Aeric Dalia/Vol 2 Chapter 6
He quickly looked around the room, and at himself. 'I'm still alive. That's good.' He chuckled in his mind. His worries began to torrent back as they always did. At first he told himself that he made the choice. Then his thoughts turned. 'Could she have clouded my mind?' Aeric was almost apalled at himself for feeling distrusting of her again, but he couldn't shake the feeling. Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled as she fixed her gaze on Aeric. "Good morning." Her voice was still fuzzy.
Aeric did not reply. Dalia didn't take the reaction as unusual. Instead she kissed Aeric and began to stretch. Her large wings extended fully and Aeric was transfixed on the signs of her demonhood. His heart began to race, and Dalia was almost immediatly aware of his change of state. She retracted and rested her head on his chest letting out a relaxed sigh. "Whats wrong,now?" She let out a slightly annoyed huff.
Aeric remained silent still. His face showing he was deep in thought. The succubus knew Aeric's musings would soon lead to some kind of outburst. In an attempt to nip the problem in the bud she positioned herself on top of Aeric proping her self up by resting her hands on his chest. She cocked her head to the side, turning it away slightly, as she batted her eyelashes at the paladin.
"Don't tell me I'm getting you flustered already." her tone was flirtatious. "No. Just a bit concered." Dalia smiled and shook her head at his comment. "Are we going to go through this every time?" She groaned. "You know what they say about feeding strays."
Aeric pressed on Dalia, and she moved off of him. She laid on her side as she watched Aeric dress himself. She never thought she'd be so interested in a man putting on his clothes. She watched him eagerly with a hand propping up her head, and the other resting on her hip. The demon had a half cocked smile on her face the entire time. Before he left the room, Aeric gazed at her beautiful body and gave her a nod.
“How long had it been, since the last time?” His voice calm and deep “About four or so months? Why?” She rolled around in her mind trying to recall accurately. Her eyes following her mind, rolling in her head as she tilted it to look up. “If you are patient and continue to improve, we can make this a regular occurrence.” When the door closed she rolled over and grabbed the pillow, screaming into it joyfully.
The rest of the estate was quiet. Aeric's footsteps accompanied him as he made his way to to the study. He found Voren passed out with a pillow over his face and an arm dangling over the edge. He shook his head as he browsed through the extensive selection of books. There was one that seems a bit odd in the collection of an alchemist. ' Demonology'. He took the book from the shelf, tipping and adjacent book over to save its spot. As he was about to open it he heard the soft voice of his elven companion “Good morning.” “Morning.” He replied curtly as he placed the book back on the shelf. “ Feeling better?”
Voren reached out and rest his forehead into the palm of his hand. He groaned as the world slowly stopped spinning from his prior drunken episode. He waited for his eyes to adjust themselves to identify who was speaking to him, though he knew fully well it as Aeric.
For a split second his mind had difficulty viewing Aeric without his ornate plate. He shook his head and his vision became clear. Voren turned his head away from the older Paladin. “I can't say I am happy to see you first thing in the morning.” The young man curled his lip slightly.
Aeric said nothing in reply and instead began thumbing through the old spines once again. Voren fought to get to his feet. When his weight was pressed onto them he felt a strong sharp pain return to him. He body still aches and his head felt as if it was swelling. He continued to hide his eyes into his hand. “I must ask you something Aeric.” The man stopped and turned to Voren. “ What did you mean by, 'Have faith.'? You aren't a man of the most notable devotion, and even mock the more pious. So what could you of all people mean by that?” His indigent tone hidden under his aches.
Aeric was silent for a moment, taking in a deep but light breath. Any reply would agitate the young and idealistic man. Aeric started to walk from the room. “You think you know the meaning of the word.” “Hey! I want to know, what could you know about faith. You lived your life never believing in the gods.” “I believe. I just know better than to talk to those who wont listen.” “Is that the rationalization you told yourself when you slaughtered all those people?”
