The five figures—three elves and two humans—formed a silent line of observation as villagers cautiously emerged, their whispers carried on the morning breeze, surveying the wreckage of their homes and the ravaged landscape.
Half-destroyed buildings lined the battered cobblestone road, scarred by magical blasts and the sheer force of the battle; even Mira's tavern was barely standing, its entrance half-gone.
"Well," Oreon began, collapsing in a sitting position on a nearby stone. "That could have gone better." He inhaled deeply, gazing up at Mira, who continued to stare at her ravaged tavern. "Sorry about the Tavern Mira."
Mira continued to gaze at the destruction before letting out a light scoff. "Sorry?" She moved alongside Oreon to survey any further damage to her establishment. "Boy, that tavern was falling apart before you tumbled through its doors." She nudged him with surprising strength for her age, a wry smile creasing her weathered face. "Besides, those Order bastards have been looking for an excuse to burn it down for years, at least it went down during a proper fight."
"A proper fight indeed." Aura walked over to them, a smile for Oreon on her face. "And I see you finally used that enhancement ability you gained from your mother." Settling beside him, Aura smiled, putting an arm around his shoulders. "I can't believe it." Her squeal was childish, yet somehow distinctly adult. "My little dragon is growing up on me." Pride sparkled in her emerald eyes as she smirked, her fingers lightly squeezing his shoulder.
The Vel-Andria sisters approached, their eyes fixed on Oreon. "You have Dragonborn blood in you!" Sylvanie yells, prompting Oreon to hastily silence her as he cups his hand over her mouth.
"Can you not do that?" He whispers loud enough for only the group to hear. "Geez, are you insane? Why would you scream that out like that!"
Seizing the chance, Sylvanie bit Oreon's hand, making him cry out. "Don't you ever try and silence me like that again, human," She stated as Oreon jumped up and down holding his now bitten hand. "I've had enough of being muzzled by humans to last several lifetimes.
"Did you have to bite me though?" Oreon cries out as Celestia stands between the two.
Her eyes first fell on her sister. "Sylvanie, please. "She murmurs, her voice reaching both Oreon and her sister as she looks out at the ruined village and then the tavern that Mira let them sleep in for the night. "You, nor these people, deserved any of this." With a soft voice, she looked at Mira. "We can rebuild it." She offered. "Perhaps make it even better."
Sylvanie snorted, twirling a strand of her violet hair between her fingers. "If by 'we' you mean everyone but you, sister. Your idea of manual labor is directing others where to place furniture." With a glance from her crimson eyes, she addressed Oreon. "Though watching the human here throw around timber might be entertainment enough, or should I call you dragon boy now, little dragon?" She teased as Oreon felt heat rise to his cheeks.
Aura's emerald eyes sparkled with mischief, her grip on Oreon's shoulder tightening possessively. "Careful, shadow princess. Only I get to call him 'little dragon' and trust me." Her voice dropped to a sultry whisper. "There's nothing 'little' about him anymore."
"Aura!" Oreon's face turned a deep shade of red, the heat radiating off his skin as he reacted to Aura's comment. "Aura! For the love of-what the hell is wrong with you?!" He says as he squirms against her grip. "You're worse than when I was a child!" He exclaims.
"What?" Aura's eyes, though seemingly innocent, held a mischievous spark. "I was merely commenting on how much you've grown. Such a tall, strong young man now." She winked at Sylvanie.
Sylvanie's lip curled into an amused smirk, her eyes flashing with interest as she assessed Oreon with renewed curiosity. "Is that so? Perhaps I misjudged our traveling companion sister." A wicked grin spread across her face, her gaze traveling slowly up and down Oreon's form.
"Whoa, hey now Sylvanie; remember I'm human. You hate humans remember?" Oreon continues to struggle, but Aura's grip holds on tight to him.
"Half-human." She corrected with a purr. "And I'm willing to make exceptions for exceptional specimens."
Aura laughed; her arm still draped over Oreon. "Oh, I like this one," she says, nodding towards Sylvanie. "She reminds me of myself in my younger days."
"And you still look like you haven't aged a bit." Oreon continues to struggle as he groans when he can't make Aura move. "God, why are Elves so strong?" He cried as he looked over at Celestia. "Hey, Celestia, come on! Help me out here!" He cries out to her.
