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So D A R K N E S S, I Shall Become; Active | Closed | Mature
Topic Started: May 19 2012, 12:52 AM (314 Views)
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<BR>I was merely a child of four years when my parents passed on. All I can recall of them is my mother's soft voice and raven's black hair, and my father's secure arms and spring sky eyes. They were my only family, and after their deaths, I was left on my own to be cared for by the church, put into their orphanage. I used to fall asleep to comforting visions of them, but I can make out their faces no longer. Only blurred outlines remain, the memories growing farther away from me the older I get. It's as if I had no family at all and I only dreamed up a family for my lonely existence, conjured up one to remember.

<br><br>I was taken in by a warm couple who could have no children, or so that's what they were made to believe. A year later, the woman was with child, and they could not keep me, so I was returned to the orphanage, were I stayed untouched for two years. At eight however, a large grubby man with dirty fingernails came by. The sisterhood did not seem fond of him, but honestly I had noticed that they did not really care who we went to, as long as we went. It was incredible how full the orphanage could get, and we were horridly over capacity. Me and a handful of other children were taken away and to his home and small farm, which had a mystery shed beside it that we were not allowed to go in. He had a wife, but she was dead to this world and always staring off into another. It was not a home.

<br><br>We were treated poorly. We were made to work day in and day out, doing all the jobs the elders could be doing. I did all that I could. I was the oldest child. The rest were merely five or six. I would let them rest while I kept going. I could not let them work their tiny fingers to the bone for this awful man. It did not help that he would abuse us for the smallest matters. We were children, and we made mistakes, but even something as miniscule as stopping for a breather warranted a smack. The worst thing I saw was a little girl nearly getting beaten to death for swiping a scrap of stale bread off the counter. I couldn't blame her. We were all so hungry and she was planning on sharing, but she was not quick enough.

<br><br>It was not a home. It was a dirty and painful prison.

<br><br>Eventually, the children started to disappear. I would ask where they had gone, and the man would only snarl and tell me they were sent back to where they belonged before he would hit me and send me back to work. After that, I began hoping that I would be next, for that would mean going back to the orphanage and escaping this horrible place. That's what I thought, until tonight when I went outside to tend to the lanterns and I saw him dragging a bloody boy of seven on the ground by the ankle. There was no doubt in my mind that the boy was dead, and so my eyes went wide, and a gasp escaped my lips, blue from the winter's edge. I was heard, and the man soon turned to me. My legs could not carry me fast enough.

<br><br>I was caught. I let out a scream as he dragged me away to the shed, but it did not matter. The wife did not care, and I was the last child. As we entered the shed, I saw all of the blood, all of the rusty weapons. He did this often, didn't he? He took children in so that they could do his work until they got too weak from his lack of care, and he killed them off before he got a new batch. It all flashed before my mind. He had killed the weakest one first. I was being saved for last for I was the strongest and still going. I was going to die now. I was slammed onto a table, and as I stared up at the decrepit ceiling, air knocked out of me, I felt tears slide down my face. This was it.

<br><br>He grabs hold of an immense cleaver, his hand grasping my ebony hair as he screams obscenities at me, ready to impale the blade into my throat, when all of a sudden the doors push open. The man is distracted by this, enough to step away from me as he turns towards the door. He growls, asking what a pathetic woman such as herself is doing on his land. I cough and slowly lift myself up, planning to get off of the table, but that is when I spot the woman. She is extraordinary in every way, and my gaze does not leave her face as I scurry off of the table and hide underneath it, breathing heavily. She states his name, and what horrid sins he's committed. I'm right. He's killed many children, and no one has taken notice out here in the country. She says how he has been noticed by the Erinyes, and my eyes widen. I have heard of them, but it was always in a bad light, word that they murdered innocents in order to fill their belly with human souls. I see with my trusting heart that this is not true. I continue to watch on, and as things precede, she ends up stealing his soul, his massive shell collapsing to the ground. As she moves outside, so graceful with each step and so exquisite, I crawl out from under the table and tip toe to the doors, where I watch as she releases his soul into the form of a horrid looking rove beetle. I cannot hear what she says to him, but she places him upon a nearby plant, and then we are alone.

<br><br>A great rush of gratitude fills me, causing tears of relief to fill my blue orbs. I suddenly run right to her, nearly tackling her as my arms wrap about her thighs, my head burying into her hip. "I was so frightened, miss. I did not wish to die." I sniff and look up at her with a glossy gaze, "I thank you for eternity." I whisper, and then I realize that I am shaking, for now I do not know what I will do. I am alone now. The nearest town is far from here, and though the orphanage was better than this torture, it was not terribly pleasant either. I don't wish to go back, but I have no other choices. I feel hopeless.
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He's near. I can sense it. I can smell the blood....feel the screams of anguish.

<br><br>I make haste through the sparse farm, cutting a path through the man's crops, not caring at all for the damage as I tear through his harvest. I see the shed and instinctively know, and waste no time dashing over there. Planting my hands firmly on the doors, I throw them open, the wood hitting against the inner walls of the shack. The farmer was nearly about to kill another child, but he releases the boy as he turns to spit towards me, demanding what I'm doing there. I can feel the anger burning through me. "Do not play coy with me," I snap, ripping my hood down to reveal the pointed ears and snow tresses that mark me as a punisher. I go on speaking as the boy immediately moves out of harm's way. "You know what I am, why I'm here. Could you honestly hope to believe you could escape your trial forever?"

<br><br>"I don't kn--"

<br><br>"You have taken so many," I grit my teeth. "Payton, Tyrell, Maude, Eldridge, Clovis…the list goes on. Your cruelty and filicide have marked you, and I will make certain that you will never take again." On these words, he makes to leave, but I block the entry. He screams and swings the cleaver at me, but I move easily and immediately begin to recite the magical words, not going to draw this out any longer. His soul wrenches from his body, the husk falling to the ground and crumbling into soot as dark as his sins. It is an ugly soul that enters my own flesh, and I am almost pained as it goes through with the transformation. But I leave the shed and step into the night air, and soon, he is released…in the spirit form of a rove beetle. I hold him on my forefinger as I speak.

