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kkdestiny
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 Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2016 4:45 pm Post subject: |
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I was definitely being worried about War finding out. It's not really normal to stuff blankets in your clothes...but the way it played out was really pretty messed up.
If I hadn't gotten a really bad feeling once that letter came, I'm sure it would have messed me up a lot and I'd be replying simularly to ModelP v.v
I see the darkness levels of this story are reaching deep pit levels, and it'll be interesting to see the conflict ripen and grow, only to hopefully be overcome. I'm sure we can use War's madness against him..
er...well, anyways...
If it were me after all this bullshit they just went through...I would definitely tell him I was there, though quietly. We dont know if he wants us to go over to him...or give him soe time...but we should let him know we're there if he needs us..also, we have a message to deliver, so, yeah.
_________________
I now have three SGames! "Mist in a Cave" Chapter 5 is in the works
"The Freedom of Magic" Just got its THIRD chapter up!
Hope you all find the time to read them  *goes off to look for an SG to read*
Note to self: The Elven Moon; Coin; SVI; Black Animals; Two Wolves; Angel Cat
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Seraphi
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| Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2016 4:28 pm Post subject: |
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NOOOOOO! Not Az, my sassy favorite! Whyyy?! 
War you-*mumbles various and explicit choice words*
Well I am upset. Thank you very much, Andi. XD
For the DP...Elias is obviously engulfed with grief, so thinking clearly isn't really his prerogative at the moment. Kaija should go to him, try calm him down enough that she can get him some medical attention (the man may be god-like but I doubt he can bleed forever).
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"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2016 6:29 pm Post subject: |
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First off, I'm just screaming HOW DARE YOU over and over in my head. I'm not entirely sure if it's directed at you ir at War, though. XD I suppose I'm in the minority that it is really neat to finally see just how Wars powers work? Though, between his comment about her being the enemy and his powers not being used on her, I'm wondering if perhaps there isn't more to Kaija than it might seem.
Also, why on earth did any of them believe NOTES? NOTES ARE NEVER TO BE TRUSTED.
On to the DP. I say she starts to sing. Something soothing, preferably, but anything that might help him regain his sanity might help.
_________________
My latest SG! (Image courtesy of the lovely Lebrenth)
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2016 5:54 pm Post subject: |
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I draw in a shaking breath and run to him. My arms wrap around his trembling shoulders as I crouch behind him. Elias leans his head back on my shoulder and releases an agonized sound that’s somewhere between a moan and a sob.
“Why are you here?” he asks after a moment of silence. He leans forward again, away from me, but I don’t let him shrug me off. Instead, I lean forward with him, shifting my arms to wrap around his chest. “You shouldn’t be here.”
I don’t answer him. I only hug him tighter.
“Did you hear me?” Elias says more forcefully. “You shouldn’t be here. I don’t deserve you. I don’t deserve to be held by you. You should fear me—You should hate me! …I hate me.”
When I keep silent, Elias continues his spiral.
“I hate this cursed power. I hate War. I hate this life I’ve lived for far too long,” he stops, inhaling sharply. “I deserve all of this. I deserve to be punished. I deserve to lose everyone I love—have them torn away and taken to a Paradise I will never see—Oh, GOD, why?? Why are you here, Kaija??”
Elias attempts feebly to push me away, but he’s exhausted, and instead, he falls further into my arms. I shift, pulling him to me and holding him. I bury my face in his neck, leaving his head to lie on my leg that’s curled beneath him. Elias's heaving breaths cause my arms to rise and fall as they remain wrapped around him.
“I don’t deserve your forgiveness,” Elias moans.
“That’s the funny thing about forgiveness and grace,” I whisper. “You don’t have to deserve it for it to be granted.”
Elias finally relaxes in my arms, sobbing quietly.
“I love you, Elias,” I whisper into his neck. “And you don’t have to do anything to deserve that either.”
The only reply I receive is a cool hand being placed on my arm. We remain in the floor this way for a long time until Elias’s breathing levels out, and he’s completely calm. Something doesn’t seem right, though.
“Elias?” I mumble. “Elias, talk to me.”
I feel his pulse picking up speed against my face where it’s still nestled in his neck. His hand drops off my arm. It’s then that I untangle myself and stand—I’ve finally managed to calm him, but Elias is in trouble.
Grabbing a pillow, I gently place it beneath his head. He shivers, and I hurry to grab a blanket. I need to get him to the bed, and I need to assess the physical damage War caused. With as unresponsive as he’s become, there’s no way I’m going to be able to do this alone.
“Charity??” I yell out the door. “Phillipa? Anyone??”
Looking back, I see that Elias has begun sweating. There’s really no wonder he’s is so lethargic and irrational. Between his grief and the massive amount of blood he’s lost, I’m honestly surprised he’s still conscious.
Grabbing a blanket, I run back to his side. I don’t have time to wait for anyone to help me. Elias needs me now. With my knife, I slash the fabric and rip it into two pieces. Elias groans as I tie off the gaping wounds on his legs. He attempts to reach up and stop me, but I easily place his hands back on his chest and carry on. He’s far too weak to fight me now.
“Lord Elias! What happened in here??” A soft female voice gasps at the doorway.
“Sophia, help me,” I grunt as I attempt to lift Elias.
“Of course!” When she reaches us, Sophia quickly grabs the side opposite me. She takes a second to press her fingers to his neck. “He’s going into shock. We need to hurry.”
Between the two of us, we’re able to get Elias to the bed. Sophia hastily removes his boots and cuts the cloth away from his legs.
“Oh, heavens,” she gasps when she sees the damage. “This is going to need sutures, and that’s over my skill. I’ll be right back with Phillipa. Miss Kaija, can you hold pressure on those?”
“Yeah,” I mutter, already grabbing things to put over the wounds.
After what feels like forever, Sophia returns.
“Good heavens,” Phillipa briefly looks around, but when she sees Elias, she snaps back and rushes to my side. “Oh, Elias. Miss Kaija, remove your coverings, there.”
I do as I’m told while Phillipa snatches a few things from the medicine cart that’s thankfully still stationed in the room.
“Az, forgive me,” Elias whispers in his fevered state. “Kaija…sorry…”
“Shh,” I move up to kiss his forehead and comfort him while Phillipa and Sophia work. I lay my head against Elias’s and hold tightly to his hands. “I’m here. Everything’s going to be okay.”
The Brides work quickly, and in a blur, it’s all over. Phillipa stacks several pillows beneath Elias’s legs, elevating them.
“This should help with his blood flow,” she says tiredly. “We have reserves of his blood on hand, but I don’t think it’s going to be necessary this time.”
“Why do you have his blood stored?” I’m almost afraid of the answer.
“This isn’t the first time Elias has come in here half bled to death. War has never been kind to him, and it’s not unheard of for things to turn violent. Thankfully, it doesn’t happen often. It’s been at least ten years since the last major incident, but we don’t like to take chances with him. Elias means far too much to us.”
“I’m sorry, Phillipa,” I whisper. “I should have come to get you sooner.”
“It wouldn’t have done any good, Miss Kaija,” Phillipa shakes her head. “The state he was in when he stumbled through here, there’s no way any of us would have been able to do a thing for him. You did right to calm him down first.”
“I just—”
“You don’t have to explain anything, love,” Phillipa lays a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Diggory told us what he knew. The rest, we can fill in for ourselves. We all knew this day would eventually come. We honestly didn’t think War would stop with just Azazel, and none of us expected him to involve you as well. To think he’d make Elias choose… War is a sick, twisted individual, but he never fails to shock me with his cruelty.”
Tears fill my eyes again, and I’m unable to say anything. I simply let my eyes drift to where Elias is sleeping restlessly.
“Please stay with him,” Phillipa takes my hand. “He’s going to need your love and support now more than ever.”
“Of course,” I whisper, running my hand over Elias’s silky hair.
“Thank you, Miss Kaija,” Phillipa embraces me quickly. “If you need anything, we’ll be downstairs preparing for… We’ll be downstairs.”
“Thank you,” I nod.
When they’ve gone, Elias and I are alone. He is sleeping fitfully, and I’m sure that visions of Azazel’s last moments are what haunt him. Perhaps he’s seeing Ronyn as well. I take one of his trembling hands and hold it to the side of my face.
“Father take the pain away from him,” I whisper. “He is worth so much more than this hatred that he heaps on himself. You love him more than my feeble heart ever could. Please give me the strength to show him the way.”
Elias cries out softly in his sleep, and I run a hand over his face.
“Shh, I’m here,” I whisper. He instantly relaxes, taking a deep breath. “I’ll be right here until you wake.”
I lay my head by his side, just as he did for me all those nights after I was bitten. My mind tries to play through the events of the day, but I shove the pain away. There will be time for me to grieve later. Right now, Elias needs me. He is my priority. When I know that he’s okay, I’ll be able to let myself process.
As if to accent my thoughts, Elias cries out again, and tears fall from his closed eyes. Without even a second thought, I crawl onto the bed beside him and cradle his head to my chest, making sure his ear is just over my heart. When I’m frightened, the sound of his heartbeat calms me. I hope that mine will offer him the same comfort.
“No more tears, Elias,” I whisper to him, stroking his hair. “I’m here with you.”
Elias sighs and slides an arm under me and around my waist. He brings his left hand up ever so slightly to rest on my arm. It’s then that he slips into a deep, restful sleep, and I remain awake, watching over him until the sun rises above the flower gardens to the east.
Later in the morning, there’s a soft knock at the door. For half a second, in my exhaustion, I think it might be Azazel bringing breakfast for Elias and I. I shake my head when I realize my mistake.
“Enter,” I say, just barely loud enough to be heard.
Elias is still sleeping, and I don’t want to disturb him. His head has remained firmly against my chest throughout the night, only now he’s on his side with both arms encircling my waist. I’m curled around his head in an almost defensive posture when the door swings open.
Diggory enters the room and glances around. He appears a little unsettled as he gets a good look at the place. Finally, his eyes make it to our position on the bed, and he ambles closer.
“How is he?” He nods to where Elias is sleeping in my arms. “Phillipa told me he wasn’t in good shape last night.”
“How could he be?” I whisper, brushing a strand of his hair out of his angelic face. “He was forced to end the life of the woman he saw as a mother.”
Diggory nods somberly.
“He finally rested for a few hours, though,” I finally get around to answering Diggory’s question. “He’s not been awake this morning yet, so I don’t really know how he’s doing.”
“I take it you didn’t rest?” Diggory phrases the statement as a question. I shake my head, clenching my teeth.
“He needed me,” I respond.
“I see,” Diggory says distantly, looking around the room again.
“This broke him, Digg,” tears threaten me. “Shattered him.”
“I know,” Diggory sighs, and I swear I can hear tears in his own voice. “It’s going to be hard on all of us.”
“Digg?” I look up to see that he is, in fact, crying.
“Not many people know this, but Azazel came here just a few years after I was hired. She was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. Over the years we grew very close…”
“Diggory,” My eyes go wide, and I hope he’s not telling me what I think he is.
“We were secretive. We had to be,” Diggory chokes on a quiet sob. “Secret's out now, but until last night only Elias knew about us. He protected us just like he does everyone else in this godforsaken place.”
All at once, my internal defenses come crashing down around me. I had tried to shove my pain away in order to be the strength Elias needs, but with Diggory’s confession, it all implodes, and my true weakness shoots straight to the surface. I caused War to turn his attention on Elias. Azazel left the wing to get Rebecca’s things for me, and that’s probably when she was discovered. I should have paid more attention to my instincts when I received the note. If I’d have been faster—stronger—I could have incapacitated her so that Elias wouldn’t have had to…
“I’m so sorry, Diggory,” I whisper, unexpectedly bursting into tears. I hug Elias’s head closer to my chest and fight to keep my movements to a minimum. “I’m so sorry! This is all my fault! If it weren’t for me, War wouldn’t have been able to make Elias choose. You were right! You told me not to get close to him. You told me I’d hurt him. I—”
“Kaija!” Diggory’s voice is gruff, scolding. It demands my attention, and I stop instantly. When I look up, he’s staring at me through his red-rimmed eyes, tears streaming down his powerful face. “Don’t you dare try to carry the blame for this. It’s too heavy, and it would crush you just like it’s crushed Elias.”
At the mention of his name, I look back down to the man sleeping in my arms. His eyes are still reddened and puffy, and the tracks of his tears can still be seen against his pale skin.
“You hold no more responsibility for Azazel’s death than he does,” Diggory continues. “Azazel died because of War. He is the one to blame for this and no one else.”
I look back up, and Diggory is staring at me intently.
“I’ll have you know that Az wasn’t stupid,” he sets his jaw. “She knew this was coming.”
“What?” I whisper.
“I’ve been hearing rumors for quite some time that War somehow found out about Azazel and the other Brides. I just didn’t want to believe it,” Diggory shakes his head. “From the moment I told her about it, though, Az has been preparing for this. Elias doesn’t know, but she left specific instructions for the other Brides on what was to be done in the event of her death.”
My mind goes back to Phillipa’s words from last night.
“We all knew this day would eventually come. We honestly didn’t think War would stop with just Azazel…”
They knew. They all knew.
“You were the wild card, though,” Diggory nods. “None of us saw that part coming. War gave no indication that he even suspected a relationship between you and Elias. I think he did it on purpose—letting some of his intel slide, but keeping us in the dark on his full game. He’s got eyes everywhere…”
“Trust no one,” I repeat the words Diggory told me when I first arrived here.
“Yeah,” Digg looks up at me. “War delights in causing maximum damage in everything he does, and Elias is his favorite victim. I think it’s Elias’s heart. He’s a good man, and War’s goal is to break anything good in the world. Seven hundred years of this abuse, and Elias still manages to be a good man—it baffles me. War knew that you and Az were the two people who could cause Elias the most pain, and no fault for that lies with either of you. Pitting the two of you against one another must have been a real treat for War.”
“He was hoping that seeing Elias use his power would make me hate him,” I inform Diggory. “He told me that before he walked out.”
“Makes sense,” Diggory nods.
“Did she suffer?” I whisper.
“No,” Diggory shakes his head. “Elias made sure of that. I don’t know exactly what he used on her, but Elias’s power gives him the ability to end lives through what should be natural causes. He can inflict a deadly disease that would normally take years to manifest and use it to kill a person instantly. He controls the degree of pain and the amount of time before death takes them.”
I had no idea Elias was that powerful. There’s no wonder he hates his power. Elias is such a gentle soul. For him to be cursed with such a gruesome ability seems cruel beyond measure. I can’t help but question why God would ever do such a thing. Diggory continues, though, and it brings me away from my thoughts.
“For Az, he allowed her enough time to say her goodbyes, and she slipped away shortly after you left to be with him. Charity left the two of us alone for the last of it,” Digg pauses, holding back his tears. “She went peacefully. It was almost like she just fell asleep in my arms.”
I nod. That much, at least, comforts me somewhat. One final question comes to my mind.
“What’s going to happen to her now?”
“Barnaby is working on building the pyre right now,” Diggory looks at his hands where they’re clasped in his lap.
“Should I wake him?” my eyes drift back down to Elias.
“No,” Diggory sighs. “Az didn’t want him seeing her that way. She was very clear in that.”
I nod again. That seems like a request that Azazel would make. She knew Elias better than anyone. She knew that he wouldn’t be able to withstand seeing her body while carrying the weight of knowing that she died by his hand.
“I’d like to make a personal request, if I may,” Diggory looks at me with profound sadness in his grey eyes.
“Anything,” I whisper.
“Stay with him,” Digg motions to Elias. “You don’t need to see this either.”
I’d like to argue with him, but I know he’s right. Even though Diggory assures me that I’m not at fault here, I can’t help the feeling of devastating guilt that’s settled on my heart. I don’t know that I could withstand watching Azazel’s body burn. The very thought makes me nauseous. Diggory is right. My place is here, in this bed, by Elias’s side. When he wakes, his world is still going to be in shambles. Someone needs to be here to help him hold all the pieces.
“Well,” Diggory stands suddenly. “I should go help Barnaby. Doesn’t seem right for me not to be part of this one.”
Slowly, Digg comes closer to the bed and leans carefully over Elias to place a kiss on my head.
“You take care of him, alright?” Diggory points to Elias. “And you stop blaming yourself for War’s insanity. There’s absolutely nothing you could have done differently, and it would break Az’s heart to hear you say it was somehow your fault. Same goes for him.”
“Okay, Digg,” I look tearfully up at him. “And thank you.”
“Azazel loved you, sweet child,” Diggory runs a calloused hand over my cheek. “I’ve told you before that I wish I had a daughter just like you… Azazel felt the very same way. Part of why she accepted her death so easily was because of you. We never had children, so Elias was a son to her. He was her world, and she knew you’d protect his heart with every ounce of the devotion that she has for all these years. She knew you’d be able to help him back up.”
Tears stream down my face again as Diggory quietly leaves the room. I hug Elias a little tighter as I settle my head down on the soft pillows. I do love this man, and I will do everything in my power to keep him safe, body and spirit. I only hope that I can live up to Azazel’s legacy.
~#*TSD*#~
I’m not sure at what point I fell asleep, but I awaken when Elias stirs against me. He’s still sleeping, but he’s having a nightmare. He clings to me tightly, his face twisting in agony.
“Please don’t,” he pleads. “Azazel… I’m so sorry… Kaija… Please don’t leave me…”
“Hey,” I breathe quietly, running my hand over his face. I kiss his head, his cheek, and finally his lips, trying to coax him to wakefulness. “Elias, I’m right here.”
Slowly, Elias opens his eyes. At first, he’s disoriented, and he glances around fearfully, pulling away from me. I hug him close and bring his chin up so that he can see my face.
“It’s alright,” I murmur reassuringly.
“Kaija?” he whispers.
The look in his wide, reddened eyes is complete, tragic astonishment. It’s almost as though he doesn’t believe I’m really here—like he’s waiting for me to disappear at any second.
“I love you, Elias,” I say with every fiber of my being, pulling the most sincerity and earnestness possible from the deepest depths of my heart imaginable. I take all of that raw emotion and pack it into those four words so that he might have even the slightest idea of how much I truly mean them.
“You do?” His expression never changes as tears fill his eyes. “Even after I—”
“I love you, Elias,” I repeat. “Nothing will ever, ever change that.”
Elias continues to stare at me in shock for a few seconds before he opens his mouth to speak. Instead of words, though, a sob breaks from his throat, and I immediately pull him back to my chest. His elegant hands tremble as he grips the back of my dress, clinging to me as though his very life depends on my embrace.
“Shh, it’s alright. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere,” I continue speaking softly to him as he breaks down in my arms again. Between the unintelligible sobbing, I occasionally hear a thank-you or apology, and my heart breaks a little more with each one. “We’re going to get through this.”
Finally, Elias is able to calm himself again, and he lies still in my arms. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he’s fallen asleep again.
“I loved her so much, Kaija,” he whispers with his eyes still closed. “So very much. It had to be you, though. I had no choice. It had to be you. I’m so sorry. I—”
“I know,” I assure him. “Az knew too. She told me to tell you she loves you and to thank you for keeping your promise.”
“Thank me??” Elias looks up at me like I’ve slapped him. “I was a fool to make her that promise. She told me to promise never to let War use her against me—to never let him use her to take you away from me. I never thought I’d have to honor that. I should have been strong enough to protect both of you. None of this would have happened if I—”
“Elias,” I stop him. “Azazel knew.”
“What?”
“She knew War was coming for her. Diggory told me she’s been preparing for this for quite a while,” I know these words will hurt him now, but I need to do something to bring him back to me.
“She never told me,” Elias looks away as though wracking his brain for any memory of her warning him. He won’t find one. Azazel hid this burden flawlessly.
“She didn’t want you to do anything reckless,” Diggory didn’t have to tell me her reasoning. I knew her enough to see that myself. “She never thought War would use you like that. No one thought he’d force you to choose.”
Elias is in silent thought for a while.
“I’m sorry too,” I whisper, and he looks back up to stare into my eyes. “Diggory warned me the first time we spoke that I should stay away from you. He knew we’d end up hurt when War found out. I didn’t listen. I tried, but I just couldn’t stop myself from loving you.”
“Kaija,” Elias sits up, and I do the same. He places his right hand on my cheek. “Please don’t ever apologize for loving me. I can’t bear it. If you would have decided that you hated me after seeing what I’m capable of, I don’t know what I would have done. I was expecting it—I certainly never thought I’d wake up in your arms today, but I don’t know the state I’d be in without your presence right now. Please, don’t tell me, now, that you regret it.”
“No, Elias,” I pull his head briefly to rest against mine. “You are the most wonderful thing to ever happen to me. I regret nothing when it comes to loving you. I only regret the pain that my love has brought you.”
“I would endure every pain that War or any other force in existence could inflict if it meant spending but one moment by your side. You are my everything, Kaija. I know that’s why Azazel made me keep that promise.”
Tears well up in my eyes at his words.
“I’m just so sorry I couldn’t protect you,” Elias closes his eyes again. “I couldn’t protect either of you. I was useless against him, and in the end I murdered the woman who has spent her entire life caring for me. Her blood is on my hands, and I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to forgive myself.”
Elias sits back and frowns at his hands. Something is suddenly very different—very wrong—and I’m extremely unsettled as I watch him.
“War may have been the catalyst, but at the end of it all, I was the one who chose to kill her,” his voice is barely audible. “I don’t deserve to be forgiven—not by you and certainly not by her. It’s just one more on the endless pile of my sins, though, and that’s why I’ve been cursed like this. By some miracle, you continue to love me, but one day even you will leave me for Paradise. I was foolish to think that any god would offer clemency to someone like me. I should accept my fate and stop wishing I could ever have hope in eternity.”
Elias looks up at me, and that heart-rending smile that hasn’t appeared in weeks is firmly in place on his lips and in his eyes. I think my heart might shatter into dust and be blown away by his pain, never to be recovered. In his eyes, I see that deadened tragedy that nearly suffocates me.
