Chapter 2: What's not to be
The carriage came closer and closer to Great-Aunt Nelly's farm. The farm was located in a valley near the Shiver-Peak Mountain range, far away from the soon-to-be-endangered kingdom of Ascalon. Bethany's parents thought this would be a refuge for her, a place away from the Charr, but Nelly was a cruel, old hag. She eats only rotten cabbage and cured venison. She is dirt-poor because she was never a hero, for she was born without the gift of magic. She was very jealous of Bethany's family and the beauty that Lyssa herself would be proud of. The only thing that brought Nelly true joy was beating children with a large wooden spoon! Bethany knew that Nelly was not doing this as a deed of charity, but as a feat of vengeance.
The farmhouse was just a little down the road now, and Bethany was so uneasy, that she felt like her skin was crawling away. The valley itself was impeccably scenic and luminous, but the farm stunk of dung and it appeared like the buildings were bathed in mold. The farm entrance was just a moment away. Bethany then quickly said a prayer to her people's five true gods:
"Dwayna, goddess of life and air, heal my wounds .
Balthazar, god of war and fire, give me strength.
Grenth, god of death and ice, keep me from my judgment day.
Melandru, goddess of earth and nature, shield me with your protective branches.
And my dear Lyssa, goddess of beauty and illusion, I am your loyal servant."
Then, she stepped out of the carriage and onto the tarnished ground. The ground was so muddy that her feet seeped into it as she walked, turning the ornate, blue lace on her dress to a filthy brown. If I ever see those maids again, I'll kill them for making me wear this HERE! The only grass that was on the farm's land was where the animals grazed!
Bethany then saw a face looking out a dirty window-- it had to be Nelly! Bethany let out a gasp at the horrible sight, for the hag had wrinkles so deep Bethany could fit in them! Nelly only had five teeth left, which were already yellow and rotten. She also had a frown that could make a baby cry! No wonder my family wants nothing to do with her. What tragic filth!
Bethany walked through the ominous front door. Great-aunt Nelly was just standing there with her arms crossed and was staring at her with eyes as cold and unfeeling as ice. Bethany tried to be polite, so she curtsied and said, "Good evening, Ma'am. I am your great-niece, Bethany. It's nice to meet you." "I know who you are! Follow me!" Nelly hollered in a hoarse voice.
Nelly led Bethany to a room that was empty except for a stingy cot with some clothes spread out on it, a barren night stand, a window, and a chamber pot. "This will be where you'll sleep, I made you a dress for working and a dress for sleeping. Save that 'nice' dress you're wearing for when we have company at supper," Nelly explained as Bethany grimaced at the sight of the itchy, unflattering clothes already incrusted with miscellaneous grime. "Now go to bed!" Bethany ranted, "But I haven't had any food since I left-" "I'm sorry but the local ranger (a ranger is a hero with the powers of Melandru like archery, wilderness survival, and beast mastery) won't come back with meat from his hunt until tomorrow morning! He's known as…um…Leopold Shiningarrow or just Leo. He's a prominent, young hero whose archery skills contribute in the war, so don't bother him when he comes!" "Why is such a prominent ranger hunting for a bunch of Farmers when he could be doing more things to help end the war?" "All heroes are required to do acts of charity to become honorable masters of their professions! Even a dolt like you should know that, Bethany! Get ready for bed!" "Fine, I will!" And with that, she forced her body into the raggedy night dress, washed her face, and reluctantly crept into sleep after hours of aimlessly trying to slumber. That's when the nightmares began…
Bethany tossed and turned in her bed all night as a bad dream took over her troubled mind. In the dream, she found herself in a eerie hallway. It wasn't a normal hallway for the walls were made entirely out of gigantic crystal shards. Every crystal was made of purple, swirling, and almost chaotic energy. The crystal floors were so translucent, you could see the swirling abyss of the universe below it. This was definitely the domain of a powerful, magical being, or maybe even a god as Bethany came to realize. Each pillar in this hall was carved in the shape of two eternally intertwined women. Then it hit Bethany, This is Lyssa's domain! Should I be afraid? Many people have asked questions similar to Bethany's before. Lyssa may be a beautiful, mesmerizing goddess, but many feared of her wrath and her ability to create total chaos with her powers over illusion. Bethany felt a terrible chill going up and down her thin spine as she started going down the hallway. Eventually, she reached an enormous crystal door with hinges as large as her leg and handles twice as large as her head. The doorway had an eye carved in the middle of it, making the dream seem even more symbolic than it already was. Bethany was reaching to open the door, but it magically swung open all by itself as if Bethany was meant to be there.
