User blog:Mauller/Absolution 026

Absolution, Chapter:026
 The flickering glow stone on the folding table cast foreboding shadows. Various papers covering the weeks trade littered the neighbouring bed. The work of Kimiko updating her inventory. It had been another bountiful day from the numbers she was tallying. But that did not prevent the foul mood that hung in the air.

Kimiko’s quill twitched and scratched a thick line at the end of the sentence she was writing. An agitated glance across the table earned her nothing but a snort in return. Linette rolled her eyes then returned to reading the book that Amanda had recommended.

“Would you stop doing that while I am working.” Kimiko returned to her work to end up being interrupted again by the same noise.

Linette frowned when she was glared at once again. “What? Don’t go looking at me like that girlie, ya know I said I can’t help it.”

“Well, if you cannot help it, then could you help by going somewhere else!”

Amanda sighed as she stared out of the kitchenettes window. The smell of the lilies on the worktop mixed with the sound of bickering in the background. It reminded her of the farm and the days spent playing pranks with Lin. The times they were caught, or when they argued. She couldn’t remember feeling so forlorn for a long time.

The moment of puzzlement passed when she looked at her hands. They felt as out of place as she did. The odd thought of how strange it was that rubbing her horns helped to ease her sorrows. And it uneased her when the unconscious action found nothing to hold.

The sudden whistle of the kettle spooked her, she had been so deep in her daydream that making the tea had passed her mind.

“Tea is ready!”

The caravan returned to silence when Amanda set the tea tray upon the table. Linette and Kimiko did not appear to want to look at each other. So Amanda poured their drinks before sitting next to the young trader and tending to herself. Her eldest friend had chosen to spread herself across the entire opposing seat. It made her feel annoyed, but she couldn’t help but smile since the familiarity was a comfort. Even if her large friend looked as human as she did.

The uneasy silence made her feel horrible. She looked up from staring into the bottom of her tea cup and found herself lost for words. Her hand mindlessly went to reach for her horn again, but she stopped herself. Everything felt wrong to her. She stretched and clenched the fingers of a hand she no longer recognised.

“I…” her throat tightened when she looked at Lin. The frown on the large girl’s face was something she had not seen in a long time. Amanda knew she had to do something, anything to help. She surprised herself and the others when she slammed her fist against the table.

“I can’t take it! We can’t carry on like this! Just because he has not… not… it has been almost a month and…”

Amanda returned to staring into the depths of her tea, hoping to find the answer. Although she enjoyed talking to new people and working in the city, it was not her reason for staying. As the ball of self-pity toiled away within her, she sighed then looked out of the window.

Linette and Kimiko exchanged glances. Both felt rotten, they knew it was neither’s fault for their troubles, but they still chose to demonise one another. Lin had never found it hard to speak her mind, but Amanda’s outburst left her second guessing herself. She felt worse when Kimiko was the first to try comforting her childhood friend.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It will be fine… Maybe he is just so busy that he cannot see us. Seeing all the work we have been doing and how busy the city is. I mean, not that he’s forgotten us.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Amby! That must be it, hey girl? Boyo is just… what am I trying to say? He’s probably off being thick headed and getting in trouble. An… tryin to keep us outta it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Amanda couldn’t help but let out a little snort. She tried as hard as she could to hold back before bursting into tear filled laughter. She looked back at the confused pair and smiled. The trickle of tears on her cheeks didn’t bother, they were warm and heartfelt after all.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You are one to talk lin, thick headed hey? considering some of the things we have done. And don’t frown at me like that, I agree. He is getting himself into trouble no doubt. So how about we go and pull him out of it?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“But what about tomorrows market? There is supposed to be a major event occurring. I could not pass the chance to trade and sell what I can!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh pipe down ya nit-picker, It not like we won’t be seen or anything. Well, not you two at least.”

<p class="MsoNormal">All eyes turned to lin who blushed and looked away from the sudden attention.

