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In the center stage of the courthouse main hall, Victor, stood once more for the third time before the captivated villagers, now he is ready to regale them with the haunting tale of the harpy origin. As he began his narration, he donned different voices and exaggerated gestures, bringing the story to life in a play-like fashion.
"With a flick of the curtain and a swirl of mist, let us transport ourselves to the time of long ago," Victor declared, his voice filled with intrigue. "In a village not so different from our own, there lived a maiden whose heart yearned for her lover, a man torn away by the cruel tides of war."
The villagers leaned in closer, captivated by Victor's captivating storytelling prowess. He continued, his voice carrying a hint of sorrow. "In her desperation, the maiden embarked on a perilous journey to seek out the powerful witch who held the key to their reunion. Little did she know the true nature of the witch's magic."
As Victor spoke, he mimed the maiden's pleading gestures and the witch's cunning demeanor. "The witch, with her eyes shimmering with secrets, offered the maiden a potion, promising her the gift of wings to reach her beloved. Without hesitation, the maiden drank the elixir, unaware of the consequences."
The stage shifted, revealing the maiden awakening to her new form, her arms transformed into magnificent wings, and her feet reshaped into talons. The villagers gasped in awe and sympathy, their eyes fixed on Victor's every movement.
"Betrayed and deceived, the maiden returned to the witch's dwelling, seeking answers and justice," Victor narrated, his voice tinged with the maiden's despair. "But the witch, ever sly and cunning, reminded her that the bargain had been fulfilled, as she had failed to specify where the wings should grow."
The villagers murmured amongst themselves, empathizing with the maiden's plight. Victor's voice grew more intense as he delved into the tale's climax. "Filled with a mixture of heartbreak and rage, the maiden set out to find her beloved, hoping for a tender reunion. Yet, her monstrous appearance shattered his love, and in a cruel twist of fate, he turned her away."
Dramatically, Victor acted out the maiden's rage, her transformation into a vengeful creature, and her chilling vow of revenge. "From that moment on, she became a creature of darkness, preying upon unsuspecting men, luring them with her cursed beauty, only to extinguish their lives with ruthless vengeance."
As the story reached its conclusion, Victor's voice softened, carrying a note of caution. "Let this tale serve as a reminder, my dear friends, of the dangers that lie in pursuing our deepest desires without fully understanding the consequences. It is a story of tragedy, of love lost and souls forever cursed."
With a flourish, Victor concluded the tale, bowing to the mesmerized audience.
"Good night everyone."
Applause filled the air as the villagers expressed their appreciation for the vivid and haunting retelling of the maiden's story. The cautionary tale lingered in their minds, reminding them to tread carefully when tempted by the dark forces that dwell within the realms of desire and longing.
Marcus and Oliver waited for Victor by the double door in the main hall entrance.
Aden turned to Gilbert and said, "I've never heard that story before."
"Yeah, me too," Gilbert responded with a chuckle. "I'm sure he made that up as he went along."
an actor who didn't just improvise but also made a captivating story on the spot. Despite his initial misgivings of Wessen world, Aden found himself surprisingly captivated by it. It started to grow on him.
⁕⁕⁕
As Aden and Gilbert watched the storyteller's closing performance with rapt attention, a gentle voice called out from behind them, breaking the spell cast by the words.
"H-Hello, Ser."
They turned to find a timid young lady, her gaze averted shyly as she addressed Aden. Her oval face flushed an adorable shade of pink, the candlelight dancing across her ivory skin and round eyes.
Aden's lips curved into a warm smile, trying to catch her eye. "Oh, hi there," he said kindly.
The lady glanced up at him for the briefest moment before quickly looking away again, the blush deepening across her cute nose and nude lips. She was clearly overwhelmed by his presence.
"I, uh..." She twisted her hands together nervously. "I wanted to come and express my gratitude for your assistance in rescuing me today." Finally meeting his gaze, she extended a hand. "I'm Laura."
Eugene stepped forward with a friendly wave. "I'm Eugene. A pleasure to meet you."