My love is dying. He’s shifting back into the shell of a man who haunted this palace like a ghost when I first arrived. Though his tears are gone, Elias is broken. War has utterly defeated him. He is the god of Death once more—distant and numb.
Lost.
No. I won’t lose him. Not now. He’s come so far. He’s becoming human again, and I won’t let War take that from him—from me.
~#*TSD*#~
What does Kaija do? Kiss him? Go get the book? Something else? No poll for this one. I'm taking a play from Noni's book, and I'm going to try to incorporate as many suggestions as possible into the next chapter.
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2016 8:28 pm Post subject: |
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Nuuuu my precious *steals and pets the Elias*
Can I kill War yet? I'd like to opt for torture via thousand cuts rubbed in very course sea salt and set on fire. No? Not an option yet? Damn. :/
Alright so...let's take our poor broken baby, and cuddle him up with the good book. Tell him that he's wrong. And also tell him how we see him, how we can see the broken ness...tell him not to let War win, that he can be healed and forgiven, and that if he were to give up on being saved, then he technically would be going back on his promise to az...he'd be letting war use her death to break him, and that would basically be giving up his happiness. Az said it, it's time. Bring him the words of your religion that he desperately needs to hear, that you said you would show him. *rages onward in now unintelligable rant forever*
_________________
I now have three SGames! "Mist in a Cave" Chapter 5 is in the works
"The Freedom of Magic" Just got its THIRD chapter up!
Hope you all find the time to read them *goes off to look for an SG to read*
Note to self: The Elven Moon; Coin; SVI; Black Animals; Two Wolves; Angel Cat
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ModelP
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| Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2016 9:44 am Post subject: |
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| Well then that was an experience. I can't think of anything to suggest beyond what Kk said other than tossing War into a Vat of lemon juice before setting him aflame. so yeah that's all I got for this chapter.
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Seraphi
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| Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2016 10:23 am Post subject: |
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Az and Digg had a thing and now it's over and my sadness continues and how dare yooouuuuu!
*punches War in the face repeatedly*
Ahem. Anyway, for the DP...time to snuggle in and cuddle for some story time from the Holy Book. Elias needs a little bit of hope and faith to bring him back.
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2016 10:09 pm Post subject: |
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Alrighty, at the risk of sounding repetitive, I say that after she's done all those things, she wraps him up in her arms and sings something to him.
Loved the chapter! The romance bit surprised me, and while I wish there was a bit a foreshadowing for it, it would make sense that there not be, with how secretive they had to be. I'm so glad she had some form of happiness though! Poor Diggory.
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2016 10:16 pm Post subject: |
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I set my jaw, staring at Elias. His smile drops as he looks questioningly at my expression. Without giving him a warning, I grab his face and kiss him more passionately than I ever have before. After a few seconds, I quickly draw back, leaving both of us breathless.
“Stay here,” I point to the bed in a commanding fashion. “Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”
“Okay,” Elias answers, watching me like a wide-eyed child as I slide off the bed and run for the door.
In the hall, I pass Charity, carrying a tray toward Elias’s room. She opens her mouth as though she’s going to speak, but I run past her. I have to hurry. He needs to know the truth. I have to rescue him.
When I reach Azazel’s room, I throw open the door and sprint inside. When Az took Rebecca’s envelope for me, she placed it in the top drawer of her dresser, right next to her bed. I pull it open and dig through the contents with shaking hands.
It isn’t here. The book is gone, but it can’t be. I have to give it to Elias. Where else would she put it?
Just when I’m about to panic, I see it. In the back corner of the drawer, there is a tiny hole. I slide my index finger inside and pull. The floor of the drawer gives way easily, and I release an emotion-packed laugh.
My book is lying in the drawer along with several other items. I make a mental note to tell Diggory that this hidden compartment exists. Some of these things may be important to him.
When I pull my holy book out and look at it, I gasp, and tears fill my eyes again. There’s a note on the front. The handwriting is a gorgeous, delicate script; part of it is addressed to Elias, and part of it is for me.
“Kaija,
If you’re reading this, it means that our fears have been realized, and War has finally come for me. You giving me this book changed my life. I spent many sleepless nights pouring over its contents, and because of it, I am free. I am fearless. I have faced my death, and I have won! Even as you read this, I will be celebrating my victory at the feet of our God.
If you are reading this, though, it means that Elias is lost. I know that however I died, he will be crushed by it, and he will likely be blaming himself for being unable to “save” me. I have spent the majority of my life caring for that gentle soul. Now, I pass the honor of loving him to you. To me, he was like a son, but I know that for you he is so very much more. Because of that, I have left this life with no regrets. I know that my Elias will be safe as long as you stand by his side. I beseech you to do just that. No matter what happens, stay by him.
You are strong, Kaija. I’ve told you time and again until I’m sure you’re sick of hearing it that you are special. You have the strength of God in you, and War in all his evil is powerless against that. Elias is strong as well; he just doesn’t know it. Take his hand. Show him the truth. I know that he’s ready to accept it.
With God in your heart and Elias by your side, I can’t say what will happen exactly, but I do know that you are powerful beyond measure. Together, you can make things right. Together, you can change the world. Never forget that, and never forget that I love you, beautiful girl.
Until we meet again,
Az ”
By the time I finish, I’m having a hard time seeing through my tears. As much as I would love to see what she wrote to Elias, I fold the letter quickly and tuck it in the front cover of my book. Those words belong to him. I’ll leave my portion for now, though, because I feel he would benefit from reading it.
It’s then that I notice several other sheets of paper poking out of various places in the book. I flip through them, and it doesn’t take me long to realize what Azazel has done.
“ Start here. ”
“Read this second because…”
“Go here third. You need to know this.”
My heart races as I flip through her instructions, and I realize that she’s outlined everything Elias will need to know immediately in order to see just how much he is loved by our God. Following Azazel’s beautiful steps, he will learn exactly what it means to accept our faith and truly know the Father—King of Kings, Alpha and Omega, Almighty God…Lover of the Broken.
On the final card, though, the instruction is breathtaking in its profound simplicity:
“Now, go back, and read it all. You’re going to want the big picture.”
Chills run over me as I hug the book to my chest. It has always been my most precious treasure, but these tiny bits of Azazel have made it so much more. She told me as she lay dying that she had accepted the faith. Seeing her outline it so simplistically only solidifies in my mind that she truly did understand and accept what she learned.
I have grown up with this text. I have been immersed in it my entire life. To see it through the eyes of a new believer, though, is a gift beyond my wildest imagination. To think that Azazel had the forethought to give Elias exactly what he would need, from one new child of God to another…it takes my breath. I pray with every bit of my soul that Elias’s heart is ready for one last lesson from his “mother”.
With that thought, I close the drawer’s hidden compartment, fix everything that I disturbed, and sprint back down the hallway.
When I enter the room, Elias is sitting in a recently righted chair beside the bed. His left arm is in a sling now; I guess Charity helped him with that. He’s got a blanket thrown over his legs, and he’s reading a book while the food Charity brought sits untouched on the restored table.
As I come quickly in the door, it bangs against the wall, and Elias’s head shoots up. His eyes send shivers up my spine; they’re so cold and sad, just like the first time I ever gazed at them.
He truly has lost himself again. I shake away the thought and stride forward with quick, determined steps.
“You moved. I told you not to move,” the words come out with copious amounts of quiet intensity despite the fact that I’m teasing.
Elias chuckles, but it’s not the same. He’s not really laughing. Not really. It’s that same, tragedy drenched sound that he made when we spoke in the garden the first time. I frown deeply.
“My apologies,” he smiles up at me as I approach. “Charity was insistent that I allow her to change the bandages on my legs and properly secure my arm. She’s not a tall woman, so it was easier for her here.”
Even his voice is different. I don’t like it. It’s too formal—rigid. He’s speaking to me as a god, not as a human. I continue to frown as I hold my holy book out to him.
“What’s this?” Elias reaches out and takes the book gently. My heart begins pounding in my chest as he runs his fingers over the book’s aged surface.
“You once asked me if I would tell you about my God sometime,” I stand perfectly still as I speak. Elias’s eyes come back up to gaze at me, and I see astonishment in them. “That book is my most valued possession. It is one of the very few copies of my faith’s founding document that survived the Cataclysm. My family has been its keeper for generations, and when I was Offered, it was given to me.”
“Kaija,” Elias breathes, looking down at the tattered tome with new wonder. “You realize how dangerous it was to bring this here…”
“Almost as dangerous as attempting the Disciplines,” I counter.
“I suppose you’re right in that regard,” Elias chuckles darkly before he begins flipping through the pages. The note from Az falls into his lap. He picks it up, and his eyes go wide as he looks up to me. “This handwriting. Azazel wrote this.”
“She did,” I nod. “I gave her the book shortly after the second Discipline. She evidently read all of it, and she made notes for you. I don’t know what she wrote to you on that first letter. I read my own missive and left the rest for you to read.”
Even as I watch, Elias’s perfect, god-like defense begins to crack while his eyes dart across the tear-stained page. When he’s finished, his hand closes around the precious paper, and he brings it up to his face, closing his eyes and taking a moment to collect himself.
When he finally looks up to me, the icy numbness begins to melt before my eyes, and the deep, human abyss that I’ve grown to love so much begins shining through his pale, green irises. He seems lost for words as he searches my determined face.
I must show him the truth. I must bring him back. I’ll not let the god of Death take my Elias from me.
I’m angry at War for doing this to him. That anger must be showing on my face along with my sadness and fear at the thoughts of losing the one I love. I do love this man sitting before me so much. I feel heartache for him and the pain that he feels.
With all of that fighting for expression on my face, I doubt even Elias is able to tell what’s going through my mind right now.
“Follow Azazel’s instructions,” I say shortly. “Eat the food Charity brought you, and follow Az’s instructions. I’ll be over there,” I motion to the sitting area that overlooks the basin. “If you have questions, I’ll be there, and I’ll stay there until you’re finished.”
Elias looks at me with his mouth hanging partly open as he searches for words. I don’t wait for him, though. I plant a kiss on his cheek, turn on one heel, and march over to the balcony. After turning a sofa back the way it goes, I sit, stare out at the horizon, and begin silently praying as I never have before in my life.
A long while passes—so long that the morning sun has begun to set beyond the distant mountains. I still sit in silent prayer with my head in my hands when I hear shuffling behind me. I raise my head and look over my shoulder before jumping to my feet.
“Elias!” I gasp.
Instead of calling for me, Elias has shakily stumbled almost all the way to where I’m sitting. He’s got a blanket hastily tied around his waist, and blood is seeping through it from the still-fresh wounds on his legs. Despite that, he’s still determinedly making his way over to me. Clutched in his hands is the holy book, and tears are pouring down his face.
“Kaija,” he looks at me in hopeful disbelief.
Before he can speak further, his strength fails him, and he begins to fall to his knees. I reach him as he collides with the floor, but he stops me before I can check on him, holding up a hand to silence me. He grabs my arm and pulls me closer to him while he flips to a page in the book.
“This!” He points to a passage that Azazel has circled.
“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger for ever, because He delighteth in mercy.
He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.”
Elias looks at me with wide, tearful eyes. He shakes his head, glances down at the words, and then gazes up to me again.
“This says I can be forgiven,” he forcefully taps the words with his finger as though I might not be seeing the same thing he is. “This and so many other passages say that I can be forgiven…for everything I’ve done. It says that your God sacrificed his own son so that I could be forgiven—so that I can see Paradise. Is that true?? Would God really forgive someone like me??”
“Yes,” I nod with a smile as tears fill my own eyes.
“What do I have to do?” Elias looks at me in desperation.
“Do you believe what the book said?” I ask him gently.
“Every word,” Elias breathes, looking back at the tome as though it’s the most precious thing he’s ever encountered.
“Then all you have to do is ask,” I whisper. “Tell Him your sins, and ask Him to forgive you.”
“Just ask?” Elias clarifies. “But I’ve not done anything to make up for my sins.”
“Just ask,” I shake my head with a smile. “I already told you, grace isn’t something you have to earn. It’s freely given. All you have to do is accept it. You’ve asked God for things before, and He’s granted them. What makes you think this is any different?”
“The other times I’ve prayed, it’s been for your life,” Elias looks down with a frown. “I’ve never prayed for anything for myself before.”
“‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ That’s what it says, right?” I lift Elias’s chin so that he’s looking at me. “‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.’”
“Will you help me?” Elias asks, reaching out his hand for me to hold.
“I’m right here,” I take his hand firmly, lacing my fingers between his, and smile at him before bowing my head. “Father, you know Elias, and he’d like to know You too. He’d like to speak to You, and I pray that You’ll fill him with Your love and grace, letting him know that he’s Your child.”
Subtly, I squeeze Elias’s hand in encouragement. He takes a deep breath before speaking.
“God, You’ve already granted me more than I should ever be allowed to ask by sparing Miss Kaija’s life,” he whispers. “I have committed so many sins against You, but Your book says that there’s forgiveness for even someone like me. If I may be so bold, I ask that You would grant me Your grace and forgive me for all I’ve done. Miss Kaija is so sure of her place as Your child, and I crave that assurance as well.”
Chills run over my body and tears spill from my eyes as I reach up, pulling Elias’s bowed head to my own. He’s back. My Elias is here with me now, broken and human. His prayer is so simple, and yet it reaches me like the most profound poetry ever penned.
For seven hundred years Elias has searched for something to fill the void where his faith should be. When he found the truth, his heart accepted it with the open conviction of a child, and he is a changed man. He has wandered through life empty and lost, and finally, he’s found his home. I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude that I’ve been given the privilege to witness the exquisite beauty of this moment.
“I never thanked You for answering my prayers before,” Elias continues, and I think my heart might burst. “Not only have you spared Kaija’s life twice, You have allowed me the honor of being the man she’s chosen to love. Her love has saved me, and it’s what lead me to You. Kaija is a gift beyond my fondest dreams, and I can never thank You enough for her. Please help me to be the man worthy of standing by her side.”
Elias falls silent, and after several moments, I kiss the side of his head.
“Is that it?” he whispers.
“Yes,” I nod, still holding his head to mine. “How do you feel?”
Elias is silent for a few seconds, thinking.
“Like my whole, long life has lead up to this moment,” Elias pulls back so that he can look at me. His pale eyes are different again. They’re steady—sure. He has a new purpose now, his true purpose, and it has made him strong. “I feel…whole. I have you by my side and your—our God in my heart, and for the first time in my life, I feel complete.”
He pauses, releasing a quick, breathy laugh.
“This relief is unreal,” he smiles at me, and it’s the loveliest thing I think I’ve ever seen. “No wonder you’re so strong. I know, now, that no matter what happens, whenever my life does end, I’ll be okay. I’ll be in Paradise.”
“It’s a comfort, isn’t it,” I reply.
Suddenly, though, Elias turns very serious.
“Yes, but I have a job to do now,” he looks away with a nod.
“What?” I don’t think I’m going to like where this is going.
“I also read that those who don’t accept the faith are forever damned,” he says quietly. “I have stood as a ‘god’ for centuries, and I can’t help but wonder how many people were doomed by my apathy.”
“Elias,” I take his hand. He only just found his hope. I cannot allow his tendency to shoulder blame to steal the joy from him. “You had no choice. You can’t blame yourself—”
“No, I know,” Elias nods, keeping his eyes averted. “War would kill me for making a stand like that, and until now, I wouldn’t have even known why I was fighting. I cannot dwell on those lost in my ignorance, but those lives are still partly my responsibility, and now that I know the truth, I cannot continue to live a life that leads others astray. That would be a truly unforgivable sin.”
Elias meets my gaze, and my heart swells with pride—how much he’s changed in just a few short moments. As much as the idea of him challenging War terrifies me, I see in his eyes that he’s made up his mind, and I know that he’s right. Now that he has the truth, things cannot remain the way they are. He has the strength he needs, now, to make a change. Chills run through me again at the determination in those strange, beautiful eyes.
Elias prayed that he would be given the strength to be a man worthy of me, and I know that God has already granted him that. I have loved him from the start—the tragic god, the loving protector, the broken, raw humanity—but this man, the one sitting before me now, is the one who will guard me and lead me, loving me fully, until my dying breath. This man can change the world, and I will do whatever it takes to change it with him.
“What are you going to do?” I question softly. “You can’t fight him. We’ve already seen that.”
“Not alone,” Elias chews the inside of his cheek, thinking for a time. “Kaija, I’m going to have to ask you to do something that pains me deeply.”
“Okay,” I whisper. I trust him. Elias wouldn’t ask me to do something that I was incapable of handling.
He looks up at me again, and I can clearly see the anxious apology hiding just beneath his newfound strength.
“If I’m going to be able to achieve this, I’m going to need the help of the other gods,” Elias speaks quietly, but his tone is urgent. “There is a banquet at the end of the Disciplines—the Bridal banquet. All of the gods come to witness the final Discipline, and that night, they are formally introduced to the Offerings on their last night before becoming a Bride. I can spread the word at the banquet and meet with them that night, but—”
“But I have to finish the Disciplines,” I finish for him.
“Yes,” he says quietly, assessing my reaction. “I’m so sorry, Kaija. If I could, I would stop this immediately, but I fear that it would accomplish very little. I need the other—”
“It’s okay,” I interrupt him with a warm smile. “I’ve planned from the beginning to finish them on my own. Loving you was never in my plans, and even when it was, I never expected that to cause such a dramatic change. I can do this, Elias. I know I can. God has already shown us that He’s on our side. Everything is going to be alright.”
Elias reaches up with his good arm and pulls me to him, kissing me deeply. Even this action is different. There is strength in everything Elias does. His new faith has filled him completely and has transformed him into an unimaginably powerful being. My heart is so full of joy that some of it can’t help but escape in the form of tears that run down my face.
This is it. This one moment has changed the course of our lives forever. This moment is the one that will change the world.
~#*TSD*#~
No DP this time. Just soak up the feels. I'll put up the next one in a few days.
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Seraphi
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| Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2016 3:31 pm Post subject: |
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AAAAAAAA*blows nose and wipes away tears and gets another tissue*AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!
Cruel authoress, tho crusher of feelings and creator of woes, how dareth thee!!!
Shakespearean moment over...in all seriousness, I have soaked in the feels and I am definitely dead this time...but not really because I can't die before I finish this XD
So Az's letter was heartbreaking and phenomenal, and I can see her love for both Elias and Kaija within it. It is fantastic how she's still there with them, for them, even if she is dead, and isn't that just a symbolic kick to War's ass?
I'm so glad Elias has his resolve back, and that he is going to trust Kaija to complete the Disciplines, and that he has a plan for how to stop War's cruelty going forward.
I eagerly await more :3
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 2:56 pm Post subject: |
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Officially caught up! Many feels were had, and I await for the resolution!
Have to say, Elias had much of an emotional rollercoaster ever since he met her. The God of Death feels human again! Much to the surprise of the general populace, he perhaps went through more than any human possibly would and survived.
Which begs the question, if humans lived for so long, what would our emotional spectre and world view be? Much like his over time, dulling until he is but a husk and automaton?
For the majority of humans, that state is easily achieved even in the short timespan we currently posses. Some exit childhood and head straight into numbness.
A man must make himself as a newborn babe to enjoy life, for we are all children trying to carry baggage too great for our stature. One may even carry it, but life is not life if you live just to survive long enough to die.
Be it the reluctant God of Death or just regular human.
Ah, the irony and sweetness of the promise of hope culminate in the ever-increasing vortex of wishes powered by faith!
Ok, now that that's out of my system, looking forward to the next chappie! Have fun writing.
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| Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 3:29 pm Post subject: |
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Definitely felt the feels when reading the note from Az! But, and I swear this isn't a criticism, just something to be aware of, as someone who's not particularly religious, reading all that stuff sort of put me at a disconnect with the characters. I'm still rooting for them, and feel for them! But I, personally, can't relate as much anymore. I'm sure I'll still immensely enjoy the rest of the story though! And they're still absolutely ADORable together!
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 8:35 pm Post subject: |
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“Miss Kaija, I’ve been wanting to ask you something,” Elias calls from behind the screen that separates us.
The next day dawned with almost painful normalcy. Azazel’s absence is felt in the very air, and it’s stifling. This minute is manageable, though. For right this minute, we’re okay.
“What’s that?” I call back, working contentedly.
Vivienne, Amberline, and Jocelyn are with us, and we’re working to fix the damage from the night of Azazel’s death. Elias is behind a screen, bathing. Charity, Sophia, and Phillipa helped him get settled by the massive tub since his arm is still in a sling, and his legs are bandaged, but now they’re busily helping the girls and I with cleaning while he washes. I didn’t feel right helping him given the intimacy of our relationship, but I don’t plan on leaving his side completely just yet, so the screen was set up as a compromise.
“It may seem a bit sudden,” Elias sounds hesitant.
“Spit it out, Elias,” I giggle, scrubbing a bit harder at a more stubborn portion of blood on the floor.
“Well, Phillipa and I were talking, and since it’s obvious that War knows about our relationship, there’s really no sense in hiding it anymore,” I can clearly hear the embarrassment in his voice. “I was wondering if you’d—well, I mean, if you want to, that is, I—”
“Ugh,” Phillipa rolls her eyes. “Miss Kaija, would you like to move in to the wing?”
“What?” I look over my shoulder at her, wide-eyed.
“Thank you, Phillipa,” Elias chuckles bashfully.
“Well, I knew you were never going to get it out,” Phillipa shakes her head.
“I suppose you’re right,” I hear Elias laugh again. “So, Miss Kaija, that’s the question. Would you like to join us in living here?”
“I’d be honored, but I—” I look up to see that Amberline, Vivienne, and Jocelyn are all grinning at me.
“Do it, Kaija!” Vivienne squeals.
“Yeah, we’ll be fine!” Amberline assures me.
“You’ve managed to find something beautiful in the midst of all this mess,” Jocelyn smiles. “Enjoy it! I know we would if it were us!”