<p class="MsoNormal">“What? I’m still a big gurl. Even with all this fancy magic stuff makin me look like a human and all.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well you are a great help with the stalls Linette. It would be difficult to move all the barter without you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Kimiko nodded then smiled before jotting down a note to herself. Amanda gave Linette a sweet smile and clapped her hands together.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I think miss bully is all embarrassed from the attention the boys give her.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The large girl snorted and choked on the mouthful of tea she was drinking. The Glare she gave her friend felt awkward while gasping for air.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I dun enjoy It at all! You’re the one getting all pally with the boys… and the girls!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Amanda put her hands on her hips before tutting.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh Lin, it is called being a good hawker. You give a good impression and they approach you without the need to exert yourself. And anyway, we are talking about the impression you give. If you didn’t intimidate people so much they might approach you. Although it is funny to see all the young women coming to you for help. You are almost like a knight in shining dishcloth.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The girls all chuckled before sighing in unison.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well I am fine with it. It not like I want their attention, I just want to see Ma…!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The slow thudding at the door to the caravan drew everyone’s attention. Even Goldie who was tending to her sword by the burner seemed surprised. The hired guard looked to the three at the table and raised a gloved finger to gesture for them to be quiet.

<p class="MsoNormal">The thudding returned for a second time. Taking on a quicker and lighter rhythm. Plume who had been sleeping on the top bunk stirred and looked over the side of the bed. She yawned and rubbed her eyes before disappearing again.

<p class="MsoNormal">Amanda looked back at linette and Kimoko, both who were watching the door.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Do you think it is Martin?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Goldie who had been approaching the caravans entrance stopped and spun towards the others. All three of them looked reenergised as they stood.

<p class="MsoNormal">Goldie gestured for them to stay still. “Don’t even think about it you three, we don’t know who it…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s martin!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The girls charged, attempting to beat each-other to the door. Goldie’s speed and agility were useless in the tight confines of the caravan. Resulting in the others crashing into her, leaving them in a groaning heap on the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ah lin! Get your damn boob out of my face! You are suffocating me!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I can’t help it Amby, that damn squirrel is pushing me down.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“For the last time! I am not a squirrel! I am a proud Danuki you cow titted meat head!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The three argued as they grappled with one another. They all wanted to be the first to reach the door. Which left the unfortunate Goldie stuck beneath the three of them.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Will you get off me you stupid fools!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The slamming of the door and a chilly breeze brought everyone’s attention to the end of the caravan. Without them realising it, the other occupant had reached the door.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ooh! Hi! Hi! Mr fuzzy face! What brings you here?”

<p class="MsoNormal">The four looked on in mixed horror and disappointment when they saw the undisguised harpy girl standing in the doorway. All four of them knew that if the wrong person was at the door, that this could mean the end of their time in the city.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ey? Good evening little lass, what are you doing answering the door like that? You better cover yourself up before someone notices ya. Well, someone besides myself. Anyway, is miss trader in?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh yes! come in! come in!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Plume hopped back into the caravan, her face beaming a smile. She waved her wing towards the quartet on the floor and looked back at the newcomer.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Here they are Mr fuzzy face!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Goldie felt useless as a large and dark figure entered the caravan. It was hard to see while beneath the other three. But before she could say anything, Amanda was the first to speak up.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ah… Mr Stoneward, what a surprise, we thought you might.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You all thought I was the lad and rushed to the door like a bunch of motley fools? Right, aren’t I?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Malachi pulled down his hood and grinned at the group. A collective sigh washed over the girls, which gave Goldie the opportunity to wriggle free. The large man nodded at her then gestured for another to enter the caravan. The petite and hooded figure entered then closed the door behind itself before standing quietly on watch.

<p class="MsoNormal">Malachi checked the windows and closed the kitchen blind, giving the girls time to stand and ready themselves. When he turned to them, the look on his face froze them on the spot.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I wouldn’t come here like this unless it was important, but ta make things short, I need your help.”

