Author note: After some consideration and a few attempts at learning, I decided to at least complete chapter 5, hopefully it is an improvement on my writing.
"My lady." Nezekan turned his attention to Ariel as she exited the tent. "She didn't harm you? She didn't attack you, did she?" He questioned, bowing slightly but keeping his eyes firm on the tent.
"No." She strode past him and towards the garrison. He turned and walked attentively behind her, "I have an order for the entirety of the garrison. She turned her head slightly back to him, keeping her stride. As they entered the garrison, she lowered her voice, a strange sternness laced in her words. "She is to remain here until my decision is made. She has not been exonerated as of yet. As of now she is being held under criminal suspicion, despite this, she is not to be treated poorly under any circumstances as we cannot have a repeat of previous events. Furthermore, I am curious about her. If possible, get more information from her."
"Pardon." Nezekan suddenly spoke, stopping. Ariel stopped mid-stride and turned to face him. "We have tried to get her to talk, short of beating it out of her, there seems to be no way of getting her to tell us anything."
Ariel's face suddenly shifted from stern to gentle as she gave him a slight smile. "Nezekan, you lack the compassion to handle this girl. She is fragile and you are too stern and unmoving. Give her the right catalyst and she may be willing, however press her too much and she'll shut you out." Ariel turned her attention to the brown haired healer tending to a wounded daeva on the side of the garrison. "Perhaps that healer could be of use here."
~x~
Yasenia tapped the feathered end of her quill on her forehead. She stared at the papers on the table in front of her. The next morning after they returned, she was tasked with compiling the symptoms of the sickness but the reports from Morheim and Altgard were disjointed and confusing. Ugh, couldn't they have gotten someone better to write these? Everyone can't be great at writing reports, I guess. Yasenia shook her head and sighed.
"Yo!" Yunna sat down hard beside her.
Yasenia turned her head and scowled, bringing her claw to her lips. "No yelling in the library."
Yunna gave an uncomfortable frown, dropped her voice and whispered. "Sorry, sorry…What are you doing here?" Yunna looked at the papers littering the table.
"Well, lady Lumiel has taken an interest in the sickness–Er– the corruption, it is called now. From what I have heard, it's mostly gone but some that were infected and healed seem to have lingering effects and the lady has tasked Archivists from the Temple to compile the symptoms for research purposes and since no one else wanted to do it, it was pushed to me." Yasenia rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the paper in front of her. Yunna went to speak but Yasenia cut her off. "Before you ask, I'm not sure what kind of research. After all, I'm just an archivist." Yasenia kept her eyes on the paper and never skipped a beat.
Yunna frowned, "Are you a mind reader and I don't know about it?" Yasenia ignored the question, keeping her mind busy on her work. Yunna stared at her, then twisted her mouth to the side. "I don't know how you can sit here all day. Don't you want to be out on the battlefield? Sorcerers are some of the best on the field."
"No, I'd rather be here. Yunna, you're good on the field. I, however, am better here."
Yunna huffed and crossed her arms, "Not with how many times you've bested me." Yunna peeked back down at the papers on the table then uncrossed her arms. "Are—Aren't you worried?"
"About?" Yasenia stopped and looked over at the chanter.
"The girl." Yasenia shot her an irritated look.
"No." Yasenia turned her head back to her work, "The only thing I'm concerned about is them using her again and causing this whole problem to start again."
Yunna furrowed her eyebrows. "Come on, Yas…After what Erik told us? You still hold a grudge against her?"
"Of course," She shot Yunna a look. "I said that I wouldn't hate her but I'm not forgiving her." Yasenia turned her eyes back to her work.
"Yet."
Yasenia and Yunna turned their heads upward as a voice spoke beside them.
"You haven't forgiven her yet." Erik scowled down at the two of them, keeping his voice low but stern. "You can't keep this anger against her, sure she's the cause but she didn't mean to be."
Yasenia scoffed, "Okay? That doesn't change much, especially since they have her back now." Yasenia turned her head back down to her work.
