Consequence Of Choice (Nekrosilisk88 & darkangel76)

The bells sounded, echoing throughout the air. The chimes of the bells of the Girion Order rang out signaling to all who lived within the walls of the temple that they needed to pay one last rite of homage to the deity Girio, before retiring for the night. The priestesses living within the sacred walls, lined up and walked their way to where the ceremony would be held, a vast room filled with lit candles and smelling of sweet herbs.

Elana Verin, a priestess-in-training, walked with her sisters to the ceremonial room. She held her head in a bowed position, her nearly black hair shielding her luminescent gray eyes from sight. She watched the ground as she walked almost mechanically to where the ceremony was to be held. Her hands gripping her white robe tightly against her body.

Deep within her belly, Elana was dreading the end of the day. She’d been told earlier, by her mentor, that she needed to leave Girion Temple and make her pilgrimage to the city of Seras, Girio’s most sacred city. More than anything, she did not want to leave the safety and security of the temple. She knew of no other way of life and had heard stories of the outside world that frightened her beyond belief. Her mentor had said that such a pilgrimage was done precisely for this reason. To not only see Girio’s holy city for itself, but to gain a better understanding of the outside world.

Elana’s mentor had seemed so casual, so at ease, when she spoke about it. But Elana felt a coldness inside, fear. She hoped that her feelings of dread would all be for naught, that indeed the world would not be as frightening as she thought. Her sisters had all spoken words of comfort and encouragement to her about the pilgrimage. Letting her know how wonderful an experience it was for them and how it made them stronger in their faith.

Elana wanted to believe that her mentor and sisters were correct. She had to believe it if she were to make it all the way to Seras. She was told that she’d be accompanied by a small entourage, a group of people who would ensure her safety and be able to explain to her about all the new and fascinating things she’d be seeing along the way. This did bring her some comfort and she prayed to Girio that he would look after her as she journeyed.

As she walked up to the statue of Girio located within the ceremonial room, Elana kneeled down, her hands still gripping at her robe. Lowering her hood, she looked up into the face of the statue.

“Please watch over me on this journey, Girio. Let my fate hold for me the beauty of the world, the excitement and joy it can bring to my life. Let me learn to see and appreciate everything that’s in it. To see the good in it all and to gain a better understanding of myself in the process.”

Smiling to herself and feeling much more at ease, Elana stood up and placed her hood back over her head. Slowly, she made her way toward her chambers where she would rest for the night one last time before making the journey to Seras. She would miss the temple, her sisters, her mentor. But she found a renewed sense of strength after her prayer. She was ready to face the outside world and all that it had to offer.

Asrath sat across from the bandits' leader. He was a fairly popular blade to hire. his skills were well known, and unlike so many others who gathered such fame, his prices didn't become exorbitant to match an inflated reputation.

His deep green eyes surveyed the thug who was hiring him from under his hood. The man was heavily scarred, and there was something malignant in his eyes and smile that made him wary. "So Asrath we're clear on the mission? Just dealing with a group that's been threatening our lands and you'll be paid your usual fee for your services."

Asrath nodded as he rose to prepare for the events to come. People knew what it meant to lie to him. He'd killed more than one employer for that crime with the harshly angled scimitar on his hip. He rarely had to speak at negotiations, and everyone knew that he'd take nothing less than what he charged for his service. His cloak fell over his slender body as he left the ten. Though thin and lithe, there were none who doubted his strength or speed.

As he mounted up on his horse, the bandit leader left his tent and began barking orders to his men. It was a good distance to their destination, and the sooner they lefter, the sooner they would arrive.

Elana woke up bright and early, before the sun had had a chance to rise above the horizon. Feeling refreshed and at ease about the pilgrimage she had before her, she went over to her water basin and poured the steaming water that had been brought in earlier for her to wash with. The water steamed out as it went from pitcher to basin. Elana smiled as the steam rose up and brushed her cheeks, turning them the palest of pink. She grabbed the sponge and began to clean herself. Once finished, she discarded the water and poured fresh water into the basin only this time she used the water to wash her long dark hair instead of her body. The water felt nice against her scalp and neck and once her hair was cleaned and rinsed, she patted it dry with a coarse towel. In a drawer were some sweet smelling dried flowers. She picked out her favorite, the lilacs, and crushed them in with a mortar and pestel until they were a fine powder. She then sprinkled the powder in her hair and on her skin until she was saturated with the scent. Smiling, she dressed herself in her usual robes and headed out to check with her mentor about the plans for her departure.

