Wind Wild — Roleplayer Guild

The Ancient Ones

Roughly a thousand years ago

The Merlin Hawk, Wind Wild

Akime, Christian, Lazarus

The base of operations for the Knights was in a rundown section of Angel’s Landing. Far enough from the fight to keep them out of the usual lines of fire but close enough that if they were paid for a mission they could easily move out. The building itself was the remains of a rotting mansion that overlooked a hill neighborhood which had been demolished early in the war when the Stygian Liberation forces had stormed the outer circle of Angel’s Landing. It had an easy view of the surroundings for the member on patrol. It was also rumored that the whole neighborhood had tunnels through the hills beneath it allowing the Knights to move quickly from their base to other areas of the decrepit neighborhood.

Akime would be lying if she said she wasn’t nervous walking towards the mercenaries’ hideout. Pardon, Headquarters. Knowing that they were probably on her side just as often as they were on the Strygian didn’t mean anything. And that their services were a matter of price was no consolation either, as she didn’t truly believe that anyone willing to trade with human souls would offer a fair deal. Ibuki hadn’t either, which is why he was currently imprisoned in a cell… well… somewhere.

As she was walking down the street her eyes were peered on the run-down mansion at the hill’s base. There was a reason she’d come this way, making herself easy to spot from afar. She was wearing a full-body armour and yet she was making her presence known, a peaceful march that came with a warning. Her movements were those of a predator, hips swaying with cautious grace, the shimmer of a hundred souls drifting behind her like an ethereal mantle. She wasn’t afraid of the men and women in that mansion. But it would be stupid to underestimate them. 

Akime had seen them in action with her own eyes and sensed the heat of their magic on her skin. But she wasn’t intimidated by the so-called “knights”. It was sadness that drove her. She had lost a dear friend to Christian Highfell and that wasn’t even the problem. Amber was prepared to die as soon as she joined the resistance, they all were. But keeping her soul trapped… that was a whole different story.

Despite Akime’s eyes never leaving the mansion, her other senses were keenly observing the vicinity for any threats. She wasn’t a brilliant fighter but she was good enough to be able to evade the first blow… and after that all she needed was a simple touch. She squeezed her fist and relaxed it absently. She’d never had to test her skills against an avatar before. But maybe today she’d have to. 

Adris Blackeye caught sight of the figure moving towards the mansion long before she even knew the marksman was there. The man was the last in a line of Stygian experiments. One of the ones that had been deemed intelligent and fit for duty. When Shard had freed him, he’d immediately joined up. Sighting in his scope he picked up the figured moving towards the HQ. “Proximity sensors were right. And she’s definitely wielding a superior will Lord Shard”

The lone gunman lowered the rifle and waved down the outer defenses. It looked like today she was getting an audience. 
Once she had approached to within shouting distance Adris drew her attention. “The front is open, if you don’t cause trouble you won’t have trouble. Lord Shard will hear whatever it is you have to say.” With that Adris disappeared back into the crenellations of the mansion's roof where he made his perch.

Civilised bunch. Akime marvelled with a small scoff. Of course, that was to be expected – mercenaries don’t make their business by shooting first and asking questions later. She stopped in front of their hive, exploring the exterior for a bit before walking in. The armour gave a soft clang as she stood in front of the first man in sight. “‘If you don’t cause trouble you won’t have trouble?’ I have trouble and Shard is who has caused it. Will you take me to him or do I have to find him myself?” Of course, that was no problem. As the walls of the mansion engulfed her shadow, her senses expanded into the mansion, a hundred little lights and windows, eyes illuminating the auras of dozens of men and women.  And of course, there were a few places where the concentration of magic was especially strong and it wasn’t hard to guess the Avatar was in one of those. 

“I’ll help” The mountain of a man was easily seven feet tall. Sporting a weapons the size of small trees and his body seemed to radiate its own form of anti magic. It was as if the Giant were emitting a wave of counter magic from his body. “You’re the Bloody one.” The giant grinned. “The Autumn Lord was looking for you before Shard freed me. You were next on the list of prey.” His teeth were jagged and yellow stained. 

Leading Akime he headed straight for the largest source of magic in the building. 

“I don’t do well with being prey.” Akime smirked as she fell in toe. She wasn’t particularly happy with the man knowing the nickname she had tried to leave back in hell but she couldn’t hold it against him either. Feeling oddly conversational, she decided on a little chat. “Where did he free you from? You strike me as a man hard to contain.”

Falreion looked at her as he walked. “You don’t understand because you were born free. Very few fae are born free of a Lord. The rest of us have to earn freedom from our masters.” returning his gaze forward he kept walking. “I was the Autumn Huntsman, and it was a sight to behold when we were on the hunt, but now. Now things are just as interesting only I don’t have to wait for a hunt.” Stopping before a door he pushed it open. “Here you are”

Akime frowned. How come the past always lingered one step behind you, ready to bite you in the ass when you’d just managed to forget about it? How many more knew? “Now the world is your oyster and everyone is fair game.” She stated flatly and stepped through the door. 

“Exactly.”

Christian looked up from his war table. Standing around it were the masters. Orfring Nightshade The master of Blade stood with his arms crossed staring down at the table as well not acknowledging Akime’s presence. The man radiated malice, his armor was made of reforged Stygian steel. Even touching him was inviting death. The next woman at the table was the Mistress of Sight. Violet Highfell, The Shard’s sister and the heiress of the Lightning Blade and one of the most deadly Elementalists in Galendar. The master of Shadow was even more frightening, he was a Godblood by the name of Lazarus Pavaine. He was also the High Necromancer of Yishreenok and the Avatar in waiting. Christian’s other Masters were not present but the four in the room were more than enough to rain death and destruction.