<p style="text-align: center;"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">Hours made way to days, then to months, before I knew it an entire year had passed. The anniversary of that fateful event brought troubled memories with it. I felt lucky to have such a good friend, her father had taken pity on me and employed me into his service. Fortunately for me, several traveling merchants had been killed that same night.

<p class="MsoNormal">I was now the blind and penniless son of an assassinated merchant family that I never knew. Who happened to be taken into the care of the cities ruling lord. To end up apprenticed to his accountant. The cover was perfect, it almost left me feeling giddy when I considered the life I had left behind.

<p class="MsoNormal">Another stroke of luck occurred when the attempted assassin was found impaled on a spiked fence. The poor sod must have slipped on the roof, he should have done a better job of scoping his escape. I would never have fallen to such a simple accident. To play things safe, De’s father had made sure two coffins left the house the following day. Both kept under guard before being ceremonially burned to prevent the ruse from being discovered.

<p class="MsoNormal">The rhythmic clack of the abacus had become a reassuring one. I had always been good with numbers and mathematics. You would be surprised how much they helped in daily life, even in the blood trade.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Got you!”

<p class="MsoNormal">A Gleeful and girly voice filled the room as I became entrapped by an attack from behind. The dastardly person had fiendishly snuck up on me while making every floorboard squeak along the way. Her evil plan had me completely foiled, what was I to do when left to the machinations of her mercy.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh come on! I didn’t make every board squeak!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The soft embrace increased in pressure when De placed her chin on my shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You say that, but even old man Jenkins makes less noise.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Pah! I think I could make a great warrior! They would never see me coming!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“No, but they would hear you from a mile away.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You don’t know what you are talking about.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The hug ceased to be replaced with De resting her chin on my head. The change in position made me lose count when her chest pressed into the back of my neck. I had only known her for a year, but she was filling out and become a young woman.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You got that wrong… you forgot to carry the one.”

<p class="MsoNormal">A shape passed through the haze in front of me and poked into the parchment I was working on. She thought she could prank me as she quietly changed my abacus, but I knew better.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh I see, here I am, trying to help you out by counting all the sweets you have been eating. But I suppose I should just give up, not that people couldn’t tell from how big your butt is getting.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ooh? And here I was, coming to bring you a nice snack. But I supposed you are working, so! Hard! that you couldn’t possibly want it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ah! Nails! Stop digging them into my scalp! Okay I’m sorry about the butt thing!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Good.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yeah, cause it’s not my fault your big butt is big!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The following events were a literal blur, but let’s just say that I let her win this one. The proud victor sat on my chest while I laid sprawled on the floor. The odd crumb fell onto me as she ate the biscuit she had brought me. I could see her through the misty haze that comprised my vision. It had improved in the year since the change occurred. I could make out colours now, but they were not what you would expect.

<p class="MsoNormal">De smiled at me in triumph. I wondered what she saw in me, since my own view of her only made her seem more beautiful than I remembered. Her body was a haze of swirling mist and lights, like a glowing watercolour. The more I focused on one part of it the more detail I could see. She stood out in the pale fog of the room like a lantern in the dark. But living things appeared clearer compared to the wood that had once been alive. Stone and brick were almost like glass to my sight. But I had figured out how to discern them from empty space.

<p class="MsoNormal">Looking at the ceiling revealed how full of life the air itself was. The numbers of lights dancing around De were a great exception. No one else in the house appeared to attract them like she did. It was almost mesmerising to just watch her at times and the lights that flowed around her.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Erm… Hello? Anyone awake in there?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh, no need to knock on my head De, anyway… you said you wanted to see me about something?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Your eyes, show me them.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ever since the poisoning I had worn some form of covering. The doctors found it astonishing that I had lived. And my eyes left them baffled.