“Well, there’s plenty of room for all four of you if you’re so inclined,” Sophia interjects.
“Really??” Vivienne begins bouncing up and down.
“I mean, two of you will be living here after the Disciplines anyway,” Sophia seems thoroughly amused.
“Can we, Kaija??” Jocelyn looks to me for approval.
“You don’t need my permission,” I laugh.
The girls all look overjoyed as they talk about joining Elias’s other Brides. I know for Amberline and I it will be a short-lived arrangement, but if she’s able to be happy even for a short while, that’s worth it to me.
“How about you, Miss Kaija?” Phillipa smiles at me. “Will you join us as well?”
“Spend more time with Elias?” I feign annoyance. “I suppose I could tolerate that.”
The ladies all laugh, and Elias pokes his head around the screen.
“I would hope you’ll do a bit more than just tolerate me,” he sounds worried, but there’s a happy smile on his face.
Later in the afternoon, I’m out in the flower gardens. I needed to be out of the palace for a while, and Elias is resting, so here I am. Diggory assured me that I didn’t need to work so soon, but I’m finding more and more that Elias was correct. Feeling the earth between my fingers has become very relaxing. It has a healing quality about it.
“Miss Kaija,” a voice brings me out of my meditative state.
I turn to see Barnaby pushing a cart as he comes in my general direction. He looks tired and uncertain as he approaches.
“Barnaby,” I smile at him, wiping my hands on my apron. “I haven’t seen you since…”
The third Discipline.
I press my lips together and stand as Barnaby edges toward me slowly. I stare at my feet.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t able t—” my words are cut short as two large arms wrap firmly around me. When I speak again, it’s muffled by Barnaby’s solid shoulder. “Barnaby?”
“He was right,” Barnaby whispers. “You’re okay.”
“I’m fine, Barnaby,” I chuckle.
“You died,” he whispers. “Barnaby watched War kill you, and there was nothing he could do.”
“I thought he killed me too,” I confess, relaxing into the warm embrace.
“Barnaby is sorry for leaving you,” he continues. “Barnaby couldn’t stay and watch him torture you any further.”
“It’s okay, Barnaby,” I whisper. “I’m okay now.”
“And Lady Azazel,” Barnaby breathes, and I fall silent. “Barnaby is sorry he wasn’t there to help you.”
I’m unable to answer him. I only grit my teeth and snuggle deeper against his broad shoulder.
“Master Diggory told Barnaby that Lady Azazel shared your faith,” Barnaby’s voice grows soft. “Barnaby sang the songs you taught him for her. He thought they might help her more.”
At his words, a sob gets away from me.
“Things are not good here. Nothing is good. You’re making things better, though, Miss Kaija,” Barnaby hugs me tighter. “Things are beginning to change. You have a lot of allies, so please stay strong.”
“I will,” I whisper. “Thank you, Barnaby.”
From there our conversation turns cheery, and Barnaby remains with me, working in one of War’s rose gardens.
“You’ve never told me how you came to be here, Barnaby,” I comment nonchalantly.
“It’s not that amazing a story, really,” Barnaby laughs.
“I’d still like to know,” I look sideways at him. “You’re one of my best friends… You know, it’s funny. I never really had close friends until I came here. I guess there’s nothing like a little life-threatening action from a tyrant to bring you closer to people.”
Barnaby laughs. It’s a striking sound as it falls on my ears. Instead of his usual, devilish giggle, that was a real, boisterous laugh. I find myself smiling, hoping to hear it more often.
“Barnaby doesn’t think anyone has ever called him a friend before,” he states, still smiling. “Jecka loved Barnaby, but Barnaby has never had friends. Well, Lord Elias is Barnaby’s friend, but that’s different.”
“Different?”
“Yes,” Barnaby frowns in thought. “Lord Elias is a friend. He is distant, though—doesn’t allow anyone too close. That’s one of the things you’re changing, Miss Kaija. Lord Elias is much more…human now. It’s a good thing.”
“Human…” I repeat.
His choice of wording brings a smile to my lips. Elias is human. It’s the thing he desires most to be in the entire world. He just forgets how sometimes. I hope I’m always able to remind him.
“You didn’t answer my question, though,” I glance at Barnaby. He won’t get away that easily.
“Well,” Barnaby sighs, “Barnaby was the youngest of four brothers. Each of them worked with their hands, and Barnaby did not. No trades came naturally, so Barnaby thought he would leave home and find something to do. He was making for the sea—sailing has always been appealing.”
Sailing does sound nice. I’ve always dreamed of seeing the sea. It has to be so much better than the dry, barren land in which we all live. It’s rumored that before the Cataclysm, the seas were everywhere. Lakes and rivers fed them, keeping them deep, rolling, and mysterious.
Now, though, the majority of the population has never even laid eyes on a body of water. The river that runs through our farmlands is one of the only ones in our country or any of those surrounding it. Occasionally merchants will bring fish from far-off lands, though, so we know that sailing is still an occupation somewhere in the world.
“Before Barnaby could make it to the sea, though, he stumbled into this place,” Barnaby continues. “Master Diggory was in the town collecting Offerings when Barnaby arrived, and Barnaby was offered a job. That’s the story.”
“I like that story,” I smile up at Barnaby. “I—ow!”
“Miss Kaija??” Barnaby drops the spade from his hand.
“It’s okay, Barnaby. I just wasn’t paying attention and got ahold of a thorn,” I laugh lightly.
“Isn’t it amazing how many thorns you can catch when you don’t pay attention?” That familiar, booming baritone sends chills down my spine, and I look wide-eyed at Barnaby.
My friend’s expression mirrors my own except that beneath the fear, there is a burning rage. I drop my eyes and say a silent prayer. A strong hand clutches my upper arm, though, hauling me to my feet as Barnaby stands and turns to face War. Shifting his hold to my wrist, Barnaby pulls me behind his back, shielding me with his body.
“How can I help you, my lord?” I note the use of the word “I” as Barnaby’s voice drops to a dangerous low.
I place the hand that Barnaby isn’t gripping on his broad shoulder, tucking my head into his back. My heart is pounding in my ears, and my breath begins coming in short, shallow gasps as panic overtakes me.
This can’t be happening. He can’t be here. He just took Az from us. Please, God, don’t let him take Barnaby from me too.
My hand closes firmly around Barnaby’s shirt, and I begin trembling violently. In a silent, reassuring answer, Barnaby reaches his left arm behind him to wrap awkwardly around my lower back. He thinks I’m afraid for myself. I’m not, though. I’m afraid that those arms that are so protectively holding me now will turn to attack me against their will at any second. I’m afraid of that sword at War’s side being thrust through the chest of my very best friend.
I’m afraid for Barnaby.
“Calm yourself, Groundskeeper,” War sighs heavily, seeming bored. “I’m not here for the Offering. I’m simply checking to be sure that at least some semblance of work is being conducted. After…recent happenings, I was afraid that our head groundskeeper would be letting all of you slack.”
War sounds almost…tired. Shocked, I open my eyes and peek around Barnaby subtly. War is standing, assessing the area with a scowl. He looks as impassible as ever, but I can’t help but notice the way his left arm is subtly holding his right side.
A memory of War’s battle with Elias shoots through my mind. Elias spinning, drawing War’s own sword from the sheath and slashing the despot's side with it. I guess Elias wasn’t as useless as he thought. War is most definitely feeling the effects of my lover’s ferocity.
Smug pride does battle with my fear as I shrink back behind Barnaby, not wanting to risk War noticing my gaze.
“It would seem that Master Diggory is keeping things in good order, as usual, though, so I’ll be on my way,” I can almost hear War’s glare as he turns his attention back to Barnaby and I. I shrink again, wishing I could disappear fully and take Barnaby with me. Barnaby’s hand on my lower back pulls me ever so slightly closer as he turns to keep himself firmly between War and I. “Offering, do give Death my most humble condolences for his loss.”
War laughs haughtily as he strides away. Barnaby stands completely rigid, poised to strike in my defense at any second. We remain this way for what feels like eternity until Barnaby is satisfied that War isn’t coming back.
Then, without a word, Barnaby pulls me back around in front of him, looks me over for a second, and then begins lumbering toward the palace at a fast clip, dragging me behind him.
“Barnaby?” I struggle to keep up with him. Barnaby doesn’t answer me. He just keeps going forward determinedly. “Barnaby, slow down!”
“Diggory!! Barnaby??” Elias is practically screaming. I look around for the voice that I recognize so well. “Barnaby!! Where’s—? Kaija! Thank God. Are you hurt??”
Elias stumbles frantically out the front door of the palace. When he sees Barnaby and I, he hurries down the steps as quickly as he’s able. Barnaby shifts our course to meet Elias’s. When we get nearer, Barnaby pulls me forward and releases me into Elias’s waiting arms.
Elias pulls me close, pressing my head to his chest, and then he takes me by the arm to look at my face.
“He didn’t hurt you, did he?” Elias’s pale eyes are riddled with concern.
“N-no,” I stutter, looking over at Barnaby. The ginger man is staring off toward the stables where I see War entering the palace through a side door. “Barnaby protected me.”
“Thank you, Barnaby,” Elias pulls me to his side. His long, black cloak falls around my shoulders.
“I didn’t do anything,” Barnaby’s voice is still low and hard as ice.
“You brought her to me safely,” Elias answers. “That’s enough.”
“Why are you out here?” I question, looking up at Elias. “You should be resting.”
“Amberline came running to the wing saying that War was looking for you in the stables,” Elias becomes slightly breathless, and I notice that he begins leaning on me. “I was afraid he was going to finish what he started.”
“He was looking for me?”
“Of course he was looking for you,” Barnaby says darkly, still staring off even though War is long gone. “Why else do you think he was out there?”
“But he said—”
“War never visits the flower fields. He was looking for you,” Barnaby finally turns to look at me.
So that’s why Barnaby took me and ran. War is acting strangely again. I wonder what he wanted. He’s looking to kill me, so why did Barnaby’s presence deter him? It seems out of character for him to hold back.
“I don’t want you coming out here alone from now on,” Elias looks at me very seriously. “I’ll have a word with Di…”
“Elias?”
He suddenly grows very heavy against my side, and he shakes his head, blinking as though he’s trying to clear his vision.
“Elias!” Barnaby rushes to his other side, carefully avoiding the arm that’s still strapped to Elias’s side as he supports him.
“I’m alright,” Elias shakes his head, regaining his footing. “I just got a little lightheaded.”
“You shouldn’t be out here,” I scold him. “I’m not sure what you were thinking, running out here like this. You’re defenseless in this condition.”
“I was thinking that the woman I love was in danger, and I couldn’t leave her out here alone and hope that someone else saved her,” Elias looks at me pointedly.
“Fair enough,” I look back at him. “But what exactly were you planning to do once you got here?”
Elias presses his lips into a thin line.
“I hadn’t actually thought that part through,” he chuckles.
“Didn’t think so,” I roll my eyes with a smile. “How about we get you back inside before you get too tired, and we have to drag you?”
“Sounds like a solid plan,” Elias laughs.
“Barnaby,” I remain supporting Elias, but I look at Barnaby as I speak. “Thank you. I don’t know what would have happened if you weren’t there. Thank you for protecting me.”
“Any time, Miss Kaija,” Barnaby smiles back at me for the first time since War appeared. “Would you like Barnaby to help get you back in?”
“I think I can handle him,” I gaze slyly up at Elias. “Thank you, though.”
“Alright,” Barnaby nods. “Then have a wonderful evening, and Barnaby will see you tomorrow.”
“That sounds lovely.”
When we’re back inside, the Brides go into a tizzy. They all scold Elias for running out and fuss over me while I assure them that I’m fine. Finally, we make it back up to Elias’s room. I’m helping him settle into bed when the question of my sleeping arrangements arises.
“Where, exactly, will I be staying tonight?” I ask him.
“Well, that’s something I wanted to wait to ask until we were alone,” Elias looks suddenly saddened.
“I won’t lie, it seemed strange to me earlier that you were thinking of something like that today,” I laugh, though there’s no humor in it.
Elias reaches for the drawer beside his bed. I open it for him, and he pulls out my holy book; he kept it so that he could follow the last of Azazel’s instructions and read the entire thing.
“I wasn’t,” Elias hands me the note that Az wrote to the two of us. “Azazel was.”
I take the paper from him and begin reading.
“Elias, my darling,
If you’re reading this, you know that I’m gone. I’m sure you’re taking it hard, but I want you to know that I was prepared. I have known for some time that War would come for me. I don’t know exactly how I died, but I know that you did everything in your power to prevent it. I do not blame you for anything that happened, and I want you to know that thanks to your lovely Kaija, I am prepared to spend eternity in peace.
As for you, my dear, I have several plans in place.
Firstly, I want you to pick yourself up and move on as quickly as possible. I am gone. There is no sense in wasting time mourning me. I already told you, I’m happy where I am. Crying for me would be terribly pointless, and you know how I feel about pointless things.
Secondly, I know that there is a beautiful girl who needs your help now. Despite the fact that you feel the world is grinding to a halt, it isn’t. Kaija will still have to face the Disciplines and a life as a Bride of War after that unless YOU do something about it. Be strong for her. Show her the man I know you can be. You need to keep her close for both of your sakes. My room is right down the hall, and it’s empty now. You know how I feel about wasted space. I dislike it almost as much as I dislike pointless things. Give the room to Kaija so that the two of you can be together.
Thirdly, Be happy, my love. You have found the other half of your soul, and you deserve to enjoy her. Let go of the blame and the hate. Stop hanging on to the wrongdoings of the past. Love Kaija, and protect her with everything you have.
I have a feeling that God is going to do big things with the two of you if you let Him. Kaija is giving you the key to it all with this letter. Read it, believe it, and then use it. War’s days are numbered. I know that God placed Kaija here with one purpose, and that was to fall in love with you. All things for His glory.
I love you, Elias.
Az.”
“Her room…?” I stammer through new tears. “I—I can’t. That’s her room. I—we can’t—”
“Kaija,” Elias’s voice is cashmere soft as he takes my hand. “It’s your decision. If you’re uncomfortable, you’re under no obligation. I just wanted to show you what Az requested.”
“I—”
It’s what Az wanted. When he reminds me of that, it makes it rather hard to refuse. Being next to Elias at all times would be a comfort, for sure. Now that I’m all healed, there’s no reason for me to stay in his room, keeping him out of his bed, so the room next door really would be the next best thing, but...
~#*TSD*#~
What does Kaija do? Does she follow Az's wishes and take her room, or does she ask to do something else?
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 8:44 pm Post subject: |
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Grrr, War, grrr. I'm watching you.
Anyway, as for the dp. While I find the thought of her living in an ever constant reminder of Az's passing, that's not how everyone would look at it. I say she goes and checks out the room before making a decision. Makes sure it won't be too painful, you know?
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Seraphi
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| Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2016 4:55 am Post subject: |
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*points two fingers at my eyes then points them at War* I've got my eye on you, asshat.... (and kudos to Elias for getting in a hit)
So, for the dp...10000% in agreement with Noni. Go to Az's room. Its sure to be painful at first, but I think happy memories will abound after the first initial shock. And if she finds she can't sleep, well, Az's letter did say the room was right down the hall from Elias's, and she has the other girls there in the wing as well if she finds she needs a little bit of comfort.
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2016 1:35 pm Post subject: |
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Hmmmm.... -thinks a bit- Perhaps spend a day cleaning the room, I mean take a WHOLE day. Cleaning could be a form of mourning and moving on. Then try and spend the night, but not force herself. Elias's room is right next door.
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2016 10:28 pm Post subject: |
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WHEW! Saved by some last minute voters. I almost had to go totally opposite of Kaija's reaction in the original. HA! I love it. You all keep me on my toes. lol
~#*TSD*#~
It’s what Az wanted. When he reminds me of that, it makes it rather hard to refuse. Being next to Elias at all times would be a comfort, for sure. Now that I’m all healed, there’s no reason for me to stay in his room, keeping him out of his bed, so the room next door really would be the next best thing.
“I’ll do it on one condition,” I whisper.
“Name it,” Elias smiles softly at me.
“All of her things are to be left as they are. I have no possessions outside of the book and my clothes, so her things don’t need to be disturbed unless there’s something that Diggory needs,” I pause, looking at Elias. “I’m not ready for that yet. I need things to stay like they are for a little while longer.”
“Okay,” Elias smiles at me again. He reaches up and pulls me into a gentle kiss. “Would you like me to help you get settled?”
“No. I can manage,” I embrace him briefly, and then I stand, turning toward the door. “Goodnight, Elias.”
“Goodnight, my love,” he whispers in reply.
I walk slowly down the hall, and when I come to the familiar door, I hesitantly push it open. I’ve only been in this room twice, and the warmth of it breaks my heart. Azazel is everywhere. Her elegant style is in every decoration and piece of furniture. Her bright smile reflects off the very walls. Tears stream down my face as I climb into bed, trying hard not to think too much about where I am and why.
~#*TSD*#~
Everything is dark. I’ve been here before. That knowledge does nothing to calm my racing heart. I shouldn’t be here. I’ve lost someone already. Why am I seeing this when she’s already gone? The darkness is so thick. I can’t see a thing. I’ve lost someone else. I can’t remember whom. The darkness changes. Everything is red. There’s blood. I have blood on my hands. Who’s bleeding? I have to help them!
There. I see something new. There’s a person. I can’t see the face. I can’t see anything through all this blood.
It’s changing again. I can see a head. There’s no face, but the hair is—
White.
No! That’s not possible! This is wrong! I have to get to this person! I have to see the face! It can’t be him. That’s just not possible! It can’t be—
“NO!!” I scream, fighting against whatever is holding me down.
“Kaija!!” I know that voice. That voice is safety.
“Elias?” I gasp, reaching out.
Strong arms wrap around me, and I find myself engulfed in the sweet, masculine scent of my beloved. I’m safe. That terrible vision isn’t real.
That does nothing to stop the violent sobs that echo around the room. I bury my face in Elias’s neck as he rocks gently back and forth with me. He rubs my back and whispers to me softly.
“It’s alright,” I can feel his voice reverberating in his chest, and that’s a comfort in itself. “I’ve got you. You’re safe.”
“Is everything okay, Elias?” a female voice comes from the direction of the door. “We heard her screaming.”
“Yes,” Elias speaks in the same gentle tone he used before. “Everything is alright.”
“She had the nightmare again, didn’t she?” I hear Amberline say sadly.
“Yes,” Elias replies, holding me ever so slightly tighter.
“She had the same one the night before the third Discipline. It wasn’t this bad, though.”
I cling to Elias, still trembling. I feel a hand on my shoulder.
“What do you keep seeing?” Amberline asks quietly.
I pull my head back to look up at her, but I can’t bring myself to say the vision out loud. I only shake my head as tears stream down my face again.
“I—I can’t,” I whisper.
“It’s okay,” Elias brings my head back to his shoulder. “It’s over now.”
“Yeah,” I breathe, closing my eyes.
We sit this way for several minutes, and eventually I begin to drift off to sleep. As my consciousness fades, I hear quiet voices.
“She sees you, Lord Elias,” Amberline states with concern. “I think she sees you die.”
“I know,” he answers simply.
~#*TSD*#~
The rest of the month passes quickly. With all of us living in Elias’s wing, the days are bright. Either Diggory or Barnaby is always with me when I go outside, and in the evenings, Elias, the Brides, my girls, and I all sit around like one huge family. Elias seems happy enough. He’s the subject of a lot of teasing as the lone male living with all these ladies, and he seems to love it. I know that Azazel’s death still weighs heavily on his heart, but he’s doing a wonderful job of doing as she instructed and moving on for the sakes of the rest of us. The only times he allows his sorrow to show is when we’re alone, and even then, it’s rare.
My nightmares are getting worse. They’re stronger and more frequent. I still haven’t been able to talk about them with anyone. I fear that if I say it aloud it will no longer just be a nightmare, and I desperately need for it to stay in my head instead of my reality. When I have them, Elias is always faithful to rush to my side.
Just like before the third Discipline, the night before the fourth escalates things, and I actually see Elias’s face in the dream. It shakes me to my core by taking away any hope that it’s a case of mistaken identity. I still don’t know what the dream means, but I know that despite my refusal to speak about it, Elias has pieced together the contents from my frantic screaming. He doesn’t push me, though.
I’m sure it’s just the stress of all this.
The day of the Discipline is disgustingly rainy, just like it has been for the last solid week. It’s dark despite the fact that it’s morning.
I’ve just left Elias’s room, and I’m angry. Elias has just revealed to me that the fourth Discipline consists of the four Offerings that remain being split into pairs. We’ll be forced to fight to the death, either voluntarily or under the influence of War’s power.
I know that Elias was trying to let me enjoy my final month before this trial, but the fact that no one told me and allowed me to prepare for this was a heavy blow. I can’t permit myself to be upset with Elias, however. His heart was in the right place, and my parents always taught me that life’s too short to waste time being angry over petty things. Given that Elias and I could realistically be murdered by War at any time, that truth is especially meaningful.
Aside from that, I have bigger things to worry about. I have to save my girls. War is going to throw everything he’s got at us today—at me, and I have to be ready. I turn my anger to the true source and use it as fuel for my endless determination.
When I find Jocelyn, she’s strapping on her belt.
“Good morning, Kaija,” she says with a strained smile.
I don’t say anything. I just stride up to her and wrap her in my arms. After the initial shock wears off, Joz returns my embrace and sniffles a time or two. Vivienne enters the room after a moment, and tears pour down her cheeks as she approaches us. I shift Jocelyn to allow Viv into our little group hug, and it’s not long before Amberline joins us as well.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I say finally.
“We wanted to enjoy our time with you,” Vivienne states through her tears. “We didn’t want you to be distracted with worry.”
“I wish you would have told me,” I sigh. “If I’d have known, I—”
“See, you’ve only known for a few minutes, and you’re already worrying,” Amberline cuts me off.