The hallway was very quiet and dimly lit with torches. But as Elana neared the grand hallway at the front of the temple, she could hear the scuffles of feet and luggage along with muffled voices.

Elana smiled as she neared the hallway. She truly felt better about going on this journey. It always amazed her how self-reflection and meditation could ease the mind. But it had always been that way for her. Her mentor had said she was one of the few priestesses to enter the Girion Order who was satisfied with the person they were, the life chosen for them. Most of the girls went through terrible transitions, especially when they approached and went through puberty. They began to question why they were given up to the Girion Order and were confused about the thoughts that suddenly went through their minds when it came to the opposite sex. Often times a depression would set in. And sometimes that depression brought with it unpleasant events. But not with Elana.

Elana had been given to the Girion Order as an infant, as all those who became priestesses were. Her family was poor and unable to care for her. Distraught over being unable to provide for their daughter, yet having a faith in the god, Girio, Elana’s parents went to the Girion Order and asked that they take her in and raise her to become one of their own, a servant of Girio. The priestesses had been more than willing to take the baby on. They treated her well, taught her how to read, to write, to sing. She learned the ways of the Girion Order, what it meant to be a priestess, the vows and sacrifices it entailed. At the age of 16, she’d been given the choice, as all who were brought to the Order were, to leave the walls and live life as any other woman would. Most stayed, fearing the outside world. But a few did leave and they were missed by all. Elana chose to stay, but it wasn’t fear that kept her there nor was it her sole desire to become a priestess. No. It was her determination to fulfill her parents’ wishes. She never told her mentor or her other sisters this, but she knew it in her heart. She didn’t want any of them to misunderstand. She loved her sisters, her mentor. She truly enjoyed serving the god, Girio. But it was the fact that her parents’ had chosen this life for her that drove her to try her best. And it had been hard.

The sacrifices she and her sisters had to make were not easy ones. They all had to serve a time of silence and a time of solitude. At one point, Elana had thought she’d truly lose herself during those times if not for self-reflection and meditation. It got her through that tough time. It also helped her through puberty, when she found herself curious about men, but was told that she could never have one. The idea of that saddened her. She thought about her parents and how they hadn’t wanted to give her up. She wondered what it must’ve been like to have a love for a child that could be so strong. She also wondered what it would be like to love another and be loved in return. But, her mentor had always told her, that if she chose to stay, it could never be. It was a very difficult thing for Elana to deal with and even now she would dwell on it every so often, feeling the sadness bubble up inside. But, she always managed to keep it at bay.

Elana finally entered the grand hallway and saw her things stacked near the main door. Servants were slowly loading them onto a carriage of sorts.

“Nearly done?” Elana asked.

Her mentor nodded, “Indeed, my dear. You’ll be leaving for Seras within the hour.” She paused. “Do not fear to ask questions or interact with the people you pass by on your way. It’ll only give you greater knowledge of the world outside. For once you return for your pilgrimage, you will never set foot outside these walls again. Best to learn what you can.” The older woman smiled and hugged Elana.

“Yes, I will.” Elana smiled and headed for the carriage and those who would be escorting her on her way to Seras.

They'd arrived the site of what was to be their ambush at dusk, and spent the evening preparing for the attack the next day. Now as dawn arose, Asrath sat at a small fire cooking his meal. His hood was down for the time and his back was to the bandits. His long dishwater hair was loosely tied, and draped over his shoulder. The glow of fire lit his pale features. He was young for one with such a reputation, scarcely into his twenties were one to guess at his age.

His sword was naked in his lap, as he ran a whetstone along the inside blade honing it to a vorpal edge. The outer blade was a hardened razor curve that could slice through a chain shirt like it was a ripe piece of fruit. As he heard footsteps on the ground behind him, he reached over his shoulder and pulled up his hood. Few had ever sen his face, and he like it that way. People knew his by his sword. His was the only one like it, and though there had been those who had tried, none had taken it from him.

