Castle on the Hill {Kay & Local}

[KayLove]

Rain poured down upon the fires that raged, the haunting screams seemed to ring through the gorge, her footfalls were heavy upon the stone. She stumbled and her hand reached out to steady herself leaving a thick bloody smear upon the rock, at sunrise her blood would forever stain the ancient stone. Her breath made heavy clouds through the air as she grit her teeth and forced herself to move, she had little time left before the sun rose, and in her condition she would not be able to fight off the change.

The war had just begun, the humans called it the blood war. Sons killing fathers, dark magics rising from their caves to lick up the agony of the innocent, and creatures like her.... Well, she had simply drawn too much attention to herself. It was a primal urge, to protect. She couldn’t stop herself when the tingling sound of a human being killed inside the cathedral stung her ears. What she found inside was something that she had never encountered before, it was a creature like her. Young, bloodthirsty, disfigured, and created with the darkest of intents. A battle clashing stone was fought. Athena had underestimated the beast, it was young and newly made, its stone had not been weathered like her own. It was the only thing in centuries to puncture her skin. She reduced it to rubble, her years of being this creature of enchanted stone had paid its dues, but not without out a cost.

A loud screech in the air made her freeze and look up at the thick cloud covered skies.

“There’s more...” she whispered with fear coating her words for once... a soft whisper snaked its way across her mind... May the gods have mercy on their souls...

~~~

The castle was old, built for a lord with grand visions. But death had taken him before he could acquire a woman to bear his children when the war started. So it became forgotten by the world, well, almost.

A small farming village now once again resided at the base of the hill, it had been one of the very few that had been remotely untouched by war. It was quiet, a marketplace, a grand fountain had been built to represent peace and safety. Small shops selling their wears a tavern the only think a glow at night, festivals ones in which people came to celebrate the fertile lands... it was pleasant. Children were often told stories about the creature that resided in the castle. Some even venturing up the hill to see for themselves only to be frightened by the black cat the lay next to the entryway, a stone statue its only company. Myths of a ghost residing in the tallest tower as a show could be seen crossing the window on a moonlit night.

Even though the castle was old it never crumbled. Repairs were seen throughout the grounds, stones replaced, wooden beams polished, the arched windows grand and clear, the paintings pristine, and everything exactly as it had been the day that the Lord of the house passed, everything but the tower.

 

[LocalFriendlyPsychopath]

Thomas, (a name that he had been gifted seeing how his old name of Tohvashnertinsun, son of Vashner the destructor, was rather complicated and ill-fitting for the more ...civilized people he now dealt with,) had been sitting in a room with only two from his original group of six to accompany him. Two people, all part of a strange group that had gotten together to help put a stop to a dark and cruel wizard who had amassed an army and threatened the peace of many kingdoms. In the wake of his defeat, many of these places had become close allies, fighting off all manner of magical creatures, from the undead to mutated barbarian hordes. Hordes like the one Thomas came from.He had disagreed with his chieftan about supporting the wizard. He set out, joined a group who were fighting his plans, and was there the day the wizard died, at the battle, with his fellows. The paladin had sacraficed himself to give a thief the chance to stab the bastard. He had been at the door, fighting off hordes of creatures, cleaving through massive waves of mutated beasts, bloated with magic.

Lost in thought he didn't realize the Priest who had been sitting next to him was shaking him to get his attention. Shaking the magical metal arm that had replaced his physical one. He snapped out of his remembrance and looked up, a representative of the kingdom they were in holding a deed out for him, "Our kingdom thanks you, as we understand you have no home to go back too, and thus, we wish for you to make your home here," he said him. He tilted his head, looking at him questioningly. The man continued, "Yes, well we want you to understand that this parcel of land, and the adjoining town is all yours should you accept. He looked at his companion who nodded, "Take the deal, Thomas, you need a place to stay, and building a new home might be good for you, perhaps you can teach people your way of combat," the priest suggested.

Thomas looked at the paper, "And where would my quarters be? What room in this village should I get?" he asked, his rough gravely voice off putting for most. Even the attendant in front of him stepped back. He glanced up, "Just because I wear your clothes, and speak your language doesn't mean I'm what you call civilized, I shall still wish to hunt, I shall still wish to drink and be merry," he said to him. The man hesitated as he looked at the priest confused.

"You would have a Keep," he said. Thomas's eyes lit up. A keep of his own? A castle? A massive structure for one for himself? He looked at the priest who nodded, he had heard that correctly. Thomas took the sheet and looked at it, recognizing the symbols that were used to form his name. He nodded at the man and took his hand, shaking it eagerly, which shook the poor man's entire body with the enthusiastic shaking, which was finally put to a stop to it. The man rubbed his arm, "Come with me and we'll set you up with everything you'll need..." he said to him.


~~~


Weeks had passed as he travelled, alongside the cleric who had no where else to go and a small caravan of people who were settling in this village. Accompanying the gifts he had been given was furniture for the keep as well as a large sum of money to help with other things. He walked excitedly, alongside a cart, watching as the massive building rose up in the distance, the lovely little village by it gleaming like a small jewel. The barbarian's deep brown eyes gleamed at the thought of owning such a massive area of land.

Once they got to the town a celebration of there new lords was held, the two of them having decided to share the land, as the priest's oath said he couldn't own such a grand or expenisve thing, and the barbarian wasn't quite suited to run his own village just yet. The two were celebrated with much gusto from the villagers, and they celebrated long into the night. Eventually though the two had to retire back to there new castle.