“Shut up,” I shove her head lightly. “You’re killing the moment.”
The girls all giggle and wipe tears away as we all stand and finish preparing for the task ahead. Eventually, we’re all ready, and we stand in the massive foyer of Elias’s wing just below the staircase. The Brides have all come out to wish us well. With tearful embraces, they say goodbye, knowing that for some of us, it will be the last time.
Phillipa muscles her way through the crowd to find me. Without hesitation, she throws her arms around me.
“Don’t you go doing anything stupid. Elias needs you to come out alive. Everyone knows that. I know it’s going to be hard for you to get it through your head, but don’t challenge War. Please come back to us safely.”
“I’ll do my best,” I reply honestly. “I’m not going to willingly abandon those girls, though. War’s going to have to force me to fight.”
“I know that,” Phillipa pats my cheek. “It was still worth a shot.”
Finally, Elias emerges from his bedchamber and glides down the stairs, his long cape billowing behind him. He locks eyes with me, anxiety bubbling under his stoic expression. I smile softly at him, and he approaches. He goes, first, to Vivienne and kisses her forehead. It’s a simple gesture, but the meaningful compassion behind it is easily visible as he repeats the action with Amberline and Jocelyn.
At last, Elias comes to me. He places his hands gently on my shoulders, and his lips find my forehead, just as they did the other girls’ before me. When he pulls back, though, he pauses, looking intensely into my eyes. I can see that there’s so much he’d like to say to me right now, but the words are locked away firmly behind those celadon spheres. Instead, he suddenly places one hand on the back of my head, and the other slides around my waist, pulling me close as he passionately kisses my lips.
I expect there to be teasing and cheers from the onlookers, as there usually is when he kisses me publicly, but instead, there’s an ominous silence settled heavily on the entire room. This could be our final kiss, and everyone knows it.
When our lips separate, Elias places his forehead against my own and remains there with his eyes clamped shut. He breathes heavily for a moment before kissing my forehead again and standing up straight.
“Let’s get this over with, shall we?” Amberline loops her arm through my own, and we all head down the hallway.
We certainly look like a strange bunch heading out to the Discipline area. As we go right, around to where the first Discipline was enacted, Elias leads us through the pelting rain, and we four Offerings march in a line, arms linked.
As we approach the same area where we crossed the high wire, I see that several things are different. The canopy that covered the practice line is gone, replaced by a smaller one for Elias and War to occupy. It is shielded from the rain by “walls” on three sides. Against the practice wire, a rack of weapons is positioned, waiting for us.
War is already standing beneath the small tent, grinning like a demonic Cheshire cat. Ophelia is positioned just outside the awning, looking like the cat’s half-drowned prey.
“How very bold of you, Death,” War calls as we approach. “You’re not even hiding your treachery any longer?”
“Should I?” Elias replies coldly. “It isn’t as though you don’t know.”
“Touché,” War chuckles. “How are you faring these days? I haven’t heard from you since you so coldly slaughtered that Bride of yours. What are you going to do now that your other pet is in danger again?”
Elias flinches when War mentions Azazel, and I surge forward slightly until Amberline’s firm hold on my arm reminds me of my current position. Elias doesn’t look at War as he takes his place beside the despot.
“Kaija is strong enough to handle herself. Let’s just get this over with.”
“Ooh, not in the mood to chat, are we?” War fakes a pout. “Fine. Offerings, today you will each take a weapon and fight your chosen opponent to the death. Only two of you will walk away from this Discipline. Offering Jocelyn, you will face Offering Vivienne. Offering Kaija, your opponent will be Offering Amberline.”
“No,” Amberline speaks before I can, tightening her arm around mine.
“No,” Vivienne repeats, mimicking Amberline’s motion by gripping my arm tighter.
“No,” I see Jocelyn shake her head out of the corner of my eye.
“Oh ho!” War smirks. Elias’s face is unreadable. “What have we here? Death, I believe your insolence is wearing off. You have yet to speak, Offering. Will you defy me as well?”
When War looks at me, I meet his gaze boldly.
“I know what you’re capable of. We will do battle today, but I feel it’s important for you to know where we stand, so I’ll tell you as well. No. You can use your power to force our bodies against one another, but in our hearts, we will always stand together.”
“Well, then, I suppose it’s a good thing I only need your bodies for this,” War’s smug grin drops as he raises his hand.
Immediately, all three of the girls around me cry out as they jerkily move toward the wall of weaponry. I, alone, remain where I was before War used his power.
Again? Why isn’t he using it on me?
I don’t have to wonder long as I look back to War. He’s completely ignoring the girls as they battle with their own bodies. He’s focused fully on me, his hand trembling as it reaches out to me still.
“Why??” He roars, glaring at me. “Why aren’t you moving??”
I glance at Elias, and he looks as confused as I feel. War steps closer to me, his hand still outstretched. He wholly disregards the rain that begins pouring down on him as he steps out from the shelter and advances on me.
“You should be over there with all the others, doing battle as I bade you,” He seethes. I stand completely still, staring him down. War rushes me, his hand immediately going for my neck. “I should have killed you the first day you arrived just like he said!!”
Elias takes a step toward us, but I raise my hand to stop him, still holding War’s gaze. War could end me with a slight flick of his powerful wrist, but he hasn’t yet; I somehow know that he won’t.
“This is just like when I forced that Bride to fight you. You somehow resisted me. How?? How are you doing this??” War demands.
Does he mean that he tried to use his power on me when I fought with Az? Surely not. There’s absolutely nothing spectacular about me. Nothing about me should be able to counteract War’s ability.
“Speak, Offering!” War shrieks at me, his hand tightening around my throat.
“I’m not doing anything,” I answer honestly. “Maybe you just aren’t as powerful as you think.”
At my words, War throws me to the ground with a cry of rage.
“No matter!” He cries. “One way or another, you will fight—just like you did that Bride!”
“Kaija!” Amberline shrieks as she rushes toward me with an axe raised.
“It’s okay, Amberline!” I answer her, easily dodging. “Fight against him!”
“I don’t want to do this, Kaija!” Jocelyn shoves a spear in my direction.
“I know, Joz!” I yell back. “Just be strong. Trust me!”
“Kaija! You’re going to have to fight back!” Vivienne swings a sword at me.
“I know, but everything is going to be okay!” I reply.
War’s revelation that he can’t use his ability on me has given me new vigor. If I can resist him, that means the other girls can too. If Azazel had known—no. I can’t afford to think like that. I have to help the living.
I race through the gauntlet of weaponry that’s flying all around me and make my way to the rack. I find a bow staff and turn to face my friends. I square off. Jocelyn thrusts at me, and I knock the spear away, rolling into another block to stop the forward motion of Vivienne’s sword. Once I’m clear of the two of them, I raise the staff to connect with the shaft of Amberline’s axe. Raising my foot, I kick Amberline backward as gently as possible, sending her weapon flying out of her hands.
Catching the wayward blade, I wheel around, slicing the shaft of Jocelyn’s spear in two. I bring the bow staff up and knock the sword from Vivienne’s hands. Before the blade can hit the ground, I catch the hilt on the curved portion of the axe and fling both of them over the side of the canyon. By this time, Amberline is back on her feet and charging me.
“Kaija, stop me! I don’t care how!” she screams.
“I’m sorry!” I call to her, even as I bring the staff around, taking her knees from beneath her.
I didn’t want to resort to that, but it seems that no matter how hard they fight the girls can’t break from War’s hold on them. My only choice is to incapacitate them like I’d planned to do with Az. I have to make it to where they can’t physically attack me.
Knowing War’s power beforehand has helped me considerably. Azazel bested me, partially because of my shock and fear. This time, though, I was expecting this, and I’m far more prepared. It shows in my ability to stay calm and fight to my full potential.
Jocelyn is my next target, coming at me with the broken pieces of her staff.
“Kaija!!” she clamps her eyes closed.
“It’s okay, Joz!” I promise her, bringing my staff between her arms and knocking her squarely in the head.
Jocelyn drops to the ground, I kneel briefly and lay two fingers on her neck. She’s got a steady pulse, so I’ve succeeded in simply knocking her unconscious. From there, I bring my staff out in front of me, parallel to the ground. When Vivienne grabs it with both hands, I flip her easily to her back and kneel, laying my staff across her shoulders with my knee squarely on her chest. Even with the added strength from War’s power, I’ve got the upper hand due to position alone.
“I’ve got you, Viv,” I chuckle breathlessly to her. “You’re not going anywhere.”
“Thank you, Kaija,” she smiles at me even though her body is struggling against me.
I look up at War where he’s still glaring at me through the rain. Behind him, Elias is sporting a proud smile. Silently, I thank my brothers for the endless battles we enacted together. Being the lone girl in a house of boys and their friends evidently has its advantages.
“Stop this, War,” I pant. “They can’t best me.”
“No, they can’t,” War says ominously.
Vivienne relaxes under me, and Amberline stops attempting to crawl toward us on her ruined knees. I hope Elias will be able to fix that later. Jocelyn begins to stir, rubbing the place where my staff contacted her head.
“That being said, I already told you that two of you would not be leaving this Discipline alive,” War steps forward and draws his sword.
“What??” I stand to my feet, bringing Vivienne with me. I shove her behind me and look to the other two girls.
“This is the Discipline of Strength,” War continues, slithering toward Amberline. “It’s only fitting that the two weaker ones of you be disposed of.”
“No!” I scream, running to place myself between War and Amberline. “Kill me! I’m the one you want dead!”
“Kaija, no!” Amberline whimpers from behind me.
“I’m the one who’s been messing up all your plans. You can’t use your power on me,” I continue, holding my staff out toward War.
“While that’s very true, Offering,” War growls, “you do not fear death. You’ve made that abundantly clear. I’ll find a far more suitable punishment for you in taking what you value most. Death would be too easy for you. You need to be broken first.”
War moves to dart around me, but I stop him with a swift strike from my staff. Faster than I can even see, War crouches and throws me over his shoulder as though I’m nothing.
“Stay out of my way, Offering,” War snarls, advancing slowly on Amberline.
“No!” I scream, throwing myself forward again.
Before I even make it one step, however, two strong arms wrap under my own, pulling me backward. I know those arms well.
“Elias, let me go!”
“I can’t do that, Kaija,” Elias answers softly, walking backward with me.
“Let me go!!” I cry, thrashing violently in his arms. “Let go of me now!”
“Kaija!” Amberline calls from where she’s still crouched on her knees. “None of this is your fault! You did your very best. Thank you, Kaija! Thank you for the time you gave us!”
“Amberline!!” I shriek, struggling even harder.
“We love you, Kaija!” Jocelyn’s voice meets my ears even as Elias swings me around in front of him so that I can’t see the girls anymore.
“Jocelyn!!” I scream. “Elias, let go of me!!”
“Keep her safe, Elias!” Amberline calls.
That’s when it begins. Vivienne screams, and I hear Amberline’s strangled cry of pain. Jocelyn’s voice soon joins them in a chorus that will haunt my nightmares for years to come.
“No!!” I cry, thrashing harder still. “Elias!!”
I manage to look up at him, rage and pain filling me completely. I want to curse him. I want to hate him right now. He didn’t help me save them. He only dragged me away. Surely with the two of us, we could have at least done something.
He should have let me die with them.
As soon as my eyes fall on his face, however, I stop. I stop fighting his grasp; I stop thinking such terrible things about him. I just stop.
In Elias’s eyes, I see the same rage I just exhibited lying bare. In the tears that stream steadily down his pale cheeks, I see the pain that’s tearing my heart to shreds. I see his helpless fury.
Elias wanted to fight for them as badly as I did. He was simply wise enough to see the ultimate outcome. He and I—the two of us—are fighting for so much more than the lives of our family and friends. We’re fighting for more than ourselves. He and I are fighting to change the world. The terrible, tragic truth of it is, no matter what, he and I must survive.
When I finally see all of this, I’m suddenly overcome with shame. I’m so incredibly helpless. That has never been more apparent than it is in this moment. I am helpless, and I lashed out in my feeble, pitiful, juvenile anger at the one man who loves me enough not to care.
“I’m so sorry, Elias,” I sob.
“Shh,” Elias releases the quiet, comforting noise as he shifts me in his arms to cradle me instead of dragging me like a sack of potatoes.
The only noises I hear as I close my eyes are the steadily falling rain, Elias’s boots as they stride on through the waterlogged mud, and his rhythmic breathing as he holds me tightly to him. Suddenly, though, another sound hits my ears.
“Kaija!!”
“Viv??” I sit upright in Elias’s arms, almost causing him to drop me. “Vivienne??”
Elias puts me down, and I run to meet the bloodied, rain-drenched girl. When I reach her, we throw our arms around one another, and she begins sobbing as she clings to me. I cry too, though I hold back a considerable amount of my emotion. I was certain War had killed them all. I never expected to get even one of them back.
“I was so scared,” Vivienne weeps into my shoulder. “And Amberline—Jocelyn—they—”
“Shh,” I quiet her with the same noise Elias used on me only moments before. “We can talk about it later. Are you hurt?”
“No,” she shakes her head against my chest. “War—he—”
“You don’t need to tell me now,” I pat her head calmly.
“Kaija, we should move,” Elias speaks quietly behind me. “War will be coming through here at any time. My actions were…unconventional. It would probably be best for us to be out of sight when he passes by.”
I have a feeling that everything about this Discipline was…unconventional. Elias is right, however. Another confrontation with War should be avoided at all costs.
Standing to my feet, I pull Vivienne up with me. I keep my arm around her, and Elias throws his cloak over the two of us as we all head quickly back to his wing.
~#*TSD*#~
Later that night, I find myself edging down the long, winding stairway into the green basin. The howling wind is cold against my skin, but at least the rain has stopped. Between the darkness and the wetness on the stairs, I’m finding it difficult to keep my footing, but I manage.
When we got Vivienne settled in Elias’s wing, she told us what had happened. Evidently War made quick work of Amberline and then moved on to Jocelyn. He told Vivienne to run, and she did. She looked back once to see him throwing their bodies—the bodies of those beautiful girls that I loved so dearly—over the side of the cliff and down into the basin.
That had angered me almost as much as the fact that he killed them in the first place. The fact that he would, then, dishonor them so…a shiver of rage runs through me again at the thought.
I need to get them back. Amberline and Jocelyn deserve to have funeral pyres, and now that I know the way down, Amelia will get one too. I don’t know if I’m fully prepared for the state in which I’ll find their bodies, but this is something I need to do, regardless.
While Elias tended to Vivienne, I managed to slip away. Elias wouldn’t be happy if he knew I’d come down here alone, but this is what I need. I need to get them, myself. I need a way to work out my feelings—I can’t even quite nail down just what those feelings are right now, but I feel like doing this one, final thing for my girls is a decent enough place to start.
Finally, I reach the bottom of the stairway and creep through the darkness. I don’t know what all wildlife dwells down here, but I do know that I’m probably rather low on the food chain. Various animals call out as I pass, but they all stay to the shadows and don’t bother me in my quest. That’s for the best. I don’t have time for such distractions.
Before long, I come to the wide river that flows from beneath the palace. It runs for miles underground, giving life to our farmlands, but it doesn’t surface until somewhere deep inside the massive building that looms over me now. I’ve never dealt with a body of water this size—or at all, for that matter. I have no idea how to swim, but my goal lies far beyond the other bank of this river, so I’ll just have to figure it out.
~#*TSD*#~
DP: What does Kaija do? How does she cross the river?
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2016 6:53 pm Post subject: |
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I'll be honest, the whole time I was reading this chapter, my brain kept going 'don't hold out hope, they're still going to die. It's too early for them to win'. Still. Ouch. It is nice to feel slightly validated though- I knewthat War's powers weren't working on Kaija. I'm really feeling for Viv right now, though. There's gotta be some measure of survivors guilt that she's dealing with.
As for how to get across the water... I don't actually know. Surely there's some sort of bridge or boat crossing? Walk along the bank for a little bit to see what surfaces.
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Seraphi
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| Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2016 12:28 pm Post subject: |
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War continues to be an asshat. And I know I say that every chapter, but its just SO TRUE THAT I CAN'T NOT RAWR!
That was probably the cruelest discipline to date, mainly because of the way it ended. There was no skill involved, no way for the girls to win. War broke his own rules because he would have lost otherwise (and for that he is a...wait for it...asshat). At least Vivienne is still alive, but, like Noni said, she probably has a lot of survivor's remorse right now. Especially since she saw them die. Hopefully her and Kaija have a moment to mourn together.
For the DP...there must be part of the river that is a little shallower and she can manage to wade through to the other side.
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2016 12:56 pm Post subject: |
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Alright, so caught up... Wow. Really gruesome, just like War's character.
I don't have much to say, the chapter is well written, as always. As for how to get across... I suggest she either finds something inflatable, or some wood to use as a raft.
I really have no clue. Again, a good impact on the girls' deaths and Vivienne's survival, well done. 
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2016 6:25 pm Post subject: |
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| Okay, so the facebook group won't let me post, but the poll is up!! Vote fast!
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2016 8:50 pm Post subject: |
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Carefully, I edge my way along the bank, feeling for the bottom. This river is deep. I’m going to have to be careful. When I finally find a place where I can touch, I step down, gasping as the cold water rises to my waist. The freezing liquid seeps deep into my clothing, and I wonder if I’ll possibly be able to make the trek back through this while carrying someone else.
I have to. I don’t have a choice. I’ll be making this journey and back three times tonight, so I’d better just suck it up and go.
I inch my way halfway to the other bank without issue. The water is up to my chest now, and it’s flowing swiftly, but by leaning back slightly and bracing my feet at an angle, I’m able to keep balanced and move forward.
“Miss Kaija??” I hear a masculine voice behind me and turn a little too quickly.
My footing slips, and the current wastes no time in plunging me under the bitter cold flow. I had time to catch half a breath before going under, but the shock of the cold in my face makes that irrelevant. Before I can stop it, the river turns me upside down, and my nose promptly fills with water. Reflexively, I cough, but that only fills my airway more. It seems that no matter how I struggle, my efforts only work to further drown me.
What a beautiful analogy on my life. This is just perfect.
I arrived at this place three months ago, and from the first day I walked in, I have fought against the standard. I looked up when War told me to cower. I ran out on the wire and ended up getting Amelia killed. I destroyed the flowers, only to discover that they were Elias’s. I saved Rebecca and endangered everyone in Elias’s wing as well as my girls, Barnaby, and Diggory. I loved Elias, and Azazel paid the price for it. I tried to save my girls, and War killed them anyway.
I struggle so hard, but it seems that the harder I try, the more I drown. Maybe I should just stop.
I don’t have time to continue pondering my current state of affairs because a strong arm has wrapped around my waist and is swiftly dragging me upward—at least I think it’s upward. I can’t really tell anymore.
When my head breaks the water’s surface, I immediately begin coughing and spluttering, trying to clear the liquid from my nose, mouth, and lungs.
“Miss Kaija, are you all right?” my savior asks. I cough a few more times before looking up.
“Barnaby,” I pant. “What are you doing down here?”
“That is Barnaby’s question for you, Miss Kaija,” Barnaby frowns at me. “What were you thinking coming down here alone, climbing in that river?? If Barnaby hadn’t come down, you would have drowned. You would have washed away, and we never would have known. What do you think that would have done to Elias, Miss Kaija?”
“I need to get them back!” I shout, tears stinging my eyes.
“What?” He climbs around in front of me.
“My girls, Barnaby! I can’t leave them down here!”
“Miss Kaija, Barnaby has told you. Barnaby takes care of the dead. It is your job to tend to the living.”
“And I’ve failed pretty miserably at my job, now, haven’t I??” I cry, anger overtaking me. “I promised those girls from day one that I’d look after them. I promised I’d take care of them and keep them safe. Look now, though, Barnaby!! They’re all DEAD!! I came here with five other beautiful, strong women, and now there are only two of us, barely surviving. I failed!! I couldn’t save any of them!! War killed Amelia right after I pulled her off the wire, Rebecca froze to death because I didn’t tell her to dress warmly, and now Amberline and Jocelyn were killed while Elias dragged me away!! I wasn’t even able to stay with them while they died, Barnaby! I am useless!!”
I slam my fists into the ground, sending mud flying in all directions as I scream in frustration.
“It isn’t fair!! Why would God do this to us—to me?? What did any of us do to deserve being put through this? Why was I put here at all if I wasn’t even going to be able to make a difference?? I don’t understand!”
I continue pounding the ground with my fist so hard that it hurts, but nothing I do eases the searing, aching rage in my heart. I put my head to the cool, wet earth and release an agonized roar, trying desperately to relieve even the tiniest bit of the pain I feel.
All of a sudden, I find myself wrapped in a warm—if rather damp—embrace. From where I was sitting on my knees, Barnaby has pulled me forward and is holding me against his shoulder. I relax into his arms and weep bitterly, unable to further form words.
My heart aches as it never has before. My anger has given way to sorrow for the first time since this afternoon, and the reality that I just lost two of the handful of friends I have in the world crashes down on me like a lead weight. I realized when I looked at him that I couldn’t direct my fury at Elias; he’d done nothing to deserve it. I’ve spent the entire day questioning God, but I can’t bring myself to be angry with Him either. The one who deserves my wrath is War, but since I am powerless against him, my hatred has fallen on my own weakness. If only I had been stronger…
Now, though, all I feel is pain. Instead of being angry, I am finally mourning the loss of my friends and all of the loved ones War has taken from us. Not just Jocelyn and Amberline—I am mourning Amelia and Rebecca, Ronyn and Caliah, Jecka and Freyena. I’m mourning Azazel.
Barnaby doesn’t say anything for a long time. He simply holds me, running a comforting hand up and down my back while I break. I’ve had to be strong for so long, and now everything is rushing out of me at once. I sob openly, and Barnaby just lets me. It’s not until I’ve calmed myself somewhat that he finally speaks.