<br><br>"For your grave sins, you will live the rest of your life as an insect…living in the fear of being crushed or eaten," I state with narrowed eyes and frigid demeanor. "Perhaps then you will understand what you've done to all those poor children." I have no sympathy for this one. If I had been a second later, he would have done even worse. His new body begins to materialize. "And you will stay here, on these bloodied grounds that you created yourself." I have nothing left to say to him, so with this, I turn foot and set him down on a plant.

<br><br>But I feel no sense of fulfillment as I usually do. He has deprived me of it. I know that the Erinyes' purpose is take vengeance…that we are not saviors. But I wanted to be here sooner…I wanted the others to have lived, too. Yet the farmer hid himself well, under the guise of a dusty but quiet man. It took me days to find him, and I couldn't even be bothered to sleep while on my search. The deed is done now, but there's still the matter of the chil--

<br><br>Suddenly, I feel something coming and turn, just in time to receive the boy's embrace. The poor child thanks me, trembling with what has just happened, and my heart goes out to him. I'm very glad that I was able to save at least one. "There, now, it's all right," I say, as a calming hand goes to preen through his starless hair, a soothing smile touching my lips. From this simple touch, I'm already given his history. A sad, lonely one…if only that one couple had not had another child. It's too late to fix what's already been done, however. My other hand takes his shoulder, and I crouch down by his side. "You're safe now, Blagden Damocles." My midnight eyes, pitch as black sky--but just lightly speckled with the flecks of stars, if you peer closely--shift over to where I placed the beetle. "He will never hurt another person again," I remark through heavy, brusque tones. My face grows cold and still for a moment as I stare, but it returns to warmth when I face Blagden once more.

<br><br>I cannot just leave him here, and I know that giving him back to the orphanage could simply be giving another opportunity for his tragedies to repeat themselves. This child needs no more suffering. I extend my hand towards him, giving him a choice--something I believe he has not been given for a very long time. Most grown humans treat their young as slaves, never allowing for much opinion. "Come with me, and I will find a good place in this world for you, where you will not be harmed."

<br><br>We soon set off, but not before I have Blagden take me into the house, and I take the provisions needed on our journey. I only require ambrosia and nectar, but mortals cannot partake in such things and so we must bring along a bit of cheese and bread--I pick up some dried meat, but then decide against it for now, knowing the gentle constitution a child may have after experiencing all of these horrors in one night. After we take what is needed, we set on foot in the forest. I leave the farmer's wife alone. Her husband's deeds led her to break her own soul past any salvation, and the only solace she could have will only happen after her death.

<br><br>I plan to make it to a village Blagden hasn't been to before. It is opposite from where his orphanage was. I believe he needs a fresh start. It'll take a great deal of walking, and my stride is swift, but I soon realize that he must be fatigued from the work and events of the day, and we cannot go on through the entire night. He needs sleep. And, after my fervent pursuit of the farmer, I could do with some, too. Deep in the heart of a black forest, with the moonlight caressing its expanse, I finally stop by a bank of soft moss by a grand tree. "We'll stay here till morning," I say as I undo the clasp of my cloak, whisking it off. I do not make a fire, not wanting to attract unwanted visitors and feeling that with the light of Artemis, it is not needed. It is cold, however, something that doesn't bother me but I know might bother Blagden, so in a second I'm wrapping my cloak over his shoulders, hooking the clips together. "Erinyes' capes are very warm," comes my remark with simper, as my hand lightly cups his chin.</div></center></BR>[/dohtml]
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<BR>The moment she speaks to me I feel more at ease. I rest my chin against her lightly as her hand finds my hair, and it brings me an indescribable feeling of calm inside me, of content. She kneels down beside me with a palm upon my shoulder, and when she says I'm safe, I have never heard truer words. I feel so secure in her presence, as if not an ounce of harm could come to me. My eyes widen as she speaks my full name, wondering how she would know such a thing, but after what she did, I gather she must be able to do much more than reshape human souls. My faint blue eyes turn to the horrid insect as she does, shuddering a bit as I imagine it crawling over me. It's not particularly the insect itself, but the man who it used to be that horrifies and disgusts me. I never want to stay with another person like that again, but that could very well be my fate if I am to return to the orphanage, or any orphanage for that matter, where they'll give you away to the most treacherous people without even batting an eye.

<br><br>My eyes return to her as her own return to me, and a twinge of a smile touches my lips. I do not wish to part from her, but how could I be privileged enough to stay by her side? She is a glorious savior who must be on her own, who has to save others, and I am but a lowly orphan. This is why I am shocked when her hand is held out to me, and I stare up at her with big round eyes, searching her exquisite face. She offers for me to come with her, so that she may discover a home for me where I will be safe. I trust her. I absolutely trust her, and I do not hesitate to take her hand, allowing her fingers to engulf mine. I nod simply to confirm my decision, and a more sizable smile grows on my mouth. Maybe things won't be so terrible after all.

<br><br>I do not want to return to that dreadful house, but for her I must be brave, and I lead her inside, ignoring the bad memories that flash through my mind as we gather some food for our journey. That is all I take. The clothes I wear are all I have (Though I must note I keep as clean as I can given my circumstances), and I have no sort of personal belongings to my name. With nothing but my food in one hand and my caring and tender rescuer's hand in the other, I gladly walk away from that place and move on towards a new life.

<br><br>We walk together through the night bound forest. It is chill, and goosebumps linger across my skin, but I focus upon the warmth I feel through her touch. I am exhausted, but I do not complain. After what she has done to me, I have no right, nor am I used to such a thing after living in a home where a single negative word could lead to punishment. I trudge on silently, happier than I have been in ages but it does not show through my fatigue. I cannot tell if she is tired. Do her kind tire as we do? We did not take much food, so I gather they do not eat as we do either. I am not sure when we will stop if she does not tire, but as if she empathizes my needs, we come to a stop near a serene clearing near a marvelous tree and I let out a pleased sigh as I do not have to take another step.