"Yas, she helped you, can't you give her credit for that?" Yunna placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Sure, I can do that but forgive her? No."
Erik cleared his throat to get her attention.
She glanced up at him as he stood with his arms crossed. "Not yet…" She hesitantly said. "Now leave, I have work to do." Yasenia waved them off and went back to work.
Yunna looked at Erik and he just silently nodded. Yunna shrugged and stood, then walked off with him. "Give her time, she'll come around." Erik spoke suddenly as they left the library.
"I know and I'm sure she's only being so cold because she's worried. I mean, who wouldn't be?" Yunna threw her hands up in another shrug.
"Yeah, I get that but I want to have faith that she didn't mean any of this chaos. In fact, I am certain."
Yunna rubbed her head. "I don't know...but after learning her story, I want to believe it." Yunna sighed, "Well, I should be off. I have things to attend to. Erik," Yunna turned to face him, "Talk to Yas, she has a soft spot for you after all." Yunna winked and walked off.
~x~
"There you go, try to avoid putting too much on your leg for an hour or two. The poison is handled but the stinger wound is going to hurt for a bit, okay?" Milla gave the scout a gentle smile, helping him to his feet.
"Okay." He nodded. He turned to walk off but Milla gently grabbed his arm as she noticed his limp.
"Do you want me to help you?" "
Actually," Milla turned and faced Castor as he came up. "You are needed elsewhere."
"Mm? What is it?" Milla let the scout go and gestured him in the direction of rest.
"We need you to speak with the girl." Milla placed a hand in her chest and gave him a concerned face.
"I doubt that she would want to talk with me, especially after everything that has happened."
"It's an order, lady Ariel wants more information from the girl and specifically requested that you'd be the one to talk to her."
Milla shook her head and hands, "Talk? Like interrogating? I'm not an interrogator, isn't there someone more qualified?"
"No." Castor responded quickly, "She wants someone with a more gentle approach, and she sees you as fit. So, you are to go and talk with her, you understand?"
Milla stood straight and nodded. "Yes. I–I will do my best." She watched Castor walk away then turned her attention to the tent at the edge of the garrison. Hmm...Talk to her? I hope she's willing…
Rhea stared at the ground, still on her knees. She took a few shaky breaths, listening to the desert sounds. The streaks of her tears drying up, leaving her face stained. What are they going to do to me? Lock me away forever? Rhea closed her eyes and sighed. This is all so hopeless…
"Rhea." Milla spoke suddenly, getting her attention. Rhea looked up at her and frowned. Milla gave her a sorrowful look, she knew that she wouldn't want to talk. How could they expect her to after the past events? "Rhea please–"
Rhea cut her off suddenly, "Go away. I do not want to answer your questions."
"Good." Milla walked up to her and pulled a thin blanket from her cube, she laid it down and sat down on it. "I'm not here to question you." Rhea gave him a questioning and suspicious look. "I'm here to listen to you."
"Listen? To me?" Rhea asked, tilting her head.
"Yes, all anyone has been doing is questioning you on an official basis, I want to hear what you have to say." Milla gave her a soft smile. "After all, I've never gotten the chance to just talk with you and I think you must have been lonely." Rhea looked at her shocked, she didn't know if she should trust her, could this be a lie? Does she…actually care? Milla kept her gentle expression as she watched the gears in Rhea's head turn.
"I…I do not know what to talk about…" Rhea dropped her head and thought for a moment. "I miss my home." She kept her head down. "I miss my papa…" Rhea sniffed slightly.
Milla gave her a sad smile. "Is he the only family you have?"
Rhea shook her head, "My auntie lives with us. I miss them so much…I do not know if I will ever see them again." Rhea sniffed again.
Milla thought for a moment before speaking. "What…What about you mother? Don't…you miss her too?" Rhea looked up at her quickly, mouth slightly agape.
"She…" Rhea swallowed and dropped her voice slightly. "I have missed her for long time…hurts less…"
Milla closed her eyes, she knew clearly what she meant.
