(I thought I'd give you guys something since I haven't added anything in a while. My Kiran story is my top priority, so hopefully you'll understand. Now it's time for our encounter with Jedah. Oh boy howdy, Jedah.)
It was a quiet night at camp like any other. Celica felt quite far from home, and that was because she was in Rigel. She never anticipated her journey would take her beyond Mila's temple, but here she was all the same. Many things have been weighing on her mind lately. What had become of Mila, how Alm was currently doing in the war, and the pressure of being in a land she didn't understand. Having Rose around did help, since she atleast had a basic understanding of the terrain. Even so, something about this particular night felt... off. She didn't like Rigel. It always had a sinister feel to it. Like every step, she was being watched by someone or something...
Unable to sleep, she walked around camp. Being certain not to go too far in case her friends needed her. She felt unsafe here. There wasn't even the fleeting feeling of Mila's power like in Zofia. She walked amongst the trees of this marshland. The darkness of night and the cold of Duma making her paranoid. It felt like anything could be lurking just beyond her sight. Celica couldn't help but look around in an attempt to make herself feel more comfortable in her surroundings, but she couldn't see beyond a few feet ahead of her. For all she knew, a hungry wolf could be staring her down right now.
"...Anthiesse..." Celica looked around her. "Who said that!? Who's there!?" The voice paused. "You're facing my direction... I am not far..." She tried her best to see who was calling to her, but it was no use. Only darkness. She heard something ruffle in the bushes behind her, she drew her sword only to see something dart back into the shadows. "...I have not much time. You see, that one gives me chase. Hurry..." If she was not cautious about who or what that just was, she would call her allies and follow the voice together. But alas, she didn't feel it would be wise, given it might anger it or the voice. So she decided to play along for now, and followed its instructions. Soon enough, she found herself in an opening in the trees to see the man known as Jedah. Celica knew by his appearance straightaway that he was with the Duma Faithful.
"So you've arrived safely. Now we must speak quickly." Celica pointed her sword at him. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't just cut you down where you stand." Jedah smirked. "I am Jedah. First discipline of the Duma Faithful. But I've come to explain our actions. No doubt those beneath me have acted without a plan beyond barbaric kidnapping." Celica was silent, not letting her blade down. "It is true we have Mila in our tower. But this was to draw you out of hiding. For you see, the dragons are falling to the madness all dragons face as foretold by Naga. And our reason for needing you is that you are the key to giving them a chance to quell this madness." Celica still didn't keep her eye off of him. "What madness?"
Jedah had her listening, just as he planned. "Duma and Mila both have very stable minds. But as their power grows, their sanity becomes less and less stable. It is said that the bearers of the brand, like yourself, are the solution to this dilemma. Your soul, it is pure, see? Pure with selflessness and wisdom. We believe that if your soul was fed to Duma, his madness would be quelled, and his survival would be ensured. If you agree, we will happily release Mila, and all will be as it was. Why, the other brand bearer... Alm, was it? Upon seeing Mila is back to protect her people, he may retire from this silly war." Celica thought about it, analyzing his words for any hint of dishonesty. "The fact of the matter is your allies hurt me and my friends. Why should I trust you?"
Jedah's smirk grew. "Unfortunately, that is something you will need to decide yourself. If I had any proof to support my claims, I would present it. I must go from this place now. Give it some thought, and come to Duma Tower with your answer." She was about to ask another question, but a blast of fire shot out from nowhere and raged towards Jedah. Jedah vanished before it hit him as Celica turned to the attacker. It was undoubtedly the shadowy figure from before, but now Celica could see they had menacing red eyes. Not wanting to see what happens if she idled, she fled back to camp as fast as she could and shouted for the others to wake up. But to her surprise, no threat emerged. Her allies looked at her like she was crazy, but Celica told them she saw a figure with glowing red eyes in the bushes. She apologized for waking everyone up, knowing whatever it was probably wasn't gonna take them all on in its own, and everyone went back to sleep. Celica feeling that Jedah knew more than he was letting on...
(Hopefully this was a good apology for keeping you guys in the dark... no pun intended. But don't worry, I imagine there'll be only a few more chapters of this, so you won't be left hanging too long.)