A smirk touched Celestia's lips as she slowly turned and made her way towards Oreon; her regal presence was unmistakable with every step. In a swift, unexpected move, she put her arm through Oreon's, standing him up and moving herself between him and Aura, leaving him quite surprised. "I believe Oreon is quite tired from his battle earlier," Celestia smirked as she tilted her head a bit to glance back at Oreon's shocked expression. "But perhaps," She paused. "He wouldn't mind escorting the queen to help with the village's renovations."
Oreon stood frozen in place, his arm now linked with Celestia's as his mind struggled to process this unexpected turn of events. The former queen of Vel-Andria was now looking at him with those mesmerizing sapphire eyes, a playful smile gracing her usually composed features.
Aura raised an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing slightly as she watched Celestia's elegant maneuver. "Well played, your highness; well played." With a smirk and murmured words, she crossed her arms.
Sylvanie's crimson eyes flashed with amused indignation as she watched her sister smoothly insert herself between Oreon and Aura. Her lips parted in mock offense. "Oh? So now you're interested in this human, sister?" Sylvanie challenges, placing one hand dramatically on her hip. "How convenient that your royal sensibilities suddenly allow for such…Fraternization."
Celestia maintains her serene smile, though a hint of mischief dances in her eyes as she keeps her arm firmly linked with Oreon's. "I'm merely offering my assistance." She replies with practiced diplomacy. "And ensuring that our guide remains…Undisturbed."
Aura threw back her head and her laughter, rich and melodious, echoed through the village square. "My, my! The royal sisters of Vel-Andria fighting over a half-human." She clapped her hands together in delight. "How the mighty have fallen—and in the most entertaining way possible.
Oreon stood frozen between the elven women, his face cycling through various shades of red as he found himself the unexpected center of attention. The villagers who had been assessing damage now paused to watch the unfolding drama with undisguised interest.
"I'm not—" Celestia began, her composure slipping for just a moment before she regained her regal bearing. "I'm simply ensuring Oreon here remains focused on our mutual goals rather than…distracted. He is our guide after all."
Sylvanie circled to Oreon's other side. "Is that what you call it, sister? Strange, I don't recall you being so protective of our previous guides."
"Perhaps that's because our previous guides weren't being devoured by hungry eyes from all directions," Celestia retorts, her grip on Oreon's arm tightening slightly.
Mira watched the scene unfold with undisguised amusement, leaning against a partially collapsed beam. "Well, boy," She called out to Oreon," Seems you've got yourself quite the predicament. Though I can think of worse fates than being fought over by Elven royalty.
"This isn't—I'm not—" Oreon stammers, his face now burning so hot it could rival the aura he had previously. He looked desperately between the two Elven women surrounding him, searching for an escape route that didn't exist. "Can we please focus on the village? The Order? The people? Something?"
Aura's laughter subsided into a knowing smirk as she observed the flustered human with dragon's blood. Her emerald eyes gleamed with centuries of mischief as she stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, little dragon." She spoke. "We're merely teasing. Though I must say, your mother would be quite amused to see you now, caught between royalty like some prize to be won."
Mira walked up to stand beside Aura. "Aye, Leona must be smiling down from the heavens right now. "She said as she glanced over at Aura.
A flicker of sadness crossed Aura's face at the mention of Leona, quickly replaced by her playful smirk. "She always did say he'd grow up to be trouble," Aura replied. "Though I doubt even she could have predicted this scenario."
"I don't think anybody would have predicted this." Mira released a lax breath. "Come, we have plans to discuss. The Order won't sit idle for long. "Mira stated, walking towards Oreon and the two sisters of royalty.
[CATHEDRAL IN THE HOLY PLAINS]
Meanwhile, in an enormous cathedral, the stained-glass windows cast jewel-toned light across the vaulted chamber, illuminating the silent vigil of holy knights who stood with swords held at attention, their armor gleaming faintly. Silence hung heavy in the throne room, punctuated only by the deep breaths of the husky man. His icy gaze, cold and vacant, followed as the shimmering portal deposited the battered figures of Desirae and Vexes.
