Mother Nature
Location: Victoria / Housing District / Lenbor House
Time: Y1503 / 5th day of the Wither Moon / Evening
*enter* "I'm home, Mother." (Lenbor)
Lenbor closed the sturdy door behind him and proceeded inside his familiar house. As a skilled arteficer working for a famous workshop, Lenbor had money to spare and bought this house for his Mother many years ago.
The house was peculiar. Lenbor was surrounded by ferns, the floor was covered in grass, vines and flowers. Light crystals were feeding the plants with the light they needed.
In the large living room, that looked more like a grotto than a room, there were several women dancing in circle around a small tree.
"Blessed be Nature!" (Lenbor's Mother, Kyala)
"Nature is all loving!" (Sili)
"Blessed is Nature!" (Kyala)
"Nature~ (Leila)
"My Son! Join us in prayer to the sacred tree!" *smile* (Kyala)
"I won't be joining you, Mother. I'm tired. Is the dinner ready?" (Lenbor)
"Is it time, already?" (Kyala)
*sigh* "I'll be preparing dinner today as well, then." (Lenbor)
"Always so serious. Why don't we pray to nature together?" *wink* (Sili)
Lenbor ignored the advances of the pleasant lady and headed upstairs to prepare dinner.
Expecting his Mother to be engrossed in her prayers with her friends, Lenbor had bought some meat on his way home. The women won't eat it of course, but he needs energy, for tomorrow it will be a tiresome day.
--------------------------------
"Mother, come upstairs. Dinner is ready." (Lenbor)
*rush upstair* *sit* "Your son is such a jewel! I wish I had a son like him!" (Leila)
*sit* "I don't. I wouldn't be able to pray with him, otherwise." *smile* (Sili)
"Keep dreaming! He never took you!" (Leila)
*sit* "Thanks for preparing dinner, son~ (Kyala)
On the table there was a plate filled with spiced fresh vegetables. Some grown inside the house that looked more like a garden that a living place.
The women were stuffing their mouths until Kyala noticed what her son was eating.
"Lenbor! Are you eating dead animals?!?" (Kyala)
"Yes. It's hard to eat them when they are alive." (Lenbor)
*raise* "WHAT?!?" *hit table with palms* (Kyala)
Kyala stood up on her seat, red in face.
"Calm down, Kyala. We don't impose our ways on others, remember?" (Leila)
*sit* *whisper* "Animals are living being. It's wrong to kill them." (Kyala)
For a short while everyone eat in awkward silence, until Lenbor revealed the big news.
"Mother, I'm leaving Victoria, tomorrow." (Lenbor)
"... Ha ha ha! What a joke!" (Kyala)
"Lenbor isn't joking, Kyala." (Leila)
*sweat* "Is it because of the meat?!? You can eat meat then! As much as you like!" (Kyala)
"It has nothing to do with you, Mother. I have things to do in Alba. I'll be gone for a long time, probably." (Lenbor)
"But... But... How can I live without you?!?" (Kyala)
"I'm sure you'll manage, Mother." (Lenbor)
"We'll miss you, Lenbor. Take care of yourself. Come back to see me, sometimes." (Sila)
"We'll take care of your Mother for you, don't worry." (Leila)
Master and Apprentice
Location: Victoria / Faber's Workshop
Time: Y1503 / 6th day of the Wither Moon / Dawn
POV:
A cart loaded with goods stopped by Faber's Workshop. Riding on it was a Dark Skin woman in her late twenties. She was short and thin. With such a small physique it didn't look like she could bargain well. But her elaborate clothes told a different story.
"There it is, young man. Dried fish and travel supplies. Enough to last weeks! It'll be just four coins and five light coins." (Merchant Maurine)
"That's actually a fair price. Here, take the money." (Lenbor)
As two muscular Dark Skins that were following Maurine's cart unloaded several barrels and sacks, Lenbor prepared a small pouch with the money owed.
"I know you dislike haggling, Lenbor. Consider this my farewell gift." *smile* (Maurine)
A surprisingly muscular old man with his back bent by old age approached the two.
"How are the preparations coming, lad?" (Faber)
"Almost done, Master. We'll be ready in just half an hour." (Lenbor)
"Your apprentice is so serious, Faber. Your grumpiness is rubbing on him. He won't be able to get married at this rate, you know?" (Maurine)
"If only that was true! Then he'd be able to focus on what truly matters, like what I did!" *grin* (Faber)
"I'm right here. You know?" *hand over pouch* (Lenbor)
*take money* "Thank you very much! Uhm... You seem to be going for a long trip. Does this have something to do with what happened at the Royal Palace yesterday?" (Maurine)
Both Faber and Lenbor made a puzzled expression. They had no idea what Maurine was talking about.