The steps ceased beside him as one of the dozen or so bandits that were employing him stood there looking at his fire. "Boss says they should be coming through here sometime soon. No fires, be ready to fight aye?" Asrath waved him off in response, and returned his blade to its scabbard. As the man left he kicked dirt into the fire and put it out. It was going to be a long day.

Elana sat in the carriage and immediately her jaw dropped as the temple gates opened up. In the distance, she could see the main city and a castle looming behind it. It was a grand sight to see. There were so many people buzzing about, so much life. As her carriage proceeded along the main path, several of the citizens stopped to get a look. Some even bowed.

“They are pleased to see you,” one of the entourage said to Elana through her window. “They know you are leaving for Seras today and they admire you and your courage for making such a trip.”

“Oh, I see,” Elana replied.

“They know the life of the Girion priestesses is a difficult one,” he added.

Elana nodded in understanding and felt her face flush a little with embarrassment. It amazed her that so many thought so highly of her sisters and the Girion Order. It warmed her heart making it feel light. Her mentor had been right. The outside world was not one to fear. Smiling, Elana sat back in her seat and gazed out the window.

After about an hour of traveling, Elana’s carriage had made it past the city and was heading toward the neighboring woods. Elana gasped as she saw the trees get closer and closer. She wondered how long they would be in the forest before they’d see the other side of it. She also wondered what wonders were on that other side.

“It’s beautiful,” Elana stated in awe.

As the small carriage entered the woods, Elana could smell the plants and wildlife. Fascinated by the wonderful smells, she couldn’t help but lean out the window and breathe everything in. It was wonderful. She hoped the entire journey to Seras would be fraught with such new and wonderful things. She looked up to the sky and said a quick ‘thank you’ to the god Girio for looking after her and showing her the wonders of the world. She felt truly blessed.

After a while, the carriage came to a sudden halt. Curious, Elana peered out her window. The men in her entourage looked worried, their eyebrows furrowed, their weapons ready for a fight. Her heart racing, she leaned back in her seat letting her mind reel over what could be going on. Surely no one was attacking them. Who’d want to attack a priestess? She had nothing of value with her, nothing that anyone could possibly want. She then wondered if perhaps there was a bear or a wild cat nearby.

Unsure, but still curious, Elana opened the door to her carriage and stepped out. “Why’ve we stopped? What’s going on?” she asked as she pushed her long dark hair over her shoulders. She was now dressed in a long sheer white gown rimmed with gold and dark blue thread, her cape hung loosely about her bare shoulders.

“Get back in!” one of her men shouted. “Now!”

Elana tilted her head in puzzlement. Turning to see what the man was staring at, she let out a gasp and then a blood-curdling scream.

Asrath waited behind the rock with the bandit that had come to fetch him earlier. He held the vicious scimitar in his hands, and waited for the carriage to come to halt. When he received the signal to launch the attack, and came around the rock his sword swinging at the nearest man's neck. He didn't see the young woman in front of the guard, and his sword connected with the man's throat as he finished speaking.

A stream of blood gushed forth from the man's neck as his head came off in one clean stroke. As the body fell Asrath saw the young priestess standing there. The hood of his brown cloak was obscuring his face so she wouldn't be able to see who he was, but he swore violently at the sight of her. Unfortunately there was nothing he could do at this point as the rest of the guards were now attacking and he was forced to continue fighting.

One after another of her entourage fell as the blade he wielded sliced through their armor and bit into their flesh. Others fell to the bandits or were forced to flee as the fighting continued, and occasionally one of the bandits would fall as well, though the ambush gave them enough of an edge to prevent being wiped out.

Elana thought she was going to pass out. Right there before her very eyes, she saw one of the men of her entourage get decapitated. ‘What is going on? Why would someone do this?’ she thought to herself, her mind racing, her heart thumping in fear. In a matter of seconds, her gray eyes filled with tears, which spilled down her pale cheeks.

There was so much blood, death and chaos. And Elana was in the middle of it all. Terrified, she fell to her knees and buried her face in her hands and sobbed. She felt that only a miracle would save her from this. There was no way she’d survive if the men of her entourage could not. She was a priestess-in-training and unskilled in the ways of battle.

