The gryphon landed outside the temple. Silrae jumped off first and helped me down. People gasped at the sight of him helping me down. It did not seem as bizarre as last night, now that I knew he was. The Duke of this city helping the “Priestess” down off a Desert Gryphon. I wondered if they had some sort of paper that they released to the public every week. Maybe Silrae would get more attention because of it. Would that interfere with his work though?
“I see you have brought the Priestess back to the temple, Halfling,” a familiar grumpy voice said.
“Of course, Djorn. She wanted to come here to check up on her friends. From there, she can make her decision to stay here, or she and her friends can come back with me.” Silrae’s words were sharp and focused, like arrows hitting the target.
“And you will teach her her responsibilities?” Djorn stood in front of the antlered duke with his arms crossed. Lightning bolts seemed to come from their eyes as they stared at each other. I looked to Xar, seeing that the bird was preening his feathers. My hand brushed against Xar’s feathers.
“I will be back,” I signed to the gryphon, unsure of whether he could understand me or not. The temple felt like it was trapping me within its walls. It did not have the freeing feeling of the rest of Kharisa. For that, I was disappointed. As I walked through the obsidian halls, I could hear people pray. They prayed for good fortune, good health for their friends and family, and safety for those who explore the desert. It was quite pleasant to hear many people looking out for others. This did not make the temple so different from the monastery I was raised in for most of my life.
“Dear Goddess, please guide your priestess to you. May she find truth in your words, shelter in your arms, and love where she is. I can see she is a strong woman, yet underneath her strength is someone who endured a lot. While she has no faith in you, Goddess, please welcome her. In you, I trust,” a soft feminine voice said. Something about the prayer struck me. Was I really that obvious? Maybe I have gone soft. Best to avoid…
“ASARA!!!” an annoying voice shouted, yet I was relieved to hear Wren. She ran up to me with her arms outreached, embracing me as soon as she got close. How annoying. However, a part of me could feel the shaking ‘human.’ Perhaps, she needed this. Don’t know why she doesn’t hug Zershoon though. I pushed her off of me, deciding she had enough physical contact with me. A whimper came from her.
“Well… uhh… how are you?” she asked while signing the words. Her hand motions were stiff and awful. It felt like reading a monotone novel.
“Fine,” I signed, blunt with my words but smooth with the motions. It seems my words caused her to think.
“If you say so.” She paused and then turned around. Her head faced towards me and she spoke, “Zershoon is down this way. He’d like to talk to you.” And just like that, she bounded down the hall, and it seemed I had no choice but to accept that this is what must be done. I looked back to the room that had the woman praying for me. I am not who you think I am, Miss. It is best that you don’t waste your precious words praying for me. With that in mind, I followed Wren. Her ruffled white skirt flowed behind her as she dashed through the halls. The white heeled shoes clicked rapidly against the floor. I hated to admit it, but she looked nice in her new outfit. The asymmetrical look did her wonders. The right arm had a puff sleeve, just below the shoulder, with a leather glove. The black shirt of the dress was sleeveless and only held up by the straps that led to an intricate green and gold piece of fabric that covered her neck. On the other arm, was a brown leather forearm guard, with skin tight black fabric above it. On the belt of the skirt was a small pack on her left side, while the right side had a large butterfly pin holding up a part of the skirt. Most of her leg was covered with a black stocking. She seemed comfortable in the outfit, compared to the one she trekked through the desert. The dress she wore now fit her.
The sound of a guitar started to echo down the hallway. The closer we got, the louder it sounded. It was easy to distinguish who was playing the guitar. Wren stopped in front of an open door and peered into the room, with me following suit. Zershoon sat in the centre of the room filled with kids. They clapped along to the song he was playing. Some were in time with the beat, others were not. Regardless, they made the music he played more beautiful. A large grin covered his face. No wonder this is the reward of the harsh desert. Ever since Wren and Zershoon got here, they’ve experienced nothing but joy. A gnawing feeling grew in my stomach. I was happy for Zershoon. It seems he finally found his place. Would this mean our travels are coming to an end? And there it was, my real worry. The loss of a companion. Regardless, it was not my decision to make.
I leaned onto the door frame, tapping my foot against the floor. The plucking of the strings soon came to an end, and I had to admit I was disappointed that I did not hear more of it.