Aeric stopped. His fist clenched tightly as he suppressed a rising urge. A fire began to grow in his belly. His jaw tittered for a second as he turned to face the young man. He looked into his red eyes. Aeric wanted to say words that were full of wrath. He wanted to spew venom at Voren. 'He wasn't there, how dare he speak to me like that!' His mind barked.
The seasoned paladin stepped heavily to the rookie. Voren's posture started to fall into a defensive one. He watched Aerics fists that remained at his sides until he was but a pace in front of him. Aerics hand reached out and rested on Vorens forehead. Voren felt a slight warm tickle. Then his aches were gone. Aeric turned and left.
He stood confused for a moment, contemplating what had happened. Confused that the man he just insulted bothered to treat him. He watched Aeric turn the corner towards the kitchen, and remained silent. The paladin simply sat back down on the couch and meditated reflexively.
The anger wouldn't leave Aeric so easily. He sat at the raised counter and rested himself, rubbing his temples with the tips of his fingers. He let out a heavy breath. The images started to flood back to him. Triggered by Voren's hasty words. The bloodshed washed over his mind's eyes. ' You get what you deserve! Murderer!'
“I know that look.” A soft voice past his hands. “Whats troubling you?” Her tone was exasperated almost sarcastically so. “How are the initiates?” “Don't dodge the question. You only rub your temples when you are distressed.” She urged as she took a seat next to him. “Guilt.”
Faline sighed and clasped her hands around one of his drawing it from the troubled man's face and holding it softly in front of him. She looked into his dark brown eyes with her light, shining, and blue faceted gem of eyes. “Urle? Selena?” He din't respond and simply kept staring ahead. Faline sighed with a calm smile on her face. “Talk to me Aeric. I want to help.”
Aeric withdrew his hand from her grasp. The elf turned her eyes slightly and breathed out a heavy sigh. And dropped her hand onto the lacquered counter top. She shook her head and withdrew from the brooding paladin. “Or be like that. Aeric you know I love you.” Her eyes narrowed and she straightened out her fingers.
She tensed her hand. Her fingers began to curl against the muscles, popping as they passed a certain angle. They curled tightly into a fist that hovered just over the shined surface. With a swift thrust it landed into Aeric's side. More show than force. He exhaled a bit of air from his lungs and recoiled from the strike immediately Staring down Faline with stern eyes.
“What was that for?” His voice noticeably elevated in its volume. “I've known you for twenty years now, and sometimes you still act like a child. You are upset. I am your mentor and lover. If not me then who can help you?” Her words harsh and cutting deep. “This is just a passing tiff. I'm merely upset over Voren's words.” “I didn't know the pup could bite so hard.” She spoke smugly. “ Though thank you for reminding me of him. We need to have words.”
Faline kissed Aeric on the cheek and departed for the study. Her white-silken dress flowed with her movements. Suddenly elegant and fluid as she walked barefoot across the hardwood floors. Aeric followed here in a trance more taken in by the sudden change in her posture and attitude. Faline was always a crass, and very aggressive elf. Unusual for her kind. But now she was acting far more elf like, and ironically not at all her self.
The trance ended when violent screaming erupted from the study. There were a few words exchanged and the screaming began again. Faline's voice had returned to its harsh tone. As the shouting continued the sound of feet slamming into the wood grew louder. Voren was being chased through the halls with Faline landing a slap on his back every time she caught up to him.
She continued to scream 'Move! Move! Move!' as they ran. They reached the heavy wooden doors at the main entrance and Voren reached out weathering the striking blows from Faline. The doors flew open and he ran out. The elf stood there watching him. “Twenty around the manor! When you are done get the others and tell them they can come in! Move broken shield!”
She walked away from the door, regaining the lightness in her step she had moments before. As she glided back towards Aeric, she caught a glint of metal in the corner of her eye. Dalia was fully dressed and even in her armor. Faline laughed as she looked at the armored succubus. “Look at this the only one acting like a paladin today is the demon!” “Um... Thanks?” Dalia responded confused. Her pace slightly slowed before continuing.
