I don't pay much attention to where I'm going nor the time, only that I'm moving myself away from the scene of slavery, hood thrown over my head to block out the sun, lowering far too quickly for my tastes, my heads a swirl of thoughts as my skull's racked with pain. Just keep moving Zeke, get away from it, my stomach's a similar swirl of revulsion, though at least I don't feel the need to upchuck what's left of it.
'What the fuck was that? I don't like slavery, or that prick of a man who thought I was a keidran, but does that warrant such abuse to him? Maybe he grew up like that and doesn't know about what they're like, does that make him a bad man or just an uninformed one? And what about me, am I a bad man for attacking him? He didn't directly insult me knowingly, nor harm me, oh god am I a criminal now, I just assaulted him.' I look down to my hands, specifically the one that latched to his throat after my thoughts, they're still shaking horribly in a mix of rage and nervousness, clasping them together does little to still the tremors, nor does the attempt of steadying my breath, instead they come out shakily and hitched. I feel so small, and as if I can't directly control myself, an out of body experience as I continue to slog myself into any direction, dipping into an alley way between two houses, planting my butt onto the dirt and curling up, knees to my chest as my teeth chatters, tears pricking at my eyes.
'Why am I being like this? I'm no child that's new to the world, I'm an adult dammit, so why do I feel so out of control? There's no black or white shenanigans in this world either, nothing's ever that simple, is it, at least with the actions of a man, I'm sure at least one of those fuckers would've been kind to them, they don't deserve to be there at all, but slavery's a law of this land, wrong as it is. Where's that fucking bravado gone Zeke? You should know better, is it because we should've handled it better, or because we want to be some hero, a paragon of good for some needless reason? We're not meant to be that, not even here, this might be a fantastical magical land but you're still human.' Despite trying to talk myself down, my body shudders and thrills itself in the encroaching cold covering my body, wrapping myself in my cloak, my breaths are still warm enough at least, so I cover my mouth with it, trying to get something warm at least. It feels like I huddle in that alley for hours and hours on end, shivering in the sudden chill, but I finally feel capable of pushing myself onto my feet, stumbling out of that alley way, nearly bowling over a passerby as I trip myself into the sunlight.
"S-sorry.." I say weakly, not stopping to turn back to them even as they call out indignantly, shaking my head and looking upwards, the church was pretty big, wasn't it? I can probably see it from somewhere, I'll make my way there and ask for directions to the Inn and beat myself into passing out for the night, that sounds okay, doesn't it? It takes a while to find it, although the houses seem to loom over me, I can see the churches bell after twisting and turning, and with faux renewed vigour for an objective of some kind, I move towards the Church with hood flipped over my head, hopefully no one pays attention.
It feels as if it takes far too long to get to that church, but I manage to make it there eventually, Geromes and Vectors wagons are still in place, with cargo moving in and out with the help of guardsmen, their armour oddly more ornate than the regular kind, though with the same professionalism as the rest. 'The priests personal guard, maybe?' I wonder to myself, though I shake the thought off, I can't be thinking too much, not for now at least, there's time for that later. I look towards the sunset, the warm afternoon glow from it is at least comforting somewhat, did I lose track of time that much? At least getting an Inn room wouldn't look too out of place. I take a deep sigh to prepare myself before walking towards a guard, beneath their helmet I can see their eyes look towards me, the grip on their spear pinching slightly.
"Excuse me, Sir, do you know where a merchant named Gerome would be? Or at least, an Inn?" I question him, I'm at least trying to speak in a polite manner. He continues to eye me with a careful glare, before nodding towards the Church itself.
"Inside." Is his cold and blunt reply, before looking forwards once more and ignoring my presence. Professional indeed, nonetheless I thank him for his help and walk past him, opening the grandiose looking doors and into Church. Oh god this church looks gorgeous, I feel my mouth drop as I openingly gape at the sight, everything has this lustrous look in it, gorgeously shiny and appealing. Wooden chairs stand row to row on a checkered floor, at the very end of the church stands a counter top, and behind that counter top is a large grand.. Piano? Is that a piano? It has pipes on it, so it might be a pipe organ, the name doesn't come to mind immediately. The stained glass windows from above converts the light that enters in a colourful glow, god the stained windows look amazing. Something niggling tingles in the back of my mind as I take in the sight, an odd warmth filling my chest as I walk forward, the chilly floor on my paws is soothing within itself. The warmth in my chest turns somewhat colder though, marred by a melancholic feeling as I continue to walk, have I been here before? Maybe I went to church a lot previously, maybe a churchgoer? Up ahead I see Gerome and the old priest chatting away, Vector taking a seat on the wooden chairs silently. Gerome seems to hear me coming despite the silence of my steps, looking towards me and waving, his inviting smile still staining his face.
