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Andolyn
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 Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 10:07 pm Post subject: To Survive Divinity: Chapter TWENTY-NINE Now Playing! |
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Guess I'm jumping on the new SG bandwagon. =D This is a new idea that I just dreamed up this morning...quite literally. This is just the prologue, so no DP, but I'd like to hear what everyone thinks of it, so here you go!
~#*TSD*#~
I didn’t ask for any of this.
Well, I suppose that isn’t entirely true.
I am not a believer, and I was not quiet about that. There’s really no wonder my community offered me as the newest slave to the “gods”. I think they were trying to get rid of me in order to avoid bringing the wrath of the “divine ones”. That would make a lot of sense.
I can’t really say that I blame them.
I mean, our community was closest to the palace where War and Death reside, so it’s only natural that they’d strive to keep our local deities happy.
We aren’t the lucky ones.
Fertility, Love, Healing--those beings aren’t anywhere near our little metropolis. No, our land is poor, and our “gods” are rich because of all of the Powerful Ones, no one wants to anger War or Death, am I right?
I’m not really sure what I’m in for.
All I know is that I’ll be a slave of War until I complete the training and disciplines necessary to become one of his many brides--or I die…
Or he kills me--whichever comes first.
Honestly, I could see either of the latter two being the most likely of endings to my tale. Most would see being one of the Chosen as an honor and would find great joy in serving the Powerful Ones.
Me? Well, as I’ve already said, I think the sheep back home were just trying to get rid of me. All but my family are probably having a party right about now. My family is probably just praying to the One True God that I see my twenty-fifth birthday.
I’m praying much the same thing right about now.
The palace of War and Death is massive. The tiny cart I’m riding with all the other “Offerings” makes a rough transition from the washed out roadways of the city and onto the flawless pavement of the Divine Grounds. As I’ve stopped bouncing so violently, I am now able to better examine my surroundings.
Row after row of gardens nearly blind my eyes with their dazzling color. Never in my life have I seen such extravagant wealth in nature, alone. Fountains and pathways rendered by the finest craftsmen the world could produce litter the miles of beauty around me.
The tone emanating from the sound of the horses’ hooves on the ground below us has changed, and that forces me to look down. Instead of pavement, we are now riding along what seems to be the purest of white marble with gold inlaid in intricate designs throughout.
The utter richness of the world around me is baffling. Not ten minutes ago, I thought I was doing well to live in a two-bedroom home with a square of dried out grass as a front yard. I have never been more wrong.
An hour passes from the time our carriage enters the gate until one of the other ladies spots the palace itself. Instantly, the once-silent cart around me explodes into an excited frenzy. The other women are delighted to be some of this year’s “crop”. I am certain they will fly through the disciplines and be brides in no time.
Truthfully, none of us knows what that really means.
Every year, six women between the ages of sixteen and twenty-six are given up by the people of the Community, and are taken to the palace. We are told they are like slaves until they have completed the disciplines, and then they are made brides, but no one is really sure since none of the offered women are ever seen or heard from again.
In fact, no one but the carriage driver has ever entered and returned from the palace.
Diggory is a quiet man. Once a year, he comes out and posts the official decree of the Offering Season. The Community will have been preparing since this time last year, but they are given a week to make their final decisions, nonetheless. One week to the moment from when he arrives, Diggory takes the cart full of women and whatever other offerings are given and returns to the palace.
Few speak to Diggory, and even fewer know his name. I have spoken to the middle-aged man many times, but he refuses to say anything about the palace or its inhabitants. I did notice that he seemed rather downcast when my name was called at the meeting. I told him when he arrived that I was to be offered, but I guess he was hoping I was mistaken for some reason.
He hasn’t spoken to me since, and that unsettles me.
Soon, the carriage pulls up to the massive building. I’ve heard tale of places of this magnitude, but I’m in awe when I actually see it with my own eyes. The white, marble road blends seamlessly into the staircase that leads to the grand entrance. The doorway is as large as my home, and eighteen guards stand across it in a row.
The palace itself is built from a material I cannot identify. It is white, like the staircase, but in the light of the setting sun, it glitters radiantly as though diamonds have been crushed and their dust blown all throughout it. It is a breathtaking spectacle.
“Miss Kaija,” the sound of my name startles me out of my trance. “Miss Kaija, you mustn’t keep the gods waiting!”
I turn to see Diggory’s hand outstretched toward me. He has my small bag of belongings in his other hand. We were told to only bring a few personal items, as we would be provided with clothing and other necessities. After a moment’s hesitation, I allow Diggory to assist me to the ground.
Lingering for a few more seconds, I watch the horse and carriage, unguided, head off toward the western side of the building.
“Miss Kaija, please,” Diggory insists, and I trot to follow him. “Now, child, keep your head down. Do as you’re told, and do not draw attention to yourself. That beautiful face of yours is going to single you out among these other cows without you helping it along.”
I’m not sure what he meant by that or why he sounds so very distressed at this moment, but suddenly, I’m much more nervous than I was on the carriage ride here.
“Mister Diggory,” I say softly.
“I’ve told you, child. Just call me Diggory,” he sighs.
“Alright,” I try again. “Diggory, why do you sound so worried? Why are you giving me advice and not the other girls?”
“Because you are something special, my dear,” Diggory doesn’t seem pleased when he says this. “You will catch the attention of the gods quickly, and I can only hope that your sweet disposition will overpower that fiery spirit of yours. Your life may depend on it.”
I stop short. I thought I had settled with myself about the notion of War and Death killing me, but hearing it aloud from someone else sends the reality of my situation crashing down on me. I suddenly find myself fighting with the urge to turn and run as fast and as hard as I can. My only salvation would come from my passing beyond the scope of my new captors’ powers and hiding forevermore.
“No,” a small voice within me speaks up.
It is right. I cannot run now, and even if I could, physically, I would never be able to live with myself. It would be better for me to die at the hands of another than to live hating myself for my cowardice.
“Have you made your decision?” Diggory is watching me, knowingly.
I only nod and take Diggory’s outstretched hand. He pulls me closer and loops my hand into the crook of his elbow. He leans toward me, whispering into my ear.
“You can do this. You will be a bride.”
Last edited by Andolyn on Tue Apr 12, 2016 11:46 am; edited 49 times in total
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Vikas Muralidharan
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| Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 5:21 am Post subject: |
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Well, I love the idea! It's extremely interesting, and I cant wait to read more of this! There's a nice, well put setting, and we already have a few insights into the mind of our protagonist so that's great!
With that being said, there are a few extremely minor issues I had, like capitalizing "c" in the word choice, or some places when I felt awkward about the ellipses, but hey, no biggie.
Extremely interesting idea and amazing writing. In other words, Andolyn is back!  *does celebratory dance*
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 10:16 am Post subject: |
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Fixed the ellipses problem!
Thank you for your input, Vikas! I always love hearing from you! <3 I'm glad you're enjoying it. I'll be working on chapter one throughout the day.
Last edited by Andolyn on Wed Sep 16, 2015 12:32 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Vishal Muralidharan
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| Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 11:46 am Post subject: |
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I was kind of thrown off at the beginning, but this is very intriguing! Really don't have much to add to what my brother has written, but I'm really happy to see you back here. Always loved your writing, and this has the makings of a classic Andolyn tale. Definitely looking forward to reading more!
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 11:49 am Post subject: |
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Fab start Andi! When you told me about this one, I was intrigued and that hasn't changed upon reading this first snippet! I want to know more as to why Diggory is so concerned for her, and I'm looking forward to meeting War and Death.
Looking forward to chapter one!
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.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
 
 
  
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 11:50 am Post subject: |
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Aww! You guys are the best. =) I'm working on the chapter today, and I'll hopefully have it out tonight. Everyone cross your fingers. haha!
Last edited by Andolyn on Wed Sep 16, 2015 12:32 pm; edited 1 time in total
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 12:28 pm Post subject: |
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I'm also very interested! :3
I would like to see the gods too, but I'm actually interested in what the training will entail. By Diggory's last comment, I'm guessing it's something difficult.
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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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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:52 pm Post subject: |
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I'm definitely drawn in by the title, and every detail only leaves me with more questions- perfect for an intro in my opinion. Can't wait to see more!
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 10:49 pm Post subject: Chapter 1 |
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Thanks for all the replies and support, everyone! I'm very excited about this story. It is something very different from most of what I've encountered in things I've recently read, and I'm LOVING writing it. On with the story!
~#*TSD*#~
“I wonder what they’re like,” the girls are chatting excitedly as I enter on Diggory’s arm.
“I’ll bet War is dreamy,” another one is saying. “All of the paintings of him look so regal!”
“You’re so lucky you’re an Offering for him! I’m not sure what Death will be like,” the dark haired woman shudders.
The motion of my eyes rolling is involuntary.
“That’s precisely the type of thing you’re going to have to control, Miss Kaija,” Diggory hisses out a whisper.
“Sorry,” I mutter in reply. “It’s just that they’re all so excited to be given up to men they’ve never even met, and six women have been chosen every year for how many years now? How old are these guys, and how many wives do they have??”
Diggory turns on me and grasps my shoulders with his large hands, locking gazes with me urgently.
“These ‘guys’ are our gods,” his tone is frightening. “You would be shocked at how very few wives they have in comparison to the number of women offered. Let that be a warning.”
Suddenly, Diggory’s face softens, and he kisses my forehead. He must see the shock on my face.
“I am sorry if I’ve frightened you, but you must be careful. Trust no one.”
“Offerings! Offerings, this way!” an annoyingly cheerful voice sounds off behind me.
Diggory’s face falls into a scowl.
“I mean no one,” he repeats. “Keep. Your head. Down.”
Gently, he pushes my head down, and turns, walking swiftly out the door through which we entered. When he does, the eighteen guards pull on massive, golden rings until thirteen inches worth of beautifully stained, cherry wood closes with a thud. The sound causes my heart to pound with its finality.
There is no going back now; I’m trapped.
“Offerings, please gather over here!” that annoying voice chatters again.
I lift my small bag and join the others. They are still giggling excitedly, but a slender, older woman shushes them. She stands roughly six feet tall, and she reminds me of the pictures of the birds called cranes I’ve read about.
“Ladies, my name is Ophelia, and I shall be your guide and one of your many teachers. You all look simply lovely in your Offering dresses. Before that look gets spoiled and tired, you’ll be meeting the lords. Once they’ve had a good look at you and decided if there will be any trading, you’ll be shown to your new quarters,” her tone darkens slightly. “Be on your best behavior, Offerings. If the lords see anything that displeases them, it will be dealt with swiftly and severely.”
The other women around me look troubled for the first time since we got in the wagon.
“It’s about time,” I think bitterly.
“Come on, then, we mustn’t keep them waiting!” the woman smiles brightly, and my cohorts lose all trace of concern.
Sheep.
“Be silent unless spoken to, Offerings,” Ophelia continues, “and always keep your eyes lowered in the presence of the gods.”
We file slowly into what appears to be a large throne room of some kind. If I thought the outside of the palace was impressive, it is a garbage heap compared to this room. On my left side, elegant, velvet banners of blue and silver are draped from the ceiling. Pillars of amber-colored marble rise up to the vaulted ceiling that is painted with vivid images. The images themselves are morbid, at best, but the art of them is stunning.
My eyes wander over to the other side, and the colors begin shifting from the blue on my right, to hues of burgundy and silver on my left. Pedestals are scattered around the room housing antiquities that would value an entire city block.
I’m busily gawking at the ceiling when I slam into the girl in front of me—Amberline is her name, I believe. She gasps, and it is then that I realize all of the other women have their eyes downcast.
“Sorry,” I hiss.
Amberline’s only response is to take my hand and pull me up beside her. Everyone else has formed a line perpendicular to the one we were in a moment ago. I am near the left hand side.
I follow the example of the other women and stare at the floor. There is complete silence for a moment before Ophelia speaks again.
“My gracious lords of War and Death, I present you this year’s offering!”
There is silence again, and then I hear the clear ringing of boots hitting the marble floors. The tone changes as the person causing it retreats to the other end of the line.
“Is this really the best they could do?” The voice that just spoke, impatiently, is a rumbling baritone that echoes endlessly in the vast space like a boom of thunder—not the initial clap, but the enduring, limitless roll that can be felt in the chest long after the sound has abandoned the ears.
“Are they not pleasing to you, Milord?” Ophelia sounds slightly panicked.
“They’ll do, I suppose,” the voice sounds tired.
While the man I have yet to see examines the women on the far right, we on the opposite side are left to wait. I find it strange that only one figure is coming to inspect the livestock when Ophelia obviously mentioned both of the “gods” we’ll be serving. I can’t help but wonder which we’re currently encountering.
Just then, I get the unmistakable sense of being watched—no, that isn’t strong enough. If this feeling were any more intense, I’d swear the guilty party would stare a hole straight through me. After a moment’s hesitation, curiosity overpowers my better judgment, and I look up to find the source of the discomfort. I locate the perpetrator immediately, and my eyes are instantly locked in the gaze of the most intriguing person I’ve ever seen.
His eyes are the palest of greens, but that color is rimmed by the blackest shade of pine imaginable. The man’s hair is frosty white, though his alabaster skin shows no sign of age, and around his eyes are dark, purple circles, as though he hasn’t slept in weeks. He is incredibly thin, and his entire frame is wrapped in black with blue and silver accents, from the cloak around his neck to the boots on his feet. Despite his bare-human appearance, the man is strikingly handsome.
A shiver runs up my spine. No one needs tell me with whom I’m currently engaged. Though he is standing nearly fifty feet from me, I am stricken with his aura, and I cannot move. His face is utterly expressionless, and I cannot tell what it is that he’s thinking. I have never before feared for my life more than I do in this moment. Though I do not believe he is a god, the man staring at me is no mere human.
His name is Death.
“You, there!” The baritone shocks me out of the entrapment.
Gratitude washes over me as I turn to look at the other man. This must be War.
War’s eyes are a strange mixture of crimson and brown—almost like that of blood running along the dusty ground. His hair is the same auburn red as Amberline’s. Not many people carry that color anymore. It is beautiful. His face, a stark contrast to Death’s, is pinked and full of vigor. His clothing is crimson with silver accents like that of the banners on the left side of the hall. He, too, is a stunningly attractive being.
My relief is gone as quickly as it came, however. War is barreling toward me as though he’s going to kill me, himself, and the look on his face is not one of pleasantry. His hand flies up, and before I have time to react, a stinging pain sears my face, and I find myself sprawled on the ground.
“You dare meet the gaze of your gods??” He rages at me. “You are a slave, and you will act as such. Do you understand??”
No one around me speaks. The taste of blood fills my mouth, and my thoughts go into a frenzy. Is this real? Is this my life now? Have I gone from a free woman to one who lives to examine the floors?
In my peripheral vision, I see that Death is still staring at me. He seems to be one step closer than he was before, but otherwise, his stony visage has not changed. War is standing over me, awaiting my next move.
Slowly, shakily, I stand and wipe the blood from my mouth. Hot tears sting my eyes, but I blink them back. I will not cry now. I do not have time now to mourn my pitiful state. I have to make a decision. Even as I wipe the blood from my hand onto the dress that is a sign of my hated imprisonment, my sense of self-preservation does battle with my sense of honor and self worth.
My father once told me that I had no need to lower my eyes to any man, and powerful as he is, I firmly believe that War is just that—a man. Then again, my father would also like to see me alive again one day.
I pause for a moment, and then I act. For better or worse, I have made my decision.
~#*TSD*#~
And there's your DP! Does Kaija keep her defiant spirit and look up at him again, or does she give in to his demand and show a bit of humility? Does she do something else entirely? It's up to you! This may seem like a small DP, but it really is HUGE. This one moment will define Kaija's relationship with War and all the other characters from here on out. Choose wisely.
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Vishal Muralidharan
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| Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 6:39 am Post subject: |
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My initial reaction was to spit the blood on to his face, but on second thoughts, that doesn't really seem to the best option. It doesn't even seem like an option at all. It might be viable if we knew for sure that Death would protect us, but it is still an iffy kind of situation. I don't think we really have a choice here, give in to his orders, and pretend to do it pleasantly. Moreover, we have no idea how these guys choose their brides, what they do with the ones that aren't chosen (we're assuming murder, but really don't know for sure), so it looks like there's only one option to me. I am already hating this War guy xP
As far as the writing is concerned, there isn't really much I can add to what I've been saying all along. Superbly written. Takes me back to the good old LoK days, except I'm actually more intrigued with how this is developing xD
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Vikas Muralidharan
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| Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 8:49 am Post subject: |
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Argh.
As much as I hate to say it, she should probably lower her gaze for a bit. I want her alive and well at first, but who's to say what would happen if she looks back up?
Im really intrigued by this story. It's beautifully written and I cant wait for it to continue. Great job as usual, An xD
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 11:03 am Post subject: |
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*nods* she might be strong willed, and she might view them as just men...but there was no obscurity when they said she could easily die.
Even for the strong willed, it's best to swallow your pride in order to not die stupidly 
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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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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 1:36 pm Post subject: |
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I guess I'm in the minority here in that I want her to maintain eye contact, but I just like dissension. Failing that, I'm all for the 'smooth things over with some glib words' thing, though that might offend them more than mere silence. Honestly, I want her to maintain eye contact for just a moment, and then lower her gaze. Just to prove that she does it because she wishes it, not because they do.
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 3:10 pm Post subject: |
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Brilliant first chapter, Andi! Not disappointed, that's for sure.
I'm interested to know what kind of time this is set? The whole premise of the story makes one automatically think of ancient Greece or the like, but I'm not entirely sure. It would also be interesting to know more about the ways of the people of this world. These offerings, are they virgins aka pure ( my apologies if that has already been answered, my brain is a little mushy the last few weeks and not everything seems to sink in, lol)? If so, how much freedom do women have to do as they please, in terms of when they marry and such, as 25 seems quite late-blooming when compared to most cultures in which women are thought of as less. If they're not virgins, are they snatched away from already established families at the whim of the gods?
Needless to say, this story has me asking questions and craving answers, always the mark of a good tale!
I say she holds War's gaze for a moment in slight defiance, then lowers her eyes as told. I feel that would pacify her character, yet not render her disobedient of the gods orders.
Much enjoyed!
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.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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Sapphire_Rayne
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| Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 3:47 pm Post subject: |
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| Okay, so no one has mentioned it (I don't think anyways), but I am loving how descriptive you are when it comes to the gods. I adore when authors do that! Death's eyes sound so gorgeous. . . If I met a guy like that in real life, I'd swoon. Can't wait to see what happens. ^^
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 8:55 pm Post subject: |
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I want to say thank you to everyone for your responses! You've come up with some great ideas. =)
Saphire, welcome aboard! It's always nice to see fresh blood...*ahem* I mean new readers. =D Your comment was greatly appreciated, though, and I thought it was very sweet. I enjoy description of people quite a lot.
I'll leave the poll for another day or so, then I want to get writing again! This one has totally taken over my thoughts. haha! (Which is good for you all, but bad for the book I'm supposed to have out by November. XD)
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 7:53 am Post subject: |
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Oh wow, Andi, this is amazing. I love the way you write. You have a way of making me identify and care for the protagonist of this story. The descriptions are simply beautiful, and I love the protagonist's spirit.
If the poll was still up, I would've voted for her to bide her time. I'll join the next DP!
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 12:46 pm Post subject: Chapter 2 |
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Pride and Honor or Self Preservation?
Keep her eyes lowered, and stay silent [ 1 ]
Keep her eyes lowered, but say something deceptively cheeky [ 2 ]
Look up [ 2 ]
Look up and back down. [ 4 ]
Alright! I'm so excited about the feedback I'm hearing on this one! For this DP, I had to alter it in order to keep all of the characters in character, but there is definitely a "Look up, Look down." It's just that there's a bit in between the up and the down. Haha!
I hope you all like it!
~#*TSD*#~
Taking a deep breath, I set my jaw and raise my eyes to meet War’s gaze. I will only hold it for a moment. I will give him this battle, but it will be on my terms.
I see immediately that my plan isn’t going to work out as I’d intended. I have failed to factor in War’s explosive temper. I wasn’t fully aware of that temper until this moment, but now I am. Fully.
Without warning, faster than I can see, War backhands me across the face, sending me to the ground once more. My head slams into the marble as I fall, and my vision turns to white spots. Where I lay on the floor, War plants his booted foot squarely into my ribs, knocking every bit of air from my lungs.
“It seems our first failure will come on the first day!” War bellows.
I hear the clear ring of a sword being drawn and the cumulative gasp of the other women in the room.
“Well, at least I didn’t have to endure this long,” I think as I await the final blow with my body tense and my eyes clenched shut.
“I’ll take her if you think she’ll be too much for you to handle,” I hear a new voice speak in cool, mid-range tenor.
Evidently, War has been distracted by the intrusion enough that he pauses my execution. I feel the cold metal of his sword resting on the back of my neck. Ending my life, now, would be a simple as putting a few pounds of pressure on that blade. I know that the only thing standing between eternity and me is the owner of that beautiful voice.
“You would put up with this insolence?” War sounds truly intrigued.
I manage to subtly turn my head to where I am able to see the other speaker. Death, still showing no emotion, has stepped but one pace further forward. He is holding War’s confused gaze with what I can honestly say is the best “poker face” I have ever seen. It is completely impossible to read his intentions.
After a moment more of empty staring, Death shrugs his thin shoulders.
“She would be a challenge,” he says nonchalantly. “None of these other women seem interested in offering much in the way of excitement. It might be nice to have a fiery one, for a change.”
There is silence for a time while War comes to a decision.
“Perhaps you are right,” he says finally. “A feisty woman would be most interesting. Breaking her might actually be some sport.”
I’d really love to bite him. War’s ankle isn’t too far from my face. I probably couldn’t draw blood through that leather boot, but I could at least give him a reason to dance for a moment. I decide that it might be better to go with my original plan, however. I got in my last look. It would be better, now, to be compliant. I’m not sure I could remain conscious if he hit me again, and even if I could, I’m not sure Death’s teasing could distract War if I anger him again so soon after the last time.
Speaking of Death, it would seem that Diggory was right. I cannot trust anyone. I am mere sport to them both, just like all of the rest of the Offerings. Death may be less violent, for now, but to him, I am nothing but a “challenge” to “break”.
I am worthless here.
If I die during the Disciplines, I’ll be forgotten, and if I live, I’ll be a nameless face in an endless harem.
I find myself praying that this is all a dream, and I’ll wake up in my own bed, with my loving family, and none of this will be real. It is real, though—very real.
“Alright, Offering,” War huffs, nudging me with his boot, “Death, here, has brought up an interesting point. Your defiant spirit is a bit amusing. Just don’t push me too far.”
I feel the sharp edge of the sword leave the back of my neck, and I hear his boots retreating.
“Come on, Death. I don’t see any of yours that look better than mine, so no trading.”
“Are you alright?” I hear Amberline’s voice. She kneels beside me.
“Leave her,” Ophelia speaks with disdain. “I will show the rest of you to your quarters. As for you, you have been spared the fitting punishment for your behavior, thanks only to His Lordship’s mercy and kindness. There is a washroom down the corridor to your left. Clean yourself up, and clean up this mess. I will be back for you when the other Offerings are settled.”
Ophelia and the other women head off in the direction in which we came.
For the first time since I arrived, I am truly alone. I am alone, and I feel like breaking. I lower my head to the cold marble beneath me. It feels good on my battered head.
The tears I’d held back earlier will no longer be restrained, and I take a moment to mourn my old life and wallow in self-pity. The tears flow freely and mix with my blood on the floor.
I am afraid.
I am heartbroken and lonely and frightened and in pain, and there is no one coming to my aid. My mother is not here to pick me up and wipe my tears. My father is not going to bandage my head and tell me to be more careful with myself.
“Why, God?” I bring up a trembling hand to muffle the sound of my broken sobs. “Why have You put me here?”
“What is your name?” someone asks.
That voice is beautiful…a mid-range tenor…
Immediately, I stop sobbing and open my eyes. I am staring at a pair of black boots. The cloak that hangs behind them is also black with blue and silver accents.
Death.
Fear shoots up my spine again, and I answer him shakily.
“Kaija.”
“Hmm…Kay-aa,” he says the name slowly, pronouncing each syllable. “What a lovely name. The vibrancy suits you well.”
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“Come, now,” his voice is hushed too, “you must get up and clean this mess. Ms. Ophelia will be back for you soon.”
The gentlest hand wraps around my arm and pulls me upward. I am facing the empty room, and my head begins to spin. I stumble, but another arm encircles my waist, steadying me from behind.
“Easy, Kaija,” Death says softly. “He hit you very hard. You’ll likely feel that for a few days.”
I nod in answer.
“Go, now,” he gently urges me forward. “And, Kaija…”
I stop, but I do not turn around.
“Be careful,” I cannot read his voice. “I was able to stop him this time, but if you anger him again, I may not be able to save you.”
I am not sure how to respond. Did he really only say those things to save me?
“Trust no one,” I hear Diggory’s words in my mind.
“Thank you. I will,” I finally say.
Saying anything but “thank you” would be highly disrespectful to the man who just saved my life regardless of his intentions.
I slowly make my way to the washroom and use a rag to wipe the blood from my head, wincing as I hit tender spots. Some cool water swished in my mouth takes care of that terrible, irony taste. When I am finished, I splash more water on my face and dry it with a towel before heading back out into the large hall to clean the floor.
When I arrive, though, I am shocked to see the marble is already spotless without a single trace of my mess. Did Death do this for me?
“There you are,” Ophelia is marching toward me. “Follow me.”
I can hear from the tone in her voice that she no longer has much use for me. I suppose I cannot blame her. She has a job. That job is getting us girls to conform, and I did not conform as I was supposed to this time.
Ophelia leads me down a series of hallways to a large room. It is a vast, open space. On the right side of the room, there is a row of columns with tables and chairs beneath them. Beyond those, a covered veranda the size of my house opens to a breathtaking scene.
We are on a cliff side, overlooking a bowl-type landscape. Mountains and ravines are in the distance, and in the valleys between are forests and rivers that could be from the Blessed Garden itself. I see animals running that I have only ever read about in books. They are thought to be extinct in the outside world. In the far distance, between the peaks of the furthest mountains, I swear I can make out the glittering of the sea.
Behind me, in the room, there are six beds, and they are lavish, to say the least. The three on the inner side of the room belong to those offered to Death. They are draped with canopies of blue, black, and silver. The three closer to the veranda are for the three of us offered to War. Their thick, velvet canopies are of burgundy and silver. Beside each bed is a wardrobe. I guess that our new clothes are housed there.
“The other Offerings have put away their things, and they are enjoying some free time,” I had quite forgotten that Ophelia was still with me. The wonder of this room had captivated me fully. “Get yourself settled, and the rest of the evening is yours. You may go anywhere on the grounds outside, and you are free to explore inside as well. The Masters’ wings are sealed, so you won’t wander into any more trouble. You may also stay here if you wish. Food will be brought here for you at sunset. Tomorrow, you will be assigned your duties. I will see you then.”
With that, she was gone, and I was left with another decision. Acquainting myself with the palace would be a smart option. I am going to be living here, so it would be good to learn my way around. That garden outside was beautiful, though. Wandering through all of those fragrant flowers would be quite relaxing, and I might be able to find Diggory. Staying here doesn’t sound like a half bad idea either, though. I am tired and hurting. Spending the evening on the veranda before that incredible view is awfully enticing in its own way.
“What to do?” I sigh, arranging my small collection of belongings in the drawers of my wardrobe—all but one.
My tiny copy of the Holy Book gets tucked under my mattress with a kiss. Prints of it are rare and illegal. It’s best to keep that close and hidden.
After I’ve finished, I stand with another sigh and go to carry out my plans for the evening.
~#*TSD*#~
There you go! What does Kaija do with what might be the last free evening she gets for a while?
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 1:43 pm Post subject: |
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Well, after getting our asses kicked, it's probably a good idea to not force ourselves to explore the grounds. It's very large, and we might get lost. We need the est, probably exploring the gardens at most.
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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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themightyzan
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| Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 3:52 pm Post subject: |
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I think I'm going to like Death quit a lot, and I'm going to want to punch War in the face, heh.
I would say she should explore the palace. There could be some interesting places to find!
Last edited by themightyzan on Sun Sep 20, 2015 4:28 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Sapphire_Rayne
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| Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 4:17 pm Post subject: |
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I love your writing! I'm going to love Death, in fact I love him already. War though, definitely want to give that man a piece of my mind, considering a punch to his face might only excite the man.
Considering we've been hit twice now today, I think it'd be safe to rest. But that would be going against my sense of adventure! Perhaps taking a trip into the garden would be nice. I'm sure the flowers would make us feel a tiny bit better, plus if Diggory is there then maybe we could get some answers!
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 5:14 pm Post subject: |
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Poor girl's living with the "gods", now. The best way to survive is to acquaint herself with her new environment... namely the people e.g. Ophelia, Diggory and Amberline, and find out the politics of the place.
Kaija strikes me as a very smart woman, so I can definitely see her do that. 
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 6:22 pm Post subject: |
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I'm loving this! I started reading it waiting for a bus, and was devastated when the bus came, because I had to put my phone up.
I like the descriptions of the land, though between that and her 'holy book' I find myself with more and more questions, which is great!
As much as I'd like to suggest resting, I thrive on coming up with new ideas- I think she should take the time to read some of that illegal book now, while perhaps she will have time alone. Never know when the next time that might be.
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My latest SG! (Image courtesy of the lovely Lebrenth)
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Seraphi
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| Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 6:32 pm Post subject: |
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Hey, Andi! Loving this new SG :3
I'm all caught up and I'd say the best thing is to know the people. Diggory said not to trust anybody, but understanding how they work is the best defense to avoiding any potential mishaps and mayhem in the future. Kaija should grab Amberline or one of the other girls for a talk and tour the gardens as they go (because they sound pretty and need to be roamed).
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Vikas Muralidharan
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| Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 8:25 am Post subject: |
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Huh. Wander around, OBVIOUSLY
Kidding, I just want an exciting story, so yes, wander around Id say. Loving the writing as usual. Great job!
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 8:54 am Post subject: |
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| Thanks, everyone! Is Vishal the only one we're still waiting on? I'm excited to write more. XD
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Vishal Muralidharan
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| Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 9:47 am Post subject: |
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Absolutely no questions, wander around!
Wonderful chapter An! The whole plot is setting up very nicely, and I can't wait to read more of this. Absolutely loving it!
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 10:22 am Post subject: |
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| Woo!! And we're polling! Tell your friends because I want to keep writing. XD
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 6:22 pm Post subject: |
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Voted! Sorry, it appears I have caused a tie... 
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themightyzan
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| Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 6:39 pm Post subject: |
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| Voted! i made it not a tie, heh.
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2015 10:08 am Post subject: |
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So, here I am with my first SG to be read after an epic hiatus. My my, what've you done to these ageing bones, having them sit to read through a fine story like this...
I'd say, she'd go out into the gardens. Our minx is a free spirit, but she is intelligent enough to suppose how the inside looks and works for the most part. She'd want to see what's out there.
Keep it rolling, stone, this'll be a fine piece if I ever prophesied one.
EDIT: Unluckily, I tied it again. Oh the horror. (OAO);
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Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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misterbiz
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| Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2015 7:39 pm Post subject: |
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I am digging this. I vote go to the garden and try to find Diggory and see if he has any information to help us survive this place.
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2015 11:26 pm Post subject: |
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What to do with free time?
Wander the garden 54% [ 6 ]
Wander the palace 27% [ 3 ]
Stay and rest/read the Holy Book 9% [ 1 ]
Author's vote (Andolyn only) 9% [ 1 ]
Total Votes : 11
Yay, new chapter!
~#*TSD*#~
I need some fresh air. I recognize that there is plenty of fresh air in this room, with the entire wall opening to a veranda, but I need to be out of this building. I feel that if I stay much longer, I’ll be smothered in rich blue and burgundy.
I fight the urge to run as I cross the throne room toward the massive front doors. They are closed firmly, and I have no idea how to go about getting them open.
“Please, open,” I whimper pitifully, as though the cherry wood will answer me of its own accord.
To my shock, there is a crack, followed by endless groaning as the hinges bearing the weight of the doors complain at being forced to move. Even as I stand there, the eighteen guards are pushing the door open for me.
“That’s far enough,” I say, wondering if it was actually me they were obeying. “I can get through that space easily.”
The door grinds to a halt as the men fight to stop the forward momentum.
“Thank you, very much,” I say with a slight bow as I hurriedly slide out the door.
The sun is setting with beautiful shades of orange, pink, and purple as I practically fly down the front stairs and sprint into the endless rows of flowers. I haven’t run far before I start to grow light headed.
Death warned me that I would feel this way for a few days.
Before I can run no further, I find one of the many fountains and sit on the side. For the first time since I’ve arrived, I see my reflection. My once-perfect braid, piled on my head, is now a bloody, disheveled mess, and despite my efforts in the washroom, my face is still bloody as well. Bruises are starting to form both where I was struck and where I contacted the floor. I’m certain my ribs are equally bruised.
A feeling of needing to clean myself more thoroughly washes over me. I glance around, quickly, before moving to where my feet and legs are in the cold water. Normally, I would find it uncomfortable, but after running in the December heat, it feels incredible.
I reach up and untie the ribbon holding my hair in place, and golden curls cascade down to where my knees would be if I were still standing. I run my fingers through the silky curtain to ensure that all of the braids are undone. I find a bit of resistance around the front from the blood that has caked there.
Taking a deep breath, I allow myself to slide completely into the water’s refreshing chill. I run my fingers through my hair again, feeling the resistance fade before relaxing and simply allowing the water to cradle me. For the first time since I arrived, I feel safe in its embrace. The world is silent here. It is cool and dark and beautiful. If only I could remain here forever.
Alas, eventually, my lungs demand air, and I am forced to return to the hot air outside. Remaining submerged up to my chin keeps me mostly comfortable as I catch my breath.
“Bathing in the fountain…most odd,” a voice causes me to start. “We do have bathing facilities, you know.”
“I know,” I reply quickly, fumbling to get over the stone barrier between the flower fields and me. “I apologize. I was just hot, and it looked cool…”
I look around, but the owner of the voice is nowhere to be seen. Confused, I sit for a moment, wringing my out my long hair.
“No need for apology, miss,” finally, I see movement to my right.
A short, man appears from the next row of flowers. I fight the urge to giggle at his appearance. He, too, bears that rare, beautiful hair color; the hair on his head and the beard on his face are fire red. He has mischief in his eyes, and his overall aura is one of oddity.
“Bathe in the fountain if ya want,” he shrugs. “Barnaby doesn’t judge.”
"Thank…you,” I manage to mumble as I work to put my mane back in its braid.
Once I’ve succeeded, I wrap the long thing around and around my head until I’ve got a pile of hair in a makeshift bun once more.
Barnaby comes closer and whistles quietly.
“Got yourself a shiner, there, didn’t cha?” he says, motioning to my face.
“Yeah,” I press my lips into a line. “I had the honor of meeting Lord War this evening.”
“Ticked him off already, huh?” Barnaby giggles. The sound is almost musical. “Good on ya. Guy’s a jerk.”
My eyes widen. I am astounded to hear someone speak negatively of one of the gods.
“What’s that look for?” Barnaby giggles again. “Just because he’s a god doesn’t mean he needs to be a raging—.”
“Shh!” I cut him off. “What if someone hears you?”
“Hmm,” he frowns at me with a look of disappointment. “Maybe not as interesting as I thought.”
“What?” I cock my head to the side.
“Nothing,” Barnaby’s quirky smile returns, and he heads off toward the eastern side of the palace. “You should come have Diggory look at that face of yours. He might have something for it.”
“You know Diggory?” Hearing this, I immediately take off after the little man, somewhat happy for the first time today.
“Of course I know Diggory,” though I can’t see them, I can feel Barnaby’s eyes rolling. “He’s only the one in charge of the palace grounds.”
Diggory is that important? I should have known that. If he’s trusted to venture outside and bring back the offerings, he must be rather high up around here.
I stay silent as I follow Barnaby around to the biggest stable I’ve ever seen. I should really get used to things being big. It seems to be a theme here.
“Diggory!!” Barnaby yells loudly. “Oy, Diggory!!! Where are you, Diggory??”
“For the love of everything sacred, Barnaby, what do you want??” I hear an impatient voice coming around the corner of one of the buildings.
Within seconds, Diggory comes into view, and he doesn’t look happy.
“What is it?” He demands. “Some of us are actually working around h—Miss Kaija!!”
Instantly, Diggory drops the horse brush in his hand and runs forward.
“Ya see, I was working, but then I ran into this one trying to drown herself in one of the western fountains…”
“Good lord, child, what happened?” Diggory gently takes my face in his hands and turns my head to better assess the damage.
“Said she got into it with War,” Barnaby giggles again.
“That will be quite enough out of you,” Diggory snaps, and Barnaby runs off the way we came, giggling madly as he goes. “Oh, child, I told you to keep your head down.”
“I did,” I wince as he touches the place War hit me. “I mean I was, but then I got the feeling someone was staring at me—”
“Of course they were staring,” Diggory’s voice is concerned as he leads me into the building from which he exited earlier. “They were assessing which of you they wanted to keep. It’s a thousand wonders he didn’t kill you right there.”
“He was going to, but Death stopped him,” I answer, stepping carefully over the uneven floor of the stable.
“What??” Diggory stops short. “Did you say Death stopped him?”
“Yeah,” I nod, confused by Diggory’s astonishment. “War had his sword on my neck and everything, and death said, ‘I’ll take her if she’s too much for you to handle’.”
“And then what happened?” Diggory stares holes through me while I fumble to recount the events.
“Then War decided he wouldn’t kill me, and everyone left. After they were gone for a minute, Death came back and helped me up.”
“He did what?” I think Diggory might die of shock if I continue, but I doubt he’s going to let me stop at this point.
“He came back, asked me my name, and helped me up,” I recite this as though I’m performing. “Then, when I came out of the washroom to clean up the floor, it was already clean. I guess he did that for me.”
“This is bizarre,” Diggory rubs a hand through his hair before continuing forward once more.
“Why?” I trot to keep up with him.
“War is the alpha of the gods,” Diggory explains calmly. “His word is law among the others, and of all the gods I’ve met, Death is, by far, the most reserved. He must be very interested in you if he would step out in front of War like that.”
“Well, I wouldn’t say he stepped out,” I sigh. “He actually made it sound like I was just sport.”
“And by doing such, he not only saved your life,” Diggory stops to turn on me again, “he endangered his own. No one contradicts War. If Death spoke up on your behalf, you owe him more than you could possibly repay.”
“You don’t sound happy that he saved me,” I frown.
By this time, we have reached a small shack on the side of the lavish building. Diggory ducks inside and digs through a medicine box. After a moment, he turns with an ointment in his hand and begins applying it to my face and head while he speaks.
“Please, do not misunderstand, child,” his voice is considerably softer now. “I am beyond relieved to see you standing here, but if Death has taken an interest in you, an Offering to War, enough so that he would step out for you…you’re in for a world of trouble, child. Stay away from him. If you don’t take another piece of advice from me, listen to this one. Stay away from that god.”
“Master Diggory!” I hear Ophelia’s voice from outside. “Master Diggory, I’m looking for one of my Offerings. Have you seen her??”
“In here, Ms. Ophelia,” Diggory rolls his eyes.
“Kaija, what on earth are you doing in here? And why are you all wet??” Ophelia barges in and begins chastising me.
“Calm down, Ophelia,” Diggory states calmly, continuing to dab ointment on my face. “Miss Kaija, here, was just getting a head start on seeing what her duties will be. She is one of mine, right? I figured while she was here, I’d patch her up. The gods wouldn’t want a blemished Offering, now would they?”
Ophelia’s disbelief is obvious in her scowl, but she doesn’t challenge Diggory. The middle-aged man, on the other hand, shows no signs of distress as Ophelia continues to huff.
“Well, hurry up. Dinner is waiting in the dining hall, and baths are available. At some point tonight you’re going to want to sleep.”
“Calm yourself, Ophelia,” Diggory says smoothly. “I will take her wherever she’d like to go as soon as I’m finished here. I’ll make sure she’s safely tucked into bed before the night is over.”
Ophelia stands, fuming, in the doorway for a moment longer before she storms out of the stable.
“I’ve never had much patience for that woman,” Diggory sighs when she’s gone. He closes the lid on the salve and tosses it back in the medical box. “Alright, dear, where to?” He asks, holding out his arm to me.
~#*TSD*#~
There's your DP! Where does Diggory take us? A real bath? A meal? Bed? Something else? What's our next move? You decide!
Last edited by Andolyn on Mon Sep 28, 2015 9:43 am; edited 1 time in total
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 1:14 am Post subject: |
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*After a bit of a delay* Alright! Good, we found Diggory AND found out some useful information.
I'd like to just say that this is wonderfully written, again, and that I'm really interested in finding out why Death seems to like us. Maybe it's because we looked up a second time? Besides that, we owe him something now. I'd like to find out how deep we are in debt, and how much trouble we caused for the godly man.
That said, none of that is really an option now...I doubt Diggory would take us straight to Death given how frightening the gods are, and that he just warned us to stay away. XP
But a sufficient option would be to go to dinner, I think
1. It just wouldn't do to be (too) late for dinner after we're still in hot water with War.
2. The dinner hall will no doubt have people and conversation, conversation being an important tool for info gathering, even if you're not the one talking.
3. We got beat up and are probably tired from the day, I say we get food in our bellies quickly so that we can get on with what little else there is to do on the first night.
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 2:29 am Post subject: |
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Tres bien! So, info, info... while we're at info, I'd say Diggory shows us some kind of observation spot or a place that could help Kaija if she decides to take the cautious and neutral path. Somewhere secluded with somewhat of a view of the mansion or the grounds.
I mean, that man knows his stuff, he must have some tidbit to help her survive. And I agree with KK, she does need food and sleep so he would probably just point her in the right direction and then lead her to the baths.
Keep up the good work!
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themightyzan
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| Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 6:25 am Post subject: |
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I am going to say he needs to take her to the baths. After everything that happened a hot bath would be very helpful and probably make her feel better.
As a side note, I really love Diggory! I like Ophelia too, but mainly because I like people giving her grief. ^.^
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Lilith
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Seraphi
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| Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 7:14 pm Post subject: |
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Excellent chapter. Wonderfully done, as always, Miss Andy :3
I say Kaija heads to the baths and then heads to bed. I'm sure Diggory can pull some strings to get food brought to her at either place. Rest and relaxation seem key, especially with a life or death trial coming up. And I'd rather her not accidentally get smacked to the floor again because War wants to be an asshat and goad her into doing/saying something she'll get in trouble for (this is assuming the two gods will be present at the dinner too of course, lol).
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Vikas Muralidharan
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| Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 7:52 pm Post subject: |
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This was brilliant as usual, An!
Id say Kaija needs food and sleep. Just fast forward to the next day now xD
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2015 8:08 pm Post subject: |
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So I did spot one thing,
| Quote: | | I recognize that there is plenty of fresh air in this room with the entire wall opening to a veranda, bit I need to be out of this building. |
But that was literally the only problem I saw, and if it hadn't been in the first few lines, I wouldn't have even noticed it, I greedily devoured the rest of the chapter so quickly.