"Vexes." The man's deep voice resonated slowly through the hall, the sound vibrating the floor. He leaned back on his throne, a white chair etched with holy symbols, one hand supporting his head as he observed the two dark elves. A pristine, heavy white tunic clung to the powerful ridges of his chest and shoulders. Molded to his impressive physique, a segmented cuirass of almost sooty, matte black leather covered him. Faint tracings of the holy symbol etched its surface. A charcoal-grey cloak draped his pristine white tunic and pants, the outfit accented by white boots. "You return to me broken." He observed coldly, "And empty-handed."
Vexes quickly gets up, followed by Desirae, dropping to one knee, head bowed low, his voice trembling. "Lord Purifier, the Eastern Guardian has returned, she…She interfered with our mission." Vexes breathed cautiously as he chose his words carefully. "Sire, the Ghost walks amongst us again." Vexes finishes as Alaric the Purifier calmly remained on his throne. His imposing presence was amplified by the large halberd blade impaled in the ground beside him.
"And what of my Son and the Elven slaves he stole, along with the Dragon shard?" Alaric asks him, his ruthless voice remaining.
Vexes trembled were visible now, sweat beading on his forehead as the air in the cathedral seemed to grow colder with each passing second. The stained-glass figures of saints and Martyrs appeared to judge him from their lofty perches, their colored shadows falling across his prostrate form like accusatory fingers.
"Your son…" His voice, thin and fragile, cracked as he started to speak. "The human fights alongside the Elven slaves. The Elven princesses remain in his company, and- "Vexes swallowed hard, the sound audible in the cavernous silence," -The dragon shard also remains in his possession."
Desirae, still kneeling beside him, shot him a warning glance. The knights lining the hall shifted almost imperceptibly, armor clinking like distant wind chimes announcing a coming storm. "My lord, the human boy…He, his blood." Alaric narrowed his eyes at the monstrous creature before him. "He's tapped into some hidden magic that's not known to humans. I've heard one of them say that he's beginning to manifest his mother's abilities." Desirae quickly said before she bowed her head in fear.
Alaric's massive frame went eerily still. The silence in the cathedral grew oppressive, crushing down on the two kneeling figures as his pale blue eyes burned with cold fury. His knuckles whitened as they gripped the armrests of his throne, the only visible sign of the rage boiling beneath his composed exterior.
"So," He finally spoke, each word falling like a death sentence," Leona's abomination shows his true nature at last." A cruel smile twisted his lips as he continued to look at the two dark elves in front of him. "Tell me, was his power formidable?"
Vexes and Desirae exchanged a loaded glance, fear pulsing between them like a living thing. "Formidable enough to survive our assault, my lord." Desirae ventured, her voice barely above a whisper. "He displayed…unusual abilities. Enhancement magic, but not ordinary enhancement magic."
Alaric's eyes glittered with something between rage and fascination. "The mother's taint manifests in my son." His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper as his smirk slowly faded. "Leona's corruption runs deeper than I imagined. Even in death, she still defies the Order's will."
The cathedral air grew heavy, charged with tension as Alaric rose from his throne. "Your failure disappoints me, Vexes."
The massive purifier stood to his full intimidating height, his shadow stretching across the marble floor like death's own embrace. The cathedral light, once beautiful, now seemed sinister, casting Alaric's face in bloody reds and poisonous greens as he slowly descended the steps.
"My lord, please- "Vexes began, his voice catching as terror clawed at his throat. Alaric's hand shot out, faster than should be possible for a man his size, snatching Vexes by the throat and lifting him until his feet dangled helplessly above the floor. "Your excuses mean nothing," He growls, bringing the dark elf's face inches from his own.
Desirae watched in horror; her body frozen in place as her comrade's legs kicked uselessly in the air. The knights remained impassive, their armored forms like statues witnessing a ritual they had seen countless times before.
"You were tasked with a simple mission," Alaric continues, his grip tightening with each word as Vexes' face turned an alarming shade of purple. "Bring me my wayward son, the stolen property, and the dragon shard. Instead, you return with nothing but excuses and tales of defeat!"
Vexes' eyes bulged, his fingers clawing desperately at Alaric's iron grip. His lips moved, forming soundless pleas as life was slowly crushed from him. The stained-glass saints looked down with cold indifference, their faces frozen in eternal judgement. "Perhaps I should send more capable servants," Alaric muses, his voice unnervingly calm as he watched Vexes struggle." The Eastern Guardian's return complicates matters. "Alaric spoke to himself as he continued to watch Vexes struggle with no emotion in his eyes, just holding him in the air by his throat.