“You believe that your God is holy, yes?” He asks quietly. I nod from where I still sit, cradled against him. “Then you must know that He has a purpose for your presence here. The other young women would have perished regardless of your actions, Miss Kaija. At least you gave them the courage to fight back while they could.”
I only sob once as a reply to his words.
“Do you remember what Elias was like when you first arrived?” Barnaby continues, and I nod again. “That is the same as he has been for as long as Barnaby has known him. Your presence has changed him, Miss Kaija. Your faith has changed him. Barnaby cannot say for certain, but he believes that the change you have brought in Elias is going to spread until it changes the whole world. Barnaby believes that you are here to bring an end to War and his dominance. The God that you have spoken of and sung about to Barnaby would not have asked this of a faithful servant like you without plan and purpose. Barnaby believes that Elias is your purpose. Loving him and changing the world with him is your purpose.”
“That’s too much, Barnaby,” my lips quiver as I speak. Barnaby is not the first person to name that purpose for me, and I thought that I had accepted it, but right now, in my pain-filled brokenness, it’s too much. It frightens me. “I can’t do something that big. I’m just one girl. Until three months ago, I was just a farm girl, living on the outskirts, and the most exciting thing in my days was worrying about what was for dinner. Now I’m supposed to save the world? I couldn’t even save the women I promised to protect. I should have taken them all and run as far and fast as I could right from the start.”
“Barnaby once contemplated leaving, Miss Kaija,” he whispers. I remain still against his shoulder, listening. “After Jecka died, Barnaby wanted to run. He wanted to leave this place and never come back. He knew, though, that he was needed here and that to run is to quit. To quit is to fail. Lady Azazel, Miss Amberline, Miss Jocelyn, and all the others didn’t quit. They fought until the end. If there is one thing Barnaby has learned about you, Miss Kaija, it is that you do not quit either. When everyone else has given up, you keep fighting. It gives the rest of us the strength to carry on with you.”
Barnaby pulls me out of his embrace and looks at me. His blue eyes twinkle like the stars that shine above us, but their expression is firm.
“The day that you decide to quit will be the day that you are truly useless. Barnaby hopes to never see that day because it will be the day when all hope is lost for everyone. So you keep fighting, Miss Kaija. You keep being stubborn and defiant and strong…even if it means you end up on a pyre.”
After a moment of contemplation, I nod, and Barnaby pulls out a handkerchief. When he moves to wipe my face, though, we both laugh because the cloth is dripping already from where he jumped in the river to pull me out.
“Use it anyway, Miss Kaija,” Barnaby chuckles. “Teary cheeks and a snotty nose don’t suit you. You look much better with fire in those hazel eyes.”
I take the sopping wet cloth and rub it over my face with a slight giggle.
“Thank you, Barnaby,” I sniff, and then a shiver runs through me.
“Come on. Let’s get you back up to the palace,” Barnaby stands. “You’re going to get sick at this rate.”
“But the girls!” I look over my shoulder, across the river as a slight panic sets in on me.
“Barnaby will get them, Miss Kaija,” Barnaby pulls me to my feet and hugs me close. “They won’t be left down here in the cold, Barnaby promises.”
“And Amelia?” I ask.
“Miss Amelia was brought out of this place the day of the first Discipline. Barnaby never leaves them unless it cannot be helped,” Barnaby assures me.
“Like in the snake chamber,” I say darkly.
“Yes,” Barnaby suddenly sounds pained. His embrace tightens, and I know he must be thinking of my close call in that dark place. “Barnaby is unable to retrieve the ladies who perish there.”
“Thank you again, Barnaby,” I say, hugging him back. “It makes me feel better to know that Amelia hasn’t been down here this whole time.”
“Barnaby is glad,” he pats my back before steering me around toward the stairway.
We walk in silence for a long time, listening to the sounds of the forest around us. From the peace of this place, you’d never know that horrors like the Disciplines are a reality a mere thousand feet above.
My teeth have begun to chatter as we ascend the stone stairway. The wetness on it hasn’t changed, and I slip once or twice. Barnaby is always quick to right me. When we reach the top, though, it is Barnaby who slips, and as I try to catch him, we both end up sitting in the mud, laughing at our pitiful predicament.
“Barnaby isn’t sure if he’s actually helping you or just getting you more messy,” the ginger man laughs.
“I don’t mind,” I answer, pulling him to his feet again.
“Kaija??” I hear Elias’s voice and turn to face him. “What are you doing out here? You’re a total mess! Why are you all wet?”
“Barnaby tried to convince Miss Kaija that October really isn’t an appropriate time of year for swimming, but she simply wouldn’t hear it,” Barnaby says very seriously.
I shoot him a look before laughing again. Elias looks between the two of us, confused.
“You’re all right, though? You’re not hurt?” he looks me up and down.
“I’m fine, Elias,” I promise him.
“I was worried when they told me you weren’t in the wing. I thought—”
“What? That I’d run out to challenge War?” I chuckle darkly.
“I wouldn’t put it past you,” Elias shakes his head, eyeing me suspiciously. “After this afternoon, I wasn’t really sure what you were capable of doing.”
“Oh, ye of little faith,” I smile crookedly at him.
“Miss Kaija was trying to do Barnaby’s job and retrieve her companions from down in the basin,” Barnaby rats me out. I narrow my eyes at him like a sibling who’s being tattled on. “She lost her footing in the river, and that’s why she’s all wet now.”
“Kaija! That was incredibly dangerous,” Elias looks at me with concern. “If you’d have just asked me, I would have told you that Barnaby takes care of everything.”
“I know,” I nod. “You don’t need to lecture me. Barnaby did that for you.”
“I’m not lecturing,” Elias sighs. “I’m just worried about you. Did you tell Barnaby that you tried to fight War?”
“No, she did not,” Barnaby’s expression hardens.
Now he looks like a parent instead of a sibling. I almost laugh, but the looks on both of their faces are enough to stop me. I’m in trouble.
“War is too powerful for you, Miss Kaija,” Barnaby scolds me. “While I appreciate your bravery, you should not have stood against him. At the very least, you should have waited for me.”
The usage of personal pronouns doesn’t escape me. Barnaby really is upset with me. Elias is quick to cut in, though.
“Wait, what? Did you hear what you just said?” he fumes, exasperated. “You aren’t strong enough to fight him either, Barnaby. I can’t even challenge him; if I could, none of us would be in this mess. Every time I try, I get my rear end promptly handed back to me.”
“At least going down fighting is to die with honor,” Barnaby argues.
“I rather wish all of you would stop talking about dying—with honor or without,” Elias huffs. “War has taken enough people from me over the years, so if you would kindly stop trying to get him to kill you, I’d appreciate it.”
I watch the two of them go back and forth. It’s almost as though they’ve forgotten I’m here. I shiver, though, and remember that I’m uncomfortable, all wet and caked in mud. With a heaving sigh, I push between their discussion and head back to the palace.
“Where are you going?” Elias asks.
“To bathe,” I reply simply.
“You shouldn’t go off alone,” Barnaby says as they both jog to catch up with me.
“I’m fine,” I roll my eyes. “War said very clearly today that he wouldn’t kill me.”
“That isn’t the worst he’s capable of,” Elias says darkly.
My mind flashes back to the day that Elias dared War to end his life, and I know he’s speaking from personal experience. It’s amazing to me how much Elias changed in the last three months. He went from that pitiful creature, begging for death, to a man who finds the very thought of dying repulsive. The man who walks beside me now is determined to live and to protect those he loves. A smile works its way across my face at the thought.
“That’s hardly the expression I’d expect after hearing that War is capable of worse things than killing you,” Elias chuckles.
“What? Oh,” I smile wider. “No, I was just thinking of something else.”
I grin up at Elias, and he returns a warm smile.
“You really are a mess,” he laughs.
“Which is why I’m heading to bathe,” I remark.
~#*TSD*#~
The hot water on my skin feels fantastic. I slide beneath the surface and listen to the thrumming of the liquid around me. It’s always been a sound that I loved. I have a feeling swimming would be something I’d love if I were ever given the opportunity.
My thoughts are interrupted when I hear a muffled voice through my sanctuary. I immediately rise to the surface, rubbing the water away from my nose and blinking to clear the droplets that cling stubbornly to my long eyelashes.
“Kaija?” Elias sounds mildly concerned. I wonder how long he’s been there. “Is everything all right?”
“Yeah, sorry,” I call out to him. “I was under the water. Didn’t hear you.”
Azazel’s room is as comforting as ever. My heart aches with the sadness of loss, but somehow, the warmth of this room makes it better. I recline my head back against the hard stone of the tub. If I imagine really hard, I can almost feel Azazel’s motherly hands washing my hair for me.
“It’s all right,” Elias sighs through the closed door. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay,” I answer after a moment’s hesitation. “I need to do something after this, though. Will you go with me?”
“Of course. What is it?”
“I need to take Vivienne and give my girls a proper memorial,” I say quietly. “It wouldn’t be right for me to skip it.”
“Of course,” Elias repeats.
There’s a long stretch of silence, and a question comes to my mind.
“Elias, today War said that he was trying to use his power on me, and he wasn’t able. What do you think that means?”
“I don’t know,” Elias replies honestly. “I’ve never seen him like that, though. There’s never been a human he wasn’t able to control.”
There’s a pause, and then he speaks again.
“You’ve never—” Elias hesitates. “You don’t ever remember having anything strange happen to you, do you? Something you can’t explain?”
“You mean, aside from falling in love with Death? No, nothing comes to mind,” I smirk.
“Hilarious,” I can almost hear Elias’s green eyes roll. “I’m serious, though. Think on it. You survived the snakebite and the third Discipline. By all rights, you should be dead.”
“Morbid,” I mutter.
“Yes, but it’s true,” Elias sighs. “The venom, I’ll give you. We fought that one long and hard. The third Discipline, though… I have no explanation for you walking away from that alive. I was certain that Diggory was carrying your body out of that chamber. You can imagine my delight when you were chattering like your usual, feisty self.”
“I suppose that really was a miracle,” I muse, frowning. Standing, I reach for a towel and quickly dry off.
“It was that, certainly,” Elias wracks his brain, and I hurriedly throw on a dress. “I can’t help but wonder if there was more to it, though. You’re certain that you’ve never had anything that made you wonder if you had power?”
“Elias,” I open the door, and Elias falls backward, landing at my feet with a grunt. Apparently, he’d been sitting against the door. “I think if I was one of the ‘gods’, it wouldn’t have taken me almost twenty-six years to figure it out.”
“You’re probably right,” Elias stands, brushing himself off, and offers me his arm. “Shall we go get Miss Vivienne, then?”
“Yeah,” I answer somberly.
We descend the stairs together, and I go, first, to Amberline’s room. I collect her Offering dress and search under her mattress. Just like Diggory said, we’re all the same. Amberline has hidden a photograph of a young man and a folded piece of paper there. I guess that the handsome face staring back at me is Ezekiel that she spoke of when we were trying to stay awake in the third Discipline.
I tuck the photograph and the paper in my pocket and proceed to Jocelyn’s room. There, I find her Offering dress, and hidden under her mattress is a small book. I slide a hand over my mouth, and tears fill my eyes when I realize what it is.
This tiny book, small enough to fit in my hand, is an incomplete version of my Holy Book. It is the latter half. I can only pray that this means that Jocelyn shared my faith as well.
I slide the little tome in my other pocket and hug the dresses to my chest as I head out to where Elias is waiting for me.
“Viv, I’m going to go to the waterfall. Would you like to come?” I show the dresses to the young girl. Vivienne nods; her red eyes fall on the fabric in my arms as tears flood her face.
When she stands, she takes my arm, and we walk out of the wing with Elias following behind us, silent as a phantom. This is our time to heal and find closure. Elias is escorting us for our safety, but he is trying his best not to be intrusive. I wouldn’t be able to tell him if I tried how very much I appreciate him.
When we reach the Offering chambers, the sound of our echoing footfalls in the empty room is nearly deafening. When we first arrived here, this room was vibrant and beautiful. Now, though, it is vacant and haunting. All of the beds have been removed, as we’ve all moved on in one way or another. All of the other furniture is gone as well. No need in wasting it when there’s no one here to use it.
I can’t help but think that the removal of the furniture each time an Offering passes is yet another sick way for War to torture us. It offers a clear reminder for those who remain that they might be the next one to be erased. I won’t allow my girls to be erased, though. Even if I’m the only one who carries them with me, I will remember them always. They will never be forgotten.
Vivienne and I work quickly. It is cold still, and I want to get Viv back inside to familiar comfort as quickly as possible. She received the worst of the trauma today. She needs to rest.
After we carefully light the beautiful dresses and set them afloat in the river, we go to the edge of the basin and watch the lights disappear into the darkness, just like we did with Amelia and Rebecca. I recite a few lines from the Book, and then Vivienne surprises me by whispering a few lines herself.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
“Viv, where did you learn that?” I ask quietly.
“That was Jocelyn’s favorite part from her book. She said you knew the same book because you’ve quoted it a few times.”
“Yeah, I have,” I say, staring out at the landscape before us.
“Tell me another,” Vivienne whispers shakily.
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
With my words, I hug Vivienne to my side and kiss her head.
“Come on, let’s get you back inside. It’s cold out here,” I mumble, taking her hand and turning away from the waterfall.
Elias is still standing at the base of the stairs, watching us. I had almost forgotten he was there. As we approach, he steps back, allowing us to go up into the palace before him. As I pass by, he slides a hand onto the small of my back and falls into step beside me.
~#*TSD*#~
I know that I’m safe, but that doesn’t stop my screams. I know that Elias is alive and holding me now, but that does nothing to hide the image of his lifeless, bloodstained body that’s been burned into my mind’s eye.
“Kaija, I’m here,” Elias assures me as he rocks back and forth, cradling me in his arms. “I’m all right. I’m right here. I’m safe, and I’ve got you.”
I don’t answer him. I simply cling to him more tightly, burying my face in his neck. After a few minutes, I’m able to calm myself to the occasional whimpering sob.
“My love, I’m worried,” Elias says softly, running his hand over my back. “You can’t carry on like this. You need to talk to someone about these nightmares. It doesn’t have to be me, but you cannot continue to bear this alone.”
“I’m sure it’s just the stress of the day bringing it out,” my voice is strained, croaking from my sore throat.
“That may be,” Elias lays me back on the pillows, “but you still shouldn’t keep this all locked away.”
He tenderly brushes a strand of my hair away from my face.
“Why don’t you talk to Diggory in the morning?” Elias says softly. I nod and roll toward the side of the bed that faces away from the window. Elias pats my shoulder and speaks again, barely above a whisper. “Slide over.”
I do as I’m told, and Elias stretches out on the bed beside me, on top of the blankets. He curls a long, slender arm around me and pulls me back against his chest. With a kiss to the back of my head, he settles his head on the pillow behind mine.
“You’re staying with me?” My voice quivers.
“I remember a time, not too long ago, when I was plagued by terrible visions of lost loved ones,” Elias murmurs in my ear. “There was a certain beautiful woman who stayed faithfully by my side and held me, keeping the nightmares at bay. It’s my turn to hold her now.”
There’s a long stretch of silence, and as I lay here so close to the man I love, a strange thought enters my mind. Despite the oddity, I know that Elias is still awake, and I want to hear his voice again, so I speak.
“Elias, what are we going to do?”
“What do you mean?” he asks quietly.
“I survive through the Disciplines, we get the other gods on our side, we defeat War…then what?”
It seems like an idiotic question, even as it comes out of my mouth. It’s unlikely that we will survive long enough to make it to “then what”, but for whatever reason, that’s where my mind has chosen to fixate in this moment.
“Well,” Elias readjusts himself, propping his head on his hand, “I suppose the first order of business will be a wedding.”
“A wedding?” I turn my head to look up at him.
“Unless you’ve decided you don’t love me,” he responds with a crooked smile.
“Of course I love you,” I look at him indignantly. “It’s just…are you sure you want me?”
“What’s bringing this on all of a sudden?” Elias frowns.
“I’m human,” I sigh, unsure of exactly what has me thinking like this, myself. “I can’t offer you children…”
“I resigned myself to the fact that I would never be a father years ago, Kaija,” Elias runs his fingers over my cheek. “That holds nothing over my love for you.”
“And I’m going to grow old,” my voice breaks slightly.
“You do realize I am not a young man, don’t you?” Elias chuckles.
“That isn’t what I mean,” I say, rolling over to see him better. “I’m going to age. You’ve already endured that once. What are you going to do when I’m old and grey?”
“My lovely Kaija,” a tender smile spreads across Elias’s face as he cups my cheek in his long hand. “I fell in love with your heart. I fell for your courage, your fiery spirit, and your selfless compassion. You are a beautiful woman, Kaija, but it isn’t your physical beauty that I adore. My love for you runs so much deeper than that, so as you age, you need never fear that my love for you will diminish with whatever perceived beauty your body loses. You will still be Kaija, and you will still be mine. I will remain by your side for as long as you will have me because there is no other woman in this world who is as stunning as you in my eyes.”
My cheeks flush brilliant red at his sweet words, and Elias places a gentle kiss on my lips. He, then, kisses my forehead.
“Now, my love, sleep,” he whispers, rolling me over and pulling my back to his chest. “You needn’t fear anything else tonight. You’re safe while you’re in my arms, so say a prayer, and rest.”
I know that his words are true. Nothing can harm me here. I do pray. I pray that God protects us both and allows us to reach that day when I can finally call Elias my husband. It is with that thought that I drift into a peaceful sleep.
~#*TSD*#~
No DP on this one. Next chapter will go up in a few days!
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2016 11:38 pm Post subject: |
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This is all so sweet and adorable that I can't help but feel immense dread for the coming chapters. DX Viv, I'd love to hold out hope that you'll survive, but my, do I have my doubts. *hugs her, just in case*
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2016 6:39 pm Post subject: |
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The next morning, I find my way downstairs to have breakfast with Vivienne. She is quiet and tearful. I know that Jocelyn was as close to a best friend as she had here, and a twinge of guilt runs through my heart that I wasn’t able to stop War from destroying that.
Unlike the treasures of Amberline, Amelia, and Rebecca, which are now hidden away in Azazel’s secret drawer, Jocelyn’s book is now lying on Vivienne’s side table where she was reading it before I came in. I know that Joz would have wanted her to have it, and I know that it will be a comfort to her now.
When we’ve finished eating, I withdraw, leaving Vivienne to rest. As I enter the hallway, though, Phillipa takes me by the arm.
“Miss Kaija, you may want to spend some time with Elias before you go out to work today,” she says in a melancholy tone.
“What happened?” I ask. She’s behaving strangely, so something must be wrong.
“Caroline…”
The name is left hanging in the air, and I know immediately what’s happened. The face of the elderly Bride who teased Elias after the third Discipline enters my mind. He had known that she was declining.
“Did he…?”
“Yes,” Phillipa says solemnly, confirming my suspicions.
Elias cannot bear to let those he loves suffer. In the case of his wife Caliah, when the end was near, he used his power to ease her passage quickly instead of allowing her to lie in pain, struggling until death took her. It seems that he did the same for Caroline.
“I’ll take care of him,” I nod with a sad smile.
“I know you will,” Phillipa pats my arm reassuringly.
I hurry up the stairs to Elias’s bedchambers. When I enter, he’s sitting on one of the couches that overlook the basin to the west. He’s got his fingers laced together under his chin, resting his elbows on his knees. It’s difficult to read his expression.
Making my way quietly to him, I slide my arms over his broad, slender shoulders from behind and pull him back to me. He leans his head on my shoulder and places an elegant hand on my arm. Elias sighs heavily, and we remain this way in silence for a long while.
“I’m so sorry, Elias,” I whisper finally, kissing the side of his head.
“I knew it was coming,” he mumbles.
“I know,” I answer. “That doesn’t seem to be making it any easier, though.”
“No,” he lays his head over so that it’s against my cheek.
“You helped her, though,” I squeeze him tighter. “I’m sure she knows that.”
“At least these powers are good for one thing,” he sighs again. “I can take away their suffering.”
I hear the pain in his voice, and it runs far deeper than this one death. Hesitantly, I encourage him to talk to me.
“You’re thinking of Caliah, aren’t you?”
Elias doesn’t answer me for a moment. I feel his hand constrict on my arm. Finally, though, he nods.
“Do you want to talk about it?” I nudge.
“Would it not hurt you?”
That certainly wasn’t the answer I expected. I release him and stand, coming around the couch to sit beside him, a distance away. Gently, I reach up and pull him toward me. He takes my hint and pivots to lay back with his head on my lap. With one hand, I untie his hair and run my fingers through it. My other hand finds its way to his chest, where he holds it firmly in his own hand.
“No, it won’t hurt me,” I say softly. “Ronyn and Caliah are important to you. I want to know about them. I want to learn about the women who loved you first.”
“Are you sure?” Elias gazes up at me searchingly.
“You have lived a very long time, Elias,” I say. “It would be selfish of me to wish that you had never loved before. Besides, Ronyn and Caliah are part of what made you into the man you are now—the man I love. I don’t want you to feel like you need to hide your love for them from me. Actually, the fact that you didn’t try to hide them or diminish your love for them made your confession of love to me that much stronger in my eyes. I knew that you were being straightforward, and that made your promise to me all the more genuine.”
I take this opportunity to lean down and lightly kiss his lips.
“So, yes. I am very sure,” I whisper. “Please tell me when you’re thinking of them.”
“Thank you,” Elias says softly. I look at him in confusion, but he just shakes his head. “Just… Thank you.”
There’s another moment of silence, and then Elias looks out toward the scenery before us. I continue running my hand through his hair as he speaks.
“Yes, I’m always reminded of Caliah when I must ease the passage of one of my Brides,” he sighs. “It isn’t something I must often do. Caroline made it clear to me that when she was no longer cognitive she wanted to be set free. Caliah had the same wish. She didn’t want me to keep her body alive after her mind was gone.”
Elias stops and swallows hard.
“What was she like?” I ask quietly.