<br><br>She states that we will rest here until the light of dawn and I nod in understanding, incredibly grateful we were stopping to rest at all. Soon, I find her cloak about my frail shoulders--I've eaten so little these past few months--and my eyes find hers, a smile reaching them as she informs me that the cloaks of her people are very warm, and it is wonderfully the entire truth. I immediately feel snug with the fabric draped about me, but that is not the only thing making me feel this way. Her hand is under my chin and I abruptly feel tears spark in my eyes. "Thank you. I cannot thank you more but I wish that I could, maiden. You have done so much for me." I search her perfection, admiring her reflective eyes and the precious lines of her face, the curve of her plump lips and soft tip of her nose. It as if she is love and comfort in a human form, and I do not wish to ever leave her. "Is there a name that I may call you by? You know mine, but I am not aware of yours." I whisper, my voice depleted down to just a hush as I continue to grow weary. I do not want to sleep yet however. I wish to know the namesake of my guardian.

<br><br>I wish to know the namesake of my home. I wish to know the namesake of my hope.
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[align=center]Posted Image[/align][dohtml]<center><div style="width: 375px; text-align:justify;"><br>Shortly after my touch, I see his eyes suddenly turn damp, as if they were icy blue glass pricked with midnight dew. He's been through so much, it's understandable. Blagden immediately prompts to thank me for what I've done, which I feel is hardly anything at all. It is my responsibility to take care of people like the farmer…although it is not my responsibility to deal with whatever is left afterwards. But I would find it difficult and heinous to preach morality, and goodness, if I simply abandoned this boy after setting him free. Blagden isn't yet old enough to be on his own, and he doesn't have the means to enjoy complete liberty yet.

<br><br>The firm desire to fully express his gratitude shines so strongly on his face that I can't help but smile. "Not yet grown but already such a sense of honor," I chuckle, shaking my head in good humor--the last thing I would do would be to mock such a high-minded child. I sit down, feeling that Blagden wouldn't until I did, and make room for him beside me in the gentle moss. "If you truly want to thank me, Blagden," I start, placing a hand on his as I look at him straight in the eyes, utterly and completely serious. "Stay as you are." I mean it so whole-heartedly, for I have seen the type of person he is, and will be, if he continues down this path, and it is the paradigm of human virtue.

<br><br> " Good, honest, accommodating, and…" I place a hand over his heart, over my cloak. "--warm," I laugh, tugging it in a teasing manner. "That is the greatest thing you can give, Blagden Damocles." My humor simmers into a smile of sincerity as I keep my hand there for a moment, and then slowly draw back, propping myself against a thick, carpet-covered root of the tree. "And, if your manner becomes infectious, my sort of craft won't be needed," I add in a softer voice, staring ahead at the dark woodland before us. I don't know where I would be then…what purpose my life would serve. But I know this is only talk. I cannot squander the energy on wishing for things that I know will not be. There will always be humans who sin. It is the possibility of all things, and with so many mortals on the earth, it's bound to happen.

<br><br>Blagden proceeds to ask me for my name, a question not too many ask if they know my true identity, mostly because in the majority of situations, the soul I've taken belongs to the witness's loved one, and they are unaware of their dear one's offenses. They scream and howl curses at me--this sort of gentleness, to my real self, unshielded by the guise of a normal traveller or clairvoyant, is a little unfamiliar to me, I'll admit.

<br><br>"…it is Avaris."

<br><br>I tell him my true name in the mortal language, one that isn't pretty or impressive. Meaning greed, and materialism…coveting paltry things. The names of Erinyes are always satirical, it seems, though I've never thought anything particular of my own. But it is only after I say it that my gaze returns to Blagden's, a hint of a smile on my mouth, but nothing more. I don't….speak about myself. It isn't what we do. The existence of an Erinyes always revolves around the existences of others. "Now, go to sleep, Blagden," I say, and the morose air evaporates from my lips once more as I lift the hood of the cloak and pull it around his ears for more warmth and comfort.

<br><br>"Tomorrow, you'll be reborn."

<br><br>------

<br><br>In the morning, I wake up before Blagden, the young boy curled up in my cloak in sweet repose after everything that has happened. I hadn't expected that I would have to take on a mission of finding a child a home when I first set out to find the farmer, but I believe everything will turn out right. I will make them, for this boy. After looking over the provisions, I take the flask of goatskin we plucked that was hanging from its strap on the peg in the house, but upon opening it, I realize that it's filled with cheap liquor. I was a fool not to check. But I know there's a stream near here, so I leave the dreaming child for now to fetch him some water for today's journey.

<br><br>Finding the brook is much easier than finding a criminal, and soon I empty the original contents on the river's green edge and wash out its interiors in the water, cleansing it of its sour taste.


<br><br>----
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<BR>A wide smile lights up my face as I hear her laugh, my eyes sparking as I admire the way her eyes light up and how her silky ivory hair brushes against her face as she moves. When she sits, I do as well, for I believe a true gentleman should not sit until a lady does. I sit right in front of her, the cloak engulfing me as I pull it around my small body. She touches my hand and looks directly into my gaze, and tells me to thank her by staying as I am. Her hand spreads over where my heart is, and it nearly aches as it swells in my chest. I've never felt this way before, but I am so suddenly proud of myself. She approves of my ways. She likes that I am of good virtue, that I help others, that I am a boy of honesty, decency, and honor. That is all she asks of me. She wants me to stay this way, and while I had planned that, for it was my natural self, I feel more determined than ever. I will grow up to be a man she can be proud of, a man so unlike all of those souls she reshapes. I will forever be a warm, thoughtful and gracious place for her.

