User blog:Mauller/Absolution 025

Absolution, Chapter:025
 The noon sun shone through the vaulted windows of Alec’s office, covering everything in a warm glow. Dust floated in the rays of light, reminding the Inquisitor that he needed to clean his equipment. It was a funny connection in his mind, since the state of his office was none of his concern. He would rather be in the field than stuck behind a desk.

'So? Did you like your little encounter?'

The leather chair that Alec was sat in creaked as he moved, it had seen better days. Its mechanisms were not the only thing in need of maintenance. He would have preferred a sturdy stool. But the quartermaster would have none of it, seeing that Alec was now a person of import. Thus, a suitable chair was required for the role.

Looking over his papers, Alec peered into the shadows at the far end of his office. A familiar face smiled back at him, accompanied by the over-enthusiastic wave of a hand.

'The most fun I have had all week. I don’t have time for this, why are you bothering me Nyx?'

The woman frowned when the young man’s attention returned to his work. It was irritating that he would choose it over her. Being a goddess, her needs came first, so she strolled across the room and peered over Alec’s shoulder. Giving him a smile when he looked at her.

'Well, seeing as you are, so! busy, maybe I won’t tell you.'

The inquisitors hand flexed. But he continued with his letter as though the interloper were not there. The moment she stated clicking her tongue, the ‘S’ he was writing gained a rather long tail.

'You know I don't like it when you ignore me.'

'Maybe you should knock before... Damn it woman! I didn't mean my head!'

'You never specified.'

Nyx smiled when Alec turned and glared at her. His work was more important compared to her childish antics. A drop of wax and imprint of his signet ring sealed the letter. The young woman watched with interest before hopping a few steps back. The inquisitor stood and faced Nyx, her cheerful smile aggravated him.

'I did what they asked, as much as I hate it, so leave for now. I have a meeting to attend, so don't bother me for the rest of the day.'

Nyx pouted and moved to the side when Alec walked towards the door.

'So you never noticed?'

<p class="MsoNormal">'noticed what?'

<p class="MsoNormal">Alec looked to where the goddess had been, but she had already vanished. It was one of her habits that he never liked, as it made throwing things at her more difficult.

<p class="MsoNormal">'Damned woman...'

<p class="MsoNormal">Unable to delay any longer, the inquisitor went to leave his office but froze. The soft touch tracing his neck sent a chill down his spine. The way it felt brought back memories of things he would prefer to forget.

<p class="MsoNormal">'You met four of them Alec...'

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I told you Nyx, stop using her voice!’

<p class="MsoNormal">Alec swung to grab for the goddess, but all that greeted him was an empty room.

<p class="MsoNormal">'Is everything okay sir?'

<p class="MsoNormal">Brianna's familiar voice startled him so much that he lashed out in reflex.

<p class="MsoNormal">'I... Bri? Oh yes, everything is fine.'

<p class="MsoNormal">The pair stared at each other, Alec pressing Brianna into the door with his body. The Inquisitor majors hard steel pressing into his underlings smooth and silky skin. Brianna could feel her cheeks flush as she looked to the side.

<p class="MsoNormal">'Then could you, remove your knife from my throat? Erm, please?'

<p class="MsoNormal">Since he was a young boy, Alec always had some colour in his face. But Brianna had never seen him turn so red when he appeared to realise what he was doing.

<p class="MsoNormal">With a quick flourish, Alec withdrew then returned his knife to its sheath. He coughed a few times before stepping back and straightening his clothes.

<p class="MsoNormal">'I... Need to go.'

<p class="MsoNormal">Alec left his office in a hurry, his agitation made him ponder the words of the troublesome goddess. But thoughts of how soft Brianna felt kept clouding his mind. He shook his head a few times trying to clear the intimate memory. He often teased and felt responsible for her, she had always been there for him. But could they ever be as close as they were after being apart for so long?

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Alec?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Brianna stood in the door, feeling confused as she watched her childhood friend walk away. She had always considered him strange when they were younger. He always thought he could get all the girls, so she would tease him about his face to annoy him. But his actions and the distant look in his eyes worried her.

<p class="MsoNormal">'what was that?!' The young woman jumped to the side while holding one of her ears.

<p class="MsoNormal">'is someone there? Is that you Donald? I told you that if you prank me again there will be repercussions!'

<p class="MsoNormal">The office remained silent and its side doors were shut and barred. Brianna sighed and rubbed her forehead, the past few days were getting to her. Working in intelligence meant she never had a moment to relax due to current events. When she remembered why she had gone to Alecs office, she put the document she was carrying on his desk then left.

