My World of 1x1s discussion
Fantasy
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Pyry (Ji Mei and DD)
It was the anniversary of that event, the one that changed the course of Ivy's life. It was always unbearable for her, despite it being over a decade ago, not only she had the physical scars, but the emotional scars from that event. After closing her booth for the day, Ivy slipped into the Church of the First Angel, welcoming the cool shadows in comparison for the rather hot day. As usual she wore a scarf, though this time it only covered from the top of her cheeks down to her neck rather than the usual full head scarf she wore as a fortune teller. Slipping past patrons and muttering apologies to those she brushed by, Ivy couldn't help but always admire the beautiful sculptures carved into pillars and the meticulous paintings and windows that gave the church a calming atmosphere.
It seemed she arrived just after a lecture, so it was a perfect time for her to visit the bishop. Her feet took her down to the confessional rooms, habit taking over as again she relived her thoughts of the past. A bitterness always came to her mouth, and sometimes she wondered why she even wanted to believe in angels after what happened to herself and her grandmother. They never seemed close enough to help when it matters.
Knocking politely to indicate she was entering, Ivy stepped into the small room with one wall shared with the neighboring room that was completely intricate wooden carvings that served as a screen. Sitting in the chair, Ivy removed the scarf from her face as she heard the man's voice on the other side speak.
"What burdens do you have, child, that you would like to lay bare?"
Her lips pursed and she looked down at her hands, squeezing them together as she closed her eyes slowly. "Today is the anniversary date of my grandmother's death. I know it is better to accept death, but I just feel like I can't move on after what happened to her."
Niel heard a voice that sounded like the priest from earlier and a woman, who also sounded vaguely familiar, begin a discussion about worries and concerns. That seemed typical enough. No material he was interested in, but he did want to speak with the man, so the prince might as well sit and wait for the conversation to be over. Joy. He almost opened the door to interrupt, but her words caught his attention. The story was familiar, though some key details had definitely changed.
Ivy paused for a moment, wondering if the bishop might consider that she was crazy, but then she decided she didn't care. Turning her head to face the screen as if she could see the bishop, she continued, "Bishop, it was a demon that killed her."The voice on the other side sounded concerned. "My child, are you sure this is not an illusion? Or are you accusing your fellow men of being so evil?"
"Maybe, but the scars I bear tell me otherwise to both of those things."
"Perhaps you should tell me your story, child."
Ivy hesitated, taking in a breath and slowly exhaling. Again she told herself there was no harm in telling the truth to the man on the other side. "When I was a child, a sickness plagued my village. My grandmother was a healer and I usually helped her go around to visit patients, but it seemed nothing was working. One time she was praying for help from an angel when it appeared. It showed up and healed everyone. There was a celebration and everything and there were a few more miracles that happened. The angel hid its appearance, though, letting the praise go towards my grandmother.
"But then grandmother accidentally discovered the angel was a lie. It was a demon in disguise, pretending to be an angel in order to just have fun. It was the one to cause the sickness in the first place. Before my grandmother knew it, the demon caused the rest of the village to suspect my grandmother of working with devils to cause the illness in the first place to get praise for herself. They set fire to our home, killed my grandmother, and I escaped with scars."
There was a silence for a few moments as the bishop took in the tale and Ivy had felt her voice dwindle near the end. Her eyes closed as again she remembered the searing of her skin, the pain that she felt that night.
The tale was similar and different. Like the one he had heard the other night, a town had been plagued by a mysterious disease and an angel had come to the rescue only for some old lady to declare that the angel wasn't as great as everyone thought and be burned down in an unfortunate fire. But in this version, the angel was actually a dishonest demon, and the grandmother was murdered rather than accidentally charred.The prince wondered, why would this woman be dishonest? It wasn't as though she were preaching to the masses... she was just... telling him. To convince him to preach to the masses? Then again, to any sane person, the story sounds completely bogus. Niel was fortunate enough to hear this particular tale from a mysterious storyteller who claimed to have visited the said town. Perhaps he would have to chat with the woman about her memories as well...
Her hand gently rested on the screen between them, looking down as she she said softly, "I still can't let things go. I-I hate people. How could they turn against my grandmother like that? How can they let a demon change their thoughts so easily." Her voice didn't hold a strong vehemence, but there was a tiredness as if she lived with this hate for so long, that it no longer shook her voice or caused her distress.There was another pause, then the man on the other side spoke. "I can see that you have had much to bear, especially if you had to carry this burden for such a long time. Dear child, it may seem bleak, but you must know that your grandmother is in a greater place, and surely is proud of her granddaughter who still remembers and love her. I see that you still have faith, despite what people might be like. I would say stay strong, let your own light guide you and you can find peace."
Nodding, despite the fact the bishop wouldn't be able to see, Ivy felt some tears prick the corners of her eyes and her throat closed up. Her hands shook just slightly so she clasped them together as she closed her eyes, letting the soothing words fill her up. She may have heard similar spiels in the past, but this time, she had a feeling that if she worked hard enough, she could have that dream she always wished for and she would find that peace. Letting out a sigh and a small smile curling her lips, Ivy said, "Thank you. Your words mean much to me. I will try my hardest to do as you say."
A smile could be detected in the bishop's voice and a kindness wrapped his words. "Then go, child, and may the First Angel guide you in all that you do."
Ivy again muttered a "thank you" before she got up and moved to the door. She hesitated, looking at her scarf that she had taken off, then she decided to wrap it around her neck. For now she didn't want to hide her face, despite her scar being visible; the scarf would feel stifling after the session she had. Exiting the small room, she didn't pay any attention to those in the church as she began to head home.
