Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He was alone. He was alone as he sat on his throne, looking around idly at nothing in particular. Not moving an inch he sat, time losing its already skewed meaning in his eyes. His two servants, ever vigilant, sitting in front of his throne. To his left Aym and to his right Baal, not uttering a single word as day after day passes. His servants leaving for a while and coming back, in a way becoming his only way of noticing that indeed time had moved forwards.
 
 He knew his lack of activity was not exactly good for his body. Gods were made much more enduring than most mortals but even so, he felt the effect of time and the stagnation was bearing down on him. His once dark fur was graying out, his muscles felt impossibly stiff, his tongue felt like a dead fish slumped at the side of the river, bloated in his mouth. 

 He didn’t know or really noticed any goingons in his cult. Most of the time he assumed Aym and Baal took care of it in his absence. Even if they weren’t he doubted he would care. He just sat there, motionless much like one of the statues that were once made in his siblings' image. There he sat with only the two of his servants, ever silent and statues he dare not gaze upon, ever still to keep him company.

 He wasn’t always like this. He knew a time when there were his siblings to keep him company. They would talk and tease, play and fight each other in this now empty throne room. It felt like a cage that once felt like home. There were no Kallamar to make fun of alongside Leshy, no Heket to then scold them both and lastly no Shamura to save them both from Hekets wrath. 

 He felt his heart skip for a moment when he thought of her, Shamura. He would shed tears once, all those years ago when he had first sat upon this throne to sulk away from the world that took so much from him. She was the last one to leave his side, her death becoming the catalyst for his now self made exile from life. It felt both ironic and most fitting that he, the God of death, would be the one to shy away from life. It was almost poetic. 

 He wanted to remember how each of them was, their stories, their lives with him and perhaps how they even died. however he could not, for even thinking about them and his memories with them other than a few well remembered snippets felt like a herculean task. It all felt muddled, all their faces felt foreign. The disfigured faces on the statues tried to remind him how they looked but really the imitations were not good enough, especially when they were too damaged by time. They gave him no true memories, only echoes of the past once remembered and now no more. Thus he dared not gaze upon them for he knew he would be disappointed again. 

  He knew these thoughts weren’t new. For however long he had been there, he had been solely thinking about them. The thought of them always lurking in the infinite depths of his vast and ancient mind like sharks in the ocean preying upon his sanity, taking small bites each time, eating him from bit by bit. He sighed, one of the few physical activities he still felt like doing. Although he supposed calling ‘sighing’ a physical activity was a bit of a stretch. Alas it was the only movement of body he felt like he could do without breaking his exile.

 Meditation he thought, maybe that would give him some piece of mind. He shut off the world around him, something he was much familiar with these days. All around him was drowned by the white void he called his realm, as he hummed. All thoughts left him momentarily as he looked deep within and to the infinite skies of his vast mind and soul. It was as dreary as ever to feel nothing at all, but he supposed it was better than what he felt while not in meditation.

 So he sat there, meditating. Has it been days? maybe weeks. He could not tell, he would go on for longer, maybe this time for what he supposed months but he was awoken from it by an unfamiliar noise emanating from the door of his throne room. It sounded like frustrated bleats that blended with angry shouts from his servant Aym while Baal’s voice felt like an afterthought that neither party seemed to be really listening. He turned his eyes at where the noise was coming from, for maybe first in years moving his neck to see a sheep bearing his cult’s robes with a fleece as white as snow.

***

 Lambert sat in an old wooden chair with only hard wood to keep her comfortable as she wrote away. She was currently in a room she had yet to recognize as her own. Books in various conditions adorned the walls on all sides with only the window in front of her desk to give her a semblance of space, indeed the room itself felt too small for what it was currently being used for. She was the new chronicler after twenty years of service done by the previous one who had died from a sickness a few weeks ago.

She still couldn’t believe how she had come to inherit this duty, although the lack of literate people in the cult might have something to do with it she supposed. Her job was to write about important or historical events that had come to pass in the cult and she was doing a poor job of doing so. The previous chronicler had not been there to train her and on top of that, the cult as usual could not spare much. New paper to write on or even a subsistent supply of ink was mostly out of their reach. So there she was trying to keep the history of their cult alive while the cult itself felt like it could barely keep itself afloat.

Running the quill on the old yellow tinted paper was becoming ever so harder as she realized she was running out of the aforementioned supply of ink. she groaned as she knew what she had to do next. It was already a long day and this would just add to it all but she had to do it to keep their history from going up in flames, which had happened not too long before she had been given her new duty. Maybe that's what made the old chronicler get sick, she mused. She imagined she would not be particularly happy watching all her life's work go up in flames. She shuddered at the thought of all her work going up in flames like the old jackal’s.

She dipped her quill in the last of the ink, careful not to take too much as she wrote down what she could copy from the text that survived the flames, which wasn’t much. Almost all the works on the other bishops were gone with much of how their cults had worked within the old faith following a similar path. She knew not many within the cult knew of these topics even before the fire and now with the previous chronicler gone it was impossible to know what was. Well not impossible, more likely just about impossible. 

There were maybe a handful of people within the cult that could know about the previous cults and their respective leaders, the foremost being their Lord Narinder, the last living God of the old faith, God of death. Which felt somewhat ironic in the most saddening way. 

She heard much about him, about how mighty he was and how he was the only God to survive this long. But behind shut curtains she had also heard about how little anyone even knew about their own Lord. He never left the temple, never interacted with the people within the cult which was fair she thought. He was a God after all, his worshippers shouldn’t think they are worthy enough to get to meet and speak to him directly. The only ones that ever interacted with the outside was his servants Aym and Baal, they were the ones that supposedly carried his orders to the rest of the flock. Carrying rituals and defending the cult from the enemies. 

She wasn’t sure what to think about any of these. On one hand she understood she shouldn’t expect to meet him directly. But on the other hand, a Lord not even bothering to come down for rituals? Not even to protect them from danger? She felt conflicted about him. Did he simply not care for them? Were they simply that beneath him in his eyes? 

She sighed, something she did rather often these days. She didn’t know whether she did it out of frustration or simple boredom. They felt both possible, with frustration winning out at the moment. She sat up from her desk, looking up at what she had written when her ink finally ran out. It was not much, mostly surface level knowledge about the old bishops that were unfortunately no longer with them. Their names, those being Shamra, Katamar, Hetek, Eshy and their respective domains hunt, oceans, dreams, discord. It felt odd writing about the Gods like this, she was sure she was getting the Gods and their domains right, afterall it is what it said in the book, but it still felt like they were too shallow of a description for these once mighty Gods. 

She needed more material, more of the past, she needed to speak to someone who had been there. As soon as she thought of that, it clicked. She needed to speak to Lord Narinder. He would be the best source, the best place to get the information out of. He was a God after all, she would think that if anyone had a keen memory it would be him. Yes she thought, this was the breakthrough she needed. She would just have to enter the innermost parts of the cult, go through his servants and ask him directly, a God that has not been seen by mortal eyes for about a century… She realized now that that might not be the easiest thing but still maybe she could find some other person in the cult, maybe someone who knew at least a little bit about it or maybe a library of some sort. She wanted to give a try to whatever she could find in the temple, afterall she didn’t have much to lose -Not after that day anyway- She thought for a split second before she pushed that thought of the way. No, today would not be spent thinking about that. She needed to focus on the task at hand.

She took her quill with a few coins she was saving for what she had to before she went to the temple proper. She put on her cloak and fastened her buttons, shifting her bag as she pulled it against her. It was a small handbag filled with only the essentials, a few extra coins if she needed anything and a small dagger for any possibility. She thought for a second to comb her wool but decided against it, the journey nor the work would be long. She felt a sense of determination as she left her cabin/workroom and into the street. 

Where she lived at the moment wasn’t the best part of the cult, nor was it the best maintained one as she avoided the cracks in the cobble road that connected the city together, but it was far better than the ones further away from where she got to live.

She first had to fix her lack of ink and if she was lucky she would find someone with the information she seeked or at least someone who could lend her a book that might shine some light. While walking down the roads away from the temple her mind started to wander around. She looked up the mountains where their home Silver Cradle was situated. They were mostly bare with snow that clung to the top of it all year around. It was a beautiful sight, she would not get sick of the somber feeling she felt whenever she gazed upon it.

She made her way down another road as she entered the outer lands of the city. She could not help but hold on to her bag as she walked further, she knew theft was not really uncommon around these parts. She knew where she was headed, it was a small shop nestled between two buildings carved into the walls. She entered through the open door. 

The inside could be described as homely, if one’s understanding of home consisted of old trinkets lining the walls with only a small desk on the front to serve as a counter. Who she was looking for was not yet here but she knew he wouldn’t take too much to arrive, even in his old age the Ratau was not hard of hearing. She settled on the only furniture available to her which was an old chair at the corner of the shop to wait for her friend.

Ratau entered the store from the back side with a box in his hands and settled it on the counter before saying. ‘’Welcome, dear customers hope this old rat hasn’t made you wait too long.’’

She smiled at the old rat who still seemed like he had not noticed her. She said ‘’Don’t worry Ratau I had just arrived’’ 

At her words the old rat grew a wide friendly smile on his narrow face before giving her a slight laughter. Now as he looked upon Lambert he said ‘’Didn’t see you there lass, it has been a while.’’ His smile was gentle as usual coupled with his laugh it made her worries disappear just for a second. He continued ‘’How have you been you rascal?’’ 