I gotta say I vote food too. After all the stress of the day, replenishing the energy stores makes the most sense. Besides, there's no guarantee that there will be food left over. We have no idea exactly how well these 'prospective brides' are treated.
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2015 11:56 pm Post subject: |
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Oh, now that you mention it, that sentence is a bit odd without another comma before "with". Or so I think. I am not sure, but it might be cleaner if there was one. Like;
"I recognize that there is plenty of fresh air in this room, with the entire wall opening to a veranda, but I need to be out of this building."
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 9:46 am Post subject: |
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| Fixed it! I had already changed the "bit" in my own copy. I noticed that, but I also like the flow better with the comma. Thanks, guys!
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Vishal Muralidharan
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| Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 9:38 am Post subject: |
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Caught up and voted! So sad I missed suggestion phase, but I'm really loving this now! Well done!
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misterbiz
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| Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 10:57 am Post subject: |
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Love it as usual, Andy. Especially Barnaby. I want more of him. Like now. Right now.
I wonder why I love him so....*wink wink nudge nudge*
I voted and seemed to have made a worse tie. My bad...
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 6:14 pm Post subject: |
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Where to, Child?
Food 37% [ 3 ]
Bath 25% [ 2 ]
Sleep 0% [ 0 ]
Secret Place 25% [ 2 ]
Do whatever...just skip to tomorrow. 0% [ 0 ]
Author's vote (Andolyn only) 12% [ 1 ]
One more chapter and then the Disciplines!!! Unless you people go crazy... Enjoy!
~#*TSD*#~
“Alright, dear, where to?” He asks, holding out his arm to me.
I think for a moment, but then my rumbling stomach answers for me.
“Food, it is,” Diggory chuckles. “Right this way.”
“Diggory,” I stop him, “will—umm.”
“The Masters have food taken to their private wings,” He smiles sadly at me, seeing through my anxiety. “Only the offerings and the staff will be at this dinner.”
“Okay,” I say softly.
“Come on, Child,” he says, taking my hand and placing it on his arm. “Let’s get you a warm meal and a bath.
When Diggory and I enter the hall, everyone is talking excitedly, but a hush falls over the room when we’re noticed. Without really thinking about it, I move a hand to cover my face, pretending to adjust my hair. Diggory reads the room quickly, though, and makes a barely perceptible shift in his stance so that his broad-shouldered body is hiding me.
“No need to stop your merriment on our account,” his silky voice booms through the dining hall. “Forgive our tardiness, but Miss Kaija was getting a head start on her duties. My grounds keepers should be proud of her.”
Cheers ring out from a group along the table that I’m guessing are the grounds keepers. Barnaby is among them, which further confirms my suspicions.
I can’t help but smile. It would seem that, in spite of everything going on around me, I have Diggory. He will keep me safe to the best of his ability, and if nothing else, he will help keep my spirit high. It’s up to me to beat the odds on everything else.
Two seats are empty at the table. The one reserved for Diggory is among the other leaders like Ophelia. Mine is on the very end of the Offerings, next to Amberline. To my great relief, the two groups are next to one another, and our seats are together.
No one speaks as I sit awkwardly, but Diggory is as relaxed as ever, grabbing food as though those around us aren’t staring like I’ve got three heads.
“Miss Kaija, would you like some meat?” He asks me coolly, not looking up from his carving.
“Please,” I whisper, and he slices off a piece for me.
“Corn?”
“Please.”
We carry on like this until my plate is full and the staring has subsided. Along with it, the noise in the room rises back to its normal hum as people lose interest in the girl who looked up and got beaten down. A feeling of gladness washes over me that Diggory sees me as more than just that.
Dinner is pleasant, though it is shorter than I’d like, and all too soon, I am wishing Diggory goodnight and following the other girls to the baths. After that, we gather in our sleeping quarters.
“Offerings,” Ophelia calls our attention. “Tomorrow is a very big day. You will face the first of the Disciplines. Some of you will likely perish.”
Ophelia waits while the other girls gasp at this revelation. Were they really not aware of our predicament until this moment?
“Those of you who survive will begin working in various places across the palace. As Master Diggory explained earlier, Kaija will be working with the grounds keepers. You will care for the flower gardens and fountains. Amberline, your station will be outdoors as well. You will be working in the stables. Rebecca, you will be assigned to be Lord War’s personal attendant. Anything he needs, you will get it for him. Amelia, you will be Lord Death’s attendant. Jocelyn, you will work in the kitchens. Vivienne, you will be with housekeeping. Any questions?”
There is a moment of silence while we all think on what Ophelia has just told us before the one Ophelia called Jocelyn speaks up.
“What will we be required to do tomorrow?” She asks timidly.
“You are not allowed to know the details of the Disciplines until you arrive at their locations,” Ophelia states sharply. “I will tell you that tomorrow, you will demonstrate Balance.”
Quiet murmuring runs through the room.
“Get to sleep, ladies. You’re going to need your rest for tomorrow.”
With that, Ophelia is gone, and the room practically explodes.
“No one said we could die here!!” says a dark haired girl on the blue side of the room.
“You idiot,” the one named Rebecca speaks up. She has brownish blonde hair and brown eyes. “Did you really think that all of us would live here happily ever after? You realize they give six of us ever year, right? I’d say both of the gods have sizable harems, but they’re not going to keep all of us around. Only the best will be allowed to stay by the sides of Lord War and Lord Death. If we die, we simply weren’t worthy, and in that case, it will be an honor to die.”
Oh, boy. We’ve got an enthusiast.
She annoys me more than the ones who were ignorant until this moment. She knows what’s going to happen to us, and she’s still happy to be here. Luckily, Amberline’s bed is between Rebecca’s and mine.
Amberline is very quiet at the moment. While the other girls argue out their horrors, she is staring at her hands where they rest in her lap. After a moment, she looks up, reaches over, and draws the canopy closed on the far side and the end of her bed. She leaves the side closest to me open, and meets my gaze.
“You knew, didn’t you?” She asks. “You knew they were going to kill us.”
“I guessed,” I respond. “I don’t expect to make it through all of this alive. I didn’t realize that the Disciplines would be what killed us, though. To be honest, I didn’t expect to be sitting here tonight.”
Amberline presses her lips into a thin line and looks at me again.
“Does it hurt?” She motions to my face.
“A little,” I nod. “Diggory fixed it up for me a little.”
“You’re so lucky to have him,” Amberline looks saddened for a moment. “I was so happy to be chosen, but now that I’ve seen what it’s really like, I’m not so sure it was a good thing anymore.”
“You’ll be working for Diggory as well,” I remind her. “He’ll take care of you too.”
“I hope so,” Amberline shivers. “He sort of reminds me of my father.”
“Me too,” I nod with a soft smile.
“You were very brave today,” Amberline says after a moment. “I wouldn’t have been brave enough to look back up.”
“Brave is hardly what I’d call that,” Rebecca comments as she walks by. I’m not even sure why she’s walking by. “I’d say you were idiotic and disrespectful. You deserved to die. It’s a pity Lord Death didn’t see it that way. That’s why I’m glad I’ve been offered to Lord War. He’s most definitely the stronger of the two.”
“Well, then, it’s a good thing no one asked your opinion,” I can’t help but retort.
Rebecca looks shocked, as though she isn’t used to anyone challenging her. She’s in for a rude awakening, with me around.
“Move along, then, sunshine,” I wave my hands at her.
Rebecca opens and closes her mouth a few times. I know she’d love to have a snappy comeback, but no words will come, so she just flips her hair over her shoulder and marches away.
With a sigh, I lay back on the pillows. It is then that I notice all of the other girls are staring at me. Most are smiling.
“That was fantastic,” Amberline giggles.
“We’re going to be okay,” I nod to all of the girls. “We’re in a scary situation, but I vow, right here and now, to watch out for all of you. I hope at least some of you will do the same for me. We can beat this if we stick together.”
I watch as my words sink in, and one by one, the others smile widely and nod to one another.
“Alright,” I say, beginning to pull the curtains around my bed. “Let’s get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be exciting.”
After a few moments of rustling, silence falls on the room, and I begin hearing my cohorts’ breathing change into that deep, steady rhythm of slumber. The sound of the waterfall that runs beneath our room is very relaxing as well. Despite these tension-releasing sounds, though, I find that sleep eludes me.
I sigh. It’s going to be a long night.
~#*TSD*#~
Uh oh...Kaija can't sleep. What does she do? Keep trying to sleep? Read the Holy Book? Something else? You decide!!
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misterbiz
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| Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 6:24 pm Post subject: |
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Lovely as always, my dear Andolyn. I say that Kaija should try to sneak out and go for a midnight stroll. Maybe she can figure out whats to come. At the very least, some exercise may help her.
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 8:19 pm Post subject: |
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Honestly, with how much pressure placed on what's to happen tomorrow, she should smother her face in her pillow and try and force herself to sleep.
Loving the story, and I can't wait to see more. I like how the names are a nice balance between overly fancy sounding, and fairly simple. It sounds more realistic that way.
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 9:43 pm Post subject: |
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hmmmm well....
Right now, I don't have much of a solid opinion of what we should do, except that trying to sleep seems best I think. But I also think that if she's having trouble just doing that, she should try a different approach to trying...such as reading or closing her eyes and focussing on the sound of the waterfall.
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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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Vishal Muralidharan
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| Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2015 12:23 am Post subject: |
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Time to count sheep!
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themightyzan
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| Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2015 3:19 pm Post subject: |
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I love Kaija ALMOST as much as I love Diggory.
Heh, the "move along, sunshine" line was awesome.
She should keep trying to sleep. Getting up and walking around would only make it harder to be sleepy.
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Seraphi
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| Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2015 6:34 am Post subject: |
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Reading late at night always seems to put me in a restful state...so I'm going to say Kaija reads the Holy Book. Make those eyes tired and all else will follow, as I see it. :3
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 7:19 pm Post subject: |
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| Alright, folks! Thanks for the replies! We are now polling!! =D
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 6:40 am Post subject: |
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I'm a spoilsport.
| Quote: | | You realize they give six of us ever year, right? |
I shall leave you to discern the typo.
I suggest she goes to sleep. SLEEEEEP is the answer. Force it if you need to, you haven't had much rest lately, is what I'd say.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
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: Sat Oct 03, 2015 6:47 am Post subject: |
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| HAHAHA! Thanks, Cy. This is what happens when I type too fast at 2am. Haha!
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 10:48 pm Post subject: |
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It's a long one. Enjoy!
~#*TSD*#~
I open my eyes and fight with confusion for a moment. As the fog clears, I realize why it is that I’m staring up at a burgundy ceiling instead of the swirling blues, greens, and yellows of my painted portion above my bed. I am not at home anymore. In fact, I couldn’t be further from home if I’d have started walking yesterday and never stopped.
I am in the palace of the gods of War and Death, and I will be here until I die.
The excited chatter outside of the thick curtains surrounding my bed reminds me that today may very well be the day that I die. The ache in the side of my face reminds me that I should be grateful that day didn’t come yesterday.
Or should I?
It might have been easier on me to die a quick death yesterday than to face the certain horror and doom I’ll be up against today. But no, I can’t think like that. If I resign myself so easily, how can I possibly keep that promise I made to the other girls to look out for them?
Steeling myself, I slide my feet to the cold, marble floor and stand before the wardrobe. Inside, there are several different outfits. The dress I wore yesterday is hanging there, having been cleaned and pressed during the night, and several other dresses hang along with it. There is even a fancy evening gown in the back, probably made to my exact measurements. The outfit I select, however, is not a dress at all. It is a pair of soft, supple leather breeches, an off-white, long sleeved shirt, and a brown tunic. Over the ensemble, I fasten a belt, and I pull a pair of leather knee boots over the legs of the pants. Last of all, I don a pair of fingerless leather gloves.
“You’re wearing that to the first Discipline?” I hear a voice behind me. I turn to see Rebecca in one of the many dresses. “Do you not have any interest in looking nice for the lords?”
I’m not really in the mood for her mouth this morning. I don’t do mornings.
“Listen, dearie. If your focus is to look pretty this morning, that’s your deal, but none of us know what they’re going to be throwing at us. My focus is to stay alive. That means I’m dressing in such a way that I can move quickly without having to worry about a frilly skirt getting in my way. You go do your thing, and I’ll worry about myself.”
Again, Rebecca isn’t sure what to say, so she just walks away. I notice that two of the other girls put dresses back on hangers to opt for their counterparts to my outfit. They really are lacking in the area of critical thinking. I guess it’s up to me to be their brains.
After dressing, I brush my lengthy hair and braid it again, wrapping it into the bun on the back of my head. We go through a simple morning routine before going to the dining hall and having a hurried breakfast.
“Quickly now, Offerings!” Ophelia’s grating voice urges us on. “The Lords mustn’t be kept waiting! Today is a very big day!”
We all follow Ophelia through doors at the back of the palace. Walking at the edge of the cliffs, we get an up-close look at that view out our window. A narrow footbridge takes us over a rushing river that empties from deep inside the palace, over the cliff side, and into the valley below. Our balcony is now above our heads, and for the first time, I see the small staircase that leads from the veranda to where we are now.
For at least an hour, we trudge on around the massive bowl until the expansive gardens of the grounds fade into the empty, dry, barren landscape of the rest of the world I know. Far below us, the lush, green beauty can be seen, and far behind us to the east, tiny now on the bleak horizon, is the palace.
All at once, I notice something strange about our surroundings. We veer ever so slightly to the left, and to our right, a rift opens, leading outward to the bowl. We are now walking on a peninsula of sorts, and up ahead, I see flags of blue and burgundy before the landscape drops into nothing. It is insanely windy here, and the flags flap wildly in the onslaught.
When we draw near, amidst the flags, a tightrope is set up between two platforms roughly five feet off the ground. Ophelia told us the Discipline was Balance, but it cannot possibly be walking that rope. Ophelia also told us that some would die today. A fall from that high wouldn’t feel good, but it wouldn’t kill a person.
“That’s it?” one of the girls exclaims, her voice dripping in relief. “We used to walk ropes like that all the time just for fun! This one won’t be any big deal at all!”
It was true. A common pastime for us in the city was to walk along the strange wires that protruded from the ground attached to cross-shaped poles. No one knew their purpose, but they made great distractions for children. This wire was only a few feet higher than those.
“No,” I mutter after further examining the area around us. “Look there.”
Just as I thought, crossing that rope would be far too easy. It is likely a practice area for our real challenge. Off to the right, across the ravine, there is another area with flags flying. This one is covered with a tent, and beneath it, two thrones are waiting. The gods are already seated, watching us, and bridging the fifty yards between them and us is a tightrope.
“That is our challenge,” I spit darkly.
“What??” The girls begin to panic. “In this wind??”
“That’s right, Offerings! You have only to walk across to the other side, and you will have passed the first Discipline,” Ophelia’s flippancy irks me. She was an Offering once, no doubt. She knows the fear we all feel, and yet she makes light of it as though facing our deaths should be easy. “You have this smaller rope on which to practice, and you have until sunset to attempt the Discipline. Once you begin, you are alone. None of you may interfere if an Offering steps out onto the wire. Good luck!”
With that, Ophelia goes to a chair on the left side of the peninsula by the drop off into the green bowl. Fat lot of help she is. It would seem that we really are on our own.
The girls stand chattering anxiously.
“I don’t know if I can make it that far,” Amberline speaks the fears of us all.
“How hard can it be? I was great on those wires back home,” Rebecca snorts, climbing the platform of the practice wire.
We all watch as she begins. Rebecca makes it about halfway across before a strong gust of wind catches her billowy skirt and sends her flying to the ground. Now the girls in dresses begin losing their minds.
“What are we going to do?” Jocelyn shrieks. “It’s too windy! We’ll never make it!”
I stand in thoughtful silence for a moment, trying to think of a way to get them out of this. They can’t exactly strip now, and there’s no going back to the palace to change.
Aurgh! I can’t think with all their chattering. Their panic is too distracting.
“Will you all shut up??” I finally yell, commanding all of their attention. “Panicking now won’t get us anywhere. The clock is ticking.”
They begin chattering again, but at least they’re being quiet about it.
“Why didn’t I listen about the dress?” I hear Vivienne whimper. “I suppose the housekeepers will be short a hand after this.”
“Housekeeping…that’s it!” I jump up, struck with a sudden idea. “Vivienne, come here! I’ve just remembered a trick my mother used to use when she was cleaning in a dress.”
Vivienne comes to me, and I hoist up her skirt in the front.
“Hold this,” I hand her the skirt I’ve just yanked up.
“Kaija!” she shrieks. “You mustn’t raise that too high! The gods will see, and I’ll be put to death for indecency!”
“Would you rather be a little bit indecent, or would you prefer to just go ahead and jump off that cliff now?” I retort, not stopping to look up.
With her holding the front, I gather the back of the skirt into two sides and bring them around the front. I, then, loop them through Vivienne’s legs, before bringing them back around front and tying them. It looks as though she’s wearing an oversized diaper, but if it saves her life, looks don’t mean much.
“Did everyone see how I did that?” I ask the others, but they are already working to tie the skirts. “Those of you with pants, get in a few practice walks. I’ll see that those of you with skirts are ready.”
After they are all tied up, the girls head to practice with the ones who followed my lead with pants. It is still not going to be an easy task with the wind, but this does seem to have helped.
“Alright,” Amelia nods with confidence after her fifth or sixth practice, “we’re eventually going to have to get this going. If the sun sets before we try, I’m not sure any of us will be spared. I suppose I’ll go first.”
“Are you sure?” I ask her. She nods. “Okay. Be sure you check the knot on your dress before you go.”
“I already did,” Amelia answers me brightly.
She begins, and we all hold our breath. She is doing extremely well, keeping her eyes forward and walking with steady steps. All at once, though, things take a dramatic turn for the worse.
The knot that I asked her if she’d secured comes loose, and a gust of wind takes her skirt and with it, her balance. Amelia falls, but by sheer luck she is able to catch the wire with one hand, but she is not safe. The wind keeps catching her skirt, preventing her from pulling herself up or moving in any way.
“Amelia!!” Vivienne screams, beginning to run forward.
“Ah, ah!” Ophelia calls from behind us. “No helping, remember? If she falls, she fails. There is nothing you can do about it now.”
Anger fills me. That girl is not just an Offering to be thrown away. She is a person. She is a life. The lack of value on our lives infuriates me, and what’s more, I made a promise to protect the other women with me. I swore to all of them to do everything in my power to keep them safe. I’m not about to go giving up on that already.
After a second’s hesitation, I lunge forward up the platform and out onto the rope. I was not only good at walking the wires as a child; I was a master. Running them had been my favorite thing to do, and I practiced for hours every day. I could do it backward, forward, and even in the dark.
I take two long, leaping strides on the wire before launching myself forward, catching the rope with my hands and using my momentum to slide several yards. I haven’t made it all the way to Amelia, so I swing hand over hand to close the distance. Behind me, the other Offerings are cheering me on loudly.
When I reach Amelia, I use all of my core strength to hoist my legs up and over the wire. Hanging by my knees, I gather her skirt and tie it back as quickly as I can.
“Amelia, use me as a ladder to get back up on the wire,” I instruct her.
“What? No! You’ll fall!” she shouts fearfully.
“Trust me! Just do it!” I make a platform from my hands to create the first step and push her upward.
Shakily, she is able to get back on the wire and begin walking. With no steps, I am left to hang below the wire. I say a silent prayer of gratitude for the leather gloves I’m wearing.
“Keep going!” I yell to her. “I’ll be right behind you!”
Slowly, the two of us cross, our fellow Offerings shouting encouragement the entire way. It would seem that the two of us have passed this challenge. I am exhausted, but happy, when we reach the other side. Now, I only have to worry about Amberline, Jocelyn, Vivienne, and Rebecca.
With this thought on my mind, I reach up for Amelia’s outstretched hand to get up onto the platform. She is smiling at me, and I think for a moment that perhaps we will make it through all of this after all.
Just then, though, a warm liquid suddenly splashes my face, startling me.
“What was—?” and then I taste it—that unmistakable, metallic tang.
Horrified, I look up to see Amelia’s face, frozen in shock, her blue eyes wide with fear and pain. From her chest protrudes the tip of a sword. She and I stare at one another, wordlessly, for a moment before the sword slides back.
“Kaija,” comes the gurgling whisper, “help—”
Before she can finish her thought, Amelia’s eyes flutter shut, and she falls over my shoulder. I try to keep a hold on her hand, but the blood on them causes her to slip from my grasp. I clutch desperately at the wire. Looking over my shoulder, I watch as Amelia’s body falls for what seems like ages until it is forever lost beneath the mist. For a split second, I wonder how many other women are at home in that grave.
With terror still gripping my mind and blood still blurring my vision, I take a moment, hugging the wire with my legs dangling, to process what has just happened. I suddenly feel myself being hoisted upward by the back of my collar.
Though the pain is uncomfortable, the feeling of the ground is welcome beneath me when I slam into it. I lay still for a time, stunned, before jumping to my feet. War is standing before me. His sword is drawn, and Amelia’s blood is dripping from its tip, mixing with the dirt on the ground to make a color that does, in fact, match that of War’s eyes.
“Why did you kill her??” I demand with a mixture of disgust, fury, and horror.
“She did not complete the Discipline. Isn’t that right, Death?” he answers, his face twisting into a sick smile. My eyes are averted, but I can see that Death is also present. He is standing just outside of the tent with his back to us. “Oh, that’s right. He doesn’t really have the stomach for this sort of thing. You would think after centuries he’d at least try to enjoy himself. You’re all trying so hard for us after all,” War pauses before getting back on track with his thought.
“Anyway, had you not interfered, she would have perished in a fall. It would have been far less painful than her ultimate end. How unfortunate.”
Like a flame being ignited, my fear is overtaken by rage, and I would love nothing more than to grab that sword and run War through just like he did Amelia.
“You should be grateful I didn’t kill you as well,” he continues. I clench my fists. “Technically, since you didn’t do it alone, you also failed the Discipline. I’m feeling merciful, however. I’m going to give you a chance to go around and do it again.”
Go around? No. That won’t be necessary. As I said, tightrope is one thing I have mastered. I will complete this Discipline on my terms.
Without a word, I push past War and step onto the platform. With the wind whipping my hair, I step over the pool of Amelia’s blood and out onto the wire. I walk all the way across, turn around, and look War dead in the eye from across the wide expanse.
After a moment of staring him down, I begin to run. I run as quickly as my sure-footed steps will allow, and I never break contact with War’s gaze. On this trip, it feels as though the wire goes on forever, and I am running in slow motion. War’s expression is a strange one, and I cannot interpret it. All I know is that it isn’t anger, but that wicked smile of his is gone without a trace.
When I finally reach the end of the wire, I summersault off the platform, landing squarely in front of War.
“Hopefully that attempt was more to your liking, my lord,” I spit with a feigned curtsy before turning and walking out of the awning.
~#*TSD*#~
DP, what does Kaija do now? Does she wait for all of the other girls to cross, standing awkwardly alongside War and Death? Does she continue on in her anger, running back to the palace to get started with her duties there? Does she do something else entirely? It's up to you!
Last edited by Andolyn on Thu Oct 08, 2015 8:05 am; edited 2 times in total
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misterbiz
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| Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 11:10 pm Post subject: |
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Loving this. I love Kaija's feistyness. As well as her tightrope abilities.
Poor Amelia too.
I say Kaija should go on back to the palace and start her duties. I don't think it is wise to continue being around War at such a time.
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2015 9:18 am Post subject: |
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Woah, our girl is extremely gutsy. That was discussed in the Inn but STILL! Damn~
As far as the DP goes...I'm not entirely sure about just up
and leaving? I know that we were told it would be ver once we crossed, but no one said anything about being dismissed after it.
Besides that, I kinda wanna know what the expression from War was about, especially if it's not anger. :3
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ModelP
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| Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2015 9:40 am Post subject: |
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| I think she should stick around and be there for the Girls she swore she'd look after.
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Seraphi
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| Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2015 1:48 pm Post subject: |
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War, you freaking asshat.
As much as I would love for Kaija to walk away in triumph, I think it speaks more of her character to stay. While she won't be able to physically help them, her presence might be all the encouragement they need to get through it. (And I'm secretly hoping we get to see Rebecca die )
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themightyzan
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| Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2015 2:45 pm Post subject: |
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I just want her to keep walking. Just like "f you I'm out". Lol.
War is an ass, he doesn't deserve more attention, and I don't know if Kaija would be able to stop herself from helping anyone else who is failing. ^.^
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Vikas Muralidharan
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| Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2015 7:53 pm Post subject: |
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Caught up! This story is moving beautifully, I love how you describe settings! Fan _/\_
Eitherway, I think she just storms off. I realize she made a promise to the other girls, but she's now angry and disturbed, I cant imagine her just standing there awkwardly. So I say she makes a mistake by walking away
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2015 10:15 pm Post subject: |
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Loving the read! In fact, staying up past my self-set bedtime for this. Ha. Totally gonna see poor Amy in my dreams. Maybe I'll dream up a way for her to survive. No? No...
Anyway, as for the dp, much as I'd like to suggest she stay and cheer on the girls, I feel it would be far more appropriate for her to go back to the room, and do her best to set up some sort of a mini funeral with Amelia's things- if she can get them in time. Maybe burn her dress? The one she arrived in? Definitely do some sort of a memorial. I doubt there'll be on naturally. Maybe write her name in her holy book as a remembrance?
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Vishal Muralidharan
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| Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 9:22 pm Post subject: |
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Loving the story, but I'm frustrated that I can'd discern what this War dude is upto. Why is he sparing us now, this was much more disrespectful than looking at him, and Death didn't even try this time. Either he has some sort of soft corner for us, or he had a talk or something with Death and was asked not to harm us? Idk. Either way, it doesn't look like he's going to hurt us, so I suggest sticking around and helping the other girls. Even if, War decides that we're going to far, Death is still around to save us.
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2015 7:15 pm Post subject: |
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| AAAAND we're polling!
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2015 5:25 pm Post subject: |
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"Offering, stop!" War orders, and I freeze. "You must wait until the others have completed the Discipline, and then you are free to go."
My anger tells me to keep walking, but I have almost been killed and caused the death of another already, so I slowly turn, keeping my eyes down.
"Good girl," War says with a callous laugh.
Behind him, I see Death watching the other girls, but I could swear I see him heave a sigh--almost one of relief. I am intrigued, but I don't have much time to wonder.
Vivienne, with tears streaming down her face, climbs up on the platform.
"Vivienne! Keep your eyes forward, and check the knot on your skirt. You can do this!" I yell.
"Silence!" War roars at me.
I look straight at Vivienne, ignoring War. Vivienne nods, resolve building in her expression. She tugs on the knot at her waist, and then she begins. Instead of looking forward, though, she keeps her gaze locked with mine. Willing her to cross safely, I keep staring at her without so much as blinking. It is as though this solid stare is all that is keeping her on the wire.
I breathe a sigh of relief when Vivienne crosses to the other platform with no trouble at all. She curtsies briefly to Death, to whom she has been offered. After he bows in return, Vivienne runs to my side, hugging me tightly, before sliding her hand into mine. Together, hand in hand, we watch as Jocelyn prepares to cross.
Just like Vivienne, Jocelyn looks to me for her strength. She crosses with ease, curtsies to Death, hugs me and Vivienne, and stands on my other side, taking my hand.
The three of us watch Amberline cross in like fashion without incident, and Rebecca is the last. Unlike the other three girls, though, Rebecca does not look at me while she crosses. It is just as well. I wouldn't be able to offer her much in way of encouragement.
As soon as Rebecca's foot touches the near platform, I give the hands of the girls beside me a final squeeze before letting go.
"I'll meet you in the room after we've finished work tonight. I'm sure Diggory has a lot for me to do," I say as I turn to leave.
"Thank you, Kaija," I hear Vivienne's voice behind me, and I stop. "I wouldn't have made it without you."
"Me neither," Jocelyn and Amberline say in chorus.
I nod in reply. I cannot offer them more, though, because if I turn to them or speak now, I will break down. I cannot show such weakness in front of War.
When I have marched on long enough that the flags or tents or people are no longer visible behind me, I break into a run. It is then that my grief manifests. All that I can see is the fear-filled expression on Amelia’s face before I watched the life leave her dark eyes. The feeling of her blood, still covering my face makes my stomach turn.
Amelia’s strangled plea for help resounds over and over in my ears. With her dying breath, even as her lungs filled with her own blood, it was my name that Amelia spoke, and I was powerless to save her. I promised to take care of her, but in the end, I only managed to prolong her fear and suffering, increasing her pain. I played right into War’s hand.
I stop briefly, emptying my stomach’s contents on to the dusty ground beside me, and then I continue on. I keep running even when I’ve found my way back to the palace. My legs have lost feeling by the time I stop in the middle of a field of lilies. I am well more than a mile beyond the palace in the opposite direction of where I witnessed my first murder.
I fall to my knees, grasping at my ears. I can’t stop her voice. I need to make it stop. I lay on the ground, gasping for air, only to force the breaths back out in great sobs that wrack my entire body. I have never felt anything like this. The guilt, grief, pain, and shame culminate into one agonizing hell, and I think it might kill me.
When I reach the point where I have used all of my tears, I lay, numb, on the ground, waiting for the end.
Much to my dismay, the end does not come. Instead, more haunting images float back to my mind: the looks of fear on the faces of the other offerings, the blood dripping from the sword, War’s twisted, maniacal smile.
War.
He is the cause for all of this. We are sport—worthless animals under his bloodstained boots. With thoughts of him, my heartache morphs into an ugly creature of fire and rage. I want to hurt him. I want to cause him a fraction of the pain he has caused me.
These are not thoughts I should have. These are thoughts born of hatred. They are everything that my faith is not, but in this moment, I do not care. My faith is faltering, shattering beneath the crushing weight of my humanity.
I am angry. I am in pain. I desire devastation.
I stand, shakily, and look around. I need destruction, but there is nothing for miles in any direction but flowers. They are stunningly beautiful, and even this does nothing but fuel my anger. Their loveliness is a lie. They shine brilliantly despite the darkness and depravity that goes on in that magnificent palace on the horizon. They smile, even now, in spite of my pain. They stand, glowing up at the heavens joyfully, when they should be wilted and ugly, mourning our woeful condition.
Before I register what I’m doing, I begin tearing up the flowers around me, ripping roots and all from the ground. I shred the blooms and trample them, screaming and releasing every dark demon that has settled in my heart. I continue on until I have ruined every blossom within twenty feet of me before I collapse, sobbing openly, on the mangled earth.
“Kaija??” I hear a voice, but I am too exhausted to move. “Miss Kaija!!”
I feel the sensation of being cradled in strong arms. I open my swollen eyes, and in the light of the evening sun, I can make out Diggory’s masculine features.
“I told you I heard commotion over here, sir,” a voice I recognize as Barnaby’s remarks. “Is she okay?”
“Does it look like she’s okay?” Diggory growls. “Miss Kaija! Please, speak to me.”
“Digg?”
“I’m here, child,” Diggory says softly. “What happened.”
For a long while, I lay silently in his arms. Quiet tears continue to stream down my face. I hear Diggory instruct Barnaby to go and get me some food. When he returns, Diggory practically force-feeds me before trying for information again.
“Child, you must eat,” he pleads, shoving bread in my direction for about the tenth time.
I take it, still shaking, and nibble a bit.
“Now,” Diggory clears his throat. “Tell me what happened.”
Slowly, I speak. I tell him about the Discipline and about helping Amelia. Diggory closes his eyes knowingly when I suddenly begin retching again. When I am finished, Diggory hands me another bit of food, and I finish my tale.
“Come here, child,” Diggory pulls me to my feet.
We walk a few yards over to a fountain, and Diggory pulls out a handkerchief. He dips it in the water before turning to me, gently wiping my face.
“There,” he sighs, “that took care of the blood on your face. Wash your hands.”
I do as I’m told, and then Diggory turns me to look at him.
“I take it all of this destruction was aimed at Lord War?” he asks me.
“I don’t know,” I answer truthfully. “I was angry with myself. I was angry at the world…but yeah, I think this particular bit was because of War.”
It takes me a moment to come to my conclusion, but there it is.
“Well,” Diggory purses his lips, “in that case, the next time you’re angry with Lord War, aim your fury at the fields of roses and sunflowers—those are War’s. You have effectively decimated a portion of Lord Death’s lilies, and despite faults he may have, I don’t think he is a good target for your wrath.”
“Oh!” my eyes go wide, and I’m suddenly quite embarrassed.
My behavior seems rather juvenile now that I have had time to calm down. No matter who planted them, the flowers are a creation of the Father’s, and they are not to blame for my situation. Ending their already short lives does nothing to better my own. I suppose I just needed the world to be as ugly as my heart was in that moment.
Aside from that, Lord Death has done nothing but good for me since my unprecedented arrival, and he does not deserve the destruction of something that brings him joy.
“Is there any way I can repair the damage?” I wonder aloud.
“Kaija?” Diggory raises an eyebrow at me.
“I’m responsible for this,” I nod. “And you said I am to be a groundskeeper, yes? If that is so, then it is my duty to remedy my wrongdoing.”
Diggory looks at me like a proud father, a satisfied smile adorning his lips.
“You may survive this yet, child,” Diggory pats my back. “You may just survive this yet.”
The sun went down quite a long time ago, and I am planting flowers by the light of the full moon. They are intoxicatingly fragrant, and between them and the quiet around me, I find myself in a very relaxed state of mind. Diggory assured me that my chore could wait until morning. Evidently, we will not face another Discipline until a month from now, and in the mean time, we will work and live here at the palace. I would rather set things right as soon as possible, however, so I am enjoying myself in the stillness.
My heart still aches at the loss of Amelia, but my time alone, digging in the earth, has calmed me. Once in a while, a silent tear will streak down my face, but aside from that I am at peace for now.
I find myself humming. It is an old song that was forbidden centuries ago when worship of any deity besides our current gods was banned. Followers of my faith have managed to hang on to it and others like it, though, through secret meetings and passing them from parent to child for generations.
After a few bars of humming, I softly sing the chorus. I am utterly alone, and I’m over a mile away from the palace. Being heard isn’t much of a concern, and even if I were to be overheard, becoming a martyr would be an honor. I certainly do not want to die, but there is no point in pretending that it couldn’t happen at any moment. It’s best, in my mind, to embrace it and be prepared.
The song’s lyrics of the love and faithfulness of my God bolster my heart. Despite the horrors I experienced earlier today, I know that I am not really alone. I am loved and valued despite how I am treated by others on this earth, and when I do inevitably die, I will be welcomed into Paradise, never to feel pain or heartache again.
With these thoughts, I lose all traces of fear, and I sing. I lose myself in reckless abandon, and I am strong once more. I have nothing to give, but I offer my voice, my soul, and myself to my God. This body is His creation. He is free to do with it as He sees fit. If my suffering will further His kingdom, I am ready, come what may.
My song ends, and I breathe a silent prayer, continuing to hum.
“God, show me your purpose.”
“You have a beautiful voice,” a man speaks behind me, and I nearly jump out of my skin.
~#*TSD*#~
Uh oh! What does Kaija do? She doesn't know who this person is behind her (or does she?), and there is no doubt that he's heard her singing a forbidden song. What does she do? Turn around and see who it is? Attempt to run? Something else? You decide!!
Also, this is going to be a flash chapter! You have until tomorrow night before I post the poll! Hurry, Hurry! ;D
Last edited by Andolyn on Tue Oct 13, 2015 6:05 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2015 5:35 pm Post subject: |
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I'll admit it was a nice, quick read, but my throat is still clogged up anyhow. I feel bad for her, struggling with all this, but also I feel bad for the flowers.
As for the man,she should stick to her gusty resolve- singing her song can't be any worse than her current transgressions, why not just thank him for the compliment? It's entirely possible he's TRYING to get a rise out of her.
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Seraphi
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| Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2015 6:05 pm Post subject: |
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A quick read, but still super awesome!
Since the first words out of this mystery man's mouth aren't "What heathen song is this?!" I'm going to say he definitely isn't War, so I think it would be safe for Kaija to turn and see just who it is that thinks so highly of her voice. :3
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Sapphire_Rayne
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| Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 2:16 pm Post subject: |
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I really enjoyed this chapter, and I'm really glad that the other girls had made it over safely!
As for what Kaija should do, I have to agree that it doesn't seem to be War. He doesn't seem like he's the type to dish out a compliment, especially if it has to do with singing a forbidden song. I agree that it's like her to thank the person, though she did seem worried about being caught singing it. . .
I'm opting for turning around before thanking. You never know who it is, and maybe the person needs a sarcastic thanks.
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 5:06 pm Post subject: |
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It seems we're pretty much all agreed on not running
I look foreward to the next chapter already :3
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Note to self: The Elven Moon; Coin; SVI; Black Animals; Two Wolves; Angel Cat
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 5:40 pm Post subject: |
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Well, since everyone's in agreement, here's the next chapter!!
~#*TSD*#~
“You have a beautiful voice,” a man speaks behind me, and I nearly jump out of my skin.
I leap to my feet and turn, dropping the stargazer lily I’m holding. Before me, to my horror, is Death. Immediately, I gasp and lower my gaze.
“My apologies,” he chuckles softly. “I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
“You have no need to apologize to me, my lord,” I say quietly, shaking slightly from the adrenaline pumping through me.
I know he heard my song. He had to; I only just finished singing. He doesn’t seem to be angry, though.
“All the same,” Death says, leaning on the fountain, “I am sorry. You’ve had enough traumas for one day. I should have been a little louder in my approach.”
I’m not sure how to reply. War would have killed me instantly if he’d heard that song. Why is Death just standing there? Is this yet another sick form of torture—luring me into a false sense of security before he ends me?
“It’s okay,” I mumble, bending to pick up the flower I dropped.
“That song was to a god, wasn’t it?” there isn’t even a hint of anger or bitterness in his voice. Death almost sounds curious.
“The God,” I correct him, almost without thinking about it. I freeze, waiting for him to punish my careless words.
“Oh, you’re not a believer?” he genuinely sounds intrigued. “This explains so much.”
“Forgive my forwardness, my lord,” I speak toward the beautiful flower in my hands.
“It’s quite alright,” Death answers.
Every word he says sounds so sincere. I find myself wanting, more than anything, to believe him. Death sighs before continuing.
“It is nice to meet someone who doesn’t blindly follow. I don’t remember anything that happened before the Cataclysm, so other religions are completely foreign to me,” he utters the thought peacefully. “All I know is that I awoke with my abilities after it was all over, and after years of wandering alone, I was found by the gods. I was given the name Death and placed among them. I don’t want any of this Offering business. I’d rather just live a quiet life with a good woman, grow old, and die like a normal man, cherished by a few but anonymous to the world.”
I listen quietly, and Death sighs before continuing.
“It pains me to see the women suffering every year, but War is the most powerful of the gods, and I am too much of a coward to challenge him.” Death trails off with a self-deprecating chuckle.
In spite of myself, I look up. Death is leaning on the fountain, looking up into the sky, lost in some distant memory. The moonlight catches his long, white hair and glistens like a milky waterfall as it flows from his head, to where it’s tied at the nape of his neck, and then over his shoulder and onto his black-clothed chest. His pale skin almost glows in the dim light.
“I don’t know why I’m telling you all of this. I suppose we all have our secrets, don’t we?” Death suddenly looks at me, and I drop my gaze as quickly as possible. “Kaija, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, my lord,” I mutter in reply.
“You are a very brave woman, Kaija,” he says softly. “I wish I had half of your courage. I do wish you’d rein it in just a bit, though. I’d love to see you live a long and happy life.”
“My lord?” I don’t think I heard him correctly.
“I’m sorry,” Death shakes his head. “That was a strange thing for me to say, wasn’t it?”
“You do an awful lot of apologizing to someone who’s supposed to be a slave,” I say, immediately realizing I’ve probably been too bold again.
Death only laughs, though.
“You are right, I suppose,” he says thoughtfully. “Though, I can’t say that I view you as a slave. You’re just someone trapped by circumstance, and that rings painfully familiar.”
Again, I’m not sure how to respond. Death’s words are disarming. He makes me feel that I’m in a safe place. I feel that here and now, with him, I am free to be myself, but I can’t just forget Diggory’s words of warning. Diggory told me to stay away from him, and there must have been a reason for that.
“Master Diggory told me that there had been an accident in one of my gardens,” Death makes an abrupt switch in conversation. “I came to survey the damage, but it seems as though you’re getting quite a handle on things.”
“If I’m honest, the damage was no accident, my lord,” I say, feeling the need to be straightforward with Death. I bend, placing the lily I’ve been cradling in a hole. “I destroyed them, and I felt it was only right for me to replace them.”
“This afternoon must have been quite painful for you,” I hear Death’s footsteps growing closer to me.
I don’t answer, continuing to pack dirt around the small flower. It occurs to me how strange it is that instead of being upset that I destroyed his garden, Death saw through to the reason behind my behavior.
Suddenly, Death kneels down beside me and begins digging a hole next to mine with the spade. I stop what I’m doing to watch him. Death picks up a white Madonna lily and places it tenderly next to my stargazer.
“I love the feeling of the earth between my fingers,” Death says softly. “It always calms me after a hard day.”
I nod in acknowledgment. We work in silence for a long while before he speaks again. I can’t tell if I am the target audience or if he’s speaking to himself.
“Flowers are incredible,” he says distantly. “It doesn’t matter how dark the world becomes, they will continue to bloom and make it just a little bit more beautiful. Their lives are short, but they don’t mind. They make the most of the time they are given. I envy them, in a way.”
Death stands, brushing the dirt off his hands. He goes to the fountain and washes them further, his long, black cloak billowing behind him in a warm breeze.
“Prolonged life only leads to pain, loneliness, and bitterness, and just when you think it’s over, the worst of all comes, and apathy sets in. Eventually, you’ve lost so much and seen so much that you become anesthetized. The joys are dull, and the terrors don’t carry any sting at all anymore.”
I almost can’t believe what I’m hearing. I stand, watching him clean his hands, and for the first time, I see it. Everything about Death, his every word and movement, his entire persona, is drenched in profound sorrow. It overwhelms me, and I feel as though I could cry all over again.
What horrors have made him this way? What loss has he experienced? I shudder at the thought.
“Kaija,” his voice startles me, and I look down quickly.
“Yes, my lord?”
“Come and wash your hands,” Death says, and though it is a command, it is gentle. “You have done enough for one night. You should rest, and finish tomorrow.”
I do as I’m told, and as I clean the dirt away, I can feel his gaze. When I finish, a cool finger slides under my chin, lifting it up and to the right. Despite having my face a mere foot from Death’s, I keep my eyes averted. My rebellious nature begs me to look up at him, but he has shown me quite a measure of respect, so I will play by the rules for now.
“Kaija?” Death’s voice is almost shy now.
“Yes, my lord?”
“Please, look at me,” he says imploringly.
The air around us smells so strongly of the stargazer lilies that I can’t tell if it’s really the flowers or if Death himself has this sweet fragrance. I hesitate for a moment before lifting my eyes. His pale, green irises shine back at me, and he smiles sadly.
“You have the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen,” he whispers. “Please allow me to look on them whenever possible.”
My heart makes a loud thump against my ribcage. I am stunned, utterly speechless, as I stare back at him, fumbling for an answer.
“O—of course, my lord,” I finally stammer.
After a few more seconds, Death releases my chin and steps back.