True or not, the tale intrigued him and he wanted to know more. The priest was doling out some useless advice or other about "staying strong" and some nonsense about "inner light." The woman was rather quiet, not responding with anything more than a small "thank you" and even that felt strained. Was she actually crying over this? Oh right, well it did seem that her beloved grandmother had passed away... was it so normal to be emotional over something like that?Before he knew it, he heard the door handle turning and watched the voice's owner make her quick escape for the exit. Her face turned down, watching the ground in front of her. He didn't catch a good look of her face, but her hair color was reminiscent of someone he had seen before.
Wanting to learn more, the dark prince pursued the woman and waited until they were outside to approach her.
"Excuse me, miss. Was what you said back there true?" He questioned, grabbing her forearm to bring her to a halt. When she turned to face him, he recognized the large, grayish eyes. He could see the rest of her face today and it was evident that the woman was definitely not a haggish old lady (what he had expected upon seeking out a psychic or whatever she was). Her skin was pale and milky, though this only made the gruesomely colored scar on her face stand out all the more.
"Oh! Miss Ivy, the fortune teller. I'm not sure if you remember me, but I came into your shop with my-er-friend the other day." He reminded her before diving back into his questions.
"So angels and demons? I'm trying to educate myself on the subject. As you might have gathered, I'm not from around here and the stories just fascinate me."
Ivy's face shut down into a careful blank expression, hiding her annoyance at not only being stopped suddenly, but also apparently being overheard. Turning around to face the man who grabbed her, prepared to yell, her eyes widened in surprise at recognizing the strange customer from a few days ago. "I-What? You. Yes, I remember. Mr. No Love Life, right?" Her mouth curved up in a smirk, her annoyance switching to sarcasm. Tugging her arm back, she straightened her shoulders, her eyes matching his gaze.
Folding her arms, Ivy's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of a challenge shining in the grey depths. "I'm sure you thought my story was quaint. A fake fortune teller that's mental, telling a demon has ruined her childhood. How can it not be true?" she said, her tone, while not unfriendly, suggested she heard much criticism and even been accused of being a witch.
"... Mr. No Love Life, right?"He laughed openly at her comment. "I'm touched you remember! Yes, something about how my love life is going to be a disaster or something..." He paid no mind to her guarded, yet challenging expression.
From what he remembered of her, she was able to spin a good tale and was a good businesswoman, respecting her client's privacy.
"I have to admit, I have no idea whether your fortune telling is real or not. Either way, it's good fun. Wouldn't you agree? But that is besides the point. I actually find your story very intriguing. You see, I met someone recently who told a similar tale, though the villain and a few details were a bit different." He explained sincerely. "I couldn't help but wonder why you would say that the sickness was brought on my a demon? Sure, they claimed to be an angel or whatever, but who is to say someone simply poisoned the water? And the old healer, your grandmother. In the story I heard, she was jealous of the angel and spread lies about him to get some kind of revenge?" He bit his lip, realizing he was bombarding the woman with questions. Perhaps this wasn't the best approach to make her feel comfortable... and if he wanted answers, it would be better to make her more comfortable. "Could we talk about this? Perhaps over a drink of ale or tea? I'm terribly fascinated to learn more. You seemed so sincere when you were talking to the priest, like no one else was supposed to overhear. Besides, why would you lie to a priest? It doesn't seem like much fun..." He admitted.
He did believe that at the very least she thought her story was the truth. He was compelled to trust that and match the stories against one another. Perhaps this was a way he could learn more about the mysterious story teller.
She arched one brow, staring at him at first curious as to what direction he was going with his conversation, but as he continued, her expression darkened. In her mind, the night of the fire, of being scared, screaming and crying until she was blind from tears and smoke. The events that led up to that weren't fiction and they didn't happen because of her grandmother wanting revenge. "Whatever story you heard is wrong. I don't know who you heard it from, maybe from one of those townsfolk, but this," she pointed to the scar on her face, "was not because my grandmother was jealous." Ivy began to turn, fearing if she stood in front of the man any longer, she might really explode with anger. Already her hands were shaking and that jittery feeling was bubbling in her stomach that would make her blind with fury. At his invitation and following words, she glanced back at him, astonished at the gall of his words and she felt her anger unleash. Stepping forward, jabbing a finger at him, Ivy spoke in a low hiss, "What is there to talk about? You obviously overheard everything, what more is there to know? Why are you bothering me about this? You're playing with me, aren't you? You think I'd lie to a priest about my grandmother's death and how I became an orphan with a hellish scar that makes people think I consort with devils myself, and you want to chat?"
"Actually, he is a traveller and a storyteller. Though I have to admit, I find your story a bit more convincing as there is a more believable reason for the house to catch on fire..." He began, though it didn't take long for the woman to explode in his face.She appeared very angry with him, though he couldn't fathom why. He'd just invited her to sit and chat and listen to her story. If no one believed her before, shouldn't she be thrilled that he was willing to hear her side with a more than open mind?
"My lady, I'm terribly sorry if I have offended you," he offered, attempting to quell her fury, "I merely lack the knowledge of Pyry customs and angels and demons and was hoping you might be so kind as to enlighten me. After all, you have first hand experience with creatures I didn't even know existed." He sighed, taking a step back from the fortune teller. "I suppose if you're really not going to tell me anything, I'll try to talk with the priest who probably doesn't even believe you in the first place. I guess any information would be better than nothing..." He turned with a wave and took a few steps, hoping dearly that she would change her mind.