Unsure of what else to do, Elana suddenly found herself whispering a prayer to Girio, praying that he somehow protect her so that she could finish her pilgrimage and show him the honor he deserved and she wanted to give him. For the first time, she questioned whether or not the deity could hear her, if her prayers were in vain. She knew this would upset her mentor and sisters, but given the situation, she couldn’t help where her thoughts went nor did she care. She was frightened. Looking around at the bloody mess, she saw that a man in a brown hooded cloak was the one who seemed to be doing most of the killing. As she watched him, her eyes widened and her skin suddenly felt cold. She trembled, wondering if he’d take pity on her and spare her. But she wouldn’t allow her heart to fill to full of such hopes. Given the way he ruthlessly slaughtered her entourage, it was apparent to her that he had no mercy in his heart.

Screams and shouts filled Elana’s ears. As did the sounds of swords slicing through bodies, leaving limbs and other things strewn about the path. Unable to bear it any longer, she collapsed onto the ground, her body shaking with violent sobs. She tried to ignore the sounds of battle and the fact that those who attacked were at the advantage. But it was no use.

When the sounds had stopped, Elana could only hear her own breaths heaving from her chest. Trembling, she looked up to see that she was surrounded by a group of strange men with angry faces, the man in the brown hooded cloak no where to be seen.

As the fighting finally ceased, the last of the entourage fled or deceased, Asrath gritted his teeth in rage. He was supposed to be fighting invaders not a priestess's entourage. His scimitar was held in a white knuckle grip as he approached his employer. "This is not what I was hired to fight! You said we were dealing with men threatening your lands!"

The bandit's leader laughed. "So I did, and you fought well as you were payed to. Hardly a stain on your record. Besides we got ourselves a nice little slave out of it. Isn't that right boys?" The remaining bandits laughed and leered at the young girl.

Asrath shook his head. "You apparently didn't believe my reputation, or you wouldn't have lied. I only have one way of dealing with men who lie to me." Before the leader could react, his head was gone in a lighting swift cleave of the mercenary's blade. Turning to the other men Asrath spoke plainly. "The girl comes with me."

One of the bandits surrounding her reached for her sword as he spoke. "the hell sh-." A dagger suddenly sprang out of his heart, and the men looked towards Asrath who was already holding another in his hand. They slowly backed away from her and bolted into the woods. Asrath returned the drawn dagger to its sheath, and walked towards the dead man in whom the other was embedded.

As the men began to close in around Elana, she felt her body shake with fear. She didn’t understand what they wanted from her and was absolutely terrified to find out what it could possibly be. She was just a priestess-in-training. She had nothing of monetary value with her, nothing significant anyway. She gasped just then, suddenly realizing what she did have that could be of value to men such as these.

Backing away from the men as they stalked her, Elana was ready to shout out. But before she could, she noticed one of their heads, the one who appeared to be their leader, suddenly fall from his body onto the ground with a thud. His body soon fell afterwards. Panicked, she looked to see who would do such a thing and that’s when her eyes caught a glimpse of a brown hooded cloak. It was the man she saw slaughtering most of the men of her entourage. ‘Why would he do that?’ she wondered to herself.

“The girl comes with me,” the hooded man said. His voice sounded angry, menacing.

Elana wondered why the hooded man wanted her to come with him. Was she to be his prisoner? Regardless, she figured herself safer with one angry man than with several. Plus, he’d been the only one not to look at her with hungry eyes.

Just then, one of the bandits reached for his sword, ready to strike the man down who dared take away their ‘prize’. But he didn’t get far. The hooded man threw a dagger with deadly precision, striking the other’s heart and causing him to fall down dead.

Elana gasped at what she saw, her hands shaking, her lips trembling. She watched the hooded man walk over to the dead one and retrieve his dagger from his lifeless body. The other men suddenly had fear in their eyes, fear for the hooded man who claimed he was going to take her with him. He took a hold of her arm and escorted her away from the scene slowly. The other men seething in anger as he did so.

Elana swallowed and pulled her cape tightly around her body, “Who are you?” she whispered to the hooded man. “I beg you don’t hurt me. Please.” At that, her gray eyes filled with tears, but she continued to follow the hooded man anyway.