<p class="MsoNormal">“De I… Just make sure the candles aren’t lit and the curtains are drawn.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The sudden relief on my chest was a testament to the astonishing speed that De left with. She seemed adamant in wanting to see what had befallen my eyes. I felt reluctant to let her for numerous reasons, the biggest lingered amongst the gossip of the house staff.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Now just let me warn you De, It’s quite strange, some of the nurses no longer want to come near me because of it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Take it off!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Her determination stunned me for a moment. Although she would never know, her adamant stare told me how serious she was. It was the same one she gave when she was certain of her decisions.

<p class="MsoNormal">I gulped and slowly untied the strings that held the covering in place. Bit by bit the fabric gave way till my face was exposed to the cool evening air. With a slow reluctance, I began to open my eyes. De came into focus before me as a shaded figure amongst a white washed world. The pink swirls helped to outline her, but my real sight was not much better than before.

<p class="MsoNormal">I blinked a few times, resulting in a disorientating flash between the two worlds. With my eyes open, most things beyond arms reach ceased to exist. De had left the curtain open a crack in her haste. The result formed a halo of intense light behind her that obscured everything else from view. It was quite beautiful to see after being in the darkness for so long. I could not help but sigh.

<p class="MsoNormal">“What is that dopy look for? And…. I can’t believe it… that’s so…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh nothing, I know they are…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Amazing!”

<p class="MsoNormal">My heart skipped a beat at her words. The sudden proximity also played a part. I could feel her breath against my face, mint? I suppose she has been enjoying her father’s rare sweets again. All felt right with the world till I ended up with a finger in the eye.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ow! De! What in the hells?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well I had to make sure.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I rubbed my eye and scowled a little, but I could not remain mad at her. She returned to inspecting me, holding open my eye lids while moving around. Eventually she sat down and sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I thought it was going to be something horrific from the way the nurses talk about it. Instead… it’s magical. That golden colour and the way they sparkle, I could just look at them for hours.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Her warm hands lifted my chin, I didn’t want to look directly into her eyes. But her confidence left me stealing glances at her. Each one lingering more than the last till we were looking at one another.

<p class="MsoNormal">“De I, please just…”

<p class="MsoNormal">She placed a finger on my lips and shuffled closer. The complex mix of expressions on her face were confusing, going from joy to revulsion at times. Till she settled into a thoughtful pout.

<p class="MsoNormal">I felt confused, she was the first person to not run away in horror. But her shaking betrayed her outward calmness, was she doing it for my sake? After an eternity of silent staring she sighed then smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal">“This has always been a family secret, but after everything that has happened, I want to trust you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">De breathed in deep then sighed before looking at me again.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m an apprentice sorceress, it makes me a bit weird too. From what I have been told, there are also people who learn to use magic naturally without realising. They are known as wildlings, I think you might be one. Although you are a strange one since I don’t sense any magic from you, but your eyes… they have a power to them. And the way you heal, among other things, no normal human could manage that. Ooh! Maybe you could come meet my master?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">My head was spinning, De continued to bombard me with a plethora of facts. The hours she disappeared for and the injuries she would return with, it all started to make sense. At first, I thought her father had her training in combat. But all along she was learning magic. None of the notes I had received had ever hinted to it or the master she trained under.

<p class="MsoNormal">“No wonder they always failed… would I have been the same?”

<p class="MsoNormal">I started to feel light headed and fell onto De. Her voice became panicked as she shook me. The excess light was making my head burn, everything went white when the door of the room burst open.

<p style="text-align: center;"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hey, hey mister? Hey! Are you alright? Hello! Can you hear me?”

<p class="MsoNormal">The hallucination, or was it another memory? Subsided, leaving my vision blurry. The thoughts and feelings it contained still lingered. But what triggered it? and why now of all places?

<p class="MsoNormal">“Martin, I think we should go, I don’t like it here. It’s too crowded…”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eleanor shied behind her witch’s hat and hugged up to my site. The crowd were watching us, or rather the newcomer who was frantically tugging on my arm.