She then saw the most wonderful yet fearful sight a mesmer could ever dream of… it was Lyssa herself! It was just the way that all of Tyria imagined Lyssa to look like, two breathtaking goddesses forever intertwined to form one goddess. Lyssa's appearance was an illusion that baffled her admiring followers. Lyssa is one goddess in truth. Bethany knew that bending reality to suit your needs was the way of life for a mesmer, but this was a spectacle that only the greatest heroes saw. Then after Bethany got her eyeful, Lyssa spoke in a haunting voice, "You have finally come child! Do not think of this as a dream, but as a message to you! You must not let your people stop you from fulfilling your true destiny to become a great mesmer. As soon as you get back your freedom, learn all that you can. Be warned, you will have many obstacles along the way. Obstacles that will push your emotions to their very limits. Whatever you do, do not lose control of yourself, or you will make matters worse. The prophecy must be fulfilled……"
Bethany yelled with all her might, "What prophecy?!" Lyssa did not answer. The floor started to fade into nothing and Bethany let out a piercing shriek of agony as she fell into the endless abyss below her. Then, she woke up…
She woke with a cold sweat, and the sun was just about to rise over the valley. What a strange dream…uh…nightmare that was. It's probably just some rubbish, but I will be a mesmer no matter what it takes! Alas, I shouldn't let my mind linger on all this talk of my future…it will only make me want to rebel against my family more. I better get out of bed before the poor hag makes me! After regaining control over herself, Bethany hesitantly lifted her head off of her lumpy pillow. The mattress was so uncomfortable that Bethany's knees made a loud cracking noise when she swung them out of bed. Her back ached like it was just smacked with a tree branch. She stretched for a bit and the pain subsided. Then, she used the chamber pot, and she washed her face in the basin. She put on her wretched work clothes before she brushed her hair and pinned it into a bun. She took a moment to admire her only possession that had sentimental value to her left-- her glass hairpin. She then headed for the kitchen.
As she crept down the desolate hall to the kitchen, each and every ancient floorboard that she walked on creaked as if she was walking on leaves. Bethany was surprised to see that Nelly was already up and sweeping the kitchen floor this early in the morning. Nelly turned around to yell, "You finally woke up this morning! The day is already half over! I've been up for hours, and I was just about to come shake you awake! I've never seen such a lazy brat in all my days!" "But it's only the crack of dawn! You must be daft, old woman!" "You are obligated to get up as early as possible! You can't just stay in your little dream world for as long as you like! I will work you like you were born on a farm! Such a little, arrogant fool you are!" After that, Nelly slapped Bethany's face as punishment for the backtalk. The hit stung and burned her face with extreme intensity; it turned her cheek beat red. Bethany yearned to slap her back, but she new it would end with Nelly flogging her until her bruises had bruises. "Now listen up, Leopold will arrive with my meat any moment! Wait outside until he comes. Then take the meat from him and bring it too me. I need it for the breakfast. Whatever is left over will be cured and used for meals throughout the week. So, don't bother him unless he asks a direct question. Even you should be able to do that! Understood? Don't just stand there--go do it!" Bethany nodded and went out to the farm's entrance.
Bethany was dragging her feet on the dirt path as she walked-her eyes were stared at the ground. She kept her head down until she tripped over something and fell flat on her face. She searched for what tripped her, and she realized it was a foot. She new it had to be Leopold(who else would bother come to this farm?). He used a strong hand to help her up. She couldn't help but to check out his appearance: he looked about her age, he was thin yet muscular, long, brown locks of hair surrounded his handsome face, he was clean-shaven except for some stray stubble, and had the most intense, green eyes Bethany had ever seen. Her mouth was hanging open until she mustered up the courage to say, "I'm uh...I am so incredibly sorry I...I was…I did not look where I was going! Forgive me!" She gave him a curtsy and he bowed in response. "No need to be sorry, it was just an accident," he said in a calm tone, "Who are you Miss…" "My name is Bethany Obwee. You must be Leopold…" "Don't bother with full names. It's way too formal, so you can just call me Leo. Mind if I call you Beth?" "Sure you can." It was rare for anyone to call her Beth, but she liked the thought of things being more casual. Bethany felt a little smile spread across her face. It was the first time she smiled in weeks. Leo continued, "I've heard of your last name before. Are you part of that family of mesmers that everyone keeps talking about?" Bethany nodded modestly. "What is the daughter of pure mesmers doing here? Is your family punishing you by sending you to this pitiful farm?" "It's a long story, and I need to give Nelly her meat before she has some sort of conniption." Leo chuckled and said, "Well, I suppose you're right. You must tell me your epic story some other time." Leo then handed her a large bundle of various game. Then, he waved goodbye.