Asrath looked at her and pulled his hood down. His eyes were cold as he spoke to her. "I'm sorry for your loss, but we don't have time for mourning. Fear will only hold them off for so long. They'll figure out there's enough of them to take me eventually." After cleaning his sword on the clothes of one of her guards,he returned it to its scabbard

He didn't give her time to answer before grabbing her arm with his bloody hand. "Let's go. We have to get moving now. I don't fight battles I can't win." He then started moving off the road with her, his grip firm whether she came willingly or not.

Elana couldn’t help but gasp when the hooded man pushed his hood back, revealing his face before her very eyes. He was much younger than she expected, around her own age. But the way he fought, the way he massacred her entourage, she’d been certain he’d be much, much older. His eyes were like glistening emeralds and his hair the color of warmed honey. She was astounded that such a man could be so ruthless, so cold.

Elana barely registered the man’s words as he spoke; she was too dazed to focus. So much had happened and then there was this man roughly gripping her arm with his strong, yet bloodied, hand. At least she felt some comfort in now knowing that he didn’t wish her imminent harm. And if she didn’t know better, she would say that he was actually trying to protect her honor. It seemed rather odd to her that someone so vicious could act in such a way. But, Elana was grateful nonetheless.

As the man pulled Elana along, her feet stumbled a bit. He was moving them quickly away from the scene. Every few seconds, she glanced behind herself, watching the faces of the angry bandits growing smaller and smaller. She hoped that they wouldn’t come after them. But such a hope was most likely in vain. Elana wasn’t stupid. She may have been naïve, but she was well aware that those men outnumbered them. And that, if they had the mind for it, could more than easily take them down. Elana shivered at the thought.

Looking over at the man as he held firmly onto her arm, Elana asked quietly, “Where are we going? Who are you?”

As he pulled her through the underbrush of the woods Asrath would steal glances over his shoulder as if he was worried about someone following them. Occasionally he would stop and hold his hand up as an indicator for her to be silent so he could listen. After about an hour of this he finally stopped and allowed her a brief respite.

"We should have enough distance now to rest for a moment. If you've got questions now's the time to ask them. I'll do my best to answer them for you. For the two you seem most eager to know, My name is Asrath." He looked about them briefly before speaking again. "As for where we go from here, I'm not sure. I have no home, and as such i travel where the winds take me, unless i have work to do, in which case I head to that location."

He studied her pointedly, her delicate robes and frame, and let out a sigh. "A quick question of my own first. Have you ever learned anything about fighting?"

Elana and the man continued their way through the woods and away from the chaos of where her entourage had fallen. After what seemed an eternity, the man stopped, allowing her to rest and also introducing himself.

“Thank you, Asrath, for sparing me and for getting me away from those men,” Elana spoke as she bowed her head and gave the man a small curtsey. “Alas, I have no skill in fighting.” She blushed despite herself, feeling rather useless. All of her skills were useful elsewhere, not out in the wilds. And as a priestess-in-training of the Girion Order, violence and the like were not things that they were taught. They had guards to protect them should something happen to their temple where they stayed.

Elana stood up and looked at Asrath, tilting her head a little. “As for my own questions, I do need to get to the city of Seras, but I have no idea as to how to get there from here. My entourage knew the way, but…” her voice trailed, her gray eyes wide with fear. “I am to make the pilgrimage from Girios to Seras. It is supposed to be the last task I complete before my sisters will allow me to be ordained a full priestess of the Girion Order.”

Elana felt fairly certain that Asrath didn’t really care where she was going or where she was from. Like he told her, he was like the wind, going wherever it took him. It was just chance that he happened to be involved with the group that attacked her and her entourage. And given that she was more or less useless to him, she was sure he’d want to get rid of her as soon as he could. She could tell that a man such as him traveled alone, answered to no one. So very unlike the men she’d known to guard the temple or who had been in her entourage not too long ago. His gem-like eyes showed a coldness that made her shiver.

Fearful of what was to become of her, Elana asked, “How am I to get there? I know it’s a long way off and that the roads are quite treacherous.” She looked down at her feet, her arms hugging her body. “What am I to do?”