"Really? You should leave the forge sometimes old man! Yesterday there was a flashy duel on the open arena in the Royal Palace. Something big went down." (Maurine)
"I couldn't care less what those spoiled brats do in their little towers. I'm going to the the temple of Alba!" *grin* (Faber)
"Master!" (Lenbor)
The destination was supposed to be a secret. Lenbor was upset at his Master's carelessness.
"Don't worry, lad. Maurine is a devote follower of the Church, now. Isn't that right? Plus, I have known her her whole life. It's fine for her to know." (Faber)
Faber had noticed a small insignia with a red sun on Maurine's belt and decided to speak up.
"I never took you for a devote person, Maurine. Why the change of heart?" (Lenbor)
"You are as sharp as always, Faber. A few moons back, the church was doomed, but from nowhere a little girl more powerful then even Meridia appears, and put the church back on track. Just like that. My guts tell me that Gloria is real. And she is angry. The Church is going to win, and I want to be on the winning side!" (Maurine)
"Of course you are in it for profit. Here I thought you started to believe in something more than coins." (Lenbor)
"Thank you! You couldn't have made me a more charming compliment!" *smile* (Maurine)
"Master Faber. When will you return?" (Arteficer Straun)
Fourteen artificers of the workshop were waiting nearby, seeing the owner away. Faber had always been there. He never made it easy, but they learned a lot under his guidance. Despite his ways, they were all grateful.
"I thought that was obvious. I'm never coming back. I'm going to Alba to die." (Faber)
This sentence stunned everyone present. No words could come out of the employee of the workshop.
"It's true. I'm old. I always thought I'd die here in my workshop, but now that it came to that, I would like to see green before I die. My favourite customer, Meridia, lives in Alba now. There is good equipment there. I'll pass on my enchanting techniques. I'll die wielding an hammer and wearing a leather apron!" *grin* (Faber)
*sad* "Master Faber. Rest easy. Only satisfied customer will ever leave your workshop. We'll see to that." (Straun)
""Aye!"" (Artificers)
After a short while, Lenbor and Faber departed, never to return. The artificers, holding back their tears, returned inside the workshop.
Temple Gates
Location: Victoria / Gloria's Temple Gates
Time: Y1503 / 6th day of the Wither Moon / Dawn
It was early in the morning, the streets of Victoria had yet to become crowded. A cart proceeded slowly towards the temple of Gloria.
After a left turn, the glorious facade of the Cathedral of Gloria dominated a small plaza. On the left, there were the gates of the temple complex, and behind them one could see two towers.
A small company of soldiers was ready, waiting for Faber's arrival.
"My name is Reana. I was given the duty to escort you safely to Alba, Master Arteficer." (Mage Reana)
"Greetings, Master Arteficer. I am Teram, leader of this unit. We are to serve as your escort." (Leader Teram)
"Glad to see that the church is taking this matter seriously. I wondered if I should have hired some mercenaries to guard me for the trip." (Faber)
"Mercenaries are in it for the profit. They would turn on you if for a light coin. We? It is Gloria's will for you to reach Alba safely. We will lay down our lives to ensure your safe journey." (Leader Teram)
"Whatever. Young mage, jump on board and be on guard. Soldiers, you'll walk by the sides of my cart. It'll take all day, so be ready." (Faber)
"Don't worry about us. We just made the journey! We won't disappoint!" (Soldier Yastalia)
Nature's Call
Location: North of Victoria / Royal Road
If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Time: Y1503 / 6th day of the Wither Moon / Late Morning
POV: Faber
What a beautiful day. A nice breeze, a warm sun. It's still a bit cold since winter is coming, but I'm dressed for the weather, so I'm comfortable enough.
To think that this late in my life I would move away from my beloved workshop. A workshop I spent my whole life polishing.
But this is the right call. I was too stingy with taking apprentices. And now I'm almost out of time. I do not wish for the enchanting techniques I developed over a lifetime with great effort and sacrifice to be lost.
Lenbor is a good lad. The loss of his father, and the...state of his mother have been powerful drives. He makes up for his lack of aptitude with sheer force of will.
But that isn't nearly enough. He can never grasp my most advanced techniques.