Where the priest was tired and found a place to fall asleep immediately, the barbarian wandered. This castle was large, and there were many things kept in its walls. Paintings and tapestries depicting the previous owners family, as well as his own victories where his own things had been put up. He made his way to the tallest tower of the castle, a massive keep overlooking miles of terrace and got to the top only to find a locked door. He knocked once, then twice, before simply forcing the door open and stumbling into the small study that was inside.

 

[KayLove]

The village was abuzz with news of their new lord, for weeks, how he was one of the men that defeated the evil that had destroyed so many humans and cities. Athena only knew this because of the blind old healer woman that picked herbs close to the castles grounds was her only connection to the village. She came once a week, her wrinkled hands carrying the weaved basket and long white hair skillfully braided down her back.

The gargoyle met her in the pasture every week at dawn. Athena had grown a tolerance for fighting off the transformation back to stone, with disciplined practice every time she did so she added just a second more of life in the world of light.

The basket carrying woman finally arrived, Athena had been pacing a patch into the green meadow. “Is he still to arrive at the castle, Healer?” She asked, her voice smooth as the sun began to glitter across the horizon.

“Nice to see you too Athena.” Chucked the healer, or Lady Nerva as some called her, “Still worried about your precious castle I see.” She began to kneel down and pick thyme and mint from the various plants.

“I told you before old woman, it is not my castle.” But a small smile tugged upon the corners of her lips, even as she knelt down to help the woman pick her plants.

“He comes this week, the town is alive with chatter about him. A bachelor too it seems, the young misses of the town are coming to me for love potions.” She wheezed and let her milk colored eyes look up to the gargoyle and studied her as if she could see. “It is time for you to move on Athena, creatures like you are not meant to stay in one place like this.”

“I do not wish to move on, I do not wish to wander any longer... This is where I shall stay until I no longer see it fit.... And either way you’ll not be getting rid of me that easily, someone has to tell you when you’re picking poison, you bat.”