“Go and clean up, Miss Kaija,” he says, wheeling around on one booted heel. “You deserve some rest after today—oh!”
Death turns back to me again, and per his request, I look him in the eye.
“I’ll keep your secret if you’ll keep mine,” Death winks at me.
“Of course, Lord Death,” I say with a slight curtsey.
At my words, a frown mars Death’s handsome features for a second, and then he smirks at me, though the half smile doesn’t reach his eyes.
“Please, Miss Kaija,” his voice is soft and hypnotic, “my name is Elias.”
“Alright,” I say slowly. “Elias.”
“My name has never sounded more beautiful,” Elias smiles that sad smile again before turning and walking back toward the palace.
For a long while, I stare at Elias’s retreating back, trying to process everything that has happened today. Finally, I tear my eyes away and organize my tools, getting them ready for tomorrow’s work. Thanks to Elias, I don’t have much left to do.
I’m not sure what Diggory will have to say about my candid discussion with the very god he warned me to avoid, but regardless of his intentions, Elias calmed me significantly. He shared secrets with me and made me feel comfortable sharing my own. Half of me prays I don’t regret my openness later, but the other half is considering my encounter with Death a very good thing.
“Thank You for that,” I whisper a quiet prayer as I follow Elias’s long footsteps back to the palace.
~#*TSD*#~
For your DP, what does she do upon returning to the room? Make a memorial for Amelia, Read the Holy Book, Go to Bed?
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Seraphi
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| Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 5:59 pm Post subject: |
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BONDING MOMENT! I was smiley and giggly the entire time, haha.
Since there doesn't seem to be a trial tomorrow, and she effectively has her chores done, I don't see why Kaija can't stay up late and get some reading in. Maybe, since she's won some trust from the other girls (except Rebecca, she's horrible lol), she can even share a passage of it with them to help them cope better with Amelia's death (but just do it from memory because I don't think it would be good to have the actual physical book exposed to discovery).
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 6:08 pm Post subject: |
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gah -cannot help but make happy noises- nnnng, Andi, you might turn me into a Death/Elias fangirl.
>>
<<
>>;
Regardless, uh...I think we should just go ahead and do that memorial thing. A sense of closure, after all that happenedd today, would be nice I think.
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I now have three SGames! "Mist in a Cave" Chapter 5 is in the works
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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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Sapphire_Rayne
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| Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 6:15 pm Post subject: |
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I knew it! I just end up loving Death more and more! And his name, my is it gorgeous! Okay, I'm done with the fangirling now. I really enjoyed reading the bonding time these two had!
I think that when she gets back to the room, she should make a memorial. Amelia's death isn't something that should just be swept under the rug, and it might help some of the other girls cope too. After that though, she should probably sleep . . it's been a long day.
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 8:54 pm Post subject: |
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I'll admit, I was thrown off. The way you phrased the dp, I was certain she didn't know who was behind her- and from the way you've described him, I'd certainly recognize his voice. Nonetheless, she has had a tough day, and I really liked this chapter. I found myself wondering, though, if he was doing just as she suspected- lulling her into a false sense of security.
I'm gonna go ahead and vote for the memorial, if only cause it was my idea last chapter and I'd love to see it.
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 9:01 pm Post subject: |
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| Sorry about that, Noni. I didn't mean to make it sound that way. You know when someone just suddenly speaks when you're not expecting anyone to be there & for a second, you're too frazzled to put together who it is? Maybe that's just how I react. haha! I'm a jumpy person, though. My husband scared the snot out of me once when we were the ONLY TWO IN THE HOUSE. There's no way it could have been anyone but him, but I still freaked out for a second. lol! Maybe I'm weird, but that's sort of how I saw her mind reacting.
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 8:25 am Post subject: |
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Makes sense. ^^ Like I said, I'm the one who read it wrong. I'll pay closer attention next time.
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 12:26 pm Post subject: |
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| We've made it to page 3!!!
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 12:32 pm Post subject: |
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*does a dance* :3
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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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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 2:04 pm Post subject: |
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Splendid chapter, lass. I'd say she'd memorialise Amelia and give a speech that'll give even more hope to the girls. She is the leader, she's the Che Kaijavara!
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2015 4:02 pm Post subject: |
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I caught up finally! And it was well worth it, very enjoyable, vivid read! In that final chapter alone, the diversity of emotions that you put so tangibly into words is fabulous. The heartbreak of losing Amelia, the rage taken out on beauty, the tension between herself and Death followed by unfathomable peacefulness. Very good and much enjoyed!
Though she should rest, I don't know that Kaija will be able to right away. Not after everything that has happened over the previous hours. I think she needs to unwind her mind a little, and personally, I feel there is no better way to calm oneself than to be near to other living, non-judgemental creatures. She's aware there's a stable somewhere nearby because one of the other offerings is placed there to work. Seek it out and spend some time in the company if the horses housed there.
Looking forward to more! Keep up the good work! x
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themightyzan
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| Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 6:32 am Post subject: |
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Caught up! Yay! Still loving it. But I tell you that often, so you already know. ^.^
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2015 12:11 pm Post subject: |
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| Poll is up, lovelies!
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2015 12:55 am Post subject: |
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This chapter is short, but it was very difficult to write. There is a lot of personal emotion in it, and I only hope I did it justice. It was written to the song "Love Never Fails" by Brandon Heath, if you'd like an extra punch of feels.
~#*TSD*#~
When I enter the main corridor, the hall is empty. Though I try for silence, even my usually quiet footfalls sound garishly loud. When I reach our room, every one of the girls is still awake. Vivienne and Jocelyn are sitting together on Amelia’s bed, crying quietly. Amberline is sitting alone on her bed, cradling her head in her hands. Only Rebecca seems unaffected by what’s going on. She’s smoothing her outfit for tomorrow, humming cheerfully.
My presence is noticed almost immediately, and all eyes are on me.
“Kaija,” Jocelyn says softly.
“Do you finally realize, now, how strong Lord W—” Rebecca begins, but I cut her off before she can even say that blasphemous name.
“Shut your mouth,” I hiss, my eyes flashing dangerously at her.
Without waiting for a reply from any of them, I stalk over to Amelia’s wardrobe. Roughly, I throw open the doors and begin rifling through the clothing. I find the dress that Amelia was wearing when we arrived. Like all of our Offering Day dresses, it is simple sackcloth with a few ruffles and flowers pinned in various, flattering places.
I rip it from the hanger and fold it neatly. Then, hugging the fabric to my chest, I head toward the veranda. I hear the girls following behind me, but I don’t look back. On my way down the stairs, I grab one of the many torches that line the balcony’s ledge.
“Kaija, what are you—” Rebecca begins.
“Sssh!” One of the other girls stops her for me this time. I’ll have to thank them for that later.
At the bottom of the stairs lies the river that we crossed in order to get to the Discipline. Looking to my left, I see the cavernous mouth of the tunnel that runs under the palace. A chill runs up my spine at the yawning darkness, but I shrug it off. I have work to do.
I head, instead, to my right. Laying the simplistic dress lovingly on a rock, I keep moving to the little, wooden bridge. I pause to shove the torch I took into the ground. After a couple of solid kicks, I’m able to dislodge a board from one of the bottom stairs of the bridge. I can replace it tomorrow after I finish with Lord Death’s flowers. I pick up the wood and the torch and head back over to Amelia’s dress. The other Offerings have gathered behind me to watch what I’m doing.
Amelia was a thin, little thing—only twenty-one years old—and the dress reflects that. We make the Offering dresses ourselves, so they are extra special. I hold up the fabric for a moment, memorizing it, before holding it to my chest in a hug.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper as tears sting my eyes.
I place a kiss on the cloth and fold it, placing it carefully on the wood. Reaching for the torch, I light the dress on fire and hold the wood over the rushing water.
“‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you,’” I whisper the words, allowing my pain to fall with my tears. “‘When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.’”
My heart is broken, but the words from my holy book are a comfort to me as I push the tiny funeral pyre out into the river. A sob escapes my lips as the wood slips from my fingers. I stand, following the makeshift raft on the bank. I move past the bridge and out to the very edge where the waterfall rushes down into the lush, green basin.
Somewhere down there, Amelia’s body is resting. I wasn’t able to do anything for her in life, and this is the best I can offer her in death, but it’s all I have.
The wind blasting up from below whips my hair and blows my tears backward as I watch the light of the little fire disappear into the mist below.
“‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,’” I continue to whisper when I feel hands on my shoulders. Amberline, Jocelyn, and Vivienne have joined me at the canyon’s edge, and each of them has placed a hand on me. I hear their sobs and sniffles vaguely, but I carry on. “‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”
We stand this way for a long while, staring out into vague shadows. The light from the moon casts an enchanting light on the landscape below us, and it glistens on the river that winds through the basin. Far away, in the distance, over the mountains, I can see it glistening on the sea. I wonder if my little memorial will make it that far. I know that our tears will.
I close my eyes, praying silently for a moment. I pray for the safety and comfort of the women around me. I pray for the soul of Amelia because I don’t know her eternal fate—that, perhaps most of all, plagues me. I pray for myself and my own strength. If I am to lead these women, I’m going to need it. I pray for wisdom and courage to do what I need to do.
When I’ve finished, I take a deep breath.
“Goodbye, Amelia,” I whisper, stepping back through the three women crowded around me.
Vivienne, Jocelyn, and Amberline remain by the waterfall when I return to the room. I pass Rebecca. She mutters something about destroying property, but I keep walking. For a time, I’m alone in our room.
I make my way over to Amelia’s bed. I look in her wardrobe, but I only see the clothing provided to us there. Kneeling down, I slide my hands beneath the mattress. My hands hit something cold, and I remove a locket on a chain. I don’t open the locket. Undoubtedly it was something she treasured, and I don’t want to intrude.
Looking around to be sure that no one has returned to our room, I pull out my holy book and place the thin locket in the pages. I close it gently and put it back in its place. This way, Amelia’s prize will be kept safe. Until I die, the thing that she loved enough to bring with her, here, will be guarded.
Climbing into my bed, I close all of the curtains and lay back on my pillows. I close my eyes, but sleep eludes me, as usual. Thoughts of Amelia trouble me, and I can’t shake them. Silent tears still flood my face as I hear Jocelyn and the other girls returning from outside. They are quiet as they crawl into bed, and eventually, sleep overtakes me.
~#*TSD*#~
DP: What does Kaija do the next day? A bath would probably be good. She's going to need to finish the flowers and replace that step...but what else does she do? Does she go talk with Digg? Spend time with the other Offerings? Something else? You decide.
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2015 3:27 am Post subject: |
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Great chapter, Andi. Very emotional and heartfelt. One can feel the emotion from all parties involved.
I think Kaija needs a little solitude to gain some personal perspective. If she feels she needs to she can gain some advice from Diggory another time, but right now I think she'd benefit greatly from some alone time. She seems to feel that everything is placed upon her shoulders, so she's entitled to it. Go about her business for the day, by herself, and have a quiet but intense think about things.
Keep up the good work.
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.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2015 8:15 am Post subject: |
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I loved the read, even if it was kind of painful on my heart. As for what she should do? Hmm... I vote she just works on what needs to be done. Bathe, replace the flowers and the step, focus on the monotony of necessity to get past this.
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2015 9:04 pm Post subject: |
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Since the last one was short, and since there have only been two answers so far...and they were basically the same, I went ahead and wrote the next chapter! Enjoy!
~#*TSD*#~
Everything is darkness. I am overcome with pain, but I am unhurt. I can’t remember why my heart hurts so very badly. I’m frightened. I’m suddenly alone, though I don’t know who it was that accompanied me before. I can’t remember. Everything is darkness.
The morning’s light filtering in through a gap in my thick curtains irritates me into wakefulness. My eyes are still puffy, and my hair is a matted mess. Likely, some of Amelia’s blood is still lingering there.
Reluctantly, I slide out of my warm, cozy bed, only to find that I’m alone in the grand room. From the angle of the sun, it is late in the morning, so I gather that the other girls went on with their duties and left me to sleep. I’m very grateful for that at this moment. I’m also grateful for the solitude. It gives me time to think.
I pull a simple, cotton dress out of the wardrobe and move out and down the hallway to the baths. The extravagant room houses several large tubs, all of which have access to the unthinkable extravagance of hot water on tap. Never in my nearly twenty-five years have I had a bath that was drawn up by electric pumps—this one will be my second since coming here.
Hot baths were reserved for special occasions back home. I usually enjoyed one on my birthday each year. My mother would wake me up that morning with my favorite breakfast and a tub full of hot water that she had painstakingly heated over the hearth by hand in our small kettle. It probably took her a whole hour to fill the whole thing, and at that, what I considered a hot bath then was barely lukewarm when compared to this divine feeling.
A pang of longing hits my heart as I slide into the steaming liquid. I miss my mother. I miss my whole family, but right now, I really need my mother.
As I get out and get dressed, I wonder how my family is faring on the farms. As I make my way out and have a bit of food from the kitchen, I wonder if I’m eating something that one of them harvested by hand. Maybe this bread was made from the wheat that my father so tirelessly cuts with his scythe. I wonder if my older brother had a hand in butchering the pig that provided this ham. Maybe my baby brother held this apple when it was plucked from the tree in the orchards. Perhaps my mother churned the milk for this cheese.
These thoughts comfort me as I head out of the palace to where I was working the night before. I know that they are unlikely. There are almost fifty families that work the farms. We have a lot of people for which to provide, and places with fertile ground are few and far between. One would think that would make my home a wealthy state, but that isn’t the case. All resources are sent through the gods first for “blessing”. They see to the division of the portions after their own tables have been filled. Our people are impoverished while their hard work is poured into palaces like this one over the known world.
Despite that, the off chance that my family was directly involved in my provision is still just that—a chance. It’s a hope. It’s comfort. Today, I’ll take it.
Everything is just as I left it in the field of lilies. All of the flowers are in pots in the wagon, and my tools are laid out in a row. I pick up the spade and head for the row where I was working when I stopped. The last flower in line is a white Madonna lily. I pause, staring at it for a moment. My eyes fall to the spade in my hand. I can almost see Lord De—Elias’s long, elegant fingers curled around it.
The fact that Lord De—Elias—That’s going to take some getting used to.
The fact that Elias spoke with me for so long and helped me after I destroyed something so beautiful of his still baffles me. He wasn’t upset about it in the slightest. He didn’t react at all, outside of curiosity, to me singing to a god other than he. I rather wonder if he reacts to much of anything, or if he meant what he said about being numb after so many years. He certainly seems numb—tragically sad, but numb. It almost makes me pity him.
Shrugging the thoughts from my mind I turn back to the flower in my hands. The very idea of a lowly Offering feeling pity for one of those with power is laughable, at best. If War heard me say that, I’d probably be killed on the spot.
A shiver runs up my spine as I carry on with my work.
My mind tries to travel to Amelia, but I stop it. I can’t afford to dwell on things. I was essentially useless to her, but I did everything I could possibly have done to save her. It simply wasn’t enough. I will carry the weight of her death for the rest of my life—I know that. Letting it consume me would do nothing for the other girls, though. My only option now is to make a decision to keep my actions from bringing pain to any others. I will do everything possible to aid them, and no one else will be placed in harm’s way because of me if I have anything to say about it.
I’ve also got to focus on keeping myself out of harm’s way—out of War’s way, really. I’ve stood up for myself and the other girls twice now. There’s absolutely no doubt that he’ll be gunning for me from here out. I can’t worry about that either, though. I made a promise to help Amberline and the others. I’m not about to go back on that. I’ll just have to be more careful with how I help.
When I finish with all the flowers, I stand and wipe my brow. It’s well beyond lunchtime by the way the sun is beginning to dip in the afternoon sky. I quickly wash my face and arms in the fountain, resting with the remainder of the food I brought as a quick and easy meal. I don’t much feel like being near other people today, so the less I have to be in community areas, the better.
After my break, I head toward the stable in hopes of finding Diggory. He’s not difficult to locate. He and Amberline are working with a new colt. I call him over, and he jogs to me, breathless.
“How are you, Child?” Diggory asks me with a sad smile. “Amberline said you were taking Amelia’s death pretty hard.”
“Yeah,” I say, biting my lip. I’m not sure which question I’m answering. Both, I suppose.
“You know you can’t blame yourself for Lord War’s actions. That girl was doomed whether you would have tried to help her,” Diggory lays a big hand on my shoulder. “At least you didn’t let her die alone on that wire.”
I hadn’t really thought of it that way. The idea that I might have at least been a comfort to her in her final moments does lift my spirits ever so slightly.
“Thanks, Digg,” I try to smile at him.
“That was a good thing you did,” Diggory continues. “Those other girls needed the closure you gave them last night. They needed you to follow through and lead them. Well done.”
“I did it for myself,” I tell him honestly. “I couldn’t just let her death go unmarked.”
“Whatever your reasons, it was a good thing,” Diggory cups my face in his calloused hands, lifting it to look at him. “We don’t see leaders emerge in the Offerings. It just doesn’t happen. It’s every woman for herself in this game. You’re special, Kaija. You’re different. With you there for them, these girls are going to have a much easier time than most. Even those who don’t survive will be better off knowing that they will be remembered. You’re doing well, child.”
I nod, and Digg wipes away the tears that appear in my eyes with his thumbs. He kisses my forehead gently before releasing my face.
“Where can I find some wood, Digg?” I ask, sniffing back my tears.
“If you’re looking to replace the step on the walkway, Barnaby already took care of it for you when he found out what you did with it. Memorializing the girls is usually a job that he takes on himself, so he really appreciated your efforts.”
“Oh,” I mumble. I’ll have to thank Barnaby later.
“For future reference, though, the woodpile is around back there,” Diggory points vaguely off behind me.
“Thanks,” I nod. “Do you have any other jobs for me today? It’s still early yet. I hate to turn in so soon.”
“If you’d like, there’s another field that could use some attention. The fountain is getting a little dingy. Would you mind scrubbing it down for me?”
“Sure thing,” I salute lazily.
Diggory grabs the supplies I’ll need before offering me his arm. I take it, and Digg leads me to where I’ll be working for the evening. My heart almost flips when I notice that we’re heading for an expansive area filled with lilies. I’m not sure why. It’s not as though I’ll see Lord Elias here or anything with the hundreds of other fields. It was also a half and half probability that I’d be working in on of his gardens.
“Is everything alright, Child?” Diggory looks at me side eyed.
I realize that I’m gripping his arm much tighter than I was before. Releasing it, I fumble for an answer, unsure if I should tell Diggory about yesterday’s encounter with Lord Elias.
~#*TSD*#~
And there's your DP! Does Kaija tell Diggory about her talk with Elias?
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misterbiz
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| Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2015 10:02 pm Post subject: |
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Loving this. Loving how much she cares for the girls.
I say she tells Digg.
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 7:49 am Post subject: |
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A nice, lovely chapter.
I also say she tells him. She can trust him and Digg obviously knows pretty much the inside out of how things work.
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Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Seraphi
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| Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 8:32 am Post subject: |
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Wonderful chapter, Andy.
Also agreeing with Biz and Cy here, she can and should talk to Diggory.
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"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 9:18 am Post subject: |
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Hmmm...I'm not AS keen to tell him... But he seemed confused last time we told hm about Elias...maybe he'd like to know as much as e'd like to tell him.
I'm also starting to wish we were a bride given to him instead of War XP
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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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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 4:37 pm Post subject: |
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As usual, I'm the dissenting voice- he warned her not to trust anyone, and personally, I would include him. As nice as he's being, she has no idea why he's been offering her his help. On top of that, telling him what happened may alienate him and reduce the likelihood of any future help. She should practice holding her tongue.
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2015 5:12 pm Post subject: |
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UBER long chapter...but the last couple have been on the short side. Lots of things going on here, and I couldn't reach a good DP. So. Here you go.
**DISCLAIMER** MATURE CONTENT AHEAD. READ AT YOUR OWN DISCERNMENT
~#*TSD*#~
“I—uh.”
“Kaija, you can tell me anything,” Diggory stops and looks at me with concern in his stormy eyes.
I take a steadying breath.
“I spoke with E—” This switching thing is going to kill me. “Lord Death…”
“You what?” Diggory’s eyes grow round.
“Last night, when I was working,” I look at my feet. “Lord Death showed up, and we talked for a while. He helped me plant a few—”
“OH, Child,” Diggory begins pacing. His anxiety is making me nervous. “This isn’t good. He can’t—he mustn’t do this.”
“Diggory, you’re scaring me,” I grip his arm as he makes a pass by me, and he stops pacing.
“I’m afraid,” Diggory looks at me very seriously. “Lord Death has already crossed War for you once. Now he’s meeting with you privately?”
“I wouldn’t call it ‘meeting with me’. He just came to see about the damage to the flowers,” I mutter.
“He came to see about you,” Diggory sighs. My head shoots up, and I stare at him in disbelief. “Yesterday afternoon, Lord Death came to me and asked if I knew where you were. He told me you disappeared right after the Discipline, and no one knew where you’d gone. I told him that there had been an accident in one of his gardens and that you were fixing things. I never thought he’d go looking for you.”
“Lord Death was looking for me?” I repeat his words. Maybe if I do that enough, my mind will be able to absorb them. “Why would he do that?”
“He’s interested in you, Child. I told you. You’re different. You’re special. Lord Death sees that too, and that is a bad, bad thing.”
“He seemed so wonderful, though…” I mutter. I truly do feel like a girl arguing with her daddy about a boy. “He made me feel safe.”
“Of course he did,” Diggory looks at me, obviously still distressed. “Lord Death is an incredible man. He certainly has my respect.”
A strange relief washes over me at his words despite how perceptibly anxious Diggory still is.
“My respect will do nothing, though, if Lord War catches him showing interest in you. You are an offering to War, and he is extremely jealous over what he sees as his property. I care very much for you, Child, and I don’t want to see harm come to Lord Death either. He’s suffered enough already in his years.”
“Digg,” I say, placing a hand on his warm, masculine face, “you know Lord Death and Lord War far better than I, but even with my limited knowledge I wouldn’t call coming to check on me after what happened at the Discipline ‘showing interest’. From what you say, Lord Death is just a good man. He probably would have done the same thing if it were any of the girls.”
Diggory sighs, and for the first time, he appears to relax.
“Perhaps you’re right,” he nods. “Just please, Kaija, be careful. You’re very dear to me. Seeing you go through those awful Disciplines is difficult enough. I don’t want to see you in any extra danger.”
“I’ll be careful, Digg. I promise,” I assure him.
We chat for a while longer about trivial matters before I set to work on the fountain. Night falls again before I’m finished, and by the time I get cleaned up and back to the room, all of the other girls are already asleep. I slide between the sheets and drift off myself, thinking hard about everything Diggory has told me.
No one can be put in danger because of me. If Lord Elias’s attention will cause him to be in danger, I’ll simply have to see about dodging his attention.
Three days pass in much the same manner as the first after the Discipline. I wake up, do my work, spend time with Amberline, Jocelyn, and Vivienne to keep our spirits up, and then we go to bed. Rebecca is War’s personal attendant, and she’s always gone until late at night. We’ve settled into blissful monotony, and I find myself thinking that if life could continue this way forever, it might not be so bad. We’ve only got a little over three weeks until the next Discipline, though, so I know that’s only wishful thinking.
Today, the morning dawns peacefully. The girls and I chat quietly as we get ready for our respective days. The sting of Amelia’s death is still with us, but it has dulled considerably. Her bed and wardrobe have been taken from the room. I say a silent prayer of thanks that I was allowed to retrieve Amelia’s locket before it was destroyed or thrown out.
“I really like the other cooks,” Jocelyn is telling us as we walk. “They’re all so nice. They’ve taken great care of me.”
“Same with the housekeepers!” Vivienne says excitedly. “They do so much! You’d never know, though, because they’re in and out before you notice!”
“Are you enjoying the stables, Amberline?” I ask, smiling.
Before she can answer, though, screaming resounds from down the long hallway. We look at one another for a brief second before I tear off down the corridor. I hear the others following behind me.
I reach the end first, and I immediately wheel around and sprint in the direction from which I came. The younger two of our group are only eighteen and nineteen years old. They mustn’t see this. I grab Vivienne and Jocelyn by the arms and drag them with me.
“Amberline!” I shout, calling her attention as she follows the three of us.
“What is it, Kaija? What’s going on?” she demands.
“Take these two, and don’t come out until I tell you,” I order, shoving the three of them back toward our room.
“What’s going on?” Amberline repeats.
“Do as I say!” I bark, shooting her a meaningful look. “I’ll explain later.”
All three of them look confused, but they follow my instruction. I take a deep breath, trying to settle my churning stomach, and head back to the source of the commotion.
A crowd has gathered now, all staring stupidly. High above the ground, a young woman is suspended from a rope attached to one of the exposed beams in the ceiling of this particular room. She is bruised and battered, scars covering her olive skin. Her skimpy, burgundy clothing suggests to me that she is one of War’s Brides, and it’s obvious from the placement of some of the bruises that she’s been sexually assaulted; the varying colors of them tells me it happened more than once. On the wall behind her, chilling words are spelled out in the girl’s blood.
I was worth more.
Anger and a flood of other emotion that I can’t quite name overwhelm me. Hot tears threaten my eyes, but I refuse them.
The ladder from which the Bride jumped to her death is still standing beside her. Without hesitation, I climb up and pull a blade from my boot. I cut through the rope, dreading the appalling thud that will come when she drops, the it never comes.
I look down to see Lord Elias cradling the young woman in his arms. I have no idea when he arrived, but I’m glad that he did. The thought of the woman falling to the floor had sickened me. Lord Elias looks into the Bride’s pale, bruised face with that familiar sorrow in his celadon eyes. Kneeling with her, he brushes a piece of her ebony hair from her eyes. The gesture is almost loving in its gentleness. With his thumb and one finger, he tenderly closes her eyes and bows his silver-white head.
“Has anyone called for Barnaby?” I hear Lord Elias say softly as I climb down from the ladder.
“I’m here, my lord,” Barnaby doesn’t even sound like himself.
I go over to the wall and stare at the haunting words.
I was worth more.
Nothing could possibly define our status here more concisely than that one statement. We are seen as nothing. We are treated as property—toys to be played with and then discarded. The reality of our worth, though, is so much greater that it’s painful. Evidently, that pain became too much for this one, beautiful woman.
I lay the knife that I used to cut her down on the skin of my arm, just below my elbow. With a quick motion and a pained grimace, I make a line, leaving a trail of my own blood. I take some on my finger, and below her writing, I place a few words of my own.
Yes, you were.
I force myself to turn around, but the body is gone. As if to answer my unspoken question, Lord Elias begins speaking to me. The crowd is still gathered behind him.
“Barnaby took her out to give her some final respects,” he informs me, staring at the floor vaguely.
As I move to exit the room, I almost run smack into Rebecca. Perfect.
“She was one of Lord War’s Brides, huh?” she shakes her head with a look of disdain. “Obviously she was too stupid to comprehend what a privilege it is to be offered to one as great as—”
Smack!
I don’t know what just came over me. My hand moved before I gave it permission to do so, and it landed, full force, across Rebecca’s cheek. Several gasps resound through the room, and Rebecca herself is lost for words as she stands before me, staring like I’ve grown another nose. Tears gather in her eyes as she grasps the reddened place on the side of her face.
“You don’t get it. Do you?” I spit, venom dripping from my every word. “As Offerings to your wonderful Lord War, we are to be raped and assaulted every day until we die of it.” Over Rebecca’s shoulder, I see Lord Elias flinch at my words as though he was the one I struck. “That brave, courageous woman simply took back what measure of control she could instead of waiting for Lord War to kill her. Show some respect for another human being for once.”
With that, I shove past the sniveling girl and run out of the room to find Barnaby. When I see him, he’s already outside, heading for the place beyond the stable where Diggory indicated the woodpile could be located.
“Barnaby!” I call.
“Go back inside, Miss Kaija,” he answers without turning.
“But I can help you!” I insist, almost having caught up with him.
“I don’t need help; go back inside,” Barnaby still doesn’t look at me.
“Barnaby, I—”
“Your place is inside!” Barnaby snarls as he turns on me. “Tend to the living!”
I am utterly stunned. I haven’t known Barnaby long, but this is completely out of character for the sweet, quirky man I know. By now, I’m used to being yelled at, but he is perhaps the last one I expected to speak to me so roughly.
Without waiting for a reply, Barnaby wheels around and continues marching toward the stables. I feel a cool hand on my shoulder, and I turn to see Lord Elias standing behind me.
“Let him go,” Lord Elias says softly. “This is something Barnaby always insists on doing alone.”
“Why?” I ask after a moment’s hesitation, staring after Barnaby.
“You should ask him sometime,” Elias replies. “Come, Miss Kaija. As Barnaby said, we should see to the living. Things are a bit chaotic in the wake of this.”
With those words, Lord Elias begins walking back inside. I bite my lip for a time, watching until Barnaby disappears from view. Then, I turn and follow Elias. He’s waiting for me about fifty yards away, black cloak dancing around his feet. When I begin walking, he does too, turning back once more at the door to be sure I’m still following.
When I slip silently into the palace, I see that Lord Elias was correct about the chaos. War has arrived, and he’s raging. Before I can step forward and see what’s happening, a large form cuts me off.
Diggory wordlessly takes a handkerchief and bandages my arm where I cut myself. When I meet his gaze, he gives me a silencing look and places one finger on his lips.
“I want to know who cut her down without my permission!” War roars.
“I told you before; I did,” I hear that gorgeous tenor of Lord Elias’s voice as he lies smoothly.
“How dare you. You know they are to be left up as a testament to their shame until I give the word to cut them down,” War’s voice drops into a low growl.
I begin trembling, and I look desperately to Diggory. He only shakes his head, still shielding me with his back to what’s going on.
“Forgive me, Lord War,” Elias doesn’t sound at all fazed by War’s ferocity. “Barnaby was available to take the girl, and procedure slipped my mind.”
“Cross me again, and that may not be the only thing that ‘slips’,” War says, danger rolling off the words in waves.
I hear gasps throughout the crowd, and I peek around Diggory’s arm to see why. War and Elias are nearly nose-to-nose. The former is rage personified, while the latter is the image of stoicism. The source of the crowd’s astonishment, though, isn’t in the challenge. It’s the small blade that’s being held against Lord Elias’s throat, just below his sharp jawline.
My heart stops, my eyes go wide, and I throw myself forward. Lord Elias is in very real danger. His life is in jeopardy because of me. I had no idea War was sick enough to leave bodies on display, and Elias just lied to cover for me. I have to stop this.
An arm that may as well have been a metal pole stops my momentum and throws me back against the wall, pinning me there. Before I can say anything, Diggory clamps a hand over my mouth. When I meet his gaze, it is full of silent warning.
“Please,” Elias says, his face still lacking all traces of emotion, “for the love of anything good left in this wretched hell, do it. End me. Do one kind thing in your hate filled existence, and put me out of my misery.”
The anticipation is going to kill me. I can no longer see around Diggory, and no one is speaking. My heart pounds in my ears, and I find myself gasping for breath. I’m trembling from head to toe. I wait, expecting to hear the sound of Elias’s tall body hitting the floor. When it doesn’t come, I move to peek through the space between Diggory’s arm and his chest.
War’s face softens, but it is no less terrifying as it falls into a wicked grin. He removes the blade from Elias’s throat, letting it slide across the pale skin as he does. Elias doesn’t even flinch as dark, crimson liquid spills onto the white scarf that’s tucked neatly into his black collar.
“Careful,” War purrs. “One of these days, I might just grant that wish.” He steps back and begins walking away. “For now, though, I think forcing you to continue living is a much better punishment.”
When War is gone, a low hum of awkward conversation covers the crowd. Lord Elias finally relaxes, putting a slender hand over the deep cut on his neck. He sighs heavily as a woman runs up to him. She’s dressed in a simple, modest, blue dress. I guess her to be one of his Brides.
“My lord! You’re bleeding!” she fusses, offering Elias a handkerchief.
Lord Elias takes the cloth from her, still staring off in the direction War just left, with a deep frown marring his expression.
“I’m alright, Charity,” he assures her softly. “He didn’t hit anything essential.”
The gentleness with which Lord Elias addresses the young woman strikes me, as does the relief that washes over her face at his words. She seems to genuinely care about him. It—in contrast to the events that lead up to this confrontation—speaks volumes to me about the vast difference between the two gods.
“I’m glad to hear it, my lord,” Charity follows Lord Elias’s gaze after War. “I was terribly frightened that he was really going to hurt you this time. Why did you lie?”
That’s what I’d like to know.
“I couldn’t let him hurt her again,” Elias states simply. My heart thumps against my chest with a pang of guilt. “Let’s go, Charity. This is going to need a bandage at the least. You’ll probably have to help me since I can’t see it.”
“Of course, my lord,” Charity falls into step behind Elias as he takes off at a blistering clip.
When the room is empty, I feel Diggory’s vice grip loosen. I’d love nothing more than to run after Lord Elias and see that he’s really okay, but as the tension leaves my body, so does the strength, and I fall into Diggory’s arms.
“Whoa, there,” Digg says as he steadies me. “I’m sorry if I was too rough. I just saw where your brave little mind was going, and I didn’t want you to get both of you killed.”
“He could have been killed either way,” I mumble into Diggory’s arm as I melt into his embrace. “And I don’t know if I could stand having anyone else die because of me.”
“Lord Death is the one who told me to catch you and hide you when he saw that Lord War was here. The way things played out was his decision. I think if he’d been executed, Lord Death would have been happy to die with purpose. If you’d have run out there, his sacrifice would have become meaningless.”
I know Diggory is right, but I don’t have to like it. I get an uncomfortable chill when I hear that Lord Elias planned to have Diggory stop me.
“Why did no one tell me not to cut her down?” I look up into Diggory’s grey eyes.
“Because it was the right thing to do,” the older gentleman smiles at me warmly. “It wasn’t what War likes, but you had the courage to do what no one else did. No one stopped you because they wanted her to rest, and Lord Death covered behind you because he agreed with your decision.”
“Then why does it feel like I did something wrong,” I sigh, heading toward the door. Diggory goes with me and signals for the guards to open it.
“Because sometimes the right thing to do isn’t always the most popular thing to do,” Diggory says, motioning for me to lead the way.
“I’ll be out in a bit, Digg,” I suddenly remember something. “I promised the other girls I’d go get them when things calmed down.”
“Did Amberline see?” Diggory asks solemnly.
“I stopped them before any of them saw,” I shake my head.
“You’re a good woman, Kaija,” Diggory nods at me. “I’ve got you working on harvesting sunflower seeds from fifty-eight today. Head on out there when you’re ready.”
“Yes, sir,” I say with a half smile.
“What’s going on??” The girls practically pounce on me when I enter our bedroom.
“Lord Death walked by a few minutes ago holding a bloody cloth to his neck!” Vivienne cries.
“There was…an incident,” I press my lips together, deciding whether or not to be truthful about everything that happened. I decide that Rebecca will tell them later if I don’t. “Someone committed suicide. I cut the body down, and Lord Death stood up to War for me. He told War it was he who got her down, and War cut him for it.”
“Lord Death lied to War?” Jocelyn’s eyes might pop out of her head if she widens them any further.
“Yeah,” I bite my lip. “He was protecting me. Turns out Death is a really great man.”
Jocelyn and the other girls exchange glances of amazement. Amberline asks the question I was hoping she wouldn’t.
“Who was it?” she questions with a knowing expression on her face.
Amberline, Rebecca, and I are the three who have been offered to War. We share the same fate. I hesitate for a moment, wishing I could protect her.
“I don’t know her name,” I sigh finally. “She was one of War’s Brides.”
Amberline gives me a look that says everything I feel. Jocelyn and Vivienne glance between us. At least they will be spared.
“Well,” I kick at the ground awkwardly, “we should really get to work now.”
“Yeah,” Amberline says softly, but before I can leave, she stops me. “Kaija?”
I turn back, and Amberline throws her arms around me. I return her embrace, feeling much like an older sister.
“You shoulder so much for us,” Amberline says tearfully. “Thank you for letting us keep at least this much of our innocence.”
I’m really close to bursting into tears when Amberline releases me, and Vivienne and Jocelyn take their turns hugging me. After that, we all go our separate ways. I head out to the field Diggory indicated earlier and work until late into the night.
When I’ve finished with my work for the night, I head back toward the palace. Off to my left, though, something catches my attention. A large fire is burning over near the woodpile.
~#*TSD*#~
DP: Investigate the fire? Go to sleep? Something else?
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Sapphire_Rayne
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| Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2015 6:56 pm Post subject: |
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ALRIGHT. Since you've written so much, let me tackle it all one by one.
I'm rather glad we spoke to Digg about it, as the two of them seem to have a father-daughter relationship and hiding it from him might have left Kaija feeling rather guilty. We as the readers also now know some of the information that Digg has, such as Elias asking where Kaija had been before seeking her out! You know how I feel about Elias, I'd love to just know the man!
Now when it comes to . . . well the tragedy, I have to say that I felt more emotions that I wish I had. I know "they're only characters" to some people but the way you write and pour your own energy and emotion into it makes them feel real. As if I could meet them one day. I felt Kaija's determination to keep the younger ones from having to see what very well might be one of their realities, and the bruises! Don't get me started on how angry I got reading how battered the woman was, or how upsetting it was that she had felt degraded enough to seek a way out.
I just knew Kaija would cut her down, and to see Elias treat the poor woman with a kindness she was obviously not shown in life got me choked up - that and Kaija writing a response in her own blood. AND DAMN REBECCA. I didn't realize I could dislike a character so much - not counting War of course. I think everyone can agree that he's just unlikable - but I do. I jumped out of my chair when Kaija slapped her. It was about damn time! Not only that but I am glad Kaija finally keyed that girl into what her life may be about - if she lives far enough that is.
I was rather shocked by Barnaby's actions and tones. I mean, having a death is upsetting - I won't try to play off that it isn't - but to have him snarl at her like that. Like Kaija I was shocked, and confused at the change in character. I thought that maybe he knew her, or maybe he's like that with any of the girls who die.
DO NOT GET ME STARTED ON WAR. He makes me so mad! UGH! And to have Elias lied and cover for what Kaija did, just melted my heart because he's trying to protect her. And Digg holding her back, just oh man. I was at first like "Let her go Digg! Let her go!" and then that knife came out and I was like "Keep a hold on her! Don't let go!" And Elias telling War to end him. Oh man. Just the shock, oh man.
Loved Charity and her snippet. It shows the difference between Elias and War and how they treat their brides. Like, no where in there did Charity seem frightened, or demeaned. Her outfit was modest and she seemed concerned for Elias. I feel like that's something important to point out.
I also loved the exchange between Digg and Kaija as always. And her time with the girls, just aw. I just really adore Kaija.
For the DP, I am rooting for investigating the fire! Kaija is naturally curious and if the previous chapters have told me anything, she'd definitely investigate.
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2015 5:20 am Post subject: |
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I'm with Rayne on this, on every account including the DP. Kaija is the nosy type, so it's a no-brainer. Off to check the fire. I believe it would be a funeral pyre for the poor woman, but I am no Kaija.
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Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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themightyzan
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| Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2015 11:30 am Post subject: |
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How dare you give me such feels.
Lovely, and sad, and I didn't need that, but it was very very well done.
Diggory continues to give me life and I love him more every time we see him.
Go investigate the fire of course. We can't see a fire and not go see what it's about.
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“I write to give myself strength. I write to be the characters that I am not. I write to explore all the things I'm afraid of. ” - Joss Whedon
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misterbiz
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| Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2015 3:30 pm Post subject: |
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Ah... The feels... Such a touching scene.
I say check out the fire. Be nosy. What's the worst that could happen?
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2015 5:55 pm Post subject: |
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Alright, ouch, the feels. First thought, and the most prevalent: FINALLY, a character that doesn't slice their PALM with all those vital nerve and tendons and stuff, and instead goes for somewhere SLIGHTLY safer!
It's time for a shameful admission, due to most likely my own habits of speed reading, I had no idea which god she had been offered too, and I am quite distressed to learn not only was it to war, but also, that his brides receive such terrible treatment. I find myself wishing they had played tradesys with Kaija and Rebecca.
Speaking of Rebecca, am I the only one starting to get a little suspicious of her? I mean, not in a negative way, but... In my experience, the only time people are SO determined to stick to one mindset, never showing even the slightest ability to process new information is when they're in denial. Suddenly, it seems less to me like she's truly this revering towards the gods. I think this is just her way of handling it- if she breaks, if she admits Kaija's right, then everything going on is going to affect her, and she won't be able to handle it.
Or she's just a bit of a bleep. Either way, I can't wait to see where this character goes!
As for the dp, I wanna say she investigates it, but in the interest of always putting forth differing opinions, I say she goes somewhere quiet, perhaps deep into that sunflower field, and lets herself be effected by what happened. She strikes me as someone who's bottling it up, and she's gotta let some of that out before she shatters.
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 12:10 am Post subject: |
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| Since Noni is DETERMINED to make this SG go as slowly as possible...Now polling ;D
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 1:35 pm Post subject: |
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When I’ve finished with my work for the night, I head back toward the palace. Off to my left, though, something catches my attention. A large fire is burning over near the woodpile. Curiosity gets the better of me, and I wander closer.
As I draw near, I begin hearing voices. Someone is singing. It’s Barnaby, and he’s singing a song about gods I’ve never heard of. It’s a beautiful song about valor and protection for the dead. It isn’t what I believe, but that doesn’t detract from the beauty in my mind.
"Oh, Valkyrie
I beg you hear my call
Another warrior
Was forced again to fall
Oh, Valkyrie
I beg that you come to me
Walk with them
And allow them some peace
Rest now, my courageous friend
You went well into that glorious end
The battles over now and all’s said and done
Though you are fallen please know you won
We’ll drink a toast as you leave the field
Rest well knowing you did not yield
Odin, all-father, please listen to my call
And accept the fallen into your halls
Tyr, sir of war, you should toast them too
After how they have carried on, spilled blood for you
Frigg, goddess mother, please open your arms
Welcome your fallen child and keep them from harm
Freya, please, open up your fields
And let in this fighter who would not yield
Bring her in, hold her close and welcome her home
Let her know that, despite the end, she was not alone
I raise my glass, so should you, and offer a toast
You might be gone but I shall keep you close
Oh, Valkyrie
I beg you hear my call
Another warrior
Was forced again to fall
Oh, Valkyrie
I beg that you come to me
Walk with them
And allow them some peace"
I wait until he’s finished, and silence falls. All I can hear now is the quiet roar of the fire. Suddenly, before I can stop it, a song of my own finds its way across my lips. It’s a song of peace and farewell, wishing for angels to accompany the dead to Paradise.
The silence remains around the corner of the shed where I know Barnaby is listening. I put my back to the rough wood and sing my heart out to the stars. I know that the girl who died cannot hear me, but I hope that my song is a comfort to Barnaby.
As I sing the final lines, I step around into the light of the fire, keeping my head down.
“Miss Kaija!” Barnaby jumps up and runs to me. “That was beautiful, Miss Kaija. P—please for give Barnaby for his rudeness this afternoon. I—it’s just that this is—”
I silence Barnaby by taking his scruffy face in my hands and kissing his cheek gently.
“It’s okay, Barnaby,” I say with a small smile. “If you’d rather be alone, I understand. I just saw the fire and wondered what it was.”