“You were amazing!” a young purple tiefling said. The little child was filled with wonder as they looked up to Zershoon. It was a sight to behold. The other seven children nodded in agreement. They all surrounded him and brought him into a hug. After a few seconds, they released him and ran out of the room. The purple tiefling who asked the question stopped in front of me.
“Hello, Priestess! I’m Kjar! I hope you enjoy your time here in Kharisa! I was at the party yesterday! You dance beautifully!” It seemed his excitement never ended. It was refreshing to see.
“She danced?” Wren inquired.
“Yes! With the Duke no less! And then Momma said she saw them leave together towards his house!” Now the kid was annoying. He was getting on my nerves with all the information he was sharing. Zershoon came up to the door and leaned on the opposite side.
“The Duke?” Wren’s questions never seemed to end.
“What is this about a Duke?” Zershoon signed.
“That would be me,” the smooth tone of Silrae’s voice called. I turned to face him, surprised to see Erisa holding onto his arm. She placed more pressure on her left side when walking. How come I didn’t see this yesterday? Djorn followed behind her with his brows furrowed. There was an aura of anger surrounding him. I did not know how Silrae managed to live this long when Djorn seemed to have something out for him. Maybe it was because Djorn recognised that killing Silrae would achieve nothing.
“Hello, Priestess- no, it's Asara. Hello, Asara,” Erisa greeted. “Hello, Lady Wren and Zershoon.”
Lady? Why is she referring to Wren as a lady? She’s just some country bumpkin.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Wren and Zershoon.” Silrae grabbed Wren’s hand and brushed his lips against them, before doing the same to Zershoon. A giggle arose from the blonde. “Lady Asara mentioned you at breakfast today. She wanted to come right away, but I had her finish her meal first.” He signed his words as he spoke. If it was anyone else doing this, I would be offended.
“She eats other things besides dried venison?” Wren joked.
“Thank you for having her eat actual food,” Zershoon signed.
“I am not a child. I can choose what to eat.” A sense of safety came from being surrounded by Silrae, Wren, and Zershoon. Around them, I was free to laugh and enjoy myself.
“You definitely are not a child,” Silrae said with a hint of lovesickness. The sparkle he had in his eye last night when he proposed was still there. It was flattering, but I did not know how to respond to him.
“It is wonderful that you are all in a cheery mood. I would not ask for it any other way.” Erisa’s voice interrupted the moment of safety.
“Apologies for ignoring you, Lady Erisa,” Wren said as she placed her left hand on her chest and dipped into a bow. What’s the difference between me being a “priestess” and Erisa being a priestess?
“Oh, no need to bow, Lady Wren. I would just like to talk to Priestess Asara for a moment,” Erisa said.
I rolled my eyes in response, not happy with how things have turned out since we were forced to enter Kharisa. Well, it seems I was the only one forced. Wren is already friends with the damn tiefling that wants me to be something I am not. Zershoon is busy entertaining people. Djorn took a step forward.
“You will go with Erisa,” he commanded. He reminded me of a small dog with how he acted, more bark than bite. It was a pitiful state for such a person of importance.
“I will make my own decisions,” I signed. “Whatever you would like to say to me, Erisa, can be said right here.” I crossed my arms. Djorn grumbled some words under his breath. A feeling of pleasantness washed over me at his response.
“Very well.” Erisa took a deep breath in. “I am very sorry for the overwhelming nature of yesterday.” She went down to her knees and grabbed my black boots with her hands. Her head was against the floor. She shocked me with her actions. I thought she would be like her son and force her way on me.
“You can choose when she rises. You do not have to forgive her right away, but you should listen to her.” Silrae stepped beside me. He was filled with a strange sense of wisdom.
I crouched down beside Erisa, motioning for her to raise her head. “I’ll listen to what you have to say about me being the Priestess, but nothing about my birth parents.” Never anything about parents. A smile made its way across her face.
“Thank you. I will be happy to tell you whatever you need to know.” She turned to Wren and Zershoon. They nodded and went off into the hall that I was walking down earlier. A sense of dread washed over me as Djorn followed them.
“Why did you have them leave, but Silrae stay?” I asked.
“Silrae is needed here. He has more information about your abilities than I.”