The women laughed and for a brief moment every week Athena felt human.

~~~

Athenas father used to make her stay in her stone form for months on end, day and night. He wanted her to get used to the ‘realm of dream’, is what he used to call it. It was essentially her mind creating a world in which her consciousness stayed while she was in her stone form. She could stay there for decades now, no matter how hard her wings beat or her legs ran she would go nowhere but in her own mind. Here she was safe, here she was free from time. The gargoyle could feel the outside world around her inside of her realm, the feel of Midnight, the black cat rubbing against her knee, or the chill of the crisp autumn day against her cheek. She enjoyed sleeping here in front of this castle, it was quiet, peaceful. Now a days she only came from her stone form to see Lady Nerva and check upon the castle. But now things were changing... Gargoyles did not like change...

As the sun sat upon the village the familiar itch to become flesh again seemed overwhelming as she knew today was the day that the Lord was to come to the castle.

First was her fingertips, toes, elegant spirling horns, the ends of her wings. Slow and steady. The various tones of her skin returned, the scuffs upon black boots, the slight sheen of her armor began to sparkle in the light, eye lashes and red hair giving a healthy sheen, the sword from tip to handle sparkled in the golden rays. Athena's hands naturally wrapped tighter around the handle as she continued to change.

Athena's heart gave a strong thump as her lungs gasped sharply at the pine soaked air, her amethyst against her breasts gave a soft glow of purple before fading quickly. Her head lifted slowly, green eyes blinking against the gentle sunset. She quickly stood let her wings stretch around her before giving a large gust of swirling leaves below her.

It only took a couple grand beats of her wings to get her to the balcony of her tower where she folded her wings against her back and they began to disappear into her skin, her jaw clenching at the pain, it never got better, but the room was simply not made for her grand wings.

Athena walked inside and took her swords from her back and set them upon their rests on the stone walls. It was a small room, books, scrolls and gems lined the walls. Various chests cluttered the room, they were filled with many precious things that she had collected over the years, powerful things, ancient things, all of which she had saved from the hands of reckless humans. Her drawings were scattered upon the small desk, they were all of faces that she had once known, once loved, hated...killed. In the rafters there was a hammock for her to lay in and look out the hatched window at the stars when she had nothing to do.

The gargoyle tried to rest in her hammock, but she could not, her body was restless. She began to pace upon the thick wooden rafter, surefooted. Her hands fiddled with her gauntlets around her wrists, and tugged at her metal corset around her chest. Gargoyles hated change, agonizing horrible change.

Voices.....

She paused in her pacing and crouched upon the beam, her horned head tilting to the side and listening, waiting.

Athena became far more interested when she heard a knock upon the door. Once, twice.

Bang! The heavy wooden door splintered as it tore from the hinges. If she had been human she might have jumped but being as still as a statue was simply her forte. So she watched.

It was dark in her room, only moonlight lit the various shelves, and her gleaming blades upon the wall. Her red hair had been loosened and now draped around her face, floating softly in the winds that whistled through the window as she stayed crouched like a cat.

He was.... not what she expected... Her brows furrowed as she looked at the large man. He was that of a warrior that was for sure, he was no lord by any means. She had expected some human who has simply stood on the back lines and watched as he sent his men into battle... Not this mark covered beast of a man, who was drinking his wits away.

She did not like intruders so there was a part of her brain that was screaming at her, telling her that this human had no right to stand where he stood and look upon things that he did not deserve to know. Her lips turned down and pursed as her hands gripped the beam with deadly force as his hand inched closer to the books upon the shelves.

He is drunk, Athena. Stop being so... possessive. He will do no-

Her little speech to herself was cut short as he pulled a book from its place and he began to flip through the 200 year old book like it was nothing more than a worthless piece of paper.

Athena jumped off of the 18 foot high beam and landed beside him in a graceful crouch. Her green eyes bright and fierce. “You should not touch things that are not yours Human.” She said in a solid voice, as she snatched that in the bottle of wine from his hands before her boot covered foot came up and landed against his waist, pushing him hard back to the ruined door. It was a strong shove, enough to push any normal sized man onto his backside.

She slid the book safely into its place before taking a swig from the bottle, her eyes never leaving the human. And there she stood, in her normal attire, armor gleaming softly and tanned skin, horns curling elegantly around her head, and scarlet hair falling across her shoulders. Athena was a perfect human, if it weren’t for the extras.

 

[LocalFriendlyPsychopath]

Thomas had been curious. This area looked...lived in. The story of the castle said no one ever lived here though. Perhaps a squatter? Maybe someone in the village knew. He had heard a few stories of the tower, and the fact that the light would come on during darker and stormier nights, so perhaps it was just someone looking for shelter. He glanced around and saw a lot of books, one of which he began to thumb through. Something he'd ask the priest about once he woke. He hadn't been prepared for what was to happen though...

When she landed he looked confused, not making any hostile action. When he was shoved back he nearly fell, noting the absence of the bottle in his hand as he managed to stay on his feet. He pushed his feet out and got himself a wider stance his shoulders going out as he pushed his chest out, "Excuse ME?" he said angrily, "You think to make demands of me in my own keep?" he said hesitating, "My keep. MY keep... MY KEEP," he said over and over before standing down.

The man's body relaxed ever so slightly, his shoulders dropped and he kept his eyes on her, cold and dark. His large magical arm gave a faint blue glow as he made his way around her, circling the room. He made his way to her photos and glanced at them briefly, "These paintings... I saw a few downstairs. They belong to you? Where did you buy them?" he asked her, "And before you get any ideas, I shall not treat you as a beast until you act as one, but if you do, I shall SLAY you like any other beast, as I understand the folk down in the village simply thought this room haunted, to me, it looks lived in," he said to her, "I am to assume it is you who did this, no? So we shall have no problems unless you make them," he said to her before sticking out his fake hand, staying a ways back from her, "I am not looking to shake hands, I am looking for my drink back, I do not mind sharing, but that was a special bottle I was told," he said.

He waited a moment, and when she didn't make a move he sighed and let his hand go back down, "I was told that this keep belonged to me, and I should lord over these people, to this end I have a friend with me, I do not know if he'll like your presence, but I do not mind it, I do not seek to disturb you and can keep you a secret if you so wish. There are no tales of dangers around here, I asked. No one missing late at night, no hunters... the only strange thing is that bandits tend to stay away, something they attribute to good luck, though I know such things aren't true. Meaning SOMEONE has to be stopping them, or scaring them off," he said to her, "I do not wish to interupt a fellow warrior," he said, "With what you are I suppose you are versed in spell as well as blade?" he asked her carefully as he moved around the room a bit more, taking his eyes off her again.

 