Akime’s eyes slid across the men and women in the room, her eyebrows rising slightly. Apparently she hadn’t been very attentive because the number of people came as a surprise, and not necessarily a pleasant one. Dealing with one powerful individual was, after all, much easier than taking your chances against four, and the Will she could sense was almost enough to choke on. She only recognised Orfring Nightshade but she could tell now that they were all to be respected.

What did you expect, strolling into the lion’s den? Her lips twitched in a contained smile. Ibuki might well have been right that this was a bad idea. Personally, though, she utterly enjoyed it.

“I’m sorry for intruding.” Her eyes stopped on the only man whose aura fit that of the Avatar of Storms. “I’d like a word in private with Lord Highfell.”

Christian gave a nod and the other three members of his inner circle stood and made their way out of the room. Lord Nightshade smirked as he passed.Christian sat back in his chair “What can I do for you? We aren’t being paid by anyone right now so I can’t imagine that you’re a messenger from either side. So why are you here?” He didn’t exude the same malice the others did. If anything it was simply an alien greed.

And greed was dangerous in itself. She wondered how he’d react to her request. Walking up to the table, Akime steeled her nerves and spoke up.

“Lord Highfell,” she started, wondering if calling a thief and mercenary “lord” was even appropriate. “…we’ve never met but our armies have. My name is Akime and I stand on the side of Angel’s Landing’s defenders. I’ve come here because you have something I want back. Something that’s not rightfully yours. Isabelle Venora’s soul. A woman who died by your hand not long ago and was denied the right of passing on.” She half-sat on the table, the dragon-like tail of her armour hanging off the side. “Of course I don’t expect a man such as yourself to offer it for free. After all, our ideas of dignity differ. But I have no idea what you could ask for in return, hence the lack of a huge briefcase.”

Christian snorted. “You clearly have failed your history lessons. Then again you didn’t exactly grow up in Galendar. I’m really surprised that whoever raised you didn’t give you a little more instruction. I am a Bronze Dragon at heart. You’re sorely mistaken if you think my motivation is something other than wealth. Unfortunately, just because I did the killing doesn’t mean I have the soul. She’s part of a Gift now. Lazarus is preparing a batch of souls for the Avatar of Yishreenok. Your Isabelle is probably one of them. And if you want to avoid things like that in the future tell your higher ups to pay us more. The Stygian army pays way too much to pass up for SINGLE jobs. It’s not even a retainer.” Gesturing at the table “What are you prepared to offer? And on top of that what are you prepared to offer Lazarus? Since he’s the second person you have to convince to release her.”

Akime’s brows furrowed. Really, why did the past always linger one step behind you? The words stung because they held some truth. It’s true she didn’t know enough about the man she was facing, a personal flaw of hers that she shared with Isabelle – she considered battle way more fun if you didn’t know enough of the enemy beforehand. As he mentioned of her friend’s soul being a gift, Akime’s heart beat faster. She had a very specific opinion on necromancy.
Sighing slightly she tried to calm the rage. Stop thinking of picking a fight with them. Think of another option. So it could have been as easy as gold?

“Let’s solve one problem at a time, shall we. How much do you want?”

Christian looked her up and down. “Three times your weight in precious metals, gold, silver, platinum, titanium. Whatever. That’s the price for dealing with Lazarus. After that whatever he says goes. Although it's going to be steep.” Christian stopped for a moment. “Never thought I’d set the price on a soul. Yishreenok must be laughing somewhere right now.” Christian shrugged.

I’d have to lose weight. She thought bitterly as she gave a nod. This fortune was going to take a while to collect. After all, she didn’t intend to bring back Isabelle jusr in order to let her fight again and wasn’t going to ask anyone for help either. “That’s because souls have no real value, Shard.” She skipped any formalities. “No amount of gold or platinum can compare to the value of human ideas. Not that I expect you to understand. Anyway, how much time do I have?” 

Christian shrugged. “As much as you want. I have no control over Lazarus’s gifts to Yishreenok. That is something you’ll have to take up with him. And as for my understanding of life and ideas I’d say you’re even further away from being able to talk than I am. After all the rumors I’ve heard. I’m surprised that you haven’t had a visit from the God-slayer, Lord Umbral.” Christian smiled with a wicked light in his eyes. “Anything else?”

“A wise man never judges based on rumours.” Akime smirked, getting off the table and reaching out to run a finger along his chin. “Thank you for your time, Lord.” She said with equal amounts of respect and mockery. “I believe I should catch up with your necromancer now.”

Christian chuckled. “You’ve been warned. Lazarus is something else entirely.” Stretching Christian stood up. “Believe it or not I do have a strange purpose. Perhaps one day you’ll understand. Good luck with Lazarus. Perhaps he will have some sort of mercy. I’d have given you the soul for the money; but few if any can fathom Lazarus.” Christian sat back. “We may meet again one day Lady Akime. That is if someone doesn’t get to you first.”

