there is something I should know for my own awareness and safety, I would appreciate what you can tell, your grace,” she inclined her head politely, not sure how much she’d really understand in her state, or how much they understood.

Phoxy jumped down from her shoulder, and began to lick one of his paws, as if the whole thing bored him.

If only she knew.

“Though I can’t deny a curiosity about the man I’ve apparently engaged myself to, either,” Keres glanced back, as if half-expecting the man in question would show up at a mention, and ruin any possibility of her learning more, “You seem to know him well enough to take him on a short voyage. Ought I to worry, your grace?” A smile told that she wasn’t at all suspicious or worried. Then again, how could she be worried when she hardly knew if she still liked him enough to be engaged.

Or knew if it was like that formed the engagement, for that matter.

Had she another motive, in another life?

 

[cleopat]

Lisette nodded, accepting that she didn’t need anything else until they made camp later on, not even thinking if Keres needed food. It didn’t cross her mind.

But it wouldn’t be much longer on the road until they stopped for the evening.

Lisette remained patient with Keres and her confusion and her questions for everything. “Well, for some time now, shrines, temples, graveyards, and other sacred places have been desecrated and destroyed, supposedly by those who call themselves the followers of Zerah, which that of itself was curious, as Zerah is known as quite the peaceful goddess.”

So if they were religious zealots, they needed to be dealt with.

“And I personally decided to oversee this investigation, for as next in line to rule Bedelia, as I see it as my responsibility to protect our people from any threat.” And this destruction certainly threatened the peace of the citizens.

With Keres’ next inquiry, Lisette chuckled. “Not only is he a skilled healer and decent fighter when the situation calls for it, but our families are very close, and he’s someone who’s always been a part of my life, and a close friend.” Not someone she had ever been romantically interested in, even though her parents tried once.

Every now and then, they still annoyed her with reminders that she needed to marry and produce an heir one day.

 

[Lucyfer]

'What did I believe in another life?' Keres couldn't help but wonder as she felt nothing for Zerah. Did she believe in anything? Did she disdain the gods? If she had a strong opinion about Zerah, it didn't surface, as the atrocities in her name were mentioned.

Perhaps the only oddity was the lack of surprise, and a thought that any God could command such things. That was likely blasphemous, though. That much she knew; as she knew Zerah was more or less the patron of the kingdom so any negativity ought to be sealed.

Sebastian and Lisette were another story. 'Does he pine after you, then?' Keres wouldn't ask. Perhaps there was some worry in a way if she was a mere replacement for something Sebastian couldn't have.

Her mind did enjoy the negative, didn't it?

"That is good to know," she certainly didn't know his ability in a fight yet. "I hope we won't have many more fights ahead." She seemed fairly useless there. "Thank you. I know I heard some of this but it was all muddled up with everything else," she smiled, "I won't hold you up anymore."

 

[cleopat]

Lisette smiled and gave Keres a nod before leaving her side so she could oversee things before the party head off again. Before that though, she went over to Sebastian and asked him if he could give Keres brief lessons on horse riding before they set off, after which she immediately told him about their discovery with skin-to-clothes contact concerning Keres’ powers.

Sebastian gave Lisette a look, but didn’t question how they learned that. It was best he didn’t know. He knew quite well the lengths she would go for answers and solutions.

They soon restarted their journey when all was ready. The bodies burned, Keres on horseback, and their path set.

They set out on the road for a few more hours until the sun began to set and the mixed hues of purple and orange painted the sky. “We’ll stop here for the night,” she announced upon reaching a clearing large enough for the party. Everyone had their role they knew to play for camp set up, and they set out to help bring up the tents, prepare dinner, fetch water and firewood, among others.

Lisette and Sebastian stayed at the main area of the campsite, overseeing the tasks while keeping an eye out for anything that may come to harm them. Lisette was more than ready for a good night’s rest, as fatigue began to sink in.

“Let me just take a quick glance at that arm,” Sebastian softly demanded, taking her forearm into his hand before she could protest.

She moaned. “You know I could reprimand you for touching me without asking first.” But she wouldn’t.

He knew she wouldn’t. “You like me far too much for that,” he chuckled, as he surveyed the area where the arrow grazed her. “But it looks like nothing should come of that wound.”

She snorted. “Of course not. I hardly even felt it.”

 

[Lucyfer]

Keres took the lessons offered by Sebastian. Thankfully, it came easily for her. She must have known before the incident, and it made her wonder if she had a favorite horse, or if they were all the same. The one beneath her seemed timid, anxious, though perhaps the blood and carnage of earlier was reason enough for that.

All the same, there weren't any hiccups.

They made it to camp, and Keres joined in learning a bit about setting it up, partially to hasten her own rest, but also because she just didn't feel like socializing with strangers when there was still so much in her empty head.

Well, that, and the closeness shown by Lisette's moan and Sebastian's touch inspired a sharp jolt of jealousy she didn't know how to deal with. Best to ignore it. Sebastian wasn't much of anyone to her now, and Lisette had been kind.

They were friends.

But jealousy felt horribly familiar, like an old friend itself when she lied down with Phoxy and tried to shut out the world.


And so as dreams took her, chased by jealousy, she stepped into the old world.

Jealousy consumed her as she strode out of a lavish town hall. Her words chased her.

"People of my station have more important things to do than rest on our laurels, Lord Balfax. But do enjoy your evening."