"Oh, Alaric," A voice calls from the cathedral doors. "Do you always have to point fingers when you fail at something?" A woman appeared, dressed in a tailored black tunic, cinching just so at her slender waist before flowing into a practical, split skirt that allows for unhindered, almost fluid movement. Her collar is high, long, and close-fitting sleeves extend to her knuckles. The same holy symbols that adorned Alaric's attire were present on her as well. Her outfit finished off as the sound of her sharp black boots echoed on the marble floor. "Perhaps these two were simply surprised and overwhelmed. It's not uncommon after all, especially if what they say is true." Her purple eyes narrowed a bit as she eyed Alaric. "That your son is using your former lover's ability." Her tongue snaked out of her mouth as she slowly licked her lips.
The cathedral fell silent as death itself, all eyes turning to the newcomer. Even the knights, disciplined as they are, shifted uncomfortably upon her arrival. Alaric's grip on Vexes' throat loosened just enough for the dark elf to draw a desperate, ragged breath, his body still dangling like a broken puppet.
Alaric's jaw tightened, the muscles in his face working as he stared at the woman. "Inquisitor Cassian," He acknowledged, his voice a dangerous rumble. "To what do I owe the honors of your visit this time?" He growled.
"Drop the elf, Alaric," Cassian purrs, her long black pigtails waving behind her as she steps further into the cathedral, each click of her heels echoing throughout the chamber. "He'll be of no use to us dead. And we certainly can't have that now, can we? I mean, we do need all the information we can get about your…Offspring's new abilities." Her smile is razor sharp. "Although, if I recall, you sent these two on a mission, withholding the information about your son's special attributes." Her tongue slithered slowly. "Your subjects who so willingly joined the Order against their kind, and this is how you repay them, claiming failure when it was you who failed to give them the proper information to begin with." She pointed out as her purple irises narrowed dangerously at Alaric. "Should I inform the council about this little mix-up up Alaric? Hmmm." She tilted her head to the side, her crazed eyes locked on Alaric's, almost daring him to do something.
Vexes hung suspended between life and death in Alaric's grip, his eyes wide with desperate hope as he watched the power struggle unfold.
Alaric's face darkened like a gathering storm. As his grip loosened, his fingers uncurled, releasing Vexes, who fell to the floor in a gasping heap beside Desirae.
"The council," Alaric spoke each word with careful precision, "Need not concern themselves with how I discipline my servant." He stepped away from the prostate elves, his massive frame turning fully towards Cassian. "Or with my son's…Condition."
"And yet," Cassian's smile widened, revealing too many teeth. "They might find it fascinating how the great purifier's bloodline carries the very corruption he's sworn to destroy." She took another step forward. "What was her name again? Leona? The dragon witch who bewitched you?" She giggles.
A death glare was shot towards Cassian, but it didn't faze her as she continued taunting him. "Oh, don't look at me like that, it's not my fault that the council loves their…Protocols." She crooned, circling Alaric like a predator. "Especially when it involves your bastard of a son, the human breathing with dragon blood. How many years has it been since you lost track of him? Ten? Fifteen? Maybe it is you that needs to be disciplined."
A dangerous stillness settled over Alaric, like the moment before a lightning strike. The cathedral seemed to hold its breath as the massive purifier stared down at the Inquisitor, his pale eyes narrowed to slits.
"You forget yourself, Cassian," he said coldly. "The boy was hidden from me by treachery and dark magic. Had I known of his location, I would have cleansed him of his mother's taint long ago."
"The knights along the walls remained motionless, but their tension was palpable. Desirae had moved to Vexes' side, helping him sit up with her monstrous hands as they watched the power struggle unfold before them.
Cassian's laugh echoed throughout the sacred space, high and unhinged. "Cleansed him? Like you 'cleansed' his mother? We all remember how well that went." She stepped closer, fearless where others would tremble. "Face it, Alaric, you're losing your edge. First, the slaves escape, then the shard, now your son manifests powers you can't control." She continues to circle him, each step slow and deliberate. "The council whispers, you know, and whispers turn into action when faith wavers," Cassian continued, her voice dropping to a theatrical whisper herself. "And faith in the great purifier is most certainly wavering."