<p class="MsoNormal">“No way! I found him first! He’s coming with me!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Before I knew it, people were rushing underneath me while I held onto Eleanor’s for dear life. The maniacal chuckling of the redheaded girl contrasted with the sudden and petrified screaming of my younger companion.

<p class="MsoNormal">A glance above revealed the fluffy white wings of my abductor. Something had felt familiar about her, the resemblance became uncanny when she dropped me onto the stage before a certain angel.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hey sis! It’s my big day!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The landing was not bad considering the situation. A knock of Eir’s sword on the ground sent the crowd into silence. If anything, apart from the glare she often gave me, I would think that Eir was taking the situation well.

<p class="MsoNormal">“And so! We have our final champion who shall take part in the ceremony today. Although the circumstances of his arrival and age are questionable. He shall take his place and wait his turn.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The crowd erupted into applause. I did not want to dawdle after previous incidence with a certain angel. So, I hurried with Eleanor and the fluffy white demon to where the other candidates waited. They all watched as we passed them, I counted at least forty by the time we reached the end of the line.

<p class="MsoNormal">I Could feel a mixture of emotions coming from Eleanor. It was not difficult to guess how she felt. The way my hand was growing numb helped to guess.

<p class="MsoNormal">“What do we do?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“What kind of stupid question is that! It’s your stupid problem! that your stupid face got so stupid to stupid and stupid… Stupid!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The momentary outburst drew a few eyes from the crowd. It left Eleanor looking visibly beaten as she returned to clinging onto me. On the opposite end of the mental spectrum, the Jubilant angel girl stood next to me with her chest puffed and her hands on her hips. I looked between her and Eir, on occasion they caught each other’s eye. It resulted in the girl puffing up her chest further. She almost looked as though she would explode with pride.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hey! Don’t just poke someone in the stomach, that’s rather rude considering I am a young lady.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“What about abduction and forcing someone to do something against their will?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Huh? You nodded at me, so I took that as the queue that you wanted to join in. Making this a great opportunity to show that stupid fat butt sister of mine that I can do this!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eir had begun a speech in the meantime, speaking of the great deeds and dangers that await the chosen few. Although we were some distance from her, Eir’s voice became sterner whenever she peered towards me.

<p class="MsoNormal">The young angel began to hold onto my free arm. Holding it tighter whenever Eir’s voice grew louder.

<p class="MsoNormal">“So, what’s your name anyway?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Mist… And I know I shouldn’t have pulled you away, but it’s my last chance to do this. I need to show her that I can help, she’s always fighting, and I want to help.”

<p class="MsoNormal">A glance at Eleanor earnt me a worried smile. But she seemed to be more interested in what was happening on the stage. The line of people was growing smaller. Each chosen person walked onto the stage with their accompanying angel. Then Eir would give a small speech before they disappeared behind the large segmented sphere that sat front and centre.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Eleanor, do you know what that is?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“No… It looks old, very old. Although it does remind me of… it couldn’t be…”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eleanor looked very thoughtful. A mix of emotions painted her face, it reminded me of the time she was solving a puzzle. Something had been nagging me for a few minutes, the crowd had grown silent? Why is that?

<p class="MsoNormal">“Would the Chosen Kindly step forwards… It would be best to not waste mine and everyone’s time.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eir’s voice drew our attention, the area around us was empty now. All eyes turned on us again, resulting in Eleanor shying into my side once more.

<p class="MsoNormal">“So?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eir tilted her head and gestured for us to walk onto the stage and towards the orb. The crowd remained silent as the three of us joined her. The young angel let go of my arm and stood next to Eir before they exchanged a few words. Mist’s mood dropped along with her wings when Eir walked towards me.