She gave him a laugh of her own before saying ‘’I am fine Ratau, Also don’t worry I know your eyes haven’t been what they used to be. It's only understandable you couldn’t see me’’ She wanted to tease the old rat a little bit before they had to do business. She knew it was nothing the old rat couldn’t take.

The old Rat gave her a laugh before dramatically saying ‘’Indeed my dear lass, I am but an old rat too old to see or even hear. Oh woes be upon me’’ he put his fist to his chest as he gave a cough or two all the while keeping the act.

Unable to take it anymore she burst out laughing which was joined by Ratau. When they were both done Ratau asked ‘’So lass, what brings you back here? wanted to visit or did you want to buy something?’’

As much as she wanted to tell him she just came for a visit, the fact was she came mostly because she needed to. It wasn't as if she didn’t want to visit her friend but taking herself off of her duty these days was not something she could afford easily. So She nodded before saying ‘’Yes, I wanted to buy something but a quick visit wouldn’t be bad either I thought’’ She got up from her seat and got closer to the counter before in a quiet voice said ‘’I am looking for some ink, I am fresh out and I really need it at the moment’’

The feeling of the shop shifted at that moment. Ratau sighed, the smile he wore drying on his face, it made her feel bad for a second but before she could delve on that Ratau looked around the shop and towards the door before walking up to it and closing it shut. He turned back to her and in a quiet voice said. ‘’I see Lass, I might have a bottle or two lying about’’ There was a seriousness to his voice that felt wrong on him. It wasn’t as if possessing or even selling ink in the cult was seen as a crime but selling a bottle of ink from outside of the cult was.

She sighed, as she produced the coins needed for the purchase. it was about a week worth of her current salary, she would be less willing to lose such money so quickly but the cult's past was at stake and maybe even her job so she supposed going a little hungry for a week wouldn’t be too much to bear. She knew she could maybe get the price lower or not even pay but she already knew that his old friend needed the funds. He was not really young anymore and the medicine he needed was not really cheap. Also smuggling items from the outside was already costly as is and she didn’t want to pay him less for the dangerous job he was doing, even though it was slightly dubious.

Ratau took the coins, not bothering to count. He knew she would be honest and even if she wasn’t she doubted he would mind. He went back around the desk before pulling on a loose brick by the ground and pulling a bottle of ink out of it. He put it on the counter before saying ‘’Here it is Lass, a bottle of ink.’’

She nodded before she took the bottle and stashed it into her bag. She would replace the bottle with the cults once she went back home on her way to the temple. She knew she had to be careful with the bottle, no one needed to see it.

Ratau looked at her with tired eyes. She felt bad in a way, she knew he didn’t like seeing her having to go through such trouble for a simple bottle of ink. Perhaps he thought of the days before her own when such things didn’t happen. She didn’t want to develve on those topics too much, before she put her hoof on his shoulder and gave him a slight smile. The smile was returned, even though it was not really enthusiastic. She wanted to say more, to assure him everything was fine and she wouldn’t have to go through this much longer but she knew it would be a lie. Indeed she more or less knew she would need to come back here maybe a few weeks later, hopefully a month.

She opened the door back and gave him a wave before existing. She would leave the outer parts of the city quickly, she didn’t want to stay here more than she had to, not because of fear of attack she knew she could take care of herself, the dagger in her bag was more than good enough for her. But because she wanted to get back home to fill her own bottle, she wanted to give a visit to the temple before it was night time. The Silver cradle at night was hard to go around, with the mountains keeping much of the moon’s light from reaching their home and the lamps outside not really helping much if they were even filled to begin with.

The walk back home was not eventful, some people outside laughing and drinking even though it was normally frowned upon to do so. With some others just going about their business, all just keeping it to themselves. Children playing in the streets most with old clothes with one too many patched parts. playing some silly games, she smiled whenever she saw them laughing. To be a child again with no worries, well at least for a part of it anyway. She pushed that thought away just like the one she had before she left, she really needed to get that under control. She breathed for a second before continuing on her way.

The more rundown buildings and cracked sidewalks gave way to more uniform and much more well maintained houses as she got closer to her home. She entered after unlocking the door with her key, and got to refiling. The whole process took only a moment before she left again. She wanted nothing but to go back to work but it would have to wait. She had a duty to attend to. 

The walk was pleasant enough, this part of the city was far better than the other two. The houses were all lined up with marble walls and glass windows as opposed to the wooden ones they had to use. The roads were cut stone unlike their cobblestone paths, they were well maintained and showed little wear down, though that might be caused by the lack of people walking on them as not many people lived in these parts, only the most higher ups of the cult.  

She soon came across the temple proper. It was a gigantic structure, a cathedral built into the stone of the mountain it was nestled on, the last lights of the day making the whole structure feel larger than life. Perhaps it was in a way, being inhabited by the God of death. Was it too much of a stretch to think as such?

She scaled the steps and went for the front entrance. There were not many around the temple, few attendance with priests going about their duty or chatting amidst each other. She didn’t slow herself to hear what they were speaking, she didn’t really understand them even if she wished so. Most of the priests were more occupied with the idea of getting favors with their Lord than any matters outside of the temple. She knew the importance of the matters of the rituals and whatnot but it always felt like the priests did not care too deeply about the common people going about trying to make a living. It was almost like they were ignored for the most part, or maybe she was just letting her mind wander too far.

She nodded to the Guardian Attendance as she entered, they knew who she was now. Being the chronicler had its benefits, such as entering the temple itself. The inside of the temple was as big as the outside with the ceiling reaching way above her. It made her feel small which was probably the feeling they were going with.

She didn’t know where to look first, if someone was to know of the old times she supposed she had to venture deeper into the temple. She would eventually find someone who looked like they could shine some light on the history of their cult.

As she approached the inner parts of the cult the chatter of the previous sections were replaced by a silence that felt thick in her ears. It felt dead in a way. This section didn’t have the loud arguments of the priests, nor the droning breaths of the attendance or the general walking upon the dust covered steps of the temple. No, there was only her and the corridor with many dust covered statues and paintings. Some bore resemblance to the now gone Gods with paintings showing scenes from battles of old. It was eerie but she could not just turn back now, she had a duty to attend to. She had to find out about the truth, the history of the cult depended on her. That thought pushed her further into the temple.

She pushed on through the silent corridors that snaked their way into the inner parts where she supposed she could find someone with the knowledge of the past. After some more walking she came upon a large door that was easily over a few times her size. She froze in front of the gigantic doors as she heard it creak open. It vibrated her to the core, as it did so, sending shivers through her. There she saw a black cat exit with an unreadable face. He was much taller than her and really anyone she had come to see in her life. Was this Lord Narinder? It fit the bill somewhat, a large frame with feline features adorned in black fur, eyes of red poking through. He had no crown but really at the second she couldn’t focus much on that.

She bowed her head low to show her respect, she was honestly surprised to have met her Lord so soon and even just here. Maybe the people she heard talking about how they never saw their Lord was a bit of an exaggeration. It felt like she would have met his servants first or maybe some other leader within the cult but as it seemed she would not have to look further for what she came here for, she should probably count herself lucky she thought. 

She said ‘’Lord Narinder it is an honor to have met you, I as your ser-’’ Before she could finish was interrupted by the whom she assumed was Lord Narinder

The figure said ‘’Who are you mortal? Why would you think I am master Narinder?’’ The figure who definitely wasn’t Lord Narinder now said in a perplexed and confused tone.

She Blinked as she looked at the figure in front of her. Master Narinder? What happened to Lord Narinder? Also he wasn’t their lord? He looked exactly like the description she heard from the other followers. With a confused tone she said. ‘’I am sorry I had thought you were our Lord Narinder’’ after that she asked ‘’Who are you exactly?’’

The figure now had a frown on his face, his ears glued to his head. With an annoyed tone he said ‘’I believe I had asked that question before you sheep.’’ He towered over her as he said it, now standing closer to her.

Lambert Stunned for a second before she answered ‘’I am Lambert, the new Chronicler of the cult and I wan-’’ She was cut again by the rude figure in front of him.

The Figure in Black said ‘’I do not care for your name nor your occupation sheep, this part of the cult is off limits.’’ His tone had a finality to it.

She was getting more annoyed with the figure now instead of getting more scared. She gave him a scowl of her own and said ‘’Firstly you DID ask for my name and secondly I had asked a question also’’ She didn’t raise her voice too much, just enough to show that she is annoyed.

The figure bared his teeth at her which almost made her bleat in surprise by the sheer anger that it resonated. But before the figure could say more a similar looking figure appeared by the door. The new figure was as tall as the other one, but he wore a white tunic instead of the other figure’s black tunic with a veil that covered his face like the figure he was next to. He wielded a staff not unlike his counterpart with his bearing resemblance to the sun instead of the crescent moon like the other.

Just who were these people she thought, but before she could stop to think the new figure in white said. ‘’What's happening here Aym? I heard your screams echoing off the entire temple’’ There was a touch of annoyance in there, not as much as the first figure however. His was much more of an indifference, while the figure in black’s tone screamed indignation and a touch of anger. 

