After an hour of walking, or in Baltars case complaining, the two could make out what looked to be the outskirts of a village. Rooftops and cultivated farmland appeared in the distance.
“The smell is close now, probably women from their scent,” Aleius spoke, and sure enough as they emerged from the treeline, they saw two women.
They were middle-aged but still young, their hair was long, dark, and tied back, underneath a straw hat.
They wore short green robes, long black socks that reached their knees, and leather sandals on their arms they carried a woven basket; they bent over repeatedly picking plants and flowers.
Baltar couldn’t see from such a distance, but Aleius’s magically empowered eyes could see even the shape of their hands to the circular birthmark on the younger woman’s cheek.
There was a dirt path, a little way out, but it led to the village. They followed it and the sounds of the forest tapered off, the wildlife of the forest stayed behind as they entered the territory of man.
Multiple green fields lay across the land, men, and women alike working hard out in the day's sun.
Baltar couldn’t help but smile. He and Aleius had spent their time in the heavens, fighting gods and divines. He hadn’t seen a worker in a while. They worked back and forth down the fields with their hands.
Mortal work, but it was honest.
Everything in heaven and hell is done by magic or slaves. Immortals, Gods and devils don’t need to eat to live. They aren’t bound by life’s timer ticking down, nor do they need companionship and entertainment, many live a life of complete solidarity.
“Hardworking people.” Baltar couldn’t help but comment as they approached.
Aleius nodded, “Everyone helping each other out. Reminds me of my pack back home.”
Baltar chucked. “Wish I could say the same but this doesn’t remind me of the Purified Palace at all.”
He pointed to one fenced-in field, full of what looked to be wheat.
“In the Purified Palace, that field would be feuding with that field over there.”
He pointed to another field that was covered in bright purple plants that stood tall.
“That field would be fueling one of those fields from the shadows, so they could take over when they are both weak.”
Finally nodded towards the village itself.
“And in the middle of all that war, bickering, and general stupidity, you have the Purified Palace. Where it all goes to be judged by the phoenix except my sisters don’t stop them from killing each other.”
Aleius raised an eyebrow, “They don’t, I thought they governed the Purgelands?”
“Oh they stop them for a while, sure, But they don’t stop them forever. Give it fifty to a hundred years and they’ll start up again.”
“Why don’t the Phoenixes stop them?”
Baltar peered at Aleius’s curious face. “Because they like it Aleius. They like when the clans need them. My sisters feed off it. They want to feel important, imposing, and powerful.”
He shrugged, “It’s all a god complex if you ask me. Balshana is a diety, and I’ve literally killed gods so it all seems so juvenile to me. If you want to be a god then just fucking do it, why pretend with all the backstabbing and intrigue?”
Aleius nodded but didn’t respond, he seemed to be digesting his words. Baltar rarely spoke about the palace, so he listened quietly.
“Aleius, no matter what bloodline you have, you can become whatever you wish to be, and I won’t return to the palace for that simple reason. I cannot forgive my sisters for pretending. The phoenix is one of the most powerful bloodlines in the three realms. There is no reason to pretend.”
He motioned to the villagers hard at work.
“Even them, complete and mere mortals, can ascend to the heavens. Can inherit the blood of a diety, can descend to the hells, and become a demon or a devil. I know this because I did it, with a sword of iron I killed the Black Phoenix King.”
Baltar sighed and they walked in silence for a while.
“So that is why you won’t go back. Even at Balshana’s behest?”
Baltar smiled solemnly, “She doesn’t want me back there anyway, it will just start trouble. The bickering is already loud enough without my sister's cries of favoritism and me taking all of The Mother Phoenix’s time.”
His smile lit up slightly, “They just don’t realize I’m the victim! I can’t get Balshana to leave me alone while I’m there. She can sense me all throughout the Purgelands, I can’t get anything done without that creeping feeling she's just going to appear behind me.”
Aleius laughed his fangs gleaming in the sun. “Your right, that is different from where I came from.”
They had been walking down the dirt path for a while until one of the women perked up, noticing them coming from the old forest path.
Seeing the men the older of the two didn’t hesitate.
“Mella, go get Korjo.” She called out quickly, pointing to the two men off in the distance.
The other, younger woman saw the men and left the field in a sprint.
Etta, however, stood her ground. She kept her basket in front of her, and one hand behind her back that was keeping her gardening knife ready.
She let the two men approach, staying vigilant for any sudden movements or weapons.
If they were bandits she was in trouble, she might even be kidnaped and taken advantage of.