An intentional souring, done with a smile. A smile unlike the other women of rank who now paid attention to Lord Nikolai. Oh, they hoped to eat him alive, hoped for some novice caught up in his own glory so they could take advantage, but they didn't know how. Don't truly know anything.

And he could have them! All of them! With their sweet eyes and pleasing smiles, their naive innocence.

And then he could have a door in his face.

'Enjoy your new damn title. You wouldn't have it without me.'

Oh, it ached.

But she dared not acknowledge it on the walk home, dared not consider looking back for the Shadow that should have been in her steps. He wouldn't be. He had to stand in the light now.

Bastard.

~***~

Camp was a welcome respite after the events of the day. Idrano left his steed in the care of Delano. There was none better, after all. And, truth told, he did consider the man may be right about the tressym.

So much didn't add up about their new companion, though she didn't stay up to eat, and join them. She went right to sleep, which was perhaps the only usual thing about her. Her exhaustion was likely great.

But his wasn't.

And he was hungry.

So he picked up what meat and vegetables were already prepared. He noted Sebastian and Lisette together, no surprise, but a frustration. Sebastian was a true cleric of Zerah, and an influence on Lisette for that.

He likely couldn't break that bond, but he knew he still had to forge one himself with her. The journey hadn't allowed for much, yet. And he felt the tension whenever he added his thoughts. Neither of them were accustomed to others directing.

Or, trying to. Despite knowing his place here, he didn't plan to stop adding his thoughts. He wasn't there to be a yes man, after all.

So, despite himself, he opted to join them with a touch of a smile, "Is there room for more?"

 

[cleopat]

The expensive fabrics that twirled in the ballroom and the sparkle of priceless jewels that adorned the necks and ears of the aristocracy was hardly a scene Nikolai was used to growing up.

And yet he easily conversed with everyone in attendance to his little party held in honor of earning his recent title of Lord. Many women, and several men, all of whom were single and looking for marriage, paid him very close attention, and he indulged them for a little bit.

There was only one woman there he fancied to fuck that evening, but the foreplace was so much fun. But the beast had been poked for too long, and she stormed out before he could talk to her or follow after her. In his new position, it would look wrong if he suddenly left his own party to chase after Keres, and he had to keep up appearances.

The first moment he could though, he slipped out of the building, following the familiar path to Keres’ manor. He may have to stand under the twinkling chandeliers inside, but out there, he allowed himself to melt into the shadow to follow that path faster.

Ciaran can deal with the nobles at the party.

Nikolai caught up to Keres right outside her home, walking along the path in the garden to the front door. He materialized back into his solid figure behind her, “You know, it’s impolite to leave someone’s party without even saying hello.”

~~~

They stayed near each other and chatted a bit longer as camp was set up around them, and dinner was prepared. When the food was ready to eat, Sebastian excused himself and went to grab both him and Lisette a plate. He knew if he didn’t bring her something, she would forget to eat dinner in her unspoken worries and anxiety.

They took a seat and fell into insignificant conversation as they ate the same dinner as everyone else in the party.

Lisette refused to allow herself any extravagant luxuries she may be used to if no one else in her party had those luxuries.

Sebastian was nearing the end of his meal, while Lisette was still picking at her a bit more slowly, when the paladin approached him, to the slight surprise of Lisette.

Sebastian simply gave him a polite nod, and Lisette answered, “Yes, there is. Please, help yourself.” She didn’t think they had a true conversation yet since the start of their journey, outside of anything that needed immediate attention.

“There’s actually a few things I wish to prepare before I head to bed for the night,” Sebastian announced after his last morsel of food was gone. He stood up, and nodded at both of them. “Have a pleasant evening, and sleep well.” With that, he left the two alone.

 

[Lucyfer]

Keres knew how long the walk took. Even in the shadows, she had a good idea of how long it took, so she had an idea of how long after she left, it took for Nikolai to follow her home. The fury smothered itself down to embers of appeasement as he addressed her.

Of course, she still considered walking in and shutting the door behind her anyways.

Instead, she turned back to look him over, in all his new finery.

She wanted to shred it. "I know it better than you," she answered, "why else would I do it?" Of course she was seen speaking to him, though the words telling him she had better things to do weren't for anyone else. Everyone else could assume it was friendly. "Shouldn't you be back at your party, Lord Balfax?" She stepped closer but clasped her hands behind her back. They were gloved, but there were small ways she indicated she didn't want to be a physical threat. Moving her hands back was one.

"There was a pretty brunette who seemed quite invested in your stories. Didn't he even ask your favorite color?" A stupid little thing. "He must be missing you dearly now. However will you win back that favor?"

~***~

Sebastian chose not to remain. Idrano was a bit surprised, but only let his brows raise, before nodding, "Pleasant dreams, Lord Sebastian," he bid, though he didn't really wish it for the cleric. It'd be better if he was haunted in the shadows he denied, but Idrano wasn't going to pray for any curses upon him.

It wasn't that necessary.

That left him with Lisette.

He'd already noticed she didn't reserve food for the nobility in the party to be different than the others. Given the size of the group, that would have been quite noticeable. He didn't know if it was pragmatism or a more general care for them, and it was hardly a question worth asking. It could only make him look bad to question it and suggest it could be anything other than care.

"I know Lord Sebastian has already seen to your physical care, your grace, but how do you fare otherwise?" He inquired. "I know today has been trying for all of us, and though no adherent of Zerah, the number of loved ones you have who are faithful must make this all the more trying for you."

That was what he really did want to figure out. Why wasn't she an adherent, when so many in her life were?

 

[cleopat]

Nikolai had to shift his head to look down at Keres as she stepped closer to him, the corner of his lips twitching the slightest in his amusement. “The party just isn’t as fun without you there. Ciaran is hardly entertaining, and everyone else there sticks to social protocol way too much.” He nearly pouted.

Oh no, he wasn’t complaining about his new title. It brought wealth and resources he could only dream of before.

But he still yearned for amusement and excitement.

Keres asked about a man, and Nikolai chuckled at the realization of who she was talking about. Insipid creature he was, but pretty to look at. Maybe he even would have been good in bed. “Maybe to win back his favor, I’ll do him the honors of allowing him to watch us fuck.” Nikolai reached one hand out to brush a stray strand of hair back from Keres’ face.

“Of course, tied up and gagged, maybe you’ll be in a similar state. To have two people begging for me…” Oh, it was delicious. “Or maybe that would be too good for him.”

