Aeric Dalia/Vol 2 Chapter 4

A ragged Bandit leapt of his horse running up the short staircase of the town hall. The guards at the doors opened them as the man rushed past nearly out of breath. Down the hallway a large armored man sat in a glorious throne at a large table. The seat of a governor that was long deposed by the Hidden Blades. He Seemed to be resting, with his head propped up on his hand. The bandit caught his breath long enough for him to 'wake' his lord. “My Lord! My Lord!” The metal man slowly came to life. “ Our spies may have spotted the group that attacked us yesterday!” He didn't seem to care what the pathetic man had to say. “ Was there a demon with them?” he said apathetically. “They didn't say, but there were at least four paladins, and one of them was remarked as 'The most beautiful woman they saw.” He jumped from his chair knocking it over causing the sounds to echo though the empty hall. The sound of his heavy metal footsteps on stone carried just as far. “Where are they?” He shouted terrifying the bandit. “Th-They were spotted at the city of Di, no more than two days ride....” The dark clad man walked passed the bandit causing the air to follow him. “Get on your damn horse, you are taking me there, NOW!” The morning dawned over the City of Di. The morning dew slowly evaporated on the blood soaked mud and corpses. The city was strewn with signs of celebration and death. The peasantry had one their first great victory in their ad-hoc revolution sprung by the idealistic Voren, who still slept in his bed accompanied by the two women who tended to him the day before. He started to wake slowly, his vision still blurry and his head still throbbing from his wound. He tried to move but found himself almost held down by the young women on either side of him who likewise began to stir. "Good Morning M'lord, I hope you slept pleasantly." The brunette spoke in a soft voice. "I...I guess I did.... What was your name again?" The young lady giggled and reached across the paladin to wake her sister. She woke without speaking a word. They both left the bed and began to dress themselves. Voren couldn't resist watching, despite his best attempts to remain pure of thought and body while he attempted to do the same The Paladin staggered out of the building using a stick to aid his walk. His nose was immediately greeted by the smell of death and drunken slobs. The sight of a battle was completely new to the inexperienced Paladin. Memories of the battle were flooding back in his mind. The first man he killed in his life, to the last one he killed that day. He looked at his shaking hands and feared they wouldn't be the last to die by his hands. His tremors turned to nausia, causing him to double over. He couldn't contain himself any longer as he saw a peasant carting off a wagon of corpses. He vomited into the bloody ground. In Alistar's estate, Dalia was waking, when she did she found herself alone on the mattress. The confused succubus looked around momentarily to look for signs of Aeric. His Armor and weapon remained, so she felt comfortable in knowing that he might still be close by. She forced her aching body up to look for him. She walked slowly along the elaborate hallways dragging her fingertips along the embellished carpentry. She closed her eyes and reminisced about times she'd spend in such lavish places and be treated like a queen; until she devoured the unfortunate noble who resided in. She broke from her daydream. Those days were behind her, and there they would stay. Dalia held no more reservations about maintaining a disguise. She continued down the hallway allowing her true self to be seen. She was curious and wanted to explore the mansion, but the smell of food enticed her more. She figured Aeric wouldn't be far from the food or Faline. Both happened to be in the same direction. The closer she got the stronger the smell became, she could almost make out what was being served. Aeric and Alistar were at a very simple table eating their meals and discussing random adventures or anecdotes. Alistar was telling a tale when his eyes caught the seductive form of Dalia. He stopped mid word and only got out a shocked gasp as Aeric turned to see what startled him. “Put some clothes on!” Aeric placed his face into his hand ashamedly. He was secretly trying to avert his gaze. It was as if she was putting forth the effort to seduce him as she did when they first met, and it was working. He didn't feel it was malicious, but this side of her he wasn't fond of making public. She knew she had captivated the two men, and even the female cook that was seen off in the distance, though she was more frightened then enticed. “You didn't complain last night.” Dalia walked over to Aeric's side and leaned against her adept. She placed a hand over his ear and whispered quietly. “ You didn't complain about a lot of things.”

The Paladin placed his utensil and his drink down forcefully, causing the succubus to jump slightly. It was as if she enjoyed making the same problems for Aeric over and over. There was something 'innocent' in her mind about teasing the grizzled Paladin. Aeric acted quickly and shot a deadly gaze at his demon acolyte. He whispered something back to her that Alistar could only just hear, but not understand. Dalia blushed and bolted off, gaining the attention of everyone as she left. Alistar was still entranced until Aeric 'woke' him up.