The little girl is different. It took even Meridia almost six years to figure out the
I care little for what my techniques will be used for. I care that they are not lost. And I'm sure that little girl can make my wish come true.
*shake* (Cart)
Here we go. My body reminds me that I'm not young anymore.
"Lad. Stop the cart." (Faber)
"Oi!" *horses stop* (Lenbor)
"What is it, Master Arteficer?" (Leader Teram)
"Nature's call, Leader. My bladder is not what it used to be. I'll only take a minute." (Faber)
I climb down the cart and make my way to the road side. I'm surrounded by blades of grass taller than a full grown man. They would engulf the Royal road in a matter of moons if it were not for the constant maintenance.
*piss* *pling* *pling* (Faber)
Uhu? My piss is making a noise like it's hitting glass or something.
I crouch and look more closely.
*move dirt* (Faber)
...
What in the world is this?!? An hexagonal crystal about five centimetres in diameter, buried under a few centimetres of dirt!
*pull* *groan* (Faber)
I tried to pick it up. It would be worth a lot, but it won't budge. It's probably a crystal rod. Only Gloria knows how deep it goes.
I'm shocked. What in the world is a crystal rod doing here?!?
"Master! A cart is closing in from behind! Are you done or should we pull aside?" (Lenbor)
*raise* "I'm done, lad!" (Faber)
I would like to stop here and excavate this crystal. This warrants a closer examination. But it's too dangerous. Pulling out something so valuable without proper protection is asking for trouble.
I'm old enough to know that greed rarely pays off in the long run. I didn't get to my ripe old age by taking gambles. I should reach Alba, first.
*cover crystal rod* *walks away* (Faber)
I do not understand why that crystal rod is here. But it's clearly been buried there for a very, very long time. The elements must have recently pushed it closer to the surface.
It will hopefully still be here until I'm able to mount a proper salvage operation with the help of the Church of Gloria.
Still... What on heart is a crystal rod this large and valuable doing buried in the middle of nowhere??? Even in my last days, this world still hold surprises for me.
Madre
Location: Gloria's Inquisition Headquarters
Time: Y1503 / 6th day of the Wither Moon
POV: Kaven
The Silent Forest. A dangerous place, inhabited by dangerous criminals and magical beasts. Unknown to most, in the southern end of the forest there is a natural cave. The entrance to the Headquarters of the Inquisition of Gloria.
My trusted inquisitors follow me inside the mouth of the cave.
I lift a large rock. Under it a ladder that leads to the tunnels of our headquarters.
"Inquisitor Kaven. We were eagerly awaiting for your arrival." (Inquisitor Nostra)
"Likewise. Gather our brothers and sisters, Inquisitor Nostra." (Kaven)
"We are gathered, already. Many hoped to see the fabled technique of the Gifted One." (Nostra)
"Inquisitor Sebra will be teaching you. I need to see Madre, alone." (Kaven)
"Yes. The Head Inquisitor is waiting for you in the Dark Council Chamber." (Nostra)
Madre is as perceptive as always. She anticipated my needs.
We head to the Main Hall. There, about twenty Inquisitors are standing, eagerly waiting to receive the Collimating Technique.
"Sebra." (Kaven)
My trusted subordinate undresses, and start dancing in circles. With little wasted motion, she efficiently collimate dense magic threads at her fingertips. Ten of them, as taught by the Gifted One. Other sisters felt the need to add unnecessary motion to the technique. I do not understand why. But Sebra is not like them. The technique is but a means to an end.
*awe* (Everyone)
"So this is the power of the Gifted One. Magnificent!" *maniacal laugh* (Inquisitor Incubo)
"She weaved such dense magic threads so quickly!" (Inquisitor Novella)
"Collimating. The Gifted One refers to this part of the process as Collimating." (Inquisitor Augure)
I can leave this to Sebra. Right now, I need to see Madre.
--------------------------------
Location: Gloria's Inquisition Headquarters / Underground Council Chamber
POV: Kaven
My heart is still uneasy. I find it hard to reconciliate the words of the Gifted One with my Teachings. I hope Madre can help me sort out the storm raging inside of me.
"Inquisitor Kaven. Madre was waiting for your report." (Guard Esorte)
*slide round rock* (Guards)
I pass though the narrow tunnel that leads to the Dark Council chamber. A small room lighted by a crystal light. Two thrones are empty. Only Madre is present right now.