Staring up at him hard, trying to discern if his words were true, Ivy's shoulders began to drop slowly. It wasn't as if she trusted that he only wanted to know more, but after so many years of dealing with horrible people, it was her automatic reaction to be on edge.Still, something in his tone made her pause and then she deflated when he began to turn away. Ivy let out a huff, crossed her arms, took a deep breath, and then tilted her head as she spoke up. "You know, you won't be able to get anything out of the priest. They're under an oath of privacy and usually Pyry isn't a place where you can pay them off either. Privacy is something you should try learning about before you go on eavesdropping on people during confessions."
Her tone was still sharp, but it had lost most of its fury, instead turning towards the sarcastic.
Niel bit back a smirk when she called after him. At least there was room to start a conversation now. He swiveled on his heel and turned back to face her."Again, I must apologize. Down south, we are not familiar with such customs. On the contrary, we know very little about angels or demons. I had only meant to go visit the priest only to hear the conversation you were having with him. And since the tale was familiar, it piqued my curiosity." He admitted, watching the annoyance in her features. It pleased him to watch her react like this. Especially when his main source of company was as boring as a rag. Or worse, the princess he was to fool into thinking they would be married. She just ignored him, a real pity, but inconsequential.
"So would should I do, Miss Ivy? If you refuse to educate me and the priest will be of no use to me, then I'm stuck at a bit of a standstill." He sighed, interlocking his fingers.
"If you want the basics about those kind of things, then stay for the church sessions, otherwise I don't really care if you are at a standstill, that doesn't really concern me." She looked off to the side, wondering where in the south the man came from. The south of Pyry should still have a basic knowledge of the customs of the church. Then again, one can never know the incompetence of someone. Unless the man was from another country. Her thoughts went back to the fortune-telling session she gave. It seemed he had no qualms in giving coin. He certainly didn't look poor, so perhaps she could actually get something out of the stranger.
Raising her chin slightly, Ivy gave her sweetest, fake smile. "Now, I supposed I can be convinced to give more details if, say, you're willing to pay a small fee, sweetheart."
"...I don't really care if you are at a standstill, that doesn't really concern me."He huffed. The gall of this woman! Here he was, attempting to be perfectly pleasant and she didn't even allow the prince the courtesy of manners. It was frustrating and invigorating all at once, like he wanted to try harder.
"...willing to pay a small fee, sweetheart."
He raised a brow at her suggestion.
"Money? My my, and here I thought you might be interesting." He sighed, shaking his curls. Coin was all the commoners wanted in the end. Apparently, he'd almost forgotten they'd do almost anything for it in the end.
"Very well. Does 8 gold coins sound appropriate?" He leaned back, no longer amused with the banter and prepared to negotiate.
"Well, I need to make a living somehow beyond fortune-telling. Do you really think it's a suitable profession?" Ivy gave him a wry smile, then gave a small shrug. "Got to make ends meet and all that sort of thing and I've got my reasons. I'm not one of those money-sniffing hounds that follow you around asking for coin."She wondered for a moment if she should push her luck around the man, but decided against it. When it comes to money, Ivy knew there is a fine line with how much you could push people and she wasn't sure what would happen if she pushed the man past that. Giving a small nod, she held out her hand for a shake. "Eight sounds fine to me. Deal?"
"Whether or not a position is suitable depends entirely on the person. Personally, I thought fortune was something you're suited too. Very well, here is your pay." He said, handing over said coins. So fortune telling wasn't her desired profession? It did make sense that poor people took work where they could find it. He supposed that her scar didn't give her much room to work as a bar maid or prostitute like other girls of her age."Now, I'd like for you to tell me more about these creatures. How are you so convinced the man was a demon? And what were his abilities specifically? Where did he go after healing everyone in the village?" He asked bluntly, hoping she would give him his money's worth in information.
"Suits me?" she muttered in a soft breath to herself. Ivy's brow furrowed slightly in thought, wondering how fortune-telling suited her. It was mostly hocus pocus to her and it was only something where you can guess most things from a person's demeanor for their fortune and then convince them that the palm reading is real enough. Just observation and trickery. Deciding to push those thoughts aside, she gestured to the area around them as she pocketed the coins with her other hand. "How about a more private place for this chat? I've already been overheard once, I don't really think I want it to happen again."
Niel nodded, "Fair enough. Lead the way, Miss Ivy." He allowed, following the woman to wherever she deemed a secure location. He wondered what kind of insight he could gain about the stranger he had met the previous night. Dixon was magical according to his shield, someone who rarely (if ever) lied. And the man's story didn't line up with the one Ivy had confessed to the priest (again, not likely a lie if the priest is sworn to secrecy). So why the secrecy? Surely, this version of the story is far more interesting as the hero becomes the villain in the end and it still advocates for the ugliness of humans.He hoped his efforts would not all be for naught. 8 gold coins was a significant enough amount for commoners, he reasoned. If he didn't start being stingier with his coin, she might catch on and expect more than he cared to offer. He was paying her for bits of information, not to kill the royal family herself. Then again, the poor do just about anything for the right price.
Ivy thought it wouldn't be wise to take the man to the inn she was staying at, so she led him to a place where she knew the owners and they would maintain her privacy. The wife of the owner, Helen, was a former fellow circus member, the one that actually taught Ivy fortune telling. She never expected to see her again, especially after she left the circus before she came to the capital. It was just one happenstance, a few days after Ivy set up her fortune-telling booth that she ran into Helen again. After a few turns, they came to a small cobbler shop. Entering in, Ivy called out for Helen's name before she explained that she needed a private room to use.