“No, Miss! Please, join us. Now that the pyre is lit, company is most welcome. I’m sure Miss Freyena would appreciate you offering your time,” Barnaby takes my hand and leads me further toward the fire.
It’s then that I see around him, and I gasp, stopping short. Over in a shadowy corner, Lord Elias is reclined on a pile of wood, watching me over a goblet of wine.
“My lord!” I quickly bow, but then I remember his request, and I look back up at him.
Lord Elias responds by raising the goblet to me. I notice that he’s wearing a new scarf. It’s tied considerably higher than normal—likely to hide the bandages from this morning’s scare.
“Forgive me,” Barnaby giggles. The familiar sound comforts me. He sounds much more himself than he did this morning. “Barnaby thought you were aware of Elias’s presence.”
“I fear we wouldn’t have been treated to that lovely song if she had been aware,” Elias hums quietly—and truthfully.
“Elias is a good friend,” Barnaby nods to me in encouragement, beckoning me closer. Timidly, I come and sit. “He always brings a bottle of his best wine as a tribute to the young ladies gone too soon.”
“That’s very kind of my lord,” I say, looking at Elias as I do. The smallest of smiles tugs at the corner of his full lips.
“Elias,” he corrects me gently. “Just Elias.”
“Okay…Elias,” I’m grateful for the heat of the fire because my cheeks have just flushed very red, I’m sure.
“Barnaby,” Elias calls, his gaze lingering on me for a few more seconds before he looks up at the quirky little man. “Why don’t you sing us another of your songs? Something lively. If I remember correctly, Miss Freyena was another spirited sort.”
“That, she was,” Barnaby grins. “Barnaby remembers her run through the Disciplines well. She made them look simple.”
Barnaby begins a lively tune about strength in battle.
Hours pass with Barnaby and I singing various songs from our two religions. We teach them to each other, and occasionally, we even get Lord Elias to sing along with us. His voice is even more beautiful singing than it is speaking.
Despite the fact that this is clearly a funeral, it brightens my spirits more and more with every passing moment. I think a woman like Freyena—what a gorgeous name—would have wanted it this way. She was worth more. Her life is worth celebrating.
When I open my eyes, it is morning, and I am still outside. I don’t remember falling asleep. I sit up, stretching, and feeling oddly refreshed for having just spent the night on the ground. It’s then that I notice I’m covered with a blanket of the finest quality I’ve ever felt. Upon further examination, I note the black color and the blue and silver accents that adorn the luxurious fabric. This isn’t a blanket at all. It’s a cloak; it’s Elias’s cloak.
“He asked me to return it to him later. He didn’t want you to get cold while you slept,” I hear Barnaby’s tired-sounding voice.
“Morning, Barnaby,” I say, rubbing my eyes and looking up. Barnaby is standing over me, staring at the ashes from last night’s fire. He looks exhausted. His eyes are sunken, and he looks altogether…worn. “You look tired. Did you stand there all night?”
“The vigil is for the comfort of the dead, not that of the living,” he answers me softly.
“I’m sorry that I fell asleep,” I suddenly feel guilty.
“There is no need for apology, Miss Kaija,” Barnaby turns to me with a sad smile. “You gave much last night in way of song and respect. I’m sure Miss Freyena is appreciative of your time.”
I look down. Barnaby begins carefully collecting the ashes from the center of the pyre where Freyena’s body would have been and placing them in the wine bottle that he and Lord Elias emptied last night. When it’s full, he sits next to me and pulls out a knife. Slowly, he etches Freyena’s name in the glass in elaborate script.
“Barnaby?” I begin quietly, questions eating at me.
“Yes, Miss Kaija?”
“Why do you do this?” I watch him as Barnaby pauses his etching. He doesn’t look up. “Why do you build the pyres alone and do all of this? I asked Lord Elias, but he said I should ask you.”
“He’s always so considerate,” Barnaby mutters.
“Forgive me,” I look down again. “You don’t have to tell me.”
“It’s alright; it isn’t a secret,” Barnaby looks up at me with a sad smile. “There was a woman who came here…many years ago. She was the most incredible creature to ever walk this earth. She was smart, witty, brave…and breathtakingly beautiful… You remind me of her.”
“What was her name?” I ask quietly.
“Jecka,” Barnaby’s smile widens, and he looks down at the ashes in his hands.
“That’s lovely,” I smile too.
“She was,” he nods. “She had the most compassionate heart—that part of you reminds me of her too.” Barnaby pauses, and I can see wetness gathering in his eyes. His voice breaks. “I loved her. During her time here, we had a powerful romance. Lord Elias knew about it, but he’s a good man. He hid us—even provided a place for us to be together whenever we wanted to be alone without having to worry about prying eyes. The Norns were against us, though. She was an Offering to War, and his hatred destroyed her. She couldn’t bare the thought of being forced to be with him. Instead of submitting to him, she chose to end her life the night of the Bridal banquet after the Disciplines.”
“Oh, Barnaby,” I whisper, my heart breaking for him.
Barnaby stands and begins walking. He heads to a small shack out beyond the horse fences. I follow him, and he continues with his tale.
“I found her. I tried everything I could to save her, but there was just so much blood. I couldn’t stop it; I was too late.”
Tears have begun streaming down my face as I follow Barnaby into the little one-bedroom house. He goes to a shelf and places the bottle of ashes lovingly alongside at least thirty others. I gasp, placing a hand over my mouth to keep from sobbing.
“I stayed with her all that night and gave her a proper send-off to Valhalla,” Barnaby places a hand on the beautiful bottle labeled “Jecka, My Love.” “I vowed from then on to be the guardian of the souls that became too lost to carry on. I light pyres for all of the Offerings who perish here, but those who take their own lives need protection. After I’ve built the pyre, Lord Elias joins me with wine as his quiet tribute. He knows what it means to lose someone he loves… In fact, he’s lost more than I could ever imagine. Elias has to be careful, but he’s always been faithful to stand by those who need him—always the silent protector of this palace. He can’t save everyone, and I know that he blames himself for that, but without him life here really would be hell.”
Barnaby comes over to me, reaching up to make an attempt at drying my tears. His efforts are futile as more flow down to replace the ones he just wiped away. I haven’t cried about Freyena yet. I haven’t cried since the day Amelia died aside from a few moments of weakness that I was able to blink back. I guess hearing that there’s someone else in the world that holds on to these deaths the way I have been is comforting. It’s allowing me to let go a little bit, so I stand here blubbering like a child.
“I know that you, too, carry so much, Miss Kaija,” Barnaby nods knowingly. “If I may, though, I need to ask one more thing of you.”
“Anything,” I hiccough through my tears, wiping my nose on my sleeve.
“Take care of those girls with you. They look to you for strength. Protect them,” Barnaby looks at me earnestly. “I’m so tired of building pyres and collecting ashes.”
I nod, sniffing again.
“I will; I promise.”
“For now, though,” Barnaby holds out his arm to me. “Let’s go find breakfast. Barnaby is hungry.”
Hearing him return to his quirky habit of referring to himself in third person forces a smile to my lips and a giggle. Life here is hard, but maybe we’ll be okay.
~#*TSD*#~
Open DP. What does Kaija do next?
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 4:06 pm Post subject: |
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I quite like this somber-ish chapter. It's... given a sense of continuation after the finality of death.
And this time, I believe Barnaby's suggestion may be valid, but I get a feeling that there's nothing else to be gained at this hour.
She should accompany him to breakfast, maybe learn more about War and his misdeeds. That bastard needs to be avoided or she'll end up the same.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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themightyzan
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| Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 8:26 pm Post subject: |
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Barnaby... Barnaby... My heart. Bless that lovely man.
I didn't think I could love anyone as much as I loved Diggory but Barnaby just came very close.
As for the DP, go get breakfast with him, OF COURSE!!!
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Seraphi
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| Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2015 10:45 am Post subject: |
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Well I hope no one else plans to write a sad story because Andy is STEALING ALL OF MY TEARS.
Barnaby...I'm glad we learned more about him, but, at the same time, my heart is being crushed into tiny pieces. My love for him has grown exponentially, though. (Sweet, adorable, precious man. He deserves all the hugs.)
I also want to add that I really like the ongoing contradiction that is Elias caring so much for the living even though he is called Lord Death.
For the dp, I'm going to be boring and agree with everyone else - Kaija should go to breakfast with Barnaby.
Ooo, and I love the song Barnaby sung, btw. Is that something you created or is it something from Norse mythology?
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2015 11:08 am Post subject: |
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| You can thank the incredible MisterBiz for that song.
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 5:15 pm Post subject: |
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No Poll this time since everyone is in agreement. Here's the next chapter, and it's a FLASH CHAPTER!! I'll be either polling or posting a new chapter tomorrow. =D
~#*TSD*#~
Barnaby and I grab a quick bite of breakfast from the kitchens. Jocelyn is there, and she rushes me.
“Where were you last night? We were so worried!”
“It’s okay Joz, I was out taking care of some things with Barnaby. We had a lot of work to do yesterday,” I assure her.
“You’ll be back tonight, though, right?” Jocelyn looks a little anxious.
“Yeah, I’ll be there tonight,” I smile at her.
“Good. It’s just not the same without you,” Jocelyn hugs me quickly before returning to work.
“Barnaby is going to return Lord Elias’s cloak,” Barnaby offers me his arm again. “Would Miss Kaija like to join him?”
“How could I refuse?” I laugh, taking Barnaby’s arm.
We wind through the endless hallways of the palace. At one point, the passage opens up into an expansive gallery. This room is almost the size of the main throne room, but it’s lined with the most beautiful paintings I’ve ever seen. One of them, I recognize immediately. I saw it in a book once, and it’s been my favorite ever since. I actually painted a copy of it on my bedroom ceiling. The swirling blues, greens, and yellows have always calmed me.
“Starry Night,” I hear Lord Elias’s soft voice from behind me. “You have very good taste, Miss Kaija.”
“Ah, thank you, my lord,” I offer him a quick curtsey before turning my attention back to the beautiful work of art. “It’s even more beautiful in person.”
“You’ve seen it before?”
Lord Elias is polite, as always, but there’s something…strained in his voice. It should really come as no surprise to me. I’ve caused him more trouble than I’m sure anyone has in a very long time. It’s only natural that I’m not the first on the list of people he’d like to see right now.
“I have,” I respond quietly. “I saw it in a book when I was little. It’s always been one of my favorites. I never imagined it survived the Cataclysm—much less that I’d ever see it.”
“It’s one of very few of the old masterpieces that came through unscathed,” Elias says coolly.
“I’m very glad that it did,” I smile brightly as I look up at him.
Lord Elias has a strange expression on his face. He’s smiling, but it’s as though he’s fighting with it—like he’d rather be anywhere else than right here right now. I can tell he’d like to say something, but he can’t. The tension could probably be cut with a knife.
“Barnaby and Miss Kaija just wanted to return your cloak, Lord Elias,” Barnaby speaks up from behind us. I’m grateful for his timing because the pressure vanishes as soon as he does.
“Thank you very much, Barnaby,” Elias nods, taking the folded fabric. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some urgent matters to attend. Miss Kaija, it was lovely to see you again.”
There’s sincerity in his voice, but I still can’t get a read on this strange stiffness Lord Elias is exhibiting. It’s completely different from how he was acting last night at the pyre.
“You as well, my lord,” I say with a deep curtsey.
Elias inhales sharply. Something about my actions has bothered him. I wish I could see what he’s thinking. I don’t have time to ponder it long, though, before Barnaby is offering me his arm again.
“Well, Miss Kaija, I’m sure Master Diggory has work for you and Barnaby to do,” he grins at me.
That one small action puts my mind at ease. Perhaps I was reading too much into the situation. Maybe this is how Lord Elias typically is, and there’s nothing wrong at all.
“I’d say you’re right, Barnaby,” I shake my head with a smile, shoving my thoughts of Lord Elias to the back of my mind. I have more important things to worry with right now.
The month between the first and second Disciplines is nearly up. Tensions have risen to near bowstring levels, and I find myself spending more and more time outside in the gardens. The girls fight amongst themselves…mostly with Rebecca, and when they’re not fighting, they’re loudly worrying about the next task we must face. I see no point since we have no way to know what that task might be. I’d rather just avoid thinking of it altogether.
For the first few days after the suicide, I was terrified that Rebecca would tell War the truth of whom it was who cut Freyena’s body down. It wasn’t my own life for which I feared. I don’t know what War would do to Elias if he found out—the revelation that he leaves bodies on display to shame the victim opened up a whole new realm of disturbing possibilities that I’d rather not consider. Rebecca never told, though. I suppose she still fears “Death” enough not to rat him out. Despite our fight, Rebecca is still disillusioned into loving War, but at least she’s afraid of me now, so she doesn’t cross me.
I have only seen Lord Elias one time since the Barnaby and I returned his cloak. I only saw him that time because we rounded a corner late at night going in opposite directions and very literally ran into one another—he was his usual picture of gentlemanly calm at the time, but I could tell that seeing me caused a strain in him. I suppose I finally became too much trouble, and now he’s avoiding me. Can’t say I blame him there, and it’s probably a wise move on his part.
As much as I hate to say it, and much to the chagrin of Diggory any time I ask about Lord Elias, I find myself missing him and wishing to see him more. I know I shouldn’t. Having a friendship with the man would be extremely dangerous to both of us. The selfishness inside of me says that I need as many allies as I can get in this place, though. Aside from that, I feel a strange magnetism that I can’t fully put my finger on when I’m near him. It’s probably that he’s one of the very few true gentlemen I’ve ever met. That sort of chivalry and selflessness is rare, at best, in these times, and it is attractive—especially to one facing a future as a Bride to a man like War.
On the last night before the Discipline, I’m out working in one of the lily fields. I’ve been out here since early this morning, and I’m exhausted. I should probably go rally the troops for tomorrow’s event, but I just don’t have it in me at this moment.
Taking a break from weeding the gardens, I lie back on the stone path and stare up at the stars. They’re absolutely stunning tonight, and there isn’t a single cloud in the sky. One of the stars falls in a brilliant streak, and I send a prayer with it for safety and wisdom tomorrow.
My place on the ground is shockingly comfortable, and my eyelids begin to grow heavy.
“There are beds in the palace, you know,” my eyes snap open; I didn’t even register falling asleep. “I’m certain you were provided one of them upon your arrival.”
The tenor voice sounds close…very close. I turn my head to the left to see that I am a mere foot away from Lord Elias. I jump, and he laughs.
“Relax,” he says, still chuckling as he looks up at the sky.
From my point of view, Lord Elias appears to be upside down, but that’s only because he’s also lying on the ground, his feet pointing opposite of mine, so that our heads are next to one another. I briefly wonder how long he’s been there.
I hurriedly try to sit up.
“Forgive me, Lord Elias—”
“Elias,” he cuts me off, reaching one long arm up to pull me back down by the shoulder. “Just Elias.”
“Elias,” I repeat, returning to my position on the ground.
It strikes me that he’s being extremely candid in contrast to our last few meetings. I’m not really sure how to respond.
“I don’t know that I’ll ever get used to the beauty of hearing that cross your lips,” he displays a small smile.
I’m certain my cheeks have flushed red, so I say the first thing that pops into my head in an effort to change the subject.
“What are you doing out here?” That was a very bold question of me to ask—par for the course.
“Well,” Elias presses his lips into a thin line, but his strange eyes still sparkle with amusement. “This is my garden.”
That’s very true. He’s got me there.
“I may or may not have selected this particular garden after offering sweets to Barnaby in exchange for information on your whereabouts. I may or may not have also been hoping to catch you singing again.”
Now I know my face is red.
“Instead, I found you napping. You’re a rather adorable sleeper,” he grins with the most genuinely happy smile I’ve ever seen on his face.
“How long were you there, exactly?” I question.
“Oh, not long,” Elias answers, still grinning as he looks back up to the stars.
He’s not going to tell me how long. Fantastic. I try to gage by the moon’s position how long I was out, but I can’t remember where it was when I fell asleep.
Elias’s expression suddenly becomes serious, though, as he locks eyes with me once more.
“You really should be careful, though, Miss Kaija. It isn’t safe to just fall asleep anywhere. If War were to have found you…” a crease appears between his brows as he frowns.
“That’s the beauty of it, though. I didn’t select one of War’s gardens for a napping place. I chose one of yours, and you’re certainly not the type of creeper who gets personal satisfaction from tormenting sleeping women—oh, wait,” I shoot him an accusatory look, and he laughs again; it’s a lovely sound. Mission accomplished.
Elias sighs contentedly, and we lay in silence for a few moments, staring at the night sky. Another star falls over us, and this time the prayer that comes to mind shocks me. I pray for Elias to find happiness. I pray that he always laughs like this.
“The next Discipline is tomorrow,” Elias mutters.
“I came out here with the purpose of avoiding that topic,” I say bluntly. “Let’s talk about something else.”
“Alright, what would you like to discuss?”
“I’ve been wondering,” I say after thinking for a few seconds, “what’s your power? I mean I realize you control death or something, but what is it, exactly?”
“Oh, no, Miss Kaija,” Elias dances around the question. “I spent a long time rambling about myself when we last spoke by the fountain. If we’re getting into back stories, I want yours.”
“How about we play a game?” I counter.
“Compromise,” Elias nods with a thoughtful frown. “Alright.”
“We take turns offering information about ourselves. One fact each,” I rattle off my rules. “If one of us can’t think of anything, the other person gets to ask a question, and it must be answered honestly.”
Another smile tugs at the corners of Elias’s mouth.
“Deal,” he says firmly.
“I’ll go first. I have two brothers,” I say simply.
“What are their names?” Elias asks as though I’ve just told him the most interesting detail in history.
“Ah-ah! That was one fact about me. It’s your turn,”
“Okay,” he says, frowning with mischief. He thinks for a time and then speaks. “I’m not really a god.”
“I knew that already. It doesn’t count,” I state, not looking at him.
“You did not,” Elias looks at me with feigned offense. “You may have suspected, but you didn’t know.”
“I did,” I nod with certainty. “Try again.”
“Ugh,” Elias huffs, but there’s a smile on his face. He thinks for a while longer. “Well…after you know that, I’m really not that interesting.” He presses his lips together with the defeating realization.
“Okay,” I grin, “then what’s your power?”
“I!” Elias acts as though he didn’t hear me, “am a big fan of cheese.”
“Cheese?” I raise an eyebrow at him.
“Cheese,” he glances at me with a flat expression, as though that wasn’t an incredibly bizarre fact. “And bacon.”
“Together?” I fight to keep from laughing.
“It’s your turn,” he plasters a smug grin on his face.
I roll my eyes with a sigh.
“I hate tomatoes,” I giggle, thinking of a time my mother tried to make me eat them.
She did it because that’s all we had at the time, but I’ve always been stubborn, and I chose to sit at the table without eating them for several hours until my older brother took pity on my and ate them for me. That was a hungry week for me until we were able to get our hands on some potatoes, but I still smile at the memory.
“Why tomatoes?” Elias looks at me like I’ve grown another eye.
“Nope. No explanation,” I laugh.
“Fine,” Elias chuckles. “I still can’t think of anything I’d call interesting about myself.”
I think for a moment. I know that he’s going to do anything to keep from having to answer the question concerning his power, so I think of something else. Maybe he doesn’t actually have power…wouldn’t that be interesting?
“If you aren’t a god, what do you believe?” I finally come up with a suitable substitute.
“What do you mean?” Elias looks at me with a soft smile. It seems this is a question he’s much more comfortable answering.
“Well, you have to believe in something, don’t you? Life would seem sort of empty without some sort of faith.”
“It is empty,” Elias frowns. “I know that there is a Being higher than myself…a Creator. Since War did away with all other religions, though, I have no way to know what that Being is. I wish I did…”
I make a mental note that I should share my faith with Elias. As much as I’d love to tell him right now, the time doesn’t feel right, but I know that I will tell him one day.
“You’ll have to tell me about your God sometime,” Elias smiles as though he’s just read my mind. “I know that’s a lot to ask in this time seeing as you don’t know me that well, but I really would love to know. Barnaby has told me about his gods, but that faith doesn’t feel right to me. I know that there’s only one God. I don’t know how, but I know it in my heart.”
“Maybe sometime we can talk about it,” I smile back at him.
“Indeed. For now, though,” Elias grins. “It’s your turn. I want to know something about you.”
I sigh, looking up at the stars.
“My older brother’s name is Noel. My younger brother is Zathaniel,” I state, smiling in reminiscence.
“I’m sure you miss them,” Elias says quietly, and something I can’t quite name flashes across his eyes as he studies me.
“I do,” I nod.
Elias remains quiet for a time before drawing in a quick breath.
“Yes,” he says firmly.
“Yes?”
“Yes. I eat my cheese and bacon together.”
I can’t help but laugh. We carry on this way for quite a while, and before long, it’s as though I have no troubles in the world. I’ve not been torn from my family. I’m not about to face my death when the sun rises, and for the first time since I arrived at this place, I’m not frightened. I’m just lying on the ground, in the middle of the night, enjoying the company of this incredibly strange, wonderful man.
~#*TSD*#~
DP is simple. Do we continue talking to Elias? Or do we decide to go elsewhere for some reason? If we decide not to continue talking, why not? You have 24 hours!
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 5:38 pm Post subject: |
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Let's let her have her moment, and continue talking. Loved the read! Definitely wondering why Elias shifted into being friendly again.
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themightyzan
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| Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 6:24 pm Post subject: |
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TALK WITH HIM !!! You have too!
Lovely chapter. I just want to smoosh the two of them together and make them kiss. ^.^
As a side note. Barnaby is wonderful.
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“I write to give myself strength. I write to be the characters that I am not. I write to explore all the things I'm afraid of. ” - Joss Whedon
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 7:59 pm Post subject: |
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Hehe...Im concerned with how much time she has of the night, but Im willing to go along with the bandwagon on talking.
Maybe we could ask why he's tense in the castle...as I think it has something to do with it.
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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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Andolyn
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| Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2015 3:47 pm Post subject: |
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This one's long...but it's packed full of good stuff...enjoy!
~#*TSD*#~
There’s another span of time spent in contented silence before an odd thought strikes me.
“Elias,” I frown, “why are there no children in the palace? You both have had so many Brides…”
As soon as the words are out of my mouth I wish that I could take them back. A pained expression flashes across Elias’s face, and my mind goes to a very dark place.
“I’m sorry,” I squeeze my eyes closed with a grimace. “I shouldn’t have asked that.”
“No, it’s alright,” Elias gives me that tragic smile that breaks my heart. “It’s not what you’re thinking.”
I give him an apologetic look as I wait for him to continue.
“From what we can tell, those with power and those without are not biologically compatible. Only one of the gods has ever fathered a child, and the mother is also one with power,” Elias’s voice is very soft, and I’m desperately fighting the urge to move around so that I can hug him.
“That’s another reason I covet a mortal life,” he sighs, chewing the inside of his cheek. “I so desperately desire to be a father. Bringing a child into this hell would be cruel and selfish of me, though, even if I had the means. Under War’s tyranny, the child would likely live a very short and tormented life. That knowledge does nothing to quell my longing, however. I suppose I truly am a selfish man.”
“I don’t think that’s selfish at all. I think you’d be a wonderful father,” I have been very bold once again. Elias’s eyes widen slightly as he looks over at me, and I have a strong wish that I would just dissolve into the ground. “Uhh, sorry.”
The shock fades from Elias’s face, and it melts into a warm smile.
“No,” his smile does funny things to my heart. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” I manage to mumble in reply.
“Miss Kaija, may I be forward for a moment?” Elias doesn’t meet my gaze when he asks.
“I think I more than owe you for the number of times I’ve shoved my foot in my mouth with you around.”
Elias chuckles, and then he grows serious.
“I truly admire you, Miss Kaija,” he says softly rolling over and propping his head on his hand. “You always put others before yourself. It’s a rare quality these days.”
“This coming from the man who got his throat sliced in order to cover for me,” I meet his gaze knowingly, mimicking his actions so that we’re looking eye to eye.
“You saw that,” Elias looks shocked, and then his face falls. “I asked Diggory to hide you.”
“He did hide me, but I still saw,” I inform him. “I tried to run to you, but Diggory stopped me. I was really afraid War was going to kill you.”
“He wouldn’t,” Elias shakes his head, looking down. “Not for something like that. He leaves me alive mostly out of spite and to prolong my torture.”
I lay back and stay silent for a moment, battling with my tongue. Finally, it defeats me, and I clamp my eyes closed, bracing for the impact of my next words.
“It hurt me to hear that,” I blurt out. “You asking him to kill you.”
When Elias doesn’t answer, I peek one eye open. He’s still got his head propped on his hand, and he’s looking down at me with a peculiar expression on his face. It’s somewhere between sorrow, gratitude, and something else I can’t quite put my finger on.
Looking into his pale eyes, I see centuries of suffering and pain, so profound that it overwhelms me, and I feel as though I can’t breathe. I also see the wisdom that came out of the life he has lived. To see him now, though—this pitiful creature of sadness and heartbreak, so numb to every human emotion that he literally begs for his life to be over—I wonder if, in his seven hundred years…he’s ever really lived?
And how? How, with everything he has seen—with all that he’s endured—can he still be so very kind? Elias is a marvel to me—an enigma.
“I didn’t mean for you to hear that,” he finally says quietly, lowering his eyes. “I told you before that long life is a curse, and I meant that. It robs you of any shred of dignity or humanity. It leaves you a hollow shell, so empty that you just want to end it all because, really, what’s the purpose anymore?”
I can’t help it. My hand moves of its own will, and before I know what I’ve done, it’s resting on the side of his face; it’s surprisingly warm. I suppose, given his pallor, I didn’t expect him to be warm. Elias doesn’t shy away from the gesture, so I allow the unruly hand to remain where it is. I look intently into the oblivion of his pale green eyes, fighting the breathless abyss of them.
“There is always a purpose,” I whisper. “Freyena had a purpose, and that is the true tragedy of her death. She lost sight of that purpose in her pain. No matter the agony you face, don’t you ever lose to it.”
Elias’s eyes widen as he stares back at my determined face in astonished silence. I need him to hear what I’m saying, though, so I continue without faltering.
“You have saved my life twice in the last month. You have brought comfort to me and countless others in the palace. You have offered safety and protection for so many while placing your own life at risk in order to do it,” I pause, trying to get a read on him before I continue. “If you were to die now, I don’t know what would become of this place, but I know that I personally would never be able to recover. If nothing else will change your mind, then please…allow me to be your purpose.”
Elias opens and closes his mouth several times as though he has one thousand things he’d like to say but can’t choose.
“You don’t have to respond,” I say, removing my hand from his face. “Just do it.”
Suddenly, Elias grabs my hand before I can fully lower it. He frowns, staring at it as he closes his other hand over the top of mine.
“Thank you,” he whispers intently as he looks up. He pats my hand gently, looking back down. “Thank you.”
We sit for a long time just staring at our clasped hands. Elias bites his lower lip, and I get the feeling that there is so much more he’d like to say. Instead, though, he finally squeezes my hand tightly while taking a deep breath and then clearing his throat.
“Well, Miss Kaija,” he says, standing to his feet and helping me up after him. “It is late, and you have a very trying day ahead of you.”
“Indeed,” I say, looking up to the moon. It’s well past midnight. “Thank you for a lovely chat.”
“It is I who should be thanking you, Miss Kaija,” Elias bows deeply to me, and my heart begins beating faster. “Thank you for reminding me of my purpose.”
“Of course, Lord Elias,” I curtsey to him.
“Elias,” he corrects me with a chuckle. “Just Elias.”
“Just Elias,” I repeat with a smirk.
The next morning dawns with the same nervous buzz that came with the last of the Disciplines. All of the girls are quiet as we get dressed. No one wants to say it, but we’re all wondering which of us won’t be returning to the room tonight. Barnaby’s words ring in my mind.
I’m so tired of building pyres…
He won’t be building any pyres for my girls today if I can help it.
I put on my leather outfit from the first Discipline, synching the belt tight. When I go to tuck in my pockets, though, I frown as my hand hits something hard and cold. Wrapping my fingers around the objects, I pull out two smooth stones.
A flint? How did that get there?
With a frown, I shove the flint back in my pocket. I’m sure that will come in handy at some point. Maybe all of us got one for this Discipline.
I look around to the other women in the room. Vivienne, Jocelyn, and Amberline are fastening the belts on their outfits like mine. Rebecca, of course, is dressed to the nines in a frilly, layered dress.
Her. Barnaby might be building a pyre for her today.
No. No pyres. Period. I silently scold myself for my thoughts.
“Alright, ladies,” I say, clearing my throat. “I have absolutely no idea what we’re walking into today, but I promise you I’ll see to it that all of you come out safely. There will be no repeats of Amelia this time. I need you to be strong, but I will protect you.”
“That’s what you said last time too,” Rebecca snorts—from a safe distance so I can’t cause her bodily harm again.
“Rebecca!” Amberline shoots her an icy glare.
“No, she’s actually right,” I stop Amberline because she looks like she actually might go cause bodily harm on my behalf. “I did say that, and I failed. I was reckless, and I didn’t think things through. I won’t make that mistake again.”
“We know you’re going to support us,” Vivienne lays a hand on my arm. “We’ll try to be strong enough to do the same for you.”
“Alright, Offerings! Is everyone ready for the big event?” Ophelia’s gratingly cheerful voice makes me twitch.
I have a feeling it doesn’t matter if we’re ready or not. We’re going anyway.
~#*TSD*#~
Ophelia leads us out in the opposite direction from the location of the high wire. After trudging for the better part of an hour, we arrive at a site with two large flags—one each in the colors of their respective god. Beneath them, War and Elias stand watching our approach. As we draw nearer, all of us lower our eyes.
“Good morning, Offerings, and welcome to Discernment. The task is simple, really,” War’s wicked grin tells me this will be anything but simple. “All you have to do is enter the chamber here,” he motions to stairs that lead to a door underground, “and make it across the room to that exit over there.”
War points to a flag, roughly two hundred yards away. I wonder what the catch is to this “simple” task, but I know War wouldn’t tell me if I asked, and I’m sure I’ll find out soon enough anyway.
“Good luck, Offerings!” Ophelia says brightly. I’d sort of like to choke her.
War turns away from us, heading for the exit to the Discipline. Ophelia is adjusting something on Rebecca’s dress. I take the opportunity to look up in Elias’s general direction. I find that he’s staring at me intently. When I lock gazes with his uniquely beautiful eyes, I find that they are full of worry. It feels as though he’s almost trying to communicate with me through that stare, alone.
I have only talked to Elias a handful of times, and I’m still not fully certain of his intentions where I’m concerned, but I know I can trust him. He’s my safety. I would proudly call him my friend, and seeing the concern in his eyes makes me want to cheer him up even as I walk into what may very well be my death.
I bring my lips up in a half smile. He doesn’t reciprocate it. Instead, his eyes drift down to my right hip. He looks back up at my eyes and back down at my hip. With a frown, I slide my hand in my pocket. My eyes widen.
The flint. Did he put it there? How? When? Why?
I look back up at Elias, my eyes still wide with surprise. Now he’s smiling at me. It’s a small thing—just a slight, upward curve at the corners of his mouth; it’s a smile of pride. The light in his eyes is ever so slightly brighter as he dips his chin in a subtle nod.
Thank you.
I can’t say the words aloud, so I hope my eyes are enough to convey the message.
Elias slips his hands behind him, beneath the black cloak that hangs from his broad shoulders. He begins walking past the other girls and me, looking at me until the very last second, before he stalks off after War.
“Alright, girls,” I say softly. “Here goes nothing.”
With that, I head off toward the stairs, waiting for the others to fall into place behind me.
When we enter the Discipline chamber, the dim lighting makes it hard to see much of anything, and it’s hot—stiflingly so. I go in front, and Vivienne is directly behind me. Behind her are Amberline and Jocelyn, and Rebecca brings up the rear.
“I can’t see a thing,” I curse under my breath.
Vivienne clings to my shirt.
“Kaija, I’m scared of the dark,” she whispers. It sounds strange coming from an eighteen year old girl, but I guess we all have our phobias.
“It’s alright; just hang on to me,” I answer quietly.
I cautiously step down off the platform on which we’re standing. It seems there are three stairs. That’s when I hear it. Soft hissing echoes off the walls and ceiling. I feel something smooth and muscular move quickly over my boot. Anger floods over me. War really is sadistic.
“Vivienne, stand perfectly still,” I order.
I have to think quickly if I’m going to follow through on my promise to keep them all alive. Elias gave me that flint with a purpose. He knew what I would face today. How does a flint help me with snakes?
I think back to my days on the farm. A memory of a time I stumbled on a rattler comes to mind. It was dark, and my brothers and I were out playing far too late. I stepped too close, and if it weren’t for my big brother, I wouldn’t be here. Noel grabbed my arm, jerking me back and shoving his torch at the snake. It hissed angrily, but it backed away.
That’s it! Snakes dislike fire. Elias gave me a catalyst; now I just need something to burn.
I side step and move my way back down the line, up onto the platform. Rebecca’s idiotic move of wearing a dress again might be just what I need right now. I crouch beside her, taking some of the girly fabric in my hands.
“What are you doing??” she shrieks.
“Shut up! I’m saving our skins,” I hiss.
All of the girls gasp when I begin ripping pieces of the fabric off Rebecca’s dress.
“What are you doing??” Rebecca repeats her question more forcefully.
“Listen,” I say darkly as I continue working. The hissing noise continues in the dark.
“What is that?” Jocelyn asks, fear creeping up in her voice.
I don’t answer. Instead, I pull out the flint I found in my pocket this morning—the one Elias somehow left there.
“Kaija?” Amberline prods as I lift a flaming strip of fabric I’ve tied to a rock.
Letting my arm swing smoothly, I toss the fabric. The flame glistens off thousands of scaly hides as it flies through the air, and when it lands, long, slender bodies slither away, hissing angrily as they go.
“Oooh, god of War,” Rebecca clasps her hands together in front of her face, “save us!”
“War’s the one who forced us into this mess,” I spit. “I doubt praying to him is going to do much good.”
While the other girls panic quietly, I continue tying fabric around rocks, lighting them, and throwing them, clearing as much of a pathway as possible.
“How can I help, Kaija?” Vivienne crouches next to me.
“Tie these,” I toss her a couple of rocks and strips of cloth.
“This is genius!” Amberline marvels as the snakes clear away from the row of dim fires.
“Hopefully, it will be enough to get us all out of here alive,” I grunt as I throw the last rock as hard as I can.
Even throwing it that far isn’t enough to make it all the way to the other side. I glance back at Rebecca, and with a huffing sigh, she begins ripping more of her dress off for me.
“We need to move. These aren’t going to stay lit for long,” I say, stepping forward. “Stay close, and stay calm. We’ll have to stop so I can light more when we get to the end, and some of these suckers are brave.”
Occasionally, one of the slithery pests gets gutsy enough to wander into the small rings of light, but for the most part, they keep to the shadows, hissing hatefully at us for disturbing them. I’m not afraid of snakes; I’ve dealt with my fair share of them living on the outskirts of town, but I know better than to get cocky in a pit of vipers.
We make it almost to the end of my lights with little incident outside of Rebecca nearly catching herself on fire by letting her ruffled skirt too close to one of the flames. As we go, we pass multiple skeletons of fallen Offerings from years past. I shudder, but I keep moving, praying as I go.
I quickly bend, lighting more cloth strips that I’ve tied to rocks while we walked. The other girls are coming up behind me when the worst possible thing happens. I turn just in time to see one of the sneaky menaces coiled to strike the next person to come close. At the same time, Rebecca stumbles, coming within a foot of the irate creature.
There’s no way Rebecca would be able to move in time, even if I could get her to see the snake. I am the closest to her, and I know that I have about two seconds, at most, to act. I promised to protect these girls, so I do the only thing I can at that moment.
“Rebecca!” I shout, throwing my leg out in front of hers from my position on the ground.
Sharp pain shoots through my leg, like I’ve been smacked with a barbed stick, and my whole body spasms with the shock. With a quick motion, Amberline grabs the distracted serpent just behind the head. She squeezes its jaws, causing it to let go of my leg, and flings it back several yards while Jocelyn pulls Rebecca further into the ring of light.
I fall backwards, biting my tongue to keep from screaming. The pain in my leg is not unbearable, but I know that isn’t necessarily a good thing. I have to remain calm for the sakes of the girls I’m leading.
“Kaija!” Amberline screams, running to my side.
“I’m okay,” I lie through gritted teeth. “Bring me more cloth. We’ve got to keep moving.”
It’s true. The lights behind us have already dwindled. Some have gone out. It’s only a matter of time before the ones keeping the snakes out of the immediate area are gone. I also know that I need to keep as still as possible for as long as possible, waiting for the venom to set up in the wound. We’re in a tough spot, but I can’t risk the lives of all of us just so I can keep sitting. Rebecca’s skirt isn’t long enough to keep making lights indefinitely. We have to get to the other side.
While Amberline, Jocelyn, and Vivienne gather more stones and tear more fabric, Rebecca comes to my side.
“I’m so sorry, Kaija,” she cries, tears streaming from her brown eyes. “I should have been more careful.”
“It’s okay, Rebecca,” I assure her, trying to stop the uncharacteristic compassion. “You didn’t stumble on purpose.”
“Still,” Rebecca sobs.
“Hey,” I look up at her. “We’re all going to make it out of here, okay? Don’t you worry.”
Now, what happens after that…? I can’t say.
I keep my dark thoughts to myself. We’ll deal with one crisis at a time.
Gingerly, I lower my boot to my ankle and pull the pants up off my steadily swelling calf. The wound isn’t terribly deep, but it’s ugly. Two puncture marks are surrounded by red, angry flesh. This isn’t good. I saw a lot of snakebites working the meager farms on the outskirts. Without serious and rapid medical attention, the prognosis was usually grim. I seriously doubt War is going to be open to rushing me out to the hospital…or doing much of anything, really.
One crisis at a time.
After I light more of our little makeshift lamps, Jocelyn and Amberline lift me to my feet. Holding my leg as still as possible, I hobble forward, leaning heavily on Amberline. We only have to stop one more time before we reach the large, metal door on the other side.
Hesitantly, I check out the handle, fearing there might be a trap waiting to be triggered by it. There isn’t, and the evening sunlight floods through the door, as it swings open. Vivienne goes up first, followed by Jocelyn, then Rebecca. Amberline loops my arm around her shoulders, and we go up together.
As we near the top, the faces of those waiting for us come into view. War’s expression is less than pleased when he sees that all five of us have survived. Ophelia rushes for Rebecca, her pet, and begins fussing over her ruined dress.
I watch as relief washes over Elias’s face when he catches a glimpse of me starting up the stairs. His expression falls, though, when I reach the top, and he sees my leg. His eyes widen before he looks back up at my face, and his mouth opens as though he wants to speak, but I shake my head subtly, silencing him. Elias clenches his jaw with an expression I can’t read.
“Oh, dear me!” War feigns concern. I bite my tongue and look at my feet. My leg is almost twice its normal size now. “It appears that not all of you were able to pass cleanly through this Discipline. I guess not all of you have perfect Discernment.”
“My Lord War?” Rebecca’s timid voice sounds off from my left.
I look at her in horror. What is she doing?
“You may speak, Offering,” I can hear the joy in War’s voice at seeing me fail.
“Forgive me, my lord, but Kaija had perfect Discernment. None of us would have survived without her.”
I will Rebecca to stop talking with everything in me. If she says what I think she’s about to, War might kill her, and then all of this will have been for nothing. Unfortunately, following with her usual idiocy, she doesn’t stop talking.
“It was I who failed, my lord,” Rebecca continues. “Kaija got hurt to save me.”
“How touching,” War says with a venomous smile.
The smile falls, however, and he steps forward. Instead of going to Rebecca, he walks up to me; I almost sigh in my relief. War takes my face in a firm grip between his thumb and fingers. I’m sure I’ll have bruising there, but I mask my discomfort, keeping my eyes down no matter how high War pulls my chin.
I breathe slowly and steadily, blocking out everything War says. I can’t let him anger me. I can’t show out right now. Getting my heart rate up will only cause the poison to spread faster, so I have to remain calm no matter what.
“All that tells me is that this Offering has very poor Discernment,” War continues, his voice dripping with disgust. “These Disciplines are meant to weed out those of you who are weak.” War spits the word, and Rebecca flinches. I remain still. “What good does it do if the strong ones of you keep doing stupid things to help the weak along?”
I have a feeling he wants an answer, but I don’t give him one. I simply remain standing still, my eyes closed.
Finally, with a hard shove, War releases my face and strides away. I stumble backward, but I’m able to stay standing.
“The Discipline isn’t over for you, Offering,” he calls back to me. I keep my eyes closed, facing forward. “You still have to survive. Now, all of you get to work!”
~#*TSD*#~
DP? Kaija is hurt badly. She's not aware of any way to get medical attention. She's been told by War to go work. What does Kaija do now? Go to work like she's told to do? Something else? You decide!
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2015 4:46 pm Post subject: |
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Oh wow...I'm...not sure what to do x.x
Though, I am worried about Elias starting to help...it wont mean anything if we go down because of a snake bite.
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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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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2015 9:46 pm Post subject: |
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First of, I'd sort of like to smack her too. Also, Rebecca might not have totally redeemed herself, but it's nice to see she's a well rounded person with some measure of a conscience. It was a fascinating read, and I liked watching her figure it out. Go team secret flint! Also sweet, dress to the rescue.
Secondly, what she does should be the first thing she should have done. If she can do it herself, lean over and suck as much blood/venom out of that wound as she can. *
*I have been informed this is actually a bad idea, but I'm standing by my opinion.
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My latest SG! (Image courtesy of the lovely Lebrenth)
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themightyzan
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| Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2015 8:34 am Post subject: |
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Tourniquet and pray for the best?
Lol.
Rebecca, sweetie, you need to be punched. On that note, appear to get to work but make the others help you come up with a plan to get help. Especially Rebecca since it was her fault.
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2015 11:32 am Post subject: |
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I worry about you all and your snake bite after care. XD
Considering holding a first aid class...HAHAHA!
Poll is up!!
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2015 5:12 pm Post subject: |
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Ophelia takes Rebecca by the arm, fussing about getting her a new dress as they go back to the palace.
“Kaija, are you alright?” Jocelyn is the first to come up to me. Either Elias is gone, or they’ve forgotten his presence. He has a talent for fading into the background, so that’s entirely possible.
“I’m fine, Joz,” I respond quietly, still keeping my eyes closed. I focus on my breathing. “All of you do as War said. I need to be still for a little while longer. It wasn’t good that I had to move so quickly. I’ll be fine; I’ll meet you all in our room later.”
Reluctantly, the other girls leave me, and I am alone—I think. With a sigh, I unbuckle my belt and lean to tie it around the area of my leg just below the knee.
“Miss Kaija,” Elias’s voice causes me to jump. He really is good at fading into the scenery, "you shouldn't put a tourniquet on that. It will cause tissue damage."
I lift my eyes to see him standing before me.
“Lor—” I stop myself, knowing he doesn’t like for me to call him “Lord Elias”. “Elias, what are you doing here? If War sees you, he’ll—”
“I am supposed to remain until all Offerings have left the Discipline area,” he interrupts me with a cool answer. “It is my duty. War will not mind.”