<br><br>"Yes!" I say in an excited whisper, because this is something I know I can accomplish, and I will be able to thank her the way I so desire. "Oh, yes, miss. I shall always be this way." I place my hand over hers, as if swearing upon her and my heart, and I drop it slowly after just a moment, even though I would like to hold on longer. "I wish that could be." I respond softly as she comments on her profession not being needed if all were like I was. I am a child, but when it comes to this world, I am realistic. There are many bad people, and I don't know if there is anything infectious enough to rid of them all, though I wish that I could accomplish that, for her. That way, she could relax, and she could take care of me. I doubt we'll be together long, for she has duties she has to attend to, but I wish that she could stay with me for so much longer. Once I got stronger, I could start taking care of her. I'm good at that. I can care of her and make sure she has not a worry in the world.

<br><br>I am rewarded with her name, and it is the most beautiful name I have ever heard. I do not know what it is mean, but unless the definition is along the lines of purity, wonder, or strength, it is inaccurate. "Avaris." I repeat after her with a childish half smile, the tone in my voice surely not hiding my fondness for it. I nod in thanks to her for revealing it to me, and soon she tells me to get my rest. My smile turns tender as she pulls the hood about my head and I do not hesitate to curl up beside her in her cloak, closing my eyes, whispering a good night, and falling into a peaceful slumber a mere moment after she speaks her last word to me for the night.

<br><br>____

<br><br>My slumber is the best I have had in months, possibly years. At the farm, we were worked into the dead of night and were awoken before the sun had even rose the next morning. I dream of colors and the sun, of it's warmth. I dream of her, and I relish in the comfort and contentment she brings me. The sun's rays soon wake me, but it is not as if I mind. As wondrous as my slumber was, I am excited to see my new acquaintance again, to talk to her. I smile to myself as I sit up quickly, the hood falling back, allowing the morning breeze to tickle my face. I look about for her, but I am quick to see that she is nowhere in sight. My face soon falls, "Avaris?" I ask aloud, but there is no answer. I can already feel my heartbeat quickening as I begin to panic.

<br><br>"Avaris?" I call out a little louder as I fumble to unlatch her cloak and stand up, allowing myself more freedom. "Where did you go?" I let out a nervous sort of laugh, in case she may be playing a game with me, but I feel that this is not so. I step away from the bed of moss, my dark brows knitting together with worry as I go forward. I don't see her between the trees, and as I gaze up and around, I do not see her in the trees either. Where could she have gone?

<br><br>My forehead creases as I feel tears start to prick my eyes, my bottom lip starting to tremble. Did she leave me? No. It couldn't be. She wouldn't do that! As highly as I think of her however, who am I really to say she wouldn't abandon me? "Avaris!" I cry out, starting to run towards one direction, before I change my mind and head in the opposite way. I stop again, my breath starting to labor as I turn around and head towards another path. "AVARIS!" What am I going to do? What would I do on my own? I hardly have the skills to survive in an environment such as this. No. She couldn't have left me. "Please don't leave me. I need you." I whisper to myself as I stop once more, my chest starting to hurt, for more reasons than my running about. I don't know where to go. What if I go one way and she's the other way, and I only become lost?

<br><br>A violent shudder runs through me, "AVARIS!" I call out again desperately before I turn swiftly on my heel, and there she stands, holding the goatskin bottle. She was merely getting water for us. I am too relieved to feel foolish however, and I don't hesitate to book towards her, embracing her as a sob escapes, "I-I-I didn't know where you were. I was so worried. I thought maybe... M-Mayb-" I shake my head and sniff. "I am sorry, Avaris." I whisper, apologizing for reacting as I did. I panicked, terrified of being left of my own, of never seeing the angel on my shoulder again. It felt as if all of my fears had come to front all at once.
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Against my hands, the cool water feels wonderfully refreshing this morning, and I wash them a bit too after filling the bottle. I drink by the stream so the flask can stay full, making a cup with my fingers. It isn't needed, for mortal food has no positive or negative effect on my health, but sometimes I like to partake in human food and drink for the pleasure of it. As I wipe my damp mouth, however, I hear a familiar voice calling my name in the distance. "Blagden?" I say, turning around, although he wouldn't be able to hear me this far away. I rise to my feet, slinging the goatskin over my shoulder as I begin to walk briskly in the direction where his voice came from. He must've woken up before I came back--I had just assumed that he would stay sleeping for much longer, but now I realize his old schedule must be different from an ordinary child's. An inner clock takes more than one night to change its gears.

<br><Br>I step lightly through the brush just as Blagden lets out a scream more anguished than I would have imagined, or I would have run to him. Before I can call out his name, he turns sharply and sees me himself, not taking a moment to rush to my side again, embracing me more tightly than I can ever remember being embraced, even in all my years. He was truly afraid, and I slowly kneel to hold him in my arms protectively, my cheek going to press against his sable hair. "Shhh, there's no need for apology," I tell him before pulling back to look at him in the eyes while he sniffs, and I smile at him to show it's all right--his poor face so consumed with worry. "I'm sorry, Blagden," I say wholeheartedly. I know from his past that he has never had many adults say those words to him. He was used to taking burden and blame, but I wanted all of that to change now. I can't control his future, of course, but I could at least make sure he would find somewhere safe. Somewhere where he wouldn't have to rely on a simple stranger such as I to lead the way for him. I'll find him a home to take root where he can grow into his own independence, and never feel this sort of worry again.

<br><Br>After releasing him, I take the goatskin and lift it off from over my shoulder. "Here, drink something," I advise, handing it over to Blagden. He must be thirsty. I wait till he finishes, and then I take his hand again, leading him back to the tree where we left everything else behind. Once we arrive, I give him the bread and cheese as well, for after all, "…we've quite a bit of traveling ahead of us." I give a sideways smile before I pick up my cloak and glance behind me, trying to estimate how long it will take before we arrive in the village. "But we should make it there before sunset." I don't like traveling in the dark, especially if I'm with a child. I know some means of defense beyond my power, but if there was a cluster of cutthroat thieves, I can't be sure if I'd be able to protect Blagden. We could hide, but…no, it'll be fine. We'll reach town in time.