Akime felt like he was waiting to clink a glass with her. But his lax attitude wasn’t shared by her. She wasn’t here to play games or be witty. “Let’s hope we’re not unfortunate enough to meet again, Lord Highfell. Now, if you excuse me.” She nodded instead of a bow and made her way out of the room. Now that she had seen the necromancer’s aura, it was easy to recognise him. 

A man with a distinct preference for leather, as necromancers went… Her eyes slid down to his hands and she felt the impulse to clench her fist. She didn’t like necromancers and the thought that it was those hands that had touched Isabelle and ripped her soul away just to use it for his own goals, was disgusting. She didn’t try to hide the hostility in her eyes as she looked to meet “Lazarus’”.

“Apparently I need to talk to you as well. I want one of your souls back.”

The man looked up from a book he was reading as he crouched with his back up against the wall where he’d been waiting for Akime and Christian to finish. “The fuck you want a soul for? Did you really waste Christian’s time for that? Jeez.” Lazarus stood up and closed the book. “How do you even know I have the soul?” Lazarus folded his arms and ran his eyes up and down her before raising an eyebrow. “Wait. You’re.” the laughter was genuine. “Oh shit I should NOT be talking to you let alone considering giving you a soul. If the Avatar found out It’d be my neck on the line.” With that he gestured and started walking down the hall. “You have a name? I mean. I know you have a name but I don’t wanna call you something you don’t wanna be called.” 

“Do you honestly care if you offend me?” She scoffed bemused and followed. “Call me Akime, or Phoenix if you prefer.” It clicked quickly that by Avatar he didn’t mean Highfell but Zazriel, the current Avatar of Death. And Lazarus’ words were no surprise, if there was anyone Akime would disagree with it would be that man. “Yet you’re considering it.” She pointed out.

Lazarus scowled back at her. “Look. You didn’t choose who you are and I didn’t either. I know true fae are born that way. Well. Necromancers of the highest degree are chosen. It’s not like I targeted your friend’s soul. This is a war and people get hurt.” The door ahead was not part of the original building and pushing it back revealed a work space with a font of dark energy in it. “Don’t touch it. Infact do your best not to look at it. It’s a crack that needs directly into Yishreenok’s realm. If it even smells you it will send Zazriel to collect you. And I’ll be obligated to help the Avatar.” Approaching the far wall Lazarus began pulling down cubes of green-blue crystal from a shelf. “I need to know who your friend was, otherwise I’ll never find her amongst the dead.”

Akime didn’t want to agree with the man. It was true that more than once she had questioned what made her different from the necromancers and the differences she’d found were few. But they were there, after all, the energy she was using most often came from the recently deceased and it held no traces of their personality. She wouldn’t call it a “soul”. Still, the sight of the green cubes unsettled her more than the prospects of being hunted down by a God’s right hand. “I know how she died, Lazarus.” She attempted to add some respect to the sentence by using his name. “I know it’s as much her fault as her murderer. I’m not holding it against you or your little crew – if I did, I’d have come here with an army. I merely want her back and I’m ready to pay for her. Shard already instructed me on her soul’s monetary value.” She circled around the font, not helping herself with a curious glance and went to stand beside Lazarus. The auras were mangled and mutilated and yet oddly intact. She pointed to the one she needed but didn’t specify her name. With a bit of luck he wouldn’t know Isabelle’s true worth. “It’s her.”

Lazarus plucked the cube from the shelf and held it up for her. “Here, pay Shard’s ransom. And don’t judge him too harshly.” Lazarus gave her half of a smile. “I’m sorry about your friend. She’s lucky. Most people aren’t.” 

Well what do you know, a necromancer with a soul of his own. Surprise painted her features. “Just like that? Despite all the trouble you said it could cause?” 

“I said you could cause trouble, not the soul.” He waved his hand. “Go on, don’t tell Christian I gave you that. And don’t forget to pay him. If you do he’ll make me drag you back here, take the soul back and find some way of making you worth money.” Lazarus leaned on the table and stared at the wall of souls. “She goes free but you know I have to find someone to take her place. That is the price. If you care enough to come find her then that price should be heavy enough.”

No, it wasn’t. Maybe she was a horrible person for thinking that, but she’d sacrifice a dozen souls for someone like Isabelle. She was a pearl in the gutter, a woman with a true vision she still hadn’t had the chance to share. A child prematurely killed by greedy kings.

Akime gave Lazarus another appraising look. In light of the recent events, maybe he wasn’t so bad. He definitely seemed better than Shard, although she hadn’t forgotten his warning about the man. They said never to judge a book by its cover and even though she still did, she didn’t dismiss the possibility for being wrong. Whether this was a trick, a gesture of goodwill that Lazarus would use against her when she least expects it, was uncertain. And even though she was curious to get to know him better, and maybe have some fun with the Avatar of Death, it wouldn’t just be her own skin on the line if she stayed. For now it sounded best to get going before he changed his mind about Isabelle. 

“Thank you.” She said as she turned to leave. 

“Do your best to stay away. If we ever cross paths again, I may be forced to try and take you with me to Yishreenok.” Lazarus stayed looking at the wall. “Good luck.”

∞

It had been roughly two years since she’d last had to seek out the Avatar of Storms. It was a hard year for all, with people stuck between the warring sides and trying to keep making a living in the meantime. Work was abundant around Angel’s Landing but the work that was best-paid wasn’t something Akime did happily. Hits, army orders, sabotage, spying, bribing, the whole array. After all, everything was fair in love and war. It didn’t help that she herself often had to lead the defence and didn’t have the time for even the most tedious paid work. So she had to do a few things she wasn’t especially proud of but that helped collect a part of what she owed Shard. The rest she had to travel to get. It was a long and tiring business but soon it would all be over.