The elf noticed her demeanor was changed somewhat. It was subtle, she seemed to be in a better mood than usual, there was a slight spring in her step, a sway of her hips as she walked. Faline simply wrote it off as her dealing with everyone's somber mood. The succubus' mood must have seemed doubly pleased by comparison.
Dalia walked towards Aeric who was still sitting at the counter making a small order of breakfast from one of the servants that patrolled the estate. She knew what the demon had in mind as she approached Aeric. Faline made her way towards the man to intervene slightly in Aeric's benefit.
Both of them found a seat on either side of Aeric. He was indifferent to his change in scenery and simply waited for the conversation that would occur around him to happen. For a few moments no one said a word. Dalia sat comfortably slowly leaning towards her adept.
“So when will food be served, I am starving.” The demon spoke playfully “I've been meaning to ask you. Why do you need to eat? I though you got your sustenance in other ways...” Faline raised a brow as she lent forward to gaze at the succubus. “It's really no different for you than it is for me.” She moved to match the elf's gaze. “Otherwise I would have to be very well fed.” She smirked. “Oh I'm sure someone like you wouldn't have trouble being 'fed'”
Aeric rolled his eyes as he let the two of them squabble. They continued to toss innuendos at each other. The laughed and the paladin betwixt them didn't continued to not raise a single word. Several servants arrived and placed silver plates down on a table. The ornate silver tops were removed and a small cloud of steam desperately escaped the metal confines.
There was an array of food. It was simply breads, eggs and slices of ham and steak. A simple yet wonderful breakfast. Aeric wasted no time in grabbing a plate for himself. His alacrity motivated by a desire from a change in company. He filled his plate with an ample amount. The others began taking their share as the man made his way to his seat.
“Ah, awake finally I see. I hope everyone is feeling better.” Alistar greeted his guests with a curt wave. “ Could someone explain to me why I have several men running around my estate?” “The acolytes decided drink was a better alternative to defending people in a chaotic city. Voren is out there because he needs a moment to clear his head... and liver.”
The old man nodded grabbing a plate of food for himself. When their meal was nearly consumed the main doors opened, filing the vacant entryway with the mid morning sun. Their tiered and sweaty bodies trudged into the building. Hale collapsed onto the floor. He was picked up and assisted to the dining area where the rest had gathered.
Faline gestured towards the food as she bit a piece of bread and chewed it exaggerating its taste to the weary men. They fell upon the table clawing at its contents onto their plates and found a seat along the table. They spoke no words. Voren was wise enough to know to wait a moment before cramming his mouth full of food. Jenis and Hale felt their guts cramp and the clutched them in pain.
The day dragged on and the Paladins readied their horses for travel. Alistar granted them provisions for their travels and several servants tended to them and they prepared to depart. Aeric joined them. He attached a book to his side. It had a hard leather cover added to it. It was sealed with a metal clasp and attached to his belt by two chains.
He mounted his horse, joining the rest. They departed form the estate. Aeric looked back at it as it shrank in the distance. “Whats with the book? Don't tell me you found religion!” Faline joked “The old man had a favor to ask me.” He replied “What was it?” “Thats for a later time.” Aeric was quiet. He continued looking forward and spurred his horse.
He made his way to the head of the formation, pointing off into the distance. “We make for Di. Finish what was started.”
Unfortunately I missed out on the events. Can someone tell me what I'm walking into?” The elf asked the group. “The people of Di are reeling from a catastrophe brought on by Alistar. The city governors had to take drastic measures to recuperate. I tried to help the people. They became emboldened and rebelled.” Voren paused looking away. “Their 'leaders' invited me to a lavish banquette at the peoples expense. Seeing they didn't have the peoples interest at heart I... I turned to defend the city.” “Wow. Kiddo, you really cocked that one up.” “Was I any different at that age?” Aeric spoke in defense of the young paladin
Smoke still rose from behind the large stone walls. The guards at the gate wore the uniform of the upper city guards. They recognized Aeric and his companions. They allowed them to pass saluting them as they did. The streets were empty sparing a person or two walking past. Most of the people were gathered in the distance at the town square.