<p class="MsoNormal">Once the door was closed, the large leather chair span. The goddess Nyx tapped her finger against her lip before smiling.

<p class="MsoNormal">'Things are about to get interesting.'

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

<p class="MsoNormal">A light floated ahead of me, appearing as though it were down a dark tunnel. I had heard stories about this situation, it was a common trope surrounding death. They often say you would feel light and carefree. But I had the nagging feeling that I should worry about something. Although that something, I could not think of what It was.

<p class="MsoNormal">So, I laid there looking at this light, wondering why my body felt heavy, shouldn’t I be floating? It was often said you left your physical body behind. Among those feelings my arms would not respond, should I have arms? And the itch on my back was driving me crazy, did I wash the linen?

<p class="MsoNormal">My mouth felt dry during the mental acrobatics of this philosophical predicament. A part of me started kicking this train of thought as the following came to mind, if I have a body, itchy back and dry mouth, would that mean I am alive? That, or death was playing a practical joke.

<p class="MsoNormal">The light began to grow when I realised my eyes were half shut. Opening them gave me a headache and temporary blindness from the sudden change in contrast. And the more I tried, my body started to respond when I felt my arms shift.

<p class="MsoNormal">My eyes adjusted to the light and I noticed something strange. I was looking at the ceiling of my bedroom, yet a silver fog hung in the air. The odd mist appeared to have a mind of its own as it curled around the old bed posts and danced in the air. But my mind was drawn to something that was lingering by the window.

<p class="MsoNormal">I rose and sat as if in a daze. My body felt like my own, yet some other force was controlling it. The strange disconnected feeling was soon pushed away when I noticed a picturesque figure in the shadows.

<p class="MsoNormal">Her raven hair hung loose over her shoulders, covering what her clothing missed. The outfit she was wearing left nothing to the imagination. And although I had only heard rumours, the ladies in the brothel sounded modest in comparison.

<p class="MsoNormal">She walked forwards while smiling, having stepped into the light I realised something.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You’re that woman from Malachi’s office.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Her smile grew, becoming more knowing as she walked over and sat beside me on the bed. Her walk was entrancing, the way her body seemed to dance across the room. Although I remembered her being beautiful, it seemed unreal at this point. Almost magical.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yes, so you remember me?’

<p class="MsoNormal">The glow in her eyes drew me in, my train of thought felt more sluggish the longer I watched. My heart was about to burst from my chest when she leant towards me. The moment our lips touched, warmth spread through my body. I reached up to hold her head and felt something prick my hand.

<p class="MsoNormal">Something was wrong, very wrong. I had to stop this, I needed to break free.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What? How did you do that?’

<p class="MsoNormal">I held her by the shoulders at arm’s length. It was taking all my concentration to prevent myself from pulling her close and tasting the sweetness of her lips again.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘This is wrong, somethings wrong. Get away from me!’

<p class="MsoNormal">The fire I had felt before grew within me, it raced up to my arms and spread through them. I pushed the woman away, leaving her looking up at me from the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘No one has ever done that to me, not while I was feeding…’

<p class="MsoNormal">Her eyes grew wide and she jumped to her feet. She seemed to regard me for a moment as though I were a dangerous animal. But she soon looked at me with a thoughtful smile.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Ah, no wonder she had so much fun. I think I will make you mine, How does that sound?’

<p class="MsoNormal">She gave me a playful wink then sashayed towards the window. The way her hips moved made me want to jump out of bed and push her to the floor. It was taking every ounce of strength to stop myself.

<p class="MsoNormal">I only noticed that the windows were open when she sat on one of the ledges and looked back at me.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Goodbye for now my sweet. Oh and, make sure to leave the city within the fortnight.’

<p class="MsoNormal">When she slid out of view, I was sure I saw something trailing behind her. The mist in the room also appeared to follow her. The last of it curling up and closing the windows as it left.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I must be dreaming…’

<p class="MsoNormal">A strong feeling of relief overcame me, I could feel my mind slipping as I fell back onto my pillow.

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:82.5pt">I was unsure of how much time had passed, the last thing I remembered was falling. If the throb in my head was any indication, then I would say my night’s sleep was restless. And the extra weight on my chest was not helping.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:82.5pt">‘Did I, dream that?’

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:82.5pt">Fragments of memories drifted to the surface. The sight of a beautiful woman in my room and the touch of her lips. The tingle remained, which was an odd feeling.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:82.5pt">‘Dream what? You have been asleep for the past three days.’