<br><Br>I hook my cloak back around my shoulders and draw the hood to cover my milky hair and ears, not wanting to encounter any people hostile towards my kind on our way, though most people do not use this path away from the usual road. As we walk, I search my mind for something to talk to him about. So many things are difficult….tragedy has touched so many parts of his life that I don't know what conversation would be harmless. And yet, for some, the harmful words are the ones they want to have the most, because it helps draw out the poison. I choose a neutral route, a grin shaping my lips as my gaze shifts downwards to the small companion at my side. "What do you like, Blagden?" I ask, wondering what sort of light has given him something to live for for so long.

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<BR>I try not to cry as she holds me, sucking in a breath as I hold back my tears. I look at her with puffy eyes I have no control over as she takes a look at me, and when she smiles, a manage a glimmer of one, the simple action making me feel a little better. She actually apologizes to me, and this is something I've never heard before. When has someone ever proclaimed that to me? I can never recall a time. I have always been the one who had to apologize it's seemed. I nod simply to her, my eyes scrunching up slightly to show my contentment in her words. Next, she offers me the very water that she was retrieving and I gratefully take hold of the goatskin, not realizing just how parched I was until I now. "Thank you kindly." I say politely before I take a few sips, the pure liquid's gentle taste and much needed refreshment helping to calm me down. My heart has slowed down to it's regular beat, and my nose is clearing up gradually from my tears earlier.

<br><br>Once I am finished, I return the water back to her and she leads me back to the tree, hand in hand. She hands me the bit of food supply we have and I take it gratefully, "Thank you." I murmur this time before I smile warmly up at her, "That sounds perfect." I respond to her remark on our traveling, because despite all the walking we will have to do, I look forward to it. The entire day will be spent with her, in the beautiful and lush forest, where I am off to my new future. I wonder if she is merely taking me to a new orphanage, or if she knows of someplace else I can go, somewhere better. I don't question it. For now, I have my faith in her. I know all she wants to do is help me. She must be going out of her way to do this for me, and I can only hope I am not burdening her too much.

<br><br>I start to pick at the food as he begin to walk, a comfortable silence settled between us. The bread is on the stale side, but fortunately the cheese is still quite fresh. I eat a good sum of it, trying not to scarf it down too quickly, my stomach sensitive to much food after the way I've been taken care of. I wrap it up and simply hold it once I have had my fill, wanting to save some for later, and possibly for her, if she ever wants any. I'm not sure if she eats any of our food, but if she does, I certainly want to make sure it is available to her. As my hand filled with the food falls to my side, I move to take her hand, and that's when she asks me a question about myself. I am taken aback by this. I can't remember when someone asked what I liked or anything of that sort.

<br><br>I swallow as I think over this, whilst my hand takes a gentle grasp of her own, where it feels the most comfortable. What do I like? I glance off to the side, where the sun is still in the process of stretching it's wings, it's warm rays tickling my pale cheeks. "I like the sun." I state, for a moment wondering if that's silly, before I continue. "It lets me know I'm another day closer to good things." I smile to myself, because I have retrieved these good things. "It represents light, and warmth. It never fails me." I glance down at the grass beneath my feet, watching as my worn boots crush the blades with each step, though I know the greenery springs back with ease after I've left it behind. "It's beautiful." I bring my light blue gaze up to her, letting out an enlightened breath as I realize something. "It's like you. You look like the sun." I whisper, as if it's a secret. "And you've given me good things." I grin as I give her hand a squeeze.

<br><br>Avaris is my sun.

<br><br>I enjoy speaking with her. I feel like the only things I've said in recent times are 'yes, sir', 'no, sir', and 'it'll be alright, you'll see'. It's strange to talk about myself, but I carry on. "I also like to learn. I was hoping to be adopted by someone who would let me go to school, but I had no such luck." My mouth falls into a straight line. "The Sisters at the orphanage tried to teach me, but there was just too many children to care for." I do know how to read however, and I know basic mathematics. I've done what I can, even if that meant slipping out of the orphanage to go to the local schoolhouse. Fortunately, I was only caught a couple times. "And I like to help other kind people." I smile up at her again, "I always helped the smaller children the best I could." I get a little sad as I think of the children who were even younger than me, all now dead because of that vile man who had taken us from the orphanage. There is nothing I can do about them now, so I push the thoughts away. I can only hope that wherever they are now they are happy.

<br><br>"What about you, Avaris?" I ask her, curiosity and simple joy filling my gaze as I glance upon her stunning face. "What is it that you like?" What does an Erinyes like to do when they are not reshaping souls and helping poor children such as myself? No. I'm not really intrigued by what they do in general. I only want to know about her. What does she like? I take a quick gander around, wondering if she likes flowers. I would like to pick one for her.
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I listen as Blagden responds, giving an answer I wouldn't have expected to hear from a child. The children I've met…they like to play games, and watch their father work in his shop, and going exploring in a creek. But then, these are experiences that have been kept from Blagden. He hasn't known anything else but work and hardship for so long, and yet still, he's found something to look forward to. He doesn't only have a good heart, but good philosophy. There is always something so beautiful when a human is able to appreciate what he has been granted by the universe, despite how little he has. And it is most beautiful when he realizes that part of it is the nature of this world, the gifts from Demeter and Gaia. I smile as he talks, which swiftly falls into good-humored laughter with his epiphany.

<br><Br>"Me? The sun?" I repeat, astonished by this bit. I shake my head, though the smile remains. "No one's drawn that conclusion before." To most, I am more like the moon. Cold, pale, an immortal of the night involved in dark activities. I know what humans think of the Erinyes…most, except for this one, it appears. When he mentions I've given him good things, my smile softens. "It's what you deserve, Blagden," I respond. For all that he has done, and suffered.