It took her a second to realize what the figure in white just called his counterpart. He called him Aym, as in Aym the servant of Lord Narinder, as in Aym the voice of their Lord, as in Aym screwed because I had most possibly just offended the personal guard and servant of our Lord. She wanted to go down to the ground and beg for forgiveness at that moment, as it felt like it was the only way she could avoid being sent off to be sacrificed, but her shock won over her fear at the moment so she remained where she was, looking dumbfounded.

The Figure in Black, no Aym, looked at his counterpart who she guessed must be Baal with a less annoyed but still on the verge of a shouting match face, his ears now raised a little more than before. 

He said ‘’Firstly, I was not shouting you know I do not shout’’ Baal gave him an amused look that screamed ‘sure’ but he didn’t open his mouth otherwise. Aym then continued ‘’Secondly, I was trying to stop this intruder, this heretic from entering and do Gods know what to our Master’’ They continued to talk to each other with Baal looking like he was getting more bored by the second.

When she heard what Aym had just said she felt herself freeze. Did Aym, the servant of the Lord Narinder, just call her a heretic? She felt a momentary hurt that was replaced by an anger that was fed by the two weeks of trying to write the whole history of their cult into paper with barely any supplies nor sleep nor ink that she didn’t need to starve herself to buy. After all her work, all her loyalty, all her unwavering faith, this is what she got?

She stomped at the ground with her hoof to get the attention of now full on arguing servants. They looked at her in surprise before she shouted. ‘’I am not a heretic! nor an intruder, I am the chronicler of the old faith! I told you that but you’’ She pointed at Aym who looked perplexed now ‘’Didn’t listen to me, I am here because I wanted to find out about our past that if you do not know was lost months ago to fire’’ She wanted to stop deep inside but her rage didn’t seem to subside ‘’For crying out loud, barely anyone in the cult even knows who the Gods of the Old faith were or how they were, I-’’ 

‘’Glorious’’ a voice boomed across the room. It continued ‘’They were all glorious, Loyal Leshy, Brave Kallamar, Kind Heket and Wise Shamura’’ The voice sounded raspy and as rough as sandpaper but still carried a strength she had not felt before.

Chapter Text

***

Narinder had not spoken in nearly… well he couldn’t tell how long but from what he could guess a rather long time. Even as he spoke he felt the pain of realizing what he had done. He had broken his own exile. His mind screamed at him to stop, to shut himself once more, to go back to his silence. But he refused. No, he would not let this be. He could accept being forgotten, having to sit on this damned throne, to wait until the end of times mercifully frees him from his exile, but he would not tolerate his own siblings being forgotten. They mattered, he knew they mattered. He could forget the memories, they could all burn away as did he also but no mortal should get to forget them, as long as the old faith lived, there would be mortals who both fear and love them in equal measure. Mortals that look upon their statues in awe and pray to them ever faithful.

 After he spoke his first words in forever, he looked back on the sheep who now stared at him in awe and to his servants who looked both bewildered. He did not look upon his servants for too long, instead he focused on the sheep who told him what had come to transpire in his cult.

He tried to make a noise with his throat for several seconds, unable to form a word. His tongue was almost unresponsive, It felt constrained in his mouth. He had to loosen it up for a second before he could make a noise again after his declaration a moment ago. 

 When he finally got his tongue to work again he said. ‘’Is it true, my lamb? Has my cult forgotten the Gods of the old faith’’ He tried to keep his indignation and sadness to himself but it still leaked into his words. He was too rusty on his tongue to try to leash it.

 The lamb sputtered for a second with her hands now fumbling in front of her. The look of shock was still apparent in her, he would have tried to calm her or to give her time to pick herself up but this news was too much for him. He needed his answers now.

Out in the side, his servant Aym with a voice as quiet as a whisper said ‘’M-Master?’’ His voice was full of surprise and unsurety, as if he wasn’t believing his own ears, which now were turned towards him in full attention. He ignored him for the time being and focused solely on the lamb. his three eyes bearing down on her.

She breathed a final time and with a voice that sounded half terrified, half in awe said. ‘’Yes Lord Narinder, our cult has unfortunately forgotten most knowledge retaining to the Gods of the old faith.’’ She looked on the ground, unable or perhaps unwilling to meet his eyes with her own. She continued ‘’Most of what we knew perished not too long ago with the fire that claimed most of the books in the library’’ She sighed ‘’But in truth, even if they had not I doubt their memory would have been kept.’’ She sounded saddened for what she had said. 

 Narinder was silent as he digested the words of the lamb in front of him. The Gods of the old faith forgotten, his siblings' memories no more. He felt a cold that rushed within him, his eyes closed for a second as he sat there breathing, slowly trying to calm himself. He thought of the possibilities that could lead to this. Mortals were prone to forgetting but this quickly? it sounded absurd but then again how long was he in his exile for? How long has it been since he shut himself in the temple?

 Opening his eyes he looked at Baal who looked just as bewildered as his counterpart which stood next to him. He, in a neutral tone asked ‘’How long has it been Baal?’’

 The cat in white robes now awoken from his shock looked back at him before breathing out and answering ‘’My Master, it has been approximately one hundred and twenty years since your self isolation’’ He looked at the ground as he finished. 

 Narinder couldn’t breathe for a second, he felt the whole world bearing down on him and nothing at all at the same time. It felt suffocating. He wanted to ask how did it happen, how did all this come to be, he wanted to take his own servant by the throat and force him to tell the truth, force him tell him that it was just a ruse, a misunderstanding. He wanted to take the sheep that was telling him all these vile lies and sacrifice her himself to his long gone brothers for her transgression against the old faith. However in that moment he couldn’t, all he could do was to try and stop himself from getting up from his throne and destroying the cult himself, for even daring to forget a single thing about his siblings.

 Breathing became harder as he felt the air leaving his lungs grow heavier and heavier. His servants looked at each other with worried faces, both seemed to know what was gonna happen if he lost control of himself.

Before they could say anything or try to calm him the lamb spoke again, now in a slightly terrified but still mostly calm voice. She said ‘’That is why I came here my Lord’’ she looked at him to meet his eyes for the first time since she arrived ‘’I wanted to make sure their memories were restored, I wanted to keep their memories’’ She looked like she wanted to say more, but she stopped herself. Now looking at the ground with her whole body slightly shaking but she was still doing her best to stand firm maybe out of defiance or perhaps as a show of pure will.

He thought of her words for a second, as he did so he felt his endless anger be quelled, slowly, bit by bit. The mountains of flame and brimstone that burned within his soul felt a drizzle of rain as he breathed in and out. He calmed himself by thinking of his siblings. This was their cult just as much as his, they would not want it to be burned down to ash by him he thought. 

 He looked at the lamb once more. This little mortal who came to him to right this grave error, stood up to his servants and spoke without falling to her knees in his presence. If there were ones like her still in their cult, then maybe something could be salvaged from it. He could forgive the cult for their transgression in time.

 He beckoned her to come near. As she did so, he spoke clearly and with finality. ‘’Come closer. Fear not, for though you have sinned against me and my siblings, I still have need of you. Your fellow foolish followers thought they could forget the old faith, forget my siblings. Alas only in oblivion can mortals such as they can afford such sacrilege. I will give you my servants to right this terrible wrong and be forgiven, but at a PRICE! All I ask is for you to teach your fellow followers the past of the old faith. Do we have a deal?’’ 

 The lamb nodded breathlessly and with a quiet but determined voice said. ‘’Yes Lord Narinder, we have a deal’’ 

He gave her a toothy smile that felt wrong in his lips and said ‘’Then I decree, you shall be by my side from this day onwards. To learn of the days, of the past and my siblings. Then you shall write all that I have revealed and preach it to all the followers of this cult’’ He looked back to the two siblings, both looking at him in full attention now ‘’Aym and Baal, my loyal servants. You shall aid them in their task, her wishes shall be your orders.’’ 

He looked back at the lamb again who looked like their heart was about to pop out of their chest, now looking at him in wonderment, her eyes shining like the stars above. He told her ‘’But now, leave my side and take my servants with you for now I must ponder, your duty begins tomorrow.’’ 

With those final words, the lamb gave him a low bow and exited his throne room with his servants in tow who gave their own bow, slightly taller. Alas he was left on his own, with much to ponder and a heart still troubled, but eyes unwetted by sheer force of will or perhaps defiance. 

***

As soon as the trio left their Lord's side they all collapsed. Lambert chose to lean on the wall to her side, while the two brothers leaned against one another. The trio avoided each other’s eyes, choosing to look anywhere but. After a minute that felt like an eternity, Aym broke the silence.

 He said with a tired voice. ‘’I should have just struck her down the second I saw her.’’ Bringing his hands to his face while doing so and giving his eyes a slow massage, presumably to alleviate the stress he was feeling. 

 As soon as she heard the words come out of Aym’s mouth, Lambert felt a pang of anger and another of fear. She chose to focus on the anger and just as she was about to talk back to Aym, Baal cut her out. 

He said with a voice dripped with frustration ‘’Don’t try to blame her you oaf’’ He looked towards to his counterpart with a face full of irritation, he continued ‘’It was you who shouted so loud you somehow got our Leader off of his meditation’’ Aym looked abashed as soon as those words left Baal’s mouth and gave him a frustrated look of his own, now looking at him straight on with his ears against his head. 

