Tormented

The House of Spirit: Relocating

Decided to post this chapter after editing it because it's so small. Another Eliksni chapter but don't worry, the next one will return back to Ianos and the others :D

Edited: 04/18/2022

Even though she had willingly taken on the role, Ixrsis had always found it strange that someone such as herself is Kell. Not because she is a female; females had power by the time she was born however, it was her age that bothered her. Other Eliksni who had taken the mantle of Kell had 'years' of experience shadowing them, giving them the knowledge to properly lead a House. Despite her towering form, Ixrsis is only a couple of decades old and that was a rough estimate. And here, her people were expecting her to give them her 'wisdom'.

"Relocation is imperative!" One of the Eliksni shouted, "With our location exposed to two Guardians, it would not take long before our position is fully compromised!"

"Who says that they will expose us!?" Another snarled, "The Guardians have shown us respect, respect we have not seen in 'years'! They gave us food, supplies, and ether when we had needed it most!"

"Then explain the deaths of those scouts! They fired upon them without thought and now they are trying to phase over their deaths as if it is nothing more than a mere accident!"

They were all gathered – or, at least the ones who weren't locked up – in the main square of their home, set up in a building where a single throne upon a stage is placed, which is where Ixrsis currently sat. This allowed her to be the center of attention and to take in all the words of the attendants. Usually, she would listen to mild complaints, minor hindrances that usually were easy to fix. But now, she sits to make the decision to either relocate or stay.

And Ixrsis isn't pleased on making either decision.

Their current location boats a place safe from the elements and a perfect defensive position if they were attacked, all thanks to the valley. However, she also understands her people's fear of their location being compromised; Ixrsis knows that there are plenty of Guardians who still held a strange distaste towards the Eliksni. And most would rather have her people gone.

But, she also knows relocation holds risk. They have to abandon the home that they had taken months to accomplish and to start anew 'without' the aid of Guardians. However, the only reason that their new home had taken a short while to settle is because of the Guardians and even then, that had taken time. She can only imagine how long it would take without their help. And not to mention Tenshi, her only surviving pup. It is debatable if he would survive the move.

"You think that we can just pick up and leave?" Ixrsis heard another Eliskni growl, "You say as though it is easy. What makes you think we can survive this move without an Archon?"

Hearing Sirahks being mentioned, Ixrsis' chest ached, and to hide the slump in her shoulders, she leaned back in her seat and tried to ignore the murmurs that echoed through the room. Although the conflict within the House had just ended, the news of Sirahks' death spread quickly. By the time the meeting was called, almost everyone in the House is aware of the Archon's death. To the Guardians, they may seem like an over exaggerated priest, but to the Eliksni, they were more than that.

As per custom, the Archon is not only the Guard to the Prime Servitor (or Servitors in the House of Spirit case) but they are also Guard to the House and Kell. Without an Archon, who was going to protect the precious supply of Esther? To be the Pillar of the House? Even with Ixrsis alive, without an Archon, the House is vulnerable. Especially if they were going to relocate, judging from the shouts and retorts ringing throughout the room.

"But we are also vulnerable staying here!" Another Eliksni piped up, "If those two Soldiers of Light reveal our location, then we are just as exposed if we are to relocate!"

"Lady Ixrsis." She jumped in her seat, "What course of action do you believe is the best in our current situation?"

Blinking rapidly, Ixrsis released a nervous breath before shifting her attention towards Vellak, the latter of which leaned against his staff just next to her throne. He released a quiet rumble and judging from the tone, he was just as concerned, worried of their current problem. And she cannot blame him. The House would be in trouble no matter what solution they chose and, to make matters worse, half of the house will not be pleased with either decision. Judging from what had occurred that day, it would be very likely that the House will break if no compromise can be made.

"What about Pure One?" Ixrsis turned her eyes towards the crowd, easily spotting Axtris emerging, just coming to a pause at the foot of the throne, "He helped us on not only the alliance, but also this place, our home. It is only fair of our current situation, relocation or not."

Which was true, and something that Ixrsis is fully planning on doing once the meeting was adjourned. However, before she could voice this, she heard a scoff.

"He is one of the Soldiers of Light. He maybe our ally now but he will turn on us when things turn sour. He will betray us, just you wait."

Narrowing her four eyes, Ixrsis found a snarl escaping her mandibles before she could stop herself, and it didn't help that she leaned forward in her seat and straightened her posture to make herself appear larger, more dominate. Judging from the way the front of the mass cowered away, they didn't miss this.

"Have you already forgotten what he had done for us?" She snarled, "without him, we would not have this home. We would not have supplies. And we would not have freedom if not for him." Ixrsis then leaned back in her seat, scowling, "So give me a reason why I should not get Pure One involved in this decision?"

"For his protection."

Having not expected an answer, Ixrsis reeled but quickly regained composure as she snapped her gaze towards Inkolas, the latter of which had taken a stand next to Axtris. Ixrsis could see her give her fellow Vandal a wide-eyed look.

"Protection?" Ixrsis repeated, unable to help but narrow her four eyes at the Splicer, "How is leaving him out of this for his protection?"

"From being a pariah." She paused at Inkolas' words, "As it has been mentioned, there are those amongst the Soldiers of Light that do not completely agree with the alliance. Imagine the impact this would have on Pure One. True he has his pack, but I would imagine his relationship with other Soldiers of Light would be strained, especially since he is the mediator between them and ours. If we leave him out of this, it will have a less impact on him and our House would slowly learn how to be more independent."

"But if we stay, wouldn't he still be impacted?" It was Axtris who asked the question, releasing a low rumble as she tilted her head curiously, "He checks on us regularly. If he learns of the troubles that had occurred here, would he still not be involved?"

"Another reason to relocate." Ixrsis watched Axtris reel, sputter, "If we relocate, we will still have contact with Pure One, allowing us to call him if we need supplies, and we could set a meeting point. However, all in all, I say contact with the Soldiers of Light will be at a minimum and House of Spirit will be less dependent on their help."

There was then a pause from Inkolas and Ixrsis could see the hesitation, the contemplation in his eyes. Hearing his next words, Ixrsis understood why.

"And Pure One will be able to reintegrate back with the Soldiers of Light."

Fixating her gaze on the Splicer, Ixrsis didn't want to admit it, but what Inkolas said was true. Pure One would try his best to find his way here, sometimes even shirking his duties when he is nearby. She remembers him telling stories of speaking in Eliksni to Guardians outside of his circles and sometimes, this would lead to malevolent reactions. Pure One is used to Eliksni society and being surrounded by those who holds strong emotions against her people, Ixrsis knows that eventually, he will bump into a Guardian who won't just stand idly by and let him wander.

Unless…

Ixrsis released a heavy sigh, pressing a hand to her face as she closed her eyes. Remaining silent despite sensing the bewildered stares, she finally came to a decision.

"We shall hold a vote."