I nodded, sceptical about how much they actually knew. If I had any abilities, I would have known about it by now. An exasperated sigh escaped my lips, and I leaned more against the wall, assuming the stance of someone who is bored. A chuckle arose from Silrae. His laugh, since I met him, always made me smile.
“You are the Priestess to the Goddess of Death. She herself created you and all the other tieflings in the world,” Erisa said. I scoffed at that, causing the pink tiefling to glare at me before she continued. “Your duties involve protecting this final city from the war that is sure to come.”
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“War? I did not sign up for war. I am an adventurer, not a soldier.” This situation was beginning to piss me off. I would not join a war that will not happen.
Silrae made his way next to me and looked me in the eyes. “It might not make sense now, but you will bond with a dragon, whether you want to or not. Your magic will unlock itself. And once that happens, there is nothing stopping anyone from the wrath that you will face from the Goddess of Jealousy.” His voice was no longer joyous. Instead it was filled with seriousness– with fear.
“What does this have to do with me though? Why am I the Priestess to some Goddess who never showed me love?” My words struck a chord in Erisa, as my hatred for the Gods finally showed through.
“Because she designed you to truly be in her image. Black skin, starry eyes, soft features, and so on.” Erisa sounded tired from talking with me. I huffed and walked past Silrae and her, heading towards the stairs. There was no point in listening to them anymore.
The wood door shut behind me. I could hear the door creak open behind me again and someone started to walk up the stairs behind me. I chose not to look behind me to see who it was as I had no cares in the world anymore. The further I climbed up the steps, the more my legs wanted to rest. It felt like this spiral staircase would never come to an end. A quick glance out the windows made me feel nauseated. It seems my near death experience today was catching up to me. A part of me was still mad that Silrae did not let me fall to my death. It would have been one way to go. Again, I sighed. One moment I was free, and then the next I was trapped.
And in a moment, I was outside, the breeze hitting my face. I relished the moment of peace I had. Away from the sounds of people chattering to me, praying for me, talking about me. Everything was peaceful up here.
"It is a nice day out, is it not, Lady Asara?" His voice broke the moment of freedom I had. “Let me show you around?”
“Very well,” I signed.
The thoroughfares of Kharisa teemed with a bustling throng, a lively tapestry of movement and colour. Overhead, performers showcased their circus prowess, captivating gazes as they swallowed flames while nimbly traversing tightropes. Balconies hosted a medley of musicians, each serenading the air with a variety of flute melodies. Amidst the lively symphony, raucous inebriated disputes reverberated within the winding alleys. Every sound contributed to the kaleidoscope of disorderly harmony that defined the spirit of the Free City. An odd juxtaposition existed as even in the heart of midday, the city pulsed with vitality—a curious essence that embraced the city's denizens as its own. For those less inclined toward early hours, the night held a plethora of pursuits, forming a reciprocal rhythm where day and night entwined seamlessly.
Beside me, Silrae hummed the tune I was humming earlier. It was a welcome sound, hearing my mother’s song being shared to and by others. I knew she would not want it any other way. I could see her smiling at me. While she never had the chance to become famous, she certainly will never not be heard by others. I think that someday, her songs will be spread across the continent. Mothers that are as kind and loving as her will sing her song to their children. I smiled at the idea.
"I'm pleased to witness your happiness restored. It's a comfort," Silrae remarked.
"I was never feeling despondent to begin with," I conveyed through sign language, my hands weaving the message. Despite my denial, he discerned the truth from my expression. A wave of relief cascaded over me as he chose not to probe further. "Where might this tavern be that you mentioned earlier? A drink, I believe, would offer some respite."
"Respite from what?" he inquired.
"The weight of stress," I responded.
"That isn't a particularly valid reason to partake in drinking," his tone carried a tinge of sadness at my reply, prompting my curiosity about his emotions.
"What, then, qualifies as a suitable motive for imbibing?" I prodded.
"Marking the joy of a newfound friend," came his response.
I nodded. There was not much to say in response to that. Maybe he was right, but I would rather drink to keep everything at bay.
"One drink then. You have to try the food. Best food ever!" His excitement was contagious, as I found myself looking forward to the food.
Trailing behind Silrae, nuances about him emerged. Amid the streets of Kharisa, he appeared more at ease than within the confines of the temple. His gait was marked by a certain unevenness, with a noticeable shift in pressure towards his left side. Regular pauses punctuated his progress, as he exchanged greetings with the scarce children venturing outdoors. An innate paternal quality radiated from him, hinting at a potential future as a splendid father.