<p class="MsoNormal">“So, I never expected to meet you again so soon. Anyway, this is a special occasion so don’t go screwing this up for me. If you do, then you will have hell to pay, stupid human.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Before I could rebut her, Eir turned towards the crowd and gave the same speech she had for the others. Yet this time it seemed to go further.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Before you stands a man, one who has fought for this city and its people. Some would say that he is already a hero, so do not jeer or belittle him if he fails this test.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The crowed remained silent as they watched the stage. It felt as though I could chew on the tension in the air. What I thought were words of encouragement appeared to make the crowd more heated. It was as though they were waiting for something to happen now.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eir moved to my side then planted her sword in front of her. The quartet of silvery wings on her back shrunk in size and folded behind her. The phosphenes she left in the air sparkled, making her look radiant in her armour. If I had known better, I could have fallen for her. But the feeling came to an abrupt halt when she looked at me and smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I know otherwise, stupid human. Just wait and see what happens when you fail. Now move yourself and press your hand into the imprint at the oracles centre.”

<p class="MsoNormal">It was fiendish. People told me I was mad when I mentioned my encounters with her. Angels were envisioned as the epitome of beauty and kindness. I guessed the scholars had never met one quite like her.

<p class="MsoNormal">The walk towards the back of the sphere felt like the last I would take. My nerves were on edge to the point that I missed Eleanor leaving my side to stand with the young angel Mist.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eir gestured towards a small disc on a surface of the object. Its surface bore a hand shaped indent, so I did the only thing I could think of and placed my palm against it. I regretted it more than getting out of bed that morning. As the moment I touched it, a jolt ran from my body and into the object.

<p class="MsoNormal">“And so! Wh… what?! That’s impossible!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eir dropped her sword and began mumbling to herself. My body felt cold. I looked at my palm expecting it to be burned. A few flakes of ice fell away as I flexed my fingers, but nothing seemed out of place. I turned to the fiery angel, her shocked expression brought my focus to the object I had touched.

<p class="MsoNormal">The complex patterns carved into the stone segments were pulsing with a golden light. The crowd watched in silence while the light grew in brightness. Those nearest to the stage covered their eyes while stepping backwards.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Eir? What’s happening?”

<p class="MsoNormal">I covered my ears when the orb began to screech. The crowd cried out and cowered as the orb began to rise from the stage. But before It reached an arms length into the air, the light faded and it crashed back down. Stone chippings and dust blew out from around it, covering me in a fine layer. Eir dropped to her knees and stared with a vacant expression.

<p class="MsoNormal">“What… what have you done? This was my last chance… Do you know what that means? How do you end up breaking everything you touch?”

<p class="MsoNormal">She looked towards me and her eye began to twitch.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Huh… what do you mean? I only touched it, how did I break it?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eir punched the stage, cracking the wooden planks. As she stood, her wings began to unfold from behind her back.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Of course, you broke it. Up to this day the oracle has worked and tested all those that touched it. Never has this happened before, it should not have happened under my watch…”

<p class="MsoNormal">I stood and backed away, looking for a way to escape. But the crowd surrounded us, yet I was sure it was parting from the direction of the church. But there was no time to worry about that, I wouldn’t make it in time if I was attacked.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Eir, you need to calm down. I never meant for this to happen.”

<p class="MsoNormal">   “You say that, but how many times has it been so far that we have run into each other. You know the last time you turned up, I was reprimanded. I thought this would be my last chance to show that I could be a worthy Valkyrie, then you show up and ruin everything! You are going to have hell to pay!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The irate angel’s wings had fully extended, the fiery heat they were emitting was intense. With a single flap, Eir launched herself towards me. Her gauntleted hands clawed at me as I dodged her attempts to apprehend me. The crowd grew restless as I fought off the enraged woman. I looked for Eleanor and Mist to ask for help, but they had disappeared.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Stay still human! You are going to pay dearly once I get hold of you!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eir continued to launch herself across the stage while I dodged her attacks. The glow of her wings brought back the same feeling of awe I felt. But there was no time for those kinds of thoughts again, I was too busy fearing what she would do if she caught me.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Enough!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The clearing fell into silence once more. A baritone voice reverberated with such power that I froze on the spot. A glance at Eir revealed her own mental state, all blood had drainage from her face. The hand she was using to grab hold of my collar loosened till her arm went limp at her side.