"Inquisitor Kaven. You have exceeded Gloria's expectations, yet you seems troubled." (Madre)
"You see right through me, Madre. The Gifted One asked me to use my technique with moderation. But this deeply troubles me. My teachings are to expunge sin, with whatever means is available to me." (Kaven)
"What is the Gifted One, Inquisitor Kaven?" (Madre)
"She is the True Daughter of Gloria, Head Inquisitor." (Kaven)
"Yes. She certainly is. But before that, what is Gifted One?" (Madre)
"She is a Fair Skin girl with unbound aptitude for magic. A seer in the making." (Kaven)
"Yes. She is all of this, Inquisitor Kaven. But even before that, what is the Gifted One?" (Madre)
I think hard about the words of Madre. What is she trying to show me?
"... She is Liara. Daughter of Serina. She is... Pure?" (Kaven)
"Yes. The words of the Gifted One and your Teachings. They both are true. Two faces of the same coin." (Madre)
"Then... if the Gifted One embodies everything that is warm and bright~ (Kaven)
"We must embody everything that is cold and dark. Shelter her and our faithful from sin and evil. For only darkness and cold can oppose sin without being tainted." (Madre)
The blinding truth is now clear to me. Light cannot exist without darkness. Warmth cannot exist without cold. For the brighter the light~
~the darker the shadow grows." (Kaven)
Yes. I feel a fool for not having been able to see this simple truth by my own. The cold steal warmth. The darkness taint the light. In order for the pure to remain uncorrupted, we inquisitors must bears the weight, and do what needs to be done.
I thank Gloria for Madre to be. In time of doubts she is a steady beacon that points us in the right direction.
"Thank you, Head Inquisitor. The truth is clear to me once again. I feel a fool for faltering." (Kaven)
"I'm merely a servant of Gloria, just like you, Inquisitor. We each have our part to play to make Gloria's design a reality. Still, I have to give you bad news. We had a blight in our ranks. Sister Jerica betrayed the church and turned herself to the Queen." (Madre)
*sweat* (Kaven)
No! I knew something was off with her! I should have trusted my instincts! I should have~
"Madre. I allowed the evil to escape my sight! I shall storm the~ (Kaven)
"I'm not finished, Inquisitor. The Sinner was killed by First Princess Aurora in a duel. It seems the Sinner was trying to work out some sort of deal with the Queen, but failed. What's left of her body was brought to the dungeons below the Royal Palace." (Madre)
"... I find this report hard to believe, Madre. While a far cry from the Gifted One or even Sebra, the Sinner had acquired the Collimating Technique. A mere princess should have been no match for her." (Kaven)
"The source is reliable. It appears that she used a technique similar to the Gifted One's. Still, it was a close fight and the First Princess was grievously injured." (Madre)
This is troubling news. Our foes might become formidable treats in the near future!
"What will it be, Madre?" *kneel* (Kaven)
"Make sure every inquisitor hone their skills. Our sisters and brothers in the temples will do the same. When the time comes, the warmth of Gloria shall embrace all!" (Madre)
Alba
Location: Alba
Time: Y1503 / 6th day of the Wither Moon / Sunset
POV: Lenbor
The final leg of our journey. We are climbing the steep road that leads to Alba.
This place is beautiful. The setting sun is painting the mountains red. I can see a sea of grass extending as far as the eyes can see. Mother would love it here.
On top of the hill, facing a near vertical cliff, stands the Temple of Alba. It's not the biggest fortification, but the location makes it impressive nevertheless.
Greeting us in front of the opened gates is a beautiful Fair Skin woman with long flowing blonde hairs and green eyes. She looks somewhat older than me.
"Master Arteficer Faber. I, Priestess Mera welcome you to the temple of Alba as honoured guests." *bow* (Priestess Mera)
"I have to say this place looks better than ever. I'm going to enjoy my stay here, Priestess." (Faber)
"Mage Reana, Soldiers. You did well in ensuring the safety of our guests. Please, come inside." (Mera)
"We merely upheld our duties, priestess." (Leader Teram)
"I sensed a few scouts along the way, but nothing more. People are once again respectful of the power of Gloria." (Mage Reana)
Our long journey has come to an end as we enter the small courtyard of this temple.
Soldiers comes to take care of our cart, horses and baggages. Some women and a little girl close in. I have seen them before, they came to visit Master at the workshop a while back.