“You are a very lucky man, if I do say so myself.” “She's more of a hassle sometimes, pleasant to look at, and incredibly loyal, but she enjoys making trouble for herself.” Aeric took a bite of his breakfast. “Ah, but one could say she is as her teacher allows.” Aeric attempted to ignore the old man. “How long will Faline's recovery take?” “Three days at the most. She should stay resting, but the antidote was administered and she'll make a full recovery.” Pleasant words for Aeric too hear. It almost consumed him losing Selena, losing the last remains of his past, and his memories of her would have an unknown effect on his well being. He finished the last bit of his meal and walked to the room where Faline was resting. It was such a strange sight for him, seeing her so frail and weak. He had know her for the greater half of his life, and never once did he ever see her as the elf she was. She was far to rash and stubborn. Aeric had her to thank for how he was, and developed as a man, and a paladin. He sat next to her bed and caressed her soft cheek brushing away her blonde hair from her face. “You're such a hopeless romantic sometimes.” Dalia jeered playfully. “ I think its adorable to see you when you show emotion.” Aeric stayed silent, ignoring his acolyte. Dalia pulled up a chair and sat beside him placing her hand on his arm followed by her head on his shoulder. He supprised Dalia by placing his hand on hers. He turned to her with open eyes. “Please, can you give us a moment?” Dalia nodded reluctantly and quietly left the room.

Jenis stumbled around the city with a drink in one hand, and woman in the other. The acolyte was a celebrity for being associated with the hero Voren. He was also an inexperienced drunk and didn't know how to keep his mouth shut. He would yammer on incoherently to who ever would listen to. Eventually his drunken shamble had him cross paths with his Adept, who was once again being escorted by his maidens. Voren reprimanded the acolyte for being drunk, and asked him if he knew where the others were. Jenis mistakenly started speaking about Aeric and Dalia taking Faline to Alistar. “You mean another warrior went to deal with the monster Alistar? How blessed we are by your sudden appearance M'lord!” “Well... He isn't going to kill him. Our friend needed his help.” His words confused his beautiful escort. “So about this feast?” He quickly tried to diffuse the situation. As the day dragged on; the denizens of Di gathered in the lower city for a slightly more 'formal' celebration in Voren's name. The Humble paladin kindly tried to refuse many requests to give a speech, but was slowly pushed towards a quickly erected stage, with many near self appointed officials in the rebel ranks. Many people began to cheer as the paladin came to the stand, hurting his head. Eventualy giving into to his fame he too a deep breath while thinking of something to say.

Dalia walked softly toward the study where the old man spent the greater part of his day. She was hoping to find something interesting to read to pass the time. Alistar sat at his elaborate desk with his head buried in a book, lest he be captivated by the demon again. After an uncomfortable silence Alistar took a pause from his reading, and was consumed with curiosity. “So, How did a demon such as yourself decide to become a paladin?” Dalia was somewhat startled by the question. She was completely unprepared for the question and simply let out a confused grunt before she began to think on how to answer. She tried to politely refuse saying "It's a long story."; Those were Alistar's favorite. She mused back several months when she had her life changing moment. "I know I am a bit nosy, but ask anyone here, I just like to know everyone's story." This was a new tradition of his, as he felt learning the stories of the people he knew might somehow undo the silencing of so many others stories. "If you don't wish to tell me then I am fine with that, I have my books." He chuckled.

Dalia's face drifted off. She never had to tell this story before and she wanted to get her memories right. She told Alistar she didn't know where to start, and almost like a mentor he coached her though how to recollect events; adding that it helped him due to his old age.

"For a long time, I used to work for the king of Varvistahd as a sort of assassin. He knew what I was, as well as my sisters. He'd present us with many wealthy people to 'assassinate'" She placed an appropriate emphasis on the last word. "Before his death in battle, he tasked me and my sisters to kill a great warrior in his employ to get out of paying a hefty bill for his service. He wasn't the smartest man, but he had his reasoning." She paused and looked off to the side. "The warrior was distant, he spoke of the great many people he killed. He kept repeating the words that still resonate with me to this day. 'And to think, they will never come back.' Something about it just made me think. I don't know why." "What do you mean?" Alistar was intrigued. "I never looked at it the way he did. I don't expect you to understand my perspective either but I have 'died' many times in my long life, only to resurface. Death for me was temporary, an inconvenience at best. I never figured differently for other beings. It was naive of me to believe, of course. I never considered myself to be evil until that point."