"Oy, strange Zeke! We were just chattings about you." I smile and give them a small wave while continuing to make my way to them, at least Gerome acts inviting, if its not genuine its at least a well made lie. The priest remains silent, though he gives me his own smile, a small and soft warm, but very like a man of the cloth.
"Oh? All good things I'd hope." I shoot back, getting a laugh out of Gerome did lighten my mood, no reactions from Vector, though the smile on the Priest at least widened slightly. I finally stand in front of them, I don't know the appropriate way to greet a priest, so I clasp my hands together and bow slightly in front of him. "And it's a pleasure to meet you, man of the cloth."
He chuckles softly and clasps his own hands together, copying the same greeting as mine. I mentally arm pump, either he's just being polite or I bloody nailed the greeting, I'm gonna go with the second.
"As is I to meet you, Son, it's odd to see a basitin here, but all is welcome under this roof." His voice is soft spoken and lined with age, a warm voice that's calming. He finishes his bowing and looks upwards to me, his eyes are a cloudy blue-grey colour, his face is old, wrinkles lining almost every inch of it. "My name is Father Levi, Gerome here has spoke highly of you."
I chuckle awkwardly as I scratch the back of my neck, partly due to being complimented, it feels strange, but the deeper parts of my mind flashes back to the sight of that man crumpled on the ground, the thrill and the thoughts during and afterwards would definitely not be coming from a man that'd be highly thought of.
"Zeke is a little scatterbrained, but he be a well meaning friend, especially for Anna!" Gerome continues to speak up, my thoughts moving to Anna herself, I wonder if she's doing okay? Gods, I do worry about her. Levi chuckles once more, a more sly smile planting itself on his face, it looks... very out of place to say the least from such an old man.
"Ah, Lady Anna remains well, I assume then? Masks know you'd be very upset if something were to happen to her, Gerome." He says in the same tone as before, but Gerome smiles awkwardly, coughing into his hand. Masks? Are those the gods here?
"Oy, Father Levi, she is only good friend and nothings more." Father Levi looks rather smug at his reply, its somewhat off putting, before he turns to me.
"And what of you, Son? What brings you here?" He asks simply and cooly. I hum for a second, what was I doing here again? Oh yeah! I click my fingers together.
"Oh! Sorry, I was just looking for someone to ask where an Inn is, it's getting late after all." I reply to him. Father Levi looks pensive for a moment, humming in thought.
"A guard of mine will escort you there, though I believe Gerome was about to leave, too. Would you all wish to go together?" He offers, I'd personally be all for it, but Gerome waves him off.
"Afraid not, Vector and I have other places to be, da? We will be catching up later though." Vector seems to actually be paying attention to Gerome, as takes that cue to stand up, silently turning away and hastily moving out of the Church. I raise an eyebrow towards Gerome, who just shrugs. "Is not liking the Church."
I shrug myself as Gerome follows after Vector, shouting in his foreign language which carries itself through the hall of the Church, and I hum to myself. 'I wonder why Vec doesn't like the church, bad memories maybe?' I think to myself, at least he'd have a reason for his reaction. I feel a hand grip my shoulder, yelping and jumping away, how did the old man manage to sneak up on me like that?
"You seem troubled, Son." He speaks plainly, though I can hear the underlying concern, or curiosity. I don't look him in the eyes, instead looking towards the stained glass windows, wrapping myself in my cloak. It takes a moment to muster the courage to look towards him, giving him a shining smile before waving my hand.
"Me? I'm quite fine, but I thank you for the concern Father Levi. So, just talk to one of your guards bout taking me to the Inn right?" I reply casually, trying to wave off his concerns. His cloudy eyes seem to be focused on my own as he continues to look into me, I can't look him in the eyes.