~~~

Lisette looked up at Idrano in quiet contemplation after he asked how she fared. It had been some time since anyone asked that of her, outside of physical health, what they could easily see of her.

Mentally, she was always fretting over something. Worried about something. But she was hardly going to spill all of her secrets to someone she barely knew.

She gave him a soft smile. “I don’t think just of my loved ones with incidents like this. I first and foremost think about those of Bedelia who must be hurting with the destruction of the sacred sites and wonder what must be going on.” Just as she asked herself, but for a different reason.

“Of course, the pain and confusion from my own loved ones played just as much of a role, but despite all of this, I must put aside my own personal feelings to ensure the investigation goes smoothly.” As with most other jobs the title of heir to the throne came with.

To show emotion may show weakness. May show a potential fault in her leadership capabilities. Enemies could exploit it. “Thank you, for asking.”

 

[Lucyfer]

Comments such as these were no stranger to the relationship that Keres and Nikolai had. Keres only ever said no when it amused her to do so, or she was particularly angry – though usually not in anger since Nikolai's body provided a devastatingly delightful canvas to wreck in rage. So, she didn't even blink in surprise at the suggestion of the pretty brunette receiving such a reward.

"He's hardly worthy," part jealousy, part sense. If he was at the party he was connected, which meant any game had to be undertaken with some caution. Keres had a reputation as a good person by knowing where to play.

And she'd want to murder this one if he ever saw her so damn helpless.

And then she would. And that might cause problems. No, not worth it.

"And besides," she moved one hand back in front to raise a finger, "shouldn't the one making amends be bound and gagged?" No. And that wasn't what she wanted of him, either, though she moved the hand to snake around one of his wrists in a mimicry of bindings. "Begging for favor to be restored?"

By Asphox though, how she hated the gloves! The muted pulse, cool heat. The hate never lessened.

~***~

The answer felt rehearsed. Exactly what a princess should say, that her thoughts were with the people, rather than on personal dwellings and woes. He wouldn't say that. It could be genuine, after all, he didn't know her well.

More the reason it likely wasn't wholly true. She didn't know him well enough to be confiding in him yet, either.

Idrano inclined his head at her gratitude. "Think nothing of it. If little else, today should have reminded us all how important mental and emotional well being are. Sadly, Zerah blessed me with no such healing powers of the mind, but nonetheless if I can ever serve to aid yours." Amnesia wasn't exactly the same thing as ill mental health, but it brought it to the forefront. No one wanted to feel that sort of confusion or pain.

"The people of Bedelia are lucky to have such a considerate leige, but I hope you won't let it drag you down. You'll be little good to your kingdom if you don't take care of yourself…and I saw how long you let a wound stay open," a small chastisement covered in concern for her people. Even Lisette ought to know about poison and infection.

 

[cleopat]

Nikolai smirked as he caught sight of that familiar layer of jealousy that Keres exhibited. It was always so delicious to point it out and experience her subsequent anger. In someone of a lesser station than the man he flirted with, Nikolai may wonder how long it would take to find his body.

But he knew Keres would never risk her reputation by murdering someone of note.

His eyes followed the one hand as she moved out in front and around one wrist. “Oh, but we both know I’m not the one to be bound and gagged and begging for that favor, that mercy.” His other hand reached out and gently traced along the neckline of her dress, not the lowest one he saw at the party, but low enough to tease and left him wanting more.