<p class="MsoNormal">“What Is going on here? Why has this holy ceremony been made a mockery of?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Standing at the foot of the steps behind the stage was an older gentleman. The hard look in his eyes and attire would have me place him as someone important. At one of his sides stood the angel Mist, on the other was Eleanor. Both looked uneasy at the situation.

<p class="MsoNormal">“H-Holy father! This! This stu… human has committed a grave crime! He has broken the Oracle!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Silence!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The older man walked towards the steps with the girls at his sides. An armoured procession of angels followed behind him. As he ascended, they walked around the stage and made a perimeter. His stopped in front of me and Eir, giving me a node before smiling at her.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You were doing so well daughter.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“But father! He!

<p class="MsoNormal">“No but’s Eir, I had you take on this task as a penance and final test. I had longed for this day to arrive and it appears a suitable person has appeared.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked towards Eir, her face was a puzzle of confusion. I would guess that my own was the same. I looked to the girls and both shrugged.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Boy, come here a moment.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I stepped forwards till I was face to face with the newcomer. His aura felt intense up close, I could only assume he was powerful and was not afraid to let people know.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Do you know what you have done?”

<p class="MsoNormal">I shook my head and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. It felt as though Eir was trying to burrow a hole into the back of my head just by glaring at me. The Elder man nodded at Eir and she came to stand by my side. After a tense moment of staring, the elder man smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal">“So daughter, after all this time you have finally done it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Done… what?”

<p class="MsoNormal">I exchanged a confused look with Eir.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I don’t understand, I touched a thing and then she exploded at me.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I don’t explode! You stu…”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eir’s wings dropped as the elder man continued to smile at her. She began to look between us while looking more worried.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh no… no no no.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh yes, I never told you Eir, but you were the one to receive a chosen partner today. I just never imagined that the oracles reaction would be this strong. It had always been able to identify humans capable of forming strong bonds with angels. But I never imagined that a match would be found so fast.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Father… what do you mean match? Why was I never told about this?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh, you never needed to know my daughter. If I had told you everything, you would have refused and run away… again.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The old man chuckled then looked at me. He nodded before walking to the front of the stage. I looked towards Eir and she bared her teeth.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Don’t get angry at me, I didn’t know anything about this.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m not angry at you! I’m just angry! He tricked me, I should have known something was up when he asked for a lock of my hair for the ceremony.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh well sorry, it’s hard to tell when you are trying to prevent an overstuffed pigeon from trying to claw you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eir choked and began to cough. “P-Pigeon! Who are you calling…”

<p class="MsoNormal">The elder man clapped his hands and the crowd silenced once more. Eir groaned when he smiled at her. I started to feel uneasy, all eyes were on us once more.

<p class="MsoNormal">“My name is Reinhardt Eldr, the standing Dominion of this nation. I humbly come before you in the service of our lord mother. Today is an auspicious day, for a new hero of ages has been found.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The crowd exploded into rapturous applause. I had to cover my ears from the deafening roar. Reinhardt gestured for them to quieten and thanked them once they did.

<p class="MsoNormal">“My daughter who was overseeing this day has always been a treasure of mine. For her heart is as big as her passion is strong. But now she has grown and become a treasure of the nation. From this day, she will hence forth fight and train alongside this new hero as his partner.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked towards Eir. She looked frantic, looking for a way out of the situation.

<p class="MsoNormal">“What does he mean by match? And what about partner?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I… I… oh no, I can’t do this, I didn’t want this.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“what do you mean?”

<p class="MsoNormal">The boisterous angel grabbed my shoulders and began to shake me.

<p class="MsoNormal">“He means were going to be stuck together from today onwards! As in were going to be forced to get M… M…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“What?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Married! you stupid human!”

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