Aden took her hand, giving it a gentle shake. "I'm Aden, and this is my companion, Gilbert. Are you two alright? You seem well but after such an ordeal..."
Laura shook her head, a few strands of her chestnut hair swaying with the motion. "No, no, we're quite fine, thanks to you. Thank you, truly, for your help."
Gilbert inclined his head. "We're glad we could be of service."
"So, how are you holding up?" Aden asked, his brow furrowing with concern.
A soft sigh escaped Laura's lips. "It could have been better, but we are grateful nonetheless. We would be happy to help in any way we can - baking bread, assisting in the community kitchen, anything."
"That's wonderful," Gilbert said with an approving nod. "We need all the help we can get."
Aden smiled warmly. "The more hands, the merrier. We'd be delighted to have you join us."
Just then, a thunderous applause filled the main hall as Victor, the storyteller, closed his final performance for the night. Martin moved among the crowd, checking the reinforced windows and ensuring the candles were burning safely.
⁕⁕⁕
After Victor closed his last performance, Aden was looking for a quiet spot to take some fresh chilled air on the rooftop of the courthouse where he stood in awe, his gaze fixed upon the western horizon.
Beyond the majestic mountain range and the ethereal mist, he could see the seaport and the enigmatic Veil that hovered over the distant never-ending ocean. It was a sight that took his breath away.
This was the first time Aden had laid eyes upon the Veil. Living in the eastern peninsula of the Median subcontinent, he had never ventured to the western part of the subcontinent. Even if one ventured to the westernmost part of Median, they wouldn't be able to see the Veil that people are talking about.
The Veil, a mysterious darkness that seemed to dance upon the surface of the ocean, billowed and layered like an otherworldly aurora. It held an air of both beauty and trepidation.
Legends and tales surrounded the Veil, shrouding it in an aura of mystery. Many believed that once someone entered the Veil, they would be lost forever, unable to even see their own hand in front of their face. The stories spoke of those who had ventured into the Veil, never to return.
What lay beyond the Veil was a subject of speculation and wonder. Countless stories and myths had been woven around its existence, each with its own interpretation. However, the most prevalent tale could be found in The News, the holy book of Lua. According to this sacred text, it was believed that humanity itself had emerged from the depths of the Veil, arriving in massive arks that carried Men and the seeds of life.
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Aden pondered these stories as he stood on the rooftop with the wind gently tousling his hair.
Caution tugged at his thoughts. The Veil was not to be taken lightly. It held an air of danger, a sense of the unknown that could swallow the unwary. The tales of those lost within its depths served as a stark reminder of the risks involved.
Prophet Ruhim already said foretold about the Veil, as one of the instruments of the new age.
when the Veil covered the land of Men, and the lifeless flood breached out of the Dam, no light from heaven shall save humanity.
The Usher shall bring the spirit of Aione's light from the earth, cleanse the land from the lifeless flood, and cast out the Veil, push it away to the furthest part of the realm. Every worshipper of Lua taught this prophecy from an early age.
"Magnificent, isn't it?" A voice suddenly broke the silence, causing Aden to start.
He turned to find Father Edgar standing nearby, a serene expression on the older man's weathered face. "Father Edgar? I didn't know you were there."
The village leader chuckled softly. "It's alright, Aden. You can call me Edd." He walked closer, leaning forward conspiratorially. "The Veil was there since I was born and grew up on the West Coast."
Aden furrowed his brow. "Does it always look like that?"
"No, it was farther away than I remember." Father Edgar shook his head, a somber look in his eyes. "The Veil used to creep in and out, but back then we sometimes couldn't even see it as it pushed way back into the horizon."
A chill ran down Aden's spine. "But now it's getting closer."
"Aye," Father Edgar confirmed with a grave nod. "When pushed back, it sometimes revealed a series of unknown islands." He leaned against the balisters, gaze fixed on the ominous Veil. "I was a sailor before I took the staff."