“But, now, what kind of gag will it be? Maybe something long and hard that you’ll choke on?” His fingers were light as they danced up her neck and caressed her jaw. “Or maybe I’ll just stuff that sliver of an undergarment you wear into your mouth.” His fingers brushed along her lower lip, “Or I’ll just use my fingers to silence you.”

~~~

Lisette didn’t think she would go to Idrano for anything that may serve to heal her mental health, as normally something like that would require a level of familiarity they did not yet share.

Though, for a split second, her mind flashed to a more salacious means of temporarily healing her mind.

She frowned at his light chastisement over how she took care of herself. “It was barely a wound,” she tried to argue, but he was right. Had the arrow been dipped in poison, even the smallest scratch would’ve killed her in her stubbornness to get it looked at, and wouldn’t that just be embarrassing? Killed by a scratch.

“You would do best to focus on your own tasks and worry less about how I take care of myself.” But as she stabbed a piece of meat with her fork, she couldn’t let her words end on that. Lisette felt a little guilty. He was simply just showing his own concern, similar to Sebastian.

She sighed, “Thank you for your concern. I sometimes allow my concern for everyone here to get the better of me and my health.” But if something happened to her, then she wouldn’t be able to lead them. “I’ll try and do better about keeping an eye out for such things.”

 

[Lucyfer]

Keres wasn’t the one who needed favor. Sure, she left on a rude note, but Nikolai deserved it for all but ignoring her. And yet – of course – those atrocious words of being gagged and bound were a promised reward covered by the lie of punishment. They couldn’t have anything nice. Nice wasn’t in their vocabulary.

And Keres hated how much she wanted it, after she had been ignored. After she had burned with jealousy. Nikolai was here, after all, abandoning his party for her. Her lips parted as his fingers brushed them, practically involuntarily, so accustomed to opening so easily for him – fingers, tongue, whatever he offered.

Her hand tightened a moment on his wrist.

She didn’t want it to be so damn easy for him today. Or, perhaps, for herself, either, as she shifted her head a bit to bite the tip of one of his fingers – quick, but far from an innocent nibble. It was meant to hurt, after all, as she let her hand leave his wrist and she stepped back against the door of her home.

It did need to be unlocked, after all, and she let her hands busy with that as she stayed facing Nikolai, finding the key amidst the hidden pockets of her skirt. “You forget yourself, Lord Balfax. I still outrank you,” smug, but, “so I’ll pick the gag I want, and if you’re lucky, I’ll let you pick the bindings,” her eyes gave away which gag easily enough, disregarding his fingers in the low look before flicking her gaze back up to his face.

~***~

Idrano was hardly impressed by Lisette’s attempt to turn his attention away. He’d given himself plenty of attention; no one could say he wasn’t paying attention to his job or role here. And he kept up on making sure any wound did get treatment, so he just arched a brow.

And Lisette didn’t quite apologize, but she backtracked.

“We have all noticed, Your Grace. The others may be too polite to say anything, but I’m not,” a boon, and a curse, of his own place in all this. He was still technically under the command of the Royal Family, but his role as a paladin and his higher calling did give him some leeway others didn’t have.

He knew it grated on some.

He was sure it grated on her.

“Nor Sebastian,” he chuckled, “if nothing else, you know you can trust him, and perhaps the Lady Keres, given she doubtless doesn’t have much reason to use any guile with you while she is figuring herself out. I understand if you have concerns about heeding me, though. We have not known each other long, and I have already recognized a certain distaste for my speaking up.”

It was present just there, after all.

“I wonder how you would feel if one of the people you wish to protect spoke up in such a manner over your own care for them?” Certainly, not good.

 

[cleopat]

The desire to plunge his fingers inside her mouth as her lips parted burned greatly inside Nikolai. To stick them far enough inside her mouth to hear her gag around them. To press them down on her tongue and render her unable to make a noise.

A wave of heat ignited at the bite on his finger. It took all of his willpower to not hike her skirts up right there and take her against the door, any onlookers be damned. They weren’t against a bit of exhibitionism, but the average noble did not.

Damn societal rules.

He sucked in a breath at the flare of pain, a very welcomed precursor to what was to come, and he withdraw that hand just far enough to let it slip down and wrap his fingers around her neck. Not enough to cut off air supply, but enough to show that he was in control of the situation, no matter how coy Keres played.

He chuckled, stepping closer to wedge a leg between hers, pressing his thigh just high enough for her to feel it. “And once those bindings are on, I get to decide if I want to heed your suggestions or not.” Most of the time he did though, his eagerness to see her pleased just as high as his desire to cause her pain.

He stepped back, bringing his fingers away from her skin. “Hurry up and let us inside. We don’t wish to start our fun out here and risk ruining both of our reputations.”

~~~

Lisette frowned at his statement, although it was most likely not incorrect. While he and Sebastian would not hesitate to tell her, the Royal Guards tip-toed around her more, not ever wishing to upset her or make her think they’re challenging her decisions.

And it wasn’t like she was known for showing anger or anything! People were just used to acting a certain way in thte presence of royalty, and it was how she grew up.

And she knew Sebastian wouldn’t hesitate to tell her anything, but Lady Keres may not speak out on anything for fear of retribution while she still suffered from amnesia and relied on them for nearly everything right now. Of course Lisette wouldn’t do anything of the sort, but Keres didn’t know that for certain.

She sighed as she considered her words to Idrano’s question carefully. If one of her guards casually injured themselves, regardless of the severity of the wound, and brushed off her concerns, she would be a bit angry with them. “I would not be happy with them,” she admitted with a slight chuckle, before sighing. “Alright, I’ll do better by that in the future.”

It would be quite a story to tell her father if the party arrived back home with the princess gone, or someone else they had left with.

 

[Lucyfer]

It truly wasn’t even fair how much Keres enjoyed the look in Nikolai’s eyes – it was a look she certainly hadn’t seen gifted upon anyone else, and she thrived on it entirely. She briefly stilled at the hand around her neck, even the hand that finally found the key, only to shiver as he pressed forward and demanded entry.

Privacy be damned!

If only entire schemes weren’t on the line that required her reputation to hold fast. One day, it wouldn’t. One day, things would be different, when Asphox was back in the seat of power, and death didn’t plague him as it plagued her. One day, when she didn’t need bindings, and sex might have a purpose beyond mere pleasure.