"Nearly there, just a few more turns," he announced. His emerald eyes danced with a fervour beyond restraint.
"Easy now, your enthusiasm is infectious," I quipped.
"I'm simply delighted that you're about to experience my most cherished corner of Kharisa." With a couple of light-hearted steps, the duke executed an impromptu spin. "Behold, The Green Goblin!" His arms swept upwards, drawing attention to the wooden sign suspended above him. A soft chuckle escaped my lips, the mirth involuntary.
He held open the door, a silent invitation into the establishment.
Burly, bare-chested men encircled the bar, their brawn on full display as they flexed muscles and initiated boisterous arm wrestling bouts. Adjacent to me, a tabaxi woman adorned in loose trousers elegantly highlighted her contours. Her rather scant shirt served only to conceal her cleavage. Balancing a pipe between her fingers, she inhaled, exhaling a cascade of smoke that coalesced into the form of a soaring dragon. This smoky creation meandered through the tavern before dissipating upon its return to her.
"SILRAE!" A shrill voice pierced the air, capturing my attention. Scanning the scene, I spied a gnome perched atop the hulking men. With hair elegantly braided, she descended gracefully. "Well now, ain't that a fine lady you've brought to witness your dice-losing escapades."
Silrae clasped my hand, a gesture of reassurance. "In truth, she's my lucky talisman."
"HAH!" The gnome bounded off the men and sauntered toward Silrae. "Madame, ever tried your hand at dice?"
I shook my head in reply.
"Ah, well, now you will. Silrae can't win if his lucky charm is playing." She smirked at the laughing duke. "Nice to meet you, Blackie. I'm Rosali."
Blackie? Well, it will do.
“Her name is Asara.” Silrae stepped in front of me. “And she will only play dice if she wants to. You can’t just force someone to play a game.”
“Wow, so defensive. Blackie must be some person for you to step in like that.” It was amusing to see the three foot person push Silrae out of the way. “Do you mind if I call you Blackie?” I shook my head no. “Would you like to play Dice and beat Silrae at it?” I laughed and nodded. It sounded like a good game to play. “There, glad that’s settled.” Rosali turned on her heels and clapped at the people sitting at the bar. They separated themselves evenly to the left and right. I sat to the right of Rosali, who was now standing on the bar.
“Rules are simple. Get as many ones as possible,” Silrae informed me. “We each roll a die to see who goes first, though. Highest number goes first.”
Rosali handed me one of the beaten up wood dice. She rolled it, landing a three. Silrae shook his die and received a two in response.
“Up to you now, girlie.” Rosali smirked and watched me intently.
I shook the die in my hand for a few shakes and let it go. It landed on a six.
“Bah, beginner’s luck.” Rosali handed me the five dice with a cup. “Place the dice in the cup and roll, Lucky Blackie.”
The dice clattered around in the cup. They spilled onto the table.
“Damn, are you sure you haven’t played before?” Silrae gawked at the sight of the three ones.
I nodded. My cheeks hurt from how long I have been smiling for. The duke took the dice and rolled them. He threw his hands up in disappointment at the nothing that laid before him.
“I thought she was your lucky charm,” the barkeep said, winking at me. I was not sure what I did to garner such a wink.
“She is my lucky charm. More lucky than your horseshoes on the wall.” Silrae passed the dice to Rosali and watched her roll them. A tie occurred between her and I. “See, I don’t need to win. I just need you to lose.” Rosali and Silrae broke into a laughter. It was nice to see. I did not think it was possible for a gnome and tiefling to be this close to each other. The last gnome I met had tried to kill me in my sleep. Their friendship was a beautiful thing to witness. “Well, I’ll bring it back. Just between you and I, darling.”
I nodded and watched as she shook the dice. She hit the wood cup against the bar a few times before dumping the dice on to the table.
“Well this should be an easy win for you.” She passed me the dice that gave her nothing. She was right. It was an easy win. I rolled three ones and a six. “Now I get the chance to beat your boyfriend.”
“We aren’t dating,” Silrae said as I signed. We looked at each other and smiled.