"Son, I've been alive for far too long, I've seen many a man, woman and child, each would bare their wrongdoings in their own ways, and show it in their own ways too." He gives me a sad smile, stepping forward and resting a hand on my shoulder. "And no Man is free of it, there is no shame to indulge in a confession to alleviate your burdens."
I look away from him, lips pursed tensely, bringing my hands up to my face and smothering it, a groan escaping my lips.
"Okay, I did something awful to someone and I'm terribly worried of the repercussions, that's my damned confession." I blurt out shortly, my head twinging in pain at the reminder of it. Levi himself seems.. disappointed in it, my heart sinks at the realisation of that, is he disappointed in me?
"You seem not the man who would do an unjust deed to another, though I admittedly know little about basitins and how you people would act. Surely you have a reason for such an action." He continues to push it. I throw my hands up in the air, I'm gonna feel bad if I just leave him.
"Fine, fine. Can I take a seat, at least?" Levi smiles warmly and nods, taking himself up to the stand. I plant my ass on one of the wooden seats in front of him, I can feel the coolness of it even through my cloak, the hood of it flinging off of my head, at least my ears feel free now. And so I tell him of the entirety of the event, finding and smelling out that disgusting scene of slavery, the rage and contempt I felt for the idiotic man who approached me, as well as the glee I felt, the feeling of disgust afterwards. I let out a long sigh as I finally finish my tale to him, holding my head in my hands, whether it's from being tired mentally or otherwise I can't tell. Levi himself stayed silent through out the entirety of it all, whenever I looked up to him he kept his small but reassuring smile on his face, at least he doesn't look like he's judging. After I finish, he's silent for a few moments, the echoing of my voice finally subsiding.
"Son, you have a particular.. zeal for the freedom of the keidran, as well as pride for yourself and your own wrath. Your own distaste for yourself and the way you act shows that, in a better head space, you're capable of understanding the right and wrong of your actions. I don't believe that the man would forgive you for it, as he has reason to do so, so your best action is to forgive yourself and recognise that it was your mistake, we are only mortals, and even the Masks are capable of making mistakes. Though I wonder, basitins don't usually care for the actions of other species, why is it that you care for the slavery of the keidran? It's a practise that's ongoing for quite a fair time." His voice is a very commanding but light one, as if preaching to a crowd. Makes sense given his station, to be honest. But the ending question puts my blood in a boiling state, I feel the heat and the rage flood throughout my chest, my head flicking upwards to glare at the man of the cloth, I feel my mouth turn into a snarl.
"Why do I care? Why do I care!? It's a disgusting and immoral practise that should be stamped out, like the vermin that use it to abuse others below them. One person should never remove the freedom of a being, whether if it be a damned keidran, basitin, because I wholeheartedly believe that they'd exist if there was ever a chance to do so, and the one who denies such a freedom to them deserves their own freedom removed! They don't deserve it, they don't deserve a damned thing!" I rant out aloud, my voice returning to its echoing in the Church hall. My breathing's heavy and ragged, a pain pings through my skull once again as my fists clench. Levi's looking down on me, his eyes not leaving mine as I continue to glare at him, my anger subsiding quickly as I return to my seat, rubbing at my head with my hands. "Sorry, Levi, you don't deserve to yelled at for it, you can't control the law this place,and I should be capable of holding in that anger, its just so god damn infuriating, why doesn't anyone see how wrong it is? Why doesn't anyone fucking do something about it?"
He's silent for a while, my echoing shouts fading eventually, though I still stuff my face in my hands, gods, is it really pushed that much, to the point where the subjugation of an entire race is just accepted? Who pushed for it, the Templars maybe? Or whoever the leader of the human territory would be, the King? My ears twitch as I hear echoing steps coming down the podium, looking upwards to see Levi stepping down from it. His eyes is an oddly steely stare as he grips my shoulder.
"Son, such a thought, while admirable, can not be said in a public view, such a thing is treasonous and a crime to the Templars. I shant say anything against it myself, it is a noble and admirable trait for one to possess, I too believe that the keidran should be free myself, though saying such things aloud oft leads to the.. removal of such a person, human or otherwise, I dare not imagine what a Templar would do a basitin." His voice is low and tense, his ever increasing glare not straying from my eyes as I latch onto his, both of our breaths are held low. My eyes only leave his to twist and turn around to check the door, no one heard us right? The doors are still sealed shut, so I can at least hope that no one heard, or maybe the Guards are the reason no ones approached? I do return my attention to Levi, afterwards though
"I.. sorry, Father Levi, to worry you with my own thoughts, it just doesn't seem right, by any sense of the word or world. Maybe I'm a little too zealous over it, but it's just, it feels and looks so wrong." I reply back to him, looking low and away, god dammit, I really have to have a better control over myself. I look back up to him, his eyes shut tight in thought, letting out a 'hmph' before letting go of my shoulder, standing back up to his hunched height.