"I know it's a bother, but he's paying me, and I can actually use the money to get into that college I was telling about when I left," Ivy said, a small, apologetic smile on her lips.
Helen cupped her face and then patted her cheek. "Sweetheart, I'm here whenever you need me. I know those medicines mean a lot to you, so I'd be happy in any way I can."
Nodding her thanks, Ivy moved to the back workshop room that was currently empty, waving behind her back to tell the man to follow her before she found a seat for herself. Once she was comfortable, she looked up at the man. "So, what about my story that you want to know more about? And this time, how about two questions at a time, alright?"
The woman lead him to to a cobbler's shop, entering comfortably to the back. She stopped briefly to greet the owner's and explain their need for a room for a bit of time. He wondered if she realized she sounded like a woman of the night, though it didn't seem like this "Helen" minded either way."...medicines mean a lot to you..." Oh, was Ivy trying to go to an apothecary school of some sort? Then again, her grandmother was supposed to be some batty old healer. Perhaps she was trying to maintain the family tradition? So she wasn't fine just being a fortune teller either... he wondered if any of this information would be useful at all...
"Two questions? I suppose that is fair enough. I want to know more about your grandmother. Was she really a blind healer? And the demon, what convinced you he was one?" He began, trying to organize all the questions swimming around in his head.
Shaking her head, Ivy tilted her head. "No, my grandmother never was blind. She always had her sight, only the poor sight that begins to set in with old age. And yes, she's a healer."Her grey eyes wandered up as she searched her mind of her encounter with the demon. Pursing her lips, her eyes dropped back down to face the man. "As to the demon, I was young, so I wasn't completely aware of everything, but I always felt a little unsteady around the supposed angel. I remember he came and went really quickly, blending with shadows as if he can be in one place, then another as long as it was in shadow. Oh, and when he was pretending to be an angel, he had this sort of hazy glow about him, as if looking through a window. Slightly distorted when looking straight at him. Mainly, though, my grandmother and I caught him making someone sick for the fun of it."
Ah, so the blindness had been another alteration... the shadow magic a common observation between her and his shield. He was curious to see this ability first hand. Be it the work of a demon or a magician, he couldn't care less. If the man could really move through shadows... there were so many opportunities he wanted to explore and exploit.Ivy herself seemed less angry and guarded about the subject, thankfully. Perhaps now he could make some actual progress with his mission.
"A hazy look..." He thought. Had he ever gotten a really good look at Dixon? Yes, he thought. He remembered the man's image from the other night, but she appeared not to have a very clear idea of it. He wanted to find this demon... or was this demon Dixon himself?
"How does one make someone else sick? Did he touch them or throw strange substances at them? Also, what happened to the town after he left?"
She stared at him, noting he obviously forgot the two question rule she gave, but she supposed that one of the questions was a subset of the other. Looking to the side, Ivy traced a random pattern with her finger on the table next to her, resisting the urge to shudder as she thought about the questions the man gave."Well, for the demon, he really only had to speak and someone was sick. My grandmother found him when we were visiting a patient. It seemed the demon was planning on making another person sick to then later 'heal' by removing the sickness he gave so he could appear to have done another miracle." Her mouth twisted down and she paused, her hand on the table stopping and curling into a fist.
Stubbornly, she didn't meet his gaze as she added, "I don't know what happened to the town after he left. By then, my home was set on fire, my grandmother was dead,my face was burned, and I had left since those bloody traitors are people I never care to see ever again." Her voice rose as she thought of her village, and her fist curled even tighter until her fingernails were digging into her palms. "The demon must have left maybe around the same time as myself."
"... he really only had to speak and someone was sick..." The prince fought the urge to smile. Such power would be incredibly useful. He could have the room of royals on their knees, immobile and make it appear as though those Pyry nobles had planned the whole thing. He could slip in, unseen in the shadows. The woman hadn't been able to meet his eyes when she answered the second question. The prince quickly noted the insecurity. He supposed he should have known the first thing she would have wanted to do is leave the town that killed her grandmother and nearly her. It made him wonder...
"If you could, would you have your revenge?"
Surely, she wasn't a child anymore. And it appeared that she still had a deep resentment against the townspeople and the demon. The question wasn't so much out of necessity as it was of curiosity. He couldn't quite read her person as easily as he hoped.
Tilting her head in thought, her grey eyes looked up to him, a small wry smile touching her lips. "Revenge against a demon or against a town of people? I rather like living and, though I thought about trying to hunt down the demon in the past, now I'm just fine with living, whatever life that may be." Then she gave a small shrug. "As for those stupid people, I'm sure they'll get what's coming to them eventually. I've wanted to move on from since then. Revenge would also spoil the future I want to make for myself as well."
Niel couldn't help but chuckle at her honest response. She couldn't get revenge, of course, because she was too weak to not feel threatened by her opponent. "I suppose that sort of revenge would seem a bit out of reach for some. It's not like you have an army behind you. I wonder, though, if one were clever enough to cut out the demon's tongue, might he be able to steal his power? I'm curious to the type of research you might have done when you were thinking of hunting down the demon." He recovered.
While Ivy did research somewhat about demon killing, what that turned into was just an extensive studying of various poisons in opposition to the medicines that she researched as well. For her, despite the circus, fortune telling, and living on the road, Ivy had always took the chance to learn more about the realm of the healing arts. "I wouldn't know. Never in my travels have I heard anything about a demon specifically or what they can do or what can be done to them."
