[IC] Devouring Light

[Owlriel]

Asran let out a roar enticing an even bigger cheer from the crowd. He seemed to smile down at his people loving how happy they were to see him. He scanned their faces one, and all. Then stopped spotting Ayrie his eyes widened for a second. This was not good, what was she doing here? Wasn’t she supposed to be tired? Dammit Markus, Asran would be having words with him later. He turned his gaze from her as he looked at the rest of his people. Showing off his might he roared at the sky letting out a powerful burst of magic to the sky causing the sun to turn black, and radiate a blue glow. Soon the sky burst forth with aurora of lights.
Asran grimaced in pain. As expending so much magic hurt more every year. But, it was the only way to silence the crowds of people. The people quieted to a dull murmur, as they beheld the hauntingly beautiful sight in the sky. So much so that they hadn’t noticed their lord had flashed signs of pain.
”My beloved citizens, it is good to see you all having fun. Feeding yourselves in belly and in spirit. It makes me happy that I can provide for you all year round. To not see anyone starved to see that all are fed. But, now is the time you must feed me.”
The people looked at their lord once more praising him. One person who was particularly loud screamed, “I love you!” Which made Asran chuckle it was warm, and kind. “I love you too,” he replied still chuckling. To earn a woop from the loud man. He resisted the urge to do his signature head rub. Knowing full well that Ayrie was still watching him.
He turned to his priests nodding to them. ”bring the first sacrifice,” he commanded. A simple farmer approached bringing with him a gorgeous Oxen. Asran crouched alight beside the humble man asking him in a quite voice only the farmer could hear what it was he wanted. The farmer asked for a cure to his daughters illness that had taken her sight. Which the healers could not cure on their own no matter their attempts. Asran nodded smiling he clenched a fist as powerful magic flowed into it. Then he opened his Palm inside was something that glowed brightly before dulling. Asran instructed the farmer to apply this to her eyes. One drop each at sunrise, and sunset.
With the prayer answered Asran took the oxen in hand, and dropped into into his jaws swallowing it whole like a snake.

The procession of prayers went along smoothly up until it was the time for the people to be sacrificed. There was one man richly clothed with find silks, and jewels. He presented to Asran an elven woman. The man bowed low to ground before Asran. Begging for his wife to be brought back to him. To have the elven woman be sacrificed as she’d assassinated his wife due to jealousy. Even tried taking her place while he was unawares. Asran knelt beside the man looking at him with a deep sadness, as it was something outside of his power to grant. As he could not bring back the dead unless it was seconds after. After that, and it risked bringing back something twisted. Something neither party would have wanted. The man cried into the ground begging over and over again. Asran looked very troubled, soon priests came to escort the inconsolable man inside the temple. To get ahold of himself, and ask for something different. But, Asran just knelt there for some time trying to get ahold of himself as well. With a deep calming breath he stood once more. Asking for the next sacrifice to be brought.

The next one was easy the woman before who brought a dwarf before Asran asked for power. Power so that what the dwarf did to her would never happen again. He had done unimaginable things to her. Making Asran shoot a furious glare at the dwarf. He granted the woman a boon of his power just enough to make her powerful, but not enough that it would harm her. Then took the dwarf as they kicked and screamed. Then chomped down on them devouring them messily due to his rage.

[Arreyis]

As Ayrie watched, the monster devoured beasts and spoke to people, presumably granting them permissions or powers for their sacrifices. Things were somewhat easy for her to understand until the man brought the elf. 'He's not going to...' She breathed a sigh a relief when the monster didn't eat the woman, but he had a saddened look on his face as the man was lead into the temple. Next, a woman brought a dwarf up.

This time, Ayrie had to fight the urge to vomit as the monster grabbed the dwarf and ate it, messily tearing into it as it screamed. She began to silently pray for her own safety and resilience, hoping she wouldn't betray her true feelings. She felt a kind hand touch her shoulder and looked up to see Markus behind her, his kind eyes offering her a retreat without shame.

"Come with me my dear, lets get you some water and air that isn't so crowded." He grabbed her hand and lead her back towards the back of the temple, where there were refreshments for sale and fewer people milling around.