Aden listened attentively, sensing the weight of the village chief's words.
"We used to have our secret island. We called it the Tip Island, as it was the closest to the Veil." A wistful smile played across Father Edgar's lips at the memory.
"Did you try to get into the Veil?" Aden asked, curiosity piqued.
Father Edgar barked out a laugh. "Well, yes, of course. Any stupid young blood sailor with no sense would do that in a heartbeat."
Aden chuckled, imagining the reckless adventures of youth.
"We tied two boats together," Father Edgar continued. "One boat went inside the Veil while the others waited outside."
"What did you find in there?" Aden leaned closer, entranced.
The mirth faded from The Father's expression, replaced by a haunted look. "Nothing. We couldn't even see our own limbs when we got inside."
A shiver crawled up Aden's back. "It was all pitch black? An abyss of darkness?"
"Aye." Father Edgar's voice was grim. "But now the Veil has swallowed our secret island."
He paused, turning to face Aden fully. "After some time, I started to hear voices. Echoing through my head."
Aden's eyes widened. "Voices?"
"Aye, coming from the Veil itself," Father Edgar sighed heavily. "One of my reasons for settling in this village was to watch over the Veil."
The weight of that responsibility seemed to bear down on the aging man's shoulders. "Lately, the Veil has been closing in at an alarming rate, faster than ever before. At this point, we could expect it to reach Crate Island in three or four years. And if it keeps up its current pace..." He trailed off, the implication clear.
"It will reach this village soon," Aden finished grimly.
Father Edgar let out a bark of mirthless laughter. "Bless of Aione, what am I talking about?" His weathered face crinkled with wisdom. "One problem at a time. Now we have to deal with the harpies first."
There was a resigned sadness in his eyes. "We can't do anything about the Veil but evacuate the people for good, anyway."
"Only the light of Aione could cast it away," Aden said, the words slipping from his lips like a prophecy.
Father Edgar arched an inquisitive brow. "You sound pretty sure about that."
"It's Prophet Ruhim's prophecy," Aden explained solemnly.
"Ah, a fellow man of God," Father Edd seemed surprised when Aden talked about religion, "Never thought someone like you would be one with faith."
Aden gazed into the pale moon. "Well, on the battlefield the only differ us—the living— from the dead, is faith."
"Those who died in the way of God shall live forever." Aden quoted a verse for the News, ruhimi's holy book believed to be dictated from Lua Himself.
"Tell me more about it," Father Edd curiously asked, "about the prophecy."
"Basically everything plunges into chaos, things messed up in the realm and the Veil closing in from the sea with humanity in the middle of them. the living dead and the dead living. The light will sweep away all that is left. Men would gather for their dear life in their own cities and fortress to stand against them." Aden explained more simply.
"Ah yes, now I remember. I only heard a glimpse of it when I was young."
"I assume this one has a happy ending, is it not?"
"Yes, The Usher would bring the light of Aione, stop the flood, and eventually cast out the Veil," said Aden as dimmed flashes of light repeatedly filled the corner of his eye.
Aden turned his head to the right, his gaze drawn to the distant flickering lights in the dark sky. Thick black clouds churned ominously at the northern part of the mountain range, backlit by frequent flashes of lightning. A storm raged in the distance, its destructive beauty illuminated by night.
"Aye, the storm. That's the very reason why the harpies are attacking our village," Father Edd said, following Aden's line of sight. He recalled the discussion from the war room council. "Their migration path is blocked. They can't fly through that maelstrom."
A rumble of thunder punctuated his words as if emphasizing the ferocity of the tempest.
"And they don't want to cross into the wyvern territory of the Silent Forest," Father Edgar continued grimly. "They had to circle around, which brought them directly into our village's path."
Aden nodded in understanding, the pieces clicking into place. "They might sack the village as well while they prepare for their migration."
"Aye." Father Edgar sighed heavily. "They usually stop at the Peregrine Islands or Emer Thalassia, that maritime kingdom, to rest and prepare before continuing their journey."