[KayLove]

Athena’s green eyes widened slightly at what she has just done, she had acted upon her instinct. Something she had not done in ages, but something about her things, this place... She had never called a place her home before, not since her creation. His yelling stung her ears and if she had been simply a human she might have flinched. But she held her ground and let the visage of stubborn confidence mask her emotions.

She felt his eyes upon her, but her own wondered to his glowing arm. Curiosity was felt in her gut as she urged to inspect it closer and determine how it was made. But she restrained. She scoffed softly before she could stop herself. “I did not buy them...” she felt slightly exposed with him here in her room. Looking at her things, at the important people, all so still alive in her mind but all were gone now thanks to the war. The gargoyle felt as if it was smartest to allow him his due and not move to cover the drawings.

Slay me? What does he think he is a god? She felt her green eyes give a slight roll before she could stop them. Of course I protect the village, what am I? A mindless sheep? Again she did not voice these words knowing full well that she should not. Her fathers voice already in her head scolding her for even thinking such thoughts. He was the Lord, this was his castle. She was simply a guardian of secrets and treasures.

Athena looked at his hand, cocking her head to the side to look at the intricate palm. Unbeknown to her that she was simply staring at it as he spoke of wanting the bottle back. She was running through known stories of a metal forged limb in her mind but she couldn’t come up with anything.

So... He is the rightful Lord of this land.... A friend? She gave a small hum of acknowledgement. And he is willing to keep my secret... what is the catch? She wondered. The gargoyle did not answer any of his questions, she simply watched him. Time was on her side after all, humans often got uncomfortable with her lack of quick answers.

“I am no warrior m’lord. I am a guardian. Of this town, these people, these artifacts that you see... They are all the last of their kind. I am versed in many things, centuries of practice, my lord.” A tone of respect was now in her voice that was not before, now she had reign over her emotions again. She took a tentative step forward and placed the bottle upon the desk, “It is a special bottle, it was made before the war, saved from demons... I remember the night well.”

“I will only stay if you desire me to,” she spoke the words as much as it pained her to do so, she knelt slowly, “I am but a guardian.” She saw herself as more than a guardian and knew that she would stand up to him and remove him from this castle if he so much as dared harm a simple stone. She felt his heartbeat thought the floor, steady and firm.

 

[LocalFriendlyPsychopath]

Thomas nodded at her comment, "Do not call me that," he said gruffly, "I am no ones lord, no man should rule over another, I am but protector of this area. I settle disputes... a chieftan but nothing more, I plan on training others in this keep. Turning it into a ground where those might learn how to fight and protect themselves," he said to her, "You are free to stay, I do not wish to chase anyone off. I have little need for these..." he hesitated as he gestured out towards her objects, "Belongings..." he said carefully, "Truth be told I am still learning the written word. It is a long and slow process, but I am catching on," he told her.

Thomas looked up, "No need for you to get hurt from here on out. IF you have any issues, you shall bring it up with me," he said to her, "Or perhaps my companion, if you choose to meet him. I am this lands guardian now, you need not worry yourself," he said to her as he moved back towards her. He stopped a foot or so away, realizing how he had been almost a full foot taller than the woman, despite her wings and armor and even her horns. He tilted his head to the side, "What are you? " he asked her bluntly.

He was close to her now. He wanted to reach out, touch her, figure out what she had been, if she was flesh or... something else. She knew a lot, it seemed, and could be a valuable asset. He didn't make a move to touch her but he did move over towards her blades. He glanced over them, putting a hand to his chin and stroking thoughtfully, "Masterfully crafted, make them yourself? You seem to have many talents," he said, "I dare not touch them, they seem enchanted, and those weapons tend to do things to my arm here," he said to her as he rolled the false arm. He sighed, "I once saw Magic as a useless cowardly tool, but I've come to realize that you must utilize all manner of tools to defeat your enemies sometimes," he said to her.

He turned back around and moved to a chair, moving it forward and experimentally sitting in it, making sure it would not break before relaxing. He watched her, "I wish to know more about you, but I do not wish this to be a one sided exchange, you ask me a question, as I've asked many of you already," he said to her, "We shall exchange questions till the sun comes up," he said to her as he gestured to the window, "So... what do you wish to know of me? I have a feeling you're already somewhat informed of who I am, as you didn't seem terribly surprised when I came up here..." he said to her.

 

[KayLove]

Athena stood from her kneeling position as soon as he told her not to do so. Only nodding at his words about her staying and a spark of curiosity to see what to knew and if she could teach him the language. But she shook the thought away.

His next words hit her slightly hard as he was basically saying that she was no longer needed. But her protests were quickly shoved away when she felt him move into closer proximity to her. Her wide green eyes snapping back to his in confusion of what he wanted from her.

What am I? She had not been asked that question in a long while.

“I am a gargoyle.” She stated back just as blunt, unwilling to elaborate on the details as he looked at her blades, the unwelcome twitch of protectiveness edging into the back of her mind yet again, “No, my father did.”

“You should not underestimate magic.” She stated as she watched him move to the old chair and sit, his large form barely fitting upon the seat, making it look small. Athena found it slightly funny and felt a corner of her mouth move up.

As soon as his many words stopped flowing from his lips she pounced upon the chance to ask of him what she wanted to know “Your arm. What is it? Where did you get it? Who crafted it? What magic does it posses? Where are you from? Your marking look like a warriors that I used to know...” a painful pang struck her heart but she hid it by taking the bottle in her hand and taking a drink, letting the lukewarm wine wash over her tongue before handing it to him, and leaning back upon her desk, “What did you do to deserve such a status?” And finally, “Tell me your name.”

 

[LocalFriendlyPsychopath]

Thomas had barely relaxed when he heard her blurt out question after question. Try as he might he could barely understand. He let her slow down after the flurry of questions and let out a loud sigh, "By the hells you sure are an inquisitve type. You bookworms always are," he said to her, "It reminds me of...' he stopped as if remembering this caused him pain and he sighed, shaking his head, "They call me Thomas, the name they've given me, I'm from the Feltrack tribe from the mountains far north of here," he said to her, "They sided the wrong way in the battle. They were mutated and became monsters, that is all there is to me," he said to her.