I look Elias in the eye. He is a beautiful sight framed by the light of the low, evening sun. It forms a halo around his head, turning his white hair gold. His features are shadowed, however, darkened with an intensely anxious expression.
“What happened?” Elias questions me.
“I got bitten,” I reply simply.
“I can see that,” Elias steps forward, kneeling before me. “The girl—Rebecca—she said you got bitten because of her?”
“She stumbled,” I look down, watching as Elias gently examines the twin wounds on my leg. “The snake was going to bite her. I stuck my leg in the way. I made those girls a promise that I’d look out for them. I did what I had to do; I had no choice.”
I fall silent, awaiting the scolding I’m sure I’m about to get for being reckless. I’m surprised when it doesn’t come. Elias only looks up at me, then stands. He looks me in the eyes for a moment, but I can tell he’s still examining me. Gently, he takes my wrist and holds two fingers on it.
“You seem to be doing alright for the moment. How do you feel?” he asks, releasing my arm. He totally ignores my little speech. It’s rather disarming.
“The bite is sore, but I feel fine. It was hard to see with the lighting so dim, but I think it was a coral snake. It will take several hours for symptoms to set in,” I’m surprised by how calm I am. Snake venom does nasty things to a person’s body. I should be terrified, but somehow, I’m not.
“We should get you some help immediately, then,” Elias moves to put my arm over his shoulder, but I stop him.
“No,” I say firmly.
Elias looks at me, confused.
“If you help me, War will kill you,” the cold intensity in my voice shocks me. I know that Elias is trying to help me, but I also know what the consequences would be if he were caught, and I don’t think I could live with that.
Elias draws in a large breath and holds it, looking at me with appraisal in his eyes. He wants to argue with me, but he knows I’m right. I stare him down, unflinching.
“Alright,” he sighs, resigned. “If that is what you wish. At least allow me to assist you in getting back to the palace.”
I shake my head, turning to hobble back. It is a slow, painful process as I try not to flex my leg even a little.
“No,” I repeat. “I will not endanger you, Elias. You risked enough by giving me that flint. We probably all would have died without it. You’ve already been hurt for me once, though. I cannot ask you to risk any more for me.”
“I would risk everything for you,” Elias says softly. He follows closely behind me, and I stop, shocked by his words. “All you need to do is ask.”
I’m not sure what he means by that, but the idea of him being harmed on my behalf brings an uncomfortable feeling to my stomach.
“Thank you,” I finally manage after several minutes of us walking in silence.
“For? You’re doing all of this on your own. I’m simply walking behind you,” I hear a deep sadness in his voice.
“For being willing,” I respond, looking over my shoulder at him. His piercing eyes are unreadable. “I am grateful for your presence right now. I just don’t want to see anyone else get hurt because of me.”
“Amelia’s death was not your fault, Miss Kaija,” he always sees straight through me.
I don’t answer him. Instead, I keep walking. Eventually, we make it back to the stables, and I begin looking for Diggory. We moved so slowly that the sun has almost set. I’m sure Amberline has already finished her work and gone in for the evening. She’s one of the fastest and most efficient at taking care of the horses, so she’s always in early.
“Digg?” I yell as we approach. Elias still walks silently behind me. “Digg! What’s my job for today??”
“Miss Kaija!!” Diggory calls cheerfully as he comes around from the stalls. “I trust the Discipline went well? I didn’t get a chance to ask Amberline, but you were quite a bit more distraught-sounding after the last one. Everyone make it out alright?”
Diggory’s eyes widen when he sees Elias standing behind me. He bows low.
“Forgive me, Lord Death, I didn’t know you were accompanying Miss Kaija,” Diggory speaks to his feet.
“It’s quite alright, Master Diggory,” Elias answers smoothly. “I was simply fulfilling my role of making sure all the ladies make it back from the Discipline. If you would, please, see to it that Miss Kaija takes it easy this evening. The Discipline did go well; everyone survived, but Miss Kaija did not come out unharmed.”
“What?” Diggory drops his formality and looks at me for the first time. His eyes fall on my injured leg, and he gasps. “The vipers…”
“I think it was a coral snake,” I inform him. “It was hard to tell, but I’m almost certain I saw red, yellow, and black. It also didn’t let go when it struck. Amberline pulled it off me.”
“Gods, child,” Diggory runs forward, looping my arm around his big shoulders. “I have nothing to treat poison like that. You need to go and rest immediately.”
“I’ll work, Digg,” I argue, running a hand over my eyes to clear my blurring vision. That can’t be good. “If you take it easy on me, War will come down on you.”
“What Lord War doesn’t know won’t hurt me,” Diggory says, and then he immediately looks over his shoulder at Elias.
“You know you have nothing to fear from me, Master Diggory. Miss Kaija wouldn’t allow me to help her. Maybe you can make her see some sense…see to it that she does rest,” Elias turns to walk away.
“Of course, my lord,” Diggory answers, looking somewhat shocked.
“And Master Diggory,” Elias calls over his shoulder, “if anyone questions, the order came directly from me.”
“Yes, my lord,” Diggory bows slightly, and I do too since I’m draped over his shoulder. Once Elias is gone, Digg addresses me. “You, Child, are going to rest. I don’t care what you say. I have no jobs for you today.”
“That’s a lie. With a place like this, there’s always something to do,” I laugh despite suddenly feeling very breathless. My leg starts burning like hot coals have been laid on it. I keep quiet, though, to avoid worrying Digg further.
“Yes. There are things that need to be done,” Diggory looks hard at me. “But none of them are jobs for you. Not today.”
Diggory leaves me standing by the barn as he runs into his small home. He thinks he may have something to at least help me a little bit.
I hate this. I don’t like that Diggory and Elias are risking so much for me. I don’t want any more deaths on my hands—especially not the deaths of people for whom I care.
I think about going to get a drink from the well. My throat is parched. As I step, though, the world blurs even more, and I feel like I’m going to throw up.
“Diggory?” I call, but the sound is weak and forced. “Diggory, help—”
I vomit, and a mixture of bile and blood spills over the ground. This is bad. This is very bad. My vision is so blurred now that I can’t see my hand in front of my face. The world is just a mess of color. My chest constricts, and I fall to the ground, unable to get a deep breath. I begin sweating profusely, even though my body feels very, very cold.
“Diggory,” I gasp, desperate. I’m frightened. I don’t want to die alone. “Elias…”
It occurs to me that of all people, Elias is the one I want by my side at this moment. I sent him away to protect him, but in my fear, I am selfish, and I want him here. I barely know him; we have only spoken a few times, and yet I feel safe when I’m with him. Elias comforts me, and I want him near me now.
“Elias!” I cry, but it only comes out as a whisper. My consciousness is fading when I feel strong arms lifting me.
“Kaija??” Diggory is shouting, but it sounds so far away and distorted. “Kaija, hold on!!”
The world shakes. Diggory is running, carrying me.
“Move!” I hear Diggory scream as we approach the massive front door or the palace.
Eventually, I’m lying in a bed…this is my bed. I think I feel something being rubbed on my leg, but I can’t tell. My extremities are numb. The numbness is spreading, and now my chest feels deadened too. It makes getting a good breath extremely difficult. I’m so cold. I wish someone would give me a blanket.
I get the feeling that the room around me is frantic. I hear many voices. I focus on them in order to cling to some measure of consciousness.
“We have to help her!” I hear Vivienne crying. I wish I could comfort her, but I can’t move.
“Diggory, what can we do? She can’t die!” That’s Amberline.
“I don’t know, child,” Diggory. Diggory, help me! “I have no way to treat this. It’s beyond my skill.”
“What can we do, then?” Jocelyn. Her sweet voice meets my ears.
“I don’t know,” Diggory sounds defeated. “Make her as comfortable as possible, I guess.”
“No,” Amberline breathes, wiping sweat from my forehead with a cloth.
My lungs are alternating between numbness and fiery burning as I struggle to keep breathing. I want to cry, but I’m too weak.
“Her nose is bleeding!” Jocelyn shrieks.
“The venom will cause her to bleed everywhere. This isn’t a good sign at all,” Diggory sounds even more worried, if that’s possible.
“What’s going on in here?? Some of us are trying to sleep,” that voice belongs to Ophelia.
“We’re trying to save Kaija,” Vivienne sobs.
“Oh, the venom is taking effect, then,” Ophelia actually sounds somewhat sad.
“If you’re not here to help then leave, Hag,” Diggory snarls. “On the off chance you are here to help, grab her a blanket. She’s freezing.”
I’m so frightened. I thought I was prepared for death, but this is terrifying. I’m in the worst imaginable pain, and yet I’m numb, unable to even cry out in my suffering. Only one name keeps coming to the front of my mind.
“Elias!” I scream. I don’t even know if it came out my lips, though. “Please, Elias…!”
“What did she say?” Vivienne stops everyone.
“Who’s Elias?” Amberline looks around.
“I am,” a new voice comes from the door, followed by the sound of fast, steady boot falls.
“Lord Death!” Diggory exclaims.
“My lord! What are you doing here?” Ophelia gasps.
“Step back,” Elias orders, wasting no time on pleasantries. “I lost enough time preparing this. I only hope I’m not too late.”
I feel something running over my leg, and then it feels like the wound is on fire again. I scream, but it comes out as a pitiful whimper.
“I am sorry,” Elias breathes, running a hand over my face. He lifts my eyelids, but I can’t see him. I hear the girls gasp. “She’s fading fast. I should have made her let me help,” Elias sounds desperate. “Drop her leg over the side of the bed. We need to use gravity to our advantage.”
I try to catch a breath, but it won’t come. My lungs have stopped responding to my efforts. The world spins and grows darker. I hear yelling, but it’s so far away…
…
“No, you don’t!” Elias roars. “You are not allowed to die on me!”
I awaken to a searing pain in my chest, and I gasp hungrily at the air, my lungs finally working properly. I don’t know what Elias just injected into my chest, but for a time, the numbness is gone. I can breathe, but I also feel everything. It feels as though the flesh is being ripped from my bones, starting with my leg and working upward.
A scream of agony tears from my mouth, and for the first time, there’s some power behind it. I begin sobbing violently, writhing in pain.
“Elias, help me, please!” I beg through my tears.
“I am trying, Miss Kaija. I promise you, I’m trying,” Elias assures me softly, miserably. I can hear the truth and heartache in his gentle voice.
“What did you give her??” Amberline demands.
“I didn’t want to use that. She can feel everything now,” Elias seethes, sliding his arms under my knees and my back. He lifts me with very little effort; his thin body is deceptive. Elias is incredibly strong. He begins walking toward the door. “I didn’t have a choice, though. I’ve got to get her back to my wing. I have a full medical staff there.”
Elias pauses and almost turns.
“And you,” venom drips from the word. I assume he’s talking to Ophelia. “If you breathe so much as one word of this to War or any of his underlings, I will personally kill you, and it won’t be quick.”
“O—of course, m—my lord,” Ophelia stammers.
“We’ll cover for her. Rebecca isn’t here, and she’s the only one of us Offerings who’d tell,” Amberline assures him. “Just please, Lord Death, keep her alive.”
“If only I had that power,” I hear Elias say to no one as we quickly exit the room.
We’re running again, and I can feel my consciousness fading again. I lay my head against Elias’s shoulder, unable to combat it.
“Stay with me, Kaija!” Elias practically growls at me. “I know you’re tired, but keep fighting!”
I do fight…but it’s so hard…
I feel something warm and soft against my lips. Hot air fills my lungs. Something is pounding on my chest…
I’m so cold…
Elias…Please, help me…
Help me…
I’m frightened…
~#*TSD*#~
No DP this time. Just lemme know your thoughts. Next chapter will be up soon!
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2015 5:12 pm Post subject: |
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2015 5:44 pm Post subject: |
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Sorry I've not replied for a while, but as you know, I have been reading regardless. I was honoured with a sneaky read of that last chapter beforehand and it was much enjoyed. Keep up the good work! x
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.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2015 1:07 am Post subject: |
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>: O
*INTENSE FEELING*
Damn, but you write dying so well. XD
Not sure what to say beyond that, really. Though it definitely captured my attention and my feelings. My favorite part was when Elias threatened Ophelia. It was unexpected, but really made me smile.
_________________
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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themightyzan
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| Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2015 10:21 am Post subject: |
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Most post got deleted again... *sigh*
Mostly it talked about how much I loved this, and I loved so much him yelling that she wasn't allowed to die on him, and the descriptions in this were just awesome.
And and and
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2015 4:45 pm Post subject: |
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I'll be honest, the writing of the death scene was intense and dramatic, but I had a little voice in my head going 'she's the main character and it's first person point of view, she's not going to die' that made it harder to be affected. Beyond that, I definitely found myself reading quickly to see how they would solve it. Plus, I'm worried about the repercussions of them all hearing her use his given name. Can't wait for the next chapter!
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| Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2015 3:42 pm Post subject: |
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When I open my eyes, I’m staring up at a high, vaulted ceiling. Light floods the room, comprised of mostly white and blues. When I lift my hand to rub the sleep from my eyes, I find that there’s an IV in my arm.
Where am I?
Slowly, I lift my head. I can’t bring it very high off the pillow, but I am able to see a little bit. The room is huge. It’s almost twice the size of the one we Offerings share, and I thought that room was massive. Off to my left, there is a sitting area with a majestic, open balcony that looks over the flower fields. To my right, a bath, more like a swimming pool, opens up in the floor that is made of white marble with black swirling in graceful lines. Beyond that, there is another balcony that looks out to the green basin. This room must be a floor above where we live, though, because the view is higher. It is breathtaking.
A heavy sigh brings my attention back to the bed. I’ve never seen a bed this size, much less slept in one. With a little bit more effort, I’m able to raise my head enough to look down beside me. Just beyond where my left hand is lying on my leg, Elias is sleeping peacefully. He’s seated next to the bed, resting his arms, head, and torso on the cushy surface beside me.
I have no idea how long I was out, but by the looks of things, it was a long time. Elias’s handsome face is even thinner than normal. I wonder if he’s been eating. The purple circles under his eyes are far more pronounced and sunken. His clothing is disheveled, and his long, silver-white hair that’s usually so neatly bound in that black ribbon is falling haphazardly around his face. The entire look of his body screams of utter exhaustion.
Slowly, I slide my hand across the sheets and push the hair out of Elias’s face. After I tuck it behind his ear, I run my fingers over his cheek. He looks so peaceful right now. I almost wish we could stay like this.
“Oh! You’re awake!” A happy voice startles me, and I jerk my hand back.
I look up to see a woman, roughly Diggory’s age, entering the room with a tray of food. Her greying hair is braided around her head in a similar fashion to what I usually wear; I can tell it used to be a lovely ebony color. Her midnight blue eyes shine brightly, and she gives me a dazzling smile as she approaches. Despite being older, she is a stunning beauty. I smile back at her.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m Azazel, one of Elias’s Brides,” the soft smile remains on her lips as she approaches.
“Hello,” I say quietly.
“Oh, bless him,” her smile turns sad as she sees Elias sleeping. “Does he know you’ve woken up?”
“No,” I whisper.
“Oh,” she sits the tray down on the table behind Elias. “I’m sure he’d love to know. I hate to wake him, though. This is the first time he’s slept in almost four days.”
“Is that how long I’ve been out?” I question. I certainly didn’t think I’d been asleep that long.
“No, honey,” Azazel’s face darkens. “You’ve been unconscious for a little over a week.”
“A week?” I blink a few times. “Wow…”
“Yes,” she takes a seat at the table, turning it so that she’s facing me. “You had us all quite worried—Elias especially. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this distraught.”
“I’m sorry,” I murmur.
“Don’t be,” Azazel smiles softly. “I’m just glad to see you open those beautiful eyes Elias keeps going on about. He was right! They’re awfully pretty.”
“Thank you… He told you my eyes are beautiful?” I feel my cheeks heating up.
“He told me all of you is beautiful,” Azazel laughs pleasantly. “He’s quite taken with you.”
“Oh,” I must be about seven shades of red. I feel strange hearing that from one of Elias’s brides. Isn’t it awkward for her to hear him talk about another woman? I guess it’s fairly commonplace with all the brides he’s had over the years.
“But yes, your eyes were mentioned specifically,” Azazel continues smiling.
There are a few minutes of silence, in which I think about everything that’s happened since I arrived here. When my thoughts drift to the second Discipline, a chill runs up my spine.
“I thought I was dying,” I whisper.
“You were,” she answers solemnly. “Elias brought you back from the edge three times that first night. None of us thought you’d make it—well, except Elias. He was so sure you’d pull through. He kept telling us how you were too strong to let one snake get the better of you. He worked on you for every bit of eight hours straight before he got you fully stabilized.”
Memories flood to me of the injection he gave me. I remember something pounding on my chest…breathing for me…I gasp, bringing a hand to my lips and staring at Elias’s sleeping form.
“You remember,” Azazel nods knowingly.
“I don’t…know,” I frown, rubbing my forehead. “It’s all so hazy.”
“It will be. I’d advise you to let it remain that way,” Azazel says darkly. “I know the rest of us would like to forget. I can’t imagine what it would have been like from your perspective.”
“So…he saved me,” I whisper.
“Yes,” Azazel watches me. “Elias has barely left your side since he ran in here screaming for us to help you. He’s barely eaten anything, and it’s been all I could do to get him to drink a glass of water every now and again. He passed out cold in the floor from exhaustion four days ago and slept for five hours. He’s been at your side ever since. I see it finally caught up with him again.”
“I’m so sorry,” I breathe. My hand reflexively travels to Elias’s face again.
“You have nothing to apologize for,” Azazel smiles at me again. “Elias told us you were hurt saving one of the other girls during a Discipline. That’s not something we see often. The Disciplines are wicked, torturous things, and it’s usually every woman for herself.”
“You’re a Bride… Does that mean you completed the Disciplines?” I ask after some hesitation.
“A long time ago,” Azazel’s eyes darken again. “Since becoming a Bride, though, it’s just an ugly memory. Things are different here in Elias’s wing. War’s hate doesn’t reach in here.”
“What do you mean?” I become very curious all of a sudden. I don’t know much about Elias, really… This seems like a great opportunity to learn.
“War’s Brides are sex dolls until they are too old for his liking or they anger him. They’re disposable,” Azazel says with disgust. “Here, though, we are treated like queens. I think Elias attempts to pay for War’s crimes by compensating those of us who survive the Disciplines with anything and everything we could ever need or want.”
“That sounds nice,” as an Offering to War…my future is looking more and more grim.
“It is,” Azazel stands and comes over to the bed. “I only wish Elias would share in our happiness.”
Azazel carefully takes the tie out of Elias’s hair and combs it with her fingers. Elias takes a deep breath, releasing it in a contented sigh. I wait quietly for Azazel to continue.
“Elias was the last of the gods to be found by War when he assembled them all just after the Cataclysm. He is the most docile of those with power, the one with the biggest heart, and also the one with the most gruesome power of them all,” Azazel answers with a shadowed tone.
I shiver, remembering back to the times he skirted around telling me exactly what his power entails. At the time, I wondered if it was because he didn’t really have a power at all. Now I know his reasoning was likely to keep me from fearing him.
“War taught him how to control his power. Unfortunately, War’s method of learning involved forcing him to use that power on other people in self-defense. War has kept Elias close for all of these years like some sort of trophy. If Elias steps out of line, and War finds out, the people Elias loves suffer. Elias is kept here and alive as War’s personal punching bag, but to the world, he is War’s greatest achievement as Alpha. Who could possibly be more powerful than the one who controls incarnate Death?”
Azazel shakes her head, clearing away some of the anger that has flooded her voice. She continues softly.
“Elias places the blame for all the sins of the world on his own shoulders. He sees his power as an evil thing, and he blames himself for the people who died before he learned to control it,” as she talks, Azazel gently gathers Elias’s hair and ties it back in the ribbon. “His mistakes, War’s cruelty, every death that occurs here…in Elias’s mind, they are all his fault. He carries their weight every moment of every day. I fear that it will one day crush him.”
“Elias,” I whisper, looking down to the man sleeping by my side.
“He’s spent the last four or five hundred years studying and perfecting medicine. It’s a good thing, too, or we never would have saved you. To him, though, the healing arts make up for his ‘sins’. His powers bring death, but his choices bring healing. I’m still trying to convince him that the choices are the part that matters.”
Azazel looks up at me.
“Oh, forgive me. I didn’t mean to make you cry,” she gives me a loving smile. I touch my face and realize that there really are tears streaming down my cheeks. With a quick swipe of my hand, they’re gone. “I just worry about him. I want more than anything to see him happy for once in his life, and I’ve seen him smile more since you arrived than I have in the last forty years that I’ve been a Bride. If he wasn’t able to save you, I think it would have been the final thing that broke him.”
I’m speechless. I’ve had that much of an effect on Elias? Azazel hesitates before continuing.
“I know he’s been alive for centuries, and I’ve only been here for a few decades, but Elias has become like a son to me over the years. I just want him to be happy.”
“Wait,” I stop her, confused. I motion to the two of them. “So you don’t—? You’re not—?”
“What?” Azazel looks shocked, and then she releases a musical laugh. “Heavens, no! Elias and I have never had a physical or romantic relationship. That isn’t how it works here.”
I have no idea what she’s talking about, so I just stay quiet and listen.
“We are called Elias’s Brides, but none of us are his lovers,” she explains, amusement still playing on her face.
“Really?” the very idea is foreign to me. In this place where we have no free will, lorded over by two powerful men, it shocks me to learn that one of them doesn’t take advantage of his position—then again, Elias never struck me as the womanizing type.
“I told you,” Azazel continues. “We are well taken care of. Elias loves us and respects us as women. That means that we are all autonomous—Elias would never force himself on us.”
“So, he doesn’t even have one lover?” I look at Elias, still sleeping peacefully, in a new light.
“In his seven centuries, Elias has had two wives,” Azazel tells me. “The first was killed by War as punishment when Elias challenged him over something trivial.”
“That’s terrible!” I exclaim, louder than I meant to. Thankfully, Elias is sleeping deeply enough that it didn’t bother him aside from causing him to clench one fist on the sheet.
“That’s War,” Azazel shrugs. “That is the reality in which we live.”
“What about his second wife?” I press on. I find all of this incredibly fascinating, and I don’t know when I’ll have another chance to ask.
“She died too,” Azazel purses her lips. “She lived a long and happy life, though, from what I hear. That was almost one hundred fifty years ago. Elias is distant with most of the Brides now. He treats all of us kindly and with respect, but very few are as close as he and I. I think it’s because he’s afraid.”
“Afraid?”
“Elias doesn’t enjoy immortality,” Azazel rubs his back absently. I remember back to our conversations. Elias sees long life as a curse. “He has already watched two women he loved die while he was forced to move on. I think he fears further loss.”
“Wow,” I say in quiet awe.
“Surprised?” Azazel chuckles.
“A little,” I nod. “Though, it makes sense. I haven’t known Elias for long, but what you just told me lines up perfectly with everything I’ve seen of him so far.”
“You’re special, Miss Kaija,” Azazel smiles softly.
“Yeah, so everyone keeps telling me,” I sigh.
“It’s the truth,” Azazel nods. “If anyone deserves a man like Elias, it’s you.”
I’m not sure how to respond to that statement, but Azazel turns and takes her seat again.
“You should get some rest, dear,” she chuckles lightly. “Elias isn’t going to leave you alone for two seconds when he realizes you’re awake.”
With a small smile, I lay back against the fluffy pillows on the bed, and Azazel pulls out a book. I stare up at the vaulted ceiling, but sleep eludes me. I guess the week of it I got is going to be plenty to do me for a while.
It isn’t long, though, before Elias begins to stir. He pulls his arms in and frowns. I have to say, it’s adorable. He opens his eyes groggily.
“Az?” he mumbles, still mostly sleeping. “How long was I asleep? Is Miss Kaija alright?”
“I’m fine, Elias,” I smile at him.
Instantly, all traces of drowsiness are gone, and Elias looks up at me with wide eyes. He stares at me as though he’s looking at a ghost, and then, slowly, his astonishment turns into joy.
“Kaija?” he whispers.
“Yes?” My amusement leaks out in my voice.
Tears appear in Elias’s eyes, and he reaches out, grabbing my hand.
“It’s you,” he breathes through his happy tears. “It’s really you! I’m not dreaming this time.”
Elias turns toward the door.
“Az! Azazel, she’s awake!!” he shouts.
“I know, Elias,” Azazel chuckles from her seat behind him. “We’ve already had a lovely chat while you were snoring.”
“You—what? I was snoring?” Elias wheels around.
“Like a freight train,” Azazel says with a straight face. “Gave me a headache. It might have been the snoring that woke Miss Kaija, though. Maybe we should have tried that sooner…”
Elias looks at me with near horror on his face. I can’t stand it. A smile cracks across my lips.
“She’s joking,” I laugh.
“Aw—Kaija! You’re absolutely no fun,” Azazel feigns offense and stands to her feet. With a half smile, she plants a kiss on Elias’s cheek and motions to the tray of food on the table. “I’m going to give you two some time alone. Miss Kaija, will you please make him eat that?”
“Yes, ma’am,” I giggle.
“Ah-ah! That’s Az to you, m’dear,” she leans over and kisses my forehead before gliding across the room and out the door.
“Well,” Elias sighs, “that’s Azazel. She’s a lot younger than me, really, but she feels like my mother most days.”
“Funny,” I smile, “she said something really similar when we were talking.”
“So she wasn’t joking about the part where you talked,” he says with a grimace.
“Nope,” I give him a flat-lipped smile.
“Fantastic,” Elias readjusts himself to be closer to me, helping me sit up against the headboard. “And I doubt you’re going to tell me what she told you.”
“Nope,” my smile widens.
“Fantastic,” Elias repeats. He reaches for the covers, but then he pauses. “Is it alright if I look at your leg?”
“Yes,” I say, but I stop his hand from reaching the blanket. “After you eat.”
Elias glares at me, and I stare him down. He knows he won’t win this fight.
“Fine,” he says, turning and standing up. “You’re as bad as Azazel.”
Instead of sitting at the table, Elias brings the tray over to the bed. He sits down and scoots close to me, putting his back against the headboard and stretching his long legs before him with his ankles crossed. With the tray in his lap, he takes off the lid; the food is still miraculously steaming hot.
“Here’s my counter offer,” Elias says quietly once he’s thoroughly settled. “I’ll eat all of this,” he motions to most of the food on the tray, “if you drink this.” His elegant fingers push a bowl of broth in my general direction.
“Okay,” I agree.
Elias lifts a sandwich, but he pauses with it in midair, looking at me. When I lift the bowl of broth, Elias moves his sandwich to his lips, still looking at me side-eyed. Only when I loudly slurp some of the soup does he take a bite of his own food.
I smile behind the bowl, and Elias smirks at me. We sit in silence, munching on our lunch. Elias cons me into sharing his fruit with him too.
“Thank you,” I say quietly after a few minutes.
“You are most welcome. I was hungry too,” Elias moves to put the empty tray back on the table. “May I look at your leg now?”
“You may,” I nod, moving the covers for him. “That isn’t what I was talking about, though.”
Elias is silent as he climbs on the bed from the other side in order to be closer to my injury. The bites are healing, but there’s still a good bit of discoloration around them. Elias frowns as he gently prods my skin.
“You’re going to have some scarring, I’m afraid,” he continues staring at the wound. “It does appear to be getting bet—”
“Elias,” I lay my hand on his arm, and he freezes in place. “Thank you.”
After taking in a deep breath, Elias looks at me with that tragic smile that nearly shatters my heart.
“You’re welcome,” he manages. After a few seconds of empty silence, Elias clears his throat. “I need to go for a while. Would you like for me to get Azazel and the other girls to help you with anything?”
~#*TSD*#~
That was long. Lots of info. Sorry not sorry. DP? What does Kaija want? A bath? She's been in bed for a long time... Sleep? Something else? You decide.
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2015 9:34 am Post subject: |
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Just so you know, Im laying in bed reading this on my phone, and I couldn't wait for my computer to boot up to comment. It's that good.
I really liked how soft and sweet everything is. Its nice to have a moment, as a reader, to recover from all the fast paced going ons. Plus, always fun to meet new characters that'll dish, right?
As for the dp, I'm sure what she wants to do is spend more time with him, but as that isnt an option, maybe sit on the terrace and look on the flowers she works so hard on?
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2015 3:07 pm Post subject: |
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Ohoho. Such love. Much care.
I'm going to be direct on this one. Anyone lying in bed for a prolonged amount of time deserves a bath. Bath and a toothbrush with some toothpaste to boot.
Trust me. I'm going to be a doctor. xD
I'm no woman though. She might want to shave her legs, depending on her priorities.
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Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2015 6:57 pm Post subject: |
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I kind of...want a sponge bath to happen? I dont know how strong she'll be after almost dying and just waking up...and it allows for a chance for more conversation to happen?
Hm...am I weird for suggesting this?
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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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Sapphire_Rayne
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| Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2015 12:42 pm Post subject: |
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So, I totally was behind a chapter or two here on if, so forgive me. This is either going to be too long for my liking, or too short so that I can hit the points I wanted to. SO HERE WE GO.
You know my thoughts on the Discipline so I'm not even going to comment about that. No, I'm going to start on the whole, you know. . . DYING chapter.
Elias coming to save Kaija from future tissue damage! Wooo! Snake bites are nasty, especially when they're venomous and while I am all for Elias helping her, I am not for him dying so thank you our lovely protagonist, for stopping him from doing something that could get him killed.
AND SHE WANTS TO WORK LIKE THIS?! NONONONONO THAT IS NOT GOOD. And then the girls and she's crying out to Elias and you just want to rip my heart out. Well, you have to go through Noni for it, but still. You had me crying. Crying and screaming and it was not okay.
Now onto the chapter I am supposed to be commenting on!
Oh thank the heavens she's alive! She's alive and awake! And. . . I love your descriptions. It makes me feel like I'm standing in that room watching this play out. I also love the sleeping Elias and the face touches. I love me some face touches.
Oh? We're introduced to another bride! And this is the first time Elias has slept in four days?! I mean, worrying and all . . . that's kind of understandable. SHE'S BEEN OUT FOR A WEEK. And I'm loving Azazel already. She has this charm to her that as I continued reading this chapter, grew on me. How. . . how many times was Kaija on the brink of death?! Three just that first night?! How many times after that?!
Hearing how War treats his offerings makes me so mad, and I'm finding myself rather pissed of that Kaija was chosen as an offering to War. Like UGH. And I have found myself crying again at learning how Elias is the way he is. Just, he's one man carrying the burdens and deaths on his shoulders.
I knew I sensed a motherly vibe off of Azazel! I'm happy to see that I wasn't wrong! AND HE WAKES UP AND IS SO HAPPY. And just over the teasing I am in love with Az. I just love her. I want to see more of her. And I love that Kaija and Elias eat together! And the deal Kaija had to strike up to even get him to eat. Just yes. I drink these two up like I do water.
For the DP! I have to agree Cy and kk, A bath sounds wonderful. A week of not moving, and almost dying sounds like a week of germs and yuckiness that needs to be washed.
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themightyzan
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| Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2015 7:52 pm Post subject: |
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Can Elias help with the bath??? *eyebrow waggle*
Heh.
Kidding.
I think she would definitely want to shower before she sleeps. She's been through a lot! And bathing always makes you feel better.
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2015 6:51 pm Post subject: |
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Another long one for you. Enjoy!
~#*TSD*#~
I sit thoughtfully for a moment. I’ve been in this bed for a week. A bath probably wouldn’t be the worst idea.
“Do you think they’d help me clean up a little?”
“Of course,” Elias smiles again. He turns to walk to the door.
I suddenly grow very anxious, and a knot forms in my stomach. I don’t want him to leave. I want Elias to stay with me. I know I won’t be alone, but something about him being gone just throws me into chaos.
“Elias?” my voice sounds tiny and pitiful as it rings back in my ears, but Elias stops and fixes me with a look that I can’t interpret. It isn’t angry or annoyed. It also isn’t quite happy. I would call it remorseful if I had to name it. I wonder if I’ve somehow upset him, but I press on selfishly with my question anyway. “You’ll come back later, right?”
A smile tugs at Elias’s lips.
“I need to take care of a few things,” he answers. “I promise you, though. I’ll be back before my ladies have finished. You won’t even know I was gone.”
I highly doubt the last part of his statement. Elias is not even out the door yet, and I already wish he’d come back. I bite my tongue, though, and work up a smile for him.
Soon enough, Azazel and three other women file in and set to work. I recognize one of them as Charity—the Bride who helped Elias after the suicide. They begin running water into the massive bathtub, and one of them comes to me with a few options for a change of clothing. I’m in a dress now, so they must have been taking care of my hygiene while I was unconscious. I thank them for that, but they won’t hear of it. They insist it was the least they could do.
Azazel removes the IV from my arm, telling me that since I’m awake, oral medications will be sufficient. She and another, younger woman come to assist me in getting out of bed. I knew that lying in bed for a week would have taken its toll on my body, but I’m not prepared for how very weak I am. I nearly fall when I try to stand, but Azazel catches me with little effort.
“Looks like I’ll have to do some major catching up before the next Discipline,” I mutter with a dark laugh.
“We’re not even going to think about the next Discipline yet, dear,” Azazel answers. “You’ve got three more weeks before then, and we will cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, we focus on getting you healed.”
Azazel and the other woman, Sophia, practically carry me to the bath and lower me into the hot water. It stings my leg for a minute or two, but it feels absolutely heavenly on the rest of my body.
I’m handed soap and a cloth, and I wash myself to the best of my ability, but I’m so tired. I reach up to undo my hair, but I become short of breath at the effort. Azazel quickly kneels behind me and takes over for me. She massages my scalp and shoulders, washes my hair, and rinses it for me before motioning for a towel.
Sophia and Phillipa lift me up out of the water, and Azazel pats me dry. I feel somewhat self-conscious at being naked in front of them, but these ladies have cared for me completely for a week, and they act, now, as though it is nothing out of the ordinary.
On our way back to the bed, we pass a mirror, and I gasp when I catch my reflection. I am far thinner than I was the day of the second Discipline. My muscles, especially the one in the leg that was bitten, are emaciated. I’m pale beyond description, and the whites of my hazel eyes are blood red. I must say, that reflection frightens me.
“We almost lost you, dear,” Azazel whispers after seeing what’s caught my eye. “It will take time to get back to your old self.”
When I’m dressed and back in bed, Sophia, Phillipa, and Charity excuse themselves, and I am alone with Azazel.
“Are you able to stay sitting up for a little while?” She asks softly.
I nod, and Azazel rests me on the bed. She sits behind me with a brush and begins combing it through my long hair. She hums quietly as she does, and I feel myself relaxing. My mother used to do this when I’d had a hard day back at home. I can see how Azazel is so good at making Elias feel like her son.
Elias…
“Azazel?”
“Hm?” she continues brushing.
I’m not sure how to ask my question, so I just blurt it out.
“Is Elias upset with me?”
“What?” Azazel pauses her brushing and moves to where she can see my face. “Why would you think that?”
“Well,” I frown. Tears sting my eyes, and I feel pathetic for it. “I told him ‘thank you’ for helping me, and he got really quiet…and then he left. I think he’s angry with me, but I don’t know why.”
“Kaija,” Azazel runs a hand over the side of my head. “No, honey. Elias isn’t upset with you. Do you remember me telling you about his tendency to shoulder everything? He’s doing that now.”
“Why?” I don’t understand. He very literally saved my life.
“I was asleep when he brought you in that night,” Azazel moves back around and continues with my hair. “I woke up to hear him screaming all of our names, begging for help. I was so frightened. From the way he was carrying on, I thought War had finally killed him. When I came in here, he was struggling to resuscitate you. He was crying. Kaija, in forty years, I had never seen the man cry. In between breathing for you, he was pleading with you to keep fighting and telling you how sorry he was.”
Azazel stops brushing and starts braiding my hair.
“I’ve never seen him so frantic. It was a long and chaotic night, but you pulled through. After the worst was over and the other girls were gone, Elias was exhausted. He kept telling me how this was all his fault. He went on about how he should have done something to better prepare you for the Discipline. From there it spiraled into how none of this would have even happened if he’d stood up to War years ago. That isn’t true, though. All standing up to War will get him is a death sentence. The gods cannot use their power on one another, so hand-to-hand combat would be the only way to defeat him, and as much as I hate to say it, Elias wouldn’t stand a chance. He is strong, but there is a reason War is the alpha.”
“Azazel, none of this was his fault,” I whisper. “It was my choice to protect Rebecca. He tried to help me right after the Discipline, but I tried to protect him too. I knew that War would…” I can’t complete my thought for some reason. “I knew that it wouldn’t be good if War caught him helping me…whole lot of good that thinking did. I ended up just causing all of you more trouble.”
“No, dear,” Azazel purrs. “You saw Elias’s face when he saw you sitting there. I think being able to help you will help him too. He just needs to sort through his misplaced guilt before he allows himself to be happy.”
“What can I do to help him?”
“Just keep being yourself,” Azazel puts a comb in my hair, holding my braid in place. “I can always tell when he’s been with you lately because the spring in his step is just a little more buoyant. All you have to do is be you. That’s all he needs.”
Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door, and I jump. Azazel places her hands on my shoulders reassuringly.
“Enter!” she calls, and the door swings open. “Ah, Elias! We were just talking about you, love.”
“Were you, now?” Elias smirks as he slides in the door and closes it behind him. He's dressed in fresh clothing, black shirt and pants, and his hair is perfectly tied back at the base of his neck in a black ribbon; not a single strand is out of place.
“We were,” Azazel adjusts one final thing on my hair and smiles. “Isn’t she beautiful, Elias?”
“Always,” he smiles sadly, and I fight the urge to cry again.
I know that isn’t true. I just saw my reflection.
“Well, I suppose I shall retire to my other duties,” Azazel stands and kisses my forehead. As she walks by Elias, she squeezes his arm.
“Goodbye,” I say as the door closes.
Elias slowly comes closer. I move to climb under the covers on the bed, and he sits next to me.
“I saw Diggory,” he says quietly. “He said he’ll come up to visit you tomorrow. The other girls send you their best—“
“Elias?” I stop him, and he looks up at me. Pain is evident in his eyes. Despite what Azazel said, I can’t help the pang of guilt I feel. I can’t help but feel that most of Elias’s discomfort was caused by me. “I’m sorry.”
“What?” his eyebrows draw together in a frown.
“I’m sorry,” I sob, no longer able to contain the tears. “I—I know this has been a lot of trouble for you. You tried to help me, and now you’re protecting me, and if War finds out he’ll—” I place a shaking hand over my mouth. “I’m so sorry. If you’re upset with me, it’s okay. I understand.”
“Kaija,” Elias takes both of my hands in his own, “I could never be upset with you! Forgive me if something I said gave you that impression. It’s just—”
Elias pauses, collecting his thoughts.
“I was so afraid,” he finally whispers, and his hands begin trembling in my own. “Over the last several weeks you’ve become very…very dear to me. It was all I could do to walk away and leave you with Diggory, but I knew that you would decline quickly when it happened, so I had to begin preparing treatments. When I got back to the stable, Barnaby told me what happened. I saw the blood on the ground, and I—”
He stops, taking a few deep breaths. When he continues, his voice is thick with emotion.
“I ran as fast as I could to your room, and when I saw you on that bed… I nearly lost my mind with fear. I should have made you go with me and started treatment immediately. I should have—”
Elias coughs, but from the wetness in his red-rimmed eyes, I think he might have been masking a sob.
“I thought you were going to die,” he whispers. “And I don’t know if I could have withstood that. I’ve seen and caused so much death in my life that I thought I’d grown numb to it. After this week, though, I realized I was wrong. I think your death would crush me. You told me that if I couldn’t find anything else, I could let you be my purpose. I did what you said, and I thought I was losing my purpose for staying alive so soon after finding it.”
I squeeze his hand gently, and he finally makes eye contact with me.
“And then I woke up this morning to see you awake and alive and perfect,” Elias breathes. “I told you before that I don’t know anything about the old religions…but I know that I did a lot of praying to your God this past week, and I suppose He heard me because here you are.”
“He did,” I nod. “He always does.”
I hesitate for a moment, and then I pull Elias’s hands toward me. Taking my hint, he scoots closer, and I slide my arms around him, nestling my head in his chest. The steady rhythm of his heart makes me smile. Elias freezes, rigid for a few seconds, but slowly, he wraps his strong arms around me and holds me firmly in place with his cheek on my head.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“You are very welcome, my dear Miss Kaija,” he answers softly. After a time, he pulls back. “And now, you need to rest.”
“So do you,” I look at him with a knowing expression. He still looks exhausted. “Azazel told me you almost killed yourself taking care of me.”
“She may have…exaggerated,” Elias rubs his head awkwardly. I give him a look. “I was worried. I still am,” he looks pointedly at me. “You’re awake, and that’s a good sign, but you’re not out of the woods yet.”
Carefully, Elias pushes me back into the fluffy pillows and covers me with a blanket. He turns like he’s going to go to the door, and my anxiety skyrockets again. I don’t want to be alone. More specifically, I don’t want him to leave.
“I’ll rest if you do!” I blurt out the first thing that comes to my mind.
“You really are as bad as Azazel!” Elias laughs as he turns back around, but he must pick up on the fear behind my outburst because his expression falls into concern and then that sad smile when he sees my face. “Alright. I’ll rest too.”
Moving over to the sitting area, Elias pushes one of the big couches all the way back over to the bed. He curls up on the plush surface and closes his eyes. I watch him until his breathing levels out into a slow, steady pace, and I know he’s asleep. Then, I lay back and close my eyes, hoping it doesn’t take long to drift off.
Something terrible is happening. Something dark. Something that rips out my heart with the sheer sorrow of it. I don’t know what it is now. I wish I could remember. Everything is black.
When I awaken, I am immediately very disoriented. I don’t know where I am or what’s happening to me. All I know is that my heart is pounding, I’m breathing like I’ve just run a marathon, and there’s a thick layer of sweat on my forehead. I’m afraid. That’s not strong enough. I’m terrified. I don’t know why, though.
“Miss Kaija!” someone yells. “Miss Kaija, please speak to me!”
I know that voice. That’s Elias. That’s safety.
“Elias?” I say shakily, looking for his face. When I’m finally able to focus my vision, he’s leaning over me, gripping my shoulders. Worry clouds his expression. “What’s going on?”
Elias sighs, relieved. His face is very pale again, but with that sigh, I see a little bit of color return.
“You were relapsing,” he says, turning his attention to the IV line in my arm.
When did I get another one of those? Quietly, he injects something into one of the ports along the line.
“I’m sorry. You may feel sore. You started seizing, and we had to hold you down to place the line. Evidently the oral medications aren’t enough yet. The venom really did a number on your system,” Elias sounds very official—like a doctor instead of someone who knows me. “It seems that it caused you to have a night terror because you started screaming. It took a long time for me to get you to wake up.”
I watch him as he works beside me for a moment, unable to read him.
“What Elias means to say is that he was worried, and he’s glad you’re awake now,” I look to the right and see Azazel on the other side of the bed. Some of the other brides are milling about behind her. “Really, Elias, there’s no wonder the poor girl thought you were upset with her earlier with the way you clam up like that.”
“You’re right; Forgive me,” Elias looks at me, and Azazel shoos the other ladies out of the room. Elias continues talking to me as though he doesn’t notice. “I sometimes struggle with communication. Az likes to remind me when I’m being…insensitive.”