Another brilliant flash illuminated the old sailor's weathered features. "Anyway, thanks for saving my granddaughter."
Aden furrowed his brow in confusion. "Your granddaughter? The timid wife?" He recalled rescuing the lovely Laura from beneath the rubble.
Father Edd offered a warm smile, pride shining in his eyes. "Aye, that's my Laura. A gentle soul, bless her heart."
"She is adorable." Aden complimented Father Edd's granddaughter. "With all of this..chaos, yet she still manages to give a smile to everyone."
"Just like Ruhim said, a smile is the easiest way to please God." Father Edgar quoted one of the Ruhim's words.
Aden smiled as he never expected a Wessen man like him to be knowledgeable about his faith and his prophets.
"She is the village's sweetheart." Father Edd chuckled, "But you don't wanna get on her bad side."
"I hope I would never get to know." Aden jested.
"Now if you'll pardon me," said Father Edgar as he bowed his head slightly, "I must go and examine the barricade and fortifications of this courthouse." He then carefully stepped down the rooftop stairs, making his way towards the front yard. His job became more manageable as all the villagers had been evacuated into the courthouse.
Aden stayed for a while, savoring the moment before he headed to a spot where he could offer his prayers to Lua. He met Captain Willem and Corporal Knightly headed to the rooftop on his way down.
Aden carefully made his way to the isolated corner he had just discovered after he went to the war room and began to perform his evening prayers. It was located near the basement, a spot of space between the courthouse wall and cabinets with no one around to disturb him.
Faint thunder rumbled in the far north, indicating that the storm was unlikely to pass anytime soon. Still, in this moment of quiet reflection, Aden found peace despite it all.
⁕⁕⁕
Captain Willem finished giving orders for the day, and Corporal Knightly requested his presence on the rooftop. The Courthouse, a two-story building, had been transformed into a shelter for the villagers, with the first story housing the women and children, and the second story serving as a storage area for supplies and provisions.
As they ascend to the rooftop, Captain Willem is greeted by the highest vantage point in the village, offering an unobstructed view of the surroundings. The rooftop is deserted, with only the two of them present. The Captain takes this opportunity to inspect the hwachas, thoroughly checking each one to ensure they are in perfect working condition for the coming battle.
After completing his inspection, Captain Willem leans against the parapet, his gaze fixed towards the north. With a hand signal, he beckons Corporal Knightly to join him.
"What is it, Corporal?" Captain Willem asks, sensing something amiss in Corporal Knightly's demeanor.
"Sir, it looks like we have another problem," Corporal Knightly replies, his tone grave.
"Yes, I could see that," the Captain acknowledges. "That's why I dismissed those two lads so we can talk in private. Speak freely, Corporal!"
Corporal Knightly hesitates for a moment, his words seeming to catch in his throat. "It looks like the supplies we brought won't be enough to last more than three days if..." He trails off, unwilling or unable to complete his sentence.
Captain Willem finishes his former squire's thought, a frustrated sigh escaping his lips. "If we take into account all the villagers. Tsk, at a time like this."
Corporal Knightly nods solemnly. "The harpies' attack on the rear caravan this afternoon was somewhat successful in spoiling two-thirds of the provisions for us and the villagers."
A hint of worry creeps into the Corporal's voice as he continues, "It was supposed to hold us for a month without taking the villagers into account until we received another reinforcement and supplies. If we include the villagers..."
Captain Willem's voice remains stern, even as he receives this dire news. "It's okay, Corporal. We'll find a way." Despite the gravity of the situation, the festive atmosphere from the pavilion war room in the courthouse can still be heard, a faint ray of hope piercing through the darkness.
With their bellies full and weapons ready, the rescue party is well-prepared to face off against the harpy swarm come morning. However, Captain Willem knows he must remain vigilant, for there is still much to be done before dawn.
His gaze falls towards the north, where the storm continues to rage. He ensures they are ready to greet the harpies with full force, their resolve unwavering in the face of adversity.
⁕⁕⁕