Alistar made note to ask her about the experience of death. He knew his time was running short and had many questions about what fate awaited him. Dalia looked as if she wanted to continue and he had the manners to wait.

"Needless to say, I didn't kill the man, but my sisters held no such reservations. They still felt the same, despite the mans tales. I had to fight them off, I couldn't let them kill. I 'won' but now word has spread through the void of my treason, I guess. Now when I look at all the pain and suffering in the world, and all that I caused, I get sick, and feel I must do something to stop it, somehow." She choked subtly and paused to recollect herself. "I found myself starting to fight for people to prevent others from killing. I never got far, but I was noticed one day, for my 'gallantry'. So I guess to answer your question, I never decided to become a paladin, they decided to adopt me." "And do you believe in the path that you have chosen?" The old mans words were heavy on the demon.

Dalia started to speak. She had gotten the first syllable out when the loud sound of footsteps ended at the doorway. Aeric stood, breathing heavily. His eyes showed the faint hint of panic. Dalia wasn't used to reading Aeric's facial expressions, mainly because she rarely got to see it. She knew something terrible must have happened for the stoic Paladin to show such concern. "Doctor! Follow me NOW!" His words full of rage and worry.

Without a moments hesitation, both of them shot from their seats and hurried towards Aeric. Alistar wasn't as mobile as the impatient paladin hoped. After an agonizing journey to the infirmary, the cries of pain made it obvious what the problem was. Faline was wreathing in pain, tossing and turning under her sheets. She tried to maintain her composure but the pain was less intense if she moved. Aeric gazed a look of pure evil to the old man, who seemed to be unconcerned at the whole issue. Alistar grew closer to the afflicted elf and placed the flat of his hand on her forehead and grabbed her wrist with his fingers. "Now before you strike me, I forgot to mention this because I normally work on humans." Dalia started to move between the two. "You see Elves have a different constitution than we do. It effects us both differently, for humans this treatment is somewhat painless, but for an elf... well you can see."

Dalia conveniently grabbed Aeric's clenched fist attempting to sooth the fire in his heart. "What does this mean!" "She will recover, but the treatment is going to be painful for her. Have you ever spilled alcohol on a wound? Lemon juice? The reason it burns is because its 'cleaning' your wound and burning away damaged tissue so it can heal better. Well this is what is going on in her whole body." Aeric started to calm, even if Alistar's unwillingness to get to the point was growing on the Paladin. "Is there anything we can do to ease her suffering?" Dalia spoke for Aeric. "Rest, water, and more rest. I am sorry but intoxicating her could cause more problems. The pain should subside within ours, or by the morning... I'll stay with her to make sure that nothing else pops up." "I'll stay as well." Aeric demanded, as Dalia started tugging at his arm. "Aeric, I know its tough, but listen to your gut, does this man want to harm her?"

Aeric knew he didn't sense any evil or malicious intentions from Alistar. He worked against his better judgment and decided to leave with Dalia, before he made a rash decision. She lead him to the study, the only area with a couch to lay on. Aeric laid on the couch and Dalia sat on the ground by his feet, instead of trying to hop on him like she wanted. "So tell me a story... about anything." Dalia's transparent attempt to discract Aeric made him smile slightly.

Voren's fame had finally caught up to him, and he learned about his natural showmanship. From his soapbox he preached his moral values, and belifes in right and wrong and how all peoples should do what is right, not what is easy. His words would be misinterpreted and the rabble would grow more impetuous, more willing to besiege the now sealed off upper city.

"All people have a right to free sovereignty. No one should go hungry just so a few can profit!" The crowd cheered. " A Leaders place is to serve his people, so that they may live better lives than the ones they had before." He paused for his praise The Idealistic man continued to preach his gospel till the sun would dip bellow the horizon. By then he started to feel woozy and a cautious official noticed this and cut his speech short, to add on his own take of Voren's speech, as the Paladin was escorted off the stage by his maidens. The rebel leader twisted and turned Vorens words, but he was tired and lightheaded to care. Public speaking seemed to be a new entertainment for the young man. His escorts took him to their house, where they would feast on a banquet prepared by the townsfolk.