<br><Br>He goes on to talk about how he enjoys studies, another rare thing to hear. But I've seen the events of his past, his fervor for learning, reading, his intelligence despite the circumstances. I've also seen him help children like he said, and though he speaks as if it was small things, I know that the things he did for others were at great cost to himself, whether it be by labor or starvation…not only taking other's responsibility, but taking the blame, the beating for someone else. I don't speak on this, but the knowing crosses my features, a sympathetic touch in my eyes. "Learning, and helping," I echo, as I begin to guide Blagden up to the crest of a hill, back to the road, for the terrain away from it will become dangerous soon. "Those things will be in your new life, Blagden," I tell him, before looking towards the path with resolute determination. "I'll make sure of that."

<br><Br>But then he asks something I didn't expect--a question about me. I mean, I suppose it's customary to reciprocate these sort of questions, but no one really ever cares to know about an Erinyes, outside of her work. For once, I find myself hesitating. "I…" I begin, frowning. Maybe I don't even know the answer. I've never stopped to think about it. My life revolves around righting the wrongs of humans, of the world, of fate. Never myself.

<br><Br>I close my eyes, but continue to walk. "I like….the wind, the earth's song," I begin, breathe my answers, and it starts to come more easily. I don't explain myself for liking the things I do, however. I feel that Blagden would just understand. "The changes in sky during sunrise and sunset. Art, the scents of warm food, mortal homes cramped with family and love…" I've begun to smile, but I don't realize it.

<br><Br>"I like gentle simplicity, and…" I hear the sound of footsteps crunching in the distance, and my eyes open. I see another traveller, a scraggly-looking man whose mind seems to be in a fog as he walks, staring at the ground, and my words grow still. Somehow, I don't wish to discuss these things with other people, and I choose to wait till he is gone. But just as we are about to pass him, I instantaneously feel the urge to pull Blagden away from him, a sense of warning spiking in my blood. "Wait, Blagden--" I start quietly, about to tug him closer, when all of a sudden, the man lunges forward and grabs Blagden, wrenching him from my grasp. He uses one his arm to bind Blagden's behind himself, and the other to wrap around his neck, and hold a dagger to his face.

<br><Br>"H-Hand over all your valuables--o-or I'll kill him!" he screeches, twitchy in manner as he starts to drag Blagden back.

<br><Br> "Stop. Stop!" I say without shouting, my voice so marble and draconian that he does freeze for a moment--but keeps Blagden there. I hold out one hand, palm down, lowering it as I speak to the man, trying to reason with him. "Just…don't harm him," I respond, serious eyes flickering from his to Blagden's, a look of calm reaching out to him, assuring him that everything will be fine. I start to dismantle the silver wound around my arm from under my cloak, unclip the decoration in my hair. In truth, I would prefer to be unembellished, but I have come to realize that when I pose as a clairvoyant, a barren appearance does not elicit many customers. One needs to have the appearance of being successful. "Here." I begin to toss the jewelry in a small pile in front of the man. It is no price to pay.

<br><Br>With each piece I toss, he stoops (and forces Blagden to stoop as well) and collects them, stuffing them into his rucksack but never ceasing his hold on Blagden. "Y-Your purse!" he squeaks just as I've stripped myself of the last visible trinket. I take the small sack filled with coins earned from fortune telling, but keep it firm in my grasp, extending my free hand towards Blagden.

<br><Br> "Give me the boy, and I will give it to you," I respond, keeping my voice from being too stern in fear of causing him to snap. My expression is smooth, my most apparent state being honesty. His eyes frantically search me…"Your cloak, too." He has seen its fine material. If I give my cloak away, I give my identity away. But I'm in no position to barter. I nod, and he loosens his hold on Blagden. But when he returns him to me, my hand brushes against the thief's, and suddenly, I am struck by his most recent history. From the brief touch, his entire past is a bit of a blur, but I see his last conversation as clear as day. I see him in a shack of a house, a sick woman lying on a mat of straw, livid and skeletal, a baby in her arms. The thief stands above her. "I'll get it. I'll get money," he says, and she gives grim smile. "How, Oliver? There is no work for you to do." The baby begins to cry. "I'll get it, I'll get it." the man repeats, and I'm broken away from this reverie of remembrance when I hear the sound of a horse whinnying.

<br><Br>I focus in the present again, and Blagden is back by my side, my arms having found their way around him again, but the purse is still in my hands. The thief looks terrified--a man in a carriage has just stopped by. A well-dressed courtier, followed by his attendants.

<br><Br>"Is this man troubling you, Lady?" he questions, as he opens the door and steps down from the coach. One hand squeezes Blagden's shoulder lightly, a signal to be silent, for I feel that in his virtuous heart he would want to right this wrong and out the criminal before he could harm us, but he has not seen what I have. "--oh, no," I smile, shaking my head as I feign laughter. "Not at all, sir." As a courtier…there is a chance that… "Do you not recognize him? He is the most renown builder and architect in these parts, Oliver Ashdown. My mother and father have just sent my brother and I to pay him for his fine work." I hand the heavy purse over to the man, and he takes it, his face struggling to grasp this situation--how I could have known, why would I help.

<br><Br>Thankfully, the courtier, while clearly a kind man, is of the simple sort, and does not think to scrutinize the situation any closer. "A builder? Oh, what luck! My bride and I are in great need of someone to build and oversee the re-construction of our new estate!" the courtier exclaims, and from within the coach, a young woman decorated in glittering gems peeks out.

<br><Br>"R-Really?" Oliver stammers, unable to believe this good fortune.

<br><Br>"Yes! Come ride with me, Oliver Ashdown, for we have much to discuss," the courtier laughs, placing a hand on Oliver's back.

<br><Br>"A very wise choice, my lord," I bow my head as I take Blagden's hand in mine once more, and he ushers the bewildered man into the coach. I begin to lead Blagden away and I hear the carriage start to roll away. But before we are out of earshot, I hear one last exclamation--"Thank you, my young lady and lord! Give my kindest regards to your parents!" I turn just in time to see Oliver stretching his head out the window, the light back in his face, his appearance not quite as gaunt anymore, somehow. I smile, nod my head once, and continue on the way with Blagden.