So now that peace was finally setting in in the realm, she was headed to meet the Storm Avatar once more. However where she found him wasn’t in the old run-down mansion. Instead he was inhabiting the construction-site of what seemed to be a pretty grandiose design. This time she had made her visitation known by sending a letter in advance. If he was going to handle this personally, and she really hoped he was, he would be waiting for her to arrive. Her and Ibuki, as he was tasked with the huge briefcase that was too heavy for herself to carry. Or so she said. 

 The structure was the first four floors of a tower. Already the massive structure was becoming a maze of rooms and passages and the scaffolding seemed to suggest that the tower would continue to climb. 

The beat of wings ruffled the air as a shadow fell across the construction site. A massive bronze dragon hovered clutching a net in its claws. The net had large slabs of stone in it clearly a similar material to the tower. As the dragon set the net down a swarm of workers converged on the net. Pulling it open they began to move and cut the massive stone pieces. The dragon shifted into a human form and began to walk towards the two individuals. 

Christian was wholly different. He wore canvas pants and a grey shirt. His hands were rough from work and he looked tired. “Hello Akime. It's been a while.”

“Hello, Lord.” She smiled sincerely. Whoever he was, she always appreciated the sight of a being as majestic as a dragon. “I like your shopping net. It reminds me of old ladies.”

Ibuki shot her a glare and bowed to the man in front of him. Not because he liked the man, he just didn’t want any trouble. “This is my henchmen, Ibuki. We bring your gold.” Akime pointed with her thumb. She’d been around men too long, Ibuki decided as he offered his hand for a shake. “Pleased to meet you.” 

Christian offered his hand in return. “Hello” after shaking Ibuki’s hand he took the case and opened it. “I’ve had to do significantly more of the work than I expected. There are a lot of outstanding debts that I haven’t been able to call in. Thank you for bringing this. It’s purchased part of a dream that has been a millennium in the making.” Turning Christian handed the case off to a passing worker. “Whenever you have the rest bring it”

Akime smirked, putting a hand on her hip. “You should feel honoured, I mined that out myself. If it goes towards the making of your villa, I expect a plaque with my name on it somewhere on a significant spot.” She glanced at Ibuki who was biting his lip, convinced that she had a deathwish. She didn’t care, Shard had given her quite some grief so the least she could do was aggravate him. She showed her hand to Christian. It wasn’t in a much better state than his. “And you have no idea how many nails I broke getting you that.”

Christian shrugged. “You’re welcome to call the Tower home. It’s a beacon for the lost. Sacrifices had to be made for it but in the end I will make the ends justify the means. Even if they don’t. I’ve waited more than long enough for this to see its final stages. My apologies to your nails” Looking at Ibuki he raised an eyebrow as though to ask why he was biting his lip. “Do you have a plan to find the rest?”

“Wait.” Akime scowled and stepped forward, invading Christian’s personal space and looking up to him an inch away from his face. “Are you the same person I met two years ago? What’s happened for you.”

“Nothing” Christian gave her a flat stare. “Just because you assumed that I was a bad person two years ago didn’t make me a bad person. There is nothing wrong with greed; although the fact that I chose to do something with it makes it better by most conventional morality. If I judged you by you on what I know of you I’d say you were a snotty bitch who I should have had Darkeye put a bullet in between her eyes the moment she stepped into his sights.”

Shard folded his arms calmly “Not what you expected?”

Ibuki cleared his throat, keeping a close eye on the situation to make sure it doesn’t escalate. He wasn’t even sure why he was so quiet today. It was either what he knew of the Avatar that made him weary, or his lack of patience to deal with Akime right now. Overall, he wasn’t happy about the whole situation and couldn’t wait to be over with.

“No.” She smirked, stepping back. “I can remember now why I didn’t like you. Then again, I like you better now, for all it matters. Back to business, I have the rest ready for you. In fact, I have twice the amount you asked for. I was hoping that since you set the price for a soul a while back, maybe I could buy two. Hers and yours.” Ibuki slapped his forehead loudly and stomped off with an audible “I’m out of here.” Akime didn’t take her gleaming eyes off Christian’s. 

“Doesn’t belong to me” Christian’s delivery was flat and matter of fact. Eyeing Ibuki Christian raised his eyebrow again. “What the hell is his problem? and if you have the payment where is it?” A worker approached and Shard signed off on something after looking at it for a moment. What in the world was this woman playing at? Since Raven had left he hadn’t even considered anything that could possibly jeopardize his future. “Besides, I’m worth more. Nothing against your friend but I’m an endangered species and an Avatar.” Christian turned over the page the worker had handed him. “Besides what the hell would you do with my soul?”

Akime chuckled. So the rumours were true, there was something other than greed at play here. “Ibuki’s problem is me, don’t take it personal. He’s always cranky nowadays. As for your soul, I don’t really need it. I was just curious how far your greed stretches. What the reasons are for it. I see that it would take me more than a few minutes to figure this out. As for the money…” She reached into the pocket of her overcoat, pulling out a batch of paper. Cheques. “Naturally I couldn’t carry around so much money with me in these turbulent times…” She smirked. “Or didn’t want to. So I thought I’d make sure they’re safe. So here are some special cheques for bans all over Glendar. I believe there must be a list of them somewhere among the sheets if I haven’t forgotten to add it. Anyway, the whole amount is there. The catch is that those are really old-fashioned banks and they only hand out money if you collect it yourself. I thought after all this dirty business you deserve a little trip around the world, no?”