The house itself was nothing fancy, albeit a bit larger than the other shacks and old brick buildings of the city, but inside many people were gathered around a large table. Some were the officials from before. Others made their appearance later on. His escorts father addressed himself as the homeowner and a proud patriot of the old kings, as well as how humble he was to have Voren at his table. Voren was seated at the head of the table with his companions on either side of him, and the most important people were placed closer to him. "Such a great pleasure to see the spark of our revolution. A toast to our Champion of Freedom, and defender of justice, Lord Voren of the Sacred Order!" Everyone but Voren thrust their cup into the air as he tried to correct him on the name.

After the toast several servants began to serve them food. Voren found it odd that the people who fought against tyranny would have servants themselves. He though little of it at the moment as his stomach dictated his actions at this point. "I cannot wait to depose the Governor of his unlawful seat of power, it is US, the appointed leaders of this new regime, that should rule." A man spoke " I have been meaning to ask, but who appointed all of you? I don't remember seeing any of you in the battle." Voren was ignored as the other began speaking over him. "I say we besiege the noble districts, we can raid the armories and mount a full assault." Another spoke. "No, enough blood has been spilled, attempt diplomacy." Voren interjected. "I agree! We demand their surrender, upon which they will be granted a painless execution!" The host boasted in his deep voice. " No!" He was drowned out again.

The conversation continued as so for a long time as they began to gorge their faces with decadent meals that Voren knew the peasants weren't eating. He nibbled on his food and tried to excuse himself for not feeling well. He was rebuffed and instead handed more to eat. he chose to sip on soup, a mean he figured the true people were eating that night. "So when will you grant my daughters with a mighty child, noble paladin?" Voren tried to appear indifferent. "We took the honor of doing so last night, father." The brunette spoke with elation. Voren chortled on his soup. Voren Jumped from his seat and bolted out of the man's house. He was acosted only by harsh comments at his manners. The Paladin could no longer take the opulence of the corpulent leaders. He rushed out into the dark streets that still smelled of death. he bent over resting a hand on the side of a building trying to catch his breath. "What have I done?" he whispered to himself. "M'lord?" The soft voice of his apparent lover was painful to him. Voren forced himself up as he tried to escape the woman and her sister. In his flight he saw armed guards at every corner, he peered into many houses and saw people eating little more than bread. What irked him the most, was all the smiles. The people were happy. 'Nothing had changed couldn't they see that?' he thought desperately. He was chased by his lovers and he forced his ill body onward until he finally collapsed, on the spot where he slew the captain. He rolled onto his back, as the women were trying to help him to his feet. Their worried looks did little to comfort Voren. He whispered one sentence to them before he passed out. "What have I done..."

Dalia was sitting on her feet, almost wagging her tail as Aeric was telling her stories of his adventures. She was less interested in the stories themselves, and simply in exuberance that she managed to get Aeric to ramble on for more than a few seconds to her. Granted with a considerable effort on her end. She knew that staying in the mansion wasn't doing any good to Aeric, and it would take a bit of effort to drag him away, but she felt that getting him out and about might help clear his thoughts. Aeric agreed saying that Voren needed to be checked up on. Though Dalia could hear the reluctance in his voice. Aeric would fall asleep on the couch and Dalia would find his legs to be a comfortable pillow as she fell asleep at his feet. Alistar walked into the study and saw the sight. He let out a contended sigh and left. The night was peaceful, but there was a storm brewing. The peasants spoke of an attack in the morning. More death would occur, if nothing was done, the city of Di would be plunged into greater despair. Voren woke at his bed with his faithful supporters at his sides changing his bandage. They were startled to see him wake. Their faces showed soft smiles, as Vorens face resembled that of a Paladin he did not trust. "If you truly feel anything for me, you will have my armor and weapon by my side in the morning." "You wish to lead us in battle?" She smiled. "Yes... lead you on the right path."

The sun crept over the hills and touched the walls that lead to the upper city, where the remaining defenders started to take up defensive positions. The whole city was alive with motion. Peasants armed themselves, ate what could be their last meal, they readied themselves for the coming battle. The mob marched towards the walls with ladders and a ram to break the gates. Voren was standing at the gates facing the approaching army with his sword drawn.