"I just want to go home, want to see them again." Rhea gave her a slight smile, "My auntie cooks very well, I miss it." She shook her head and dropped her smile. "Please. Will they help me? Or at least give me back to the Asmodians?"
Milla sighed, "I don't know…I wish I could tell you they will but I honestly don't know."
Rhea let out a defeated sigh.
"You really trust them, don't you?"
Rhea nodded, "Yes, Have no reason to not. They do not treat me worse than animal. I am honest…"
Milla grabbed her cuffed hands. "I trust you, I believe you." Rhea gave Milla a slight and soft smile.
~x~
"Erik, what do you want, now?" Yasenia looked up at him. "I sincerely hope you're not here to talk about the girl."
"Yes, I am." He said sternly and quietly then sat down beside her. "I want to know why you won't forgive her." He scowled at her.
"She hasn't proven that she deserves it." Yasenia spoke, not looking at him.
"How can she prove it to you then? She's been abused and beaten into aiding the Elyos, not only that; she healed you."
Yasenia huffed, "I know Erik." She said, sternly. "I know…and I'm grateful but she aided them nonetheless, she could have fought back with this deadly magic, she could've wiped them out!" She almost yelled. Yasenia looked at the papers on her table and sighed. "You weren't at siege, Erik…All of us knew something was wrong but we didn't know what, something was strange about the Aether…It was…More chaotic than normal. We all knew it." Yasenia shook her head.
"Yas…" Erik tried to speak but Yasenia kept talking.
"Her magic is awful, it's caused so many problems. You…Don't know the pain that me and others have felt and those that still have to feel it."
Erik grabbed her hand. "I understand that you feel this way, I get it but you have to try to see it from her point of view." Yasenia stopped writing and gave him her attention. "I can't verify that what she has said is true but I have faith in lord Azphel's judgment, I fully believe that she didn't lie."
Erik looked into Yasenia's eyes as they sat in silence for a moment, the air of the library feeling stiff and still. Yasenia stared at him, she could see the sincerity in his eyes.
She sighed, "You really believe her?"
He nodded.
"I…Need to think about this for a bit."
Erik nodded again and left the library. As he passed the fountain, he looked up at the lower half of Atreia. What do they want with you? Are they going to use you again? Whatever it is, you have to fight back. He shook his head and began walking down the back alley between the Temple of Knowledge and the rest of Crandale district. We should have tried to get her out of there. He shook his head, No. That's insanity, we would've been killed or worse captured. Erik's mind raced with thoughts. The things he had been told, the girl and her strange magic, and her facing off against not just one but two Empyrean lords and several daevas. Could she be more strange than we know? He clenched his hands. We have to get her back for Asmodae's safety and hers. He thought back to Azphel's words, No orders for now, I have another plan. "What plan?" He whispered.
"Pardon me." Erik stopped in his place and turned to face a servant. "The Arch Shedim lord has ordered your presence immediately." Erik nodded sharply and then quickly made his way to the Capitol Building.
As soon as Erik entered the lord's space, he dropped his head and bowed. "I have a new directive for you that will be put in action in the coming days, do you understand?"
Erik gave an affirmative grunt and continued to listen.
"When I give my order, you and your pre-selected group are to infiltrate Elysea and bring back the girl."
Erik's eyes popped open at those words but he kept his stance and head down.
"It will be a perilous task but I know you will be successful as failure is not an option." Azphel glared down on Erik, his words laced with a strong importance. "Until you depart, you and your group will be on reserve. The rest of your party have already been informed."
Erik gave another affirmative grunt.
"Do you understand your orders?"
"Yes." Erik nodded.
"Dismissed."
Erik left the Capitol Building with his mind now cemented on his mission. His eyes drifted back up to the sky, the lights of Elysea peaking through the clouds.
"Hey, there you are." Rouge placed a firm hand on his shoulder and spun around to the front of him. "I assume you just got briefed?"