Nearly hissing and with a voice of indignation he said ‘’Me? I did no such thing. If you can’t remember my dear brother, it was that damned lamb that got him to talk.’’ He pointed his staff towards her, his voice full of ire, he continued ‘’If she didn’t snoop around where no mortal should trespass this wouldn’t have happened and we wouldn’t be fearing for the lives of the whole cult.’’ 

She felt a pang of guilt as she heard what he said. She tried to deny that within her, but it was clear that yes it was true. She really had almost gotten everyone killed, the way their lord looked and sounded there was more terrifying than anything she has ever had to go through. It felt like she was a bug staring down the mouth of a hungry sparrow. Helpless as she could only watch the inevitability, but she didn’t just watch her mind supplied. She talked their lord down from anger and tried to reason with him. Besides, was it truly  her fault things have gotten down this way? She tried to ignore that as she looked up to his now servants? Were they her servants? 

She sighed before with a calm voice and said ‘’Look, I know what I did but I-’’ before she could finish her sentence Aym gave her a feral hiss, his ears glued to his head again with his tail all puffed and straight up. 

He with a voice dripping with anger nearly shouted  ‘’You shut up! We already established that you were at fault, there is no way around it. This is your fuck up and your’s alone. If you hadn’t just come here and upset our Master by reminding him of you and your other mortals fuckup we-’’

This time she cut him off, her voice dripped with much of the same anger as she said ‘’Our fuck up? Really? Was it our fuck up when you and your brother let all of us forget our past? Was it our fuck up when all I got as help to restore the forgotten knowledge was a slap on the back and just enough ink to write the names of the fallen Gods, whom I didn’t even know the correct names of cause again you two didn’t care enou-’’ 

She was cut yet again, this time by Baal who with a cold anger said ‘’Enough! you two need to quiet down. This is a temple not a tavern for crying out loud.’’ as his words left his mouth she felt a pang of shame and by the looks of it Aym was in a rather similar situation. 

He continued now in a calmer tone ‘’Look, I know what just happened was a bit of a mess and it is obvious that we are all shook. So the way I see it instead of trying to point fingers at each other’’ He looked at Aym for a second and received a ‘hmph’ as an answer ‘’or try to antagonize each other’’ He looked at her for that one and received a similar ‘hmph’ as an answer also ‘’We can try to work together as Master ordered.’’ That seemed to satisfy Aym and she herself felt at least a little calmer now. 

Aym spoke first and said ‘’Alright, I will stop ‘pointing fingers’ if she stops trying to piss me off’’ He still had some ire in his voice but it didn’t have the same poison it had before. 

She just rolled her eyes and answered with ‘’Sure, I will stop trying to ‘piss you off’ as long as you are civil, murder kitty’’ She knew she was going against what she just said but really, it felt fitting like it was a fitting nickname that at the moment. She heard the growl of Aym but it didn’t seem like he cared enough at the time to start an argument on the use of the nickname. 

Suddenly feeling awkward in the silence that followed, she coughed and got up from the ground, getting help from the wall she was leaning against. She cleared her throat and said ‘’Alright, so  guess see you both tomorrow?’’ as she said so she turned around and started to walk away the way she came from. As she did so she heard footsteps behind her which could only belong to the brothers. She turned around to see them both stop as she did. 

She tried not to sound too confused as she said ‘’Umm… why are you following me? Don’t you both need to go back to Lord narinder’’ 

She was answered by Aym, who said ‘’What part of ‘I will give you my servants’ did you not get? We are your servants for the time being unless Master Narinder himself orders us otherwise.’’ She looked at Baal to see if he was being serious, who just nodded to confirm his brother’s words.

She wanted nothing but to just go back to her Lord’s chamber and ask him to just sacrifice her in that moment but she knew that was not gonna happen. She groaned as she realized what the brothers were saying meant. They were coming with her, to her house, to the house with barely any space as is. She groaned again as he saw the brothers look at her confused as to why she was groaning. 

This was gonna be a long night. Granted if she can survive it that is. 

Chapter Text

Walk back home was… Interesting to say the least. After an hour of explanation on why the brothers couldn't be seen with her. Apparently the brothers could just waltz across the top of the buildings like it was no big deal, she would question as to how but then again she was too tired for that today. She just wanted to get to bed as soon as possible and forget everything.

As she walked down the street, she kept looking at the roofs to see, yes the brothers were keeping their word. Roof to roof they jumped like it was as simple as walking. It was an odd sight to see such large creatures jump around like that and barely make any sound as they did so. It was also forntınute that they were kept hidden by the dark of the moonless night. 

After  more walking she finally arrived at home, unlocking the old door which gave way with a creak. She threw her bag on the ground and threw herself on the couch to the side face first. She groaned into the pillow as she heard the window open up to her side and two thuds that followed it. 

She didn't bother to greet the brothers to her home, or give a tour as really this was pretty much the whole house. She just looked up to see the two brothers looking around, their size making them look out of place in the small house.

After they looked around for a few more seconds they both turned to her as if to say, 'is this it?'. She shrugged as an answer. Not bothering to answer the silent question.

Aym looked at her after she shrugged with a confused look and said "This is your home? Why is it so… small?"

She propped herself up with a sigh and said "I will have you know, this  is larger than some of the other ones I had to live in"

Aym looked at her confused for a few more seconds before he just rolled his eyes and sat down on the floor. She would offer him a place on the couch, but she doubted it could fit the both of them. 

Baal didn't ask any questions, instead he looked around some more, opening the door to the bathroom before closing it and moving to the door to his side which opened to her workroom. Afterwards he looked at her and said "Three rooms including bathroom, are you sure you are the Chronicler?" She for a second thought the question was rhetorical but a quick glance to his face revealed he was completely serious.

With a frown she answered "Not all of us can afford a mansion mr snoopy." She pointed to herself and continued. "Besides it is enough for me" She knew her house wasn't much, but it was enough for her. The only thing she kind of would like to have was a bedroom, which was not that important as long as one had a couch. It was way better than the small communal one she had to live in when she first came, she shuddered at the memory of those times.

Baal looked at her perplexed and said. "Mr Snoopy? This is almost as bad as 'murder kitty'" Aym turned at him with a frown at that, but didn't say anything otherwise.

She snorted before with an amused tone said "Whats wrong with murder kitty?"

Aym gave her an unamused glare before saying "It is dumb, simple as that"

This time Baal gave him a very much amused face and said "It is fitting though you got to admit Aym" Aym murmured something instead of answering, which made Baal give him a small grin. She gave them both a small laugh, as it seemed siblings were always alike, no matter which species or whatever they are supposed to be. Like how she and- she crushed that though before it could go any further and thought back to the siblings. Really were they Gods themselves? Or maybe something between a mortal and a God. She would ask later maybe. 

Hearing the snort, Aym gave her a small glare Before saying "What are you laughing at lamb chops? Seen something amusing?" His words lacked the usual ire, she could almost call it 'playful' even.

Hearing the nickname, she gave him a frown of her own, which also lacked ire and said "Lamb chops? And you complain about my nicknames" she gave him a humph and continued. "At least my nicknames have a story"

Baal rolled his eyes, he said "It could have had a very fitting story if you hadn't talked Master down from his anger" At that the room went silent. As much as she wanted to avoid it, she knew they had to talk about what went on today at some point.

After a minute of silence Aym opened with "Were you trying to get killed?" 

She was stunned for a second before Baal glared at his brother. He said "Aym, what in the Oblivion?" 

Aym just shrugged and said "She walked into the forbidden parts of the temple and talked back to the servants of her Lord. Furthermore she talked to our Master when he was more or less enraged. That sounds suicidal to me" His nonchalant voice gave sent her more shock than his words.

Baal opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out as he just shut it down

She looked on the ground for a second before with a sigh answered "I wasn't" she looked to her side in discomfort before continuing "I wasn't trying to get killed, I just wanted to do my duty to best of my ability"

To that Aym rolled his eyes and in a matter of factly way said "You could have asked a priest or two before wandering around the temple aimlessly" 

She scoffed at that and said "Priests helping anyone other themselves? Next you are gonna tell me I could just ask for another bowl at the communal kitchen for free." 

Brothers looked confused for a second before looking at one another. She didn't know why they were confused, so she waited for them to ask.

Question came from Baal first, he said "That's what priests are supposed to do"

Aym added "Also what do you mean you have to 'pay' for another bowl?" He looked a little outraged as he said it.

Lambert regarded the brothers for a second. She knew they were not joking from their tone, but what Baal said didn't make much sense. Priests didn't care too deeply about anyone other than other priests most of the time and as for the food, well wasn't that always how it was? The first bowl of the day was free, the rest needed payment.

She answered "Priests wouldn't help anyone if they weren't other priests, you know cause they are higher up than us" Both of the brothers looked at her strangely, as if they couldn't understand what she was just saying. She continued "As for food, well the first Bowl of the day is free the rest is not" At this Aym looked gave a frown, quickly looking away. He looked somewhere between angry and disappointed.

This time Baal spoke first. He said in a calm but thoughtful tone. "Priests are no higher than any follower in the eyes of our Master, all is equal in death" he said matter of factly.

After he finished, Aym spoke with a quiet anger. He said "One bowl a day? What if you can't afford it? Do they just let it be, let people starve?" He almost looked a little disturbed as he said it.