“She was a strong woman,” Elias smiles distantly. “Kind and compassionate. Lilies were her favorite flowers.”
“Is that why you have so many?”
“No,” Elias chuckles. “I’ve just always loved them too. The fact that they were her favorite probably solidified that love of them, though.”
“How’d you fall in love with her?” I know how they met. It’s the same way that I met him.
Elias laughs once.
“It was nothing spectacular, really. There wasn’t that instant attraction like there was with you,” he shoots a crooked grin up at me before returning his gaze to the balcony. “With Caliah, it was a slow love. I honestly didn’t even pay much attention to her until she was already a Bride. Seeing her interact with the other ladies, though, I grew to love her, and she grew to love me too. We were very happy together.”
“I’m glad,” I smile out toward the mountains.
I am glad. It’s good to know that there have been times, however brief in the grand scope of his life, where Elias was truly happy. Part of me wishes I had gotten the chance to know Ronyn and Caliah.
“What about Ronyn?” I continue. “What was she like?”
Feeling an intense gaze on my face, I look down to see a pair of pale, celadon eyes studying me.
“What?” I giggle at the serious expression with which Elias is appraising me.
For a while, Elias doesn’t say anything. He simply stares at me. I’m just beginning to grow self-conscious when he finally speaks.
“You’re genuinely interested, aren’t you? You really do want to know about them.”
“Yes?” My answer comes out as a question.
“I don’t think I’ll ever stop being amazed by you,” Elias says earnestly. “Just when I think I’ve got you figured out, you go and shock me again.”
“What did I do this time?” I have no idea what he’s talking about.
“Well,” a frown causes a wrinkle to form between his brows. “Any normal woman would want to hear that I’d never loved another—that she was the only one. I never expected you to ask me to talk about my previous loves.”
“Hmm,” I think for a moment. “Well, I have only been alive for twenty-five years. That’s nothing when compared to how long you’ve lived. Ronyn and Caliah were with you centuries before I was even born. That shouldn’t be threatening to even a ‘normal woman’, as you say. And besides, they made you happy. I could never view anything that puts a smile on your face as a bad thing.”
I sigh, gathering my thoughts.
“You did tell me that your love for me is different—stronger. I know that you meant that, and somehow I fully understand it. It’s almost compulsory—like you have no choice because now that you’ve experienced this love, nothing else will ever begin to compare. You are my soul’s match, and knowing that, I have to wonder if Ronyn and Caliah were meant to prepare you to love me. Maybe they were meant to keep your heart soft through all your years of pain. They kept your heart open and safe until I arrived. For that, I only wish I could thank them.”
When I look down, Elias is studying me again. He remains silent once more, just gazing at me.
“I love you,” he finally says, wearing that same, severe expression.
“I love you too,” I smile warmly at him.
We remain seated this way for quite a while, enjoying the chilly October breeze that’s blowing in through the twin balconies on either side of the room. I’m not sure when I began humming, but a soft melody dances around us as I continue to run my hand through Elias’s long, snowy hair.
It finally occurs to me that Diggory is waiting for me to start working. When I look down to excuse myself, though, I find that Elias has fallen asleep. His head is still in my lap, and he’s still holding my hand against his chest, so it would seem that I’m not going anywhere for a while. I’m sure Digg will forgive me. I’ll just work late if I need to.
I stare lovingly at Elias’s sleeping face, memorizing his every feature. His expression is possibly the most peaceful I’ve ever seen it. I can’t help but smile as I trace his brows with my finger and then run my hand across his cheek. At the change in my touch, Elias takes a deep breath, causing my hand to rise and fall with his chest. Contented joy runs through me, and I relax, waiting for my beloved to wake.
~#*TSD*#~
It’s afternoon by the time I finally make my way outside for work. I find Diggory working with Barnaby on installing windows over the usually empty balconies of the palace.
“Sorry I’m late, Digg. Elias needed me,” I call as I jog up to him.
“It’s quite all right, child. Barnaby told me about Caroline, so I figured Lord Elias wouldn’t be in too good a shape today,” Diggory grunts as he strains to hold the massive sheet of glass in place while Barnaby bolts the metal tabs on the side securely into the stone wall. “I needed to help Barnaby get a start on this job anyway, and I think it would be a bit too much for someone as petite as you.”
“That’ll about do it, Master Diggory,” Barnaby giggles as he wipes his brow.
“I was wondering how you all handled the cold weather with no windows,” I marvel at the beautiful glass domes that perfectly cover the balconies, turning them into magnificent picture windows.
Almost as soon as I finish speaking, though, there’s a loud thud behind me. I turn in time to see a small bird fall to the ground.
“There’s the first of them,” Diggory huffs. “I wish we could find a way around using these things. The birds are used to being able to fly right through, so a lot of them die in the winter when we put the windows up—she’d never admit to it, but it used to make Az cry.”
“Poor things,” I say softly, approaching the little animal. “One flew into our window when I was little. My brothers thought it broke its neck, but it was just stunned. They dared me to touch it, and as soon as I did, it flew away. Scared me to death.”
“Don’t worry about it, Miss Kaija,” Barnaby says absently as he descends from the ladder. “Barnaby will take care of it later.”
“It’s okay. I’ve got this one,” I say sadly as I reach out.
Picking up the lifeless body, I sigh and begin heading out toward the flower fields; it seems like there’s just going to be a lot of death today. I’ll bury this little guy among the lilies.
Just then, though, the bird comes to life in my hands, wasting no time in flying off as quickly as it can. I yelp in my surprise, falling backwards and landing on my rear end.
“Kaija?” Diggory looks at me, concerned.
“I’m okay, the little thing just startled me! I guess he was just stunned too! Must have been quite the shock to wake up in my hands.”
Diggory and Barnaby watch with me as the bird disappears into the distance.
“Must be something about your touch, Missy,” Diggory chuckles.
“Must be,” I repeat with a giggle.
“Well, come on, then,” Digg turns toward the stables. “The sun’s starting to set, so let’s get started on your job for the day. It’s a small one, so with both of us, it shouldn’t take too long.”
“Okay,” I say, jogging to keep up with Diggory’s quick pace.
We walk in silence for a while before he speaks up.
“Child, Elias is worried about you. We all are.”
“I know,” I reply. “I’ll be all right, though. War just caught me off guard with that last Discipline. I was so sure I’d finally gained the upper hand for once, and then my girls—”
“That isn’t what I mean,” Diggory looks down at me. “I hear you’ve had some hellish nightmares.”
“Oh,” I watch my feet as they find their way along the path.
“Would you talk to me about them?” Diggory requests.
“I,” this is still a difficult subject for me. “I’m afraid to say them out loud.”
“Afraid you’ll jinx it?” Diggory chuckles.
“Yes,” I answer honestly.
The smile fades from Diggory’s face as he watches me.
“It’s really that bad, isn’t it?”
I hesitate for a moment, and I feel a lump building in my throat.
“Yes,” I finally whisper.
“Well,” Diggory says, nodding, “if you’d like to talk about them, I’ll happily act as a sounding board.”
~#*TSD*#~
DP: To tell Digg, or to keep silent? That is the question...
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Seraphi
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| Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2016 6:59 am Post subject: |
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Tell Diggory. He has lost Az, someone very very important to him, so he may be able to offer some comfort. At the very least telling someone might lessen the burden, bottling it up certainly isn't helping. And in telling Diggory about these nightmares he can offer any insight/advice to what might happen, then maybe he can help Kaija find a way to prevent them from coming true.
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| Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2016 9:10 am Post subject: |
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Ah, the aftermath blues.
I suggest she tells him. Digg has for the longest time been the only person she could spill her thoughts freely to. This is no different, and I suspect she'd act the same as she would in the beginning regarding that.
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Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2016 6:53 pm Post subject: |
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**WARNING** Things in this chapter get very violent and very adult content. Reader discretion is advised.
I nod, and we walk a few more steps before I halt, staring at the ground. I can’t hold this burden alone anymore. The urge to tell someone, anyone what has tormented me nearly every night becomes irresistible. Elias asked me to speak about it, and now Diggory is here, offering me his shoulder. He has lost the woman he loves. He will know what it is that I feel.
“Kaija?” Diggory noticed that I stopped. He turns to look at me.
“I have watched Elias die every night for the last three months,” I blurt out the words, and tears explode, uninvited, onto my face.
Diggory only stares at me, wide-eyed.
“At first, I didn’t remember the dreams, but Amberline told me I’ve been talking in my sleep since the first night in the palace,” I continue on through the torrent of tears. “Then, I remember seeing darkness and feeling the loss, and then I saw blood. There was so much blood, and then I saw his white hair, and then—”
My next words are cut off when Diggory rushes forward and grabs me into a hug. One of his massive arms wraps around me, pulling me toward him, and the other holds my head against his chest. He doesn’t say a word as I continue babbling on.
“So many people have died, Digg,” I sob. “So many people I cared about are gone now. Amelia, Rebecca, Amberline, Jocelyn, Azazel.”
His embrace tightens at the mention of Azazel’s name.
“I can’t lose him too, Digg. I have witnessed his death so many times in these visions, but if it were to really happen, I—”
“I would love to tell you that it won’t,” Diggory finally speaks. “I would love to tell you that these are nothing but silly dreams that will never happen, but I can’t. All of our lives here hang on the whims of a psychopath. It could be over for all of us at any time.”
I squeeze my eyes shut, sending a new wave of tears down my face.
“Despite that knowledge, I never thought I’d see a day without Az,” Diggory’s voice breaks. “Even when she was trying to prepare me, I never imagined I’d be there, holding her body as she faded away from me forever.”
Diggory coughs out a sob as he continues.
“I understand your reluctance to tell anyone these visions now. Watching my wife die once was the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced. I think having it play over and over in front of me every night would drive me mad. I’ve said before that you’re a strong woman, Kaija. That has never been more solidly true in my mind than this moment.”
I remain silent, listening to Diggory’s big heart beating in his chest.
“What am I going to do, Digg?” I whisper with my eyes closed.
“You’re going to keep living your life,” Diggory sighs and pulls me back, placing a hand on my cheek and one on my shoulder. He doesn’t even attempt to hide his tears from me. “You’re going to love that man with everything you’ve got. I can’t tell you that what haunts your nightmares won’t really happen, so instead, as someone who has lived the unimaginable, I tell you to make every moment you have with him count. Life is short. Our lives here are shorter than most. Love him like you mean it, and live every second as though you’ll never see him again.”
The pain in Diggory’s eyes causes more tears to flood my cheeks. He hugs me back to his chest for another brief embrace, before releasing me, turning, and wiping his face with a handkerchief. I swipe at the wetness on my face and move forward to be beside my mentor. Diggory holds out a hand without looking at me, and when I take it, he folds my hand into the crook of his elbow and strides forward once more.
“We’ll make it through this, child,” he states after a few moments. “It’s hard to say how bruised and scarred we’ll be when it’s over, but one way or another, we’ll survive. No matter what War takes from us, we’ll always pick up and carry on. I’ll help you if you help me.”
“Deal,” I whisper, laying my head on Diggory’s shoulder as we continue walking.
Diggory and I work together, clearing away some deadened plants in one of the gardens. After our emotional talk, conversation turns cheery, and before long, Diggory has me laughing, forgetting all my troubles.
An hour after sunset, we’re still working hard when we hear footsteps approaching. Immediately, my heart stops, and I stand. Diggory stands with me, pulling me defensively behind him. Soon, though, we see that it isn’t War coming to meet us.
“Master Diggory,” Ophelia greets him with a flat expression. “Offering Kaija.”
“Good evening, Ophelia,” Diggory sighs, irritation evident in his voice. “We thought you were someone else.”
Diggory steps aside, moving to go back to work.
“Lord War has sent me to summon Offering Kaija to his wing,” Ophelia states coldly.
Ice shoots through every fiber of my being as Diggory stands again. He doesn’t say a word, but as he slowly turns, he fixes Ophelia with a glare that’s almost daring her to say she’s serious.
“After the events of the last Discipline, Lord War has business with her,” Ophelia doesn’t lose her haughty tone, but she lowers her eyes under Diggory’s silent fury.
There’s an awkward silence that seems to go on forever before Ophelia speaks again, motioning impatiently.
“Come, now,” she squawks. “We can’t keep His Lordship waiting.”
I look to Diggory, but he only continues staring at Ophelia as though he’d like nothing more than to break her in half. Hesitantly, I take a step toward the bird-like woman, and then I take another. Just when I’m about to pass out of his reach, Diggory shoots a hand out to grab my wrist. I look over my shoulder.
“Stall him,” Diggory hisses. His expression is full of both worry and unfiltered rage. “I don’t care what you have to do. Just stall him.”
I nod, but Diggory’s intensity and his words fill me with fear. Just what am I about to walk into?
When I turn, Ophelia is waiting for me a few paces ahead, and when she continues walking I follow her, my feet dragging as though they’re attached to weights. I’m vaguely aware of Diggory darting away behind me, but I can’t tell where he’s going.
I continue following Ophelia until we reach a pair of double doors similar to those that block the entrance to Elias’s wing. Where the doors to Elias’s wing are solid, obsidian slabs, the portal here is made entirely of bronze. With minimal effort, Ophelia pulls the door open and motions me inside.
The stark contrast between Elias and War has never been more apparent than it is right now. I’ve only set one foot inside War’s wing of the palace, and I’d like nothing more than to turn and run. That’s impossible now, though, and the metallic clang that resounds as the door closes behind me makes that painfully clear.
Suffering and fear roll onto me in tangible waves. The hallway is lined with bruised, emaciated women, all clad in the same revealing clothing that Freyena wore the day she died. Evidently they sleep in the hallway like this because beneath them all are thin mats and sorry excuses for blankets. The women all look at me with a mixture of wonder and pity as Ophelia leads me on.
Part of me is glad that Amberline will never see or experience this.
My heart is nearly pounding into my throat when Ophelia and I ascend the stairs that mirror the ones leading up to Elias’s bedchamber. Unlike the safety and comfort of my beloved’s home, though, I am vulnerable and frightened. I know that I’m in more danger now than I have ever been.
“Get out!” War bellows as we reach the top of the stairs.
Seconds later, the door opens a crack, and a young woman, only slightly older than Vivienne, stumbles out the door. She has been badly beaten, and she’s doing her best to pull her clothing back on her body.
As she rushes past me, my first instinct is to comfort her—to protect her, but even as I gently catch her arm, she flinches away and cries out. Our eyes meet, and I shudder from my head to my feet. Her eyes are empty—void. She’s standing before me now, but there is no life in her emerald eyes. War stole it from her. While I stand, stunned, the girl turns and runs down the stairs as quickly as her bare feet will take her.
“Offering Kaija,” Ophelia stands, holding open the door, “Lord War is ready for you.”
I stand for a few more seconds before clenching my fists and striding forward.
~#*TSD*#~
The door to War’s bedchamber closes with finality, and it takes every power within me to remain standing where I am instead of throwing myself toward escape. Though this room is a mirror of Elias’s in design, it couldn’t be more different.
Instead of the clean, comforting white of Elias’s room, everything here is intensely dark. Burgundy and black cover every surface—far more black than burgundy. Along the wall, weapons are lined up on the left hand side of the room, and on the right, there are various devices, the purposes of which I refuse to even guess.
I stare intently at my feet. Every instinct I have is screaming at me to maintain visual contact with War, but history tells me that I am far more likely to come out of this room alive if I don’t. The man in question is standing by the bed, glaring at me.
“Offering Kaija, approach,” War demands.
I hesitate. It’s completely impossible to get a read on him from his tone. After a few seconds, though, I step forward slowly. When I am far closer to him than I wish to be, just out of arms reach, I stop.
“Come closer,” his voice is frighteningly calm. I obey by moving one step further. “Closer.”
We repeat this process until I am so close to War that we are nearly touching. Throughout the entire ordeal, I keep my eyes down, and War leans casually on the bedpost.
“Look at me,” War whispers.
I’m unsure of whether or not this is a trick, so I hesitate again.
“LOOK AT ME!” War screams suddenly, causing me to flinch.
Slowly, I shove every ounce of fear I feel as far into my heart as I possibly can. I tuck it away where War will never see it, and instead, I replay in my mind all of the things War has done to earn my hatred. With visions of Amelia, Rebecca, Amberline, Jocelyn, and Azazel, I grit my teeth. With images of Elias, broken and bloody after his battle for Az’s life, I lift my eyes, looking straight into the red-brown spheres that study me coldly.
“Still,” War’s voice is placid, but I cannot even begin to guess the danger I’m facing now. “Still, after all of my efforts, you look at me with that fire. I have beaten you bloody. I have threatened you with death, and yet I still see boldness in your eyes. We’re going to fix that tonight.”
With no further warning, War grabs my arm, twisting it painfully behind my back, and shoves me facedown against the bed. I struggle against him, but the vice grip on my wrist only tightens to the point I fear the bones will shatter.
“I will break you, woman,” War leans against my body suggestively, placing his mouth next to my ear. Chills of disgust run over me at his touch. “You will submit to me in one way or another.”
So this is it, then. I guessed, when I saw that we were heading for his bedchambers, that this was his intention, but I had hoped to be wrong. Evidently I was not. War intends to force himself on me.
War slides a hand up my thigh, and anger beats out my steadily resurfacing fear. There is only one man in this world I will allow to touch me this way, and he is not in this room.
A cry of rage escapes my lips, and I raise my right foot, connecting it with War’s shin. His grip on me loosens ever so slightly, and I don’t lose the opportunity. Flattening my free hand on the bed, I push back against him, and when his balance is off, I twist, wrenching my wrist free of his grasp. From my new position on my back, I swing my foot up, slamming my boot against his cheek.
With a curse, War stumbles back, holding the side of his face. I move to run, but War is faster. He grabs my arm and throws me to the floor. My vision fills with white spots as I attempt to catch my breath. Before I can, though, War grabs me again.
This time, he turns me to face the bedpost and uses his belt to tie my wrists to the wood with an effortless motion.
“This could have been so easy,” War speaks as he moves away from me. “You had to go and do that, though, didn’t you? This is going to be more fun than I thought.”
The crack of a whip rings out, and I gasp. It isn’t until the second crack resounds that the white-hot pain from the first blow registers in my mind. In all, five lashes bring me to my knees, forcing tears, unbidden, from my eyes.
I only begin breathing again when I hear the whip fall to the floor. My relief is short-lived, however, as War grabs me by the hips, swinging me up onto the bed. The belt around my wrists cuts into my skin as it tightens with the new angle.
“No!” I scream, thrashing as War rips the top of my dress. I spit at him, and that earns me a hard backhand to the face. The taste of blood fills my mouth, but I continue fighting back. “Let me go!”
“You’re still awfully feisty,” a twisted grin lays over the hatred in War’s eyes. “We’ll see how long you keep that up.”
“War!” A new voice reaches my ears as the door to War’s chamber is thrown open.
War’s assault is paused as we both look toward the door. My heart stops, and all of the blood drains from my face when I see Elias standing, breathless, in the entryway. His pale eyes fall briefly on me, and I cannot even find words to describe the fury I see there before Elias looks back up to War.
“This had better be good,” War seethes.
“It is,” Elias states firmly. “There’s an emergency outside. It’s going to require both of us to get this under control.”
“What emergency?” War’s eyes flash dangerously, but Elias stares him down.
“I’ll give you details on the way,” Elias counters. “We need to go now.”
War sits back on his haunches, studying Elias. My beloved doesn’t falter as he glares intensely at my attacker. War looks down at me with disgust in his eyes. Without warning, he slaps my face again, but he climbs off me and removes his belt from the bedpost, releasing my arms.
“This isn’t over, Offering,” War calls as he rights his clothing, grabs his sword, and paces for the door.
Elias glances at me again when War has walked past him. His jaw is set, and his fists are clenched so tightly that his knuckles are white against his already pale skin. I can almost swear he’s trembling. Neither of us says a word before Elias turns quickly and strides out the door.
When they’re gone and the door swings shut, the adrenaline that had been fueling me is suddenly spent, and I collapse onto the bed, shaking violently. I bring my hands to my mouth as silent tears of utter shock stream from my eyes.
I have no idea how long I remain this way before I hear footsteps in the room. I should probably prepare for another battle, but it’s simply not in me. Despite my racing mind, my body refuses to move at all.
“Oh, no,” the voice I hear is not the one I expect. “Kaija?”
“Digg?” The word comes out as a shaking whisper.
“I’m here, child,” he says soothingly as he comes closer.
Diggory reaches out to me, but it’s as though he’s unsure where to place his hands that won’t cause me pain. The truth is, it wouldn’t matter. Right now, the shock of it all has numbed me. My entire body hurts, but I don’t feel it at all.
“Did he—” Diggory is unable to ask that question. “Were we too late?”
I shake my head in reply. Diggory closes his eyes and leans on the tall bed, breathing deeply in relief.
“Come on, then,” he reaches out a hand to me. “We need to get you out of here before he gets back.”
“No! I can’t!” The words fall out of my mouth instantly.
“What?” Diggory looks at me in confusion.
“Elias came to get War about an emergency outside. If I’m gone when War comes back, he’ll think Elias had something to do with it. I can’t endanger Elias. I have to stay here.”
“Kaija,” Diggory’s brow crinkles. “I don’t think you understand what’s happening. There is no emergency outside.”
“What?’
“As soon as Ophelia took you, I went to Elias,” Diggory explains. “The gods do not enter one another’s wings, so his actions just now were near suicidal, and there is no emergency outside. It’s likely that Elias plans to battle War for this, but he couldn’t do it and risk you being caught in the crossfire. He needed to get War away from you so that you could run.”
“No,” I breathe, shaking my head. Images from my nightmares fill my mind, paralyzing me.
“Come on, child,” Diggory takes my hand insistently. “Don’t let his sacrifice be for nothing.”
~#*TSD*#~
DP: What does Kaija do? Does she go with Digg, using the opportunity Elias gave her or keep up appearances by waiting for War to return?