He took a deep swig of the bottle and handed it back to her, smiling a bit, "I believe you wished to know more about this?" he said as he detatched the arm and sat it in his lap, "It's a magical construct, from a golem destroyed in the final battle against the Dread Wizard," he said to her, "I killed the bastards minions as my teamates finished the wizard. We didn't all make it out, but my friends... they purified this arm, treated it, gave it to me after I lost mine in the battle," he said, "Of the six of us who went in, three survived," he said to her sadly as he looked out the window, "I assume you came to be during that war, no? Most beings like you did," he said, "Should I consider you as alive as my arm here, or are you more flesh than stone Ms.Gargoyle?" he asked her.

He turned the arm over a bit, pointing to some strange runes on it, "Those were supposedly some form of horrid power source," he said, "It had been powered by souls of those the beast killed," he said to her. He pointed to a few markings that had a slightly different glow than everything else, "This is where they attuned it to the earth... it gathers power thanks to the elves,' he said to her, "But I must attune it with nature, something that isn't too hard for me," he said to her, "I adventure out into the forest, go feral for a while, I gather my weapon, a massive axe, and hunt for a day or so," he said to her with a smile and gleam to his eyes. He hesitated for a moment then handed the whole arm to her, the massive scarred and ruined stump looked very good despite the severity of the injury, the magics used seemed to be of the best quality.

 

[KayLove]

“Thomas.” She tested it upon her lips, letting her need to know what kind of strength was needed to turn ones back upon his people.

She touched the lip of the bottle with her fingertip, as she watched with morbid curiosity as his arm detached.

Athena snorted and for once a rare burst of anger sprang to the surface “I was NOT made by this, from-from this-this-this horrible war, I am not made from dark magic! I was made out of the need for knowledge and curiosity! Unlike your arm I do not, do not, have a need to kill! I killed things like me, made from dark cursed stone! I have lived countless lives before you and protected far more than you have!” Athena simply looked at the arm in her hands and set it onto the desk as if it burned her hands to hold it, even though the markings upon the arms by the elves looked shockingly similar to the ones that were carved and scared into each of her legs. Athena knew why the sudden outburst he had told her that he was now the protector of this area and it stung. “I was hear long before you were born and I will be here long after you die! Just so you know! I am not some beast that you can slay! Do you understand?!?” She had to get it out of her head, had to say those things. Being as old as she was she was still a child in many ways, emotions escaped her and many were running through her head, true they were a little slow to the party but it happened, her mind as sharp as it was still had trouble processing the emotions it felt.

 

[LocalFriendlyPsychopath]

Thomas took her outburst well, allowing her to view his arm. He let her get her anger out and he nodded, "I meant no insult, I am ignorant of you and your kind. The only ones I have fought are much different from you. Beastial angry things. I never meant to imply you were rought of the same stone, we are alike in that manner. My markings, my scars and tattoos mark me as a man who betrayed all of mankind in the pursuit of power," he said to her, "And yet that is not me," he said to her as he motioned to the ritualistic scaring on his still good arm. He stood and stepped towards the swords on the wall and looked at them again as she looked over his arm.

In one swift and violent motion he grabbed as word from the table and lunged towards her, planting it deep into the desk right before her and grabbing her head, forcing it down next to the blade on the table, but not quite forcing her head to hit the table, her neck inches from the blade and his metal arm. His eyes were burning with a fire, "I do not wish for you to think me weak though," he hissed at her, "I won't be made a fool of nor will I take disrespect from anyone no matter the circumstance of there birth or there age. You may be older than I but that doesn't make you any more knowledgeable or powerful. Every person has knowledge that is known only to them, and every person can learn from someone else, to think otherwise is folly," he said to her as he let her go. He paused a moment before sighing, "I let my anger get the better of me, I need sleep," he said to her.

He stepped back, "I see I've upset you as much you have I, therefore I shall make my leave,' he said to her as he grabbed the bottle of wine, finishing it off before setting the bottle back down, "Keep the arm for the night, I shall retrieve it in the morning," he said to her as he turned and made his way back to the door. He hesitated and lifted it with his good hand, placing it back where it belonged, "I'll fix this in the morning, I shall have a crafts person fix it and replace the lock," he said to her, "I look forward to seeing you again Gargoyle, maybe next time you will not be hasty and maybe I'll even learn your name," he said as he put the door where it belonged and descended the steps, back down into the main hall where his friend had passed out. HE made his way to a chest full of old furs and opened it, throwing them about against a wall before laying upon them and passing out quickly.

 

[KayLove]

Anger boiled and raged in her body but she made no move towards him even as he spoke. Her green eyes bold in the faded moonlight.

Her gauntlet covered arm came up quickly to block the blade but the unexpected occurred. The sharp blade stabbed into her desk through papers, her lips parted to protest but the next thing she knew her head was taken in his hand and neck against the blade. Gargoyles were not the fastes of creatures, but she knew that the blade would not pierce her skin, it would sooner break. She barely heard his voice over the various whispers in her head.

When he let go all she did was straighten and pull the sword from the desk and let it clatter to the ground. She straightened the papers and moved the arm from its place on the desk to one of the shelves. Mumbling to herself that she had an adhesive somewhere, it was somewhere, somewhere.

Over time, everything developed ticks over the years. Athena had hers, emotions took time to catch up, the whispers in her head, possessions became her everything, and often the fleeting lives of humans were easier for her to ignore and other times not so much.

“Learn my name?” She asked to herself as she straightened from her searches and watched him leave, already forgotten about his violent outburst.

The night passed slowly for Athena as the moon made its way across the sky. She fixed her pictures and cleaned putting everything back in its place. Athena studied the arm memorizing every joint and marking. It was rather beautifully made, its inner workings intricate and full of hidden secrets... But was it the same markings? Her eyes hurt after hours of simply staring at the arm.

“You’ll not learn about it the more you stare Athena.” She mumbled, and with that she began to take off her gauntlets, “Either way... I am no longer the protector of this place.” She scoffed, remembering those words all too well, rubbing her wrists she then took off her metal chest piece revealing a soft leather corset and flowing scoop necked shirt. It felt nice to do so, she didn’t remember the last time she took those from her body.

Grabbing her cloak and heading through the now unlocked and broken door she headed down the winding stairs, the long black cloak tied around her neck. She came upon the beast of a man first, noting the disorder of his sleep and itching to put the furs away but she restrained as she looked at him. Breathing slow and measured. He looked far more like a beast than she, just becuase he was born of flesh he was welcomed with open arms... Jealousy. Another emotion that she had not felt in a long while.

Frowing at her own emotions she headed out the door...