Ivy studied the man, again wondering why he was so interested in demons. Did he want to practice dark magic? Was it for sadistic reasons, just enjoying the evilness that demons represent? When she first saw him in the marketplace, she would never have placed the man as outright evil. But what did she know when the people of her village, people she'd known since she was a child, decided to scorn her grandmother and herself?
Niel was mildly disappointed with the fact that he couldn't threaten the so called "demon's life" if he indeed was a supernatural being. Still, he hoped his argument would be persuasive enough to win the monster's favor."Very well. I suppose I've asked all that I can about that subject. Just allow me one more, a tad unrelated. What are you planning on going to school for?" He asked casually, with an easy grin. He had his suspicions regarding her interests. He simply wanted to confirm them. If she was indeed the granddaughter of a healer that she lived with, she would have undoubtedly had to have helped the older, feeble woman. Meaning she had some knowledge that he could possibly exploit in the future. He didn't know if he would ever need her services again, but it was always good to have options, he supposed.
Somewhat thrown off by the new direction his question went, Ivy stared at him for a few moments, a little bit confused before she thought back to her small conversation with Helen. He really needs to stop eavesdropping, she thought to herself dryly while at the same time scolding herself for letting it happen twice now. Folding her arms, she raised a brow at him. "I'm planning to learn," she answered sarcastically, not appreciating that he seemed to have no idea what wasn't his business. "What does any of that have to do with demons?"
The prince smirked at her response. Of course she didn't intend to give him personal information willingly. He supposed he couldn't have expected it to be so easily. He waved his hand dismissively, "I was merely curious if it was at all related. I supposed if you were looking for schooling with experts on the subject, it may be wise for me to seek out professionals." He lied.
"I'm sure your grandmother would have been happy you are looking for such opportunities. Was she a good healer, your grandmother? The story I heard before made her out to be a bit incompetent due to her age, though I wonder if you would disagree." He attempted. again.
"Well, then you look for schooling on your own. Even if I went to school for demon-hunting, I wouldn't tell you, honey. You might just follow me and ask me questions there." Ivy was ready to let this whole conversation rest when he spoke again. Her hand went to the locket around her neck and she clenched it tightly as her brow furrowed in irritation again. Unconsciously, her eyes direct upwards as if she were praying for patience before she looked him hard in the eye. "Whatever imbecile obsessed with demons and finds it funny to make fun of an elder woman in what they think is an amusing tale to scare children at night should jump off a tower. My grandmother was the best there was for that village and the few surrounding ones. If it weren't for a bunch of heretic-fearing people more likely to kill each other because their shadow tells them to, then my grandmother would still be alive, despite her age, and she would probably make others last longer."
She didn't realize she almost expelled that in one breath until she had to breath back in. Her cheeks were flushed, both from her passionate words and from the fire that made the room warm and glow. When she emphasized about her grandmother, she tugged the locket around her neck, almost painfully as the chain dug into her neck.
"I did pay to have my questions answered, did I not? Or should I try to bribe you again as it was so effective the first time?" Of course, he wasn't that serious. He had gotten his money's worth of information so far. Her personal details were just a little extra benefit. No harm done. Her stubborn nature struggled between amusing and irksome, but her fiery passion in defending her grandmother was oddly refreshing. He, of course, would throw his own family off a bridge if it was necessary. Miss Ivy was certainly not of Errebist. That was likely the reason he had entertained himself with her for so long.
"If she was so good, it's a shame she's no longer around to share her teachings." He baited, noting the way she tugged anxiously at her necklace. An heirloom perhaps? "All those methods and medicines must have turned to ash in the fire... It's a good thing her little helper is still around." He winked. It was a bit of a long shot, he knew, but he was already done with his questions and needed to meet up with his shield so he could determine if this Dixon fellow was the man for the job.
"If you think of any juicy bits of information that you'd like to share, let me know and maybe I'll give you some coin. Otherwise, I'll be taking my leave. Thank you for your services." He smiled, coming to a stand and taking his leave.
Thinking back to earlier that day, she frowned a bit. "You asked for details on my confession that you overheard. Other details such as what I do with my life was not actually part of the agreement," she pointed out, feeling a bit of childish smugness at proving the man wrong. Ivy didn't know why though she even wanted the satisfaction of proving him wrong. Something about him rubbed her the wrong way, especially with what he originally understood about her grandmother. It would give her much satisfaction if she found the bastard who told the man the wrong story. She'd give him a good beating for sure. When it seemed things were coming to an end, Ivy felt herself deflate and suddenly she was tired and she let out a soft sigh. "Yes, it is a shame." Unconsciously, her finger rubbed the surface of the locket. "I have not lived up to her legacy," she added in a whisper, her lips barely moving as the words slipped from her mind before she could think. Her eyes were somewhat sad that all she had managed was tell lies to people to think their fortunes were turn out well.
Blinking back into the present, Ivy looked up at the man, a little bit surprised. Despite all his questions, Ivy thought it curious he didn't ask one thing in particular. Tilting her head slightly, she smiled at him. "What, you came to ask all these other questions, but you never asked about what the demon might look like? I mean, he looked different when he was disguised as an angel, but I did see his true identity with my grandmother."
"I have not lived up to her legacy," The blonde lamented softly. Her expression was somewhat downcast. Apparently, she really did want to be able to live up to the pedestal she had placed her grandmother on. He wondered why... children did tend to view the world as a much simpler and kinder place than it really was and believed people to be better than they actually were. He wondered if this was the case with her grandmother, or if the praise she defended so fiercely was the more accurate truth. Something about the woman simply screamed genuine even when she tried to be sneaky and mysterious. At the door, he turned to look back at her, partly surprised that she would willingly continue giving him information and partly surprised he hadn't actually thought of that question. To be honest, the very word demon made him think of some reddish black creature that could easily be distinguished as a monster rather than a person. He didn't know enough about demonic abilities, but if the creature could disguise himself as an angel, couldn't he have disguised himself and a different person?
