#1: To Survive Divinity: Chapter TWENTY-NINE Now Playing! Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 10:07 pm 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
#2: Author: Vikas Muralidharan, Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 5:21 am 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*
#3: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 10:16 am 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
#4: Author: Vishal Muralidharan, Location: City Of IF!Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 11:46 am 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!
#5: Author: Tikanni Corazon, Location: Running through the plains of my mind, my wolf spirit at my side (but doing so in the UK!).Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 11:49 am 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!
#6: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 11:50 am 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
#7: Author: kkdestiny, Location: The Library of Interfable HistoryPosted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 12:28 pm 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.
#8: Author: Lilith, Location: Happily curled up in a Daemon's lapPosted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 2:24 pm Really liking this premise more now, especially after you first told me about it. I'm looking forward to seeing more. Sounds like "The Hunger Games" meets "The Selection" serieses. (Seriei? What is the plural for series?) Are we going to learn about the other women she's been sent up with or no?
#9: Author: Novelest_Ninjagirl, Location: The inn. Probably. Come check!Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:52 pm 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!
#10: Chapter 1 Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 10:49 pm 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.
#11: Author: Vishal Muralidharan, Location: City Of IF!Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 6:39 am 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
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
#13: Author: Lilith, Location: Happily curled up in a Daemon's lapPosted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 9:25 am Based on Diggory's reaction to Kaija's presence and Ophelia's advice to just behave themselves and act humble in the hall of the "gods", I'm going to agree with these guys that a little bit of humility at this beginning stage of the story is wise. However, she has been spoken to, so she can respond with something to smooth over the incident, should she wish it after she drops her eyes, if only to keep herself ALIVE. Something like "My apologies to both of you. I was simply too astonished to be here to remember my manners. It won't happen again." Or something similar, take your pick. But this way she can soothe War's immediate dislike and keep Death from having to step in for her just yet. It is a bit early to engage someone with this much power head on at the moment in a battle of wits and wills.
#14: Author: kkdestiny, Location: The Library of Interfable HistoryPosted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 11:03 am *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
#15: Author: Novelest_Ninjagirl, Location: The inn. Probably. Come check!Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 1:36 pm 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.
#16: Author: Tikanni Corazon, Location: Running through the plains of my mind, my wolf spirit at my side (but doing so in the UK!).Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 3:10 pm 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!
#17: Author: Sapphire_Rayne, Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 3:47 pm 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. ^^
#18: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 8:55 pm 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)
#19: Author: sagittaeri, Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 7:53 am
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!
#20: Chapter 2 Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 12:46 pm 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?
#21: Author: Lilith, Location: Happily curled up in a Daemon's lapPosted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 1:10 pm I am still enjoying this! Now as for what she should do... Wander the garden of course! Maybe Diggory will have some bandages or a helpful ointment or something for Kaija's poor head.
#22: Author: kkdestiny, Location: The Library of Interfable HistoryPosted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 1:43 pm 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.
#23: Author: themightyzan, Location: TNPosted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 3:52 pm 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
#24: Author: Sapphire_Rayne, Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 4:17 pm 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!
#25: Author: sagittaeri, Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 5:14 pm 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.
#26: Author: Novelest_Ninjagirl, Location: The inn. Probably. Come check!Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 6:22 pm 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.
#27: Author: Seraphi, Location: Penna, having a hot cup of teaPosted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 6:32 pm 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).
Kidding, I just want an exciting story, so yes, wander around Id say. Loving the writing as usual. Great job!
#29: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 8:54 am Thanks, everyone! Is Vishal the only one we're still waiting on? I'm excited to write more. XD
#30: Author: Vishal Muralidharan, Location: City Of IF!Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 9:47 am 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!
#31: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 10:22 am Woo!! And we're polling! Tell your friends because I want to keep writing. XD
#32: Author: sagittaeri, Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 6:22 pm Voted! Sorry, it appears I have caused a tie...
#33: Author: themightyzan, Location: TNPosted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 6:39 pm Voted! i made it not a tie, heh.
#34: Author: Cyberworm, Location: Spatially found, temporal lockdown.Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2015 10:08 am 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);
#35: Author: misterbiz, Location: a chair in a cold dark living roomPosted: Tue Sep 22, 2015 7:39 pm 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.
#36: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2015 11:26 pm 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
#37: Author: kkdestiny, Location: The Library of Interfable HistoryPosted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 1:14 am *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.
#38: Author: Cyberworm, Location: Spatially found, temporal lockdown.Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 2:29 am 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!
#39: Author: themightyzan, Location: TNPosted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 6:25 am 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. ^.^
#40: Author: Lilith, Location: Happily curled up in a Daemon's lapPosted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 4:06 pm I'm going to say that the best bet would probably be to head off to dinner, a quick warm bath and then bed. Tomorrow promises to be a difficult day already and it isn't here yet.
I'm adoring this story and I want more please.
#41: Author: Seraphi, Location: Penna, having a hot cup of teaPosted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 7:14 pm 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).
#42: Author: Vikas Muralidharan, Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 7:52 pm This was brilliant as usual, An!