~~~

Sunrise was soon to come, she had flown swiftly to the town, her grand wings cutting through the crisp air. The gargoyle landed upon the desired steps with grace and felt her wings move back into her skin. Her hand about to knock when it opened to reveal the white eyed healer.

“Did not expect you today, my friend.” She stated and moved aside to let the stone creature into her abode. Inside was covered with dried herbs and simple necessities: a large pot over a few embers, a bed, books that had not been touched in ages, bottles and pouches filled with who knows what.

“I needed to be reminded...” she said softly as she sat upon the stone floor, feeling the gentle humming of familiar rock upon her skin.

“Of what child?”

“Reminded I am more than a creature.”

The old woman sat back in the rocking chair and picked up her pipe filled with herbs and lit it using a smoldering twig. Taking a few long puffs before responding, “When was the last time you had a life, Athena? The last time that the world knew of your existence? Perhaps this is a sign for you to become something more than just a protector, to put away your swords and come out of the shadows... Maybe with this new lord on your side you’ll be able to do just that, he could convince the people to accept you. See you for the valuable gift that you are to the people of this town.”

Athena simply listened and drew lines upon the floor with her fingertip. “How do I know if I am ready for the humans to see me?”

A rusted chuckle, “You don’t, that is the gift of life.”

~~~

Sunrise came and she had walked back to the castle stopping at the door and looked at the grand oak. Placing her hand upon the wood and bowing her head. Lost in thought as the sun came up and started to make the need to return to stone form a necessity rather than a will.

Minute by minute passed and she watched as her gauntlets and chest piece materialized back onto her body. Just one more minute, one more, just a minute longer. The amethyst resting between her breast getting impatient as it began to glow and her knees were forced down, hands now grasping the sword as it stabbed into the ground before her. Her eyes burning as she kept them upon the sun inching its way over the world before they shut and her head was bowed, wings dusting the ground behind her, as she was once again caged in stone.

 

[LocalFriendlyPsychopath]

Thomas was woken by his companion late in the day. He shook him awake with a stick, keeping his distance, much to the curiosity of passerbys. Thomas woke slowly, growling as he did so, he turned over and saw the stick, 'Still haven't forgiven me for the last time you tried waking me?" He asked the priest who gave a snort and a laugh.

"Yes, well, being thrown across the room for daring to wake you changed my mind about how I approch you when you sleep. We have some work to do, people to speak with and things to do, I wanted to go explore the grounds a bit more before we talk about where we'll set up those barracks you wanted, and my monastery," he said to the mountain man as he slowly sat up and rubbed his eyes. The priest turned to him, "Where did you go last night? You dropped me on the couch and left," he said to him curiously.

The large man stretched and let out a groan, "I talked with a new friend," he said to him, "Someone you will meet one day," he added carefully, "Stay out of the tower, the things they said about it being haunted are semi-true....' he said to the priest quietly. The man tilted his head, "Again, I do not wish to speak before my time," he said.

The priest shook his head, "Shouldn't have said ANYTHING then, now I'm curious, but I'll respect your wishes," he said to him as he nodded to a line of people being dealt with just outside the castle, "You're new wards awit, they wish to have you settle problems, as is your right, lord,' he said, which drew a groan from the barbarian. The priest hesitated and then began to look paniced, "YOUR ARM! WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR ARM!? GODS, HAS IT GONE ROGUE!? "he shouted looking around frantically.

Thomas raised his hand, "SILENCE, stop screaming for gods sake!" he said to the man, "Its not lost, I know where it is, I shall retrieve it LATER. For now I wish for you to deal with some of our new tribes men," he said pointing to the line. The priest seemed to calm slightly and sighed, nodding, "I suppose you're right, they may be a little concerned by your missing arm too though," he said as he began to walk towards the doors.

~~~

it took hours to get through everyone. The people had petitions for new lands to graze upon, for hunting rights, for land DISPUTES and new shops to be made. An expansion for the inn so that more people could stay during the festivles, fixing up the port and so much more. The thing that urked him was that everyone came to the priest. Asked him, spoke to him. They were either intimidated by him, showing it by staying as far from him as possible and jumping with his every move, or they simply thought him stupid, as they explained to him simple issues as if he were a child.

By the end of the day he felt as though he had worn his teeth down to nubs. He made his way inside, the priest noting his displeasure, "I didn't think they had so many issues, this land hasn't had a ruler for so long its amazing its stood. They seemed to work fine on there own, but they just wanted us to okay EVERYTHING they do...' he said as he slumped into a chair, watching as Thomas passed him by.

As he made his way to the stairs, he heard a knock and let out a long growl, "Yet another person who needs my approval to take a piss? " he said as he stalked back over and swung the door open. Outside was a small woman, he glanced down at her, "Can I help you?" he said in his thick, gravely voice.

The woman smiled, holding out a small basket, "The contents are for you and your friend, my lord," she said as he took a few flowers and the potion. He looked at it, noting the writing on it as he sounded it out, "Paa...Pleaas," he said as the woman waited. He looked at her, "I thank you, elder," he said to her. She smiled and nodded, "Just be kind to your new friend, she's not used to change and doesn't like it too much," she said.