"Meridia! You look like you might kick the bucket even before me!" *laugh* (Faber)
"Old men first, Faber. I'm glad to see you arrived here safely. I had the forge cleaned up and refurbished just for you. Knowing you, you want to see that even before your own room, right?" (Meridia)
Meridia. She was once the greatest enchantress in the continent. The best client Faber had. Together, they created impressive artifacts. They grew closer after Meridia's illness. Master regretted Meridia losing her aptitude.
"Old man! You'd better teach me properly this time! No more dirty tricks, like your rigged wooden sphere!" *cross arms* *pout* (Liara)
"How was it a dirty trick, little girl? You managed to use the
Wait... What? You mean to tell me that this little girl managed to solve the trial of the
"Enough. You'll have time to talk tomorrow. Our guests must be tired. Faber, come with me. Serina, show Lenbor to his chambers." (Meridia)
I want to follow Master Faber, but I think he wants to catch up with Meridia. So I'll leave them alone.
"Arteficer Lenbor, please follow me. I'll guide you to your chambers." *blush* (Serina)
If I recall correctly, Serina served as Meridia's ancilla before her illness. She is a beautiful woman. She looks about five years younger then me. She has long silver hairs that reach her ankles and deep blue eyes. She act shy and has good manners.
A total opposite of the little girl that follows her around. Liara was rude toward my Master, earlier. I never saw anyone dare talk back to Master Faber before. I guess Master forgave her as she is very young.
I can't believe that this brat managed to use the
I heard stories about her. To some, she is a Beast with inhuman aptitude that rains death on anyone that opposes the Church of Gloria. To other, she is the Gifted one. The incarnation of Gloria herself in this world. Seeing her up close, I feel like she is neither. She is just a girl.
Her behaviour is not that of a three years old girl. She feels years older. Her environment must have forced her to grow up faster. Just like me.
The little girl glances at me and Serina with her deep crimson eyes as we walk the corridors of the Temple. We raise on a spiral flight of stairs until Serina stops in front of a small wooden door.
"This is your room, Arteficer Lenbor. If you need anything, my room is one level above. Don't hesitate to knock." *blush* (Serina)
"Thank you, Sister Serina. And you can drop the honorific, just call me Lenbor." (Lenbor)
"Likewise, you can call me Serina!" *smile* (Serina)
*enter* *close door* (Lenbor)
The room is much smaller than my home in Victoria, but that is to be expected. From the small window I can see the plains. This room will do just fine. I'd better get some sleep. I need to be in my top form to help Master, tomorrow.
I'll finally receive Master greatest techniques!
Basement
Location: Alba / Forges
Time: Y1503 / 6th day of the Wither Moon / Sunset
POV: Faber
I feel tired, my old body just want to go to sleep. But Meridia clearly has something to tell me. In private.
We descends several flights of spiral stairs. We must be dozens of meters under the courtyard, deep within the rocks.
Suddenly, the paved walls and carefully chiselled stairs leave place to naked natural looking rocks. Sensing my uneasiness, Meridia speaks.
"The fortification of Alba was already there when the Imperial Colonists arrived in the continent. Over the centuries it's been maintained, expanded and built upon. But this is the oldest part of the fortification, and has remained mostly untouched." (Meridia)
As we descends deeper and deeper, the crystal lights leave place to glowing lines in the rock. Is this an enchantment?
"Those channels were engraved by the builders of this fortification. They collimate aether by themselves, give strength to the rock all while lighting the corridors." (Meridia)
Impressive. I can make self powered enchantments as well, but they tend to be unreliable, needing a skilled mage to reactivate if they power down. The enchantment on those walls has been active for centuries? I have a guess on who built this place.
"Elves." (Faber)
"Most likely." (Meridia)
"I thought they liked trees and forests. This place is more suited for moles than for elves." (Faber)
"Obviously the elves wanted to be here badly enough that they built this fortification. Remember that we know of elves only from records the Imperial Colonists brought with them when they arrived in Cullania. Those tales might be a bunch of lies for all we know." (Meridia)
"Yes. I'd rather believe first hand evidence than those stories as well." (Faber)
We arrive a small grotto like room. It's irregular in shape, with an uneven floor. There are stalagmites and the rocks are covered in shining blue lines that forms elaborate patterns.
The walls around us have many circular tunnels dug in them.
Meridia enters one of the corridors. She has to crouch to pass, but I'm smaller. I have no need to do that.
"Faber. May I present you The Forge of Alba!" (Meridia)
"... I see the Elves knew a thing or two about forges!" *grin* (Faber)