Id say Kaija needs food and sleep. Just fast forward to the next day now xD
#43: Author: Novelest_Ninjagirl, Location: The inn. Probably. Come check!Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2015 8:08 pm 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.
#44: Author: Cyberworm, Location: Spatially found, temporal lockdown.Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2015 11:56 pm 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."
#45: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 9:46 am 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!
#46: Author: Vishal Muralidharan, Location: City Of IF!Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 9:38 am Caught up and voted! So sad I missed suggestion phase, but I'm really loving this now! Well done!
#47: Author: misterbiz, Location: a chair in a cold dark living roomPosted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 10:57 am 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...
#48: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 6:14 pm 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!!
#49: Author: misterbiz, Location: a chair in a cold dark living roomPosted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 6:24 pm 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.
#50: Author: Novelest_Ninjagirl, Location: The inn. Probably. Come check!Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 8:19 pm 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.
#51: Author: kkdestiny, Location: The Library of Interfable HistoryPosted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 9:43 pm 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.
#52: Author: Vishal Muralidharan, Location: City Of IF!Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2015 12:23 am Time to count sheep!
#53: Author: Lilith, Location: Happily curled up in a Daemon's lapPosted: Wed Sep 30, 2015 11:44 am While it would probably help soothe Kaija's frayed nerves to read her Holy Book and remember home and ease her to sleep, in this place, it is not wise.
I think it's time to sneak out of bed and have a walk in the grounds. It will be her work area after all, and perhaps that will help calm her down after such a long day.
As always, greedily waiting for more. I wish we had a thing that would send a little 'blip'! when there's an update on stories were following... *cough* hint *cough*
#54: Author: themightyzan, Location: TNPosted: Wed Sep 30, 2015 3:19 pm 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.
#55: Author: Seraphi, Location: Penna, having a hot cup of teaPosted: Thu Oct 01, 2015 6:34 am 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
#56: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 7:19 pm Alright, folks! Thanks for the replies! We are now polling!! =D
#57: Author: Cyberworm, Location: Spatially found, temporal lockdown.Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 6:40 am 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.
#58: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 6:47 am HAHAHA! Thanks, Cy. This is what happens when I type too fast at 2am. Haha!
#59: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 10:48 pm 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
#60: Author: misterbiz, Location: a chair in a cold dark living roomPosted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 11:10 pm 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.
#61: Author: kkdestiny, Location: The Library of Interfable HistoryPosted: Thu Oct 08, 2015 9:18 am 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
#62: Author: ModelP, Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2015 9:40 am I think she should stick around and be there for the Girls she swore she'd look after.
#63: Author: Seraphi, Location: Penna, having a hot cup of teaPosted: Thu Oct 08, 2015 1:48 pm 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 )
#64: Author: themightyzan, Location: TNPosted: Thu Oct 08, 2015 2:45 pm 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. ^.^
#65: Author: Vikas Muralidharan, Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2015 7:53 pm 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
#66: Author: Novelest_Ninjagirl, Location: The inn. Probably. Come check!Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2015 10:15 pm 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?
#67: Author: Vishal Muralidharan, Location: City Of IF!Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 9:22 pm 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.
#68: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2015 7:15 pm AAAAND we're polling!
#69: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2015 5:25 pm "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.”
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
#70: Author: Novelest_Ninjagirl, Location: The inn. Probably. Come check!Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2015 5:35 pm 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.
#71: Author: Seraphi, Location: Penna, having a hot cup of teaPosted: Tue Oct 13, 2015 6:05 pm 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
#72: Author: Lilith, Location: Happily curled up in a Daemon's lapPosted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 5:32 am Well, she should just get up and turn to see who it is in the very least before she says anything. If it's Diggory or one of the other grounds people, she can smile and thank him for the compliment. If it's anyone else.. she might have to filter her appreciation for the compliment a bit. Like 'Just keeping my mind busy while I work.'
#73: Author: Sapphire_Rayne, Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 2:16 pm 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.
#74: Author: kkdestiny, Location: The Library of Interfable HistoryPosted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 5:06 pm It seems we're pretty much all agreed on not running
I look foreward to the next chapter already :3
#75: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 5:40 pm 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?
#76: Author: Seraphi, Location: Penna, having a hot cup of teaPosted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 5:59 pm 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).
#77: Author: kkdestiny, Location: The Library of Interfable HistoryPosted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 6:08 pm 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.
#78: Author: Sapphire_Rayne, Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 6:15 pm 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.
#79: Author: Novelest_Ninjagirl, Location: The inn. Probably. Come check!Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 8:54 pm 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.
#80: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 9:01 pm 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.
#81: Author: Novelest_Ninjagirl, Location: The inn. Probably. Come check!Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 8:25 am Makes sense. ^^ Like I said, I'm the one who read it wrong. I'll pay closer attention next time.
#82: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 12:26 pm We've made it to page 3!!!
#83: Author: kkdestiny, Location: The Library of Interfable HistoryPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 12:32 pm *does a dance* :3
#84: Author: Cyberworm, Location: Spatially found, temporal lockdown.Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 2:04 pm 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!