"What is going on up there?" Ayrie asked after they got some drinks and sat down. She was taking deep breaths and trying to calm her nerves. "Why is it eating people? Why not just stick to the animals?"

"They are criminals, one and all, and Gluttony does not abide the crimes they have commited. It doesn't pay for them to rot in jail forever either, so he instead uses them as sacrifices, allowing their victims to ask for small favors in return." Markus looked at her, carefully measuring her response.

"I see... It's just... Frightening to see." She said, trying to come to grips with it.

"It's hard for many the first time they see the festival, but once you come to terms with the reason for it it becomes easier to witness." He said. "I'm surprised you didn't vomit right then and there, as many have been known to do."

[Owlriel]

When the sacrifices dwindled down to just the elf. The man returned asking for just one thing. That her entire family be cursed, cursed to turn into mindless snakes each night. This was something Asran could do, and so he devoured the girl. Using the blood within her to fuel a powerful curse upon her family.
“With me having your sacrifices it is now time to imbibe in fine food, drink, music, and dancing” he said taking a seat. Priests brought food to Asran, and he ate in silence watching as people cleared an area for expert performers to perform before their lord. To show them in their own way their love, and appreciation to him. While others ate, and enjoyed the performances as well. The magic upon the sky fading as the moon began to rise.

[Arreyis]

“With me having your sacrifices it is now time to imbibe in fine food, drink, music, and dancing.” they heard Gluttony say.

"That's our que." Markus said, standing. "Come, watch the dancers with me. They are truly beautiful to watch, and will take your mind off of what you saw." He extended a hand out to her, smiling.

"Okay." Ayrie said, taking his hand and allowing him to lead her to a table near the dais. She supposed as a high priest he was able to sit wherever he wanted, but he chose to seat them on the opposite side from Gluttony. She didn't see the mayor anywhere, but she supposed he might be busy with other things. Or at least, that's what she chose to believe. She did spot Nadia seated near Gluttony, and waved at her with a smile. 'If she's okay with things here, maybe there's hope for me yet.'

She turned her gaze to the dancers, and watched them with amazement. Their movements were breathtaking, and she couldn't help but feel a surge of jealousy at their skill.

"It must take years for them to learn to do that..." Ayrie said breathlessly as she watched them.

"Years, and a lot of dedication. Many of them have less time for family and lives outside of dancing." Markus said to her, nodding. He was watching the lord, wary of the mistake he had made in allowing Ayrie to come to the festival alone and unhindered.

[Owlriel]

Asran just stared at Markus. Not only did he let Ayrie come to the main temple. Now he seats her at his table? Was he trying to give him heart palpitations? He rubbed at his forehead sighing deeply. Then turned back to the dancers. So much for enjoying himself by talking to his priests. While in this smaller state of his, his voice was normal. Meaning if Ayrie heard him speak she’d know just who he was. So he ate quietly as he observed the dancers. The urge to speak strong making him tap his claws on the table. He even avoided drinking in danger of becoming loose lipped.

[Arreyis]

Someone placed a plate of food and a wine glass in front of Ayrie as she watched the dancers, and she happily started eating. The bread was soft and buttery, and the wine they brought her was sweet rather than bitter. This was a pleasant surprise as she disliked bitter wine.

"Why is the food here so delicious? I should never return home if I keep being fed like this!" Ayrie exclaimed, taking another bite of food.

"The Lord's power keeps our feilds and animals healthy, and the fish in our rivers and lakes plantiful. We want for nothing here." When she looked at him quizzically he added, "Not that we do not work, that is. The Lord doesn't allow us to have what we do not work for, and true laziness is not rewarded. I would not be surprised if he finds something for you to do other than trying to advocate for your...ahem, friends." He stopped himself from saying Church and she caught on.

"Well, I'm not averse to work. I tried to fix my water pump this morning, but I need a new handle." She said. "I can do all sorts of things without tutelage, for some reason things just come naturally to me in that way."