She felt confused for a second. All equal in death? Food being available for all? Was that how they thought their cult was? 'Or it was the way it used to be' her mind supplied.

She just looked down lost in thoughts and by the looks of it so were the brothers. She broke the silence by saying "so, I guess you two need a place to sleep huh." She knew she was trying to change the subject but it was way too late for something like this.

At her words the brothers looked at each other before Aym answered "We don't need sleep as you do Lamb chops" Baal confirmed this by nodding as Aym spoke.

She couldn't escape a "huh" off her lips. It must be nice not having to sleep, she thought. She would get so many things done if she didn't need to sleep. 

She looked at the brothers for a second before saying "alright, I guess I don't gotta set up more beds" 

She got up to get the beddings under the couch. It was just a simple wool blanket made by her from her own wool. It was a simple thing, but it was her first self made blanket. It had meaning behind it signifying her becoming an adult with her making a whole blanket just off of her own wool and on her own. It was an old tradition, a tradition she wanted to keep alive. 

The brothers did their own thing with Aym still sitting and Baal joining him in what she assumed was meditation. She ignored them and set the blanket on the couch and got in the makeshift bed.

Before she went to sleep she said "good night Aym, Good night Baal"

Baal answered with "good night Lamb chops" while Aym just grunted. It had been a long night but at least they were all alive. That's something… right? 

***

 Narinder was deep in thought. With both the lamb and his servants gone it was hard not to get lost in thought. His servants gave him at least a concept of time when they were by his side, now it was simply hard to realize that time even moved at all. 

 The memories he had to dig up to were deep within his mind. They were all clouded like the peaks of the mountains Silk Cradle called home, whenever he could find some semblance of a memory it would leave him just as it had arrived. It was as illusive as smoke in the air.

 His mind felt chaotic, all the thoughts swimming free in the ocean. No rhyme but much reason to separate them. It almost felt like the times when he talked to Leshy, how he would go from one topic to the next. It unnerved him at times how their youngest sibling could find more things to talk about even after hours of talking. He carried his Godhood of Chaos well he thought, it fit him perfectly.

 Narinder’s eyes shot open as he realized what just happened. He remembered him, he remembered Leshy. Somehow he was able to get a small piece of him out of the boundless ocean that was his mind. Maybe this was the key, he had to focus on one sibling out of time. He had to concentrate on how they were or atleast a small memory and expand from there.

 Now that he had a strategy, things worked up a little better. He didn’t know how long it had been since his servants left with that lamb, but he was able to remember some parts of his brother’s cult. Some parts of their tradition and some of their doctrines were clearly remembered now.

 He gathered his thoughts, he had the outline of what he wanted to talk about now. But sadly the way he died still eluded him. He was sure he once knew how it had happened but it was hard to reach down. It gave his heart a small pang of shame that he couldn't remember how he had fallen, but in time he was sure he could figure it out.

 Now he had to just sit there and wait until his servants arrived with the lamb. He could do that, he apparently had waited around one hundred and twenty years this should be easy… right?

Chapter Text

***

Waking up in the morning for Lambert was not much of an issue. She usually just got up when the light of the sun peaked at her through the curtains. She was a morning person as all sheep tended to be, most of their kin wouldn’t dream of sleeping the day away. However that tended to be the case when they got to sleep early, unlike her which slept around midnight last night. So now she layed awakened by the sun, groggy with her wool a mess. 

She wanted to go back to sleep before she had to get back to work. She was about to do just that, until she remembered the events that took place a day ago.

She rubbed her eyes with a groan as all the memories flooded back to her. It was certainly a day to be remembered. She avoided death at least twice, maybe even thrice and had made a deal with her Lord. Indeed it was a day to be remembered.

Looking to her side she saw that brothers were still there, still meditating. They looked serene in that moment, it was like a scene from a painting. Two dark furred cats, one with a cloak of white and the other a cloak of black. Sitting, eyes closed with only sign proving the fact that they are still alive being their methodical breathing, with their chests coming up and down in sync. Sunlight gave the whole scene a surreal look as it washed over them both, highlighting their oneness and also difference as the sunlight touched their cloaks.

She wanted  to keep looking at the two brothers, just taking in the sight. They were both something out of a tale or maybe even a legend. Tall, handsome and with a touch of mystic. She couldn’t fully appreciate them a day ago or whenever either one was talking really.

Even though the brothers looked easy on the eyes, there was still something about them that unnerved her. It wasn’t Aym’s bouts of ire or Baal’s often stone faced nature. It was more on the touch of the divine both gave out, the way they both looked so much like their Lord but at the same time didn’t.

She chose to look away from the brothers. She didn’t have the time to keep gazing at her new servants. That is what they were weren’t they? servants. It felt wrong in her mind to call them that, such divine beings being called servants almost felt like an insult, which she was fine with when she had to deal with the brothers face to face, but now It just didn’t sit well with her.

She threw the blanket off of her slowly. Getting up took her a bit as her spine and legs refused to listen to her for several moments, too tired from the day before. Eventually they obeyed her and gave way to her orders.

The brothers were still in meditation, as it seemed they would be this way for a while. She didn’t mind, honestly this felt a little better than if they were just standing there. She got up to the restroom to wash her face. 

As she walked to open the door to the bathroom Aym Spoke ‘’So lamb chops, big day today huh?’’ She turned back startled with a small bleat escaping her to see Aym still on the ground with a grin, his eyes still closed. She felt embarrassment touch her cheeks, an insult was trying to make its way off her tongue but she didn't let it, she knew it would just amuse Aym further. With a puff of indignation, she chose to just ignore him and continue to the bathroom.

Opening the door she stepped into the bathroom before locking it. She normally wouldn’t take much time but she wanted to be presentable today. It was the first day she would get to work with Lord Narinder. The thought alone made her giddy as she truly took in what was gonna happen today, she would talk to their Lord and get to learn about the past of the cult. The ancient battles and their heroic deeds, maybe Lord Narinder would throw in some of his own stories.

As she brushed her wool as she thought about the possibilities, there was just too much. Would she even have enough ink to write it all? Was there enough paper in the world  yet alone the cult to write it all? She decided to ignore that for now, she could shorten the stories and she was sure the temple had more than enough extra paper and ink.

Looking at the mirror she thought about if their Lord would like the way she looked now, she wasn’t that presentable a day ago but now she thought she looked alright. She wondered whether Their Lord would find her pretty or not.

"Alright where did that come from?" She uttered to herself. Without giving much thought to what just graced her mind she got out of the bathroom after giving herself one last look. Her white wool clean and groomed, her horns all polished.

The brothers hadn’t moved an inch from where they were just sitting. She knew now that this didn’t mean much with how Aym apparently could still perceive her but still, it felt odd to her how much they could discern from their surroundings without even getting to see.

Silently, she made her way to where she dropped her cloak. She would get breakfast before she had to head out for the temple. As she put her cloak on the brothers shifted in their place with the two of them now standing.

She sighed as she realized the brothers would try to follow her again. she said ‘’Don't even think about it"

Aym rolled his eyes at that and said "No can do lamb chops, we got a duty towards you." Baal supplied his brother with a nod.

She sighed knowing this was gonna take a while. She knew there was no denying the two, they would find a way to assert their will or really will of their master one way or the other. However there was a way to stretch their rules up to a point.

After thinking about what to do for a few more seconds she came up with an idea, she said "Alright, I know arguing with you two gets us nowhere. So how about a compromise?"

The brothers looked at each other before shrugging, Baal said "As long as at least one of us is following you, it is acceptable" This time it was Aym that supplied his brother with a nod.

She clasped her hands and with a smile said "Alright then, one of you can return to the temple preferably unseen. While the other one can follow me incognito." This had to work or else she would have to explain as to why the servants of their lord were following her to the rest of the cult, which she doubted she could do even if she tried. 

Brothers looked at eachother again before they both nodded, turning back towards her Aym spoke "I am coming with you, Baal will get back to the temple" she didn't know how the brothers came to an agreement without a single word but she just chugged it up to just how siblings worked, after all she and Ov-. She stopped herself before she could finish that sentence. Today had to be solely for her duty, she could wonder about ‘that’ some time later.

She said ‘’Alright, I guess now we just gotta find a way to make you less inconspicuous’’ She gave the giant black cat in front of her a look and realized that maybe this idea wouldn’t work as well as she thought it would, but before she could scrap the plan she saw something that looked rather concerning.

Aym’s eyes illuminated with a red glow before he was shrouded in darkness. It was as if a dark fog had swallowed him. All the while Baal was just standing there as if this was just normal. She felt the panic rise from within her as she saw the fog expand further and all at once it just vanished. From the smoke she saw Aym, who now looked much smaller. Relatively speaking at least, he was still two heads taller than her but.

She stood there for a second with her mouth hanging agape as she looked at this smaller Aym with a cloak much more similar to her own now. She wanted to ask many things like ‘’How in the hell did you do that?’’ or perhaps ‘’Why didn’t you do this a day ago?!’’ but she could already hear the answer for both. So she decided to close her mouth and just leave through the door.

She muttered under her breath ‘’Magical cats and their weird magic, I swear on our Lord’’ She would say it to his face but she already knew the satisfaction the said cat would exude at her reaction. She could feel the smugness radiate off of him in waves even now.