Christian gave a snort. “Please, this is like a twenty minute trip at most.” He flipped through the checks. “You really don’t get out much. I took the key to Kevin’s watch vault out from underneath their nose in 5 minutes from standing in Angel’s Square.” Christian looked back up. “I am the fastest being alive when I want to be believe it or not. Found that out a long time ago” Turning he gestured for her to follow as he walked towards the tower. 

Disappointed that her attempt to get on his nerves didn’t work, but nevertheless intrigued, Akime followed. “By the way, you must have realised long ago that I got Isabelle’s soul back in advance. I hope you didn’t give Lazarus too much grief over being more noble than yourself.”

Chuckling Christian kept walking. “Nah, I didn’t care i just wanted the money” still chuckling to himself he walked through the front gate of the tower and into the massive entry way. “Besides, I disbanded those mercenaries over a year ago. Lazarus is the Heir to Death itself. He was alway free to go. Same as all my masters.”

The heir of Death. Bummer. Akime sighted slightly and looked around the construction. It was probably big enough to host Shard’s dragon body. She thought for a second, trying to remember his exact size as one. His appearance had been quite a sight to behold so that wasn’t hard and her impressionable mind immediately produced a clear and detailed picture. Hm. Maybe it wouldn’t fit in here after all. What was this going to be anyway? It was way too grand for a single person, even for a man with his ego. Furthermore, apparently he was right that the Stygians were paying well if he could afford all this even though they had technically lost the war. 

Furthermore, why was he bragging to her? Last she remembered they were pretty far from friends, or even friendly with each other. Despite the curiosity she was getting restless and bored. The exchange that was supposed to anger him didn’t even make his eye twitch and it seemed like the joke today was on her, a boring delivery of goods she could have sent anyone else to do if she’d known his nerves were steel. 

“Where are we going, Lord?” She asked, still refusing to dignify the title with a name after it. “With my debt to you repaid I think it’s about time I was on my way.”

Christian pointedly ignored her walking until he reached an opening in the center. “It's going to reach high enough for people to see it for miles in every direction. Galendar needs to know that we will take on anything for the right price of course.” Christian neglected to speak to the real reason being that he wanted HER to be able to see it. See it from amongst the stars. A way to come home. “It will be able to house, feed, and maintain a small army and all the required staff. And I built it on the blood money of Galendar past.” He stood staring up lost in his thoughts. “You’d be safe here too. You’ve more than paid for the quarters I built using part of the money.” He gave her a sheepish look. “I know how the other Fae Lords are. They won't accept you. The world won't accept you when they find out. This place was as much built for you as it will be built for every lost soul it will harbor. If that is all you’re welcome to go.” He made no move to do anything other than stare up at the tower. Still lost in thought.

Akime all but stumbled over her own feet. “What?!” She stared at him aghast. The first time he said she can call this project home she thought she'd misheard him. Now she was certain she hadn't. She couldn't do more than stare at him fumble for a few moments, the development coming as a complete surprise. Her next reaction was a violent one. 

“Where the hell did you get that idea, Shard?” Her tone was ice and magma. In the blink of an eye she had become the woman raised in Hell to lead and rule. “I traded with you because you had something I wanted, and with my debt repaid the deal between us is complete.  You can't buy me. I'm never going to become one of your mercenaries. And I don't care how you phrase it, what you're offering is a chain and I'll never take that, even if all the damn courts and avatars come at me at once. I say let them try.”

Christian turned and gave her an appraising look. “You don't know fear do you? Well then perhaps there is one last thing I can offer you before you go. A taste of fear” Turning he pointed off towards a wall. “Look through that wall. Look for the thing sitting quietly reading.  It is one of my oldest acquaintances. It is also one member of a prolific species. It's the only one I've ever encountered and I pray the only one I ever will. Look close and remember.”

Akime looked at him for a few more seconds, unsure if the threat would be followed by an attack. From either side.When she was sure he wouldn’t, and when the rage in her own heart settled slightly, she looked at what he pointed at.

The figure was vaguely human until reality seemed to contort around it. The magic held inside the being was completely alien. It bore no signature of wild magic and didn’t appear to be channeled from any known God. Reality seemed to warp and buck around the magic as though it were being pulled and folded back upon itself. It was like staring into the space between stars where madness sleeps. The figure seemed to notice and turned. Its eyes were green fire and black metal as it drew her in a hundred whispers urging her to kill and maim and perform obscene acts under a starless sky in cities long dead. A language that hadn’t been heard in Galendar since the fall of the titan echoed in her mind and it snapped her magic sight like a twig. Leaving Akime staring at a stone wall.

She took a sharp breath and rubbed her eyes. Well then. That was some trophy Shard had there. Surely something that shouldn’t exist. Yet it was reading a book? Bizarre. Just like Shard himself and what little she had seen from his crew years ago. Apparently bizarre was the norm in this tower.

“I can’t figure you out, Shard.” She admitted, giving up on trying to restore her magic sight and looking him in the eye. “You, or your friends or this tower. What’s your agenda? What are you really planning? Why have this huge tower that can host an army? Why keep this thing here? And especially what the hell do you need me for? You’re showing me different faces every five minutes and I don’t even know which one to believe.”