The Cathedral's atmosphere thickened with murderous intent as Alaric's massive hand twitched toward the halberd beside his throne. For a heartbeat, it seemed he might strike her down where she stood—consequences be damned.
"Perhaps," He finally said, each syllable dripping with venom. "You should demonstrate your superior methods, Inquisitor." His smile was a terrible thing to witness, cold and promising retribution when the time came. "Since you're so eager to criticize, I'll grant you command of this recovery mission."
Cassian's eyes widened fractionally, the first crack in her manic confidence. "Oh? Offering me your son and the Elven princesses on a silver platter?" She recovered quickly, licking her lips again. "How generous."
"I'm offering you the rope to hang yourself," Alaric counters softly. "Succeed where these two failed or face the council's disappointment…Yourself."
Cassian's smile widened as dark energy swirled around her hands. "You underestimate my methods, Alaric." Her eerie grin continued to spread as she quickly turned towards the dark elves, shooting the dark energy at them, allowing it to consume them as their grunts echoed throughout the chamber. "You see, unlike you, I won't send my subjects into a battle unprepared." A laugh escaped her lips as Desirae's monstrous form shifted back to her normal dark elf self; yet the immense power from her monstrous state remained, resonating as a dark energy wave within her as her crimson eyes narrowed.
As for Vexes, his body healed from the bruises of battle. Unlike Desirae, his body didn't transform, but his crimson eyes became darker; the same dark aura that surrounded Desirae now enveloped him, gaining him more power than he ever had before. "I'll show you how the game is played. "Cassian snickered as she looked over at Alaric. "And once the council sees how I fixed your mistakes." Her teeth showed as she eyed him. "Your throne will be mine." Another dark chuckle escaped her lips. "Then I'll have two chairs that I can sit in."
With Desirae and Vexes consumed by the surge of corrupted power, the cathedral's sacred glow weakened. Black veins spread beneath their skin like poisoned rivers. The knights along the walls shifted uneasily, but they remained still unless ordered to move.
"Heresy…" Alaric whispered. "You dare use forbidden arts in the cathedral itself?" The council may overlook many things, Cassian, but even you cannot escape judgment for this blasphemy."
Desirae flexed her newly empowered hands, feeling strength coursing through her that made her previous monster form seem weak by comparison. Her eyes met Vexes', seeing the same intoxicating power reflected there. Her monstrous appearance gone, her Elven form restored, they were now less servants, more instruments of war.
'Blasphemy? Power is power, Alaric," Cassian laughed, quickly wrapping her arms around the two dark elves that stood side by side. "Your rigid dogmas are why you fail. I embrace all tools at my disposal." She stared at him, her purple eyes gleaming with madness. "And when I succeed, they'll call it divine inspiration instead of heresy."
Alaric's face darkened. "You play with forces beyond your understanding, Cassian," He growled, the cathedral floor cracking beneath his feet as he took a step forward. "The council tolerates your methods…Only because they serve our purpose. Do not mistake tolerance for approval."
Cassian merely tilted her head, unimpressed by the display. "Such theatrics, Alaric. Save your strength for when you're begging the Order not to toss you out like the rest of the trash." She gestured to the enhanced dark elves. "We have a mission to complete, after all. Your son awaits…Collection."
"When you fail, and you will fail." Alaric's voice dropped to a deadly whisper. "I will personally ensure your punishment is…Memorable."
"Oh, I'm counting on it," Cassian purrs, her tongue flicking across her lips once more. "I've always enjoyed our…Punishments." Cassian cackled, placing her hands on the shoulders of her newly acquired weapons. "My pets will succeed where your blind faith failed. They'll bring back your mongrel of a son, the escaped slaves, and the dragon shard." Her eyes gleamed with unholy ambition. "And when they do, the council will see which of us truly serves the Order's interests."
Both Desirae and Vexes quickly dropped to one knee in front of Cassian. "We won't fail you, Inquisitor," Desirae spoke with conviction.
"Oh?" Cassian laughed again, but this time it was low and more sinister. "I know you won't. That's because you two aren't taking on this mission alone."