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:82.5pt">‘About the beautiful woman in my room.’ My body still felt heavy and the weight on my chest shifted as I moved.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:82.5pt">‘Oh, so you were partly lucid while I was helping tend to you. Although it would not surprise me if you have been having lecherous dreams in the night. Considering the company you keep.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Eleanor… you are what? Fourteen? Why would I consider you a beautiful woman? And do you have a cold? Your voice sounds funny.’ I opened my eyes to end up nose to nose with the thing that was sat on my chest.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Eleanor, you left your cat here again. I told you last time that I don’t want this mangy fur ball in my room.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The cats eyes widened. ‘Mangy! You cretin! I tell you! I am from a prestigious heritage!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You can talk?! And stop digging your claws into me!’

<p class="MsoNormal">With a graceful leap, the little black cat jumped off the bed and onto the stool beside it. The cat’s purple eyes narrowed, what I assumed was the equivalent of a smirk. Having avoided capture, it glared at me as I moved to sit on the edge of the bed.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I would ask if you were feeling better, but considering how rude you have been, you can die for all I care.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Charming, but thank you anyway, if you were helping. I never realised that animals could talk.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The cats head tilted and it sat upright. ‘You really don’t know, do you? And from the dim-witted look in response, I assume Eleanor never told you?’

<p class="MsoNormal">The cat exhaled, what I assumed was an equivalent of a sigh. Its eyes wandered over my body for a while before they affixed on my own again. They looked thoughtful, bearing an intelligence that no simple animal could have. The sparkle within them hinted at something more as well.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You are magical, right? Like Eleanor’s golem?’

<p class="MsoNormal">The cat snorted and puffed up its chest. Which was amusing considering its size and fluffiness.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I would have you know, I am well beyond the distant end of the magical spectrum compared to a simple golem. I am the pinnacle of magic, a life form without measure or compare. A being that users of the magical arts strive to create yet have not achieved in thousands of years. A being that sits beyond the realms of simple conjurers and animators. I am!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘A cat?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘A cat!’

<p class="MsoNormal">The cat sat looking rather proud of itself, till its eyes widened.

<p class="MsoNormal">No! I didn’t mean to say that you blithering imbecile! Stop interrupting or I will show you my true power!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What are you going to do? Play with my socks? Cough up a hairball?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I will make your life a living misery! Till you beg me for the mercy of death!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So… you are going to leave fur everywhere? Wonderful.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘No! Argh, I can see why Eleanor talks so much about you. If I had to put up with this every day without venting, it would drive me insane!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh! you are going to poop on the carpet?’

<p class="MsoNormal">The little cat groaned and covered its eyes with one of its paws. It looked so adorable I just wanted to pet it.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I can’t believe this, after all this time I am free, to end up looking after the mentally retard.. da.. aa..’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Stop being so mopey, I am just playing.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The little cats fur felt so soft and warm. Her head nuzzled against my hand for a moment and she began to purr. I assumed she was a girl in the end. The dopey look on her face was cute.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘See, not so hard to be nice now is it? Hey?! What was that for?’

<p class="MsoNormal">My hand stang from the sudden bite. The cat ran to the end of the bed and glared at me. Or at least I assumed it was glaring in the way cats stare at you.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘This is not over human!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Aww, bye bye fleabag.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The cat hopped off the bed then walked to the bedroom door. As she reached it, the door opened and Eleanor entered the room.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh, you are awake… what is that stupid look on your stupid face for?’

<p class="MsoNormal">I was sure I could hear the cat snicker as it left the room. But my attention had turned to my young companion, or should I say, the annoying child I was stuck with.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So, I hear you have been looking after me, I guess I should thank you.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The girl huffed then walked over to the bed, she placed a hand against my forehead and a glass rod in my mouth.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Wat ish thish for?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘It will tell me how stupid you are, but no one needs magic to discern that.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Charming.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Good, your fever is down. And I moved my things into the other room, looks like I am staying here now.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘wha?’ I took the rod out of my mouth and pushed it into Eleanor. ‘What makes you think that you can just decide to move here? And what makes you think I would want you living here anyway?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well it was not as though I could ask you! And it’s not like I have anywhere else to go! You are just stupid! Stupid, stupid! Stupid!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Hey! Calm down and stop hitting me, just tell me what is wrong?’

<p class="MsoNormal">I grabbed Eleanor by the wrist and pulled her into a hug before she could run away.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Let me go! I don’t want any of your stupid sympathy!’

<p class="MsoNormal">She started hammering her fists against me, her eyes and nose streaming the entire time. Her breath turned into broken sobs while she struggled to get away.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Eleanor stop being stubborn and just tell me what is wrong!’