But it wasn’t today, so when Keres fumbled the lock open and they all but toppled into her manor, it was back into the bindings for Nikolai’s own safety – and his own control – given the fact Keres could get too carried away, and forget she couldn’t just grab his hair or scratch his back to hell without additional consequences.

She may want to kill him, most days, but…it was too soon.

So she settled for the aching afterglow of blood on her lips, reddened and watery eyes, mixed sweat, and terribly sore arms, along with a myriad of other questionably pleasant sensations as she finally had a moment to breathe.

And laugh out the statement, “You really weren’t supposed to ascend, you know,” of course he did, “It was Noble, Shadow, Professional…not Noble, Noble, Professional. You’re going to force Ciaran to join us,” but she sighed, took a good look at Nikolai, twisted one arm in its bindings and then gave that up. She’d be lucky if he freed her before he left; but at least she’d gotten good at escaping bindings. She just…had to remind herself not to do so when he was still there. “I’m going to have to change so many plans because of you,” when didn’t she, though?

And the nagging thought that she might lose him in this still bit at her, now that the world would see him.

~***~

Idrano joined the chuckle as Lisette seemed to easily see things from that point of view, “It wasn’t my goal to lecture you,” he said, “but I suppose I cannot help it sometimes. My apologies, Your Grace.” It came with his own role as a mentor among the others. She’d assume Zerah, but it was more in line with what he did for others who followed Zerah. He was far more a priest than a paladin, given how few priests were left for Pyrrha.

At least they had him.

“We should reach Siventen tomorrow,” he retracted from lecturing, “I’ll check in with the local temple to Zerah there, but I know there are a few other temples as well. If you think this is religiously motivated, we should investigate all of them.” Although no doubt, none of them would approve of that.

“I know there is Shuriki,” that was the one destroyed, but there would remain a following of those fixing it up. “They shouldn’t be discounted in all of this,” although Shuriki was a deity more concerned with travel, a popular goddess in a mercantile border town, that had both a land and a sea border to their neighboring kingdom. “As well as Amphrides,” the sea goddess, a given in a port, “and Nakar,” perhaps the most, and least, likely.

Nakar was the infamous Lord of the End – the God of Death, but a living god, and not considered malicious. Weary, perhaps, and orderly. He had few temples, few stories, but none could deny the importance of death.

His devotees were usually other orderly sorts who looked as if they’d been dead 50 years already thanks to all the paperwork they filed. They didn’t want to add more to their workload by making more dead. Especially since they were also the ones who had to deal with any Undead. Thankfully, there had been no talk of undeath in all of this. "Do you have a preference on how we handle these others? If you do not think a paladin ought to proceed with that, then I will not. I can see how it could be considered an affront to their own religious freedoms to be investigated with myself present."

 

[cleopat]

Nikolai always enjoyed lingering behind after sex with Keres, even if he would never admit it. She would no doubt constantly tease him about that little admittance of weakness.

But now he laid there next to her, her arms still bound to avoid accidentally touching, but he didn’t resist such a temptation, and one finger lightly traced over her skin, including gentle teasing of certain sensitive body parts. He would dare say she even looked more beautiful with blood staining her lips and beads of sweat resting on her skin.

Nikolai’s eyes looked back up at hers when she talked, and he chuckled. “I figured, but you know how I always crave more.” He didn’t hide a salacious glance at her body with the statement. “And I would never dream of forcing Ciaran to join us. That would mean more time spent with him.”

And that would be an absolute nightmare.