Chapter Text

The city was swelling with activity as always, the people going off from their homes and attending to their duties. Children playing on the streets or trailing their parents as they went around the city. She didn’t heed too much attention to them as she walked towards the kitchen area.

She took in the sight of the kitchens as they got closer. It was a simple building, an outdoor area where most ate with a kitchen area inside where smoke billowed from the furnaces. It was one of the better ones the city had to offer. It was not like the ones closer to the temple where they were made mostly from marble. No, this one was made predominantly with wood with the chimneys made with stacked stone.

It was not much to look at, but the simplicity was appreciated in an odd way. It reminded her of her old village in a way- and there it was again. She felt a groan rise within her as she tried to push away the memories, she really needed to get that under control.

She looked at her companion to clear her mind. As she looked at her companion she realized that Her companion in question wore an unreadable expression. He looked uncomfortable like he was waiting for something but what that something was, was not something she could tell.

She moved to grab his sleeve as they walked. At first he looked at her perplexed, seemingly questioning why she was hanging onto his arm, but a look from her seemed to make him realize she was just checking on him. He sighed and rubbed his face for a second before he just waved his hand as if to say everything was okay. She knew that it probably was not okay but really at the moment she couldn’t really do much about that. She would have to remind herself to ask what's wrong later.

She got close to one of the counters and took one of the breakfast bowls, it was a bland mix of oat and wheat with some salt to make it more bearable. She would be upset to have to eat gruel again like the day before but really, it was free. With her gold spent on ink this was the best she got for the week.

She was making her way away from the counter and to one of the tables when she heard Aym’s voice from her back. When she turned she saw him hissing at one of the chefs, a pig that seemingly was in charge of the food distribution today. To his back was a small rabbit woman with her child hanging on to her skirt from behind.

Making her way back to her companion she heard what was being said. The pig was shouting ‘’She had her bowl already you damn cat’’ he looked annoyed as he glared at Aym.

Aym gave the pig a look of disgust, before he said ‘’One measly bowl for both a woman and her kid? What do you expect them to do, starve?’’ He had his ears glued to his head and his eyes staring him down. The pig seemed like he wasn’t bothered by the cat hissing at him one bit even though the cat in question was taller than him by half a head and looked like he could add him to today’s menu.

The woman seemed like she was not in favor of not making a big deal of the situation and was more in favor of leaving as soon as possible.

Looking at her Lambert could tell that from the way she looked that she needed the bowl. She was doing a good job hiding away her emaciated limbs but her bony cheeks betrayed her, the child looked a little better with some fat clinging onto his face like baby fat but it was still not ideal.

She didn’t want to look at the small woman with pity, but at that moment she couldn’t help herself. She knew there were many that went hungry in the cult from time to time, but seeing it this bad was a bit uncomfortable even for her.

The pig started to make his way to Aym, puffing his chest as he did so even though the effect was somewhat diminished due to the fat covering his body. When he went face to face with Aym, their difference showed even greater.

Aym for his part didn’t move an inch, his hisses growing quiet as it turned into more of a silent growl reverberating beneath his throat. He looked at the pig much like a raven looking down on a particularly fat pigeon.

The pig sneered, before he said ‘’Don’t know who you are fella, but let me make this clear for ya’’ He poke Aym’s chest with his hoof as he continued ‘’This ain't some backwards village you probably came from, this city has rules and as it states only the people with a job get a full bowl, her child is not a worker so he doesn’t get a bowl.’’ He snorted before continuing again ‘’Or should I explain it simpler so you understand it? No work, no food’’

Before she could attempt to de-escalate the situation Aym grabbed the pig by the hem of his tunic and lifted him slightly up in the air, just enough that his legs were not touching the ground by using only one hand.

He let the offending pig realize his predicament for a few seconds as his legs dangled uselessly trying to reach the ground. Aym looked at him repulsed with a touch of rage, he said ‘’Listen Swine, I do not give a single shit about your rules. There is a starving mother in front of you and you refuse to give some damn gruel to her and her child.’’ He gave him a sneer as he continued ‘’People like you are fucking diqusting’’ he let go of the pig, whom fell to his knees gasping for air.

Aym didn’t waste his time picking an extra bowl off the counter before he presented the food to the mother who stood there wide eyed with her mouth ajar. In the end it was the child that took the bowl off from his hands before returning to her mothers back. The woman looked like she was between crying in thanks and crying in shock. She in the end seemingly decided to just bow her head slightly and quickly made her way out of the kitchen with her kid in tow.

Lambert stood there in shock for a few more seconds before Aym made his way to her before he stared down on her as if to say ‘let's go’. He had an unreadable expression on his face again but this one had seemingly come from part rage and part shame of all things.

She didn’t utter a word as they both made their way off the kitchens. As they left the chef pig was still shouting obscenities at them both saying quote ‘You two will be sacrificed for this!’ or ‘Do you have any idea who you are messing with?’ or things to that effect. They made their way out without turning to look back.

When they both made their way to a bench on the side of the road they both sat down. At first she wanted to ask what in the oblivion just occurred, but she decided to not push for the moment and eat her food, she could ask that when she was finished.

She ate her meal slowly, taking in the tasteless gruel spoon by spoon as she tried to focus on what just happened in detail. Before she could finish her food Aym Spoke, in a flat voice he said ‘’I am sorry Lamb chops, just sort of…’’ He paused ‘’I guess I just…’’ He sighed before continuing ‘’Forget it’’ he looked at the ground as he finished.

She put the bowl to her side before she held his arm. She said ‘’It’s alright Aym, just take your time’’. She tried to encourage him to speak, she knew it would be a little healthier than trying to keep it in.

Aym looked at her for a few more seconds before sighing. He said ‘’I just saw that woman and her child and I guess I just felt bad for them?’’ He looked unsure as he said the last part, before shaking his head and correcting himself ‘’No, no. That was a pity, I just pitied how damn thin they both looked’’ He buried his face with his hands as he looked down on the ground.

She put her hand on his back as she rubbed his shoulder as Aym looked up from his hands to her again before sighing once more. He said ‘’Alright we gotta go, we are already late as is’’ before she could say anything he was already up, making his way back to the temple. With a sigh she got up to follow him, she guessed he was not willing to talk here or perhaps not willing to talk with her.

Chapter Text

The return to the temple was quiet. It looked like Aym had calmed down for the most part, but there was still some frustration that radiated off of him in waves. She wanted to talk to him about what had happened, but he made it clear that maybe this wasn’t the time or perhaps she wasn’t the person. 

The idea that he was not willing to talk to her shouldn't affect her, but in an odd way it did. Normally she wouldn't mind it but now it just felt like he didn't trust her thought again they had only known each other for two days. 

At that moment she realized how much things have changed since two weeks. She was just a common worker trying to keep a roof over her head and now she is thinking of why their Lord's servant won't open up to her. ‘Time really does fly, doesn't it’ she thought for a second. 

While she was lost in thought they had walked all the way to the temple. When they were well within the inner parts of the cult, Aym turned to her before he said "Alright Lamb chops, I gotta split up" 

She asked "what about all the talk about at least having one of you follow me?" That was a rule the brothers were keen on keeping just this morning, what had changed all of a sudden? She thought.

He sighed before answering "The temple doesn't count, besides who would even attack you here anyway?" She could guess he wanted to split up for more personal reasons, maybe to blow off some steam perhaps. 

Taking the cue she just nodded and said "Alright, I guess see you in the throne room"

Aym left without a word, not looking back. She looked on as he left. She would ask him later maybe, when he is more calm, she thought. She was about to make her way back to her Lord's throne room before she heard an unfamiliar voice call out to her, turning back to hear it better she saw a fox in priest robes looking rather angry.

The fox was much larger than any other fox she had ever seen in the cult. He was still shorter than the brothers in their height but this fox clearly stood tall amidst the rest of the followers. He also wore the robes of a high priest, embroiled in gold veiled in black.

The fox yelled out to her ‘’Where do you think you are going?’’ The fox was making his way to her, his robes fluttering behind him. He had a look of anger on him.

Sighing she tried to answer ‘’I a-’ The Fox cut her off abruptly with a shout of ‘’Silence’’ as he made his way to her. She would have been somewhat scared a day ago, but now she was supposed to be here so she wasn’t afraid as much as she was annoyed.

The fox now made his way right in front of her, he said ‘’This is a special part of the cult you little critter, what makes you think you can appear here?’’

She yet again tried to answer the fox but before she could even make out a single word fox cut her off again ‘’The only ones allowed here are the chosen of the cult such as I, not some’’ He paused to look at her up and down before continuing ‘’Some drag from the common follower, explain yourself at once’’

She was getting annoyed at this point, being cut out before she could even breathe a word off her mouth was not exactly a good feeling. She tried to speak again before being cut again. 

The fox spoke again ‘’You have bro-’’  before the fox could finish what he was about to say, this time she cut him off. In an irate voice she said ‘’I am the current chronicler of the cult and I am expected here and now if you do not mind sir, I would like to go to where I am needed’’ She tried to take her leave before the fox appeared before her again, getting in the way.

This time fox looked much more angrier than before as he said ‘’You dare cut me off and leave before you are allowed you wretch?’’ She thought she saw a brief red flash in the fox’s eyes before he reeled his hand backwards for what she assumed was a slap.