<p class="MsoNormal">Her eyes widened and she froze, we stared at each other till her face scrunched up and she burst into tears. The stream turned into a torrent before she rested her head against my chest. I hugged her tight and was surprised when she started to hug me in return.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I was so scared, I thought I was going to die… I wanted to show them… that I could do it on my own, that I don’t need a babysitter anymore.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Eleanor’s words came between muffled sobs. The constant wiping of her nose against my chest would have irritated me if it was any other time.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘When I was trapped, I panicked, I didn’t know what to do. Then I heard you calling… I know it’s stupid, but I felt happy. Then when you gave me to the angel and stayed to fight… I was so scared again. I felt like I couldn’t do anything.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘It’s okay, I understand.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘No! you don’t!’ Eleanor looked up at me, her mouth quivering while she snorted up a disturbing length of snot. ‘You don’t understand! You don’t know anything about me! I don’t know you! Yet I always thought you were stupid trash… but, sorry… I’m not, good with people.’

<p class="MsoNormal">She looked down again and started fiddling with the pendant she always wore. A small bit of warmth welled up inside me from the thought of her caring. But the awkward girl seemed so frail compared to her normal boisterous self.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You can stay if you want to, Malachi mentioned it. I know about the trouble with your dorms and your friend leaving. So, I was going to ask you after the battle.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Really? Thank you!’

<p class="MsoNormal">Eleanor hugged me once more, we ended up sitting on the bed and talking for the rest of the evening. I was surprised with how open she was. It was as though she were a different person.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So Morgana is a familiar and she taught you magic? But only she knows who made her and how old she is. But she won’t tell anyone, even you?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yeah, when I was little my family died in a monster attack. We lived in a town outside the city, my mother was a famous mage. She worked in the guild while My father was a carpenter, it sounds like a strange pairing. And although It sounds horrible, I can’t remember their faces, or my older brothers.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What happened?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Eleanor sighed and leant against my arm. ‘They say it was the first time the demon lord’s army attacked Lescatie. There used to be little villages all around the walls. But they are gone now, leaving everyone crowded into the outer ring of the city. The slums were far nicer places then. Or so Malachi told me. But with the threat of monster attacks, they tore down the villages out of fear.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So, Malachi has been around for a while? It looked like it from the portrait he keeps in his office.’ Eleanor nodded then began to pet the little black cat. She had decided to join us when it grew closer to dinner time.

<p class="MsoNormal">Morgana perked up and looked up at us. ‘Eleanor was only little at the time. And I only have hearsay to go by, but her village was the first to be attacked. In the commotion, houses were set ablaze. Fortunately, Eleanor’s parents hid her in the cellar. But the one who found her was that wretched woman Minerva. She envied Eleanor’s mother, so chose to exact her frustration upon Eleanor.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘She made me clean her room, make her bed, do her laundry. Even bring her dinner to her. It was horrible, I had to walk through dark corridors since I was too small to hold the baskets and a lantern. She used to take my glasses away for me if I did anything wrong. The only thing I have left of my parents are my glasses, I love reading and she wouldn’t let me.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Eleanor began to shake again while sniffling. ‘She said she would feed me to the monsters if I told anyone who I was. But I got scared one day, I hurt Minerva by accident. She was so angry that I had to run away. She normally locked her door behind herself, but she was in a hurry when she returned to her room that day. I ran out of the open door as fast as I could without looking back.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘That was when I heard her call out to me. I had been asleep for a long time, waiting for the right master to come along. Many had tried to awaken me, some succeeding but failing to meet my expectations in the end. I am a particular familiar, I do not choose my master on a whim.’

<p class="MsoNormal">We spent the rest of the evening talking, till Merse decided to invite herself into the apartment. Then due to her usual antics, Merse dragged me down to the bar and the drinking started. Malachi and many of the band had decided to fill the bar that night. Things happened to return to normal after that. Well, as normal as it can be when you wake the next day to find a woman with cat’s ears cooking breakfast.

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

<p class="MsoNormal">The commotion around the city was invigorating. In the span of a few hours the shops and boulevards were strewn with various decorations for the coming festivals. But the one thing that stood out the most were the large banners proclaiming the hero ceremony.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I never realised something like this happened.” I looked to my side to find that I was on my own again. “Oh that is typical, you help someone with their shopping all morning…” I sighed then rubbed my forehead. Eleanor had been very hyper after sleeping for half the day. So, we ended up shopping after a quick lunch and my strange morning dealing with Morganas breakfast.