He hesitated and watched the old woman slowly walk away, feeling the ground out with a cane as he turned to the priest who seemingly fell asleep. He put most of the things down next to him on the table but carried the potion. How did she know? This woman was a mystery he'd explore another day.

~~~

He made his way upstairs and into the room again. He looked around, noting the statue that now sat in the room. He hesitated, looking at her a bit. Unaware of whether or not she could hear him, he downed the potion and placed it on the desk. It tasted fruity, happy and light. He coupled it with a bottle of wine he had snagged, as he snaked on some trail rations that had been left over. He sat in the chair, waiting as he drank from his bottle, leaving the second filled bottle of wine for her, next to the empty potion bottle. He didn't say anything, he just glanced over at her from time to time, looking at his arm on the table and slowly drifting off to sleep.

 

[KayLove]

Athena’s day passed in her realm uneventfully, her mind had conjured a raft in the middle of a wide river and she was simply laying back while the river flowed and carried her down its endless length. Her golden wings out on either side of her trailing in the water. Humming a song she had once learned from a trope of performing gypsies.

Normally, Athena rested at the main entrance to the castle but she had chosen to rest in her tower as to not intrude upon the busy day that lie ahead. Either way that was far too many people. She felt the sun setting, like an internal clock inside of her body. But she did not allow herself to change, perhaps she should just spend the next twenty years in here. She had done it before, fifty years was the longest amount of time so far..... But Lady Nerva was right. So she sighed and knelt upon the raft and let her form begin to change.

Fingers, hands, the tips of her hair, all giving way to life. The dull colored stone smoothing out to skin and the pendant glowing a soft shade of purple... It was a process. One that not many witnessed.

Thump. Gasp! Her breath sharp as her lungs filled, feathers ruffled, and eyes blinked.

She stood with sword in hand, slowly, and looked upon the lord of the house yet again.

“Is your presence here in my room going to be a common occurrence? Or were you just coming up here to enjoy the show?” She asked as she folded her wings behind her and they began to fold into her skin, she winced as she noted the bottle of wine and picked it up. The bottle made a pleasant pop and it was met by her lips not long after. It was one of the very few human concoctions that she enjoyed.

 

[LocalFriendlyPsychopath]

Thomas opened an eye lazily, a rare smile gracing his features as he watched her, "Only if you wish for it to be like that my dear Gargoyle," he said to her as he sat upright, "Mmm... that was interesting," he said to as he looked around the room, "Mmm... I dunno, I came up here to enjoy a conversation with someone," he said to her, "But I suppose if you want me to leave, I can," he said to her as he moved his hand around a bit, "I came back for my arm, but you haven't done much with it, I thought you wished to look at it?" he said to her curiously as he tilted his head to the side.

He hesitated ,"I have to admit, I didn't think you'd be...stone, when I came up here... I was unaware that this happened," he said to her carefully as he looked at her carefully, "You're clothes and everything change with you?" he said as he tilted his head, "I was turned to stone once, it was horrible... the priest saved me... I stared at a gorgon, "he said to her as he thought for a bit. He hesitated and looked at her, "What's going on?" he asked her, "Wait, why did I come up here?" he asked her before hesitating, "To talk to you, right, I had a question, but I... seem to have forgotten it in this pleasant haze...' he said with a warm smile.

The man got up and moved to the desk, moving his arm around before seeming to figure something out, "Oh yeah, your friend came by, an old lady, she said to say hi and...something else," he paused as he thought, "Oh yes..." he said after coming to some conclusion, "She wanted me to to be your friend, "he said to her sounding resolute, "She seemed to know more than she let on, I didn't press her," he said to her as he looked at her again, looking closer at her as he narrowed his eyes, "You're eyes are a very pretty color," he said to her as he smiled a bit, "I have redecided something, if you so wish to remain a protector of the realm, then you can do so, I need those who can teach and I think you may be able to, you are more learned than me," he said to her.

 

[KayLove]

Athena simply stared at him as he talked and began to loosen her gauntlets, letting them clank heavily upon the desk beside his arm. Going to her chest piece and undoing it as well, there used to be times in which she refused to take any piece of her armor off but now she often got tired of seeing it. Although, it was an intricate design, her father had crafted the pieces well.

The mention of his arm made her brow arch and she picked up a piece of scratch paper in which she had drawn and labeled each and every part of the arm down to the smallest detail. It was well drawn, legible writing, very few mistakes. If she could have torn the thing apart she would have but she thought it best not to. She handed him the paper before letting her armor clunk off and hit the ground. “Yes, it all does, the blades, clothing, its all charmed to get back to me every morning, I had far too many instances in which people wanted to posses something of a gorgon and try to replicate the magic in which it came from.” She turned from him and knelt down to one of the various chests and rummaged through it as he spoke again.

At the mention of gorgons she scoffed, “Gorgons...” she gave another scoff, “Presumptuous, think they are sooooo special. But you can’t turn stone to stone you...” her voice trailed off as she called the creature various names in different tongues.

Her brow furrowed and she finally heard what he was saying, Athena swiveled to face him. She was trying to figure out what exactly was wrong with him. Had he been drinking? The sheer amount of alcohol that it would take... Hell he’d probably drink me under the table. His accent was thicker than before, and body seemed far too relaxed. As soon as he mentioned Lady Nerva she knew what happened. The old hag had drugged him with one of her various concoctions to cause you to feel euphoric.