Elana looked back at Asrath, her gray eyes wide with fear of the unknown. Trembling a little she then asked, “Will you help me?”

Asrath hung his head, pinching his nose. He'd have to be patient with this one. Clearly she'd never been outside whatever monastery she was raised in, otherwise she would never have asked him for help. He was a mercenary, he didn't help people, he was paid to fight.

"Ma'am, I'm sorry, but I don't help people. I'm a mercenary. I do what I'm paid to do, and honestly I don't think you could afford my fee." Raising his hand in the air he pointed to some mountains visible in the east. "Seras is just past that range. It's perhaps three days as the crow flies, but by foot it's almost three weeks of travel by the fastest road I know, and that road is filled with danger that would likely kill you. The safer road is twice that length."

He was stuck at what to do himself, he just saved this girl, but what was he going to do with her now. He didn't have his horse anymore, which meant he'd be walking through the woods for some time before he reached the nearest town, could he look after her that long?

"I can guide you to the next town if you'd like, but no further without payment. Also you're going to have to learn how to fight if you're going to survive without your guards, and try that hike on your own. This is something I could teach you, but it would require payment."

Elana’s heart sank. As she feared, Asrath was as cold as his eyes appeared. She was beside herself as fear began to set in, making her blood turn to ice. What was she to do? Everything she had was lost in the chaos of the attack. She had no money, nothing save the clothes she wore. Panicking, she began to pluck the jewelry she wore off her body. Earrings, bracelets, a necklace.

“Will these be enough?” Elana asked pleadingly. “Please, help me.”

Elana’s eyes watered at the thought of being alone. She had no idea of the world outside her temple, had no idea where to go or how to get places. Never did she feel so hopeless, helpless and useless. If Asrath left her now, she’d surely die. If not by the strange wildlife in the woods, most definitely by the bandits who would surely track her in the near future.

“My name is Elana Verin and I beg you to have mercy. Please.” Elana had all she could do not to cry right there as she spoke, but she managed to stay strong, to hold her emotions back. It wasn’t easy and she had to hold her breath in order to do so. “If I give you my word that you’ll receive more in Seras, will you see that I get there?” She didn’t think Asrath would help her on her word alone, but she had to try. She was desperate and didn’t know what else to do.

Looking down at her feet, Elana bit down on her lip to further stifle the sobs she felt yearning to bubble up and escape her lips. But she wouldn’t let them. She needed to show this man that she had some kind of strength about her. That though she may be useless now, she had the potential to learn. She said a silent prayer to Girio and then dared to look into Asrath’s luminous eyes.

Asrath examined what she handed him. and shook his head. "this might cover half of what i would have to charge for the journey." He removed a pouch from his belt and spilled the contents into his hand, four perfectly polished blood red rubies. "This was my payment for the fight you just witnessed." He returned the stones and the pouch to his belt. "That was a simple fight. Escorting you that far would be much more expensive, as the danger is far greater."

He looked at her, and could see she was fighting back her tears. "Since you are new to the world Elana, I'm going to explain something to you, that you wouldn't have heard. I am a very well reputed mercenary. I am sought for my skills across the land. However people are weary of hiring me for one simple point. If my employer lies to me about the job, or my payment, they die. I will take you on your word that I will receive payment in full at Seras, but be warned, if you speak falsely, even being a priestess will not spare you from death. Are you willing to take that risk?"

Asrath’s cold words pierced Elana’s heart like a dull sword. She didn’t know if the priests in Seras would make the payment or not. She hoped they would, but she couldn’t guarantee it. All she could do was have faith that Girio would see her through this ordeal. That somehow she’d find a way to pay him, no matter what she had to do.

Elana looked into Asrath’s cold, ruthless eyes. “I’ll see you get paid somehow. Whether by the priests in Seras or by other means, I will see that it’s done. Or you can take my life from me. At least I will die knowing I fulfilled my family’s and order’s wishes.” She paused a moment as dark, morbid thoughts invaded her mind. She wasn’t stupid and knew that more than likely she’d never make it back to Girios, but she saw no other way. At least not right now. “I only ask that if I’m unable to grant you payment, that you let me perform the final rites needed to fulfill my obligations. I promise you, that I won’t run from you if I must die by your hand.”