<p class="MsoNormal">I covered my mouth and could feel my stomach churn. “How does someone that smart… urgh, cook so bad. It looked edible, fantastic even. I bet she cheated and used magic somewhere.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Without realising, I had ended up in another part of the city. The crowds had been working their way here and I managed to get caught in the flow. “Where am i?” Ahead, the boulevard ended in an abrupt opening. Crowds of people were filling a large clearing in front of a massive building.

<p class="MsoNormal">Around the large courtyard, park? Whatever they called this open space, banners hung from the buildings. Decorated with angels as well as men and women standing in heroic poses. Or what I supposed were heroic poses with their swords raised high.

<p class="MsoNormal">In the distance, a platform had been setup around a monument in the centre of the square. The large object was strange, it was an orb split into quarters when viewed from the front. The surface of the pieces had been carved with various lines. And at the centre where the fragments met, a crystal glowed with a gentle blue light.

<p class="MsoNormal">The sound of trumpets filled the air and the crowd grew silent. Hundreds of people must have been filling the clearing. But above the hubbub and mutters, one sound drew everyone’s attention. The chiming of bells, the rustle of cloth and the almost musical sound of moving armour.

<p class="MsoNormal">I could not see what everyone was watching, but gasps filled the air. The people’s eyes were tracking something moving at the far side of the orb. Whatever it was must have walked from the large and ornate building. The first sight I caught of it was a glimpse of long red feathers.

<p class="MsoNormal">What appeared to be a person wearing ceremonial armour rose to the platform.

<p class="MsoNormal">The full plate armour, even seen from a distance was covered in intricate patterns. And the long red feathers I glimpsed, crowned the persons winged helm. It was hard to watch at times, the mixture of pure white, silver and gold reflected the sun. But my feelings of awe fell away when the person turned to face the crowd in my direction.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Her… It can’t be?”

<p class="MsoNormal">The person in the armour turned out to be someone I knew.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eir, the fiery and temperamental angel looked over the audience. Her sky-blue eyes and cold gaze locked onto me. I felt my heart jump as though I had been caught doing something wrong. But they moved on without her giving any kind of reaction.

<p class="MsoNormal">It must have been a fluke. I was too far from the stage, could she have recognised me from that distance?

<p class="MsoNormal">The crowd began to mutter again but was silenced when Eir tapped the giant sword she was holding against the stage.

<p class="MsoNormal">“People of Lescatie! Today is an auspicious day! For today only comes but once a year and brings with it great opportunity for those found worthy!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Four large silver wings spread out behind the Angel. Their gentle glow and the sheer size of them reinforced her powerful image. But as she looked out on the audience a change came over her. Her stern features softened, almost becoming endearing as she smiled. Looking at her now made me feel bad for the way I had portrayed her.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Among you stands the next generation of fighters, mages and heroes. Today we gather to seek those who might one day save us from the evil that is the demon lord. But do not be disheartened if you are not chosen, for everyone in this world has their part to play in saving it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The people closest to the stage shifted and some were moving into the clearing around Eir. Other angels must have followed her as the occasional halo bobbed into view above the sea of heads.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Among you, we have sent out our heralds to choose those that we deem worthy”

<p class="MsoNormal">Various people gathered in the clearing near the stage. From what I could see the majority of them were young men and women. Some appearing to be children. Next to each of them stood a young angel. But something caught my eye, an erratic halo was moving around the crowd. Bobbing up and down, causing a commotion as it passed.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Those of you who have been brought forth will be given the test of heroes. The ancient right that has been handed down to us by the Lord mother.” Eir’s voice gained a sense of agitation as she noticed and followed the commotion in the audience.

<p class="MsoNormal">I thought it was about time to leave, this was not a place I should be. Eleanor would no doubt be looking for me and getting agitated when I didn’t appear. But a certain pointy hat blocked my path when I turned.

<p class="MsoNormal">“So, this is where your stupid face was, Lucky for you Mog helped me find you. Now come on, I have stuff to do.” The grumpy look on her face brought a smile. I just wanted to pinch her cheeks and embarrass her.

<p class="MsoNormal">“When we get back, I want a big roast tonight. We always had one on Sundays when I lived in the Magitech dormitories.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I chuckled as she took my hand to drag me along. “Okay I will make whatever you want. But I have stuff to do myself first so…”

<p class="MsoNormal">Someone grabbed my other hand as I was leaving. The people around me were now looking at me. When Eleanor turned to look back, her eyes widened and her jaw dropped.

<p class="MsoNormal">The uknown hand tugged mine a few times, seeming excited. When I checked on what was happening, a pair of brilliant blue eyes stared up at me from underneath a mop of red hair. “Hey mister! Do you want to be a hero?”

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