The rebellion was crushed and some semblance of order returned to the battered city. Albeit more guards patrolled the streets. As they drew closer to the gathering they saw a large wooden structure at the apex of the crowd. Gallows with a dozen men and women standing on it. An oficial was standing behind a large parchment as he spoke to the crowd. Professing the traitors crimes and sins against the City of Di.
“Those are the would be leaders of the rebellion.” Voren spat at the ground. “ Would be tyrants more like. Justice is about to be served.” He smiled. Vindication overtaking his senses. “So you would defend one tyrant, but not the other?” Aeric posed the question to Voren. “It's not that simple. These people were lying to those that had nothing, to gain power! At least the former rulers weren't lying.” “So you would watch them die for being human?” Aeric dismounted his horse and pressed his way through the crowd.
Voren looked at the others confused. Dalia dismounted and chased after him. Followed by the rest. Voren finally relented and joined them. A line was clearing as the large armored man made with way through the people impulsively. The people were more than willing to let the imposing man past. And eventually he reached the gallows.
The orator continue to speak faltering in his proud words for a moment as Aeric stepped onto the platform with him. Several guards rushed in to stop the Paladin. His acolyte came to his side. Deterring the guards momentarily. Aeric drew a dagger and cut the rope attached to the prisoner's neck. One by one he removed their nooses. “What is the meaning of this!” The official shouted with anger “What are you waiting for? Seize the traitor!”
The guards pressed froward rushing at Aeric and Dalia. The succubus' eyes flickered yellow for a split second and their weapons relented a second time. The demon held up her hand and the men were pacified. Even Aeric felt a tugging at his heart as Dalia's allure washed over him. He fought through once again. The paladin worried that his 'offering' may have made her too powerful.
The guards pressed froward rushing at Aeric and Dalia. The succubus' eyes flickered yellow for a split second and their weapons relented a second time. The demon held up her hand and the men were pacified. Even Aeric felt a tugging at his heart as Dalia's allure washed over him. He fought through once again. The paladin worried that his 'offering' may have made her too powerful.
As long as the demon was near him he knew they would not attack. Aeric didn't know what to think of her using her abilities. On the one hand she showed great prowess and restraint, but she was still demon. She was still using her charms to hold sway over the hearts of men.
Though Aeric wasted little time taking advantage of his situation. He stepped heavily across the gallows. His footsteps reverberating underneath. The wood creaked slightly under his weight. The orator looked clearly frightened. Aeric was but a step away looking down at the man through the narrow slit in his helmet. The Paladin could see his eyes, but he could not see Aeric's.
“These people are guilty of acting out of conditions that were imposed by your government.” Aeric's voice was loud, meant more to address the citizens than the official. “T-They are leaders of the rebellion. They sought to over throw the city! You yourself fought them the other day P-P-Paladin!” “And these people” Aeric pointed to the faceless masses “Are you to slaughter them too?” “These people need to be made examples. What happens when you try to-” His stammering words were cut short. “All these people did was take advantage of the crimes against them you committed.”
One of the prisoners fell to his knees, clapsed his hands together and thanked the paladin profusely. The others of his group slowly made their way up to the gallows to join Aeric. Faline stayed back and held the rest with her. Dalia stayed firmly by Aeric's side. “Oh thank you kind Paladin Th-” “Silence!” Aeric turned to the pleading man. “ Your crimes will be punished in due time.”
The prisoner's face contorted and his lips curled into a snarl. Voren dropped his hand in front of the man's face. He followed the arm up to see the young Paladin that not long ago we was celebrating. Voren's smile sent a chill down his spine.