Elana couldn’t believe what she was saying. She meant every word, but she also knew that she truly did not want to die. But given the situation she was in, she really had no choice whatsoever. She said another silent prayer to Girio and decided that on the way to Seras she’d need to prepare herself for the possibility of death. It was a cruel reality she had to face now that Asrath was in her life.

Asrath nodded quietly. "Very well then you are held to your word. We'd best get moving. Nearest town is a ways to the north. We'll go there first and gather better equipment for the journey ahead." He stood then and motioned for her to follow. "You may speak if you have to, but I'm not much of one for conversation. Don't be surprised if I don't answer. We'll make camp at night fall and start your training."

With that he rose, and with a brief swirl of his cloak as he turned, he began making his way through the underbrush. She'd follow when she was ready. He kept himself with in sight of her, checking over his shoulder every so often if she wasn't with him to make sure he hadn't gotten too far ahead.

Elana couldn’t speak or even bring herself to look into Asrath’s eyes as he answered her. Her heart felt so very heavy and she needed a moment to let what she’d agreed to, to sink into her mind. Her eyes filled with tears as she began to think about how death would greet her. She wondered if Asrath would be merciful and allow her to feel no pain or would she be decapitated like the bandit he beheaded when he saved her from being dishonored. She had no idea. And she didn’t want to hold onto the potentially false hope that the priests in Seras would definitely give him payment. She couldn’t vouch for them and she knew it. All she could do was hope and there was a small shred within her that feared the worst.

When Elana finally looked up, she saw that Asrath had already begun to walk deeper into the woods. Slowly, she stood up and pulled her cloak tighter around her small body. She pulled her hood over her head. She didn’t want him to see that her eyes were filled with tears and fear. She didn’t want him to have the satisfaction. Then again, she was certain that this man felt nothing, that his heart was nothing but pure ice. So cold that nothing could melt it and make it feel anything.

In a way, Elana felt lucky that it was a long way to Seras. It would give her time to adjust for what most likely would happen. It made her wonder why she felt the need to fulfill her family’s wishes. It was them she was doing this for, not herself.

All the questions Elana had about serving Girio as one of his priestesses suddenly came flooding back. It was if time rewound itself and she was reliving her time as a young adolescent going through puberty and other changes once again. She knew that such thoughts would upset her mentor, but she didn’t care. Her mentor wasn’t there with her, wasn’t in the situation she was. Besides, no one save herself even knew that she still had doubts, that she was merely going through the motions to please others, despite her love for Girio.

Asrath walked for what seemed like hours to Elana. Not once did he try to talk to her. ‘Just as well,’ she thought to herself. ‘It’s probably better not to know the person you have to murder.’ Several times, she found that she wanted to talk to him, but she just couldn’t find the words. Her heart was too heavy. Suddenly, she caught sight of a small lilac tree. Just seeing it made her smile. She loved lilacs and felt the need to pick a few off the branches, to help ease her heart and mind.

“Please,” Elana said softly. “May we stop here for a moment?” She paused feeling somewhat foolish. But given all that she’d endured, she found that she really didn’t care. He could allow her this one small luxury, or so she hoped.

They were moving in silence which was just fine for him. Despite his blank and icy exterior, Asrath was twisting up inside. She had just guaranteed him payment, which meant if it didn't come through he'd have to kill her. He'd never killed a cleric before, and the few women that he had killed were marauders. He was wondering if he could even bring himself to do the deed.

He stepped wide of the lilac trees as they neared them. When he heard her request he stopped and turned. "If you must, I'll be waiting just up ahead. These plants give me a god awful rash if I'm around them for too long." He then stepped up and past the grove, before turning to keep an eye on her.

Elana couldn’t help but chuckle to herself, despite the grave situation she found herself currently in. She had no idea if Asrath really had an allergy or if he was just being difficult to spite her. Regardless, she didn’t care. She needed to lighten her heart, make herself feel better about her decision. So, she approached the tree and picked a couple of the flowers from their branches. She brought the flowers to her nose and inhaled deeply, drinking in the delicious scent. Immediately, she found herself smiling, feeling almost at ease.