I wait silently for him to continue.
“I am frustrated. The treatments I’ve given you should be working faster. You shouldn’t still be having to struggle like this,” he runs a hand over his tired face. “We’ve only got three weeks until the next Discipline, and I fear, at this rate, that it will be too much for you. I cannot watch you die.”
“Like Azazel said, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” I smile at him, but Elias looks at me very seriously.
“I swear to you, Kaija, you will not be harmed in the next Discipline. If necessary, I will face War myself,” he says, clenching his fist.
“No!” I gasp. A sense of foreboding—a memory from the nightmare—flashes in my mind. It is not a tangible image; it’s more of a feeling. “You mustn’t do that. He’ll kill you, and I’ll still have to complete the Discipline.”
Elias bites his lip, frowning deeply.
“Let’s just focus on my recovery,” I say, laying a hand on his arm. “Worrying about the future won’t change anything, but if you’ll help me, I know I can do this. I can be ready.”
With a resigned sigh, Elias nods.
“Besides,” I reach and pull his chin up to look at me, “you’ve become dear to me too. I wouldn’t be able to stand it if you endangered yourself for me any more than you already have.”
Elias smiles at me.
“Alright,” he presses a button, adjusting the flow of my IV. “If that’s the case, then starting tomorrow, we focus on getting you better. We’ll try some muscle building exercises, and if you’re up to it, we’ll work on walking a bit. For now, though, it’s late. We should get some rest.”
I look around to see that the sun is gone. Night has fallen. I wonder how long I was asleep this time, and I briefly wonder how much trouble Elias went to on my behalf.
“Will you be going to your room to sleep, then?” I ask quietly.
I don’t want to be selfish; he can’t keep sleeping on that couch and hope to function, but I really want him to stay with me.
“We’re in my room,” Elias chuckles.
“Oh,” I feel my face growing hot.
Not only has be been helping me all hours of the day for the last week, he’s given me his bed. He really hasn’t been resting, then. I really should have known, given the extravagance of this room.
“So if it’s all the same to you, I’ll stay right here and sleep on the couch,” Elias smiles warmly.
“There’s…” I hesitate, looking at the vast space in the bed beside me. “Never mind. Goodnight, Elias.”
“Goodnight, Miss Kaija,” he flops down on the couch, and I roll over, letting myself drift to sleep.
When I open my eyes again, it is morning…or at least it’s daylight. I lay still for a moment, debating going back to sleep. When I look over at the couch, I’m disappointed to see that it’s empty.
I suppose Elias had more to take care of today. It occurs to me that I have no idea what the gods do between Disciplines. Worry settles in on my heart when I think that Elias will be interacting with War while I sleep in his bed…and what about Diggory, Barnaby, and the girls? Eventually Rebecca is going to question why I don’t return to the room at night. What excuse did the girls come up with, and how long will it work?
A sigh passes my lips. I never thought that one wrong move in the snake pit would have put so many people in danger. Diggory is supposed to visit sometime soon. I hope he does so I can ask how everyone is doing.
I guess since I’m alone, I’ll just try to go back to sleep. When I move to roll over, though, I’m shocked to feel something close around my right hand. My eyes shoot over, and I gasp.
Lying on the other side of the bed, fast asleep, is Elias. He is on his back, atop the blankets, with one arm flung over his head. His left arm reaches out to where our hands are clasped in the center of the bed. His feet, still in his black, leather knee boots, hang over the side; he can’t be completely comfortable like that, but at least it’s better than the couch.
In light of this development, I roll toward Elias instead of away, leaving our hands together. His grip on mine is quite firm. I wonder what lead up to this arrangement. I’m sure he’ll tell me when he wakes. I take the opportunity to gawk at him for a moment.
Elias’s mouth and chin are all I can see of his face. His lips are perfect, and I rather like the slight “five o’clock shadow” he’s developing—though I’m not certain it could be called a shadow considering it’s snow white.
~#*TSD*#~
DP? What does Kaija do? Does she wake Elias and ask what's going on? Let him sleep? Something else? You decide!
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themightyzan
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| Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2015 7:10 pm Post subject: |
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Oh, the feels. I loved it. Her apologizing, and him being all "I'll kill him, rar!"
She should wake him up. I'm always for waking people up and asking what the hell is up.
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“I write to give myself strength. I write to be the characters that I am not. I write to explore all the things I'm afraid of. ” - Joss Whedon
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2015 1:57 pm Post subject: |
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On the other hand, I feel like she'd be more likely to just let him sleep.
Definitely an interesting chapter, as far as interpersonal stuff goes I like how much we've been learned about Elias, but also the people around him.
i also like the detail about the weakness that comes from being n bed for so long and stuff it brings some worry for her and the upcoming challenge.
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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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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2015 7:15 pm Post subject: |
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I really liked the chapter! It didn't feel rushed or anything, and while it's (mostly) a downtime chapter, I didn't get bored. Nor did I feel over-expositioned. It was a lovely balance. It's definitely nice to hear more of the hows and whys to their emotions. We as an audience can feel the tension (good kind, I swear), but it's always nice to have some facts behind the emotions.
As for the DP, hmm. I say she plays with his hair. How often does she get the chance?
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Vishal Muralidharan
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| Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2015 9:27 am Post subject: |
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Okay, firstly, I was only planning to read till chapter 10 tonight, but the story was so good that I ended up reading all the way through xD I love how you've written this so far! There literally is a lot of emotion weaved into every chapter, and NONE of it is delivered in the cliche, cheesy movie-style. There were so many parts in the story, especially when Elias and Kaija have their little questioning session where I was like "KISS HIM YOU FOOL". Brilliant as usual, An!
As for the DP, I say she lets the man sleep. He hasn't really been getting much rest off late, and I think it'd be just downright mean to wake him up lol. I say let him wake up on his own, and then ask him about it. Meanwhile, another conversation with Azazel would be great for now
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 6:53 pm Post subject: |
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| NOW POLLING! ((Great to have you back, Vishal!!))
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 6:27 pm Post subject: |
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Voted to let him sleep, I love watching my boyfriend while he's sleeping, he's so pretty, lol. Just letting you know I am reading Andi, even though the time of year and personal current circumstances are eating my time more than usual. For the record, I would have suggested my chosen option anyway. Like I said, it appeals to me personally.
Keep up the good work.
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.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 7:44 pm Post subject: |
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It's SO good to see Vishal and Tika in the comments!! Thank you everyone for staying with me, though. I really appreciate it. <3
~#*TDS*#~
I lay my head back down and stare at the ceiling. About an hour passes with us lying this way before Elias begins stirring. The feeling of his hand tightening around mine is what draws my attention out of the half-sleep in which I’ve been drifting. After stretching a bit, Elias opens his eyes. Instantly, they drift to me.
“Good morning,” I say with a warm smile.
“Mmm…morning,” Elias mumbles with a sleepy smile in return. It would seem that mornings do not agree with him. I suppose that’s why our meetings up to this point have been at night. His eyes fall on our hands and then rise back up to me. “How long have you been awake?”
“About an hour,” I shrug. He looks back to our hands. “I didn’t want to wake you. You had a pretty good grip, there.”
“Sorry,” he apologizes, but he doesn’t move his hand.
“That wasn’t a complaint,” I giggle.
“I’m glad,” Elias flashes me a dazzling smile.
There is a stretch of comfortable silence before Elias speaks again.
“There’s a reason I intruded.”
“Intruded?” I laugh quietly. “It’s your bed.”
“It is yours for the time being,” he smiles at me, but then his expression darkens. “You had another nightmare.”
“I did?”
“Yeah,” he utters the word softly. “You didn’t have any physical symptoms this time, thankfully. You just started whimpering and crying out… You said my name.”
“Yeah?” my cheeks get very hot.
“Yeah,” Elias mutters. “You seemed like you were frightened, so I came over here and held your hand. It seemed to help.”
“It must have; I don’t remember a thing,” I say happily.
“Good,” Elias smiles at me. He opens his mouth to speak again, but there’s a knock at the door. “Enter,” he calls firmly.
“Good morning, you two!” Azazel beams as she walks through the door with a large tray. “You look awfully cozy.”
Elias sits up and releases my hand. I miss the warmth of it instantly. He stands, stretches, and moves to take the tray from Azazel.
“Thank you, Az,” he kisses her head before returning to the bed with the food.
“You look like you might have actually rested last night, Elias, dear,” she says brightly, taking a seat on the couch that’s still pulled up by the bed.
“I feel rested,” he responds as he uncovers the tray.
Just like yesterday, Elias hands the bowl of broth to me. Instead of a sandwich, though, he has eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, and gravy before him—I can’t help but notice the slice of cheese stationed next to the bacon. My stomach growls loudly, and Elias laughs.
“Drink that, and then take any of this you want,” he says cheerfully. “Az fixes me enough food for three.”
“Do you blame me? He’s a walking stick figure,” Azazel eyes Elias over the tops of her reading glasses.
I laugh, and simultaneously, there’s another knock at the door.
“Enter!” Elias calls, still laughing.
“Forgive the interruption, Elias,” Charity pokes her head around the door. “Master Diggory is here to visit Miss Kaija.”
“Send him in!” Elias says brightly.
After a few seconds, the door opens, and Diggory slides in. When he sees me sitting up in bed, he sighs and hurries to my side. I notice that he and Azazel exchange happy smiles as he approaches. I don't believe I've ever seen Diggory smile like that...
“You look terrible, child,” he says gloomily after surveying me briefly.
“Thanks, Digg,” I say with a sarcastic laugh. Diggory laughs too as he comes closer and places a kiss on my forehead.
“At least you seem to be in good spirits. How is she?” he directs the question to Elias, who just took a huge bite of a biscuit.
Elias works to chew and swallow quickly, nearly choking himself in his haste. I bust out with a laugh, and Elias nearly shoots food out his nose trying to hold in his own laughter. Finally, he’s able to stop laughing long enough to get the bite down and clear out what of it he inhaled so he can answer Diggory’s question.
“Aside from sadistically taking joy in my pain…” Elias shoots a sideways glance at me, and I giggle again. “Miss Kaija is mending. She gave us another good scare last night, but she’s a fighter. I think she’s going to be just fine.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Diggory has relaxed quite a bit since his arrival. “You’ve got a lot of people worried about you, Miss.”
Elias and Diggory exchange a darkly meaningful look, and I get the distinct feeling that Elias is downplaying my true condition—probably for my own benefit after our conversation last night.
“How are the girls?” I pretend I didn’t notice their interaction.
“Worried about you, mostly,” Diggory shrugs. “They’re a resilient bunch. They worked up a story to tell that one of War’s pets, and they’re sticking to it well. Should War get suspicious, he’ll be told that you’ve moved out to the bunkhouse near the stables so that we groundskeepers could help you in your recovery more easily. To give the story further credibility, Amberline has moved out there as well, and she keeps the other bed in the room looking “slept in”. She’s a good girl.”
“Amberline,” I say, feeling new guilt.
“Don’t worry, dear,” Azazel sees through my displeasure. “They call it a “bunkhouse”, but it’s every bit as nice as where you were staying before. I stayed there myself when I was an Offering. I didn’t like sharing the room with all the rest of them. They were all just like that Rebecca girl you’ve been dealing with.”
That does make me feel better, and I smile a little.
“I emptied your wardrobe and moved all your things out there too,” Diggory adds.
A sudden fear overwhelms me. My holy book is still in that room. What if they move the bed like they did Amelia’s? If it’s discovered, I’ll most likely be killed, but the book will most certainly be destroyed. There are very few copies left in existence. I’ll have to find some way to retrieve it as soon as possible.
“Thank you, Digg,” I force a smile, but I can feel the color draining from my face.
The door to the room opens, and a bride who appears to be around Azazel’s age pokes her head through the door.
“Elias? May I borrow you and Az for a moment?”
“Of course,” Elias answers, standing again. He turns to me with a slight frown. He’s probably noticed my sudden pallor. “I’ll be right back.”
When they’re gone, Diggory and I are alone. He clears his throat after Elias’s footsteps have stopped echoing in from the hallway.
“I wasn’t sure if you would be ready to show him this,” he says, pulling something from behind his back.
I gasp, and tears spring to my eyes as I grab my holy book from his hands. I hug it to my chest.
“Oh, Diggory! I was so worried when you told me you’d moved my things. I was afraid someone would find it!”
“All of you girls are the same. You hide your most valuable things under the mattress. I’m glad I checked before someone else did,” he looks at me accusingly, but I’m far too happy to argue.
“You have no idea what this means to me,” I breathe, clutching the book tighter.
“Apparently a lot if you’re willing to risk your life to have it,” Digg grunts. After a moment of hesitation, he speaks again. “I particularly enjoyed the parts in red.”
“You read it?” I look at him in astonishment.
“Only a little. I thumbed through it, and the red letters caught my attention, so I read the books with those in them,” he mutters. “There are some good ideas in there.”
“Yeah,” I say softly, looking lovingly at the tattered, leather binding.
“Is that what I think it is?” I hear Azazel’s voice. I nearly fall off the bed in my astonishment; I didn’t hear her come in.
“Azazel, I—” I have no explanation. I simply brace myself. I notice that Diggory tenses, but he doesn’t move.
“That’s one of the holy books from the old religions, isn’t it?” she asks. Instead of anger in her voice, though, I hear wonder. “I was told some of the stories from it when I was just a little girl. I never thought I’d actually live to see one in person… May I hold it?”
I hesitate for a few seconds out of shock, but then I slowly hand it to her. Azazel takes my book as though I’ve just handed her a newborn baby. She traces the letters on the cover tenderly before flipping through a few pages. I see tears begin forming in her enchanting, midnight eyes.
“Elias told me you weren’t a believer in the gods. I never suspected you’d have something like this, though. Does Elias know?” she whispers. I shake my head. “That’s probably for the best. He would worry if he knew.”
We spend a few moments in silence while Azazel continues flipping through the pages. She pauses and begins reading.
“‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God.’ Oh, that’s beautiful,” Azazel puts her hand on her chest as happy tears begin streaming down her face.
“‘I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness,’” I recite in response. “That’s one of my favorite verses. It’s helped me a lot since I came here.”
“Do you have much of it memorized?” Azazel looks at me in awe.
“I have most of it memorized,” I answer. “The book was my father’s. We never knew when it might be taken from us, so we worked to memorize it in case we needed to recreate it one day. When it was announced that I was to be an Offering, my family decided I needed it with me more than they did. I’m grateful to them. Having it in my memory is wonderful, but there’s something so comforting about being able to hold it in my hands.”
“It’s beautiful,” Azazel looks reluctant as she reverently closes the book and holds it out to me. “Elias makes it quite clear to all the new brides that he is not a god, and he shouldn’t be treated as one. He tells all of us that he knows there’s a higher power, and we should search for those answers within our hearts since we have no other way to know the truth… I always wondered if what I was told as a girl was really in the old religions. What I wouldn’t give to be able to read these old texts…”
“Keep it,” I put up my hand, stopping her forward motion. “Read as much as you want, and give it back when you’re finished.”
“Kaija, are you certain? This is such a treasure,” Azazel’s hands begin trembling.
“It’s not supposed to be hidden away,” I whisper. “It must be protected, but keeping it safe is meaningless if it’s never shared.”
“Thank you,” Azazel hugs the book to her chest with one arm and takes my hand with the other. I know there is so much more she’d like to say, but no other words will come. Her tears speak loudly, though. “Thank you.”
Hurriedly, she tucks the book in the large pocket of her apron before wiping away the tears on her face.
“Just be careful with that, ladies,” Diggory cautions. “It’s a dangerous thing around here.”
“Don’t worry, Digg,” I smile at him. “I know I can trust Az to keep it safe.”
“You sure can, dear,” Azazel nods.
“Sorry about that!” Elias strides back through the door. “There was a minor issue down in the infirmary.”
“There’s an infirmary?” I question.
“Well, Elias is a doctor,” Azazel giggles, masking her watery eyes by blowing her nose. “He set one up for us downstairs. He sees to any of our routine needs, and there’s also a section set aside for our older Brides to be made comfortable. We have everything we need here on our side of the palace. It’s a perfect little community away from War’s misery.”
“That’s wonderful,” I smile at Elias. He’s studying my face, but he offers me a ghost of smile in return. “When I’m better, I hope you’ll show me around.”
“Of course we will!” Azazel beams at me.
Diggory clears his throat.
“Well, I suppose I should be going. I can’t be gone too long, or someone will get suspicious,” Diggory kisses my head again. “You keep getting stronger, child. Those other girls need your support.”
“I will. Thank you for coming, Digg. Tell the other girls I’m thinking about them,” I smile warmly.
“I’ll walk you out, Master Diggory,” Elias stands and motions for Diggory to go first toward the door.
When they’re gone, Azazel pulls out a different book from her apron and begins reading. I sigh and press my lips together.
“I’m not really doing well, am I, Az?”
Azazel looks up from her book, unsure of exactly how to answer.
“I saw the look Elias gave Diggory earlier when Digg asked how I’m doing,” I further explain.
“Yes and no, dear,” Azazel speaks after a moment’s silence. “The fact that you are alive and awake is a very big thing. Elias is still worried, though. He can’t tell exactly how badly the venom affected you, but the trauma was extensive. Elias has given you the strongest doses of medication he can without damaging your liver, and you still had a relapse last night. You are doing extremely well for having survived being poisoned like that, but you still have a lot of healing to do in a very short time. As I said, though, we’ll cross that bridge when it gets here. For now, we’re going to celebrate your victories and strive for more.”
I nod in reply, but there isn’t time to say more before Elias returns.
“Are you ready to start those strengthening exercises we talked about?”
“Absolutely!” I say cheerfully, tucking my discouragement deep within.
“Let’s finish breakfast, then, and we’ll get to it!” Elias flashes me a brilliant smile.
An hour passes, and I’m getting very tired. Elias and I have worked at strengthening my muscles, but I don’t feel I’m making much progress. We have worked all of my limbs except my injured leg, and that’s up next. Using Elias as resistance, I have pushed, pulled, and stretched until I feel like a cooked spaghetti noodle.
“Push up with your leg against my hand,” Elias instructs.
I’m sitting with my legs dangling from the side of the bed. With a great deal of effort, I lift my right leg up to meet Elias’s hand, and I push against it. It hurts. I close my eyes and grit my teeth, breathing through my nose.
“Are you alright?” Elias asks softly.
I nod, though truthfully, I feel as though I might be sick. I need to press on, though. I don’t have much time, and I need to keep going.
“Okay,” the doubt is obvious in his voice. “Five more seconds, four, three, two, one, relax.”
It’s all I can do to keep from crying out in pain when I release the tension and allow my leg to fall back down.
“Can you do it again?” Elias questions.
I answer with a nod, and pain shoots up my leg again when I repeat the exercise. I’m nauseous again, and my head begins spinning. I shut my eyes tightly and keep going.
“Five, four, thre—Kaija?”
I feel strong hands grip my upper arms; that’s when I realize that I was falling. I’m so lightheaded that I begin seeing tiny lights all throughout my field of vision, and my gut turns. The pain in my leg is excruciating. My head falls forward, landing squarely on Elias’s abdomen, and I suddenly lack the strength to move it.
“Miss Kaija, you mustn’t push yourself like that. You need to let me know immediately if you begin feeling poorly,” Elias scolds me gently.
“I don’t have much time,” I pant, enjoying the solid feeling of his body against my spiraling head.
“I know,” Elias responds darkly, “but pushing yourself to sickness will only delay your recovery more.”
I hadn’t thought of it like that. He’s right, though.
“Tell me how you’re feeling. Be honest,” he says softly.
“I’m sick,” I answer. My speech is slurring together for some reason. “I’m dizzy…mmmleg hurts.”
“Okay,” Elias murmurs. “I want you to lay here, and I want you to rest.”
Elias picks me up and moves me up to the pillows. He, then, moves to a cabinet full of medicine and begins drawing things from a few vials up into a syringe. He slowly injects it into my IV line.
“This will help with the sickness and pain. It should help you sleep as well.”
I don’t answer. Instead, I lay back with my eyes closed. I feel a pair of soft lips press briefly to my forehead, and then I hear Elias’s footsteps growing further away, and I can tell he’s taken a seat on the couch.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“You’re welcome, Miss Kaija.”
I wake up to the sound of voices. They are distressed, and I grow worried.
“I told you, that isn’t possible,” Elias seems to be a combination of frightened and angry.
“What other choice do we have, Elias?” Azazel is equally frightened as well as frustrated.
“Master Diggory’s plan will work. Barnaby knows it will,” what is Barnaby doing here?
“What’s going on?” I ask, propping myself up on my elbows to the best of my ability.
“Miss Kaija!” Elias is at my side in three strides of his long legs. “Don’t you worry; we’ll figure everything out.”
“What’s happening?” I repeat.
“War is getting suspicious. He showed up at the stables looking for you,” Azazel fills me in. Elias shoots her a venomous look, and she gives it right back to him. “What? She knows something is going on. You don’t think she’s just going to sit there and go back to sleep, do you?”
Fear shoots through me like a thousand arrows.
“What are we going to do?”
“Master Diggory is delaying Lord War at the stables, showing him the room you’re supposedly using,” Barnaby rattles off the plan. “We’re supposed to get you out to the flower fields, where you’ve been supposedly working—one of the sunflower fields, so it will be easy for everyone else to hide there with you.”
“But that isn’t going to happen,” Elias growls. “Miss Kaija has already over exerted herself once today. Taking her outside in this condition could be deadly for her. It could kill her.”
“What other option do we have, Elias?” Azazel pleads with him. “If War finds her here, he will certainly kill her.”
“Anything!” Elias throws his hands in the air and begins pacing the floor. “I don’t know!”
I need to calm him down. I reach out and grab the sleeve of his shirt when he passes near me and pull him closer.
“Elias,” I say firmly, giving him a hard look. He sets his jaw and gazes back at me with at least ten different emotions running through his celadon eyes. “You’re thinking with this,” I touch the place on his chest that’s just over his heart, “and I need you to think with this,” I place my finger on his forehead.
“You cannot challenge War,” I tell him. “Everyone in this room is depending on you. If War finds me here, he will kill me, and then he’ll kill you, and the only reason Azazel and your other brides over the age of thirty-five are living is because you are protecting them. If you challenge War, and he kills you, we’re all dead. If risking ‘overdoing it’ will save us all, I’d say that’s our only option.”
I can see Elias’s jaw twitch. He’d like nothing more than to argue with me, but he knows it would be pointless. More importantly, he knows I’m right. Despite that, he shakes his head.
“There has to be another way,” he insists. “I refuse to just leave you in this condition—defenseless—in front of that pig.”
“Elias! We cannot risk the lives of everyone just for me! They’re already risking enough!” I plead with him. “Why is this so important to you?”
“Because I love you!!” Elias shouts.
The sound of a pin dropping would be terribly loud in the room at this moment. All eyes are wide. Even Elias has frozen, realizing what he’s just said. After taking a few seconds to recover from my shock, I shake my head. We’ll have to sort through this mess later. One crisis at a time—I feel like that’s becoming my mantra these days.
“We don’t have time to debate. Az, help me up,” I say, reaching for her.
Elias closes his eyes, taking a deep, steadying breath.
“No,” he says, stopping Azazel. “I’ll carry you. It’ll be faster.”
“We must go,” Barnaby is bouncing up and down by the door. “I don't know how long Master Diggory will be able to delay War.”
“Let’s get moving, then,” I nod.
After injecting something to boost me, Elias quickly removes my IV, and Azazel helps me slide into something that will cover the evidence of it on my arms. Elias, then, scoops me up in his strong arms and heads for the door. Barnaby runs to keep up, but Elias is on a mission. He doesn’t speak to me throughout the entire trip out to the fields. When we arrive at the garden where Barnaby has directed us, I see that this plan was, in fact, very well executed. It looks as though there has been work in progress for days, pruning the tall plants and collecting the seeds.
“Sit Miss Kaija here, Elias, and go hide behind the fountain in that row, there,” Barnaby instructs. “I will stay by Miss Kaija’s side.”
Elias sits me down and places a lingering kiss on my forehead. When he moves to stand, I grab his hand.
“It’s going to be okay,” I whisper. “I can do this.”
I can’t interpret the look in Elias’s eyes as he nods to me before stalking off to where Barnaby is pointing.
When Elias is gone, Barnaby works feverishly to cover the tracks from his boots. When he’s finished, he comes back over and hands me a sack that’s halfway full of seeds. He takes dirt and smudges it all over my face and clothes before climbing up a small ladder and cutting off the head of one of the massive flowers.
“I’m right here, Miss Kaija,” Barnaby mumbles from atop the ladder. “For what it’s worth, I’ll do my best to protect you.”
Barnaby brings me the flower and a rounded tool that I begin using to scrape the seeds into the sack. Quietly, I begin praying.
“Father, protect us. I’m weak, and I’m frightened. Give me the strength to endure for the sakes of those who have risked so much to keep me safe…”
~#*TSD*#~
CLIFFHANGER!!!
No DP this round. Just share your thoughts, and pester everyone else to comment so we can see what happens next.
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
Respected Citizen
Joined: 09 Dec 2007
Posts: 700
Location: The inn. Probably. Come check!
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| Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 9:02 pm Post subject: |
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Only one moment in the reading didn't flow,
| Quote: | | I bust out with a laugh, and Elias nearly shoots food out his nose trying to hold in his own laughter. |
I couldn't tell if that was intention, or supposed to be burst out with a laugh.
As for the story, oddly enough, at this point that love confession, while heart squeezing, was a bit... anti-climatic? I enjoyed it, don't get me wrong. I guess it just seemed so obvious at this point that I half expected a character to go. 'uh, duh?' XD
Great read as usual, and quite the cliffhanger! Good luck to Kaija with all that.
_________________
My latest SG! (Image courtesy of the lovely Lebrenth)
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kkdestiny
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Location: The Library of Interfable History
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| Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 9:09 pm Post subject: |
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nnnng *celebrates the blurt out confession*
Guess he was wrestling with it but didnt want to say it, cause then it'd be cemented and stuff. Still a great feeling when he finally said it though.
Now, the cliffhanger...I am nervous, admittedly...we dont look like we should be out of bed or anything....and War wont exactly hesitate to rough us up.
_________________
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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themightyzan
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| Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 9:35 pm Post subject: |
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*Flails arms*
I love him yelling it so much!
Awesome as always, friend!
Also, Azazel makes me happy. Not as much as Diggory or Barnaby, but a trinity is happening!
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“I write to give myself strength. I write to be the characters that I am not. I write to explore all the things I'm afraid of. ” - Joss Whedon
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Andolyn
Mayor's Ambassador
Joined: 18 Apr 2011
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Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...
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| Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 10:31 pm Post subject: |
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Picking up from the cliffhanger!
~#*TSD*#~
Five minutes have yet to pass when I hear voices approaching.
“Offering!” War says a little too cheerfully when he breaks through the stalks of flowers. “I honestly thought Master Diggory was fibbing to me when he told me you were out here working.”
“Where else would I be, my lord?” I ask innocently, making sure to keep my eyes down.
“Oh, I don’t know,” War muses. “Dead?”
“Oh, no, my lord,” I giggle effortlessly, though the word sends a shiver down my spine. “I’m recovering quite well, actually.”
“Indeed you are,” War says with a suspicious tone.
I hear his footfalls coming closer. When I see him crouching before me, I close my eyes, willing myself to remain calm. Slowly, I feel a hand close around my throat, lifting upward slightly; I don’t do so much as flinch. It’s painful, but I can still breathe. I swear I can hear Diggory and Barnaby step closer to us.
“One might think you were receiving some sort of help.”
“I’ve had lots of help, my lord,” I’ll give him that. Denying all help would only make him more suspicious. His hand tightens ever so slightly.
“Oh?” he sounds intrigued.
“Yes,” I choke out sweetly despite my discomfort. “The groundskeepers have been wonderful. As you can see, they’re helping me quite a bit. I moved in with them so that I could be closer to my work, and I found a salve in the medicine box that’s done wonders for the bite. I guess my boot was thick enough to catch most of the venom.”
“Oh,” War’s façade is breaking. He’s genuinely upset that I’m doing so well—even though everyone else here knows I’m really not. With a hard shove that sends me sprawling backward, War releases my neck. “Well, it’s wonderful to know that I have such a capable staff.”
“Indeed, my lord,” I gasp, ignoring the overwhelming desire to cough and grabbing a new seed sack.
I need him to leave. I can’t do this for much longer. The afternoon sun is beating down on me, robbing me of what little strength I had before. My vision is growing hazy, and I feel weak. I struggle to focus on the work in my hands. It is tangible. It is real. If I continue to focus, I can remain conscious. I fight to keep my hands from shaking.
God, help me.
“Well, I suppose I’ll allow all of you to get back to work,” War sighs, turning away from me. “Master Diggory, I thank you for indulging me. I’ve been so worried about our favorite little Offering.”
“Of course, my lord,” Diggory replies. “Would you like for me to accompany you back to the palace?”
“That won’t be necessary, Master Diggory,” War huffs. “I know the way.”
“Yes, my lord,” Diggory responds.
We all listen breathlessly as War’s footsteps fade into the distance. Diggory stands at the edge of the field, hidden from view if War was to turn back, and makes sure he does, in fact, go back to the palace. Barnaby rushes to my side, crouching before me.
“Are you okay, Miss?” Barnaby asks.
I would answer, but I have reached my limit. My hands begin shaking violently, and the tool falls from my numb fingers. I gasp for breath while my heart pounds, and I feel darkness closing in on my whirling vision.
“Elias!” I plead even as I feel myself falling backward.
“I’m here,” I fall into Elias’s waiting arms as he kneels behind me. “I’ve got you.”
“Did we make it?” I ask, trying in vain to focus on his face. “Is War gone?”
“You did it,” Elias whispers. “You were incredible. I’m so proud of you.”
“That was amazing, child!” Diggory says excitedly as he comes back to us. His voice grows more distant, though, as the darkness envelops me. “I think War…”
~#*TSD*#~
It’s nighttime when I open my eyes. My head is throbbing, and so is my leg, but I’m alive. That’s a good sign. I blink a few times and look around the dimly lit room. The source of the light is a kerosene lantern. I find that odd considering the fact that the palace has access to the luxury of electricity.
My eyes wander over from the lamp, though, to the couch. Elias is reclined on the arm of the chair, resting his head on the tips of his fingers while he pours over a thick book. Deviating from his characteristic black, Elias is wearing a white shirt. His long legs are crossed before him, and a crease has formed between his brows to accompany the frown on his lips.
“Hey,” I say softly.
Elias looks up immediately, and his frown melts into a warm smile.
“Hey,” he says slowly as he closes his book and stands. “How are you feeling?”
“A little groggy,” I say honestly.
“Are you in pain?”
“Not bad,” I shake my head. “I’ve got a minor headache, and my leg hurts.”
Elias strides to the medicine cabinet and returns with a pill and a cup of water. He hands them to me and then sits beside me on the bed.
“I suppose we need to talk,” he murmurs, taking the cup back when I’ve finished.
“That doesn’t sound like a bad idea,” I smile at him. “I love talking to you.”
Elias is silent for a few seconds, just smiling at me. He reaches up and brushes a stray hair out of my face.
“How can there be so much strength in one person?” he says distantly, and then he really looks at me again. “I’m so proud of you. I don’t know how you managed to keep yourself together for so long, but it was amazing.”
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“I should have trusted you,” he confesses. “I was just afraid of losing you…again.”
“It’s okay,” I say, trying to cheer him up. “Everything turned out fine in the end.”
“This time,” Elias grows somber. Anger flashes in his eyes as he gently touches my neck. “You have bruises from his fingers. I can’t believe I stood by while that wretch put his hands on you. Please, forgive me.”
“There’s nothing to forgive,” I reply. “It would only have made things worse if you’d revealed yourself.”
“I know,” he sighs dejectedly. “And that is the only reason I refrained. Did he hurt you badly?”
“It wasn’t comfortable,” I rub my neck where War gripped it. “He’s given me worse before, though.”
Silence stretches on for a few moments.
“Earlier…” I finally switch the subject. “You said that you loved me…”
“I meant what I said,” Elias answers without hesitation. “I certainly didn’t mean for it to come out right that minute, but I meant every word.”
I know exactly what he means. The look on his face at the time told me that.
“I didn’t want to fall in love with you,” he continues. “After losing two special women, I never wanted to fall in love with anyone ever again. I knew that first day you walked in that I was in trouble, though. You were the first woman I’d ever seen be more interested in the décor then the fact that you were in the same room with us.”
“You have to admit, it’s impressive decorating,” I giggle.
“Apparently,” Elias nods with a chuckle. “And then I saw your fiery spirit again in the first Discipline. It was astonishing, and it intrigued me like nothing has in decades. That night, when I heard you singing, I knew it was a lost cause. I tried to stay away from you after Freyena’s funeral. I knew that I was becoming too attached, but my efforts only made me crave your presence more. Azazel told me to stop whining like an idiot and spend time with you. That’s when I went out to find you the night before the second Discipline.”
He chuckles again at the memory.
“Azazel is good for keeping you in line, it seems,” I laugh with him.
Elias nods, and then he falls quiet for a while.
“I have only had two wives in my life. I loved them both dearly,” a shadow falls over Elias’s eyes, and my heart breaks for him. “When Ronyn was… When she died, it crushed me. She was my first love. Caliah was a wonderful woman as well. It was hard seeing her age without me. It was harder having to ease her passage.”
I listen quietly as Elias pours his heart out to me. I cannot imagine the level of pain he has endured. I have lost close friends and relatives, but the loss of a spouse would be a completely different matter. It would be indescribably difficult to overcome that, and Elias has done it twice… And here he says I’m strong.
“You, though,” he looks up at me, and chills run down my spine. “What I feel for you is completely new. I did love them…so very much. This, though, is inexpressibly different. I can’t fully put it into words.”
Elias pauses, attempting to gather his thoughts. I know precisely what he means. I recognized the magnetism between us very early on, and I wanted so badly to know him more, but I only realized in these past couple of days how much I need Elias—how much I do love him. I’ve never been in love before, so this feeling is entirely novel. I know, now, that Elias is not just a friend to me, as I’ve continually referred to him in my mind. I am in love with this man, and despite my inexperience in the area, I know that this love is powerful. It is intense, and it will last far beyond any earthly end.
“I think if you would have died, I would have laid right here on this bed until I died with you.”
“Elias,” I whisper, reaching out my hand to him.
“I’m still so worried,” he slides ever so slightly closer to me, and I cup his cheek. “Every time you go to sleep, I worry that you won’t wake up again, and thoughts of you facing the rest of the Disciplines make me want to run out and take on the world for you. I would have attacked War without a second thought this afternoon if you hadn’t stopped me and reminded me of all the people who are depending on me.”
Elias takes my hand, and he kisses it softly.
“I’m bonded to you, Kaija. I don’t fully understand how, but I know deep inside that your soul is the other half of mine. Something much more powerful than I can comprehend is drawing me to you, and I can’t fight it anymore. I love you, Kaija, with my whole heart. I don’t know how, yet, but I will save you from War. I’ll set you free.”
I lay for a moment, soaking up everything Elias has just said to me. Slowly, I attempt to sit. Elias slides his arms around me to hold me up.
When I look up, I get completely lost in the depths of Elias’s eyes. His face is ageless, but when I’ve looked in his eyes before, I have seen the wisdom, pain, and sorrow of centuries. In this moment, though, as I lose myself in the pale, jade oblivion of them, I see only a profound and glorious love. I see every amorous feeling my feeble, mortal heart has ever experienced reflected back along with nearly a thousand others. I see that all of those intense emotions are completely and totally devoted to me, and I am overwhelmed with the tragic joy of it all.
I shouldn’t love this man. I am a human, and he is one of those with power. I will age, and I will die, leaving him alone and in pain once again. According to his own words, though, when I die, it will be much worse on him than the loss he’s experienced before. In addition to that, I am an Offering to War. If Elias and I enter into a relationship and War discovers it, it will likely mean death for both of us.
I shouldn’t love him. I should distance myself for his sake. I should protect him. I should finish with my recovery, and I should never speak to him again afterward.
However, the very idea of leaving Elias is laughable, and I know it. That irresistible pull he described is very real. I, too, feel that we are one soul in two bodies. We have found one another, and even death will not be enough to part us.
“I’m sorry if I’ve been too forward,” Elias falters.
My silence has given him the wrong impression. As I watch his lips move, I feel an overpowering desire to have them against my own. I remember the hazy feeling of them when Elias used his own breath to save my life. I want to feel them again for entirely different reasons.
“I understand if you need time to—” I press a finger to those perfect lips.
Once I’ve silenced him, I look up to Elias’s eyes once more with a soft smile.
“Miss Kaija, may I kiss you?”
“Oh, I wish you would,” I whisper in reply.
Slowly, hesitantly, Elias brings a hand up to the back of my head. His other arm still supports most of my weight as he leans in. I close my eyes and delight in the feeling of him holding me; for the first time it isn’t out of necessity but out of desire. I wait, breathless, for the touch of his mouth. I feel his face close to mine, and then, feather light, he lets his lips hover just over mine, barely touching. I can tell that he’s savoring this moment as much as I.
“Am I really allowed a blessing like this?” Elias whispers. I feel I might get completely drunk from the tender touch of his lips and the intoxicating scent of him. “I fear that all of this is a dream, and I will awaken to find that you were nothing more than a radiant vision, too exquisite for this cursed existence. I fear I am unworthy of such a gift.”
“I’m real,” I breathe in response. “I’m here, and I’m nothing more than a human woman with one fragile, human life in which to offer my love to you. I’m the one who should feel unworthy.”
“Your one human life has offered me more joy in the last few weeks than I have experienced in all my centuries of immortality,” Elias assures me, his soft voice dripping with profound yearning. “It’s unbelievable.”
“Kiss me,” I whisper. “See for yourself that I’m real.”
Without hesitation, Elias’s fingers tighten on the back of my hair, and he brings me closer, pressing his lips fully onto mine. I raise my hands, tugging at the ribbon that ties Elias’s long hair back. It comes loose easily, and his hair falls in a silver-white curtain around us. Immediately, I twist my fingers in the silky strands and pull him closer still. In response, I feel Elias’s embrace intensify.
No matter how tightly we cling to one another, it seems we can’t manage to be close enough to satisfy our burning need to be nearer still. Our kiss is deep and passionate, like no other human interaction I’ve ever experienced. He is not a god, and I am not an Offering. We are simply two people in love. My head swims with exuberant bliss I didn’t know existed on this side of eternity. I never want this moment to end.
My body betrays me, though, and I am forced to pull back, breathless. I lean heavily on Elias’s arms, and he lowers me to the bed. I offer him a weak smile, and he leans in, placing one more sweet kiss on my lips and one on my forehead.
Elias hovers over me, watching me with love dancing in his celadon eyes. He runs his graceful fingers over my braided hair.
“You are so beautiful,” he whispers earnestly with a soft smile. All I can do is giggle quietly in return, and Elias presses his forehead to mine. “You have made me the happiest man alive.”
Just then, there’s a discreet knock at the door, and Elias shoots upward, redness flooding his pale face. I would be irritated by the intrusion, but I can’t help but laugh at his bashful nature. Elias stands and heads toward the door, clearing his throat and throwing a playful smile in my direction.
Elias opens the door, and I see Az standing on the other side.
“I just came to see how our patient is doing,” Az whispers. “Elias, honey, your face is flushed. Are you alr—”
Az spies me, awake, lying in the bed; I wave to her.
“Hey, Az,” I say with a giggle.
Azazel’s eyes go round, and her eyebrows shoot up as she looks accusingly at Elias. Elias places one hand on his hip and pushes one side of his hair behind his ear with the other, releasing an awkward chuckle. This is the first time I’ve seen his hair down—I rather like it.
“OH,” an impish grin works its way onto Azazel’s lips. “Forgive my intrusion. I’ll be in the study if you should require anything.”
“Az?” Elias stops her. His face is a lovely shade of scarlet now. Watching them interact, I have to fight to keep from bursting out laughing. “Could you please see that some food finds its way up here?”
“Would it be too much trouble to get a bath, Az?” I speak up shyly.
“Of course not, dear,” Azazel’s teasing melts into a loving smile as she turns to me. “Barnaby roughed your appearance up a bit, didn’t he?”
“Yeah,” I smile back at her.
“Well, then, why don’t you see to our lady, here, and I shall go wrestle up something to eat?” Elias excuses himself quickly, retreating down the hallway before he’s even through speaking, and Azazel whistles for a few of the other girls.
“He sure cleared out in a hurry,” the mischief returns to Azazel’s tone.
“We kissed, Az,” I reminisce, still floating on my happiness a bit. I toy with the black ribbon that I stole from his hair, blushing slightly.
“Did you, now?” Azazel’s eyes widen again, but then she smirks at me. “It’s about time. He’s been wanting to do that since you walked in the door, I’m fairly certain.”
“I think I have too,” I giggle.
“You’ll have to forgive Elias for his unusual reactions to things,” Azazel comments as she and Phillipa lower me into the tub.
“Actually, I find it rather endearing,” I smile fondly.
“Elias isn’t accustomed to feelings,” Az goes on. “He’s spent so many years with them shut off as a defense. For as long as I’ve known him, it was almost as though Elias couldn’t feel anything anymore. Nothing upset him. Nothing made him particularly happy. I was eighteen when I was offered, and I remember thinking that Elias was the single most tragic person I’d ever met. Once I became a bride, and we began to grow closer, I learned the reason behind his stoicism, and I was able to see through it.”
“That’s terrible,” I whisper. I remember, though, talking with Elias those first few times and thinking, myself, how very sad he seemed.
“Yes,” Azazel begins washing my hair for me. “Now, though, the truth has come out. Elias shuts himself away, but in reality, he does feel. In fact, he feels deeper than most anyone I’ve ever known. He’d so tightly closed everything off that he had the perfect defense. Since you’ve come around, though, he’s flooded with all different kinds of emotions, and he’s not sure what to do with them. He’s spent so long being a god in all appearance. It will take him some time to learn to be human again.”
“You’ve brought about a big change in him, Miss,” Phillipa smiles at me as they dry me off. “It makes me happy to see him living his life for once.”
“Yes, Miss,” Sophia grins reassuringly. “You’ve done a good thing. Please, be patient with Elias.”
“I love him,” I say, smiling myself. “I’ll be whatever he needs me to be.”
On the way back from the bath, I glance in the mirror again. My appearance hasn’t changed much aside from my skin gaining a little bit of color. I am still disturbingly thin, and my eyes are still bloodshot, but at least color is an improvement. Like Azazel said, we’ll celebrate the victories.
“You’re doing well, dear,” Azazel assures me as she begins brushing my hair, just like last time. “Elias told us all how strong you were when you faced War today. That’s most impressive. You certainly shocked him.”
“I didn’t feel very strong,” I mumble.
“You survived,” Az reminds me. “That’s more than Elias expected when he was trying to dissuade you this morning.”
“I guess you’re right,” I can’t help but smile a little bit.
“One thing you’ll learn after you’ve been here for a little while, love,” Azazel pins my hair in place and stands, kissing my cheek, “I am always right.”
I laugh, but I don’t doubt the veracity of her words one bit.