The forest has been quiet for ages now, and everyone knows the White Blades patrol heavily during this time, the village would never expect any criminals out near the forest.
She cursed her luck but at least Mella already left to get help, even if she was captured, they wouldn’t get far.
She examined them as they approached, if these two were ruffians they were not experienced ones.
“Hey!” The red-haired one called out to her waving his arms.
‘Okay, maybe they aren’t bandits.’ Her breathing quickened but she tried to calm down and stay focused.
They wore a red tunic and underwear with absolutely no shoes on their feet.
They veered off the path and walked within a few feet of her.
She tensed up; her knife ready.
“Excuse me, do you speak familiar?” The white-haired one spoke, and she peered up into his face.
‘Handsome!’ she thought. His chin was strong and curved at all the right angles, his misty blue eyes were calm and critical. Insinuated by his alabaster hair that nestled down to his shoulders.’
Her jaw slacked and she shook her head. What was she thinking!
She had to look away!
She glanced at the other man instead, but that was just as bad. ‘Gorgeous!’ His face was beautiful, and his jawline was cut like a smooth jade. His eyes were a mysterious pure gold, and his red lips and long eyelashes gave him a feminine charm of a young scion. And his hair, his long and graceful auburn hair, it shined in the sunlight giving off a glossy and sleek red that just dazzled.’
“Enchanters!” she shouted astonished. “I’ve been bewitched!”
“Oh! See Aleius, she does speak Familiar!” Baltar smiled.
“Hello, uhm…woman. I am Baltar.” He held out his hand, but she backed away.
“Are we making you nervous?” Aleius tried to calm her down. “I assure you we mean no harm; we are just passersby.”
Etta’s horrified face hardened.
She pulled the knife out from behind her and stood ready to defend herself.
“Your faces… release me from your magic!”
Baltar and Aleius looked at each other curiously.
“You have any idea what she’s talking about?”
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Aleius just shrugged.
“I’m Baltar and this is my brother Aleius, we have you under no spell, you can be assured.”
She glanced between them, her heart rate fluttering. They made no move to apprehend her, but maybe she was already trapped in their spell.
‘This could all be a trick!”
She had heard of it all before in the folktales of the forest nymph’s enchanting and bewitching the villagers.
If they were enchanters, how could she trust her own eyes?
“J-just wait…” she took a deep breath, “Wait until Korjo and the others come.”
The duo nodded and the woman retreated to the edge of the field, keeping her eyes on them.
Other workers from other fields stopped to watch them.
“That mortal woman was terrified of us,” Baltar whispered.
“Mm. She called us enchanters, it’s a bit peculiar, maybe it has something to do with our appearance?” Aleius rubbed his index finger on his chin.
“There is no way a mere mortal can sense our bloodlines. Other than that there is no magic running through my body.”
Aleius watched the sky which was still a clear blue the day seemed to move very slow here on Gose.
“Hm, I think it is something of this realm that we have yet to understand.”
Within a few minutes, 4 men were seen jogging down the village pathway towards the field.
They wore the same simple robes and sandals.
In the middle of the four men was a tall man with a large frame, he held a hunting spear in his hands.
“Ah, Hello!” Baltar motioned to them as they approached.
The men stopped short of them and seemed to tense up when they saw their faces.
“It's okay. Hold on, guys.” The tall man spoke to the others.
Etta came running over. “Korjo, be careful. They are enchanters, they bewitched my eyes!”
The tall man studied her for a moment then looked back at the duo.
“My brother was a mage. Now while I don’t follow that path, I can sense it.”
The tall man with a sun wrinkled face smiled. His hair graying in age, but he seemed to have the vigor of a youth-filled man.
His brown eyes squinted focused.
He took a deep breath, “I feel nothing… from either of you. Hmph. Good.”
He pulled up his spear and held out his hand.
“I am Korjo. Welcome to the Village of Uta. I am sorry for the unwelcome reception, its just nothing good ever comes from that forest.”
Aleius shook his rough, calloused hand, but inwardly he was curious. Korjo stated he didn’t follow the magical path, but he reeked of mortal mana.
The old man could obfuscate his magical presence to the average eye, but to Aleius’ nose it was naked and bare; mortal mana circulated through the older man’s veins, kept hidden by an inlayed enchantment on his body.
‘Why would he lie?’ Aleius did not understand it.
Etta touched her face in disbelief. “Korjo are you sure is not magic? Just look at them.”
He nodded. “I am curious about their appearance as well. But you can be sure isn’t magic you don’t have to be afraid.”
Korjo turned to the duo.