“These people steal to eat, they lie to live. They sin and commit crimes because they have no other choice.” “So you would abide their sin's but not our? Is that the case Paladin?” Words resembling his own. Aeric smiled under his helmet. “Their recompense for lawlessness is to rebuild the city. Your recompense for turning the city into a crime den is to rebuild the city.” “Who are you to to ordain this! You presume yourself above our laws and can order us around?”
Aeric lent in close. The tiny man recoiled stepping backward slightly. The paladin took in a short breath. Letting his imposing figure do most of the convincing for him. The official's hand began to shake. His eyes glanced up at the large wall behind them. Archers had lined the parapets. “I don't care. You will do what is right.” The words quieter. “ The people stole from you. Make them work to repair the damages. You withheld them food and water. Feed them while they work. It is simple.”
The man glanced back up at the walls again. Aeric presumed he was flanked. He continued to speak. He wantonly disregarded the implied threat against his health. He stepped away from the official closer to the gathered masses.
“The responsibility to make this a better places falls on all of you. Not just those ruling over you. You cannot sit back and say 'Oh but others will do something'. You are the others to other people. The way the city is now is your doing just as much as theirs. The responsibility falls upon all!”
The official blatantly looked up to the parapets raising his hand. Dalia watch his motions and spotted the archers. Her eyes flickered again. The officials arm slowly fell to his side. She shook her head to the side clicking her tongue flirtatiously. Albeit her facial expression was shielded by her helmet. Still not used to wearing it.
“I am Paladin Aeric of the Sacred Order. If you hear anything hear me now. This city will be rebuild and turned into the paradise it once was. Regardless of class or standing, all with work to its betterment. It is to do whats right. The order will return to this city in six months time. By then this city had better improved. And you.” Aeric turned to the official, now broken from his trance. “ Tell your leaders that if they wish to enjoy their spoils it is in their best interest to make the people happy and efficient. So they can produce more.”
Without another word Aeric marched towards the large executioner with the thick black mask over his head. The paladin gestured for his ax. In reality all the man needed to do was throw a lever, the ax was merely ceremonial up till this point. With the axe firmly in his hands he walked across the gallows with the blade pointing towards the prisoners clearly. He stood before Voren.
“Do you still wish to watch these people die?” The words were quiet and gravely. “I do.” Aeric thrust the ax into the hands of Voren. The young man looked at it as if it was covered in filth. “Watching them die is the same to condemning them yourself.”
The axe shook in his hands for a moment. He took a few pained steps towards the first prisoner. She was an older woman with dirt on her face pleading to the paladin to spare her. He remembered her at the table. The axe rose over Vorens head. He faltered. The axe lowered to his side. He regained his composure and tried a second time. The look in her eyes of sheer terror caused him to fail again. He dropped the axe. “I-I can't...” He turned form her looking down at Aeric's feet in shame. “Then how can you justify others to do so?”
The official darted over to Aeric, he was breathing heavily with clenched fists. His face was red form the indigity he has faced from the armored man. He raised a finger and spoke, spitting out a few strands of spittle. “How dare you. You fight for us. Then you tell us how we are in error. Whose side are you on Paladin? Who do you truly serve?” Aeric turned to face him. “Who ever needs me.” Aeric looked at the prisoners. “ These people are not to be executed. When I return in six months, if any of them are dead. Be sure I will find you.”
The official fell silent. Aeric turned to leave. Dalia fell in by his side. The demon felt a strong sense of pride to be the acolyte of Aeric for some odd reason. In his hands she felt almost assured that she would not let her fall back into her old habits. That Aeric would protect her event from herself. They weaved through the silent crowd. Some people knelt before Aeric others mimed symbols of their god, offering thanks. Some looked away.
They began to mount their horses Faline looked towards the man of the hour. She patted him on the pauldron, smiling. “Beautiful words. Did you believe any of them?” Her tone was playful, and glad. “It doesn't mater. All that does is if they do.”
They left the city in silence. The people and city growing smaller and smaller as the distance increased. Aeric never looked back. His work was done, for now.