When Elana finished, she walked slowly toward Asrath. She gave him a nod that they could continue on if he so chose, that she was ready. She held the two blossoms in her one hand, every so often allowing herself to breathe in their aroma. It was a small comfort, a mere trifle really. But she was amazed at how much better it made her feel. She knew that Asrath would have no understanding of such a thing. He felt nothing as far as she was concerned.

Smiling to herself, Elana found herself secretly wishing that Asrath got a rash later on. Feeling a slight sense of resolve, she pushed her hood back and flicked her long, dark hair over her shoulders, waiting for Asrath to resume leading the way.

He didn't even wait for her to stop before he was moving again. "I'm damned serious about that rash. As long as you're carrying those things keep a couple arm's lengths back." He then started muttering something to himself about women in general.

He was grateful that at least she wasn't moping about like she had been earlier. He was already fighting the urge to start scratching his arms, the only thing really keeping him from doing so, pride be damned was that it usually made the rashes worse.

Elana’s smile widened as Asrath spoke once more about rashes. She felt like she’d won some small sort of victory. It may not have been over a glorious battle, but she’d take it for all it was worth. And she would relish it completely as well. Oddly, she found herself picking up her pace, closing the distance between them as they walked. She wanted to see him suffer, even if just a little bit. After all, he deserved it as far as she was concerned. If he was going to take her life, if Girio decided to abandon her, then she would make certain that he at least had to endure something unpleasant. Even if it was a simple rash.

Elana heard Asrath muttering words under his breath, but she couldn’t quite make them out. ‘Good,’ she thought to herself. The tone of his mutterings were enough to satisfy her.

“Are you?” Elana found herself stating more than asking. “I will walk at whatever pace I see fit and if that means I walk by your side, then so be it.” She had no idea where her boldness came from. It was very unlike her. Maybe it was because she knew her life was now in Asrath’s cold, merciless hands. That nothing she did or said now truly mattered in the end. All she knew was that she could feel her blood slowly beginning to boil, her heart beginning to race. She squared her jaw as she looked him in the eyes, daring him to say something back.

Fine she wanted to play hardball he could return the favor. He stopped suddenly as she quickened her pace. "Perhaps someone would like to find there own path to Seras? Believe me little lady, I can keep a faster pace longer than you can, and trek for good deal longer without stopping. Now are we going to be spoiled brats about this, or be reasonable?" The wicked grin that came across his face than made his threat seem a good deal more sincere than it really was. Sure he might duck and keep out of sight for a few days, but he wasn't about to up and abandon her.

With that he once more put distance between them. Let her carry her flowers, but damn if he was going to suffer for it. What was it with women and lilacs anyway. He pushed the though from his head, he'd given up trying to figure women out years ago.

Elana knew that Asrath was right. He could indeed travel at a faster pace and for much longer than she could. In fact, she was sure that if he’d wanted to go to Seras he would get there much quicker without her. But she knew that he didn’t. He was only going because she’d asked him and then guaranteed him a payment she wasn’t even sure she’d be able to give him. Her life was on the line and more than likely she’d end up dead. Again, she felt that heaviness try to weigh down her heart.

As Asrath began to walk ahead of her once more, she slowly resumed at her own pace. She held the lilacs up to her nose and sniffed them, the scent bringing a small smile to her face even though a sadness filled her heart.

Looking up toward the sky, hidden from view by the canopy of trees overhead, Elana wondered why she was even bothering to go to Seras now. Was it worth the trouble? The potential sacrifice of her own life? She didn’t know the answer to that. Either way, she needed this man’s help. So perhaps it was worth it. To see something of the world, maybe even learn something as well, before dying. At least then she could say she lived a full life. Though deep in her heart she knew that there would always be something missing from her life no matter which choice she’d made.

Elana heaved a sigh as she watched Asrath walking quickly ahead of her. She looked at the lilacs she held in her hand and slowly began to pluck the blossoms off the branches, leaving a trail behind her as she followed, until nothing was left but small bare branches, which she dropped onto the ground as if they were nothing special. She brought her hood up once again and quickened her pace until she was walking at Asrath’s side. She glanced over at him, wondering what happened in his life to make him so cold, so heartless. Surely he had a story. Everyone did. She suddenly found herself wondering what his was.