#85: Author: Lilith, Location: Happily curled up in a Daemon's lapPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 4:32 pm In my humble opinion, Kaija should probably get some rest first, just because they've all had a terrifying and nerve-wracking day. Maybe she could do the memorial tomorrow and have the other girls help make it, except Rebecca, she's a bitch. So just have a little meeting when they're not all busy, it might make them have a closer bond during the other Disciplines. Plus maybe they could do it in the gardens where it'd be pretty.
#86: Author: Tikanni Corazon, Location: Running through the plains of my mind, my wolf spirit at my side (but doing so in the UK!).Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2015 4:02 pm 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
#87: Author: themightyzan, Location: TNPosted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 6:32 am Caught up! Yay! Still loving it. But I tell you that often, so you already know. ^.^
#88: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2015 12:11 pm Poll is up, lovelies!
#89: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2015 12:55 am 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.
#90: Author: Tikanni Corazon, Location: Running through the plains of my mind, my wolf spirit at my side (but doing so in the UK!).Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2015 3:27 am 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.
#91: Author: Novelest_Ninjagirl, Location: The inn. Probably. Come check!Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2015 8:15 am 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.
#92: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2015 9:04 pm 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?
#93: Author: misterbiz, Location: a chair in a cold dark living roomPosted: Sun Nov 08, 2015 10:02 pm Loving this. Loving how much she cares for the girls.
I say she tells Digg.
#94: Author: Cyberworm, Location: Spatially found, temporal lockdown.Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 7:49 am 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.
#95: Author: Seraphi, Location: Penna, having a hot cup of teaPosted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 8:32 am Wonderful chapter, Andy.
Also agreeing with Biz and Cy here, she can and should talk to Diggory.
#96: Author: kkdestiny, Location: The Library of Interfable HistoryPosted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 9:18 am 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
#97: Author: Novelest_Ninjagirl, Location: The inn. Probably. Come check!Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 4:37 pm 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.
#98: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2015 5:12 pm 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?
#99: Author: Sapphire_Rayne, Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2015 6:56 pm 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.
#100: Author: Cyberworm, Location: Spatially found, temporal lockdown.Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2015 5:20 am 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.
#101: Author: themightyzan, Location: TNPosted: Wed Nov 11, 2015 11:30 am 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.
#102: Author: misterbiz, Location: a chair in a cold dark living roomPosted: Wed Nov 11, 2015 3:30 pm Ah... The feels... Such a touching scene.
I say check out the fire. Be nosy. What's the worst that could happen?
#103: Author: Novelest_Ninjagirl, Location: The inn. Probably. Come check!Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2015 5:55 pm 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.
#104: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 12:10 am Since Noni is DETERMINED to make this SG go as slowly as possible...Now polling ;D
#105: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 1:35 pm 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?
#106: Author: Cyberworm, Location: Spatially found, temporal lockdown.Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 4:06 pm 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.
#107: Author: themightyzan, Location: TNPosted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 8:26 pm 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!!!
#108: Author: Seraphi, Location: Penna, having a hot cup of teaPosted: Thu Nov 19, 2015 10:45 am 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?
#109: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2015 11:08 am You can thank the incredible MisterBiz for that song.
#110: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 5:15 pm 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!
#111: Author: Novelest_Ninjagirl, Location: The inn. Probably. Come check!Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 5:38 pm Let's let her have her moment, and continue talking. Loved the read! Definitely wondering why Elias shifted into being friendly again.
#112: Author: themightyzan, Location: TNPosted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 6:24 pm 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.
#113: Author: kkdestiny, Location: The Library of Interfable HistoryPosted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 7:59 pm 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.
#114: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2015 3:47 pm 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!
#115: Author: kkdestiny, Location: The Library of Interfable HistoryPosted: Wed Nov 25, 2015 4:46 pm 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.
#116: Author: Novelest_Ninjagirl, Location: The inn. Probably. Come check!Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2015 9:46 pm 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.
#117: Author: themightyzan, Location: TNPosted: Mon Nov 30, 2015 8:34 am 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.
#118: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2015 11:32 am I worry about you all and your snake bite after care. XD
Considering holding a first aid class...HAHAHA!
Poll is up!!
#119: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2015 5:12 pm 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!
#120: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2015 5:12 pm T.
#121: Author: Tikanni Corazon, Location: Running through the plains of my mind, my wolf spirit at my side (but doing so in the UK!).Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2015 5:44 pm 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
#122: Author: kkdestiny, Location: The Library of Interfable HistoryPosted: Wed Dec 02, 2015 1:07 am >: 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.
#123: Author: themightyzan, Location: TNPosted: Wed Dec 02, 2015 10:21 am 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
#124: Author: Novelest_Ninjagirl, Location: The inn. Probably. Come check!Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2015 4:45 pm 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!
#125: Author: Andolyn, Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2015 3:42 pm 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.
#126: Author: Novelest_Ninjagirl, Location: The inn. Probably. Come check!Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2015 9:34 am 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?