"You're telling me that the demon's true identity looked almost... human?" He clarified, leaning against the door frame.
Ivy took a note of his surprise, and she realized that she could have just let the man go. But despite everything she'd been through, she couldn't help herself. She saw someone wanting something and, even if she was reluctant in the beginning, she had to help. Shaking her head slightly, Ivy tucked back a loose lock of blonde hair. "Even worse. It looked exactly human. As a child, whenever I heard about demons I thought of beings with red or black skin and glowing eyes, horns and fangs and the like." Ivy smiled at herself, thinking of how wild her imagination was, as every child's was. She could remember times when she played with the other children in the village, drawing in the dirt of various monsters they fought in their imaginary travels. "But the demon I saw, he had medium length hair. Brown mostly. Wore one of those battered hats. Scruffy looking, didn't bother shaving. Looked more of those wandering men that only wanted a drink and a woman."
Her willingness to give the information set the prince on edge. Was she trying to lead him astray or something? Was she expecting more pay? What was she after by giving him this information?He had to admit that her description did sound oddly like the very storyteller he had run into. Then again, there were many shaggy men out there with hats and hair.
"I suppose I could very well walk into any pub and see five demons for all the use that information is." For some reason, his words held a bite to them. Her gesture or scheme or whatever she was doing made him want to tear her down. "Did you not notice anything distinguishing enough to chase him down with?" Why was he being so rude? He should be wanting to appear friendly if he wanted to get information, yet his tongue kept betraying him.
It was easier to ignore the harsher tone that crept into the man's voice. Anger and harshness was what Ivy was used to, what she knew most. When he was being all polite, she found it hard to look at him straight on. But now she stared at him straight in the eye. Nodding her head slowly, she replied, "True." Might even describe your appearance a bit. Standing up, she shrugged. "There may be many men that matched that appearance, but maybe the person that told you the wrong story had seen this devil as well. It is extremely odd that that story had so many similarities."
His stomach struggled when she looked into his eyes. "Well the person in question is none of your concern." Now he just felt childish. He couldn't help it, it was like he was uncomfortable in his own skin."What do you want?" He finally asked, exasperated. "Oh right, money. I should have known. After all, that's what it is always about. I hope you don't expect any great tip for that." He dipped into his pocket and pulled out a silver coin rather than a gold piece. He grabbed her small hand and placed the coin there.
Niel wasn't a desperate man, but he was confused by her and when he was confused, it felt like the other person held the power. When the other person held the power, there was little he wouldn't do to regain it. Including thoroughly insulting the other person.
"Poor girls do anything for a bit of coin." He scoffed, "It's a shame I didn't pay you for something a bit more amusing. Then again, you even went through the trouble of getting us privacy... perhaps you were hopeful. Maybe I'll employ you when I'm in the mood for women rather than information."
Leave. Hurt her. Stop. Go. Don't look her in the eyes. He quickly retreated, swiftly making his exit, past the startled cobbler couple, into the dusty streets, hopefully to somewhere his heart would be calmer.
She smirked. Now he suddenly knew who's business was who's. It seemed he only cared when it was his business. It was ironic his words sounded like hers from earlier, but she was very sure that she wasn't successful in deterring him from prying. Ivy didn't try to do any prying herself; the man seemed like he'd managed to avoid her questions easily and she didn't want to waste the energy. Her brows furrowed at the rest of his words and she watched him carefully, curious, trying to discern his thoughts as he stepped closer. Embarrassing enough, Ivy almost startled when he grabbed her hand and placed the cold, metal coin in her hand. In her confusion, she tried to puzzle him out, studying his face. He'd paid the amount agreed on earlier, so for what need was there to give more? Did he have a lot of money? For the fortune-telling he gave more, and for now as well.
Then her expression grew furious as his words sunk through her thoughts. Her hand tightened, the coin's edge cutting into her hand as she watched him leave. "You'll be with another woman because this is the last I'll ever see of you. Go enjoy your demon and never approach me ever again!" Ivy yelled after him, though by that time, it seemed he'd exited the shop and he was gone.
Turning back to the flames, she raised her hand to throw the coin, but then she hesitated. Her eyes closed slowly as she silently thought about despite the insult in the man's words, they were true. It always was about money somehow, wasn't it? Sighing, she pressed her closed fist against her forehead and wished the whole matter to be over and that she can just move on.
***END OF SCENE***
***Begin Scene***Una waited patiently for her master at the predetermined location. Her hands rested easily at her sides and her eyes scanned the crowds of people in the marketplace for the familiar mop of dark curls. The events of the past night and morning had been fruitful, she decided. She had affirmed that not only the man was capable of moving within the shadows, but he also had the ability to debilitatingly afflict people with boils at the very least. It was still to be seen that he had more abilities, but for now her prince would hopefully be satisfied with these findings.
The bodyguard finally spotted him as he came plundering down the street unconsciously knocking into passerby's. His scowl indicated an irritable mood which was not to be provoked. His hands continued to clench and unclench uncomfortably and she felt bad for the next person to bump into him because he would surely-yes, there goes the first punch.
Una sighed at her master's tantrum. She supposed she would have to intervene...
Once she had quieted the situation enough and removed them to a nearby alleyway, she reported her findings.