He nodded, still staring at the sky.
"This is insanity. We're being sent to die. All this for one girl, who isn't even Asmodian?"
Erik kept his eyes to the sky. "I know…but I understand why, at least I think I do. She is a threat to Asmodae in their hands, we can't let her stay with them." Erik turned his head down to the green haired ranger.
"Yeah, I get that but this is a death sentence, either that or being captured." Rouge frowned and crossed her arms.
"I know but we have no choice, it's our orders. So, prepare yourself, it's going to be rough."
~x~
"So, The Asmodians have actually been treating you well?" Milla dropped her shoulders, still listening to Rhea.
"Yes." She nodded, "I do not think they trust me but they do not harm me and I am grateful." Rhea dropped her eyes then looked up at Milla. "Milla, do you trust me?"
"Yes, of course and you know, you can always build trust with the Elyos." Milla gently spoke, still holding her friendly demeanor.
"No." Rhea said, instantly and sternly. "Elyos hurt and abuse me. No trust to be built." Rhea shook her head.
"Not…Not even slightly? Don't you trust me?" Milla placed a hand on Rhea's.
"I do not know anymore." Rhea dropped her head and voice.
Milla watched her as she wiped her face, clearly trying to conceal tears. "I…I'm so sorry, please don't cry. I won't abandon you again." Milla gave her a soft and sad smile. "I promise."
Rhea nodded.
Milla sat in silence with Rhea for a moment, thinking of her next move. "I'm almost certain that they questioned you, they weren't too harsh on you, were they?"
Rhea slowly shook her head and lifted it. "No." Rhea paused for a moment, silently questioning if she should keep talking or shut down. "They…They asked me strange question." Milla placed her hands in her lap and listened closely. "Something about plans? Yes. Plans."
Milla dropped her eyes momentarily, Plans…Elyos attack or defense plans most likely.
"I am not sure what he meant…though"
"He?" Milla turned her attention back to Rhea.
"Their leader. Lord Azphel."
Milla leaned back slightly. She was unaware just how deep this had gone. "I…See."
Rhea caught the expression on Milla's face and frowned, "What is wrong?"
Milla shook her head and went to speak but was cut off by the tent flap opening suddenly.
"Milla." She turned and looked at the guard, he silently nodded, suggesting for Milla to come with him.
Milla looked back at Rhea, "I'll be back."
Milla stood and walked out with the guard. "What's wrong?" Milla finally asked once they got out of earshot of the tent.
"Castor had me come get you, he wanted to know if any of the healers have seen any sick roaming around and you're the last one we need to ask."
Milla slowly shook her head. "No. I thought most of them have already been brought here." Milla spoke, her face riddled with clear concern.
"A few were spotted by the Observatory, they were isolated, waiting either for the girl to go to them or for an escort here."
"And they lost them?" She pressed her hands together.
"Not quite, they just disappeared."
Milla dropped her hands, "Wha–What do you mean?" Her eyes darted back and forth.
"I'm not sure of all the details, that's all I was told."
Milla nodded and looked down then back up, "I'm sorry…I don't know anything."
The guard nodded then returned to the garrison.
Milla turned and returned to the tent. "Rhea." She walked in and let the tent flap fall shut. Rhea's ears flicked in response to her name. "I need to ask you a question." Rhea frowned and furrowed her brow. "Don't worry, it's not what you think."
Rhea relaxed slightly and slowly nodded.
"Okay, this will be strange but since the sickness is from you, can you sense when the infected is around?"
Rhea frowned again, "Why do you want to know?"
"Um…" Milla thought for a moment, "There were some infected…that disappeared." Rhea's ears flicked again and she leaned forward. "I wanted to know if you could find them."
"I can only do, if they are close." Rhea slowly shook her head and dropped her eyes.
"It's alright." Milla patted Rhea on the shoulder and gave her a small smile. "I'm sure they will find them."