“Why don’t you rest for a bit? Elias should be back shortly,” Az continues as she heads for the door.
“I think I will. Thank you, Az,” I answer. Azazel smiles at me, and then she’s gone.
I lay back on the pillows, and before long I hear the door to the room open again. It closes, and I recognize Elias’s walking pattern drawing nearer.
“Kaija?” he says softly. Evidently he thinks I’m sleeping.
“I’m awake,” I answer him.
“Oh,” he climbs onto the bed with food. “I’m sorry for running out.”
“It’s okay. I’m still getting used to this whole love thing too,” I offer him a knowing smile.
He laughs with embarrassment, and his cheeks grow red again. Elias motions toward me vaguely.
“Mind if I get that back?” he asks. I look down and see the black ribbon I’ve been absently twisting around my fingers.
“Oh! Yeah,” I laugh and hold it out to him. Elias gently takes the ribbon from me, and with an effortless motion, his gorgeous hair is swept back into the tie at the base of his neck. I stifle my brief disappointment at seeing it return to its restraint.
After we quietly eat our dinner, Elias sets the dishes on the table before coming back over to place a gentle kiss on my lips and one on my forehead. He turns to the couch.
“Goodnight, Miss Kaija,” Elias sighs happily, draping himself over the too-short piece of furniture.
“Goodnight, Elias,” I whisper, settling down into the covers.
I wake to sunlight filling up the room. Looking at the couch, I see that it’s empty, so I turn my head hopefully in the other direction. Sure enough, Elias is lying beside me. Our hands are clasped in the center of the bed once again. I find myself thinking that if I could start every morning like this, my life would be truly happy.
Elias is on his back again, but this time, I can see his face because his hand is laying on his chest instead of being thrown over his visage. His expression is peaceful as he breathes deeply in his sleep. His long, white eyelashes lay on the tops of his porcelain cheeks. The purple circles beneath his eyes have receded to slight shadows, and his face has filled out to its normal, still-thin proportion. I’d venture to say that he looks healthy…for him. If he were a normal person—that thin and that pale—I’d still be really concerned for his wellbeing.
I laugh quietly at the thought and settle back down to wait for Elias to wake up. It doesn’t take long, and soon I’m staring into his gorgeous eyes.
“You’re allowed to wake me when you’re up, you know,” Elias smiles sleepily.
“Would you even think about waking me when I was sleeping?” I counter.
“No, but you’re injured,” he says matter-of-factly. “Though, even if you weren’t, I suppose I would have issue with intentionally disturbing your sleep.”
“See?” I smirk. Then, I remember that we didn’t fall asleep this way. “Did I have a nightmare again?”
“Yeah,” Elias settles back on the pillow with his right arm under his head, still gripping my hand with his left.
“I’m beginning to think you’re making that up just to share the bed with me,” I tease him. He looks at me, horrified, as his cheeks turn red again. I burst out laughing. “I’m kidding, Elias. I don’t mind waking up beside you.”
Elias doesn’t answer me; he just lays back with a thoughtfully happy smile on his rose colored face.
The day passes peacefully. Azazel pops in and out occasionally, checking to be sure we don’t need anything. Elias only leaves my side once to “take care of something”. We spend the morning stretching and strengthening my muscles, and after resting for a bit, Elias brings out a few board games. After dinner, we’re stretching again when there’s a knock at the door.
“Come in, Az!” Elias calls while I continue pushing against his hands, our fingers intertwined.
When I look over, though, instead of Azazel, I see three concerned faces piled in the doorway.
“Girls!” I cry excitedly. “What are you doing here??”
“We were worried. Master Diggory told us how to get to the wing, and Lady Azazel showed us the way up here,” Amberline speaks, and the three of them enter with their eyes averted from Elias. “Diggory assured us it would be alright, Lord Death. If we need to leave, though, we certainly can.”
“Absolutely not!” Elias releases my hands and steps back. “And you needn’t uphold formality here, ladies. Here, my name is Elias.”
One by one, the girls look up nervously, and they relax only slightly when they see that Elias is smiling at them. After an awkward silence, Elias clears his throat.
“Well, I suppose I’ll step out and let you all visit for a while,” Elias leans down and kisses my cheek, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. “I’ll be just down the hall in my study if you need me, Miss Kaija.”
“O—okay,” I say blushing slightly.
With only a few of his elegant strides, Elias is out the door. Amberline, Jocelyn, and Vivienne are all staring after him with eyes the size of saucers, and when the door closes, they burst into activity.
“What was that??” Amberline demands with a big grin.
“Did he just kiss you??” Vivienne squeals.
“Tell us everything!!” Jocelyn begins bouncing up and down.
“Well,” I giggle; my face is burning. “I guess it started after the first Discipline…”
“Whaaaat??” They gasp together.
“Yeah, I—uh—sort of destroyed an entire field of Elias—Lord Death’s—lilies,” I move up on the bed so that the three of them can join me for story time.
I tell them about my late-night meetings with Elias. They’re astonished to learn of my private rendezvous with one of the gods, but they keep listening. Things get more interesting when I come to the second Discipline.
“Before the Discipline, Elias slipped the flint into my pocket. I still don’t know how he did it. Just before we went in, though, he reminded me it was there, and when I heard the snakes, I knew he’d put it there so I could make fire to keep them away.”
“Lord Death helped us??” Jocelyn gasps.
“Yeah,” I nod. “The Disciplines are all War’s doing. Elias doesn’t want Offerings and all that.”
“Really?” Vivienne marvels.
“Yeah,” I nod again, smiling. A frown forms involuntarily, though, when I continue. I explain some of the hierarchy and why War is the Alpha before bringing the discussion back to the point. “After the Discipline, Elias tried to help me, but I didn’t want War to hurt him if he found out. I tried to go it alone to avoid involving any of you; I don’t know what I was thinking. I knew I was in serious trouble.”
“That was so scary,” Amberline looks as though she might cry. “I really thought you were going to die.”
“I would have if it wasn’t for Elias,” I say soberly. “Azazel told me he revived me three times that first night. She said he stayed with me around the clock until he passed out from exhaustion, and when he woke up, he started it all again.”
“That’s incredible,” Vivienne shakes her head. “How did he know what to do?”
“He’s spent the last few hundred years studying medicine,” I leave out the part about his power. They don’t need to know every dark secret Elias bears. “I owe him my life.”
“It seems like he treats his Brides well,” Jocelyn says almost nervously. She and Vivienne are Offerings to him, so it’s only natural she’d be thinking about that. “All the ones we saw seemed very happy.”
“Oh, they are. Elias takes very good care of them,” I assure her.
“And he’s handsome too…” Vivienne says distantly as she looks toward the door.
I can’t help but laugh. She’s got the same false impression I had.
“Unfortunately, that’s not how it works here,” I say, still chuckling. “None of the Brides are Elias’s lovers.”
“Really?” Amberline looks at me like I’ve grown three heads.
“Yeah,” I smile warmly. “He doesn’t force himself on anyone. He’s a great man...”
I barely register the knowing smiles that take over the faces staring at me.
“So earlier, when he kissed you…?” Vivienne prods.
“Yesterday, after I had to face War—thank you all for your help, by the—”
“Never mind that! What happened yesterday??” Amberline cuts me off.
“Well,” I giggle at the intensity of their stares. “I’m not sure how, but we managed to pull it off and fool War. When I woke up after that, Elias was up watching over me.”
“That’s so sweet,” Vivienne squeals, clasping her hands next to her face.
“He’s very sweet,” I smile. “He told me that he loves me…and we kissed.”
The room erupts.
“Kaija, that’s wonderful!!” Jocelyn takes my hands and begins bouncing up and down.
“I’m so happy for you!!” Amberline squeals.
“Yeah,” I smile, but I’m troubled. “Now we just have to figure out what to do next.”
The gravity of our situation falls like a lead weight. The girls look at me with a mixture of sadness and worry.
“I’m an Offering to War,” I say miserably. “We have until the end of the Disciplines to make a plan…if I survive that long. And if War finds out about us, we’re dead anyway.”
“Are you going to be strong enough in time for the next Discipline?” Amberline asks softly. “You still look terrible.”
“I don’t know,” I answer honestly. “Elias wants to challenge War so that I don’t have to complete any more, but it wouldn’t do any good. From what Azazel says, Elias is no match for War. I don’t want him risking his life just so I might get out of the Disciplines.”
The girls nod.
“How many times do I have to tell you, we’ll cross that bridge when it comes,” I jump when I hear Azazel’s voice. She really does have a talent for sliding in unnoticed.
“You scared me, Az,” I laugh.
“Apologies, dear,” she smiles softly, sitting a tray with a teapot on the table. “How are you feeling? Elias was wondering if you’re in any pain.”
“I think I’m okay. Tell him thank you for me, though,” I smile brightly at her.
“Here, he wants you to drink this anyway,” Azazel hands me a cup of tea. “Would you girls like some? It’s just herbal tea, so it won’t keep you up all night.”
The girls gladly accept, and we all sit around sipping our tea together. We laugh and joke like old friends. If one didn’t know the situation, we might look like a group of schoolgirls at a sleep over. Eventually, though, I grow tired, and our time comes to an end. The girls stand, and we say our goodbyes.
“I’m so glad you’re okay,” Amberline wraps her arms around my neck. She whispers the next part in my ear. “And I’m so happy you’ve found some joy in the middle of this madness. You deserve it.”
As Amberline, Jocelyn, and Vivienne make their way toward the door, Elias quietly slides in.
“Goodnight, Lor—Elias,” Vivienne catches herself. Then, she offers him a giggling bow, and the other girls follow her example.
“Goodnight, ladies,” Elias answers, bowing at the waist with his hand over his heart. When they’re gone, he makes his way over to me, and sits. “You look wonderful. I think their visit was a good thing for you.”
“I’ve been worried about them,” I answer with a warm smile.
“I think the feeling was mutual,” he laughs. “And now, while you’re feeling well, why don’t you sleep? It will be good for you to rest after so much activity.”
“Kay,” I lay back, and Elias pulls the blanket over me.
“I’m so proud of you, Kaija,” he says, giving me a quick kiss. “I love you.”
“I love you,” I answer before rolling over and closing my eyes.
~#*TSD*#~
Two and a half weeks have passed, and I am improving—not as quickly as I’d like, but I’m improving. Elias assures me I’m doing splendidly, but I can’t help but wonder if I’m really doing that well or if he’s just trying to make me feel better. The IV is out of my arm, at least, and Elias spends hours every day helping me rebuild my muscles. I’m not walking yet, but he says we’re close. Amberline, Jocelyn, Vivienne, Barnaby, and Diggory have all come to see me several times, and that always makes me happy. Azazel and I have had many great talks about my holy book and other things.
On this particular day, I am fed up. I am frustrated with my body for not doing as I will it. Elias has been very busy this morning. With three days left until the Discipline, evidently War has him doing a lot of the setup. With three days left until the Discipline, though, it’s imperative that I at least be able to walk.
Carefully, I slide to the edge of the bed. I place my feet on the cold marble, and I stand. My knees are shaking violently, and I have in my mind the picture of a brand new colt trying to stand for the first time.
“God, give me strength,” I whisper as I move to take the first step.
It’s wobbly, and I have to hold on to the bed, but I’ll take it. Progress is progress. One shuffling step after another, I make my way to the end of the bed. Gripping the ornately carved post, I stand up straight for the first time in nearly a month.
“Here goes nothing,” I mumble.
I step out…
And I fall flat on my face.
That hurt. That hurt quite a lot, actually. I lay on the floor for a moment, trying to get back some of the air that was just smacked out of my lungs. Once I can breathe again, I grab the bedpost and stand.
“Okay, let’s do this,” I psych myself up.
This time when I step, my foot goes solidly to the floor. I can feel my knees trembling, but the muscles are finally remembering their job.
“Hah!” I chuckle, proud of myself. “Take that, War!”
~#*TSD*#~
DP! Kaija is walking...ish. Where does she go? To the balcony? Out the door? Somewhere else? GO!
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themightyzan
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| Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 10:38 pm Post subject: |
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Ha! I love this! The other girls being all excited about her falling on her face is adorable.
And her falling on her face made me laugh probably more than I should.
I think she should go to the balcony. She can lean on it if nothing else. ^.^
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“I write to give myself strength. I write to be the characters that I am not. I write to explore all the things I'm afraid of. ” - Joss Whedon
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2015 3:24 pm Post subject: |
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I love it, I had to make a sound from all the lovely feelings I was getting from reading along. :3
I'll have to say balcony too! Its a victory, and it its clsoer than other destnaions, I think XP
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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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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2015 6:19 pm Post subject: |
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Loving the read, as usual! Can't believe no one has gushed about that kissing scene yet! You can see all the loving attention you gave it. As for where she walks, I'm leaning towards her walking towards the door. Try to show Az!
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My latest SG! (Image courtesy of the lovely Lebrenth)
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2015 9:36 pm Post subject: |
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| POLLING!! You have 24 hours.
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 8:13 pm Post subject: |
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One step after another, I cross the floor, moving toward the door to Elias's chambers. I'm making some awesome progress, and I want Az to see me. I know she'll appreciate the effort.
Geez, Az is becoming a mother to me too, and I'm worse than a little kid who just learned to do a cartwheel. Oh, well. She'll still praise me like a mother, and I'll still love it.
Just then, though, my legs forget their purpose once more, and I plaster myself on the marble. This time, I really can’t breathe, so I just lay still. I taste blood. Evidently, I just busted my mouth. Fantastic.
“Miss Kaija!!” Oh, look! Elias is back. Perfect timing.
I can’t answer him. I just lay here, gasping like a goldfish that got a little too brave. Soon enough, Elias has sprinted to my side, and he rolls me over, cradling my upper body.
“Oh, Kaija,” Elias grimaces when he looks at my face. Maybe I did more damage than I thought. “What were you thinking?? You know you’re not strong enough to walk alone yet!”
“I made it this far!” I gasp stubbornly when I’ve got some air back.
“That, you did,” Elias chuckles, looking over his shoulder. “That was rather impressive. Reckless, but impressive.”
Elias whips out a handkerchief and gingerly wipes my mouth and nose. Apparently, I busted that too.
“I don’t think you broke your nose; you just aggravated it,” Elias does a brief examination once the blood is cleared away. “Are you alright?”
“Aside from my bruised pride? I’m fine,” I huff, attempting to sit up. Elias places a hand firmly against my shoulder, pushing me back down into his embrace.
“Just hold up,” he scolds me lightly. “You fell pretty hard. Take it easy for a minute, and then I’ll help you.”
I press my lips into a thin line and give Elias a challenging look, but he just stares back at me, fighting with a smile. I’ve definitely lost this battle.
“Fine,” I sigh heavily.
Elias somehow maneuvers to lay on the floor with me. When he’s finished, we’re lying side by side, and one of his arms is under my head. He’s partially under me as my arm and shoulder rise and fall with his breathing. Being this close to him is a new feeling, and I like it.
“If we can just make it to the point that you can walk a little bit, you’ll be fine for this Discipline,” Elias’s voice is suddenly very troubled.
“Not much walking involved, for once, huh?” I say cheerfully, hoping to bring him back from the disturbingly dark place I fear he’s going.
“No,” he says ominously. “If you can walk in the door, you’ll be fine on that front. That’s the least of our worries, I’m afraid.”
“Elias, just say what’s on your mind,” I press. “I know this is hard for you, but I need to be prepared.”
“You’re right. Okay. Just like the other Disciplines, anything you can carry on your person is allowed,” Elias is struggling. I can hear it in his voice. “I want you to wear your usual outfit, but pack as much clothing and as many blankets as possible beneath it. This Discipline is War’s sick, demented test of “Patience”. You’ll be forced to sit in freezing temperatures for several hours. You won’t be allowed to get close to the other ladies. It will be all you—alone.”
“And you’re worried that my body isn’t ready to withstand that,” I finish the thought he’s so vehemently avoiding.
“I didn’t say that,” Elias shakes his head after a slight hesitation.
“You didn’t have to,” I turn my head to look up at him. “I can hear it.”
Elias takes a deep breath and releases it in a sigh.
“I am very worried, Kaija,” he says softly. “I want you to listen to me. Hear me out.”
“Okay,” I whisper. I don’t think I’m going to like where this is going.
“That snake bite nearly killed you. War was expecting you to be dead by the next day. What if we let him believe that you are? I spoke with Azazel. We could hide you here the same way the older Brides are hidden, and—”
“No,” I whisper. Elias stops, waiting for my reason. “Elias, I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life by your side. You know that.”
“Then do it! Stay here with me! I’ve already spoken with Diggory and the girls, and they’re all for the plan. It could really work,” Elias is almost pleading with me.
“I can’t just run,” I shake my head softly. “I swore to protect those girls. I swore to them, to Barnaby, and to myself that I would help them and watch over them. I almost died to keep that promise. I can’t go back on it now.”
I raise my hand until I find the side of his face that isn’t resting on my head. His hand wraps around my own, and he kisses it gently.
“Besides,” I continue. “War isn’t stupid. He’d want to see the body, and at least some of you would die when you couldn’t produce one.”
“How did I know you would say that?” Elias chuckles, but there’s no humor in the action. “You’re far too brave for your own good, Miss Kaija. You’d never be able to live with yourself if you ran away and hid from War while the other girls faced their fates without you. I knew that before I asked. I had to try, though.”
I nod again. I know I’m breaking his heart, but he’s absolutely right. It’s not in me to break a promise. It’s not in me to run away.
“But I cannot lose you. If you are going to be brave, then I will just have to be brave as well,” Elias says resolutely. “I’ll have to—”
“Don’t even say it,” I stop him. “You are not facing War for me. I won’t let you.”
“And how exactly were you planning to stop me?” Elias laughs unexpectedly, and the tension nearly vanishes.
“I have ways,” I sniff as though I’m offended. “Don’t you underestimate me, sir.”
“After everything I’ve seen of you, Miss Kaija, I will never underestimate you again,” Elias moves to sit up. “So are you ready to walk?”
“Absolutely,” I say, allowing him to take my hands.
Elias pulls me up, and once I’m steady, he takes a step back. I take one shaky step forward to meet him. He takes another back, and we repeat the process until we’ve made it all the way back to the bed.
“Can we go again?” I ask brightly, thoroughly enjoying our activity. It feels like an extremely slow, awkward dance, and I love it.
Elias takes my hands and steps back again. After another fifteen or twenty steps, I grow tired, and my knees give out. Elias is prepared, though. He releases one of my hands and wraps the arm firmly around my waist, holding me up. My hand falls to his shoulder, and we really are standing in a dance position now.
My heart skips a beat at being held like this, and I giggle.
“Nice catch,” I whisper.
“You’ve almost got walking,” Elias replies softly. “Now…dance with me, Kaija.”
“Dance??” I look at him wide-eyed. “Listen, I know I said not to underestimate me, but that might be a little far to the other extreme.”
“Trust me,” he grins at me.
Elias lifts me ever so slightly, and I feel his smooth, leather boots slide beneath my bare feet. Is he really doing this? Yes. Yes, he is. Elias begins humming quietly, and he sways to the music, stepping perfectly, while I’m just along for the ride.
I find myself laughing giddily as Elias spins and twirls me all across the room. I stopped being able to support myself long ago, but Elias doesn’t seem to mind. He just hugs me that much closer and keeps turning.
Finally, Elias slows, dancing in a small circle. I nestle my head against his neck, bringing one hand up to hold the back of his shoulder; I lay the other on his chest, feeling his heart beat through the fabric. Elias lays his head on my hair and wraps his other arm around me like the first.
“One day, I’ll be able to dance this way with you whenever I please,” Elias’s voice is thick with emotion. “We’ll fix this, Kaija. And when we do, the world will be perfect.”
“I’d like that very much,” I whisper, feeling tears gathering in my eyes. “Just promise me one thing.”
“Anything,” Elias replies.
“Swear to me that no matter what happens during that Discipline, you will pretend as though I am just another Offering.”
“What?” Elias holds me back so that he can see my face.
“You said anything. Swear it, Elias. Swear to me that you will not risk yourself by intervening. I can’t focus on my task if I’m worrying that you will be harmed. So swear it.”
Elias swallows hard. He pulls me closer, gripping my upper arms so tightly it almost hurts, and kisses my forehead. Then, breathing deeply, he clenches his eyes closed, fighting with the decision. With our foreheads touching, he whispers.
“I swear it…but not willingly.”
“I don’t care if it’s willful as long as you swear it,” I reach up and lace my fingers around the back of his neck, beneath his long hair. “And thank you. I need you to trust me again. I know I can do this.”
I pull Elias closer, pressing my lips against his. He adjusts his hands from where they’d been on my arms to encircle my upper body as he passionately returns my kiss. I can feel his every emotion—his worry, his fear, his frustration…his love—through his breathless, hungry movements. Elias bites my lower lip tenderly, and despite the pain from busting it on the floor earlier, I want him to continue. He does, and then he crushes my mouth again with his own, as though he’s trying to communicate with me from a place that words will no longer reach. I understand him loud and clear.
Though Elias is going to give me my desire of his safety, he would gladly give his life for mine. He would risk everything on the fleeting, distant hope that I might live a full and happy life that he so longs to live right beside me. He knows that to make such a stand would be certain death for him. Still, if it were my wish, he would make that sacrifice without hesitation.
Elias loves me in a way that no man has loved me before. His longing, his burning desire for me, filters through even the tiniest motion of his lips against mine.
In a quick movement, Elias picks me up, never once breaking from our passionate embrace. He strides to the bed and throws back the covers, sitting me gently among them. He kisses me for a moment longer before drawing back. My head is spinning, and I keep my hold on his neck for stability. We sit with our heads together, breathing hard as the seconds tick by.
Finally, Elias places a kiss on my forehead and tucks me under the covers of the bed.
“Rest, my love,” he murmurs softly as he stands. “We still have three days to make sure you’re ready.”
“I will be,” I promise him.
“I know you will be,” Elias smiles at me. “I trust you.”
~#*TSD*#~
Everything is black. I’m in pain again, but I know there is no wound. Someone is gone. Someone who means everything to me is gone, and I cannot make them come back. I can’t remember whom. The pain is too much. I clench my fists, and thick, hot liquid slides between my fingers. I cry out in horror. Blood. There’s blood everywhere. Who is bleeding? I can’t see. Everything is black…
I sit up, sweating and gasping for breath. Looking beside me, I see Amberline’s concerned face.
“Kaija, are you okay? You’ve been crying out in your sleep,” she whispers.
“Yeah,” I frown, examining my surroundings. “It was just a nightmare.”
“Some nightmare,” Amberline relaxes a little bit. “It was about Lord Elias, wasn’t it? You kept saying his name.”
“No,” I frown, shaking off the terrible feeling her words give me. It can’t have been about Elias. That isn’t possible. “I guess I’m just feeling a little off without him this morning.”
I rub my face, trying to force myself further awake. Azazel was right. The bunkhouse is very nice. It’s nothing like the room I’ve called home for the last month, but it isn’t the nicety of the room that I miss. This space has a distinct lack of Elias, and I’ve grown very accustomed to spending my days from start to finish with him by my side.
Today, though, is the third Discipline, and we all thought it would be wise for me to sleep here. This way, I can ready myself and leave right alongside Amberline. No questions would be asked about the reason for me coming in a different way, and the fewer questions, the better.
Saying goodbye to Elias last night was much harder than I had anticipated. He asked me again if continuing with the Disciplines was really what I wanted to do. We kissed again, and I never wanted it to stop. Letting go of him and watching him walk out the door was so painful I almost couldn’t breathe. Feeling his hand slip away and knowing that it might be the last time I’m ever allowed to touch him was crippling, but I somehow managed to wear a smile for him.
Amberline and I ready ourselves for the Discipline. Per Elias’s instructions, we wrap blankets beneath our clothing, under pants and shirts. I feel a little ridiculous, and movement is restricted, but Elias assured me that range of motion wasn’t necessary for this task. We made sure to get the message to Jocelyn and Vivienne last night as well. I hope they’re making use of the advice.
All too soon, it’s time to make our way to the Discipline area. We head outside, Amberline supporting me with one arm, and Diggory is waiting for us. Barnaby is standing beside him, looking anxious.
“Don’t look so glum, you two,” I give an attempt at a laugh. “We’ll go get this over with, and we’ll be back in time for dinner.”
Without a word, Barnaby rushes forward and wraps his muscular arms around me.
“It’s going to be okay, Barnaby,” I whisper to him. “No more pyres, remember?”
“Miss Kaija, when Barnaby told you he didn’t want to build any more pyres,” I can hear his voice trembling, and he pauses, trying to reform his thoughts. His tone becomes serious, and he drops into first person references. “You did what I asked. You protected the other girls, but I almost had to build a pyre for you, Miss Kaija, and I don’t want to do that either. If you’re going to continue to watch out for these girls, you’re going to have to stay alive too.”
“I’m sorry, Barnaby.”
“No apologies, Miss,” Barnaby holds me out at arms length. “Just come out safely, and return to Lord Elias. That will be enough for Barnaby.”
I draw in a deep breath and head to take Diggory’s outstretched arm. He loops my hand through his elbow and places a hand atop mine. Behind me, I see Amberline embrace Barnaby the way I did before taking his arm to be escorted to the Discipline.
“Are you alright, child?” Diggory’s concern is evident in his voice, though he doesn’t look down at me.
“Elias prepared me as best as he could,” I reply.
“That isn’t what I asked,” Diggory glances sideways at me.
“I’ll be fine, Digg,” I assure him, looking up. “I can do this.”
“I know you can,” a ghost of a smile crosses his lips. “I just wanted to be sure you knew.”
For this Discipline, our route is quite a bit different. Instead of going around the top of the green basin, we make our way down a long, winding path of stairs down into it. The stairs are stone, and they appear to be carved out of the very walls of the basin.
I’ve always had sure feet, but today, the stairs make me nervous. I have only recently re-mastered walking. I didn’t account for stairs. Several times, I stumble, but Diggory’s strong arm never once lets me fall. He simply pauses his forward motion, sets me to rights, and continues on as though I’m no burden to him at all.
I had always thought that the green basin was a beautiful sight from above. I was wrong. Once we get past the layers of mist from the waterfall, the beauty of the land around us takes full effect. The lush green of the grass and trees, breathtaking from above, is absolutely stunning as we stand in the midst of it. Colors that I have never seen dance before my eyes, and wildlife that I have only imagined from out of history books carries on as though we aren’t even there. It’s as though one of the old fashioned films is playing out in front of us.
We don’t walk long in this wonderland before we come to a large area where the stone protrudes from the basin wall. The flags of the gods line the area, which consists of an observation deck that overlooks the entrance to a cave-like structure. Elias is already standing on the upper platform, and War is waiting below by the entrance. Ophelia, Vivienne, Jocelyn, and Rebecca are all waiting for us as well; as usual, Rebecca is wearing a dress.
A momentary pang of guilt strikes me at not giving her Elias’s warning, but I push it aside. Rebecca would certainly have run to War with the information, and questions of how I came into such knowledge would have arisen. It was too great a risk.
Diggory and Barnaby leave Amberline and I with the other Offerings before taking their places opposite Elias on the U-shaped observation deck along with two other male servants. I find it strange that they are present, but I suppose it has something to do with the Discipline. If it is a test of endurance in cold, it’s likely that even those of us who live won’t simply walk out.
“Welcome to the Discipline of Patience, Offerings,” War’s deep baritone echoes off the stone around us, magnifying it. “In this Discipline, you will be chained to the walls of this chamber for six hours. That is your only requirement. At the end of the allotted time, the doors will open, and if you are alive, you will have passed the Discipline. You will be taken back to the palace where…honestly, I don’t care what the servants do with you after that.”
War chuckles to himself over some private joke, and I bite my tongue. Let’s just get this over with. We’re prepared.
“When your name is called, you’ll enter the chamber, and Miss Ophelia will lock you into your chains. Offering Rebecca, step forward.”
Rebecca enters the chamber with Ophelia, and after a few moments, Ophelia returns. The process is repeated with Amberline and Jocelyn before my name is called.
“Offering Kaija, step forward,” there’s a sinister edge to War’s voice when he says my name. That private amusement is back, and I don’t trust it. I don’t have to wait long to be let in on the joke. “Offering, wait.”
Why did he stop me? I don’t look up, but from the corner of my eye, I see him step back and stoop to pick something up. Almost simultaneously with the motion of him returning, my breath is taken, and I find myself gasping and sputtering, shaking liquid from my face.
Gasps resound all around me even as I feel the icy cold water soak through all of the layers I so carefully swathed beneath my clothing. I stand, stunned and dripping for a moment, trying to wrap my mind around what just happened.
My eyes travel upward in sync with the screaming I hear from the observation deck.
“You cheating, sick, son of a…” Barnaby lets loose a string of profanities as he throws himself forward, attempting to jump down to where we are.
Only Diggory’s quick strength keeps him in place as the older man wraps his powerful arms around Barnaby even as my friend kicks and screams. I can tell by the look on Diggory’s face that he’d like to let Barnaby go, and he’d probably join him if it weren’t for the sheer folly of the act.
War cackles maniacally, no doubt finding great joy in the reactions of us all to his little treachery.
My eyes naturally drift over to the other side of the platform to where I know my beloved is standing. I find Elias easily, and his masculine face is frozen in a look of absolute horror. His eyes are wide with stunned, helpless fear, and his mouth hangs open ever so slightly. Even as I watch, what little color his cheeks hold drains away completely, and I can visibly see the inner battle playing out as he decides whether or not to hold true to the oath he swore to me.
There it is. There’s the truth of what just happened. I knew War would be gunning for me after everything I’ve done—after I lived—but the reality of the current situation just crashed down around me with that one look on Elias’s face.
I’m dead. Even as I stand here, I am dead. War just killed me.
There was a heavy question as to whether or not I could withstand this Discipline even with the help Elias provided, but that one, tiny action from War has sealed my fate. I am now a walking corpse.
“Alright,” I whisper with a nod.
It’s been a good run. I didn’t expect to live this long, really, and I’ve made a good effort of it. I did some good things, I passed on my holy book to someone I know will cherish it, and I even managed to fall in love. I have no regrets aside from knowing that I will leave Elias alone and in pain once again. I quickly pray that he will be able to recover from this.
My thoughts drift to Barnaby and I look back up. He has stopped struggling, but his breathing is labored as he and everyone else present watch, waiting to see my reaction.
“I’m sorry,” I mouth the words to him. It looks like he’ll be building another pyre today after all.
Barnaby clenches his fist, and I can see that he’s holding a totem of some sort. His jaw sets, and he looks from me to War who is still lost in fits of twisted laughter. Rage contorts my friend’s face as he shakes Diggory’s hands away and exits the Discipline area, never looking back. Diggory allows him to go, stepping forward to fill the empty space. His expression is nearly unreadable as he looks at me without wavering. Even my Diggory can’t fill the void completely, though.
My heart shatters a little more with every step that Barnaby takes into the forest. I long to run to him and make him see how very sorry I am to be letting him down so fully. In shame, I hang my head and take a few breaths. My heart hurts.
It’s funny—in a morbid, humorless way—not many people get to see their loved ones react when they suddenly die. This group of people has become my new family since coming here. Strange as it may be, I find seeing their faces at this moment equally heartbreaking and amusing. Were the circumstances any different, I might even laugh.
Finally, I look back up to Elias. My lover has recovered himself somewhat. He’s staring at me intently, and unlike Diggory, I can read every emotion in his beautiful eyes. He is still shocked—even he didn’t see War’s little prank coming. His heart is crushed and raw, laid out before my gaze, and his worry for me is overwhelming. Still, though, he looks at me with pride in his stare. The love I see reflected back at me strengthens me, and I make a decision.
~#*TSD*#~
What is Kaija's decision?
Does she accept her fate with dignity? Get angry? Cry?
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 8:57 pm Post subject: |
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Im not sure D:
If it was right away, I woulda shaken as much water off as possible before it soaked through whatever kind of fabric it was...but I'm not sure that's an option since she was watching the people around her.
But...I'm not sure what we can do other than do as much as we can to prepare and try to go through it anyways? I really dont want the main character to die right now though >.<
Hm...maybe...since she's sure she'll die...she'll cuss him out or something though?
Nnnng...you're really made it impossible this time, Andi
_________________
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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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 10:19 pm Post subject: |
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Well, I certainly knew he'd be pulling something. Personally, I was waiting for the 'sike, told death the wrong information, it's really a super HOT room!" moment, but I guess this is equally terrible, if not more so. I'm sure it would have been a shock! If I wasn't expecting a shock? Plus, drinking. I do believe the alcohol I mentioned dulled my reaction.
Personally? I think this would be a GREAT time for a little throw back to the first chapter. I think her last action should be another defiant glare towards War. Let him know that this, all of this, was never on his terms. She will look him in the eye, like always. He is no God to her, he is beneath her.
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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: Sat Jan 02, 2016 1:05 am Post subject: |
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“God, I need a miracle. Only You can save me now. If it be Your will, allow me to live so that I can continue the work for which you’ve placed me here. If for no other reason, allow me to live in order to spare Elias the pain of my loss. If I must die today, I pray that You would still spare him. Give him the strength and comfort that only You can provide. As always, Father, Your will be done, but please consider the desire of Your humble servant. Please, help me live.”
I say my final, silent prayer as War, still cackling, watches me. His laughter angers me. Barnaby's outburst, the heartbreak in my beloved's eyes, the fact that I'll be torn from the lives of those I love---those are all War's fault. He did this to me---to us. With this thought in mind, I raise my eyes and glare at him determinedly. War's sadistic smile vanishes instantly and is replaced by a look of absolute, terrifying hatred. He rushes forward, grabs my arm, and roughly leads me into the Discipline chamber. Just before I pass inside, I flash a warm smile at Elias. I’m unable to see his reaction before the ledge separates us, and the Discipline has begun.
When we’re inside, the girls’ eyes grow large at the sight of me dripping wet. War shackles me to the wall and grips my face in his hand.
“If you make it out of this one, I’ll know that you truly are my Enemy,” he growls as he throws me against the wall.
Enemy? I have no idea what he’s talking about. Something has changed, though, and all of his maniacal mirth is gone. He means to see me dead—above all the others. Why? I don’t know. It all rings very strange to me.
War strides out of the room, and moments later, Vivienne enters with Ophelia. Once the small girl is situated the door slams shut, and we’re left alone. The area is cold. It’s not immediately breathtaking, but it is cold. My breath turns instantly to icy mist when it leaves my mouth and nose. It’s a large chamber; the chains that keep us against the wall are long enough that we can maneuver within our spaces, but short enough to keep us from reaching one another. Ice covers every visible surface.
“Kaija, what happened??” Jocelyn shrieks, bringing me back out of my observations. “You’re soaked through!”
“War threw a bucket of water on her!” Vivienne spouts through angry tears. “He cheated!”
“He’s the god of War,” Rebecca snaps miserably. I know she’s got to be almost as cold as me in that dress. “The Disciplines are his. He can’t cheat since he makes the rules.”
“She’s right,” I say absently as I begin peeling out of my clothes. With the shackles, my shirt won’t come completely off my hands, but at least the dripping wetness is off my skin. I grab the knife from my boot and cut what I can loose. “His game, his rules.”
“Why you, though?” Amberline watches me.
“I’m a challenge, and he wants to break me. He’s the alpha of the gods, and I’m the alpha of our group,” I answer simply.
I grab my flint in hopes that I might be able to catch fire on something, but the stones are completely saturated. Even if I could start a fire, this room is likely airtight. I’d probably burn up all of our air or asphyxiate us all with smoke. The blanket I rolled in the small of my back isn’t completely soaked. It’s not much, but it will at least give me something to cushion me from the cold ground.
“Who says you’re the leader?” Rebecca’s teeth are chattering.
“Please, Rebecca,” Jocelyn has started taking her shirt off as well. “We all look to her for guidance. She even saved your butt in the last Discipline. Of course she’s our leader.”
Rebecca falls silent as Amberline and Vivienne also begin disrobing.
“What are you all doing?” I shake my head, growing mildly fearful. “Put those back on!”
I’m standing in nothing but underwear on a damp cover. One by one, though, each of my girls throws me a blanket before obeying me and putting their shirts back on.
“We’re only safe because you told us we might want to bring extra fabric,” I note that Vivienne chooses her words carefully so as not to give away my prior knowledge. “We’ve got plenty enough to spare one each for you. You’ve kept us safe up until now. Let us help you this time.”
My heart swells, and tears threaten me, but I blink them back. I need to hurry; my hands are already beginning to lose some dexterity in the cold. Besides, if I cried now, it would only freeze to my face, and I’d be in even more trouble.
It almost seems to me that the room has grown colder. I can only guess that it’s because the door to the warm outside hasn’t opened in a while. Working quickly, I lay out my one semi-dry blanket and sit on it. I wrap my lower half in the thick cloth that Amberline gave me, and my upper half gets swaddled in Vivienne’s. Over the whole ensemble, I throw Jocelyn’s fuzzy blanket, and then I snuggle down. It’s going to be a long six hours.
A few minutes go by, and then we all jump out of our skin when the handle to the dense gate begins shaking. Something heavy is hitting the door with a full force. From the sounds of it, a person is trying to break the lock. The girls and I exchange glances. We’re all thinking the same thing, but none of us will say it.
Elias.
I can’t begin to guess what’s happening on the other side of that portal. I only pray that it isn’t what I fear. He swore to me that he wouldn’t challenge War. I want to have faith that he kept that promise.
Eventually, the thudding turns into the pounding of a fist, and then it fades completely. All of us are silent as the disappointment settles in. We’re not going to be saved from this. No one is coming to our rescue. We’re just going to have to make it through.
Time crawls by, and I notice that Vivienne and Jocelyn are beginning to grow drowsy. I need to keep them awake as long as possible. Thinking quickly, I say the first thing that comes to mind.
“Hey, Viv, you ever have a boyfriend back home?”
“What??” Vivienne jolts awake, and her face reddens at the question.
“Before we came,” I continue with a chuckle through my chattering teeth. “Any boys steal your heart?”
“Of course not!” Vivienne gasps. “All women must remain pure until after they’re too old to be offered to the gods.”
“You don’t have to do anything impure to have a lover,” Jocelyn giggles.
“I did,” Amberline smiles softly in memory. “His name was Ezekiel.”
“What was he like?” Vivienne perks up even more.
“He was wonderful,” Amberline looks a little sad, but she keeps the smile on her lips. “We were childhood friends. He was a perfect gentleman, always so kind and sweet. He was funny too. We planned to get married on my twenty-sixth birthday if I wasn’t offered. He was devastated when it was announced that I’d be given to Lord War. To be honest, I wasn’t happy either, but being chosen is an honor. It will bring fortune on my family, and that made it alright.”
“Who would have thought Lord War would be so cruel,” Jocelyn says quietly.
“Well, he did dream up the Disciplines,” I snort. I notice that Rebecca remains silent through our conversation.
“At least Lord Death isn’t so bad,” Vivienne giggles.
“No,” I smile. “He’s not so bad.”
Thinking of Elias makes me long to be back by his side. I fall silent, imagining his strong, warm arms around me, listening to the other girls chatter on. I’ve managed to get them talking, and that’s keeping them awake. Mission accomplished.
“Kaija,” I hear a whisper.
When did I fall asleep? I open my eyes, and my gaze meets Rebecca’s. She’s directly across from me, and she’s looking rough. Her lips are blue, and she looks beyond cold. I can’t just leave her like that. Slowly I wriggle out of the inner blanket that’s wrapped around me. I slide it out from under the one on the top, and the icy air takes my breath for a moment. With a quick flick of my wrist, I fling the warm cloth to Rebecca, and she grabs it with hands that have obviously lost feeling a long time ago.
I look around to the other girls. They have all fallen asleep, but they look to be alright. There is still color in their beautiful faces. Elias’s plan is working wonderfully.
“Kaija, I’m done,” Rebecca whispers to me.
“What?” I frown at her. I don’t like where this conversation is going. “We’re going to be fine.”
Rebecca shakes her head.
“I’m not going to survive this one,” she insists. “I just know. It’s okay. Dying in the Disciplines will be my greatest honor.”
A chill runs up my spine that has nothing to do with the cold.
“I wanted to say thank you, though,” she continues. I wish she’d stop. I rather miss her annoying sarcasm right now. “Even though we hated each other, you still saved my life, and you’re trying to save it still.”
“Of course I am,” I breathe, sending a puff of mist out from me. “I never hated you. We just see the world differently.”
“May I ask you a favor?” tears gather in Rebecca’s eyes, but they’re frozen before they make it all the way down her face.
“Anything,” I whisper.
“Remember me,” she finally looks up at me, and I think I might cry too. “What you did for Amelia was so beautiful. They’ll remember her forever. Please don’t let them forget me either.”
“I won’t ever forget anyone who dies here,” I swear to her. “None of us will.”
Rebecca nods and offers me a small smile before she reclines back on the wall.
“Rebecca?” I say a little louder. She doesn’t answer me, though. I know she can hear me, but it would seem that we are finished talking now.
I lay back on the wall myself and fight to keep my eyes open. I have no idea how much longer we’ll have to be in here, but staying awake is going to go far in keeping me alive. The minutes tick by. At first, I count the seconds, but after ten minutes, my cognitive function is fading like my physical, and I lose all sense of time.
My teeth have stopped chattering now, and I’m no longer shivering. A strange desire to take off the blankets overcomes me, but I fight it. I’ve heard of this phenomenon---I read about it in a book. Sometimes, when people are in the latter stages of hypothermia, they lose all critical thinking skills, and end up effectively killing themselves. These three hours need to be up soon, or I might be the one responsible for my own death.
It seems like forever has passed, and my consciousness is fading in and out so drastically that I no longer even really remember where I am or what’s happening. All I know is that I’m cold. I’m eternally cold, and I doubt I’ll ever know what it feels like to be warm again.
Finally, a light opens up in the dim room, and with it comes a breeze so hot that I think it might blister me. The sounds of several feet come to my ears, and through my blurry eyes, I see a tall, crimson form circling the room. He nudges a rigid body across the floor from me.
“What a shame,” I recognize War’s booming voice. “She would have made an excellent replacement for you, Ophelia.”
“No!” Ophelia screams, kneeling down by the body.
So Rebecca was right.
War goes to each of the other girls and nudges them all. All three of them respond with soft moans, and I could almost sing. As he passes each of them, one of the other people in the room goes to gather them and carry them from the cold chamber. Eventually, War makes it around to me.
“Still alive,” I manage to whisper with a smug smile.
With a cry of rage, War plants a boot squarely between my ribs. It hurts, but not nearly as badly as it should have. My entire body is basically numb. I laugh feebly as War storms toward the door.
“Get them out of here. I’ll be in my chambers,” he huffs as he disappears.
“Miss Kaija?” I hear deep concern in Diggory’s voice as he comes and briefly checks me over. “Oh, child, you’re alive.”
“Still here, Digg,” I whisper. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”
Diggory gathers me up, blankets and all, and heads for the outside. When we’re under the sun, I can see a strange operation taking place. Vivienne, Amberline, and Jocelyn are being stripped of their clothing and wrapped in fresh blankets brought down by some of Elias’s Brides. I see Charity and Sophia among them. Elias is working feverishly, gathering vitals on the other girls and barking orders. I can sense his agitation in every movement he makes.