He hummed, enjoying the way her arm struggled in its bonding to the bedpost. “What kind of plans are you having to change because of me?”

~~~

Lisette believed Idrano that he did not intend to lecture her, to an extent. He very much seemed like that type to always voice his opinions on the matter, whether or not they were appreciated in the moment. “If you feel the need to do so again in the future, do so when there’s no one else listening.”

Like right then. Everyone else was either asleep, or absorbed in their own conversation with others. They were hardly paying the two attention, aside from keeping an eye out for danger.

Idrano continued on to talk about potential plans for tomorrow. She listened, though as she absentmindedly pushed around the remaining food on her plate with her fork, she found herself too tired to really think too much about plans. It was important they knew what they were doing, but wouldn’t in the morning be best, after they all had a night’s rest?

“I don’t want to leave any stone unturned, so I think looking into those other temples will be necessary.” But she didn’t mention anything more of those plans. “But if you don’t mind, let’s leave any discussions of plans for tomorrow, for when we resume our journey.” A few more hours wouldn’t hurt.

“I hardly know anything about you. Tell me a little about yourself. Why did you want to become a paladin for Zerah?”

 

[Lucyfer]

They were both lucky Ciaran had no interest in noble titles; he’d likely win one far more easily than Nikolai. Still, she chuckled a bit at the idea of spending more time with him being a nightmare. Ciaran was both easier to deal with, and more frustrating, than Nikolai. Ciaran was far more pragmatic, and slow to rage.

Which meant she never had any fun with him, but he was always…well, stable. He recognized flaws in plans quickly, and made sure things went through without a hitch. Keres could appreciate that.

“The vast majority of jobs that send you outside of Mortades for—” her breath hitched, body squirmed, as his fingers continued their lazy trailing. Gods! To cut off his hands! Wretched, wonderful things. “—anymore than a day, unless I can tie it with your presence for some other important event in that town. So, no more running off on two day vacations for you!”

But even that was dangerous. Too many murders or events happening when he arrived in a town, and people would see a pattern. So there had to be towns he didn’t commit atrocities in, too. “Which is a shame. There isn’t another chosen of Sy—I mean,” a giggle. She loved teasing the name of his goddess, “Bok-Bok half as good as you at what you do.”

~***~

Idrano did consider Lisette’s request, but knew he couldn’t honor it. If she chose to do something wrong in the moment, he’d have to step in and speak up. He may confront her on the reason why and make her think in private, but he’d absolutely speak about decisions that seemed like they may imperil them in the moment.

But he didn’t speak to that.

She moved on, not to business, as that seemed to weigh too heavily on her mind, but instead to ask about him. He chuckled a bit at that and shook his head, “I didn’t have a choice in the matter,” he answered, “when a Goddess speaks to you from the flames, you answer. And she’s always spoken to me for as long as I can remember."

He did cast his gaze towards the campfire. It didn’t speak with the voice of Pyrrha, but he could make it. He wouldn’t, though, tempted as he was to see if he could force answers about their newest guest. Lisette wouldn’t understand it.

“Following her path led naturally into becoming a paladin. It wasn’t a want at all, just…well, I suppose akin to your own eventual movement to Queen. You have simply followed that path your entire life, and it will become your destiny, want it or not.”

But then he cocked his head, “But you’ve chosen not to heed the call of any deity, despite your family’s preference. Why is that?”

 

[cleopat]

Nikolai heard the hitch in her breath. He smirked, but made no comment towards it, instead opting to continue the lazy drag of his finger, see if he can draw any other noises from her without even really trying.

“Shame that there will be fewer vacations for me. I suppose this means that you and Ciaran will have to deal with even more of me around.” Hardly a loss, except for Ciaran. “But I know I won't hear you complain too much about that.” He emphasized his words with a harsh squeeze of her chest.

That squeeze moved to a pinch when she teased him about the damned forgotten name of his goddess. Oh how she knew he hated when she did that. “Oh darling, there’s only one of me. You know this very well.” His head tilted to her neck, delivering a harsh bite into her skin.

Her skin wasn’t marked enough with his bruises for his liking.

“So are you going to keep me around more often and have more plans for me here?” His finger went back to trailing over her body. “It would be a shame if I get too bored from being cooped up.”

~~~

Lisette hummed as she listened to Idrano tell his story. She honestly didn’t know too much about the background of those who called themselves paladins. It was never an area she was interested in. She let other people deal with the religious circles of the kingdom.

She hardly believed he didn’t have a true choice in the matter, unlike her own destiny from birth, but she wouldn’t voice that opinion. It would be wise to not insult him, when they were trying to work in harmony with the party.

But she would believe that he believed that, and that he was following a past he thought best fit him.

And she wasn’t at all surprised that he asked about her lack of devotion to any deity. “Just as you heard Zerah calling to you, I never felt such a calling. When I was younger, I tried to devote myself to her, as my parents and ancestors before them did, but it never felt right, or genuine, to me.” She shrugged.

But she would defend a person’s right to worship any deity of their choosing, not just the dominant one of Zerah in Bedelia.

 

[Lucyfer]

Keres would definitely complain about it. There were plenty of times she’d rather have him away, more than he already was. Nevermind these moments spent together – they had jobs, and he’d just made his more difficult. Given, she’d find ways to use him in this role, she always did, but—

He was harsh under the tease.

Nikolai always was. Minosyne was a sore spot. Of course, no flinch was enough, and she could hardly push Nikolai off when he moved to mark her, drawing another surprised gasp that she fought against allowing to turn into a moan, though it was definitely in her tone, “That’s too high,” which was no doubt, exactly why Nikolai did it.

It took forever to cover the damn marks up. Sure, she could have them healed, but…no.

She huffed and yanked down with one arm, to no avail, of course. “Oh, I’ll figure ways to get you sent out more, don’t worry, my lord. We’ll only kill each other if you’re here too often,” the soul bond that would touch their future had not been established, nor would it for a while yet. Keres didn’t even consider it an option. “There’s always some petty harvest festival that I’m too important to visit.”

~***~

Idrano snorted at the easy way that Lisette just discarded worship of Zerah. As if you needed a calling. Most laypeople didn’t. They did it by tradition, or by the simple fact there really wasn’t a question of the gods existing. Well, not to the sane mind, atheists were a strange bunch, given the presence of the divine around them, and obvious in the powers granted to people like him.

Picking a deity was usually more the question. They were plentiful, after all.

So, of course, he had to ask, “Did you ever try with any other deity, or was it only Zerah you tried to devote yourself to?” He doubted she was going to say Pyrrha, but children could be rebellious, and royal children had all the more reason to rebel, and so many more ways, than a normal child.

“Perhaps Amphrides as something of an opposite, or perhaps you even more rebellious as a child and considered devotion to one of the Dead?” he chuckled at the thought of it. How did people even worship a forgotten goddess? Well, he actually knew a bit, but it seemed so strange when her realm and much else was uncertain. Asphox and Lenaes at least made sense; one a former god of justice turned to revenge, another a former god of healing turned to illness.

A shame, for them.

A shame he wouldn’t allow to befall Pyrrha.

 

[cleopat]

Nikolai smirked at the gasp, knowing how close she was to letting go and allowing herself that moan. He always knew how to play her body to elicit such responses, whether willingly or not.