The explosion of laughter was completely genuine. “I’m not keeping that thing here. That is my oldest friend and mentor. Believe it or not Galendar has corrupted him to some degree or another. He’s cut off from his god and has learned to adapt. Although, for the record, I couldn’t keep him here if I tried. I have only one agenda and it is to provide a home for the lost. You wouldn’t understand the other reason for the tower. I barely understand it myself. I keep hoping that if I build it one day I’ll find what I’m looking for. Until then it will be a harbor in the storm for others. As for my faces; you simply think that I am a bad person because I extorted you. I extorted you because I could and because it forwarded this.” He gestured “It’s as simple as that. I’m not good or evil. I just am. The same way a storm just is, it doesn’t knock over trees out of spite, it doesn’t water fields because it wants to help. A storm is a storm. Simple as that, devoid of morality. I certainly may have views on what is right and wrong but they are slim and specific. I did what I had to do to fulfill a purpose.”

A soft chuckle rose from Akime’s throat. “Fair enough. I see your point. I think in that regard we might be more alike than I thought. However I still don’t understand what makes you think I’m one of your “lost ones”. And I’m not ready to settle down yet.” She ran a hand along her hair, quickly imagining the possible repercussions of moving into this place. It would probably be risky and definitely never dull. “As I said before, I can’t offer you my services as a follower. But I think I could be your friend.” She smiled genuinely for the first time, finally admitting defeat. Amber would probably take a while to persuade but she was sure she would understand in time.

Christian smiled and nodded. “Whenever you’re ready. And the knights, mistresses and masters are always free to come and go as they please. I’d never dare hold someone here that didn’t want to be.” Turning to face her he smiled again. “Well then until we meet again.”

∞

Akime was flicking through the books littering a makeshift desk in the Tower of Stars’ library. It was quite evident that this wouldn’t be a permanent fixture, if only by virtue of style - a simple plastic garden table with beaten up edges and a scratched surface. Given how nothing else in the library seemed as rustic, she assumed the desks would be the last item to be delivered, a finishing touch, except perhaps for a few paintings. The good thing was that there was a matching chair to the table and enough books to keep her busy for a while. 

The ones scattered over the table were an interesting collection of interior designs, colour schemes, architecture and a catalogue of carpets. Akime smirked as the latter released a little leaflet of a shop all the way in Aria that had evidently been used for a bookmark.

Last time she saw Christian, Akime had caught a glimpse of another side of him she didn’t suspect existed. Her own fault, admittedly, for being so quick to judge.. but hey, war did that to people. It boiled everyone down to “friend” and “foe”. Though he’d officially been playing on both sides, Akime had felt the need to put him in a definitive category and Amber’s death by his hand had made the decision for her. Now that things were returning to normal, so was her natural curiosity increasing in regards to the man. And meeting his beloved by chance had put everything in a completely new, and very interesting perspective. 

Closing the book and looking at her watch, Akime realised she’d overlooked one simple fact. The books on the table might not even be his and only the Gods knew how often he was coming to his library anyway. The idea for a dramatic entrance suddenly seemed silly, given how she could be sitting around for ages and he wouldn’t even notice. Smirking, Akime extended her senses and “looked” around for Christian.

While the Tower had made increasing progress towards the Heavens it’s upper rooms and the inner workings of the Forge were still under construction. After the outer Armory and reliquaries were completed the construction had simply continued to climb leaving the core of the Tower hollow until such time as Shard could secure the pieces he needed for a legend forge. 

Perched on the top of the construction Shard sat staring up at the stars his legs dangling from the edge of the tower. The construction was almost finished. Barracks had been added, workshops, the library and archive were finished. After they were finished with this floor they could implement the Towers docks for airships. Everything was progressing as planned.

Christian kicked his feet a little as he sat staring up at the sky. His left hand absently cutting the deck of storms in an endless repetition of dropping half the deck into his palm and pushing the other half up and over it. No rain tonight, he wanted to be able to see the sky for once. 

A few levels down and all around at the same time, the feet, hands and faces of the people occupying the Tower started emerging in front of Akime, most of them strong-built men, most of them asleep in the dead of night. There was a man, half-obstructed by a door swaying in the draft, and there was one talking to his wife with a smile on his face. Some had gathered ‘round a table down below, playing cards and taking swigs, and others were tossing and turning, unable to sleep. As Akime’s magic filled the tower it was accompanied with the faint sweet scent of araliya petals and a touch of frost that touched each face before drifting away with the currents.

Details filled in the picture she was seeing, each face and body becoming a person different from all others. This one had huge feet, that one had dirt under his nails and a splinter in his ring finger. And there, above them all, fittingly sat Christian Highfell. The master of the tower, all alone with his longing and his lament.  

And when the mountain doesn’t come to you, you should go to the mountain. she thought, picking herself up from the table and making her way to the top with soundless steps. 

As Akime walked a shadow on the moon passed over her. It felt like a wet oily rag being dragged across her spine. Whispers of madness resounded in the hallway for a brief moment that seemed to stretch on into an eternity. And then it was gone. Like the shadow of a predator moving past. Seeking different prey. The alien feeling lingering in the air. The whispers echoing away down a staircase which lead back down towards the ground of the tower. The gods only knowing what might be Beneath the Tower. So preoccupied was everyone with how high it was being built.