Athena stood finally and crossed her arms over her chest, one side of her mouth moving up as he complimented her eyes. “Really? Seeing as you’re in such a good mood my Lord, want to apologize for last night while you’re at it. Or is that pushing it? You know what, I’ll take it and make sure that you remember what you just promised.” The gargoyle bent over the desk and quickly in sprawling calligraphy stating what Thomas as the lord of the land just said as well as signing her own name and stating that she would do what he required of her.

“Ill have you sign it in the morning, and even meet this friend of yours. But until then, you have to stay up until that elixir she gave you works its way out of your system or you’ll start sleep walking and I would rather not have to drag you back kicking and screaming.”

 

[LocalFriendlyPsychopath]

He looked over the paper, nodding, "Very pretty drawings... but I can barely read when sober," he said, "Learning when you're so old is rather difficult," he said to her as he put the paper back. At the mummblings about the gorgons, he laughed, "I'd rather not have to deal with them EVER again," he said to her, "I don't think they're particularly friendly even if you don't look at them," he said to her. He let out a laugh when she mentioned apologizing and he moved towards her quickly. HE lifted her in a tight bear hug, "I am sorry friend," he said to her, "I meant nothing by it... today was rather lousy and I have a feeling its because the ancestors were displeased at how I treated a fellow warrior," he said to her.

There was a brief moment of him holding her close, lifting her off the floor before he set her back down, "I wished for you to show me around, but I'm not sure I can... the old lady gave me a gift for Daniel," he said to her as if she knew who that was, "But he doesn't drink anything that doesn't come from the church or anything he can't purify," he said, "And most potions lose there powers when purified, so I decided not to let her gift go to waste," he said as he went back over to the chair and dropped himself into it, the chair groaning in protest and finally giving into gravity, splintering as he fell flat on his ass with a loud grunt, falling onto his back as well.

He lay there stretched out and let out a sigh, "I'll replace this too... I know I said I'd fix the door but I was so busy..." he stopped, "Well, I wasn't busy. People don't like talking to me, even the people here see me as a threat," he said to her, "I may have to figure out how to craft a chair for you myself... one that won't collapse like this one," he grunted as he slowly sat up, picking a few splinters off of his arms and legs as he sighed. He looked at her, "They say there is a bed in this castle that is big enough for me, I didn't care to look for it last night so I slept upon my furs... think you can show me it?" he asked her before hesitating, "Wait... where do you sleep? Do you not have a bed? Isn't it uncomfortable to turn to stone sitting like that?" he asked her.

 

[KayLove]

“I could always write in your language you know....” Athena looked down at the cast aside drawings, “I can even speak it...” she said in his language.

“Gorgons are the most childish monster I cannot-“ her words were cut off as she felt his large arms wrap tightly around her, “Well, for your ancestors sake-!” She was simply shocked by his ability to pick her up and sincerely caught off guard as her wide green eyes looked over his shoulder now before finally being set upon her boots once again.

The gargole took several steps from him and looked at him with wide eyes. No human had ever hugged her, not like that, never lifting her from the ground as such. It was.... what was the word... intimatating? That must be it.

Athena pieced together who Daniel was and nodded along her mind still racing along the lines of her weight being simply a pile of hay for this man.

“You simply need to seem human to these people. They have never meet anyone such as you. You’re..... intimiatating. Perhaps you let the carpenter show you what hinges to buy for my door? Or the logger what wood you’d like to use to build me a new charge because that really was my favorite chair and I’m going to hold you to building me a new one. But...” she sighed and rubbed her temples.

Athena’s eyes met his as he mentioned his living quarters. “Yes... I know the bed in which you speak of, the previous lord of the castle had a fondness for luxury.”

“Me?... I do not know what sleep is like for you humans, but mine is not uncomfortable. It is simply different. I retire to somewhat of a dream like state. But I never truly sleep. I dont feel the position that my stone body is in no so there is no reason for you to pity me.”

As she stated these things she started down the stairs and leasurly lead him to his room. They passed through a singular long hall before the arrived to the East Wing and the came upon a large set of red wood doors. She gripped the handles and shoved the doors, letting them open wide before stepping through. A large bed piled with hand woven quilts and an even greater fireplace sat unlit. It was truly a room for a lord.

 

[LocalFriendlyPsychopath]

The barbarian sat up, frowning as he looked at the chair. He didn't know what to say to her, "I can easily make you a new chair. Though it would be some what primitive... a log," he said to her, 'Or we can make you a new chair. Whatever it is you like," he said to her as he nodded at her. He smiled as he stood up, nodding at her talk of the previous lord, about how she slept, and everything else.

He let her lead him through the hallways and into a large room. He looked around, "Perfect, this shall be the quarters of the warriors," he said to her, "I shall bring in more beds... you may sleep here too if you wish, though I assume you would prefer your tower still?" he said to her quietly, "I thank you for showing me this room, I think I can make this a proper warriors den. Share it with those who have proven themselves, you and the priest are the only ones so far," he said to her.

He turned back over to her and raised an eyebrow, "Why have you not taken this room for yourself? IT has plenty of room for your drawings. For all the things you write as well. You could put up quite a lot in this room," he said ,"And stay warm during the winter with this fireplace... wait, do you feel the chill in the air? The cold? I've noticed you have no blankets up there and it gets quite chilly with how high up it is," he said to her as he nodded at her.