And he hardly cared that the marks he left behind were too high, or not so easily covered by clothing. She had means to cover them if she really wanted to. If she truly cared about propriety.

But he didn’t behind closed doors.

He went back to the trailing tease of one finger as Keres vowed to send him out often. He hummed his agreement. “We would kill each other, wouldn’t we? Whether it was through our fucked up lovemaking, or our hatred eventually causing one of us to snap.” It was only inevitable with who they worshipped.

But the journey to that moment would be so sweet.

“Just imagine if we showed up to some petty harvest festival together.” Nikolai’s hand trailed down her body, stopping to grab at her side. “That may give Ciaran an aneurysm.” Oh wouldn’t that be hilarious.

~~~

Lisette snorted and shook her head. “Oh no, I never tried with any other deity, because it never interested me.” She was only certain how odd that sounded to a paladin of Zerah. Sebastian thought it a bit odd when they first met, but he grew used to it. Just as not everyone worshipped Zerah, not everyone worshipped any deity, and life continued.

“Does it bother you?” she asked, an amused grin on her face indicating she was not at all upset or insulted by his questions. If anything, Lisette was amused.

Fortunately not too many people cared about her lack-of-deity status. There weren’t too many like her, but they were around, and she knew a couple in the royal court.

But even if she did worship a god, she couldn’t imagine it being anyone other than Zerah. Especially not a dead god.

 

[Lucyfer]

‘Is it Ciaran you’re thinking of, or is it something else?’ Keres’s grin became a bit mischievous as Nikolai slipped a thought almost domestic and tried to cover it by mentioning their long-suffering third. Those comments were far and inbetween, but always worth tormenting him with. That, and the grasp of her side perhaps added to her own thoughts going terribly domestic.

As if they could ever be anything normal; two nobles enjoying a quaint harvest festival together.

But they couldn’t.

And she shifted one leg out to try and entangle in his, the vain hope of contact, the vain hope he’d stay.

He rarely did. She’d never ask, either. It was one of those rules – softness, sweetness, they were only shredded between the two of them. So, she had to shred that image he painted. “Are you imagining it, sweet Nikolai?” she teased, “something so horrendously domestic, adding a flair of gossip to the peasants’ lives, picking apples together, making a pie? I think it’d give me an aneurysm,” she chuckled, as her nose wrinkled in disgust at the idea.

Mock disgust.

Apple pie was delicious, she couldn’t be too disgusted at the idea. “Well, you can keep that sweet little dream just where it is. I promise I won’t be arranging any such thing for us. I can’t have potential suitors think I’m slumming by just conveniently being at places you are.”

~***~

It was a bit of a surprise that Lisette had no rebellious phase of worshipping the wrong gods, or trying other ones out for size. Devotion just wasn’t in her, which certainly explained why Zerah never made her way into Lisette’s heart.

He chuckled at the question of being bothered and shook his head, “Not at all,” he said, “Zerah doesn’t demand worship from all, merely respect, as do most of the gods, and though I do not worship the others with any great fervor, I know to give that respect for all the gifts they’ve given to our world,” he said. “It isn’t everyone’s calling to be devoted to and blessed by the gods.”

The vast majority did have some god they preferred, for one reason or another. Usually, either they grew up in a family that worshipped that god, or something special happened to call them that way, as in his case with Pyrrha. He assumed Sebastian was just born into his faith.

“I do not begrudge you this choice you’ve made, so long as you continue to show respect to all the divine.” Perhaps that little addendum would give her pause to consider what ‘all’ meant. And if it excluded any.

 

[cleopat]

Nikolai’s leg shifted to entangle with Keres’, a subconscious response to her doing the same thing. Despite his cold exterior and perverted thoughts, there was a side of him that enjoyed the softer things on occasion. A partner to confide in after his latest murder. Someone to stroke his hair as they muse over their latest violent impulses.

He would never dare to tell Keres any of that.

So he scoffed, and pinched her side for daring to suggest such a thing. “Of course I’m not. Could you imagine me picking apples in an orchard, or getting flour on my clothes as I bake a pie?” It was laughable!

He didn’t dare think of Keres in that same position.

“But you will give potential suitors delicious gossip with visible marks I gave you during our copulation.” He would be sure to give her neck another bruise before he left, to match the other one. “Maybe make them think you’re already claimed, and make them back off.”

~~~

Lisette hummed in agreement with Idrano. She respected other people’s beliefs and their gods, and when she eventually became queen, she would make sure no one felt discrimination towards their chosen god.

His last comment did make her think of some gods, though, who slowly faded over time. Or one that her ancestors fought to replace with Zerah, a less barbaric option to her counterpart.

“I do plan to continue to show respect to those that the people of Bedelia worship.” She paused to consider her words, then continued, “Of course I don’t have tolerance for any worshippers who believe in human sacrifice or anything else of that caliber,” she chuckled with a wave of her hand.

As a follower of Zerah, she hoped Idrano held similar beliefs. “That may be my one exception, though those practitioners seem to be getting fewer and fewer.”

 

[Lucyfer]

Keres rolled her eyes at the tease back, “I can just have it all healed, you know,” she reminded Nikolai. Whether or not she would was another story. Sometimes it was worth pissing him off. Often, it was.

And sometimes, she enjoyed letting them show.

Enjoyed suggesting anyone else gave them to her.