She stopped for a second to look around the empty space and make sure the creature had lost interest in her. Nodding to herself in reassurance she looked up the stairs again and proceeded, keeping her senses well away from the base of the Tower. Knowing that you share a bed with a monster doesn’t make the monster any less dangerous. Yet despite the chill it had sent down her spine, her heart and breath remained stable. There were few things on this planet that could scare her and it wasn’t really a matter of bravery. It was the simple knowledge that when the time comes, you’ll either survive or you won’t, and there’s little you can change about that by worrying. A concept Ibuki clearly disagreed with. But if there was one thing she was certain of, it was that whatever this thing was, it was well out of her league.

Her heel hit the final step and she emerged behind Christian, his back now in front of her real eyes and not the hundred tiny flames. It felt a little odd to be sharing this moment with him, a moment that seemed way too intimate... but alas, the mountain hadn’t moved.

“Am I interrupting?” She asked, her voice softer and more melodic than he’d ever heard before. 

“No. Just thinking. I’ve had way too much time for that lately.” He turned to face her, crossing his legs on the stone he was sitting on top of. “What brings you back? And at such an odd hour too.” The dragon hadn’t changed. It was as though time left no marks on his features. His eyes were still the storm cloud grey with the hint of bronze lingering behind them and his body showed no sign of deterioration. “I assume you haven’t stopped by to just say hi.”

“How ridiculous would that be?” She gave a small smile and lifted a hand to show the carrier bag. “I’ve been waiting for you to discover me for the past hour or so. I was in your library. Did you not notice?” Physically nothing but her hair had changed, now longer and sun-kissed to a light wheat-colour. But when it came to her aura one could say she was almost a completely different person. There was something soft about her now, the edge of hostility gone, or just very well hidden. 

Shard shook his head. “No, people come and go within the Tower after sundown at their own risk. I rarely pay attention after the day is done. Best not to know.” He raised an eyebrow at the bag. “What’s that? And sorry to keep you waiting. Next time send ahead that you will be coming and I’ll be waiting and we can talk somewhere less..” He gestured. “Out of the way.” 

Akime’s smile widened a bit as she approached. She reached into the bag to produce a bottle of vodka and a jar of pickles. “Many people use consumption as a way of bonding with others – some use pipes, other – alcohol. This is the finest vodka I could find, it comes all the way from the Syren Docks on Nerassya. I heard the night was going to be cold.” She shrugged.   

Christian laughed as hard at that. “Alright that sounds good to me.” He slid over a little bit so she could sit. “So what have you been up to lately? You seem different.” He took the pickle jar from her and opened it setting it down between the two of them. “And to follow that one up, this seems awful friendly of you. Have you reconsidered my offer?”

The woman took out two glasses and poured some vodka before sitting next to him, back leaning against the frame. “And you don’t think you seem friendlier? Extorting someone is a bad start. Then again, bargaining for a person’s soul is an unpleasant setting as is. ” She took a long sip, looking at Christian over the rim. It was remarkable how different he seemed, considering he hadn't aged a year since she last saw him some hundred years ago. Setting the glass down, she answered. “I’ve been travelling. Meeting new people, seeing new worlds almost. I suppose you could say it’s brightened my horizons. Surprisingly there’s so much more to life than war and picking sides. I suppose that comes as no surprise to you.” A chuckle took over her and she almost snorted the alcohol out. “ “Awful friendly”. I like that. Seems like I’ve left a great first impression as well. As for the offer… you could say I’m seriously considering it.”

Christian nodded. “Yeah, things were way different back then. I had to find a way to build this place. And I didn’t pass up any opportunity for money. The sad thing is I’m still collecting some of the debts to this day.” Frowning Christian slugged the alcohol and sat back. “I spent a lot of time running around after the war. Lots of things to find in Galendar. Lots of...people..to collect.” Taking one of the pickles he engulfed it in a single bite. “Spent time in Kevin’s Watch, Daggerfall, Shadowmarch and Theordar. I actually got the idea for the Tower while I was helping reconstruct Westhaven. Felt bad after the war. The empire put the place to the torch twice and I helped both times. And I loved Westhaven so it was always a shame…” He trailed off at that; his mind wandering the rolling hills of grass and orchards. “Course now I’m here in Angel’s Landing again. I can never seem to shake this cursed place. I always make my way back here for one reason or another so I figured it was best to set down roots right here.” 

The heart yearns for home, no matter who you are or what home might look like. Akime thought with a small melancholic smile. She knew the feeling well. She also knew what regret meant, the looking back on past actions and cringing with disgust. And while rebuilding a town didn’t mean erasing your mistakes, she couldn’t blame Christian for trying. 

Refilling his glass he looked at her. “What made you consider the offer? Last time you still seemed pissed as all hell and dead set against it.”

“How do I put this…” She started thoughtfully, reaching for a pickle and taking a small bite off it. “I was never actually angry at the offer you made me for Isabelle’s soul. To me a soul is priceless, especially that of a friend, and I was ready to give you even more had you asked for it. Getting the gold was hard but I could have chosen the easy way out, asked someone for help and given Isabelle her freedom back when she was resurrected. Instead I was selfish, perhaps even more so than you. I didn’t want to let her go down the same path of battle and misery I'd been walking for so long.  You see, compared to me, she’s but a child. Idealistic, naïve, determined. I suppose you could say she reminded me of myself and I could see my own mistakes reflected in her actions. I wanted to show her an alternative. The entire spectrum of the world, if you will. By the end of the war I’d realised war, despite being the focus of my entire life thus far, was not my calling. I still don’t know what is… but I remember your words. You called this a “beacon for the lost”. I don’t think I’m lost, but it can still be my beacon as well, if you’d allow it to.” She smiled to herself. Finally openly asking for a home. She’d come a long way since those proud and bitter days. 