Bethany was just about to say goodbye to Leo when Nelly stomped outside. She started bellowing, looking at Leo, "Oh, there you are! I thought that you would never get here with my meat ! Where is it?" "I have it right here, Ma'am," replied Bethany. Nelly snatched the meat and said, "Well, I'm going to cure this meat and make breakfast. Leo, you know your way around this farm by now, don't you? Bethany doesn't have the slightest idea where anything is, so she is useless right now! Give her a tour for me. I'll let you know when I need her." "I would be glad to do that for you," Leo said; smiling at the new chance to find out who this mysterious Bethany really is. Bethany was secretly delighted by this, but she didn't let it show.
Leo lead Bethany around the house until they stopped at the first spot of the tour- a shabby, decrepit barn. They went inside to see the animals. A lone stallion was boney and ragged. Ticks were spread throughout his tangled mane, and his big eyes stared up at Bethany and Leo with sorrow. He looked like he was whipped on a regular basis. The pigs were surprisingly thin and motionless. The hens and their chicks made no clucks or peeps. The dairy cow was soaked in her own waste. Both Bethany and Leo gasped with horror. "I knew that banshee was cruel and evil, but this crosses the line! I hate that conniving tramp with all my heart!" Bethany screamed with pure anguish. Leo put a hand on her shoulder and uttered, "I agree with you completely. Let us continue this tour, there is nothing we can do about these unfortunate creatures. We have much to talk about when I finish showing you around anyway." Then, they left the barn with pity in the back of their minds.
Leo walked swiftly as the tour went on-- as if he was dying to know what the purpose of Bethany's presence was. What is a fine girl from a fine family doing as a slave here? Her family must be as cruel as Nelly to just dump the poor girl here like a sack of old cabbage! She should have been a well-trained fighter by now! It is sickening to see such talent and grace wasted! He paused his thoughts as he realized he was thinking about her. As he pointed out the cabbage fields to Bethany, he looked at her striking appearance, for her beauty surpassed that of any girl that he ever saw. He stared in awe of her illustrious blonde hair that would have gone down to the middle of her back if not kept in a bun, her eyes that shined like two freshly cut sapphires, her pale skin that was as flawless as porcelain, her thin, elegant form, and the regal way she carried herself. He flushed with shame as he realized how rude he was for his mindless gazing. Bethany stopped examining the rotten cabbages and asked, "Is something wrong? You look like you are angry." "I'm fine," he retorted. "If you say so." Bethany had to run to catch up with Leo as he continued walking; his pace more furious than ever.
After showing Bethany a few more landmarks, Leo declared that he finished their tour. Both were relieved to know this. Bethany then asked, "It is still early in the morning, so it might be a while before Nelly has breakfast ready. Shall I explain my purpose here?" "But, of course," Leo answered instantly. They sat down a on couple of tree stumps to prepare for a lengthy story.
She explained that Nelly was her great-aunt on her mother's side, for that was the only reason her mother chose Nelly to harbor Bethany instead of one of the Obwee's rich friends. She then told him of the night her parents declared that she was to be sent off to the hag's farm. She was careful to explain that it was not a punishment, and that her parents just wanted to protect her from the Charr.
Bethany recollected how her desire to be a powerful mesmer was ravenously snatched away from her that night, and she inadvertently told that memory to Leo on impulse. She felt that he would actually care about that (unlike her family). She was viciously carrying on about the subject for minutes until her wild tirade was finished. Her face suddenly became sober, for she felt so relieved that she finally shared the emotions that were gradually eating away at her sanity after weeks of keeping to herself.
After what seemed like minutes of quiet, Leo finally spoke. "What kind of sanctuary does your family think this is? They must not know of the hag's true nature at all! I don't blame them though, for she must have acted kind and pure while your family made the deal with her. Life is Hell in the hands of Nellaria the Jealous, even if she does have no ability with magic or weapons! She has the deadly ability of manipulation. Bethany, your family's blood should not be wasted in this place! Learning of your true power is way more important than hiding from what threatens your homeland! You must come with me…I could take you to people who could teach you what you desire." "I could not…my family will hate me and all respect shall be lost. They will hunt me down and…destroy me! That is Hell!", Bethany argued. Leo frowned and gave Bethany a cold, disappointed look . Then, he walked away… Bethany just sighed and walked off to breakfast with a heavy heart.