“Sure.” Rosali’s eyebrows raised in suspicion. She poured the dice out onto the wood before separating the ones that were there. She scooped the three remaining dice and rolled again. “Very well, forty six in two.” Silrae picked the dice up and smirked as he put them in the cup. They clattered against the table.
“See! She is my lucky charm.” Silrae’s right arm wrapped around me, bringing me close to him.
“For now.” She didn’t seem pleased with her half loss as she rolled the dice onto the bar again. “Fuck,” she whispered. Five ones laid before her. Silrae bit his lips to contain his laughter. She delivered shots to everyone at the bar, not bothering with asking what they wanted. “EVERYONE’S IS ON ME TONIGHT!” She shouted. Everyone cheered. It was a sight to behold a bartender having such a good relationship with all her clients. “Oh, wait, before we drink, what would you like?” The question was directed to me.
“Something sour,” I signed. Rosali turned to Silrae for translation.
“Something sweet,” he lied. He looked at me. “The sour stuff here isn’t very good,” he gestured to me. I nodded sceptically, unsure of whether to believe him or not. A shot glass was handed to me and Silrae.
“Let's get wasted tonight!” Rosali bellowed. For such a small body, she had a loud voice.
Silrae clinked his shot against mine before downing it. He grimaced. “I don’t know why I did that shot. It's absolutely disgusting.” His eyes met mine as I took mine. I had to admit the strawberry taste of the liquor was nice. It reminded me of home and father. Father liked eating strawberries a lot.
“Hey, are you okay?” Silrae asked.
“Yeah.” I don’t know why tears were coming from my eyes. Nothing was wrong or upsetting.
“You sure?” He looked at me.
“Yeah.” I stood up and headed towards the entrance of the bar. A hand clasped around my wrist and pulled me back. Arms held me close. Warmth enveloped me. It felt safe and nice. I couldn’t shake the feeling that this would all fall to pieces soon.
“It’s fine if you’re not. I’m here to listen to you.”
“Can we go?” I struggled to sign the words. The release from his grip told me that we could leave. His hand grasped mine. He pulled me through the crowd of people. With my free hand, I wiped the remnants of my tears. An even larger crowd was outside of the building.
“Don’t let go!” He turned to look at me. His green eyes were warm and full of love. I don’t know what he saw in me that he could hold so much love when he looked at me. Inside, I was just grateful to have a friend like him by my side. A friend? When did I consider him that? Doesn’t matter. I held onto his hand tighter. “Do you mind teleportation? It's taking too long to get where I want to go.”
I shook my head in negation. In an instant, we found ourselves within the expanse of the room he had graciously provided the previous night. "Why have we come here?" I queried.
"This space offers tranquillity and security. Here, you can shed your tears in solitude," he explained as he traversed the room before settling upon the bed. "This room serves as my refuge from the world's demands. It boasts the finest vista of the night sky, and its silence is unmatched. It grants a sense of liberation." With his legs still bent over the edge, he stretched out on the bed. His gaze found mine. "Have you ever pondered how life could diverge if a solitary event had never transpired?"
"Yes," I admitted after a moment's reflection. "Continuously. I would still dwell with my mother and father if I hadn't ventured beyond our abode. The humans would not have cut them down, nor pursued me." Reclining on the bed, I positioned myself next to Silrae, our heads sharing a pillow. "Their cries echo in my mind. Their voices beckon me to flee." My eyes traced the patterns etched into the curtain above. Silrae shifted, aligning himself beside me, his focus solely on me.
"Human hands took my parents too. I blame myself incessantly. If I had reached them a breath sooner, they might yet live," Silrae admitted, a hint of a sob escaping him. He veiled his face with his arms. "Forgive me."
"I, too, extend my remorse," I responded, fatigue lacing my voice. "I wonder why the Goddess chose to take the parents who welcomed me. They were the sole humans I ever held dear, and they were snatched away." Shifting onto my side, I turned to face Silrae. "Do you hold the Goddess of Death accountable?"
"Persistently. I accuse her of robbing me of precious moments," Silrae confessed, his fingers gently sweeping aside strands of my hair. "Did you know your eyes harbour stars within them? A theory suggests stars are the souls of those departed. Your eyes possess fragments of your parents' souls." His brow grazed mine.
"Thank you," I expressed, relishing the warmth of his touch.
"Would my absence be preferable?" he inquired.
"I would welcome your company…" I trailed off, the weariness tugging me into slumber.