“They’ll have sweated in all those layers. Get them in dry clothes,” he tells two of his Brides as he finishes with Amberline.
“Master Diggory?” Elias pauses his work to question the man carrying me. It’s obvious that Elias would love to be the one holding me right now, but in order to hold appearances in front of the other men present, he’s forcing himself to remain distant and objective. “Is she…?”
“She’s freezing, my lord,” Barnaby grumbles as he lays me on the ground, “but if her spunk is any indication, I’d say she’s going to be just fine.”
“Take them up to my infirmary as soon as they’re ready,” Elias instructs the men and his Brides as he draws closer to me. “Master Diggory, don’t rub her arms. The shock to her circulatory system could send her into cardiac arrest.”
I have no idea what Elias just said, but his voice sounds heavenly in my groggy ears. Diggory lifts his hands away with a look of terror on his face, as if he’s now afraid to touch me at all.
“I’m just going to let you take over here since you know what you’re doing, Lord Elias,” Diggory steps back. “I’d hate to be responsible for killing her after she’s come through so much.”
Elias leans over me with worry riddling his features. His white hair tickles my face as it falls over his shoulder from where he’s got it tied back. I smile weakly up at him, and the crease between his brows melts away. It’s replaced by a warm smile of his own as relief washes over his visage.
“Hello, beautiful,” he whispers, placing a kiss on my forehead.
“Eh-heh,” I giggle, my teeth chattering violently now. “What if someone sees you? I’ll have had to sit through all that for nothing.”
“You’re being very sassy for someone who just had a brush with death, and I don’t care who sees,” Elias answers, kissing my lips with a chuckle. The warmth of his skin against mine is beyond inviting. “You’re alive, and you’re finally back in my arms. I could take on the world right now, so let them see.”
I close my eyes and let my head drop to Elias’s shoulder as he lifts me gently off the ground and wraps me in his cloak. His embrace is firm, like he can’t pull me close enough, and he makes no attempt to hide his affection. It’s as though touching me was too much, and now he’s unable to hold anything back.
“I’ll take this one, gentlemen,” Elias is practically singing. “You help get the others situated.”
“Yes, Lord Death,” the servants bow to him.
“And no one is to hear of this,” Diggory emphasizes the last word, and I get a vivid image of him motioning to Elias and I.
“Of course not,” one of the men chuckles. “We’ve heard a lot about miss Kaija from the housekeepers and cooks. We’re all rooting for her.”
“Tired,” I whisper. “I’m cold.”
“Sleep, my Kaija,” Elias murmurs in reply as he strides quickly but smoothly up the winding stairs. “You’ve been so strong, but I’m here to protect you now. Rest, and when you wake, you’ll be warm in my arms again.”
Listening to his sweet words, I sigh and lose myself in the steady motion of his gait. I’m safe now. By some miracle and the grace of God, I survived despite War’s best efforts. We’re going to be okay.
~#*TSD*#~
When I wake again, I am very warm. I recognize the feel of the sheets that encircle me—the smell of them. They smell like sweet masculinity—like Elias. I snuggle in deeper, relishing the familiar comfort.
It’s when I snuggle, though, that I realize I’m not alone in the bed. There is another body beside me, and our skin touches in various places. It occurs to me that I’m in very minimal clothing, and I freeze, unsure of what to do.
~#*TSD*#~
What does Kaija do? She's in Elias's bed...mostly naked...with another, mostly naked body. Does she speak? Does she turn over? Does she stay quiet? Something else?[/i]
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2016 9:16 am Post subject: |
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oooo~
Heh, its a bit of a relief to have ths chapter up, actually XD
And I actually have somethig to say for this one :o
I'm actually a bit sad to see Rebecca go...I didnt think she'd tell War, not after what he said to her last time, and after what kaija did...but I can understand why they thought she would. So, in that way....she feels like a real casualty. It was possible to save her, but the percieved risk was too high.
Also, I find it both strange and intresting that War is going so far as to call her a possible enemy....which sheds light on his cheating, making it look less like pure sadism...and more like bullying out of fear. Now I'm wondering why he'd be fearing this now very frail woman who's barely able to walk and survive this harsh challenge.
-sts on that a while-
And for the DP, hmmm, I think she should collect herself. She was in bad shape after that challenge, and a common thought is to warm someone like that up from your own body....but defiitely check to make sure anyways, because that'll set the nerves straight :3
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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: Sun Jan 03, 2016 5:53 pm Post subject: |
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| ok Just finished catching up and jeeze those Disciplines are straight up unfair. I feel War's a bit of Sadist. When it comes to the DP I have No idea what to do. If there's no movement from the other person. Try to slowly roll over and get a look at their face.
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Lilith
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kkdestiny
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| Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2016 7:47 pm Post subject: |
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Well, now I'm torn. I know they are undeniably in deep deep love...and I want them to enjoy it....but I also feel like if they go past the kissing, it'll cement deeper feelings...and make anything bad that much worse if/when more bad things happen x.x we already saw Elias barely hold it together last time he thought she was basically sentenced to death.
x.x
Andi...you scare me with the feels sometimes
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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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Andolyn
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| Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2016 7:51 pm Post subject: |
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| This is about to get reeeeeal awkward if you people go this way. XD
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Seraphi
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| Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2016 12:22 pm Post subject: |
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All caught up! Very fantastically done, Andi! (And, might I say, that I am going to start calling you the Charming Chapter Churn Out Queen because my goodness, girl, look at you go! XD)
I've said it before, and I'll say it again...War you freakin' asshat. I can't wait for him to get what he deserves. I imagine it will be quite pleasing lol.
And how dare you make me have the feels about Rebecca. I've been rooting for her to die and then when she does I'm sad about it. Gdi, Andi. XD
Also, I love Azazel. She is witty and perfect, and I aspire to be as awesome as she is when I get older.
Now, onto the DP...
I'm going to be the voice of dissent here. I do not think that warm body is Elias.
Yes, it would be heartwarmingly romantic, but if we consider Elias' personality and his reactions to intimacy from previous chapters...well, I don't think he would just crawl into bed with Kaija without her express permission, especially when she is going to be waking up from a situation where she is most likely to be groggy and disoriented (and I don't think Kaija's immediate reaction to a warm body that may or may not be Elias is going to be "let's do the hanky panky" XD).
Instead I think it is one of Elias' brides. They are already well acquainted with Kaija in the buff from having to care for her after the snake bite. And it would make sense that they would take turns as human hot water bottles to raise Kaija's temperature back to normal. Plus, she was still weak from the bite before almost freezing to death so if something should happen and she would relapse due to her latest trauma, they would be able to call Elias to check on her.
So, in summary because that ended up being terribly long-winded (my apologies), I say Kaija shifts a bit to try and turn over, maybe says a meek "Hello?" to awaken the other person/indicate to them that she is awake, and find out who it is.
(I really hope it's Az because I imagine she would say something hilarious and I yearn for it XD)
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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| Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2016 10:29 pm Post subject: |
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Very glad to see Model and Sera thinking like I am- it is DEFINITELY a priority to figure out just who's in that bed.
I will admit I'm rather touched by Rebeccas final moments. Can't wait to see what is done for her memory. I am sorry to see her go, of course. I do love me a redemption arc.
This chapter, as usual, was touching! I'm surprised it was so simple to survive it. Goes to show that helping others truly can pay off.
I didn't spot any errors in the text, as usual. A very smooth read overall. Can't (and probably wont have to) wait for more!
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Andolyn
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| Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2016 9:43 pm Post subject: |
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It’s when I snuggle, though, that I realize I’m not alone in the bed. There is another body beside me, and our skin touches in various places. It occurs to me that I’m in very minimal clothing, and I freeze. Slowly, I turn over.
“I assure you my intentions are pure,” Azazel says flatly.
Sure enough, I’m in the bed, mostly naked, with Azazel. I’d like to ask what’s going on, but no words will come. I can only stare at her, wide-eyed, trying desperately to remember exactly how I ended up in this predicament.
I mean we are wearing some clothes, so I suppose it could be a lot more awkward than it is. I’d still like to know what happened, though.
The last thing I can recall is going in to the third Discipline. Something happened. War did something to me, and it made Barnaby angry. I remember that he left. I remember that I let him down.
That’s right. War threw cold water on me. I thought I was going to die. Elias thought so too from the look on his face. I remember War dragging me into the Discipline, and I remember praying…
“You don’t remember anything, do you?” Azazel scoots a little further away from me. “That’s probably for the best. Severe hypothermia can cause amnesia, and you, my dear, definitely had severe hypothermia. It’s a thousand wonders you lived at all, and Elias said you were awake and being “sassy” when Diggory pulled you out.”
“Huh,” I nod acceptingly. I, then, blink at Azazel a few times. “So, Az…”
“Yes, dear,” Azazel’s face betrays no emotion.
“Mind telling me why we’re sharing a bed…without clothes?”
“I could,” amusement plays just beneath Azazel’s blank expression. “But I’m having an awful lot of fun letting you wonder.”
“You’re an evil woman,” I nod, eyeing her suspiciously.
“And you’re not nearly as fun to tease as Elias,” she sighs, finally cracking a smile. “He gets so much more flustered.”
“It takes a lot to get me flustered these days,” I lay my head back on the pillow, and I feel Azazel shift to get out of the bed.
“I would imagine you’re right, my dear,” Azazel’s tone darkens. “To answer your question, though, we needed to warm you up as quickly and gently as possible. Skin to skin contact is an excellent way to do that in addition to the warmed liquids that Elias has been running through your IV there.”
I hadn’t noticed the tubing that’s running out of the covers until she pointed it out.
“Elias, gentleman that he is, didn’t want to share a bed with you that intimately without your consent,” Azazel continues.
“I appreciate that,” my cheeks heat up slightly at the thought.
“He thought you might,” Azazel sees my red cheeks and chuckles. “I guess that’s my ticket to getting you flustered.”
I only smile in response. It’s true. Elias is an excellent way to get me flustered.
“Anyway, since Elias wasn’t sure you’d be comfortable with him in the bed with you, the task of warming you up fell to me,” Az rummages through a pile of clothes as she speaks.
“Well, thanks, Az,” I smile at her.
“Any time, dear,” Azazel finally locates the dress for which she’s been searching and holds it up.
“Azazel, how’s Miss Kaija?” I hear Elias’s voice at the same time that he walks into the room. There’s really no time to warn him. “Has she—AH!”
Azazel’s expression remains deadpan as she holds the dress up to cover herself. Elias’s eyes go wide before he spins so fast I fear he’ll fall, and he runs back out the door.
“Speaking of easily flustered,” Azazel chuckles as she puts on her dress.
I burst out laughing, and Azazel giggles with me. When Az is fully clothed, she heads to the door and pokes her head into the hallway.
“He kept running,” she comments to me, coming back in the room. “I’d like for him to look you over before we get you all settled, but I don’t know how far he ran or when he’ll be back, and you definitely need more clothing on now that I’ve left you. I mean I realize I’m no spring chicken anymore, but I didn’t think my nakedness was that frightening…”
I lose myself in a fit of giggles as Azazel happily draws me a bath and assists me in getting clean and in a new dress. With the IV and the large wrap that’s covering my chest, bathing is difficult, but Az doesn’t seem to mind. Azazel and I chat lightly as she works, and it almost feels as though there was no third Discipline at all. I’m back safely with my new family, and I have no memory beyond the beginning of the trial. If only I could leave things that way. I silently curse my infernal curiosity even as I speak.
“Azazel, what happened in the Discipline?”
“That, my dear, you will have to ask Elias or Diggory,” she replies somberly. That can’t be good. “I wasn’t there, and neither of them have talked about it. The only thing Elias would tell me is that War very nearly killed you this time, and it’s a miracle you’re here.”
“War dumped water over me before the Discipline,” I nod.
“He did what?” Azazel leans around me to see my face.
“That’s one of the few parts I was able to remember,” I stare at my hands where they rest in my lap. “He dumped a bucket of cold water over me as I went to go into the Discipline.”
“Oh, heavens,” Azazel breathes in wonder. “Elias was correct, then. It’s a complete miracle that you’re still alive. War really is losing his mind.”
“What do you mean?” I frown.
“It’s fairly common to hear War talking to himself,” Azazel chews the inside of her cheek. “Even when I was young and could roam freely through the palace, I heard him often having heated discussions with someone who wasn’t there. There’s a strong belief held by many here that he’s got the very voice of evil in his head.”
“Wow,” when I think about it that would make a lot of sense.
“Since you arrived, though, from what Elias and Diggory have told me, he’s slipping even further,” Azazel frowns deeply, concern swirling in her dark blue eyes. “He’s got it in for you in a bad, bad way. Even Elias isn’t sure why. Sure, you’re different, but not enough to cause him to bend his own rules to get to you. This is insanity! Even on his scale!”
I can see that Azazel is becoming very agitated. There’s something she isn’t telling me. I decide not to press the matter, though, and the conversation naturally drifts to lighter subjects as she continues braiding my hair.
Finally, when she’s finished, she stands.
“I suppose I’ll go track Elias down and let him know we’re all decent in here,” she chuckles. “You should rest some.”
“Okay,” I smile.
Once she’s gone, though, I stand and walk toward the western balcony that overlooks the green basin, dragging the pole with my IV attached as I go. I find my way to one of the chairs in the small seating area and slide onto the comfortable cushions. I’m restless—anxious—though I don’t know why. As easy as it would be to go on in blissful ignorance, I wish I could remember what happened during the Discipline. I’m also troubled by Azazel’s words. They give me a strange sense of foreboding that shakes me to my core. I pull my knees up under my chin, wrapping my arms around them. A shiver runs down my spine, and there’s a knock at the door.
“Miss Kaija?” Elias’s soft voice makes its way to my ears.
“I’m over here, Elias,” I say without looking up.
I hear the slow, steady fall of his boots as he approaches me.
“Kaija, what’s wrong?” Elias lowers himself to the couch beside me.
“What happened during the Discipline?” I ask, not feeling like dancing around the point. “I can’t remember anything after I walked in.”
Elias takes a very long, deep breath, releasing it slowly.
“I don’t suppose you’ll let me talk you out of that knowledge?”
I don’t answer him, and eventually he continues.
“It’s a miracle you survived, Kaija,” Elias shakes his head. “I have no other explanation for it. When he brought you out, you were wrapped in a few thin blankets, and you were talking to Diggory as though nothing had happened. I’ve never witnessed anything like it.”
“What aren’t you telling me?” I press, hearing the secret in his voice.
“Rebecca is dead,” he says quietly.
I nod. A vague shadow of a memory comes back to me, and I shiver.
“Don’t let them forget me,” I murmur.
“What?” Elias leans closer to me, looping his arm around my shoulders. I shake my head, frowning at the floor.
“Something I just remembered… Rebecca asked me not to let them forget her.”
Elias doesn’t respond verbally. Instead, he turns me so that my back is to him and pulls me into a cradling embrace. One of his long arms is circled around and supporting me, and the other is curled so that he’s holding my head against his chest. I notice, then, that his hands are bandaged. Elias kisses my forehead before laying his cheek on my hair.
“And the other girls?” I go on.
“They’re fine. I had a few of my ladies warm them like Azazel did for you, and they’re recovering nicely. Amberline was actually up and wandering around this afternoon.”
“Good,” I whisper, relaxing into his embrace.
“I’m so glad you’re alright,” he sighs. “I honestly believed I’d never hold you like this again.”
“So did I,” I confess. “I prayed before I went in. That’s the only explanation I’ve got for why I made it out alive.”
“I prayed too,” Elias turns his face so that it’s buried in my braided hair. “I really thought it was going to be your body I handed over to Barnaby.”
“Where is Barnaby?” I question. “I need to tell him I’m sorry for letting him down.”
“I don’t think you need to apologize to Barnaby for anything,” Elias smiles. I can feel the motion of his cheeks against the top of my head. “When I took him Rebecca’s body, he already had a pyre built. I guess that’s where he went when he stormed off. He thought it was you. The last time I saw him that upset was when Jecka died. He started crying and screaming before I could tell him it wasn’t you. He was throwing things and cursing… I actually had to lay Rebecca down so that I could physically force him to come and see that it wasn’t your body.”
I’m not sure what to say, so I just keep listening.
“I’ve never seen the man so happy as when he calmed down enough for me to tell him you were alive,” Elias chuckles emotionally. “Of course he wasn’t happy to be using that pyre for any of you girls, but he was so overjoyed that it wasn’t you that I don’t think he cared in that moment. I went to tell him you were awake after I so rudely walked in on Az…”
Embarrassment floods his tone for a second.
“Barnaby was thoroughly drunk and singing celebratory songs at the top of his lungs, though, so I just left him be. Diggory should be up shortly to see you. Are you feeling up to it?”
“Of course,” I smile.
“Good,” Elias loosens his grip on me. “Before he arrives, though, may I look you over? I’ve got a numbing agent on it right now, but War gave you a nasty bruise on your side. I’m fairly certain he broke a few of your ribs.”
I had noticed the bandages around my chest when Azazel was bathing me, but since I felt no pain, I hadn’t mentioned them. Elias gently lifts me on one arm and navigates back to the bed with me. He sits me down and tucks the covers around my waist.
“Can you lift your dress so that I can undo the bandages?” He asks me, and as I oblige, he raises the blankets higher around my waist to keep all but the necessary area covered.
“Thank you,” I smile at him as he works on the wrapping. “You’re always so considerate of my feelings. Azazel told me that you respected my modesty even when I needed to be warmed up.”
“Of course, Miss Kaija,” Elias smiles up at me. “Love is nothing if not respectful. It wouldn’t do at all for me to act without your consent in any capacity.”
“Still, thank you—ow!” I draw in a quick breath as Elias touches me.
“I’m sorry,” he frowns.
I look down to see that the entire right side of my chest is covered in a dark, purple-black mess.
“They’re definitely broken,” Elias mutters as he stands and strides to the medicine cabinet.
After rummaging for a few seconds, he returns with a salve of some sort and a new roll of bandages. Without saying a word, Elias tenderly dabs some of the salve on my bruises and binds my chest securely.
“I can hear you brooding,” I giggle half-heartedly.
“I should have stepped in,” he shakes his head. “As soon as he pulled that stunt, I should have called a stop to the whole thing.”
“Hey,” I say softly, lifting Elias’s chin so that he’s forced to look at me. “There was nothing you could have done. I’m grateful to you for keeping your promise.”
Elias opens his mouth to speak, but I stop him.
“Now, quit your brooding, and kiss me.”
With a resigned smile, Elias does as I said. He slides a slender hand up to cup my jaw and pulls me into a tender kiss. I lean into it happily and relish the feeling of his lips moving with my own.
After a moment, Elias pulls back and takes my pulse. With a nod, he grabs some gauze and takes out my IV.
“You’re certainly warm now,” he chuckles. “I think we can do without this.”
“Wonderful,” I sigh, stretching my arm fully. I hate the feeling of that little, plastic tube under my skin.
There’s a knock at the door, and Elias stands.
“I’m sure that’s Diggory. I’ll go so you all can visit for a while,” Elias smiles at me and retreats. “Come in, Master Diggory, the lady is expecting you.”
Diggory enters and chuckles when he sees me sitting up in bed. He comes over to me, shaking his head.
“You’re a real marvel, child,” he says, sitting on the bed and embracing me warmly. “Every time something happens, and I think you’re dead, you surprise me by bouncing right back.”
“I’m full of surprises,” I giggle.
“I certainly hope so,” Diggory smiles sadly at me. “I hope you keep surprising us for the rest of your long, happy life.”
“Did you forget that I’m an Offering to War?” I raise an eyebrow at him. “I don’t think long or happy are going to be in the descriptions of the rest of my life.”
“I honestly don’t know how things are going to play out,” Diggory sits back, stroking the short beard on his face.
“What do you mean?”
“You didn’t get to see Lord Elias during the last Discipline like I did,” Diggory frowns. “I was nervous about your relationship with him, but after what I saw yesterday…”
Diggory pauses, shaking his head.
“That man loves you, Kaija,” he looks at me very seriously.
“I know,” I smile faintly, but Diggory looks very somber.
“I’ve never seen a love like that,” Diggory pauses, taking a deep breath. “War locked you all in and left the Discipline area—as he usually does—and as soon as he was gone, Lord Elias jumped down and started throwing himself against the door. He tried breaking the lock, and he kept on pounding until his hands were a bloody mess. We tried to stop him, but he wouldn’t hear of it. He just kept going on about how he had to save you.”
A vague memory of chaotic sounds outside a door finds its way back to me. So that was Elias.
“Eventually, he was too exhausted to keep that up,” Diggory continues. “He fell to his knees and started praying out loud to your God with his hands on the door. He stayed that way until it was nearly time for Lord War to return. At that point, the other servants and I cleaned his blood off the door, and I dragged him back up to the observation deck. Even when War arrived, Lord Elias stayed on his knees, whispering prayers. He didn’t stop until War opened the door.”
I don’t know what to say. Elias told me that he prayed. I had no idea he’d prayed throughout the entire six hours that I was inside the Discipline—to a God he doesn’t even know. My heart aches when I think of his bandaged hands.
“I told you that to say,” Diggory carries on, looking hard at me, “I don’t know what Lord Elias is going to do. I’ve never witnessed anything like this in all my life. He loves you, Kaija, and he’s willing to throw everything away for you—his position, his comfort…his life. Are you willing to do the same?”
“Absolutely,” I whisper, but there is power in that breath.
“Good,” Diggory finally allows a small smile to play on his lips. “Then I can’t even begin to imagine where this is all going to end. This love is powerful. I don’t subscribe to all your God business—I’ve seen far too much of “gods” over the years—but there’s no denying that something mighty formidable is on your side. Love Lord Elias like he loves you, and I think you two can overcome anything.”
“I hope you’re right,” I smile warmly at Diggory. He leans forward and embraces me again.
“I’ve never been happier than I was when you started smarting off to me in that chamber,” he chuckles. “There’s something about you, child. You’ve stolen my heart. If I would have ever had a daughter, I sure hope she would have been just like you.”
The next morning, I finally get that tour of Elias’s wing I was hoping to get after the second Discipline. It’s basically a tiny, fully sustained city within the palace. Elias takes me through the kitchens and the hallways where each of his Brides has their own suite. They even have a small market where the ladies trade things they’ve made.
In the infirmary, I see Vivienne and Jocelyn beginning to get up and stir. Elias checks each of them thoroughly before instructing some of the Brides acting as nurses to do this or that for the girls. He quickly moves on to a group of older ladies. One of them looks to be older than my grandmother.
“Good morning, Caroline,” Elias smiles brightly as he sits beside the elderly woman.
“Elias, honey, I think you get more handsome every time I see you,” Caroline reaches up and pulls Elias down so that she can kiss his cheek. He, then, kisses her forehead before sitting back up.
“When was the last time I did a check on your eyesight, ma’am?” Elias jokes as he subtly checks Caroline’s vitals.
A shadow flashes across Elias’s face, but it’s gone almost instantly as he continues to smile at the aging Bride.
“My eyes are just fine, gorgeous,” Caroline says with sass. “That look on your face tells me something else isn’t though.”
“I can’t get anything past you, can I?” Elias smiles lovingly. “Your heart’s skipping. I don’t like it.”
“I’m very old, and you’re very pretty,” Caroline states matter-of-factly. “Of course my heart’s skipping.”
“That may be,” Elias chuckles, “but I’m still going to give you something to straighten that out. I want to keep you around as long as I can.”
“Well, what do you want to do that for?” she raises an eyebrow.
“Who else am I going to flirt with around here?” Elias smirks.
“I don’t think you’d ever be short on volunteers for that, dear,” Caroline motions for him to come closer, and she whispers something in his ear.
Elias looks over his shoulder at me and laughs quietly.
“I think you’re right,” Elias looks at her with mischief in his eyes, and I get the distinct impression that I’m the subject of their little joke.
Spotting one of the nurses, Elias motions her over and asks her to bring Caroline a few things.
“Do you need anything else, Caroline?” Elias takes one of her aged hands in his flawless ones.
“Nothing I can ask for in front of your girlfriend,” the older lady winks at me, and I giggle.
“Try to behave yourself,” Elias narrows his eyes at her, but a smile remains firmly in place on his lips as he walks over to join me. “I have to keep my eye on that one.”
“I can see that,” I giggle again, and Elias places his hand on the small of my back, guiding me up the stairs.
“I know you’re planning to go out to work today, but Azazel wants to see you for a moment before you go,” Elias leads me in the opposite direction from his bedchamber when we reach the top of the stairs.
He knocks on a beautiful door with intricately carved designs, and after a few seconds, Azazel is standing before us. She’s wearing a simple, flowing, white dress, and her dark, peppery hair, almost as long as mine, is down and flowing over her shoulder. Her midnight blue eyes shine as she smiles at us. She’s absolutely stunning.
“Come in!” she beckons us.
“I’ll let the two of you talk,” Elias withdraws with a small smile. “I’ll be in my study.”
Azazel motions for me to come inside. The room is a little less than half the size of the one belonging to Elias, but it’s still sizeable. An ornately carved bed sits over by the wall, and there’s a door leading to what I guess is the washroom. A picture window opens up to the flower gardens on the right side of the room. Azazel leads me over to a sitting area beside it.
“Amberline told me what you did for the first of the Offerings that died,” Az speaks quietly as she sits in front of me on one of the couches.
A pain shoots through my heart at the memory. I nod.
“That’s a beautiful gesture, Kaija,” Azazel lays a hand on my arm. “Were you planning to do the same for Rebecca?”
“I was,” I nod again. “They’ve probably taken her things by now, though. I promised her I wouldn’t let them forget her, but it looks like I’ve failed her there too.”
“They have already taken her things,” Azazel reaches down under the couch and brings up a small box. She smiles as she hands it to me. “I was able to get to them first, though.”
“What’s this?” I frown.
“Open it and see,” Azazel chuckles.
I lift the lid and gasp, placing a hand over my heart. Inside the little box is Rebecca’s Offering dress and a tiny envelope. I lift the dress with tears in my eyes, and then I hold the envelope out to Azazel.
“Would you put this in my book?” I whisper.
“Don’t you want to see what’s inside?” Az questions as she takes the tiny package.
“No,” I shake my head, folding the dress back into the box. “That envelope contains her most valued possessions. I want to keep them safe for her, but they’re hers. I don’t want to intrude.”
“You really are something special, Kaija,” Azazel smiles warmly at me.
“How did you get these?” I look up, still a little stunned.
“I still remember my way around out there enough to find the Offerings’ bedchambers,” Azazel chuckles.
“Az! You went outside??” I gasp.
“Only for a moment, and it was nighttime. I was there and back before anyone here even missed me,” Azazel laughs nonchalantly, but I can’t shake the feeling of dread that settles on my heart. “Now, you should go see Elias for a few more minutes before you go out to work. I think you returning to life as usual is going to be hard on him.”
“He’s not the only one,” I laugh, but there’s no humor in it. “Thank you, Az.”
“Anything for you, dear,” Azazel embraces me lovingly before I duck out into the hallway to go find Elias.
~#*TSD*#~
A week has passed, and life has returned to relative normalcy. Just as Azazel predicted, it’s been incredibly hard for Elias and I, but we’re managing. I stay out in the fields late into the night, always making sure to find myself in one containing lilies by the time the sun sets, and Elias meets me there. We talk until I can’t stay awake any longer, and then we return to our respective dwellings.
Amberline and I are still staying in the bunkhouse by the stables to keep up appearances. It’s not been a terrible arrangement, but I much preferred life in Elias’s wing. At least this way we don’t have to fear unexpected visits from War—of which there has been one. Everything is as it should be concerning our resident tyrant.
Just like I did for Amelia, I performed a small memorial for Rebecca, sending her dress over the falls with words from my holy book. It was a sad experience, but I’m glad I was able to keep my promise. The girls and I will never forget her.
~#*TSD*#~
One late-September afternoon, I head back to the bunkhouse before going out to meet Elias. I bathe and put on a clean dress. As I’m heading out the door, though, Amberline stops me.
“Kaija, this was laying on your pillow,” she says, handing me an envelope.
It’s a letter from Elias. In it, he tells me to meet him in the art gallery instead of the fields tonight. I smile softly, tucking the paper in my pocket as I head off. It seems strange to me that Elias would want to meet me in such a public location, but I shrug off the thought.
I sigh as I pass the endless flowers. Despite the chill that’s starting to form in the air, the flowers still bloom like it’s summer time. It’s almost as though the seasons hold no power over them. I wonder if they’ve been modified in some way. Certain plants on the farms were that way—essential food crops that couldn’t stand the dip in supply that came with winter.
I find my way to the art gallery, humming lightly as I go. When I round the corner, though, it isn’t Elias that I see standing in the large room.
“Az? What are you doing here?” I frown.
“I got your note,” Azazel holds up a piece of paper written in the same flowing script as the one in my pocket. My heart stops.
“Az, I didn’t write that note,” an uncomfortable chill runs over me, and I begin trembling.
“What’s going on?” I hear Elias’s voice as the door that leads to his wing closes with a thud.
“Please tell me you sent us these notes,” I plead with him.
“What are you talking about? I came because of your…note…” Elias trails off.
Cold realization sets in, and my eyes go wide.
“Azazel, run. Run now!”
“Oh, I’m afraid it’s entirely too late for that,” a haunting baritone voice booms from the shadows behind me.
My blood freezes, and I turn to see War sauntering in with a wicked grin plastered on his face.
“Azazel?” I call, keeping my eyes on War as he approaches.
“I’m here, Kaija,” Azazel’s voice is quiet, accepting. “I can’t move.”
“You see, she’s caught in my power, Offering,” War closes the gap between us and traces my neck with his fingers, sending uncomfortable chills over my whole body.
“Let them go, War,” Elias spits fiercely. “They’ve done nothing wrong.”
“No, but you have,” War looks away from me to lock gazes with Elias. He grabs me firmly by the neck and practically drags me with him as he strides over to Elias. I struggle against his painful grasp, barely able to catch a breath. “You have not only gone behind me and kept your Brides alive much longer than should be allowed, you have dared to have a relationship with one of my Offerings. What say you?”
“I’ll not apologize for either,” Elias’s face is utterly unreadable as he stares War down. “My Brides are my own business, and I have done nothing to defile your Offering. The fact that we have feelings for one another should mean nothing to you so long as she remains pure.”
“See, that’s where you’re wrong, though,” War’s voice drops to venomous levels. “Everything that you do is my business as your Alpha. You cannot relieve yourself without my express permission. I have given you a great deal of leniency in the last several hundred years, and now I find out that you’ve been using that leniency against me. You’ve even gone so far as to cheat the Disciplines for this one.”
War throws me to the ground before Azazel’s feet and steps back. I cough, finally able to breathe again.
“Kaija, are you alright?” Azazel whispers. I can hear tears in her voice. I nod.
“I don’t want an apology from you, Death,” War continues, not even noticing our exchange. “I want a choice.”
“What?” Elias growls.
“You heard me,” War states. “It’s your choice—your Bride or my Offering. Which is it going to be?”
“I’m not going to play your game, War,” Elias says firmly. “I’m not about to make a choice between them just to watch you murder them like you did Ronyn. I’m the one who offended you. Why don’t you just kill me instead?”
I flinch, looking up to see War’s reaction. His face betrays nothing as he glares at Elias through a twisted smile.
“If you won’t make the decision, why don’t we let the ladies decide?” War says mockingly, holding his hand out to us.
I’m unsure of what’s going on, but before I can react, I hear a piercing scream.
“No!” Azazel cries.
I look up to see her lunging at me. I’m too slow in my reaction time to stop her, and Azazel grabs me around the neck, squeezing tightly.
“Az??” I gasp.
Tears stream down Azazel’s face.
“I’m sorry, Kaija. He’s controlling me. This is his power,” Azazel weeps even as she attacks me.
I manage to roll out of her arms, but she’s soon up and after me again. I dodge her easily and look over in time to see Elias draw his sword.
“Stop this now, War!” he bellows, leaping forward.
War catches Elias’s blade before it can make contact and pulls it closer, lifting his foot. I hear a stomach-turning pop as his boot connects with the center of Elias’s chest. Elias falls, but he’s on his feet almost instantly, running at War again.
“Look at you! Willing to attack your Alpha over these two wenches, are you?” War cackles.
Elias only cries out in rage, executing a flawless spin and drawing War’s own sword from the sheath as War attempts to side step. He brings the blade around, slashing War’s side. War curses loudly, and for a moment, Azazel drops to her knees. I run to her, but she shoves me away.
“Run, Kaija!” She pants. “He’ll take me over again any—”
Before she can even complete the thought, Azazel grabs my wrist and throws me to the ground. Her strength is insane for someone of her build. I guess that’s also part of War’s power. I wonder for an instant why he’s only using it on her.
I catch another chance to look at Elias. He’s holding his arm now, and it’s dripping blood. Both men are breathing hard.
“This would all be so much easier if you’d just make your decision, Death,” War grins.
“My name is Elias,” he roars as he charges War once again.
War’s sword meets Elias’s, and the two of them stand, glaring at one another, for a second before they push off. War’s balance falters, and Elias doesn’t miss the chance. He raises War’s sword and runs forward.
“Elias, look out!” I see it before he does.
War didn’t lose his balance at all. He was feigning—preparing his next attack. Just as Elias comes within striking range, War ducks and reaches up, catching Elias’s arm. He comes up under the limb, and there’s another sickening pop as Elias’s shoulder dislocates. War continues his forward momentum, bringing his blade across Elias’s upper legs, and he shoves Elias to the ground. The wounds he inflicted are far from fatal, but Elias is no longer able to stand, much less fight. Still, though, he tries.
“Elias, stop this!!” Azazel screams as she attacks me again. “You made me a promise! It’s time you keep it!”
“No!” Elias groans, attempting to stand.
War kicks him hard in the side of the head, sending Elias back to the floor.
“Let’s get this over with,” War sighs as he picks up his sword from the ground.
He throws the garishly curved blade to Azazel. She trembles from head to toe as she fights with her own body.
“Elias!” she cries as her shaking hands wrap around the large hilt. “Elias, keep your promise now!”
I have no idea what promise Azazel is talking about, and I’ve got no time to wonder as the bloodied sword swings down at me. I’m able to roll away just before it makes contact.
“Az, fight this!” I pant.
“I can’t, dear,” Azazel cries, tears streaming down her face. “He’s too strong for me. You need to fight back. Kill me now, and all of this will be over.”
“No, Az!” I shake my head in horror.
It becomes immediately apparent that I’m going to need a weapon if I even hope to defend myself long enough to think of a way out of this. Azazel was right; Elias is no match for War in hand-to-hand combat. If he keeps it up, he’ll be dead in minutes. I need a way to incapacitate Azazel so that she can’t fight me. There’s a chance that War will use his power to force me to attack her at that point, but it’s the only plan I’ve got.
I scan the room quickly and see a pair of swords mounted on the wall. Rolling over War’s sword, I stand and run for the pair. With some effort, I pull one from the mounting just in time to meet War’s blade again.
Our fight is almost as elaborate as the one War and Elias just executed, and it’s equally as one-sided. With the added strength from War’s power and the fact that I’m only defending, I’m wearing down fast, and Azazel seems tireless. Soon, I’m going to have no choice but to go on the offensive or die. Both of us are fighting through torrents of tears as Azazel alternates between apologizing to me and screaming for Elias to keep his promise.
Finally, I’m exhausted.
“No!” Azazel cries as she brings War’s sword down.
I block the blow, but I’m sent to the ground, and I don’t think I’ll be able to get back up. I smile up at the motherly woman through my tears.
“It’s okay, Az,” I whisper. “Just do it.”
“Elias!!” Azazel screams as she raises the sword over her head. “I’ll never forgive you if you make me kill her!! Keep your promise now!!”
I close my eyes, waiting for the sword to fall.
“I love you, Az!” I cry.
If I’m to die now, I want Azazel to know that I don’t blame her. I want her to know that it’s not her fault.
The pain never comes, though. Instead, I hear the sword clatter to the ground, and I open my eyes to see Azazel smiling down at me, clutching her chest.
“Az?” I jump up in time to catch her as she crumbles to the ground.
“I’m free,” she whispers through more tears.
I look up to see that Elias has managed to get to his feet again. He stands with an unreadable expression on his face as he looks at Azazel and I. One hand is reaching out to us. When I look up, his arm falls to his side, and his indecipherable expression morphs into one of grief and rage.
“My decision has been made. I choose Kaija’s life,” Elias mutters before stumbling toward the door leading to his wing.
My breath catches in my throat as I watch him go. With wide eyes, I look to War. He’s wearing a smug expression as he turns his eyes to me.
“Looks like you get to live long enough to die in the Disciplines, Offering. I wonder if you’ll still seek a pathetic romance with him now that you know what he’s capable of,” he laughs darkly before slinking off in the opposite direction.
I sit for several moments, stunned, cradling Azazel in my arms. I stare at nothing in wide-eyed horror, trying desperately to wrap my mind around what just happened. A tug on my hand brings me back to reality.
“Kaija,” Azazel whispers. I look down to where she’s resting her head in my lap. She’s smiling up at me through her tears. My own vision blurs as hot liquid floods my own eyes again. “Kaija, don’t cry. I need you to listen to me.”
Azazel reaches up and wipes away some of my tears.
“Do not blame Elias. This is not his fault. None of this has ever been his fault,” she says urgently. I shake my head. “Tell him thank you for me. Thank him for keeping his promise. Tell him I love him, and tell him to live his life, and be happy for me. I know where I’m going, and it’s so much better than this place.”
I sob, unable to form words.
“And thank you, Kaija,” Azazel’s voice wavers. “It’s because of you that I know where I’ll rest for eternity. Give Elias the book. It’s time.”
What Azazel just told me fills me with unimaginable joy, but it does unholy battle with the grief that’s suffocating me. I still can’t form words as I take her hand and place it against my face.
“Promise me, Kaija,” Azazel whispers. “Tell him, and give him the book. Stay by his side.”
“I promise,” a quivering whisper finally passes my lips. “I love you, Az.”
“I love you too, dear,” Azazel pulls me down and kisses my forehead. “So much.”
“There they are!” a small female voice that I recognize as Charity comes from behind me. “I told you we heard the commotion out here.”
“Kaija?” I hear Diggory’s voice next. “Azazel?? What happened?? There’s blood everywhere!”
“War tricked us into meeting,” I start to tell Diggory what happened, but I begin hyperventilating, and I’m forced to stop.
“Calm down, child,” Diggory takes me by the shoulders.
“Elias was required to make a choice,” Azazel finishes for me. There’s a sad smile on her lips as she takes Diggory’s hand. “He kept his promise to me, and he chose Kaija.”
Diggory closes his eyes and bows his head knowingly.
“Azazel, you don’t mean…” Charity shakes her head.
“I’m dying, dear. Elias has given me time to say my goodbyes, though. I’m not in any pain,” Azazel takes my hand when I begin breathing too quickly again. “Go, doll. Elias needs you right now.”
“I can’t just leave you,” I whimper.
“I won’t be alone,” Azazel smiles. “I’ve got Diggory and Charity. Elias needs you far more than me. I’m going to be just fine, remember?”
“Go, child. Be with Elias,” Diggory nods, squeezing my shoulder.
After a few seconds of hesitation, I shift to allow Diggory to cradle Azazel. I lean down to kiss her head and hug her one last time.
“Goodbye, Az,” I sob.
“Not goodbye, dear,” Azazel says weakly. “I’ll see you again.”
I nod to her, and with a shaking breath, I stand to my feet and slowly trudge toward the door. My feet feel like they’re suddenly made of lead, and my heart breaks more with every step I take. I don’t dare look back because if I do, I’ll break down completely.
When I enter the wing and make my way down the long hallway to the main living areas, there’s quiet chaos all around me. I continue my slow, determined steps forward despite the myriad of Brides who try to stop me and ask for information. I barely see them at all as I move numbly forward, following the splotchy trail of blood I know belongs to Elias. Eventually, the Brides give up trying to delay me, and they stand back, quietly speculating about what might have happened to leave Elias and I this way.
Just as I reach the stairs that lead up to Elias’s bedchamber, someone grabs my arm forcefully.
“Miss Kaija!” Phillipa wheels me around, but I continue staring at the floor. “What happened?? First Elias comes through here hurt and barely able to stay on his feet, and now you come through looking like a dazed mess! Where’s Azazel??”
When she asks the question, I look up at her, but I can’t so much as change my expression. I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. I’m utterly empty, and I have nothing to offer her as an explanation aside from the tears that begin leaking from the corners of my eyes once again.
Evidently, that’s enough. Phillipa gasps and brings a hand up to her mouth.
“No,” she whispers, shaking her head.
Phillipa releases my shoulders, and I look back down, returning to my chore of following Elias. Vaguely, I register the sound of running behind me as Phillipa and several other Brides race down the hall from which I just came.
As I reach the top of the stairs, the sound of crashing snaps me out of my daze. I run forward and throw the door open. Elias’s room is in shambles. Nearly every piece of furniture is overturned, and there’s blood everywhere. Elias is standing beside the bed with his left wrist tied in place around one of the posts. Bracing with the right hand, he throws his weight backward, and my stomach turns at the nauseating pop that resounds when his joint slides violently back in place.
Elias cries out in pain, his knees buckling slightly. He leans on the bedpost for a short while before he unties his hand and steps back. He grabs the side of his head and screams a curse before rushing forward to kick the nearest chair to him. The piece of furniture flies into the empty bath, and Elias storms on to the next. With his good arm, he throws a table over, shattering the vase that was sitting on it.
I’m not sure whether or not he’s aware of my presence, so I just remain still by the door, waiting for him to finish his raging. It seems to go on forever, and his pain engulfs me.
Finally, Elias has exhausted the reserves of his energy, and he falls to his knees by the balcony.
~#*TSD*#~
What does Kaija do? Elias is injured and likely not thinking straight. Does Kaija go to him or give him space?
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Lilith
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Joined: 10 Feb 2007
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Location: Happily curled up in a Daemon's lap
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ModelP
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| Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2016 4:29 pm Post subject: |
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| -sighs- it was bound to happen eventually. As Always I find myself hating War a little bit more. Of course now that Elias has made his choice I feel that War's gonna try even harder to kill Kaija just to spite Elias But that's for later chapters. Right now Calming him down is priority. I really hope the pay off is worth is cause my FEELS ARE BEING MESSED WITH Only a Happy Ending for both Elias and Kaija can redeem the messed feels.[/i]
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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
General Fiction Mod
Joined: 25 Oct 2012
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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).
_________________
"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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Joined: 09 Dec 2007
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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.
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My latest SG! (Image courtesy of the lovely Lebrenth)
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Andolyn
Mayor's Ambassador
Joined: 18 Apr 2011
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Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...
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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
General Fiction Mod
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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.
_________________
"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: 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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Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Novelest_Ninjagirl
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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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Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...
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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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My latest SG! (Image courtesy of the lovely Lebrenth)
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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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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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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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Cyberworm
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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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Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
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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Joined: 25 Oct 2012
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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."
-Mason Cooley
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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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My latest SG! (Image courtesy of the lovely Lebrenth)
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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
Posts: 503
Location: Penna, having a hot cup of tea
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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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Joined: 18 Apr 2011
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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
Posts: 503
Location: Penna, having a hot cup of tea
Items
Legends
5512 Fables
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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
_________________
"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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