[Owlriel]

Asran ate slowly listening to Markus, and Ayrie talk about him. As if he wasn’t sitting right there. He grumbled a little in annoyance. But, it did work out for him at the same time. He wanted to get up to go shift to his human form so he could properly enjoy himself. But, if he so much as stood everything would come to a crashing halt. Gods bellow he truly was royally screwed. He gave Markus a steady glare then turned to Ayrie. Hearing she needed a new pump handle he created one with magic. Offering it to her trying to motion to the symbols to tell her it was enchanted. To offer crisp clean, and delicious water, all without speaking.

[Arreyis]

Ayrie looked over at Gluttony, again wondering about his appearance. He handed her a handle he created out of thin air and was pointing at the symbols on it, she supposed trying to tell her without speaking what it did.

"He means to tell you it will provide water when you need it, just attach it to the pump you have now and then press here.." Markus indicated a symbol on one end, "and it will bring up water without any extra effort from you. It will also allow you to fill a bath without needing to trek back and forth from the pump."

Ayrie nodded her understanding, "Thank you, Lord Gluttony." she said. She wondered why he hadn't spoken, as he clearly could speak, he had done so before. The similarity in the markings on his hand, the clear blue eyes, and white hair, along with the absence of the mayor was beginning to nag at her, and now he wouldn't speak.

She nearly gasped aloud, but instead kept quiet as it all clicked into place. 'He doesn't want me to know that he is Gluttony, and he thinks that I've not yet figured it out or doesn't want me to know.' she thought. 'Well, I'll just keep it to myself for now, especially in case it's for my saftey.'

"Excuse me for a moment, my lord. I'm going to go find the ladies room." she stood and made her way to a building to find a place to freshen up.

[Owlriel]

Asran nodded somewhat trying to convey Markus got some of it right. Then he looked to Ayrie seeing her eyes widen just for a second. That split second that only he saw. ‘So she knows... great. Who’s puppy did I kick to deserve a priestess with light magic. Figuring out my human form is the fucking lord of Gluttony? Fuck all kinds of duck. Maybe a memory wipe? No, if I tried that it’d hurt like a bitch. Probably do permanent damage too with how tired I am.’ He sighed internally then motioned that she could go. With her gone he grabbed a bottle of wine, and started drinking. Nadia gave Asran a brief look, with her magic eyes she could see Asran’s aura was deeply troubled. Then turned seeing Ayrie’s aura had a deep fear. Putting two, and two together made her chuckle slightly.

[Arreyis]

Ayrie managed to find a washroom on the bottom floor of the building, and took advantage of a sink and mirror to wash her face. She was beginning to feel the effects of the training she had done with Markus, but she was still wired with energy despite the weariness of her muscles. She wiped her face and smoothed her dress, still smelling the lily soap she had used earlier despite it having been several hours now.

She fixed a few wisps of hair that had come loose from her braid, and retied the ribbon. Happy again with her appearance, and now composed after so many shocks in one night, she started to head back to the table to finish her food. She noticed a group of children dancing with each other and stopped for a moment to watch them.

'Everyone here is so happy, it can't be all that bad to have a leader who eats criminals...' she thought to herself.

[Owlriel]

Asran yawned as he finished off his bottle of wine, and set it aside. He began thinking of a way to get out of here, and shift forms. Illusion magic? Yeah that would work. “Markus since you decided to bring Ayrie to my table. You’re gonna cast a little illusion spell. Show me in this form while I go head back inside, and shift forms.” Markus looked hesitant, but with the look Asran gave him he nodded quickly. Then cast his magic while Asran slipped away.

He went inside the temple shifting to his human form. He also took the time to use the washroom. To clean his face off of dried blood. Then put on comfortable clothing a simple blue silk shirt, and jeans. He made his way outside, and sat beside his illusionary self. Maybe, just maybe it’d confuse Ayrie enough that she’d reconsider that he was the lord of Gluttony.

[Arreyis]

Ayrie walked back to the table and took her seat, barely noticing at first that the mayor had arrived at the table.

'Wait... Didn't I just decide that the mayor is Gluttony?' she thought to herself, looking at the mayor and at the form of Gluttony. The mayor looked like a human designed to match the lord. She looked at Markus, who seemed preoccupied but was eating as if everything was normal.