She knew what was coming and was more or less ready for it. She had been backhanded before and this was not much different, a brief pain followed up by a sting. She wasn’t going to drop a tear over something like this, but the pain was still somewhat unwelcome.

She averted her eyes from the gaze of the priest knowing it would just make this whole thing go on longer than it had to be. The fox sighed before uttering ‘’Now tell me who are you again.’’

She sighed before meeting his eyes with her own, trying not to show any emotion she said ‘’My name is Lambert, the current chronicler of the Old Faith.’’

The fox looked pleased for a second, but he still looked far from pleasant. He began again ‘’I see, a chronicler.’’ He looked at her up and down again before continuing ‘’Why is a chronicler needed in the inner chambers of the temple?’’

She answered ‘’I am required to write about the past of the cult, since what happened in the library’’ She didn’t add who had given her the task and some of the other details but the fox didn’t really need to know that.

The fox looked at her confused before he said. ‘’Of course, the fire.’’ He blinked a couple of times before just shaking his head, he continued ‘’Alright, Chronicler be off with you. Do not waste more of my time’’ The fox turned to leave, not sparing her another moment.

She sighed as he left, rubbing the spot she was hit. The pain was negligible but it still annoyed her to no end. She decided to think about this at a later date with all the other stuff she was pushing ahead.

The track to the gate of the Throne room doesn’t take too much time, before long she sees Baal with his white cloak standing in front of the gate. He looked bored as he stood alone which was understandable she and Aym had taken their time arriving here.

She waved at him as she arrived which was answered with a wave of his own. As she got closer he looked at her questioningly but didn’t speak otherwise until she was right next to him. He looked at her for a few more moments before she realized he was looking at the mark on her face.

She just waved him off, it was not that big of a deal but apparently he didn’t think the same way as he asked ‘’What happened to your cheek?’’

She answered ‘’Oh, I just had a run in with a high priest. Not that big of a deal really.’’

He looked at her confused for few seconds before his face shifted into one of anger, he asked ‘’What do you mean by that Lambert?’’

Sensing the upcoming ordeal she sighed, couldn’t they just move into the throne room already? she said ‘’One of the high priests saw me walking here and decided that I was on his shit list today I guess’’ she sighed before continuing ‘’can we just move into the throne room already?’’ Getting through this as soon as possible looked like the only way to stop this from blowing out of proportion.

Instead of understanding the situation Baal grew quiet. She could see his eyes dilate into two slits as his hands gripped his staff tighter. She didn’t know what those staffs were made out of but it looked like if it was wood, it would have probably been snapped in half at this point.

After few more moments Baal without looking at her asked ‘’Where was Aym?’’

She blinked a few times before answering ‘’I told him we should split up’’ She added ‘’You know, needed to think about all writing and all that’’

Baal looked at her unconvinced, which was fair. She didn’t want to lie to him but then again neither did she want the brothers to fight each other over something as normal as this. After a few more moments of searching her, he sighed. He brought his hand to her cheek before a familiar smoke covered her cheek. Before she could ask what was going on she felt the sting from the hit disappear completely.

She didn’t know what to say before Baal just opened the door and walked in. She muttered a thanks beneath her breath and entered as well.

Chapter Text

***

Narinder first saw Baal enter the room. He held a pensive look as entered, his eyes not meeting his own, too busy looking at the ground while he walked to his side. He made a mental note to ask what bothers him later. After him came the lamb from before carrying a quill and a book. She looked much  the same, but unlike his servant she bowed to him when she first entered the room before she stood in front of his throne.

Narinder spoke first ‘’My lamb, you have come as I have asked and I believe you have what you need to start, yes?’’

The lamb shifted before she said ‘’Not quite my Lord, I may need a table and a chair’’

He looked down at Baal, who didn’t seem to have noticed his gaze. He cleared his throat to get his attention at which his servant finally seemed to have noticed him. Blinking he looked back at the Lamb before he got up to bring back the needed furniture.

Sighing he began again ‘’Before my aloof servant comes back, is there anything else you wish lamb?’’

At that she just shook her head ‘’No my lord, everything else is with me’’ she pointed at her bag as she finished.

He nodded as he looked at the lamb further. She looked better than when she first arrived, her wool looked tidy and as white as snow. It was far better than when she first came to shout at his door to his servants. He still couldn’t get over the absurdity of what transpired that day, it was almost a joke one of his siblings would play… Though which one was more likely to do so was a little lost on him.

Before he could stop himself he uttered ‘’Leshy’’ That's right, he always was more of a prankster wasn’t he. He and himself would prank… who? 

Before he could get too lost in his thoughts the lamb spoke ‘’Leshy my lord? Are we talking about her today?’’ Her? Had the mortals truly forgotten this much? Did they even know his domain?

He sighed as he met the curious eyes of the lamb, hearing his words like the gospel they were. He knew he had to put on somewhat of a show or atleast make this all a grand event of a sort. The memory of his siblings depended on it.

He said ‘’Indeed my lamb. Today we shall speak on the Lord of Chaos, Leshy of Darkwoods.’’ He could hear the lamb write on the book as he talked, though without the desk it was obviously harder. just as he was gonna implore her to slow down, Baal had made his way back with the furniture. After setting it in front of the lamb, he went back to his side quickly. Strangely avoiding his gaze as he did so yet again.

With the furniture set lamb took her stage, settling down on the seat. It was still surreal to look at her as she set her writing gear down, a lamb in the middle of the chamber, a living soul finding themselves in front of him after all these years, who wasn’t one of his servants or… wait, had there been someone else before the Lamb? he could almost… No, this wasn’t the time for that. He could ponder on that later.

He gave her few more moments before he continued ‘’He was the youngest amidst us, from the day he came to our lives it was certain he would be a handful.’’ As he talked he remembered more of the time they had, things became more clear. ‘’He was as I had said was the Lord of Chaos, and as such he acted his part from pranks to jokes he was perhaps the most wonderous out of all of us…’’

As he spoke he could see the lamb write it all down, he doubted a single word would escape her diligence. It felt good in a way to see at least one mortal was trying to right this terrible wrong, it did not free her of blame of course, but perhaps it was a good step in the right direction he supposed.

So it went on, ever so often he would get stuck in a detail which would remain unanswered but really even with those hiccups it was still going fine. He was even impressed with how well everything was going for a time, previously he thought they would get stumped but really they were going through things.

He wasn’t too sure how much the Lamb understood what he was talking off, he was sure at times she looked more confused than curious. Eventually however things became harder and harder to go through. Some facts got muddled as expected but eventually even some of the things he knew for sure started to feel distant.

He sighed after explaining another cult doctrine his brother liked to take part in, at least he was sure he did enjoy it or was that Heket? A yawn brought him back from his thoughts. He looked back on the mortal to see that she looked rather tired and were those bags under her eyes?

He involuntarily asked ‘’What time is it?’’

He was answered by Baal ‘’Around midnight my lord’’ after a moment he added ‘’Rather late for our chronicler if I may say so, it may be unsafe outside at this hour’’ He casted look at his servant as he added the last part. What was there to be afraid of? They were well within the cult, was his servant getting paranoid or was there something else? No matter, he was done for today anyhow and maybe even Leshy for a while until he could remember more.

As he saw Lamb yawn and stretch he said ‘’Alas, our time seems to be at an end my lamb. For today your duty ends.’’ He stretched his arm to the gate in front of him and continued ‘’Come back whence I call you, for now be at rest.’’

Lamb nods to him before bowing low, now at her feet. Gathering her gear as she silently made her way off his chamber. Another day has gone by, but this one was unlike the ones before. He was thankful in a way, but on the other hand he felt a tiredness he was not used to. Alas that too would come to pass too… Hopefully.

***

Lambert was more tired than she had been for the last month, which was funny considering that she was just writing and listening. She shook her arm to relieve some build up tension as she walked ahead with Baal at her side, who for his part was a bit closer than needed.

She looked at him questioningly, which was answered with a fleeting gaze. As odd as he was acting she couldn’t really find it in herself to care too deeply at the moment. The only thing she was really able to think at the moment was where Aym had been. Really where was he? He wasn’t around when she was with their lord, or even now. She knew he was upset but by now she thought he would show up.

Before she could delve too much into that, the said cat did actually show up. She saw him as he made his way to both of them, he had a tired expression on him that was far from how he was before he went off to simmer down.

He stood in front of both of them before he spoke ‘’So, are we going?’’

Before she could answer Baal spoke ‘’Yes and this time someone will be with her as it is needed of us’’ As she looked at him she could see the scowl he wore.

Aym narrowed his eyes at his brother before he just shrugged ‘’Alright, let's go top side then’’ He turned back as he finished, she didn’t really know how the brothers got to the roofs above. then again they were magical cats of dubious mortal standing so… it wasn’t really something she questioned too much.

Baal spoke as Aym turned around ‘’This night I will not be joining you brother’’ The familiar smoke took hold of Baal before he shrunk down like how his brother had this morning, still standing next to her.

Aym didn’t turn around completely but he did cast a look from his shoulder. His gaze was retorted by a frown which was answered in kind moments later. She didn’t really know where she should stand on all of this, but she knew she should probably do something.