"Milla." Rhea suddenly spoke, her voice coming out rough. Milla nodded, giving Rhea her attention. "I am thirsty, very."
"Ah, I think I have a canteen in my Cube." Milla summoned a canteen and shook it, hearing water slosh around in it. She opened the top and poured the water into Rhea's open mouth. After she swallowed the water, she gave Milla a soft smile. Rhea smiled back and then turned her attention to the fading light coming from the tent's edge. "I guess it's time for me to go" Milla gave Rhea a hug. "Sleep well." Rhea watched Milla leave as two guards entered. One of them was holding what looked like an exercise mat to her, and blankets and the other held shackles and a key.
"Stand." The first one ordered.
Rhea stood and then slowly got to her feet. He waved his hand to the right, silently ordering her to move. Rhea shuffled to the side and watched the guard lay down the mat and then the blanket. "Here, it isn't much but it's better than sleeping on the sand." He looked at his counterpart and nodded.
She approached and uncuffed her hands. Rhea watched her confused. She huffed and spoke words to the other guard in a language Rhea didn't understand. She replaced Rhea's cuffs with ones with longer chains to allow more movement. She nodded and turned back to the male guard then they, without speaking, left the tent.
Rhea looked over to the matt and blanket. To sleep, yes? Rhea shook the sand off herself and then sat down on the mat. She yawned then laid on it and slipped into sleep. The next morning Rhea woke up at the peak of dawn, the first rays of sunlight peeking in. She slowly shifted into a seated position and crossed her legs.
After a while of waiting, Milla entered with a small bowl of food. "Good morning." Milla gently knelt down beside her and handed her the bowl.
Rhea gently grabbed the bowl and stared down at it, "Thank…" She timidly spoke.
"Eat up, after we can keep talking, okay?" She looked up at Milla and slowly nodded.
~x~
"Nez, my friend!" Vaizel approached Nezekan from behind.
"Just when I was about to leave…" Nezekan shook his hand and turned to him with a sigh as Vaizel entered the inner temple of Sanctum.
"Aw, come on man. Besides, I have some intel on the girl." He gave Nezekan a cheeky smile.
"You've been snooping around in Eltnen?"
"You can't be serious? You really think I'd let you and Yustiel have all the fun?" He laughed in an uproar.
"I wouldn't call any of our interactions with the child 'fun'." Nezekan growled.
"Come on…" Vaizel tapped the back of his hand on Nezekan's shoulder. "She's interesting and pretty good looking, as good as she could in her state."
"Be serious." He took a breath, "You said you had intel?"
"Right. So," Vaizel stepped around him and threw his arm on his shoulder. "As you know, she isn't Atreian. Apparently, the world she's from is called Saris and, from what I could gather, she's not the only one with her magic but she's one of the only three that can reverse these effects. So, I'm thinking she's pretty powerful."
"Okay?" Nezekan gave him a questioning eyebrow. "How is this important?"
"Hold on, I'm not done." Vaizel threw his hand up and shut his eyes. "Everything that she has told you and everyone else, she's reinforced. 'They have no plans with me. They are helping me, help me get home, back to Saris.'."
Nezekan dropped his eyes from Vaizel, "So, she really has nothing to tell…"
Vaizel laughed, "Nope! She's pretty much a normal girl, besides her strange magic. If you ask me, I think she's serious about just wanting to go home."
Nezekan gave an acknowledging nod. "I'll pass this on to Ariel." He started to leave. "Thank you for this information."
"Hold on." Vaizel gripped his shoulder and stopped him. "I have more but not about the girl, at least I think."
"What do you mean?" Nezekan pulled from him and glanced back at Vaizel with a suspicious look.
"Lately, patrols and guards around and at the garrison have noticed more Lepharists lurking around. Not only that, apparently there was some inflicted being held at the Observatory that disappeared. It's believed that this is all tied to the girl, somehow."
Nezekan's eyes went wide for a moment, absorbing what he had learned. "So, you're telling me she's a Lepharist? And why hasn't Yustiel brought this to me?"