Christian smiled at that . “It’s also a home to those who have no other so I think you will fit right in here. Which is why I offered.” Drinking the second glass he stared off into the  distance for a while. “I’m sorry about your friend. Unfortunately it is not in my nature to regret killing. It's simply not a part of what I am to regret the deaths of mortals. If I did I would lement a generation and more.” Another pickle followed before he refilled his glass again. “It used to be that my kind served as mercenaries to grow our vast hordes, attract mates, have children, and die when someone decided they wanted our treasure more than we did. Now, I’m a member of an endangered species and I’m not even really a member. Just sort of an oddity. So I figured that if I was going to make a home for myself I might as well make it a home for others too.”

Akime smiled, appreciating the honesty and decadent to return the gesture. “I’m sorry I reacted badly the first time you offered. I was foolish and scared back then. Scared of being used, scared of being trapped, way too proud for my own good. I saw this as a cage and you as a collector of the interesting and unusual. I’m past that fear now. My freedom is mine to command and it will stay that way until I decide to give it away. It might not be true for other fae, but it’s true for me and that’s all I need to know. Now I’m ready to give you a piece of that if you still need it. A late offer, I know, but an offer none the less.” She smiled, looking up to him with twinkling eyes. 

The Dragon nodded slowly. “The Tower isn’t a prison for the interesting and unusual. It's a home for all of us who are beyond what normal people appreciate. Urthar Markov isn’t here because I’ve decided I want to add a piece of the void to my collection he is here because he has nowhere else to go.” Christian shrugged.  “So for you this can easily be home.”

Akime nodded with a smile and had to look away. Her cheeks were turning pink and it had nothing to do with the cold or the alcohol. It’d been ages since she had a place to call home. And to his credit, Christian was more benevolent than she’d have been in his stead. He’d either changed a lot or she’d just completely misjudged him. Well, it was evidently the latter. “There’s also something else that influenced my decision. Someone else.” She admitted, taking a long sip of the vodka and watching his face carefully over the rim. “I’ve met Raven.”

The air around the pair became suddenly charged with the feeling of an impending storm as the clouds in Christian’s eyes seemed to clear leaving them a crystalline bronze. “You met who?” The question was clearly redundant but it implied another question fully in its place. The unspoken Where and How. Staying with his gaze fixed on her he waited for the answer. 

Oops.

“Well. It was pure coincidence.” She said with a small sigh. She hadn’t spent a long time with Raven but it was quite enough for her to recognise the traces of Christian’s soul she was carrying deep in her heart. It had come as quite a surprise and it had definitively convinced Akime that the man could be trusted. It had explained this tower that was always reaching for the stars. It was hard to imagine what it must feel like to know that the one thing that constitutes your happiness is out there and you’re the only one prevented from obtaining it. Her love for her country allowed her to relate but she had a feeling his longing is even deeper. “You’ll be happy to know she’s alive and well. And she hasn’t forgotten you.”

Christian stood up and walked towards the edge of the tower standing with his feet balanced on the very edge. The sky grew darker as storm clouds rolled in slowly. Thunder rumbling in the distance. “Where did you find her?” The Lord of Storms made no turn towards Akime as he said it. Dry lightning illuminated his figure as he stood silhouetted against the coming storm. The very air swirled with ozone and the dragon’s emotions as they poured off him in staggering waves.

Deciding it was best to answer simply and quickly, Akime said it was off the coast of Natasea where Raven gave her a lift to Pearl Island. They had been caught by a storm that veered the ship off course and prolonged their journey with three days. Eventually Akime had given up on the island as by the time they’d reach the moon would have grown and harvesting a magical pearl would have been impossible. So instead of admitting the whole trip was in vain, Akime had decided to join Raven to her desired destination of Fourthwind and ended up being part of the crew for about a month. 

Akime didn't tell Christian all that, cutting the story to the failed voyage to find an Abyss pearl. Not because she didn't want to tell him, but out of respect for Raven. The women hadn't talked much about Christian and Akime hadn't pried until she saw how deeply rooted the traces of him were in Raven’s soul. Then she asked and despite hearing the answer, she still didn't completely understand. Maybe she never would. But ultimately, whatever was going on between them wasn't her business. Still, looking at Christian’s back she couldn't help but think the distance between them was causing both equal amounts of pain.

She set her glass down with a soft cling and wrapped her arms around her as protection against the rising wind. 

“I can't tell you more about her endeavours as I don't know much to begin with. But one thing I can do well and that is finding people. I can seek her out again and deliver a message if you like.” She spared him the fact that she couldn't make Raven respond and wouldn’t even try to.

Christian looked at her for a long moment. “Tell her to come home”. Christian finally let go of the storm he’d been pulling together above the tower. With that Christian sat back down on the stone work and let his feet dangle again before he went back to staring up at the stars.

Realising he’s lost to her words once again but having said everything she wanted anyway, Akime finished her drink and quietly departed.
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