He knew there was something off. Even though he just reassured Etta, he knew better, his instincts were signaling danger. He had been through war and battle, the one thing he trusted most was his intuition, and those golden, and misty blue eyes, handsome features, and relaxed posture of them told him everything he needed to know.
These two he could not offend.
He needed to keep these two appeased and move them along. The faster they left the village the better, he would like to avoid a catastrophe if he could., or at least have it happen somewhere else.
“Well, you two are not from around here that’s for sure. Are you here for the tournament?”
“Tournament?” Baltar couldn’t help but ask.
Korjo frowned. “You don’t know of the tournament? Happens every other year in the big cities. It’s called the Apotheosis.”
Baltar shrugged. “Never heard of it but it sounds interesting. You’re saying all the capitals of Gose participate?”
He nodded. “Well, the major magic academies. It’s in a few days so we're preparing, that is why we’re harvesting right now. Usually, these girls wouldn’t be so far out otherwise.”
“Anyways, let's take you boys to the village I think it’s safe.”
The other men nodded and made way for them to pass.
As they closed in on the village the hustle became evident.
Carts running from field to field, fruits and vegetables being packaged, and loaded on wagons.
The village road was made from dirt, but it was upkept and free from holes or puddles.
The architecture was also pretty good for a village on the outskirts of a city.
Houses stood straight with tasteful wooden walls and triangular rooftops, various colors of paint made them more appealing and varied.
“Korjo, who built these houses?” Aleius asked.
He walked with them and looked around smiling.
“We did. Uta has some of the best builders in the whole territory. Our forefathers helped the mages build Toyo.” His mature face held a hint of pride.
“Etta, you thought of us as forest enchanters. What is that?” Baltar asked to the woman holding up the rear, completely changing the subject.
The four men chuckled in unison.
Etta didn’t answer she seemed to be embarrassed.
“It's an old wives tale of nymphs enchanting the village women and taking them back to the forest.” One of them answered.
“Oh?” Baltar smirked at her mischievously. “You think me and Aleius could pass as little forest nymphs?”
She faced away.
“Baltar don’t tease the woman, you’re making a poor impression.” Aleius scolded.
Baltar didn’t respond, but he glanced at Etta from the corner of his eye with a smile on his face.
She kept her face looking away, but anyone could tell she was turning slightly red on the cheeks.
‘Lords, the first woman he meets, and he can’t help himself.’
Some of the men coughed uncomfortably and Korjo grimaced speaking up.
“If you’re heading to Toyo, there might be a merchant who could give you a ride. Shouldn’t be too expensive.” He said eyeing their apparel.
“We are heading to Toyo, but we are in no rush,” Baltar said with a lazy smile, still peering at Etta.
Korjo grunted, “How is your husband these days Etta? I haven’t seen him in the fields.”
Etta turned her head surprised, “Oh! He has been well I got a letter from him last second day. He has been helping the builders prepare for the tournament in the city.”
Korjo gave her a lifeline against Baltar so she spoke about her husband joyously until she glanced in his direction. Her eyes met his, a golden gleam, little suns that burned deep, heating the blood in her face. He raised an eyebrow at her, that lazy smile still on his lips. She looked away hurriedly her face turning red again.
Korjo frowned seeming to take bigger strides as they moved through the marketplace. Something was wrong, his instincts were firing off danger signals.
The shops were all packing and loading carts to send to the city. But the group was still attracting eyes, some workers even stopping completely to stare.
Noticing the craftsmanship of the robes hanging outside at one of the shops, Aleius couldn’t help but pause.
Korjo cursed under his breath seeing Aleius stop and approach a well-dressed shopkeeper who was busy loading rugs, clothes, and other linen handiwork onto a cart.
He wasn’t having trouble with the clothes, but the rugs seemed heavy enough to get a grunt out of the older man.
“Hello,” Aleius said pulling the man out of his rhythm of lifting and loading.
The old man looked up and was taken aback by the handsome young man with shabby clothing.
“Ah, oh… can I help you son?” he said, his voice husky and out of breath.
He took a seat on the edge of the cart, sweating.
“I was interested in your robes,” Aleius said smiling. “I noticed the craftsmanship and had to get a closer look.”
The man’s face changed to a smile, “Well I don’t know if you can afford it, but go ahead and look.” He grabbed a bucket of water from beside the cart and walked into the store with Aleius.
The clothes inside were varied, in color, weave, and extravagance. The only thing that was shared between all the pieces was the make. Aleius had traveled countless realms, from heavens to hells. Manaweave was the gold standard of cloth made by immortal mages. Strong and extravagant it radiated power and presence. But in the mortal realm, it wouldn’t get much better than this.