Weeks went on; Leo acted like the first day they met never happened. He and Bethany had conversations every time they saw each other(after Bethany finished her gruesome work , of course), their relationship growing in the process. But, one day Leo had to leave. Charr were beginning to viciously attack Ascalon's northern wall with swords and magic alike, so he was obviously needed. "I'll be back, Beth, I promise. This isn't the first time those evil bastards attacked the wall! Besides, all of Adelbern's forces are prepared and fighting as we speak." "How could you just stand there saying it shall be alright when you know this is the largest Charr incursion in the history of Ascalon! You may not give a damn if the wall is breeched by them, but I do! All of the people I love are out there! You're a stupid fool, a heartless fool! I don't know why people think you're just so incredibly noble, you don't have any idea how to protect innocent people do you? You don't help people, you just walk around hunting all day, thinking you're a saint! How dare you! You're blind of what's happening-- more people are dying every minute! You must have slept during your training! You're disgraceful!" Bethany couldn't help snapping like that, she could not bare his words.
Leo was silent for minutes, the veins on his neck bulging furiously, until he carefully picked the words he wanted to say. "I'm not nearly as stupid as you say, I know how you feel. I became a ranger because I want to kill every Charr that walks in Tyria. I want to hear every last one of their screams as they die. I want them to pay for every person they ever murdered. I want revenge! I had to watch my parents die at the hands of the Charr when I was only thirteen! A blade slashed through my father's spine, and an arrow pierced my mother's neck! I was then a prisoner of the Charr for two years until I escaped! I've been fighting them with my father's bow ever since. The meat I give you each week is Charr meat! That is why I'm important!"
Bethany felt like an idiot now because she reprimanded Leo when he actually killed more Charr than anyone! She did her best to say something even though she was choking on her own words. "Oh my Gods! Leo, I didn't know…I'm so incredibly sorry. I guess…I guess I just don't want you to go! You're the only person I have ever known who I can talk to! Our encounters have the most stimulating conversations I've ever had! I….don't want to…lose you. You're my friend and…I care about your well-being deeply. Don't go…please!" Leo's eyes became wide and they were watering slightly. He was touched by her words, and he honestly felt the same way. "I must go, my dear. I know you're worried--so am I. If things get from bad to worse out there, I will come for you." He held both of Bethany's hands gently in his, and Bethany tenderly looked into Leo's intense, emerald eyes. Leo's lips were quivering as if he desperately wanted to do or say something. Just as he was about to…the cart he arranged to take him to the Great Northern Wall arrived. The chubby man beckoned Leo. He said good bye to Beth and hopped onto the cart. His heart was aching for her as he rode out of sight. Bethany's heart ached too.
Another month of fighting passed until the Charr's ambush turned into several full-fledged battles. Nelly abandoned Bethany soon after she found out half of Ascalon was destroyed. Her exact words were, "You're on your own! You may want to stay here, but I don't want to die!" Nelly, that filthy old slattern! She may flee, but I will not move from this spot until Leo comes for me! I think I love him…He will come, I know he will, Bethany thought as she anxiously waited.
She waited for days on the front doorstep until she saw fire was falling from the sky. The roars of blood-thirsty Charrs became louder and louder… closer and closer. "No! No! NO! My Ascalon! All is lost! Where are you Leo?" she yelled to the sky. She then saw the Charr approaching her. Each Charr had claws that curved like the blades of scythes. They were like humans, but they were no less than eight feet tall, covered in fur, and had heads and tails like those of a lion. They also had horns as long as human arms on each of their heads. Then, the largest Charr of all ran up to her, stalactite-like fangs bared. He ran on his two hind legs. He had furry feet the size of serving platters; perfect for stomping on the heads of humans. His hands ,or perhaps paws, were holding a long sword that was coated in blood. His roar rumbled so loudly, the earth shook. There's nothing I wouldn't give to be able to cast a spell right now, thought Bethany. As the Charr boss flailed his blade at her helpless body, a slew of arrows flew into the crowd of Charr surrounding Bethany. "Leo! You have come! Thank the gods!" His face was coated in black Charr blood, his armor was tattered, and his eyes were bloodshot. He roared even louder than the Charr.