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Seraphi
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| Posted: Mon Feb 29, 2016 4:29 pm Post subject: |
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*gets out kindling and stake* I have gathered the required materials, when do we begin the burning of the bastard called War?
Seriously, though, extreme rage. That man (no, not a man, some damnable creature that has learned to walk and speak) needs to die. I'm getting impatient.
Kaija should definitely go with Diggory. Elias didn't potentially risk a life or death (or at least a very maim-y) battle with War - because if he can't find a good excuse, War will punish him for sure - just so she could stay there and await War's return.
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"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2016 11:52 pm Post subject: |
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Holy hell, but that I could burst into the story to help. Surely stuffed animals and baseball bats would be immune to War's powers? No? Damn. Okay, back to plan A, help Kaija navigate through this turmoil and somehow survive.
To that notion, I agree that staying there is a BAD. IDEA. She's been whipped several times, so pain will be kicking in very soon. My suggestion is she hops off to the medical wing that is Elias' home and gets whatever treatment is the quickest and numbingest, before rushing to be with Elias during this battle. Not the wisest course of action, but Kaija's got too much fire to just meekly hide.
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2016 8:31 pm Post subject: |
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I’m in a daze, but I allow Diggory to pull me to my feet. Exiting through a side door, Diggory half drags me down a long, winding stairwell and out into the chilly, late-October air.
Outside, instead of the quiet night that should have been, the grounds are in utter chaos. A good amount of the flower fields are going up in flames, and most of the staff is scrambling to put them out before the winds blow the fire to the stables or the palace itself.
“Digg?” I question.
“I don’t know, child. Elias didn’t have time to plan any of this. As soon as I told him what happened, he grabbed his sword and raced off. I tried to stop him and get him to see reason—plan a little—but he’d hear nothing of it. He said he’d find some excuse to get War outside and told me to get to you.”
We look around in confusion, trying to gather even a concept of what’s going on. I don’t hear swords clashing; that’s a good sign, right?
Suddenly, from one of the flower fields, Barnaby comes sprinting in our general direction; I can see his red hair around Diggory’s arm.
“Barnaby!” Diggory calls. “Did you do all this?”
The ginger man giggles maniacally as he jogs over with a torch in his hand.
“Barnaby was working on the windows on the northern side of the palace when he overheard Elias say that he was in need of a sudden distraction outside,” Barnaby beams.
“Barnaby, for once you weren’t being an idiot,” Diggory chuckles in happy amazement. “You might have just saved Lord Elias’s life.”
“Happy to help. What Barnaby didn’t hear, though was the—” Barnaby freezes when he finally sees me hiding behind Diggory. His torch clatters to the ground. “Reason…”
With his jaw slightly dropped, Barnaby edges closer to me when Diggory side steps to allow him access.
“Kaija,” he breathes.
Barnaby reaches out and takes one of my hands in his own. Despite the fact that I know Barnaby would never harm me, my entire body flinches involuntarily at his touch. I drop my gaze in shame as I attempt to pull what’s left of my dress together. Barnaby stops my fidgeting by taking my other hand as gingerly as the first. He examines my bruised, bloody wrists before lifting my face with his gentle hands. He makes a note of each bruise and broken place on my skin before he meets my trepid gaze.
“Did he do this?” I know that he means War.
I don’t answer, but I don’t have to. As I watch, his light blue eyes begin blazing hotter than the flames behind him. Without a word, Barnaby releases my face and stands straight, removing his coat and throwing it over my naked shoulders. I wince as it touches the lashes on my back. Barnaby stoops to pick up the torch before striding toward the stables.
“Barnaby, what are you doing?” Diggory asks uneasily.
“Get her somewhere safe,” Barnaby doesn’t look back. “Stay with her. I’m going to make him pay for what he’s done to her.”
The dry roof of the stable is quick to catch fire as Barnaby walks through the archway with his torch raised.
“Digg, the horses!” I shriek, running forward.
Barnaby has lost all humanity in this moment. He is a flame-bearing agent of rage and death. After all he’s been through, I suppose seeing War’s latest attack on me was too much, and he’s gone nearly mad with hatred, unable to differentiate between enemy and innocent.
Diggory and I hurriedly rush through, unlatching all of the stalls and shooing the horses outside. There will be time to round up the frightened animals later. For now, we just need to get them out of the smoke and flames. When I reach the last stall, I grab the skittish horse’s head and whisper soothingly to him as I lead him outside, shielding his eyes from the fire.
Just as we reach a point that will be safe to let the animal go, I hear Diggory coming up behind me.
“That’s the last of them, then,” he nods in satisfaction. “Let’s get you inside.”
We turn to go, though, and my blood runs cold. War is striding swiftly toward us with a bucket in his hand. Diggory moves defensively in front of me, but I lay a hand on his arm to stop him.
“What are you doing out here? I didn’t give you permission to leave, Offering,” War spits.
“I heard the commotion and came outside to help. We just finished removing the horses from the stable,” I lie smoothly with my eyes respectfully lowered.
War would love to have an excuse to further harm me, but horses are a rare commodity, and it would take time and a lot of money to replace them. My alibi is solid.
“We wouldn’t have been able to save them all without her, My Lord,” Diggory validates my story.
“Did you see the ones responsible for this?” War questions sternly.
“We saw him,” I reply. Diggory tenses beside me. “I didn’t know him, though. I’ve never seen that man before in my life.”
That much is not a lie. The person responsible for burning the stables is wearing Barnaby’s body, but I didn’t recognize the man within those blazing eyes. I shudder at the memory.
“All right,” War doesn’t even question my answer. He’s too focused on the task at hand.
Just then, Elias rounds the corner, tensing further when he sees us. His face is unreadable, but I notice his fists are clenched just as tightly as before as he hurries to join our group.
“Shall I return to your chambers when this has been controlled?” I ask in an attempt to further destroy War’s suspicion.
“No,” War pauses to look at me in disgust. “I’m finished with you tonight. It slipped my mind until Lord Death’s interruption that Offerings must remain pure until after the Bridal Banquet. There will be other ways to deal with you.”
I nod in acknowledgment, and War stalks away.
“Though I’ll have you know, Death,” War turns and fixes Elias with a glacial stare. “I don’t care what’s happening. I don’t care if the palace itself is burning to the ground—the next time you enter my chambers, I will slaughter you and everyone you love.”
He doesn’t give Elias time to answer before he storms off toward the well. I shiver as I watch him go.
“Master Diggory, get her away from here,” Elias says in a voice I hardly recognize. I glance up to see my beloved standing rigid. It’s obvious that he’s vehemently avoiding looking at me, and I drop my gaze, swallowing at the lump in my throat. “Take her back to my wing, and stay with her.”
“Of course, My Lord,” Diggory answers him formally, and Elias doesn’t correct him.
Just like the Barnaby I saw before was not my Barnaby, this man before me is not my Elias. He is furious authority embodied. There is no mercy in his gaze, no regard for life—his or otherwise. In this state, Elias is dangerous, and Diggory knows it.
Digg quickly takes my hand and hurries past Elias. I glance at my beloved one last time, but he is still blatantly averting his eyes. My heart aches as I almost run to keep up with Diggory.
Before we’ve made it back to the front entrance of the palace, I’m unable to continue at our current speed, and I stumble, stopping to rest my hands on my knees. Diggory wastes no time in scooping me up into his arms to continue at the same, tireless pace we held before. I cling to his neck, keeping tears at bay by willpower alone.
When we enter the wing, Vivienne and Elias’s Brides are in a nervous frenzy. They’re unable to see much of my condition with Barnaby’s large coat concealing my body and my face hidden in Diggory’s neck, but I’m sure they can tell it isn’t good.
“Where is Elias?” Phillipa demands as Diggory steps around her easily and continues his straightforward path. “He stormed out of here so fast we couldn’t ask what was going on.”
“Elias is assisting War and the other groundskeepers in putting out a very large fire in the stables,” Diggory answers simply.
“Is Kaija okay?” Vivienne runs alongside him. “What happened?”
“Miss Kaija will be just fine,” Diggory replies, refusing to say more on my condition. “I have been instructed to remain with her until Elias returns.”
With that as the final word, Diggory marches up the staircase and makes for Azazel’s room. He kicks the door shut, closing out the sounds of the Brides’ anxious chatter. He sits me gently on the bed before grabbing a cup from the side table and filling it with water.
“Here, child,” Diggory holds the cup out to me and begins pacing in a mixture of anger and nerves. Finally, he settles onto the couch, resting his head in his hands. His next words are mildly muffled as he speaks to the floor. “What can I do for you?”
“What do you mean?” I ask timidly.
“I know you have to be in pain,” he says gruffly. “Is there something I can try to find to help with that? Should I go get Phillipa? What can I do?”
“No, just…” I shake my head. “Just stay with me.”
“Okay,” Diggory relaxes slightly.
There’s a long stretch of silence between us, but my mind is reeling. I start to process the attack, but I stop as the panic begins to overtake me. I can’t handle that just yet. Next, my mind goes to Barnaby, and I wonder where he is. Anxiety creeps up on me as I begin to wonder what would happen if he were caught. I can’t handle that yet either.
Finally, my thoughts trail to Elias. He was truly a formidable figure—one I’m sure few have ever seen and perhaps none living have witnessed outside of War. However, that isn’t what matters to me now. In my mind, I can see nothing aside from Elias’s outright refusal to look at me. Before I’m even aware, tears have formed in my eyes.
“What did I do wrong, Digg?” My voice quivers pitifully as I speak. Diggory instantly raises his head and looks at me with concerned confusion in his eyes. “Elias was so angry… He wouldn’t even look at me. Am I that dirty now? Do I disgust him that much now?”
“Child, no!” Diggory rises and comes to the bed. “You have done absolutely nothing wrong. Elias is angry at War for what he did to you. We’re all angry. I can’t say for certain what was going through his head just then, but I can tell you that you are the single most important person walking the earth in that man’s eyes. It probably doesn’t do a whole lot to ease your fears, coming from a grumpy old man like me. Elias will be up here shortly, I’m sure, and you can ask him yourself.”
A few more silent minutes pass. Diggory remains on the bed next to me, and I sit with my knees pulled up under my chin. Normally, Diggory would hold me, but I think he’s still afraid to touch me. Whether that’s for my physical comfort or mental, I can’t tell, but I appreciate the sentiment. Finally, there’s a quiet knock at the door.
“Yes?” Diggory calls out.
The door opens, and I look up to see Elias slide in the entryway. I lower my gaze immediately, studying the bedspread. Diggory stands, and there’s an awkward moment where no one speaks. Finally, Diggory clears his throat and excuses himself.
When he’s gone, Elias slowly approaches me. The silence is oppressive as he simply stands and watches me for a moment. After what feels like eternity, he sits before me on the bed and reaches out for my hand. Hesitantly, I loosen my grip on my knees, gradually repositioning them and sitting up straighter. Without looking up, I slide my hand into his waiting one.
Elias runs his fingers over my discolored wrist. He examines it closely, turning it over again and again between his gentle hands. He carefully pushes the sleeve of Barnaby’s coat up so he can trace over the bruising on my arms. Every movement seems to be in slow motion, as though he’s being careful not to frighten me. When he’s satisfied, he repeats the process with my other arm. Then, he stands and moves around behind me, gingerly removing Barnaby’s coat. I reflexively cling to my tattered dress as the outer clothing slides away.
When my back is exposed, I hear Elias inhale sharply. His fingers on the marred skin cause me to flinch away, and he withdraws his hand instantly. Elias moves back around in front of me and sits on the bed. When I feel his gaze on my face, tears sting my eyes, but I don’t let them fall.
Suddenly, Elias slides closer to me, and his slender hands move toward my face. He cups my cheeks and tilts my head upward. I close my eyes as Elias tenderly traces my bleeding lips and bruised skin.
“Kaija,” I jump when he speaks unexpectedly. His voice is different from the way it was earlier. It’s back to its normal, velveteen tenor. “Please, open your eyes.”
I hesitate briefly. I want so badly for Elias to comfort me the way he always does. I want him to tell me he doesn’t see me differently now that War saw and touched me the way he did. I want to hear that Elias doesn’t resent my weakness and inability to stop War on my own.
I want to hear those things, but I fear what I’ll see when I look in Elias’s eyes. I fear the anger and distance I saw there earlier. I fear losing the man I love.
Slowly, I blink back my tears before looking up at Elias. When I do, he softly gasps, and I’m overwhelmed with shame. His eyes widen, and he stares at me with a mixture of sorrow and shock. Elias opens his mouth to speak, but when nothing comes out, he closes it again. Tears gather at the corners of my eyes before spilling down my cheeks.
Elias’s pale, celadon eyes harden into shards of solid jade, and he closes them tightly, pulling his brows together in expression of pain and anger. Gently, he pulls my face toward his own and touches our foreheads together.
“I need to be alone for a while,” he tells me through gritted teeth.
My heart shatters, and tears flow freely when Elias suddenly releases my face and stands, pacing swiftly out the door. As the heavy wood slams violently closed, I crumble onto Azazel’s soft comforter. I snuggle into the plush material and sob, wishing that she were here to dry my tears and explain what Elias doesn’t have the words to tell me. She would know what was running through his mind behind those beautiful eyes. She would know why he left me.
~#*TSD*#~
“Kaija!” I didn’t even hear the door open, but suddenly Phillipa is at my side, pulling me up and into a warm embrace. She’s careful to avoid the wounds on my back. “What happened, my girl?”
Phillipa doesn’t force me to talk. She simply holds me as I continue weeping. I’m aware of more people coming in and out and the sound of a cart being rolled through the door.
“War,” I whisper. “He summoned me to his chambers, and—”
“Shh,” Phillipa softly pats the side of my head. Evidently, those few words gave her the information she needed. “You don’t need to relive that. I just need to know the end. Did he…?”
“No,” I shake my head. “Elias stopped him before he got that far.”
“Good,” Phillipa sighs in relief. “Then that makes this easier. Listen, Elias told us to get a more thorough assessment on you, but he told us how he wants to treat what he saw. Are you all right with taking your dress off right now?”
“There isn’t much left of it,” I answer, sitting up.
“So I suppose that’s a yes?” Phillipa offers me a small smile.
“Yes,” I say, moving to undo the couple of buttons still intact on the front.
As my dress falls away, I’m shocked at what I see.
“Oh, Kaija,” Phillipa marvels.
All down my body are bruises in the shape of handprints. I hadn’t realized, in my adrenaline fueled state, just how hard War was grabbing me. My arms are completely marred, but there is one particularly nasty one on my upper arm from when he threw me to the ground just after I kicked him. There are two more on my waist from him throwing me onto the bed and two on my hips from just before Elias rushed in. In addition to those, several more litter my legs from where War held me down as I fought him.
Suddenly, a loud crash resounds from down the hallway, and I hear Elias cry out. I’m on my feet instantly, but Phillipa stops me.
“Leave him be, honey,” she says reassuringly. “He’s sorting through some powerful emotions right now.”
“I’m losing him,” I state to no one in particular. “I was too weak to stop War, and—”
“No, no, no,” Phillipa turns me to look at her and shakes her head. “You are not losing him. Elias loves you.”
“He left,” I whimper. “He wouldn’t look at me outside after it happened, and now he can’t even stand to be in the same room with me.”
“Hey,” Phillipa cups my cheek in her hand. “I don’t know for sure why he left just now, but I have a guess. He and I have never been as close as he was to Azazel, so I can’t read him like she could, but I have never seen Elias as angry as he is now. It’s hard for him to see you hurt like this. I think he’s trying to get a handle on himself before he does something stupid. That’s what I think. What I know is Elias loves you, and in no way does he blame you for what happened tonight.”
Phillipa offers me a warm smile, and I try my best to give her one in return. Her words are somewhat of a comfort, but I think my heart will still be unsure until I hear it from Elias himself.
Vivienne arrives with two more of the Brides, and together they clean the cuts on my wrists and bandage them. Charity applies a salve to the bruises on my face and upper body while Phillipa works on my back, cleaning and bandaging the welts and cuts from the whip. What they’re doing stings, but it’s also somehow comforting. I’m finally feeling safe and protected. I’m being healed instead of broken.
Just then, the door flies open, shocking all of us. I instinctively grab the blanket to cover myself before looking up. Elias is standing in the doorway, looking as though he’s just run a few miles.
“Elias!” Phillipa cries. “What are you doing here? Kaija is—”
“Marry me,” Elias stares intensely into my eyes, ignoring the protests of his Brides.
“O-okay,” I stutter.
“Right now,” Elias continues. “Time and time again you’ve nearly been taken from me. Both of our lives could have been over this very night. I have no guarantee that we will see the end of this, and I don’t want to risk death again without first being able to call you my wife. I see, now more than ever, that all of this could be torn from us at any second, so let’s not waste any more of what precious time we have. Marry me now. Tonight.”
“Okay,” I repeat.
I know I should probably say something a little more profound after his passionate speech, but that one word seems to be all I can come up with in my shock. I was just wondering if he even wanted me anymore, and now he’s proposing to me in this rather sudden and unorthodox manner.
“No, not tonight—there’s too much I need to plan,” Elias frowns, shaking his head. He looks back up at me, then, with the same intensity. “Soon, though. As soon as possible.”
“O-okay,” this is all so confusing that it would probably be amusing under any other circumstances.
“Wonderful,” Elias nods and stands straight. “I’ll go talk preparations with Diggory.”
I nod, and Elias disappears. The Brides and I relax slightly, but they go into an uproar again when Elias suddenly bursts through the door once more.
“Also,” he ignores the cries of protest from the other women in the room, “I apologize for so rudely intruding. That was probably poor impulse control on my part.”
“I—it’s okay,” I blink at him. I notice he’s favoring one leg. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” he nods absently. “Kicked over a bookshelf in my study. Not the best decision I’ve made today.”
“But you’re okay?” I ask, my eyes still wide.
“Yeah,” he says certainly before blurting out a closing. “I love you.”
“I love you too…”
He nods again before finally leaving. I stare after him in a daze, clinging to the blanket I’m using to cover myself until Phillipa stalks over and locks the door.
“We’ll be having no more of that, then,” she huffs, returning to work on my back. “That man…”
Phillipa’s grumbling complaints carry on, but my mind is more focused on the determined look in Elias’s eyes when he asked me to marry him. A smile works its way onto my lips, and it remains there long after I’ve been left alone in the quiet room.
It’s extremely late, and I’ve fallen asleep when I hear a soft knock on my door. Rising, I make my way across the cold floor, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. When I turn the nob, the door swings open to reveal Elias, looking at me with a strange expression.
“Forgive me,” he says softly. “I know it’s late, and it looks like I’ve woken you. I need to speak with you, though.”
“It’s okay,” I mumble groggily. “Come in.”
I step back, and Elias enters. When the door firmly shuts, he closes in and wraps his arms around me. I lean into the embrace, enjoying the familiarity of his arms encircling my body.
“It was brought to my attention that I owe you an apology,” he says quietly.
“You do?” I question.
“Come here,” Elias leads me over to the bed and sits with me. “Phillipa and Diggory told me you thought I would see you differently after what happened. They told me you thought I would blame you, and I couldn’t wait until morning to set this straight.”
“I’m sorry,” I lower my eyes. “It’s just—you were so angry, and you wouldn’t look at me… Then you left. I thought maybe if I had been strong enough to stop War, or—”
“No,” Elias stops me with a firm word. “War is a pig, and he assaulted you. I would never blame you for something War did to you.”
“Then why…?”
“I was fully prepared to fight him for you,” Elias answers my question before I’ve even fully spoken it. “I was angry—I still am. Just the thought of him attempting something like that on you was enough to drive me mad with rage. Seeing you outside, standing there like that, I had to look away, or I wouldn’t have been able to stop myself from attacking him even though you were safe.”
Elias takes my face in his hands.
“And then I saw you in here,” His voice trembles though his emotion. “I knew he had beaten you, but I didn’t know how bad it really was. I didn’t know he’d whipped you until I took off Barnaby’s coat.”
I study his face while he stares back at me.
“Since I met you, no matter what happened, I always saw strength and defiance when I looked in your eyes,” he rubs his thumb over my cheekbone. “But he took that from you. You flinched away from my touch, and you jumped when I spoke because you were frightened. What sent me over the edge was when I asked you to open your eyes. For the first time, the strength was gone. The defiance was missing; you were ashamed when you looked at me, and that broke my heart. It burned me far more than anything else he’s done.”
“I’m sorry,” I whisper, tears filling my eyes.
“Don’t apologize,” Elias replies tenderly. “You have done absolutely nothing that merits an apology. I am the one who is sorry. I had to leave you, alone and crying. I wasn’t able to comfort you like I should have been. I was just so angry I failed to protect you—again.”
“You did protect me,” I grasp his arm, snuggling into his hand. “You came with no plan other than getting him away from me; you risked your life. I wasn’t able to fight him any more, and if you wouldn’t have been there, he—”
“If that would have happened, I would be a dead man, but I swear I would have taken him with me if it was the last thing I did,” The cold intensity in his voice shocks me.
“Please don’t say that,” I whisper. “I don’t want to live or be protected if it means losing you. My body will heal, but my heart would never recover from your loss. If we want to end War’s evil, we need to stay together. I realized that when Jocelyn and Amberline died. No matter what, you and I must survive, and we must fight together.”
“I know. You’re right,” Elias nods. “That was impossible to remember, though, when I saw him on top of you, touching you with his filthy hands. You were bloody and afraid, and I lost my sanity for a moment. That’s why I left. That angry man couldn’t have offered you comfort. I had to get myself back first. Can you possibly forgive me? Can you forgive me for leaving you alone?”
“Of course,” A sad smile works its way across my lips.
Elias shifts his hand, bringing my face up to look at him. When our eyes meet, his are touched with concern, but that quickly melts into a warm smile.