Suddenly, the cathedral doors slowly opened, revealing a female silhouette standing in the doorway. She looked like she was of similar height to Vexes. Her blue eyes, cold and sharp like ice, glinted as she slowly stepped into the echoing cathedral. Each time her low-heeled black boot struck the cold marble, a wave of pressure emanated from her, causing the chamber to shake violently; the air itself seemed to crackle. She wore a form-fitting suit of matte black, the tightly woven fabric clinging to her curves. The high, subtly reinforced collar dug into her neck, a stark contrast to the soft, flowing silver ponytail that swayed behind her with each movement. Thin, segmented gauntlets of blackened steel and leather protected her forearms, her clothing, and the long sword sheath emblazoned with the Order's sigil.
"Come to me," Cassian whispered with glee as all eyes turned to the figure entering the room. "Xylara of the Phantom Blade." As all eyes remained fixed on the tall Elf, whose crystal blue eyes, devoid of emotion yet brimming with lethal intent.
[BACK TO THE VILLAGE]
Following the battle, Lena returned to Mira's side as the group gathered by the ruined tavern. Silence reigned, broken only by the intermittent creaking of weakening beams and the rustling wind in the broken windows. The scene was a cacophony of destruction: collapsed roofs littered the ground, splintered wood lay scattered amongst the rubble, gaping holes marred the buildings, and the lingering scent of burned magic hung heavy in the air.
Oreon's brown eyes, filled with empathy, moved slowly, taking in the devastation of the damaged homes and shops, and the faces of the affected villagers. "This is something I never get used to seeing." Oreon sighed, his eyes scanning the villagers who worked tirelessly to salvage what remained of their homes.
"Collateral damage is normal amid a battle, little dragon." Aura joined Oreon. "Even though these people probably paid their dues to the Order, their belongings were still caught in the crossfire." With a soft sigh of her own, she closed her eyes, the emerald green of her irises disappearing behind her eyelids as she brushed a strand of hair from her face.
"This is just one of the many results of going against them." Aura continued as she stepped out of the half-destroyed tavern. "Lives are affected." Her eyes glanced to the left. "Lives are purged. "She glanced to the right. "Others are subjugated. In the end, so long as the Order stands, this will be a cycle that is constantly repeating.
"Aye, leave it to them to always cast a shadow on the hope of innocents." Mira looked over at Oreon. "That's something your mother always said." She stepped out with Aura. "But I agree, this is a mess that you caused," Mira stated with her back turned to him.
Lena gasped, a little shocked. "Mom…" She chided
"Mira…" Oreon looked at her, his eyes slightly lowered as he looked down at the ground.
"However, this keeper wouldn't be alive today if it weren't for the likes of you." She smirked as she glanced back at the group." The human with dragon blood, the two Elven princesses, and…" She looked over at Aura. "The Eastern Guardian herself…"
"Well, I can't have you kick the bucket yet, Keeper." Aura gave a small laugh as she looked at the city. "I do have a plan though," Aura stated, gaining everyone's attention. "We need to leave here, quickly, actually." She closed her eyes for a moment before reopening them. "We may have won today, but all that means is that the Order is going to send more powerful hunters next time." She glanced meaningfully at Celestia and Sylvanie. "The Eastern Mountains offer Sanctuary. My people resisted the Order before the fall of Vel-Andria. We can regroup there, plan our next move."
Celestia's sapphire eyes narrowed a bit at Aura's words. "We can't just abandon these people." She stepped up. "They've lost plenty thanks to our battle; we simply cannot leave them to face the Order's wrath when they come looking for us." She diplomatically spoke.
Sylvanie scoffed, tossing her violet hair over her shoulder as she crossed her arms. "And what would you have us do, sister?" Stay and die? Or worse—be captured again?" Her crimson eyes flashed. "That bleeding heart will get us killed one day. These humans made their choice when they bowed to the Order. They paid for protection that failed them—that's not our burden to bear."
Celestia turned to face her sister, her expression gentle yet firm.
"They're innocent people caught in a war not of their making, Sylvanie. Just as we were." She gestured to the villagers working together to clear debris. "Look at them—They're not our enemies and…" She turned towards Mira, who sat quietly with Lena. "Was it not the keeper, who we thought was only a mere human, who took us in when we were trying to find a place to rest our heads?" She questioned her as Sylvanie bit her lip in frustration at Celestia's words.