"I see... perhaps he really is a monster." His eyes went far away for a moment like he was remembering something. The moment didn't last long and he finished shaking off his discomfort. "Very well, I suppose the next thing we will have to do is offer him a deal. What is his schedule like? Will he be going through a populated area sometime today? I believe a crowded setting may best fit our proposal."
"He should be passing through the marketplace sometime soon. Are you prepared to face this... thing?"
"Of course, we need him."
"If you fail, you could die."
"Yes, yes. We've already been over this."
"Good, then I need you to write something for me." Una noted, grabbing a piece of parchment from one of her bags.
The prince's expression contorted into confusion. "You what?"
"I need you to write a quick letter, in the event that you die, so that monetary support continues to be sent to my family. It's not like I could very well write it myself."
"Oh right, I forget about them sometimes. Very well, hand that over..."
~~~
Just as she had predicted, the storyteller had made his way into the marketplace, slinking and sliding within the throng of buyers and merchants. Niel had locked on to his target, making his way over while his bodyguard remained hidden on the sidelines. She would intervene if necessary, but not until it was absolutely crucial.
Niel wore his smile and called out to the monster. "Dixon! Mr. Storyteller! I met you just the other night!"
The marketplace was lively, much more lively than many places he had been to. There was shouting over each other mixed with the sounds of exotic animals. Birds with plumes of feathers in various colors from red to green to a brilliant yellow. The smell of spices and food mixed into with the smell of the general sweat of people in the sun. It made Dixon smile and he decided the next place he wanted to visit would be one of the foreign countries out there. He bent down to look at some interesting jewelry and mirrors when he heard his name. Surprised, Dixon turned around. It was rare for someone to know him. His hazel eyes searched the crowd until he spotted a somewhat familiar face of a young man coming towards him. Raising a hand in greeting, he called back, "That we did, my friend. Arin, was it?"
Niel's heart thrummed with anticipation and excitement, hoping he would be able to pull off his plan just so. He needed to focus, regardless of the chaos around him it was the creature he was in front of that needed his full and undivided attention."Er, yes. I'm glad you remember. I was actually really hoping to run into you. Do you recall the story you told me the other night about the village and the healer?" He tested, easing his way comfortably into conversation. Demon or magician or whatever he was, the man had been rather good company and they had been able to get along well, despite the fact that the prince was completely dishonest about his intentions and identity.
"It just so happens that I heard a slightly different tale that had some similar aspects. I wondered what you might think of it if you care to listen? Of course, my storytelling has much room for improvement in comparison to yours." He offered, remaining composed and friendly.
Raising a brow, Dixon laughed and gestured towards himself. "If I don't recall the story, then my career as a storyteller might as well be over." With a smile he came closer to offer a man a handshake. "It pleases me actually that you remember. I recall I saw a staggering drunkard who left that night." It wasn't completely rare to have someone come back to him about stories he told, but it made Dixon smile every time. Stories were just lies, but they were his lies. It was a thread he wove into a tale that somehow caught people's attention one way or another.
Arin's offer made Dixon smile once more and he leaned forward. "Well, that is yet to be seen. But sure, I wouldn't mind having an exchange of tales. However, we might need to go to a quieter place. It is difficult to hear in this racket."
Niel chuckled at the observation. "I suppose you're right. A good memory must be a job requirement." He nodded, "My memory is better than one might expect. Almost like I have two minds, you could say." He smirked. The man mentioned finding a less bustling area to chat and it sent an anxious chill up his spine. He had a feeling confronting him alone would mean certain death or at the very least maiming. It would also be all the more difficult for his shield to get to him or read the situation. He didn't want today before he even got a chance to accomplish his mission.
"I suppose somewhere less crowded would be better suited to our cause." He agreed looking around the area. "The fountain! Just up the way." He motioned for Dixon to follow, guiding him through the crowds up the street.
Upon arrival, the setting was much less crowded, though still quite a few passerby's and witnesses should the situation take a turn for the worse. He could spot his shield in the shadows of a nearby alley, keeping watch.
"I think this spot should do nicely. I do hope I'm not intruding on your schedule too much." He offered, his nerves causing his toes to fidget within his shoes.
As Dixon followed, he studied the man weaving through the crowds in front of him. He felt like the man was hiding something; there was a tad of nervousness or something similar emanating from him. But perhaps it was just the man excited to tell his own version of the story. Perhaps Dixon should convince him to have a drink to loosen him up. The fountain area didn't have vendors surrounding it, so the racket of the marketplace was immediately noticeably gone. There was still the bustling of traffic, but now it felt like if a story needed to be told, it didn't have to be shouted. Sitting down on the edge of the fountain, leaning forward until his elbows rested on his knees, Dixon looked to Arin with a grin. "My schedule, if you can call it that, consists of 'Oh what's that' and I go see it. This isn't an intrusion. Now, tell me, what is this story version you know of?"
"Right, the life of a storyteller must be very free." He grinned.So the time had come. It was now or never. The summit would only last a few more days and he needed this monster on his side if his country hoped to be successful.