After Leo killed the Charr around Bethany, Leo fired a shot right into the leader's wrist. He howled with a supernatural tone from the pain and then dropped his sword. The leader then refocused his attention on Bethany and used his good hand to dig into Bethany's flesh with his claws. Her blood spilled out all over the muddy ground, turning it a sickening shade of red. Leo screamed at the sight. He kept repeating the thought "Don't die, don't die!" in his head. Then he tackled the leader to the ground and fought him with his bare hands. His face was about to be bitten off by the Charr when he pulled out a dagger from his belt and stabbed the leader in the heart. He stabbed him repeatedly, shouting uncontrollably, "This one is for Mother, this one is for Father, and this one is for Bethany!"
When Leo was sure the Charr was dead, he scooped up Bethany with all his strength. She was unconscious from loosing so much blood. He carried her for many hours and miles, pressing firmly on the deep wound on her stomach to slow down the bleeding, until he reached Ashford Abbey. Hopefully, there would be at least one monk still alive there after it was destroyed by Charr. Only their divine healing powers could save Bethany's life.
Luckily, Brother Mhenlo was around with a few other monks, mourning the destroyed Abbey and the loss of the majority of it's monks. They all turned around when they heard Leo screaming for help. Mhenlo ran to him as soon as he saw the bloody woman in his trembling arms. Mhenlo laid Bethany's limp body in front of the ruined statue of Dwayna. He whispered an incantation, a healing prayer, over and over again, and the other monks joined in. Then it happened, and Leo could not believe his eyes!
The puncture wounds on Bethany's stomach glowed with a divine, blue light. The ravaged flesh magically knitted itself together perfectly, looking like Bethany was never attacked by a Charr at all. The blood must have miraculously been returned to her body, for heat and breath came back to her previously dead corpse. Leo knelt on the floor in tears, endlessly thanking Mhenlo and the others. "Only time will tell if she lives," said Mhenlo. He weakly crawled over to Bethany murmuring in her ear, "Wake up, Beth, wake up! Your family is still alive! Please…" he started shouting, "I…I…love you! Wake up for me! Wake up!" Bethany's eyes blinked opened with confusion and she groaned with pain. Leo embraced her immediately, supporting her head with his hand. She barely had the energy to speak, " Leo…thank the gods, you're alive. What…happened? I remember…Charr…and…pain…then things…went black." Then she feel asleep before Leo could say anything.
She awoke in her house…her bedroom. "How could this be? Someone better start talking," she thought. The walls were crumbling and scorched. Those damn beasts destroyed my own house! Bethany feared that her family was dead. She forced herself to look up, and she saw the maids, her mother, her father, and Leo gathered around her bed.
Bethany spoke as loudly as her weak body allowed, "How did I get here?" "This fine young man used up all his energy to carry you home. He risked getting decapitated by Charr to save your life. We are forever grateful, Master Leopold," said Bethany's father, looking at Leo. "How long have I been sleeping?" "A good three days," Leo replied. "Three days! What happened?" "The Charr that attacked you gave you a fatal wound in your stomach." Leo said. "Brother Menlo and his fellow monks healed you. We're actually surprised that you've woke up this soon," said the maids blotting a wet cloth on her forehead. "Are Cecilia and George alright? They were probably right in the middle of the wall!" "Don't worry they are fine. George lost two or three of his fingers to a Charr's axe and Cecilia got burned trying to dodge a fireball, but they're all right. They should be healthy and fighting in no time. Anyways, Bethany, now I understand you are not meant to hide on a farm…you should become a mesmer like your siblings. The farm was not meant to be after all…" said her mother. "And thank the Gods it isn't!" said Bethany, overjoyed with happiness. She calmed down and said, "This is pleasing to hear, Mother, but can I have a minute with Leo?" She looked at the maids, noticing the excitement in their beady eyes. "Alone!"
And with that, Leo and Bethany were in the room alone. Leo sat down next to Bethany immediately. She whispered in his ear, afraid people were eavesdropping, "Are you all right?" "I'm fine now that your awake." "Leo…there is no other way to say this…so I must be direct…I love you! You're the most wonderful person I've ever met. My heart was nearly ripped out when I was sitting all alone, waiting to see if you were alive." "Oh Beth…I love you too. I would rather die than watch you suffer like that…" He could not hold back any longer, he pulled Bethany close to him and kissed her. Their kissing lasted for what seemed like an eternity. The wet, soft lips sweetly touching hers nearly made Bethany die of bliss; she wanted more. Leo wanted to stay lost in that kiss…but he had to tell her…Then, Leo spoke in a suddenly firm voice, "You will stay here and train to become a mesmer, Beth, but I must go meet up with the army and keep fighting! The Charr aren't done with us yet." "I understand. Please promise you'll come back to me when this is all over." He merely smiled and kissed her gently once more, then left. That was all that Bethany needed for an answer.