Vaizel shrugged, "Well, I can't tell you about Yustiel…but the girl isn't a Lepharist. Asmodians don't like them either, y'know? And I highly doubt that she could hide such a fact."
Nezekan pinched his nose and shook his head. "That's going to make things more complicated…Vaizel, come with me."
Vaizel threw his hands up again and backed up.
"Hey now, I'm planning on hanging out with some hotties, intelligence gathering is hard work."
Nezekan glared at him, "You were planning on doing…that but you're coming with me. Ariel needs to know."
Vaizel gave a dramatic sigh. "Alright~ but you owe me a drink after." Nezekan gave an irritated sigh as Vaizel joined him.
~x~
Rhea sat on the mat, staring at her hands. She thought about her conversation with Milla. Did I say too much? Did I tell her too much about me? She shook her head, trying to shake the thoughts out of her head. She pulled herself up and off the mat and started to pace around the pole she was chained to. She looked around the tent as the ends flapped slightly in the desert winds. Suddenly the tent opened and someone entered. Rhea's ear flicked and she spun around and stared at them. Their face and hair were covered with a tan colored cloth, likely to keep the sand out of their face but Rhea could tell that it was a man.
He didn't say anything and approached her with a canteen in hand.
Rhea dropped her eyes to the canteen then back to him. His orange eyes peered at her, steady. She studied him, he didn't look like a guard and she had never seen him before. The sand had dampened the color of his armor but she could see that –at least part of it– was red. She shook her head, "No want."
He extended his hand to her in a gesture that suggested she take it.
"No want…not thirsty." He didn't speak, he kept his eyes on her and the canteen extended to her. Rhea felt a sudden wave of anxiety hit her. He seemed familiar but not, all at once.
Rhea kept her eyes on him. Why isn't he saying anything? Something is wrong here, but what? She quickly glanced down at her hands. Could I fight with my hands chained? Probably not… "Do not want." She said again, this time more firm than before.
The masked man took a step towards her and opened the top of the canteen, as if he was going to force her to drink it. She stepped back then looked at the tent opening.
If I scream, would they hear me? She closed her eyes tight, Gotta try. She took a deep breath and screamed as loud as possible.
The man stepped back, startled by the sudden scream. He dropped the canteen and disappeared, quickly and quietly making his escape just before a pair of guards from the garrison arrived.
"What's going on?!" One spoke as they entered with weapons drawn.
Rhea stopped screaming and stared at them, trying to catch her breath as she fought to find the words to speak. She stuck her foot out to the dropped canteen, laying in the sand, slowly leaking water. A female guard stepped forward and picked up the item.
"This?" She raised an eyebrow, "This is why you screamed?" Her voice came out harsh and irritated.
Rhea shook her head, still unable to find her words.
"Then what happened?"
Rhea dropped her head and quietly spoke, "Milla…Milla…"
Within moments, Milla entered the tent. She quickly walked up to Rhea and grabbed her hands. "Rhea, what happened?" She gently leaned forward.
"Man…Unknown."
"What did he do?"
"Wanted me to drink…I do not know…Would not say…Did not look like guard. Something wrong."
Milla rubbed her finger against Rhea's hand. "Wrong? With…Him? The canteen?"
Rhea nodded, "...mmm…"
Milla nodded, a gentle frown on her face. "I'll have them check it." Milla let go of her hands and quickly left the tent. When she entered the garrison, she went to the guard that gathered the canteen. "Hey!" She ran to her, "You haven't drained the canteen, have you?"
She turned to Milla and shook her head. "No, and the girl was right to scream."
Milla relaxed her shoulders, "Why?"
"This is tainted. They didn't try hard to hide but they probably intended for her to drink it all." Milla subtly gasped, "Someone's trying to poison her?"
"Mm." She nodded, "At least we assume."