"Son, I have heard many confessions, I have been a staple member of this town for many years after all, your confession is one with more noble intentions that I've heard, though your anger can not be unstated. Do learn to control it, especially in public, I will attempt to handle what falling out may occur due to it here, but I have scant power elsewhere and you'll not always have people to confide in, even friends can be bought out. I've learnt that very personally." His voice turns low at the end of it, his eyes opening slowly and staring off into the darker abyss of the room, as if deep in thought. He closes them a moments later, shaking his head. "Time brings age, which brings experience and typically wisdom, and you have a long way to go, Son. Stick with Gerome and that guard boy you mightn't agree with them on all fronts, but they'll be a learning experience to becoming accustomed to this place. You truly don't know much, don't you?"
"I'm afraid not, Father Levi. A small, uh, incident robbed me of most of my memories." I reply, hand rubbing the back of my neck. Pssh, I'm talking out my ass, death isn't a small incident at all, Zeke. If Levi notices anything off about my reply, he doesn't say anything, instead simply nodding.
"I see, then it would be best to keep your friends as close as you can, Gerome would definitely feel indebted to assist you if Anna has any say in it. Your guard friend, though.. perhaps you two could help each other." His voice continues to stay low, and I tilt my head. Guard friend? Does he mean Edward? I guess there's the issue where he doesn't like keidran, maybe he has to hold in his anger too? Levi turns around and steps back up to his podium.
"Regardless, the Masks have made us, and therefore you, for a reason that not even I would comprehend. Your confession is safe with me Zeke, as is any that has been under this roof. If you've no further questions or confessions to alleviate your burdens, a personal of mine guard will escort you to the local Inn, though you best pay for your room yourself." I nod, I really am thankful for his help, and for listening to my uh, misdeed. I hum in thought afterwards, though.
"Actually, I do have a question. You keep mentioning the 'Masks', who are they?" I ask him, as Levi reaches the podium and fiddling with.. something behind it, the noise being a ruffling of paper. Documents or something? Finally he turns around, an eyebrow raised.
"Ah, that's right, your memory problem, not that it'd matter, it seems as if knowledge of them is something that people rather forget, or refuse to care for it. The Masks are the gods above us, who have created Mekkan for the three races that live upon this land, their names are Order, Neutral, and Chaos, names given by mortals to acknowledge and recognise them, though their true names are beyond us. Some, like I, choose to worship them in the steed of others neglecting to do so, some for differing reasons. I personally choose to do so in the belief that their existence should be more forth front in a Mans mind, and to atone for my own mistakes." Is his long winded reply, his voice almost giving out towards the end as he proceeds to cough, leaning on the podium for balance. My ears flatten, is he okay? Or is he not used to speaking for too long?
"I see. I apologise if it was difficult to speak of it, I wouldn't want any discomfort on your part after all, do you need any help Levi?" His coughing slowly subsides, his head shaking and looking down to me, a small smile on his face.
"Worry not, Zeke. It's only my body that struggles to keep up with myself after all. If that's all you require, then I must depart, I am needed elsewhere." I nod and finally stand up, giving him a cheerful wave and turning around, moving out of the Church. As I reach the doors, I turn around to him, I can see him grab and begin to carry an armful of paper in his hands, so I was right bout it being paper at least.
"If you need anything Levi, just give me a yell and I'll help ya!" I call out to him, the voice echoing throughout the Church as I wince, right, place echoes and I don't need to do that. I push open the heavy doors, swinging them open and walking into the chilly air, shivering and hugging at my cloak. The moonlight has already filled the area, moon beginning its rise into the sky, was I really in there for that long? Just means I need to get to the Inn quicker. I turn to one of the guards, I don't think I should touch their shoulder to catch their attention if the doors haven't, so I instead cough to do so.