<br><Br>"Things are not always the sun or the moon," I murmur under my breath, a common saying of the Erinyes. A glance of shared knowing passing between us. "His wife and baby were starving," I say, giving the last piece of understanding. "…it is these sort of moments, when things fall into balance, that I enjoy, too," I finally finish my answer on what is it I like, my grin breaking on my lips, small laughter adorning them.
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<BR>It is sad to say that it is strange for me to hear such kind words. She seems to want so much for me. She wants me to have a life full of what I like, and I can see that she highly approves of these things. I smile as she tells me I deserve good things, and that she'll make sure I have an existence full of studies and helping others, the life I want. I've grown far too quickly, due to what I've been through and maybe due to my destined nature. Being a child who indulges in playing and a careless life has fluttered away from me, but I know no different, and this doesn't bother me. I find my joy in spreading my compassion and benevolence to others, to assisting those less fortunate, so that they never have to feel as sad as I have. When I make people happy, I feel the same way. I take great joy from it, and learning, opening my mind up to things, sounds like an adventure I can have with solely my mind. I don't want stupidity and ignorance to hinder me in this life. I have seen too much of that. I want to be better than that.

<br><br>My smile grows as I think of the new life I might have, all because of her, and I give her hand a squeeze, a soft laugh escaping, "I feel if I thank you anymore, Avaris, you will grow tired of me." The laugh sounds foreign on my tongue. It's not a sound I'm used to. It's incredible. This woman has on top of everything else, given me laughter.

<br><br>I watch her face as she thinks of what she likes, smiling a little to myself as I am nearly excited for her answers. She finally speaks after a few moments of silence, and her first response, speaking of the wind, makes this smile grow. "I like the wind too. It would sing to me sleep every night." I confess with a low murmur, attempting not to interrupt her too much. It was like the Earth's song to me, for certain. The shack that me and the other children were kept in was not the most structurally sound, and the wind was able to dance in and out of the walls with ease. While every one else thought that the whispering whistle the wind created was eerie, it soothed me. It never failed to lure me to sleep, almost like a mother's lullaby. I understand her entirely.

<br><br>I listen to the rest of what she says silently, the spark in my eyes twinkling bright as she precedes. I adore all of those things as well, and this just makes me happy. When she mentions the mortal home, I suddenly imagine the two of us in a house together, with it overflowing with family and love just as she likes, just as I want. It's such a beautiful idea. A real home, with a real someone who cares about you and loves you. I know I can't have it with her, and that saddens me, but the thought is spectacular.

<br><br>We hear the footsteps at about the same time and I snap my head in the direction of the sound. It's a thin man who doesn't seem to mean any harm, but I can tell he has an odd air about him. I've seen many characters come through the orphanage, and many give off that this strange feeling, as though their intentions aren't as genial as they would like you to believe. I don't say a word as he walk, looking forward to when we pass the man. I keep my head down, and just as I feel we are in the clear, I hear her call out my name, and in the midst of a step, I am captured by the man, pulled back quite abruptly. I let out a gasp, wincing as my arm is pulled behind me. I bite the inside of my bottom lip and pull my head back as the knife comes near my face, knowing it is best not to struggle. I focus on the blade, fear embedded into my eyes, and my breathing becomes a little heavier, my heart threatening to pound it's way out of my chest.

<br><br>My eyes flicker over to Avaris as she speaks, my eyes wide and becoming damper by the second. I feel myself trembling as I watch her give up her trinkets for my safety, something that should hardly shock me after what's she done for me already, but those I have been around in the past have been so greedy. They do not care for me. They just want money and profit. I watch as she agrees to give him all of her coins, even the beautiful and warm cloak she wears. My eyes never leave her face, even when I have to bend and squat down with the man. I allow my tears to spill so that my vision may be clear, memorizing every detail of this angelic maiden's face, feeling as if a true angel has become my friend, my caretaker. I feel nervous as they begin to do the hand off, afraid he may attack her, but that is soon filled with some relief when I reach her side. My arms do not hesitant to wrap about her, my face hiding against her side as a shudder runs through me. I pull my face back slightly to see that she still has her purse and her cloak, and I realize that it's because a carriage of fine quality has parked beside us, stopping the man right in his tracks.

<br><br>The wealthy courtier inside steps out and asks Avaris if the man is troubling her, and before I can say a word, before I can tell the courtier that the man was attempting to rob us, I feel her clench my shoulder gently, and my mouth stays sealed shut. I take a gander up at her and understand it is best for her to take care of it. I smile a bit and turn towards the courtier, waiting to see what she is to say, only for her to remarkably surprise me by not outing the criminal at all. Instead, she calls him by name, and tells the courtier that the man is a wonderful architect. She lies for this Oliver fellow, saying that we were meeting with him in order to pay him, and so it all seems more authentic, I don't hesitate to nod my head, not about to question her. She seemed to know my name and my life as soon as she touched me, and if she had touched the man, I doubt that the words she speaks are lies.

<br><br>She hands him all of her money as if it was intended for him all along, and the courtier decides to hire the man, taking him right into the carriage with him so that they may converse over the plans. The glow on the man's face is unmistakable. It's as if his dreams have come true. As we turn away and the carriage rides off, the man calls out a thank you to us, with the sort of gratitude I wished laced every thank you spoken on this Earth. I glance behind my shoulder at the carriage before I look ahead, my brow furrowing somewhat. I did not see what Avaris saw, so I do not quite understand the man's story, and why he was going as far as threatening to kill me if he did not retrieve all that Avaris had to offer. I find that I do not even need to ask, for Avaris soon fills me in.

<br><br>I am informed that Oliver had a starving family, and everything makes so much sense now that I feel a rush of emotion hit me, salty tears brimming over my eyelids once more. The man's motive was love. He had to go to desperate measures to provide for his family, to make sure that his wife and baby were fed and content. I had to worry over rationing out food to over ten children I hardly knew. I couldn't imagine not having a bite for my own spouse and child. Nothing else would matter except their health and happiness. So, the man had to take in order to give. His attempted thievery was not greed, but devotion, and it overwhelms me. Not only because the man was in such a horrid predicament that shouldn't exist in the world, but because of what Avaris did for him.