In the end, Nikolai could leave all the marks he wanted, but no one knew where they came from. She never offered his name. “But I can imagine you falling off a stool trying to pick an apple,” failing, at such a mundane task. Of course, he wouldn’t – but it was better to imagine failings than anything else. “I think I’ll find a harvest festival to send you to sooner than later,” she grinned, “make sure you’re part of picking the apples, and send along Cordelia so she can report on if you fall,” Keres giggled, “Or make sure you do.”

For her own amusement.

But all amusement faded.

In this case, the flickers of the dream, as Phoxy curled back up against her, and she woke with the movement. Jealousy still lingered on the tip of her tongue, but the memory was gone. The dream, gone.

Just tobacco and leather.

She sat up, and Phoxy let out an irritated meow as she moved, and even swiped at her ankle as she got up, drawing blood, but she ignored it as she stepped out of her tent, almost delirious with a seeking mind as she went towards the flames, as if they might have answers.

They had warmth, and that was enough for the moment to pause her at that ungodly hour, and ignore the looks of the few guards on shift who were quite wary of her being up and moving.

~***~

Ah, human sacrifice. Ever the fault. Still, Idrano arched a brow as she made that declaration. “What about elf sacrifice?” he opted to question instead, “or goat sacrifice, for that matter?” He was sure she drew the line at any sentient sacrifice.

People argued about that.

Goats never made the cut, though.

“Do you ever wonder why people practiced it, knowing they had to give up loved ones to a deity?” he mused, picking at his food, “if it was truly a request of a deity, why? I sometimes wonder what would happen if Zerah ever gave such an order. Or if she is giving them now, and that is why these acts are taking place.”

He shook his head a bit, “It’s disheartening, but it does make one wonder why. We—well, I,” he chuckled at his correction, “assume the gods know best, and understand things we do not. I often wonder what I would do if I was given such a task that I did not understand.”

 

[cleopat]

Long had the princess gone to bed, along with most members of the party, save for the lucky few who were tasked with guard duty at the odd hour. Sebastian gave them a polite nod as he exited his tent to sit next to the flickering flames of the campfire, the fire just large enough to provide them warmth on the chilly night.

Nightmares plagued him that night. None of it made sense, naturally, but they had left him restless and not so eager to close his eyes again.

There was darkness. And yet there was also fire, but not the comforts that fire normally brought him. In his nightmares, it only brought agony.

Of course, Sebastian also considered that the stress of the trip was simply weighing on his mind, causing his subconscious to punish him.

He didn’t remain alone for long, not when Keres came out of the tent, not looking quite entirely with it. Maybe nightmares also plagued her, thought Sebastian. His eyes followed her as she stopped in front of the fire, not seeing him just yet. “Can’t sleep? Or a bad dream?”he asked, patting an empty spot next to him for her to join him.

~~~

Lisette gave Idrano a look for his, what she thought was, ridiculous questions. Of course she included elf sacrifice in that! And while she felt a certain way about goat, or any non-sentient animal, sacrifice, especially if the carcass was to go to waste, it was certainly better than the sacrifice of a sentient being.

Naturally some may argue the philosophical reasonings behind why one sacrifice is okay, and the other isn’t, but that wasn’t an argument Lisette was wanting to entertain.

“I suppose this is why I don’t follow or devote myself to any deity, and why you’re a paladin of Zerah.” She set aside her now empty plate. “I am not used to taking orders from others, much less orders I may question.” Of course, it could be argued that her father, the king, worshipped Zerah.

“But you seem to look at religion from every facet, perhaps using your philosophical musings to better devote yourself to Zerah, but perhaps I’m wrong.” She shrugged. “We just merely have different outlooks to life, what motivates us, and what drives us forward.”

 

[Lucyfer]

Keres jolted as she was spoken to, and she glanced down to see Sebastian besides the fire, and patting a seat next to him. She relaxed, as she felt that surge of jealous mingle with embarrassment, and exhaustion. She hadn’t slept enough. This would only be a minor respite, but she took the seat all the same, putting her hands in her lap.

She hadn’t gone to sleep in gloves. Best to keep her hands where she could see them, and at no risk of touching him.

“How long until ‘I don’t know’ sounds like an excuse?” Keres questioned aloud, before she sighed, “I dreamt something, but I can’t recall it,” unfortunately, “I don’t know if it was bad, but I suspect it was just by the feelings left behind,” it had to be, given the feelings that followed, right?

Why was jealousy so familiar?

Why that smell?

She canted her head to look up at him from the side, “Did you have a nightmare, Sebastian?” was that why he was up? Certainly, he wouldn’t have guard duty.

~***~

Lisette didn’t verbally clarify.

Her look was pretty telling, though. He was always quite willing to call out such language, given his lineage. Some would mean just humans, after all. Not most, but the human-centric language had a way of being a comfortable veil for the bad people to hide behind.

He did chuckle, “No, nobility and royalty rarely have to worry about taking orders they disagree with,” he agreed, though he didn’t think it was a good thing. Humans ought to be checked by the divine. Even royalty.

Well, that would change. She would be checked.

He’d figure out what Pyrrha wanted with him.

“Philosophy helps in all manner of places, not just religion,” his tone touched on lecturing again – a reminder it was also good for rulers implicit – but he drew back. “But I digress. I do enjoy exploring the way other people think, including those without a faith, but I understand if it’s all a bit too deep for tonight.”