"Right. So once upon a time (I believe that's how these things start), there was a village that was home to many religious and devout citizens. Among the residents was an old grandmother who worked as a healer. She lived with her granddaughter and worked hard to support the sickly of her village and the surrounding ones as well. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when a mysterious illness suddenly was sweeping across town. A new disease that they had no clue how to cure. Being the good worshipers that they were, when all else failed they turned to prayer and like a story in church, an angel, hazed in a yellow glow seemed to come to their rescue, healing villagers left and right. Everyone was amazed by the angel, instantly believing everything that was told to them." The prince's lips twitched as he began the second part of the tale, his heart beginning to race at his risky venture. "It was all a sweet lie. Almost all the villagers had been blinded by their soundless faith except the old healer and her granddaughter. They knew, you see. Because they had seen the angel transform-perhaps revert, if you will- into it's original form, a human looking creature. They saw the being do things-cruel things- simply for the fun of it. He could make people sick with nothing but words and cure them just as easily. So, they were led to believe this "savior" had been a curse in disguise. A monster come to watch them suffer for fun, who had begun the epidemic in the first place." He couldn't help but allow his lips to curl slightly into a smile.
"Alas, the healer couldn't be believed. She was stricken by the town and was killed for her beliefs. Her house went up in flames at the corrupt village's hands. So what happened to the creature? The-dare I say it-demon? After all, he'd gotten away with it, had his fun. Perhaps he skipped town or found another to prey on. And the young granddaughter, that many would have assumed to be dead in the fire- perhaps she survived long enough to confess to a priest about the anniversary of this event and some young man's prying nature allowed him to listen to the story for himself, though, the words had never meant to be shared with the public."
Niel nodded, continuing on to the accusation piece of the speech.
"Now, the granddaughter gave the desciption of the demon, because she had seen his true face: a rugged man with long brown hair, a scruffy face, a floppy hat, and an expression that said he just wanted drink and women. But of course, the man needed more than this. He wasn't so naive to make assumptions off of vague descriptions. Fortunately, the man had proof. A second pair of trusted eyes catching glimpses of stolen rags through shadows, even walking through them. Not to mention an unfortunate incident with the carriage driver getting a sudden, crippling case of boils." He sighed, leaning back into his seat casually. All his cards were out on the table now. If the demon was going to kill him in broad daylight with a marketplace of people milling about, now was the time.
"That man would have to be crazy to approach such a creature, don't you think? That is, unless the man is not all than he might have appeared to be."
Dixon listened with a small smile, gesturing for Arin to continue when he questioned how stories began, but then inwardly he froze as soon as he heard mention of the granddaughter. That was never in the story that Dixon told. It was a detail that Arin couldn't have known unless he had other means. Keeping his smile, he eyed Arin carefully, trying to see what the man was getting at. Slowly, he straightened, the smile on his face eventually fading as the man continued. His eyes slid from side to side, trying to see if he were to do something to Arin, if anyone would notice. It seemed Arin was pretty clever in that regard. There was enough people passing by once in a while that even if Dixon were to do something, the guards might be upon him within minutes.
Mirroring Arin, Dixon rested his hands on the back of his head as he leaned back and smiled. "That man certainly would be. That is certainly a very, very special version of that story you gave, my friend Arin. Would the said man reveal his intentions or his identity, you think?"
"He gladly would." Niel smirked, feeling rather relieved that he had the opportunity to be completely honest about his intentions now. "In truth, I came to this country with a very clear goal in mind that will lead to a lot of death and destruction. Although us mere mortals might be all the same to you, my name holds a lot of power in most places, hence the reason I initially chose to keep it from you. I'm here as First Prince Niel of Errebist and I'd like to make you an offer. I want to start a war between our countries and I'd really like it if you played a role in placing blame of instigation on Pyry's royal family during this traditional peace summit. Of course, you'd be compensated handsomely in whichever way you please once the deed is done and our army has grounds to invade." He hadn't looked at his companion until he finished, wondering just how different the smiling, shabby man would appear now that he knew the truth. His expression had become significantly less friendly and his nonchalant slouch matched Niel's own. "When I approached you at the bar, I was looking for dangerous men I could trick into doing my bidding. Happening across you was pure... well I'd like to say luck, but that also depends on if you ultimately decide to kill me or not." He smirked at the honesty in his words.
Chuckling, Dixon shook his head slightly. "You, mere mortal, wouldn't know what a demon would want. Kill you?" He let his arms drop to his sides as he leaned forward slightly. "If I wanted to kill you, I would have done it before you finished your 'story'. So, Niel, what do I get from starting a war?"It surprised him it was a prince, particularly a foreign prince, he was speaking to. Dixon had to admit, he would never have guessed, which somewhat irritated him that somehow he'd been spied on and someone has come to know about him. It seems he's gotten too comfortable. Just because he hadn't sensed any angels nearby doesn't mean angels can heard word about a demon walking around the capital. Killing off the royal family wouldn't be good either.
Niel looked up at the large, towering building. The image of an angel was carved into stone above the entrance, it's arms outstretched as though to embrace you. The structure was composed of beautiful marble and almost seemed to glow in the light of day.
The Church of the First Angel...
The dark prince walked inside. The great room had beautiful candled chandeliers adorned the ceiling with inspired paintings of angels in a scenery of clouds. Windows allowed light to flood the room, some with multiple colors. And benches stretched from the stage all the way back to the entrance. The following is big. It appeared that some sort of gathering was taking place, though it had just ended. A mass of people headed towards Niel's direction to leave, but the man ending his lecture was going somewhere else. He was in charge, wasn't he? He would know about the angel and demon stories.
"Excuse me, I was hoping to speak with that man. Could you point me in the right direction?" He asked a passerby
"Oh, confession? Just head through the door on the far left."
The instructions had been easy enough, but once he arrived, there were only more doors to go through. The man hadn't explained about that. When he heard talking, he thought for sure that was the right door, but then heard it was a woman talking. Her voice sounded vaguely familiar... He hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but her words seemed to grab his attention. She had been talking about angels and demons after all.