“For a village a few days from the city I wouldn’t have expected the quality to be so exquisite,” he remarked.
The old man wiped his face with a cloth standing behind Aleius as he browsed.
“Crafting space in the city is limited so our employer has us make the clothes here, next to the fields. Then we just send it all to the city.”
“You’re not worried about bandits or thieves?” Aleius said, feeling a shirt between his fingers.
“Haha, no, the White Blades keep the road safe enough, or else the noble families would complain.” the old man laughed.
Aleius found a liking to a blue robe, it was a striking blue with a winding white embroidery that was clean and neat.
He looked at the price, 3000 Ro.
“Quite an expensive piece, that one is only for the nobles in the city.” the old man shook his head.
Korjo and Baltar entered the shop, Korjo nodding to the shopkeeper.
The keeper’s eyes lingered on Baltar for a moment, almost as if he was confused at what he was looking at.
Baltar approached Aleius who was still browsing, lowering his voice to a whisper.
“Unless they are feeling particularly generous, we have no money to buy anything.”
Aleius nodded in response, “I’m trying to fit in a bit better if you haven’t noticed all the eyes we are attracting already. I can imagine it will only be worse in the city.”
“I don’t like it either.” Baltar agreed. “We look like vagabonds, it's going to be hard to bring out my charm like this so, unless we make some of whatever their currency is…”
“Ro, I think.” Aleius filled in.
“Yeah, that, unless Mortals from this realm are charitable, I don’t think we’re going to have much fun without it.”
Meanwhile, Korjo and the shopkeeper were having a conversation of their own.
“Korjo, to what do I owe a visit from someone such as yourself.” The shopkeeper said with a nod, “and what strains you so? You look in a bit of a hurry.”
“Keep, your voice down. Let’s talk outside.” Korjo waved away the pleasantries.
The old man looked at Korjo awkwardly, “I have a customer.”
“It's fine.” Korjo cut him off.
The two old men left the shop as Baltar and Aleius browsed around.
“What do you want to do Aleius? I’m not working with my hands, and if you show them you can use magic… Well, they seemed afraid of it, plus, we have no idea of the power level of this realm. You go summoning a hurricane or something and you might have the entire realm calling you a king or rising to try and kill you.”
Aleius acknowledged his reasoning.
“Then we should be sure to attend that tournament, if what Korjo said is true, we should be able to gauge the strength of the mages in the realm. But Once again, like you said, I highly doubt a seat would be free, and It seems like quite the event if the hustle outside was any indication.”
Baltar smirked, “I wouldn’t worry about it. If it comes to it, I’ll make sure to get us in.”
That, Aleius did not doubt.
The duo laughed as they window shopped.
Speaking of outside...
Korjo and the old man met up with Etta and the four men who were waiting outside.
“I don’t understand, what’s wrong Korjo?” the old man questioned as Korjo beckoned everyone into a huddle.
“Okay listen.” He began, and everyone focused on the old veteran.
“Those two need to leave. The faster we get them on a caravan and out of Uta the better.”
Etta knitted her brows but didn’t say anything.
“Didn’t you say they were fine?” One of the men spoke up, and another joined. “Yeah, you said you didn’t sense any magic.”
Korjo raised his hands to quiet the men.
“I may be old, and my eyes aren’t what they used to be, but my instincts are still as sharp as they were during the Old War.” His eyes went distant, remembering life and death battles with mages on both sides fighting alongside the common, mana-less soldier.
He shook himself from his memories. “I’m thinking Etta might actually be right, in some sense.”
He paused for a moment, as everyone's curiosity set in. “I didn’t sense magic, and… that is the problem. You’d have to be blind to not see that those two are not so simple. Especially the one that seems to favor Etta, his eyes... I feel an inner strength held deep within; I can’t really explain it.”
He shook his head and rubbed his scruffy chin before continuing.
“You all know my brother is a mage and I’ve spent some time in the magical society, but I’ve never seen anything like it, and I’ve been in the presence of the great Milva Vextross herself. Korjo’s face became stern, and he soon trailed off.
No one said anything, taking in his words until Etta broke the silence.
“Do you think they are forest nymphs? Like… from the stories?”
“No.” he disagreed. His face took a wizened turn as he looked at the blue sky.
“In the magical world, they had a word for it. And to think in my old age I would see it, in a village like this, and on day as normal as any.” he chuckled.
“See what?” she asked.
“It’s just a guess, but…”
He stared at the sky as if trying to see through it, before peering at the group and remarking in a strange reverence.
“An Immortal.”