“There it is,” he murmurs. I tip my head to the side in confusion, and Elias’s smile only widens. “There’s that strength and defiance I missed so much. That’s my Kaija.”
His smile reflects onto my face, and I feel genuinely happy. Elias shifts and draws my hand across his front, turning me so that I’m cradled against his chest.
“I’ve told you this before, but you’re so strong, Kaija,” he speaks into my hair. “You didn’t give up even when you thought no one was coming to save you. You fought him with everything you had.”
“There’s only one man I want touching me that way,” I answer. “That’s why I was so ashamed when you saw me being touched by someone else.”
“Kaija,” Elias lifts my chin, and I look up at him. “I was angry that War dared to handle you like that, but all I saw when I looked at you was a woman who fought back. You fought so hard he had to restrain you to get what he wanted. Even if you hadn’t fought him, though, you’d still be here, alive, and that makes you so powerful. Even if I had been too late, I would never have looked at you differently because War hurt you, and I never want you blaming yourself. You are the love of my life, and nothing War does is going to change that.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, reaching up to kiss his cheek. “I needed to hear that.”
Elias turns his head to kiss my lips, and then he hugs me to his chest. We sit in silence for a time before I speak again.
“So you really want to marry me now?”
Elias chuckles in mild embarrassment.
“I do. I believe that God intends for me to spend the rest of your life and possibly mine with you,” he answers honestly. “However, my proposal was done in a fit of raw emotion and irrationality, so if you would rather wait as we originally planned, I understand.”
“No, I want to marry you now,” I pull away from him and sit up so I can look him in the eyes. “Like you said, this could be taken from us at any time. We shouldn’t waste time waiting around, hoping we beat him in the end. I don’t want to wait any longer to be your wife.”
Elias inhales sharply, and I can see from his eyes he’s trying very hard to hold back a flood of emotion.
“Kaija, I don’t know what to say,” he breathes with a smile.
“Just say you actually did go talk to Diggory about wedding plans,” I respond firmly.
“I did go talk to Diggory about wedding plans,” Amusement hangs in Elias’s tone as he nods.
“Good,” I sigh, settling back against him.
Elias hugs me closely, kissing my forehead.
“I love you, Kaija,” he whispers.
“I love you too,” I murmur in reply before drifting off to sleep.
~#*TSD*#~
DP is a strange one, but this is a strange sort of occurrence. Would you like one more chapter? We're getting close to the release date, and that's when the SG will officially stop, but if you'd like one more chapter before it ends...please tell me your thoughts and comments here. 
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Seraphi
General Fiction Mod
Joined: 25 Oct 2012
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| Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2016 4:26 am Post subject: |
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I doooooo! I want ALL the chapters!
Of course I also plan to buy it once it's published (you'll leave a shameless, self-promotional link to where we can, right?), so, really, I'll leave it up to you and the other readers ;3
I would like to take the opportunity, though, to say thank you. Seriously. This is, I think, the first SG I've read and been a part of from start to finish, but more than that it is a great story. I liked the world. I liked the characters (even the ones I was determined to hate - no, I will never forgive you for making me like Rebecca in the end, haha). I liked the passion you put into it.
And I am all aboard the Andy train for whatever comes next
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"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2016 6:57 pm Post subject: |
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I'm all with Phi-Phi, especially on the Rebecca score. I also want to underscore her thanks. Just like her, this is my first time being involved in an sg start to finish, and I definitely intend to buy the book as well. Still, even with that intention, it would be QUITE nice to have another chapter before then. Even though this would be a lovely- if still cliffhangerish- stopping point.
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My latest SG! (Image courtesy of the lovely Lebrenth)
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Andolyn
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Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...
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| Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2016 11:44 am Post subject: |
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Three days have passed since the night War attacked me. The cuts on my back and face are healing nicely, and the bruising has faded to slightly discolored marks. Elias blames my exceptional healing abilities, but I blame the amount of medicinal and emotional support he has given me for the last three days. He barely leaves my side, and while he’s with me, he does everything in his power to assure my comfort.
Today is different. Today, I have not seen Elias. Not once has he come in to kiss me or tell me he loves me, and yet I am the happiest I have ever been in my life. Today, I am a bride—not in the sense I’ve come to know since coming here. No. I am a real bride, and I’m currently sitting before a mirror, preparing for my wedding that will take place at sunset.
I’ve just had a bath, and I’m brushing out my lengthy hair when a soft knock resounds on my door.
“Come in!” I call.
When the door opens, I see Diggory in the reflection of Azazel’s mirror. He smiles warmly at me.
“You look beautiful, child,” he says as he slowly closes the door.
“I’m not even out of my bathrobe yet,” I laugh.
“Still,” Diggory hands me a bouquet of lilies. “Being a bride suits you well. I can see it in your eyes.”
“Thank you, Digg. They’re beautiful!” I say, smelling the fragrant flowers.
“Thank Elias,” Diggory chuckles. “He went and cut those for you this morning. I think it’s killing him a little bit that he can’t see you today.”
“I miss him too,” I smile fondly as I place the flowers in a vase on the table.
“I do have something for you, though,” Diggory produces a box from behind his back. “Well, it’s from Azazel and I. She had hoped this day would come soon, and she instructed me to be sure you received this when it did.”
“Digg,” I breathe, taking the box in my suddenly shaking hands.
“It isn’t much, but she wanted you to have it,” Diggory smiles and steps away.
When I open the package, there is a note on top of tissue paper. I take it out and begin reading.
“My lovely Kaija,
The day I have dreamed of seeing has finally come. You are to be wed to the man I have long viewed as my son. If you’re reading this letter, it means I am not there with you in body, but you should know I will be standing by your side in your heart.
You deserve this day, sweet girl. Be happy in it. Enjoy the man you love, and face this ugly world together with him. I assure you it is better that way. My Diggory is a grumpy old man now, but he wasn’t always that way.
I lied.
He was a grumpy old man at twenty-seven years of age when I fell in love with him. Not much has changed. Elias, however, has done nothing but change since you came into his life. He values that life now. He cherishes the time he has with you, and I know you do the same.
I want to give you something, my beautiful one. Diggory and I spoke about it, and I would be honored if you would accept the gift in this box. It is the dress I wore the day Diggory and I swore our undying love to one another. It is old fashioned and simple, but I want you to have it because of the meaning it holds for me.
My forty years with Diggory have been abundantly happy despite living under War’s rule. I know the years you share with Elias will be the same. Cherish him, dear. Swear your love to him this day, and mean it like you have never meant anything in your life. Keep that vow, and you will never lack for friendship and love. No matter how dark the days become, Elias will always be by your side to help you through. Trust in that love which God himself has granted you. I have seen it. It is a forever love that will surpass even the grave.
I love you, my sweet Kaija. If I left the world with one regret, it is that I was not able to see the look on Elias’s face when you walk into the rest of your life with him. I will be celebrating with the angels, though. I promise you that.
Be happy, my dear.
All my love,
Az.”
Tears pour down my face as I sit the note lovingly on the bed and unwrap the tissue paper. Inside is the most beautiful dress I have ever seen, and I sob once as I lift it gently from the box.
“Oh, Digg, it’s gorgeous,” I whisper.
Diggory comes to my side and watches me with his own tears in his eyes.
“She never looked more stunning than she did when she walked down the aisle to me wearing that dress,” Diggory’s voice is thick with emotion. “I have a feeling Elias will be thinking much the same thing today.”
“Thank you,” I sit the dress down lovingly and wrap my arms around his waist.
Diggory returns my embrace warmly, kissing my head.
“I doubt very much that you have anything fit for a wedding in those dresses they provided for you. This is the least Az and I could do for you as you start your new life.”
“You have done so much more than you will ever know, Digg,” I pull back and look up at him. “You have saved my life multiple times, you have picked me up every time I’ve fallen, and you have guided me when I was most lost. Even when you lost Azazel, you came to comfort me. I was terrified when I came here because I feared I was alone, leaving my family behind. You put that fear to rest by giving me a new family. You told me before you would wish for a daughter like me, but what I didn’t tell you was how much you feel like a second father to me. I can never thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”
“And you will never have to, child,” Diggory pulls me back into a hug. “You will never have to thank me.”
There’s another knock at my door, and Diggory releases me.
“Come in!” I call, wiping my eyes.
“Miss Kaija, you have a visitor,” Sophia grins at me from the doorway.
“Send them in,” I smile back at her.
I could never have prepared myself for the person who enters the room next.
“Mother?” I gasp in disbelief.
“Kaija,” My tall, slender mother runs to me, throwing her arms around my neck. “My beautiful girl!”
“Mother, what are you doing here?” I ask the only thing I can in my shock.
“Lord Elias thought your day would not be complete without your family,” Diggory informs me from where he stands by. “He came to me with instructions to smuggle them in as soon as possible on the night he came to talk to me.”
“So that was the planning he had to do,” I pull back from my mother and look at her. “I never thought I was going to see you again.”
“We thought the same thing, my love,” tears stream down her cheeks. “Look at you! How thin you’ve gotten! And your face is bruised. What happened?”
“A lot has happened,” I say grimly.
“Kaija has been through many trials, but she’s a strong young woman. You should be proud of her,” Diggory beams at me.
“Oh, we are!” My mother smiles tearfully. “You can imagine our shock when Master Diggory showed up at our door in the middle of the night, telling us to be ready to leave as soon as possible. We thought for sure you’d been found out, and we were on our way to be slaughtered for our faith. It would seem that isn’t the case, though. Your father and brothers are speaking with Lord Death now.”
“Elias,” I correct her. “His name is Elias, and he hates being called anything more. He’s an incredible man, Mother.”
“What’s all this about, Kaija?” Mother asks with concern flashing over her face.
“I thought you might want to tell her yourself,” Diggory smiles at me. “I’m sure Elias will be telling the men in your family, but your mother will want to hear it from you. I’ll leave you alone so you can speak.”
When Diggory excuses himself, I take my mother’s hand and pull her to the bed.
“Mother,” I look into her confused eyes, “Elias has asked me to marry him.”
“What?” Mother’s mouth drops open, and she gawks at me like I’ve grown a second head.
“We fell in love, Mother,” I smile, thinking back over our last few months together. “So much has happened in so little time. This love is stronger than anything I’ve ever experienced, and I know that God has blessed it—blessed us.”
“Oh, Kaija, that’s wonderful!” More tears stream down my mother’s face as she laughs, gripping my hands. Her expression falls slightly, though. “But he isn’t a believer…”
“But he is,” I smile warmly. “I shared our Book with him. He accepted the faith, and it’s changed him so much. He wants to end all of this. He wants to challenge War and set us all free. If we succeed, there will be no more Offerings, no more hiding, no more fear of being found out. We’ll be free.”
“Kaija, I—I don’t know what to say,” My mother looks as though she will explode with joy. “I thought I was telling you goodbye forever when they took you in that cart. Now here you are, in love with what seems to be a wonderful man, getting married…changing the world.”
“I’ve missed you, mother,” I lean forward and embrace her. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“I am too,” she whispers. Suddenly, though, she pulls back and sniffs away her tears. “Now, tell me about this man who stole my baby’s heart.”
“For that, I suppose I should start at the beginning.”
The very beginning is precisely where I start. I tell her all about my life since coming here. I tell her about the Disciplines and my girls. I tell her about Elias’s subtle protection and comfort before the second Discipline. I tell her about Azazel, and I show her the beautiful dress Az gave me. I tell her of War’s cruelty, of how he attacked me, and how Elias and Diggory saved me. She hears of Elias’s past and his journey. I tell her of Azazel’s death and how Elias came to know our God. I tell her about everything that is the story of Elias and me. It is ugly in places, and it is painful in others…but it is ours, and that makes it beautiful.
By the time we’ve finished talking, it is afternoon, and it’s time to begin preparing for the ceremony. Phillipa, Vivienne, Charity, and Sophia join us and set to work on making me a bride fit for Elias.
They work feverishly, putting my hair up into an intricate, woven style. They put makeup on my face—not too much, per Elias’s instructions.
“Just enough to accent her natural beauty. She doesn’t need all that paint to make her lovely,” he told Phillipa.
I’ve never worn makeup before. Evidently, before the Cataclysm almost every woman wore makeup. When the world was restarted, though, it wasn’t seen as a necessity. All the restoration efforts were put into useful things like medical supplies, energy production, and food manufacture, so very few of the factories that produce makeup were rebuilt. My mother has a single tube of lipstick that she’s putting on me now. It was a gift from her grandmother on her wedding day.
“I only use this on special occasions,” she tells me as she puts the subtle, red-brown stuff on my lips. “I can’t think of an occasion more special than the wedding of my daughter.”
“And now for the dress,” Phillipa lifts the delicate cloth.
It is a stunningly beautiful A-line structure with a long train. The over the sweetheart neckline is delicately patterned lace with long, close-fitted sleeves and a high neck. Buttons fasten the lace in the back, and a ribbon crisscrosses the front, down to the bust line.
It fits like a glove, and when I turn and look in the mirror for the first time, there isn’t a dry eye in the room.
“Azazel would be so happy to see you looking so beautiful in her dress,” Phillipa lays her hands on my shoulders.
“But you can’t cry!” Vivienne rushes to dab my eyes. “You’ll ruin your makeup!”
“She’s right! No crying today! You’re about to marry a wonderful man, and from what you told me of Lady Azazel, she would never want you being sad—especially not today,” Mother hugs me tightly.
“Is everyone decent in there?” A familiar voice comes through my door.
I look to my mother, and she smiles. Instantly, I jump up and run.
“Father!” I embrace the man before he can even make it in the room.
“Kaija!” He chuckles. “Step back, and let me look at you.”
I do as he requests and look up into his bright, blue eyes. They grow misty as they look me over and then meet my own.
“You look wonderful, baby girl,” he says warmly.
“Thanks, Daddy,” I grin up at him, holding back tears once more.
“I’ve just been talking with my new son,” he informs me. “Seems you’ve found yourself a great man, Kaija. I couldn’t have picked one better for you if I’d tried. I guess the Father really did know what He was doing sending you here.”
“He did,” I smile. “Despite everything that’s happened, it’s worth it all for Elias—for a chance to build a life with him.”
“Hearing you say that tells me everything I need to know about him,” my father hugs me again. “He told me everything you’ve endured. I’m so proud of you, my baby girl.”
“Group hug!” Two more familiar voices sing in chorus as the breath is squeezed out of my lungs.
“If you two ruin her hair, I will murder you both,” Mother says with a frightening smile.
“Sorry!” Zathaniel straightens up instantly, but Noel pulls me into his own hug.
“You do look gorgeous, little sis,” he laughs.
“You haven’t even seen my face yet,” My words are muffled in his broad chest.
“I don’t have to. I’m sure that’s as ugly as ever,” he teases. “You’re still the most beautiful sister I’ve got.”
“I’m the only sister you’ve got,” I roll my eyes.
“And you’re much prettier than Zath,” Noel pulls me back to arm’s length and beams at me.
“Let me hug her!” Zathaniel whines, tugging me out of Noel’s arms.
“I’ve missed you two,” I laugh, embracing the younger of my siblings. “Seriously, though, easy with the hair. You’ve got a whole room full of women here who would actually kill you.”
When my brothers are finished roughhousing, Mother shoos them and my father out of the room.
“Those jokers really did mess you up,” she grumbles as she takes me and sits me before the mirror.
A few strands of my hair have come loose, and my lipstick is slightly smeared. The Brides and my mother make quick work of that, though, and they spin me around to look in the mirror again.
“There. A fitting bride for Elias,” Phillipa grins over my shoulder.
She’s right, I look perfect in almost every way, and I feel the most beautiful I’ve felt in my entire life. The bruising on my cheeks and around my eyes is completely hidden. My face looks absolutely flawless, and my hair is breathtaking, but…
“Something’s missing,” I frown.
Studying my reflection in the mirror, I can’t place the thing that’s lacking until my eyes drift to the table behind me. I turn with a smile and rush to the bouquet of flowers Elias cut for me. Taking the most striking of the lilies, I cut the stem shorter and hurry back over to the mirror. When I’ve placed the bloom carefully into my delicate hairstyle, I nod.
“There. That should do it,” I smile and stand. “Let’s go get me married, ladies!”
Vivienne pulls out the train of my dress as Sophia holds the door for me.
“You look just incredible, Kaija,” Sophia whispers to me. I reach out and squeeze her hand before heading toward the staircase.
At the bottom of the stairs, in a semi-formal suit, is Diggory. He looks up at me, and a warm smile spreads across his face while tears fill his eyes. I know in addition to being happy about my wedding, he is seeing Azazel as a young, blushing bride in this very dress.
“Digg,” I say, reaching my hands out to him.
He takes my hands gently into his own and looks down at them for a second before speaking.
“You look lovely, child,” he sniffs.
“Thank you, Digg,” I fight to hold back my own tears.
“Az would be so proud to see you in that dress,” he looks up. “She always hated I kept it—said it was a pointless thing, and you know how she felt about pointless things. Changed her tune when you came along, though. As soon as she saw Elias was falling for you, she asked me if I still had it. It wasn’t so inane in her mind anymore.”
And with that revelation, my composure is gone, and I laugh through the tears that won the hard fought battle against my will.
“Oh, child, your face is melting,” Diggory looks horrified as he fishes in his jacket for a handkerchief.
“Now, Sullivan Diggory, we just got her presentable, and you have to go ruining her makeup,” Phillipa huffs as she comes down the stairs with some powder.
“Your name is Sullivan?” I giggle.
“My name is Diggory,” he says, crossing his arms over his chest. “No one calls me by that other name. Even Az didn’t call me that.”
“Yes, well, old habits die hard, brother,” Phillipa mutters.
“Brother?” My eyes go wide.
“Yes,” Diggory grumbles. “This one got herself Offered, so big brother had to come and keep an eye on her.”
“You didn’t have to keep an eye on her,” Phillipa shoots him a glare. Looking at them now, I can definitely see the resemblance. Phillipa’s gaze softens as she fights to keep from laughing at Digg. “But I’m awfully glad you did.”
Diggory snorts and smiles himself.
“But that doesn’t change the fact that you’re trying to ruin all my hard work on the young one, here,” Phillipa changes the subject back to me.
“My apologies, Phillipa,” Diggory answers. “Guess I got a little too sentimental on her.”
“Today is a good day for sentiment,” I smile up at him once Phillipa is through with me.
“I hope you don’t mind,” Diggory offers me his arm. “Since your father knows the customs of marriage in your faith, we all agreed that it would be better for him to perform the ceremony. I would be honored if you would allow me to escort you to your new husband.”
“I’ll be the one who’s honored, Digg,” I can’t seem to stop grinning as two of the Brides open the doors for us, and Diggory escorts me out of the wing with my mother, Vivienne, and Phillipa trailing behind us.
We walk across the beautiful art gallery, and Diggory leads me to a fireplace on the wall beside the painting I love so much. He touches a piece in the center of a swirling pattern in the wood, and my eyes widen as the entire fireplace slides backward with a low rumble.
“This is the servants’ passage. We’re guaranteed to avoid War this way,” Diggory informs me as we duck into the dimly lit hallway.
“This is incredible!” I marvel at the stonework around me. “Does this run through the entire palace?”
“And then some,” Diggory chuckles. “There’s an entire network of tunnels just like the one I used to get you out of War’s wing. They connect the entire palace so we can get quickly to where we need to go, and then two more floors go down below for storage and servant living areas.”
“Wow!” I continue to gaze around in wonder. “I knew the palace was huge, but I never guessed the real magnitude of it.”
“Well, you know most of our buildings were built directly from the remains of the buildings that were here before the Cataclysm,” Diggory chats as we walk.
“Well, yeah,” I nod. “I’m used to buildings in the city having at least two or three floors below the ground, but I guess I just thought this place was completely new for some reason.”
“The floors on which you’ve been living were built after the Cataclysm. We aren’t sure exactly what the lower floors used to be, but they work nicely for our purposes.”
When Diggory finishes this thought, we round a corner and go down a dim stairwell.
“Watch your step, ladies,” he instructs, carefully holding my hand as I descend.
“Digg, where are we going?” I laugh.
It just occurred to me that I have no idea where our wedding is supposed to be held. Elias told me he was taking care of everything, and I didn’t question. Diggory taps the side of his nose.
“That is for me to know. Elias wants to see the look on your face when you first see it,” Diggory chuckles.
“Okay,” I roll my eyes. “I thought I was supposed to be enjoying his face when I walk down that aisle.”
“Don’t shoot the messenger,” Diggory laughs lightly.
At the base of the stairs, the room opens up into a low roofed chamber. A stone archway yawns out the beginnings of the river that flows over the falls and down into the basin. Evidently this is the place where it emerges from its underground hiding. A walkway crosses the water, and on the opposite side, several more doorways open to the other side of the palace.
Diggory releases my arm and makes his way to the arch. He presses a few of the ornate carvings on the side of it, and a hidden doorway opens out of what looked like a rock wall. Beyond it is another staircase.
“Very few people know about this doorway. We need to keep it that way,” Diggory glances back over his shoulder, and we all nod.
Then, Diggory motions for me to come forward, and he helps me down this staircase just like the first. At the bottom, Diggory pauses, motioning Phillipa and my mother forward. Vivienne stays behind me, straightening the train of my dress.
“Are you ready?” Diggory smiles warmly down at me.
“Yes,” I answer, though my heart is racing far more than it has in any of the Disciplines.
~#*TSD*#~
And for the rest of the story, you can find the book in print and ebook on Amazon.com!
http://www.amazon.com/Survive-Divinity-M-N-Henschen-ebook/dp/B01E4K2P18/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460476388&sr=8-1&keywords=To+Survive+Divinity
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Seraphi
General Fiction Mod
Joined: 25 Oct 2012
Topics: 2
Posts: 503
Location: Penna, having a hot cup of tea
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| Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2016 2:41 am Post subject: |
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Once again, excellent. And once again, thank you so much for this story, Andy! I can't wait to get my copy ;3
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"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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