Milla stared at her for a moment before speaking, "Pardon me." Milla turned and quickly made her way back to the tent. She stopped at the opening and took a breath before entering. "Rhea." She turned her head up to Milla and tilted her head. "You were right to raise the alarm." Rhea tilted her head the opposite way, still staring at her. Milla sat down on the mat beside her. "The canteen was tainted, someone was trying to poison you." Milla's bluntness hit her like a wave of frigid air, draining the heat from her temporarily. She stared at her, unmoving. Was she even breathing? Was this even real?
"Someone…wants to kill me…" She spoke suddenly, the words feeling foreign on her tongue. She dropped her head and took in a deep breath, the air feeling unbearably thick. Milla put a hand on her shoulder, bringing her back to reality.
"Hey, It's okay. We don't know exactly if they were trying to kill you." Milla gently rubbed her shoulder, comforting her. "The man, can you tell me anything about him?"
Rhea nodded, "Um…He was dirty from sand." "Okay. Hair? Face? What did he look like?" Milla listened closely.
"Do not know…Cloth over head but eyes like setting sun." Rhea lowered her hands to mimic a sunset.
"I see…" Milla stood, "I'll pass this on and will be right back." Rhea tilted her hands and formed a cube around Milla's hand as she went to walk away. Milla looked down to her, confused.
"He is familiar –seen him before– think on the ship, not sure." Rhea's words came out fearful. Her blue eyes locked on Milla.
She sat back down when the cube around her hand dissipated. "Can you tell me who you think it is?"
Rhea shook her head, "Do not know…He…" She shook head again, "Do not know…"
~x~
"I see…" Ariel brought her hand to her face, bracing her index finger the tip of her nose. After Nezekan and Vaizel brought to light what they had learned, it changed her perspective on the matter of the girl. "Is there any evidence to back the claims that it's tied to her?" Ariel dropped her hand and clasped them together.
"Not at this moment, my lady." Nezekan spoke.
"Hm…I have been pondering over what to do with the girl but with this new information…I may need to reconsider my plan with her."
"What do you have planned with her?" Nezekan kept a stern yet tentative and respectful tone.
"Come on, I've never seen you so meek." Vaizel whispered, giving him a cheeky half-smile.
Nezekan gave him a sharp side eye, "Shut it."
"Initially, I was waiting to learn more about the girl and I had assumed that she was relatively harmless. However, the possible connection to the Lepharist is concerning."
Nezekan turned his full attention to Ariel as she sat on her throne before them, "Then what do you plan to do with her now?"
Ariel dropped her gaze temporarily. "That is the problem, I had considered her to be useful but now I am not sure and our time, I fear, is running low."
"You…Actually consider Azphel's threat as valid? He's bluffing surely." Vaziel crossed his arms and cocked his head to the side.
"I know him well enough...the lord of shadows is not one to issue empty threats and I'd prefer for him to not 'send' for her," Ariel dropped her voice, "Whatever that could mean…Either way, we cannot hold the girl forever."
"So, what action—" Nezekan started but stopped when Ariel lifted her hand. She dropped her hand, resuming her thoughts. Vaizel glanced at Nezekan but he kept his eyes steady on Ariel.
"I know clearly what I want to do." Ariel took a breath and stood, "I will release her and pardon her of her crimes."
"Are you sure, my lady?" Nezekan questioned, being careful with his question.
"Yes, I am. She is but a child, one who knows very little of our world. It would be irresponsible for us to hold her fully accountable. After all, she still has time to grow and change." Ariel's mood shifted, "Not only that but the longer we hold her, the closer we get to Azphel's threat becoming a reality. We cannot have that." Ariel's voice came out sterner than normal and the light in her chamber got dimmer. "Nezekan." The light in her chamber returned.
"Yes?"
"Return to Eltnen and have set guards prepared to escort the girl safely to a rift leading to Asmodae."
"Yes, my lady." Nezekan bowed.
"Vaizel," Vaizel snapped to attention. "Continue surveilling the garrison, I want to know whether or not the Lepharist continues sulking about after the girl has gone."
Vaizel nodded, "Got it."