<br><br>I pull gently upon her hand as I stop short, making her halt, wanting her to face me. "You helped that man. You helped that man even if it meant giving up all of your money." I look upon her with an incredulous and admiring gaze. "No one I have ever known would do that. All I have ever known is greedy and selfish hearts who only want for themselves, b-but you... I..." I glance off to the side, trying to find my words, but quickly I look back at her, my irises radiant with the passion to get this message across. "You saved that man and his family... E-Even if others had known, they would have just told on the man, b-because they don't understand." The horror that appears on my face indicates the lack of kindness I have witnessed in my life. "They don't understand love, and compassion, but y-you do."

<br><br>I sniff, my cheeks flushed from both the sun and my onslaught of emotions. "You inspire me, lady Avaris. I want to grow up and be the best man that I can be, one who can shed your light, who can give others a glimpse of you even if they can never meet you." I speak to her in a breathless manner, nearly starry eyed as I go on. She truly is my sun. She gives me such hope for my life, gives me the guidance I need to continue on and live a good and fulfilling future. "I don't believe you are just an Erinyes, Avaris." I whisper now, as if it's a secret between the two of us. "I think you are a rare creature, an angel of sorts." With those words, I step forward and hug her close to me. "I could not be asking for more." I add before I pull away, my hand slipping into hers once more as I turn to begin walking again, the hint of a smile never leaving my lips.
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[align=center]Posted Image[/align][dohtml]<center><div style="width: 375px; text-align:justify;"><br>We start walking, but don't make it three steps before Blagden stops me, and I turn back, wondering what he has to say. I should've known he would have something more to say about this--he is one with a voice that should never be quelled, more than clever for his age. Blagden recounts what I've done, seeing a small thing in such a brilliant light, and I can see the admiration already budding in his face, his eyes. He's been through so much in his life, and yet, he's seldom had the opportunity to see any true kindness. But I have never imagined myself to be any sort of hero, or angel, as Blagden chooses to believe. I…don't know what to say in response. I am just an Erinyes, despite him saying otherwise. There are so many like me. It's just that Blagden has seen little good in his life before meeting me, and thus he reveres me as something much greater than I am.

<br><br>And yet, I don't want to discourage him. It gladdens me to hear that he wants to become someone wonderful in the future, and I can't see any other path if Blagden just continues his ways right now. I wrap my arms around him once more when he embraces me, my eyes shifting away as I search for the right response. He pulls away and begins walking again, but this time, I'm the one stopping him, my free hand reaching out towards him, gently turning his face towards me. "Blagden, listen to me," I start, bending down as I take a knee in front of him. "I'm not like any other human. I don't know what it's like to starve, or rely on money…Erinyes' existences are unattached...and alone," I tell him, a small smile touching my lips, with just a tinge of sadness that I don't even notice or feel anymore. I have never felt that sort of struggle that so many have to deal with. "So you musn't blame people for their greed, or selfishness. Mortality affects them. Don't ever give up on them, or lose hope, Blagden…because they need you."

<br><br>My smile grows then, losing its bits of melancholy as my thumb softly brushes across his cheekbone. "You will be greater than I ever was, Blagden Damocles…the mortal who will put all other Erinyes to shame," I chuckle, though I mean every word. And with that, I finally stand up, and we continue on our way into town. We make it into the hamlet within a couple of minutes, where people have already started their mornings, walking to work or selling things on the streets itself. But before I can tell Blagden where he is, someone calls for me.

<br><br>"Freya!" a middle-aged woman who smells of gingerbread comes up to greet us, Molly. "I didn't know you were coming to town, dear. Who's this little one?" She looks down at Blagden, surprised to see that I'm traveling with someone for once. I haven't done any Erinyes work in this town, so as far as they know, I'm just a visitor who comes every now and then to help out with some things.

<br><br> "I'm just stopping by for a little while," I explain, hoping my false name doesn't alarm Blagden too much. "But this is Blagden. He's a very good friend of mine, so I hope you'll all be kind to him." I laugh in response, pushing him forward towards her just a bit.

<br><br>"Of course! Any friend of yours is a friend of ours!" Molly exclaims, boldly grabbing Blagden's cheek and lightly pinching it in her nearly overly-friendly manner. "So good to meet you, sweetheart! I've got to run along now, but I'll see you both later, hopefully! Ta ta!" She starts hurrying off towards her tavern, but I quickly grab her hand first--if only to get information that will help Blagden from the touch. Thankfully, I see all is well with her, although one friend, who runs the apothecary, could use some extra help…just the thing I need.

<br><br>"Um," I stammer when finished, for I've just grabbed her hand for no reason at all. Molly stares back at me in question, laughing in that confused manner of hers. I choose to embrace her, stepping forward and wrapping an arm around her. "Take care, Molly. I..I've missed you." I pull back, smiling, and her expression turns soft.

<br><br>"Aww, Freya love, the same, the same," she smiles back, but then shortly remembers she's in a hurry. "You two better stop by the inn tonight for supper! I'll be expecting you both!" She says very decidedly, pointing at us before she finally turns away and rushes off again. Once she's gone, I return my attention to Blagden, taking his hand and continuing our walk through the town.

<br><br>"This is Falador," I tell him as we pass by a man pushing a cart with his wares, his children following. He nods to us, and I give him a small smile before continuing through the marketplace. "It's a very close-knit town…everyone is familiar with each other here. They have a strong belief in trust--" I stop then beside the apothecary shop, moving to kneel in front of Blagden once more as my hands go to his shoulders. Here is where his new life will begin. "--and I think it will be a fine place for your new start, Blagden." I squeeze his shoulders gently, looking into his skylit eyes. Encouragement curves my lips upwards, as well as the absolute confidence I have in him. I know he will be fine here. "Are you ready?"
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SKINNED BY ALISON WONDERLAND OF ATF.