"Mayor." she said sweetly, "It's good to finally see you. I hope everything went the way you planned." Something was amiss, but she couldn't pinpoint it. All she knew for certain was that this man was somehow tied to Lord Gluttony. 'It could be an illusion, a trick to get me off his scent if he thought I figured it out.'

Ayrie was naieve, but she wasn't ignorant and knew about illusions from her Church's teachings. They had said that illusions were the work of evil people, and that those who were good would not lie in that way. She knew of course that an illusion was not always meant to harm or to lie, sometimes it was meant to protect. She didn't know how to find out the truth other than trying to reach out and touch Gluttony, and she was not about to do that as it would reveal her suspicions.

[Owlriel]

“It’s good to see you Ayrie. How have you been enjoying the festival thus far? Sorry I couldn’t join earlier. There was a scheduling fiasco I had to go deal with,” Asran said. He knew he was lying through his teeth. But, let’s face it if he didn’t she would know exactly who he was. He still didn’t fully trust her after all it would be a simple manner for her to do him harm. Especially with how weak he was.

[Arreyis]

Ayrie smiled at him, "It has been interesting, to say the least, but I'm sorry to hear of your troubles. Large events have a way of attracting fiascos. I hope it wasn't too troublesome."

She snagged another piece of bread from the plate in front of her and tore off a bite. She looked again at Markus who seemed to now be deep in thought, and then back at the lord Gluttony, a mischievous idea forming in her mind. She wouldn't oust him, but she could make him work for it if he was lying.

"Thank you again, my Lord, for the water handle. It will make life so much easier." She said, smiling brightly. "I see now why you have so many who adore and protect you. You give so easily and generously."

From the corner of her eye she could see Markus's brow furrow slightly. If it was an illusion, it took concentration to make it move naturally, and she had just challenged whoever might be casting it to make it acknowledge her praise.

[Owlriel]

Asran stared at Ayrie, was she being cheeky? “My lord tends to focus on eating when he’s hungry. Even despite the sacrifices the answered prayers take a bit out of him. I’m sure he’s very happy to have helped you though,” he said smiling. “Though him helping you for free is quite something. He must see something in you. What he sees I haven’t the foggiest. After all you can be quite annoying.” He then shrugged with hands up. If she was being cheeky he was going to be cheeky right back.

[Arreyis]

Ayrie had to hold back a laugh at what the mayor said to her, as it only made sense if he was in fact trying to hide behind an illusion.

"Well, I am in his debt then. I'll have to meet with you later to discuss what jobs there are for me around here to repay it." She said, her green eyes glinting as she looked at the mayor with a smile.

She took another bite of her bread and glanced over at Nadia who seemed to also be stifling laughter, though at what Ayrie couldn't guess.

[Owlriel]

Asran stared at Ayrie a little blank faced. Then stoooed smirking in amusement. ‘You cheeky little minx.’ He leaned back as he stared at Ayrie. “Well, I would but I can’t always make time to hold your hand. Now can I? I mean I am the mayor after all. But, I guess if it’s for my lord I could squeeze you into my busy schedule.” For the first time in a long while he felt lighter than usual, happier.

[Arreyis]

"Oh of course, I'll meet with you at your leisure, or with one of your subordinates perhaps, Mister Mayor." She said, again with a smile. She was enjoying this, perhaps more than she should have considering the circumstances and what she had just seen less than an hour ago.

'Hold my hand indeed. I didn't ask for him to come pounding on my door last night.'

[Owlriel]

Asran couldn’t help the chuckle that came out of him. He cleared his throat trying to stop the giggles. Maybe he drank too much? He did chug an entire bottle of wine on his own after all. Then again it takes a hell of a lot more than that to get him even buzzed. “Yeah, come by my office tomorrow after lunch. I’ll talk to you then about a job you can do.”

[Arreyis]

"I'll be there." She said.

She wasn't sure if it was the wine or the mental stimulation, but Ayrie suddenly had the urge to do something.

"Will there be more to this festival than sitting and watching the dancers? I have a sudden urge to join them." She said, watching their graceful forms twirling for their audience.