Ariel sighed at his lack of formalities, "Very good, depart now."
~x~
Rhea stared at the ground, trying her hardest to think of who that man could remind her of. Orange eyes…Eyes I've seen before. A face flashed in her head, Red hair and sinister grin, forcing eyes into a squint. Orange eyes. Rhea's head popped up. "...Ship…" She suddenly spoke.
"The ship? What about the ship?" Milla asked, turning her attention back to her.
"Hair like blood, eyes like setting sun… Skin like sand." Rhea looked at Milla.
She thought for a moment, trying to remember. Touch… Milla remembered what Rhea said back on the warship and her heart sank. "Oh…Rhea, I'm so sorry." She covered her mouth, it made sense now. "I will be right back." Milla quickly hopped to her feet and headed to the tent opening but stopped when a set of guards entered with the lord of justice following behind. Milla quickly back stepped and stepped aside. Rhea slowly pulled herself to her feet, glaring at Nezekan as he approached.
"By Lady Ariel's order, you are being released and pardoned of your crimes." Nezekan spoke. Rhea's shoulders relaxed and she glanced at Milla, who gave her a silent smile. "My lady is giving you a chance to change and grow, though you have done foolish acts both here and in the Abyss. I can't help but agree, you're young, you're going to make mistakes but you will learn." Nezekan raised his hand silently ordering the guards to unshackle her, "In time."
Rhea watched as the group approached, one of them unshackled the iron shackles on her wrist. Finally. She rubbed her wrist. Three of the guards got behind her and the other two stood in front. Nezekan turned and led the small group out where another guard with slicked back black hair was waiting. He handed her bag back to her and then joined the group. Rhea quickly took it back and slid the strap over her body.
The whole convoy turned and faced Nezekan, "You all will escort the girl across the desert to a rift leading back to Asmodae. Keep you eyes on her." Nezekan scanned the group then locked on Rhea. "I cannot guarantee where exactly it will lead you."
She dropped her eyes and quietly spoke, "I am sorry…for everything."
Nezekan nodded, satisfied with her impromptu apology. "Go now, time is fleeting."
"Aye!" The convoy answered in unison, before filing out.
~x~
"Right on time." The orange eyed man watched the convoy crossing the desert, using they're hands to block sand from their faces. He pulled his face covering over his nose and mouth and shifted into the Aether, quietly and invisibly following them. Being careful to not get too close. They got the security tight, huh? He looked ahead of the group and spotted something unexpected. Shit, Asmodians.
Rhea's convoy stopped and pulled their weapons and the Asmodian group did the same but no one moved. One of them stepped forward, a templar; Erik.
"We don't want any trouble, we're just here for the girl!" He shouted, looking out for Rhea.
She stepped forward but one of the guards stopped her. "Hey!" She yelled.
"I advise you to turn back and return to Asmodae before we have to do it for you." The black haired guard ordered.
"Give us the girl and we will gladly leave this sun-cursed hellhole." Erik replied.
"I will say once more:" The guard restated, this time more threatening "I advise you to turn back and return to Asmodae."
Rhea felt the tension growing and moved forward, trying to get past the guard but the others in the convoy walked in front of her and formed a wall. She backed up, frightened at the growing conflict. The orange eyed man shifted his eyes to Rhea, watching her as she backed up.
And there's my prize…heh…Target.
She took a few more steps back.
Almost there just a little bit more. He crept forward, keeping his eyes on her. He lurched forward and reached around in front of her, slamming his over her mouth. She let out a muffled scream as he pulled her away.
Rouge looked past the opposing group and spotted Rhea struggling with the man. "Hey! Pay attention!" She pointed at the pair as everyone turned.
Without a word the two closest guards ran after them.
Any moment. He watched them get closer then smirked as a massive green cube formed around them. They stopped short of the cube and watched as the ground below Rhea and the orange eyed man distorted and split like space itself was shifting around. The orange eyed man waved a salutation as they fell through the open space.