"Excuse me, Sir, Father Levi has suggested that I ask you to help me to the Inn, that wouldn't be too much trouble, would it?" I ask politely, and for a while I imagine they just ignore my request, before the one on the left looks around, jabbing the butt of his spear into the ground.
"Follow." Is his only short reply, before marching forwards and towards a street, his marching strides are long and hasty but stable and well performed. Oh wait I need to actually follow him! I realise that after what feels like a mite bit too long, chasing after him with my own brisk jogging, Jesus Christ he's fast. I spend most of the time walking trying to catch up to the fast bugger, how he manages to lug himself around in heavy armour is beyond me, the longer we spend walking the tighter he holds onto his spear. The spear, I didn't notice it before in detail, but the shaft is made of a thick and study wood, the spearhead itself seems to be thoroughly lodged onto the tip of it, itself being a shiny silver that shines even in the moonlight, the edges are tapered smoothly and glistening with a smooth but sharp side on either edge. I rub at my chest, specifically over the chain mail, grabbing at it lightly while my hand grips my sword hilt, if I get stabbed by that, I don't think the chain mail can help much..
After what seems like an age, he finally stops, I almost walk into him but I manage to catch myself. He directs his spear tip towards the house, an two story ornate one that's similar to the one back in the previous village. Him moving the spear tip does cause me to flinch lightly, I guess I am that jumpy, at least I get a warm bed tonight instead of a bloody barrel. The guard says nothing, instead turning and walking back the way we came, disappearing into another street. I sigh to myself and rub at my unfocused eyes before walking up the stairs and into the Inn, opening the doors, a bell jingling as I do so.
Stepping inside, the Inn itself is barren of most patrons, though a few still dawdle around to eat at food and drink their froffy grog, none truly paying attention to me as I walk past them, not beyond a few side eyes anyhow. I step up to the barkeepers counter, akin to my last time in an Inn, he's cleaning at a glass mug, with a somewhat dirty rag. Can't exactly think that's hygienic, nor is the wooden pick that he's biting at, hanging loosely in his mouth, it fits with his overall rough and tough face though, short greasy black or brown hair ontop his head, I truly can't recognise it's actual colour due to the light and lack of maintenance. His lips are scarred and dry, and turned into a scowl at my presence.
"Wot do you want, mutt?" Is his quick and to the point question, voice sounding like he's choking on phlegm but extremely deep and baritone. I feel my nose twitch and crinkle in distaste, gods his breath is rancid. 'I'm not a mutt, you bastard.' I think to myself, though I don't dare speak it aloud.
"How much for a room?" I ask back, arms folded. He looks pensive for a moment, placing his still dirty cup onto the counter.
"It'll be 10 silver a night for a single room, single bed, pay for your food yourself. If you shedding you're gonna be paying extra." I 'tsk' to myself. 'I don't shed, but if I do I'll sure as fuck do it on your bed, not mine.' Of course I keep this to myself, instead placing my bag on a stool, reaching into the bag and pulling up the sack, bringing it out and looking inside, bringing out the necessary coins. I ain't letting this shmuck see any of my gold pieces.
"Which room?" He kneels, I hear a wooden door opening from behind the counter top, as well as jingling before he rises again, a key in his hands.
"Fifth from the right, if you got the coins." I roll my eyes and hold out my hand, the bartender picking a pinch of them up, I can hear him counting the coins underneath his breathe, my foots tapping against the wooden floor. I can count, I know its 10, just take the damn pile. After a few more moments of counting, he tosses the keys into my hand, pocketing the coins himself. With that waiting finally over, I march up the stairs, he said fifth from the right after all. The stairs are loud and creaky, but thankfully I don't fall through them at least, I find the door, I fumble with the keys a little bit, shoving it in the lock and twisting it, pushing the door open with my body weight, god I'm damned tired. The room looks.. okay, its very plain, a single window, wooden floor, there's a single sized bed covered in a dirty white sheet. I'm not gonna complain honestly.
I throw off my bag into the corner of the room, closest to the bed, followed by my cloak, and chain mail. I rub at my eyes and flop onto the bed, it's not extremely soft in the slightest, but at least it's malleable enough. I sigh and and close my eyes, smothering my face into the pillow. It's cold and dark, but I'll force myself to fall into sleep anyways.