She decided that walking off would be the fastest way to stop whatever this was supposed to be. As she made her way back she saw Baal shake his head with a frown staying on his face, a sigh escaping his lips. She didn’t look back on Aym but she could tell he was in a similar situation.

She hoped whatever sparked what was happening would come to an end once they made their way back to her home… Hopefully.

Chapter Text

It was quiet when Baal and she made their way back. There was nothing out of the ordinary, other than Baal looking over his shoulder every two seconds and asking her if she could hurry up. Other than that it was quite usual as things went.

The city was asleep as it should be this late into the night, so there was not much noise other than some drunks trying to make their way back to their homes or wherever they lived. The noise began when they got inside and Baal saw Aym laying on the couch with his legs hanging on the side, who looked like he was two steps away from falling asleep.

For a moment she could almost make herself believe whatever happened back in the temple stayed in the temple. It was until Baal said ‘’Dodging your duty again I see brother’’

Aym for his part only sighed before saying ‘’Look, can we do this tomorrow? maybe after I get some meditation or-’’

Before he could finish baal cut him off ‘’No, This is happening today’’ he moved to stand before the couch and continued ‘’I know what happened today and we need to talk about it now’’

Aym turned towards him with squinted eyes. He said ‘’Look, I am sure you think what you want to talk about is important but I am not in the mood’’ he turned back before finishing ‘’So please just save it for later’’

Before she could process what happened Baal took his brother by the collar and yanked him off the couch. Before he could hit the floor however Aym propped himself to his feet. Now face to face with his brother Baal looked much more furious than a moment ago.

Aym took his brother's hand which was still on his collar with his own before squeezing it. She could hear a pop from Baal’s hand as he let go of him. For a couple of moments neither side spoke, only a growl reverberating from both. Their tails wagged as they continued their standoff.

It was Aym that broke the silence ‘’What?’’ It was simple and short, but it seemed like it carried a lot behind it as Baal shifted on the spot.

Without breaking eye contact he said ‘’You left her alone’’

Aym blinked a couple of times before looking back at her with his mouth somewhat agape. He looked at her as if to ask ‘That’s it?’ He looked back on his brother who still looked at him with the same scorn from before.

Aym asked ‘’And?’’

Baal sneered before answering ‘’You know as well as I brother that it was your duty to make sur-’’

Before he could finish this time Aym cut him off ‘’That’s why you are so upset? All this over me leaving her in the most secure place in the city, maybe even the whole island’’ He looked down before pinching the bridge of his nose.

Baal spoke again ‘’She-’’

Aym cut him off again ‘’Look, brother I know you are all for ‘duty’ and ‘responsibility’ but you are being an ass here. Ju-’’

This time Baal cut him off ‘’She was attacked on the temple’’ At his words Aym was stunned, for a few moments he just looked at his brother silently before he looked back at her.

She didn’t meet his eyes as she said ‘’It wasn’t an attack, it was just a priest’’ She let out a breath before finally meeting his eyes ‘’It was just a slap, it is normal ho-’’

Before she could finish she was interrupted by Baal ‘’She was attacked on the Temple ground when you’’ he pointed at him as he said the last part ‘’Decided to ignore your duty in favor of whatever you were doing to dodge your duty!’’

Aym looked ashamed for a second with his eyes losing to his brother’s gaze, but just as fast he meets his eyes with a glare of his own ‘’Look I might have fucked up but I wasn’t just doing random shit’’

Baal sneered before saying ‘’And pray tell me dear brother, what were you doing?’’

Aym opened his mouth before he shut it again, he evaded his eyes for a moment before looking back once more ‘’You know what, fuck you!’’ He pointed at him before continuing ‘’I am not explaining shit’’

As he turned around to leave, Baal moved in front of him to block him ‘’No, sit down. I am not done talking!’’

Aym gave him a low growl before uttering ‘’Well, I am’’

Before the brothers could presumably tear each other apart, maybe verbally but more likely physically, she got between them. Shoving the two back was not an easy task but using her back she was at least able to push them back a step.

As the two brother’s stumbled backwards she screamed ‘’You two are grounded!’’

A pin could have dropped and it would have been heard throughout the house. The brothers looked at her, blinking several times before Baal spoke ‘’W-what?’’

She looked at him with a glare ‘’You heard me, you and your brother are grounded’’

This time Aym spoke in indignation ‘’You can’t do-’’

Before he could finish, she cut him off ‘’Who is the servants in here?’’

Both brothers looked around instead of answering her, seemingly finding the walls more interesting. She asked again ‘’Who are the servants here!?’’

Baal spoke first ‘’Me and my brother are-’’

She cut him off again ‘’Who owns this house?’’

This time Aym spoke first ‘’You’’

Lambert looked at Aym before answering, scowl not leaving her brow ‘’That's right, and as the homeowner and your temporary master. I believe neither of you are doing a good job’’

Baal stood mouth agape while Aym avoided her gaze, she sighed pinching the bridge of her nose before continuing ‘’Look, we are all tired. I have been writing for hours and trying to memorize all I have learned. I will have to pull another all nighter tomorrow just to get my weekly report done on top of the stuff here. So’’ she sighed again before continuing ‘’So please just be silent and let me at least get damn some sleep without you two making a ruckus.’’

Aym and Baal met each other's eyes, first time tonight without scorn before they both nodded. Baal spoke after their supposed agreement ‘’As you wish master’’

Aym took over where Baal left ‘’As for our punishment?’’

She blinked a couple of times before cupping her chin with her hoof, ‘oh yeah, I grounded them’ She just shook her head ‘’Just be quiet until morning’’ She felt some guilt when she ordered them around like this, but honestly they both had it coming. She didn’t want to abuse her power but she didn’t want the argument to further escalate into a shouting match that made the ones back in the communal housing sound like a pleasant  by comparison. 

Both brothers nodded before they made their way back to their spots on the ground in silence. She too made her way to the couch to get ready, she could think about what happened tonight later. For now she just wanted to get some sleep.

When she was in bed, just before she was claimed by tiredness, she called out to the brothers ‘’Goodnight you two’’ . The silence was her answer as she fell asleep.

Chapter Text

Much like the day before morning had come too fast for her liking. She let out a groan as the sun hit her eyes. Trying to prop herself up she felt the usual back pain. As she rubbed her back she thought was it normal to feel like your back was breaking in half at such an early age? Then again she spent most of her day sitting on a chair, so it made some sense that she wouldn’t be the same as her peers when it came to spinal health.

After the pain started to fizzle away, she decided that It was way too early to think about stuff like that. Maybe when she could afford more than a single day off she could think about all of this.

As she came to her senses she started to remember the day before. She sighed before looking over the brothers. Neither one of them looked as peaceful as they had been when they were meditating the other day. She could see the twitch in Aym’s eyes and the uneven breathing coming from Baal. It was an unnerving sight after seeing the brothers so calm normally when meditating.

She reluctantly got out of the couch, her legs refusing to listen to her before relenting to her will. She didn’t pay much attention to brothers as she did so, who seemed to return the favor to her.

The Bathroom was the way she left it, with her brush still sitting by the sink. She ignored it as she wouldn’t bother to comb her wool today, not when most of it would be spent inside. All on all, it didn’t take her much time to appear before the door. Bag on side, cloak on shoulder.

She heard shuffling before she even unlocked the door and just as she had expected the brothers were up. It was Baal that was closest to her when she looked behind.

She sighed ‘’Alright, same as the day before?’’

Baal shook his head ‘’I will accompany you today master’’ She could see Aym avoiding her gaze with a scowl as his brother spoke. She felt a pang of quilt when he called her ‘master’.

She tried to ignore the pang ‘’Alright I guess, I will also need more parchment so-’’

Before she could finish Aym cut her off ‘’I will get some from the temple’’ before she could say anything, he took off to the window they used to get in. Before he left, he looked behind his shoulder and in a quiet voice added ‘’Master’’

She suddenly felt a little cold inside and she couldn’t really tell whether it was because of the draft or not. Baal moved to close the window before returning back to her side, his face still as neutral as ever.

She looked back on the window one last time before taking off, she didn’t look back to see if he was following her or not.

***

Narinder didn’t interact much with anyone anymore. To be fair to him though he was somewhat stuck here so it was not like he could just go out to speak even if he wanted to anyway. He also found getting random followers to be brought so he talked to them somewhat beneath him anyway.

Besides it would not be much of a stretch to say most of the cult didn’t really deserve to see him anyhow. Not after how they had forgotten his siblings. It still brought a momentary spark of rage within him each time he thought of that.

Those damable mortals had done quite a lot of things he would consider ‘too far’ even before this, but this was in a whole different level of disrespect he could barely fathom without ending outraged again.

He sighed as he decided that it was not worth the hassle to get angry at those pitiful creatures. He had far grander things to worry about. Like how he couldn’t come up with much even after all that meditation, it all came back blank even after all that time trying to piece things together. 

It was frustrating to think he had trouble trying to remember his brother to the fullest. He needed a break through but what? What could bring the answer beneath the dark crevices in his mind?

Before he could ponder much he saw Aym make his way to the room. He looked more tired than he had ever seen him. His expression spoke of frustration and barely kept fury.

He was beginning to think his servants were keeping something from him. It was rare to see either of his servants show this emotion these days or be as aloof as Baal was a day ago. There had to be something that made his servants like this, some event that has taken place he had not seen nor heard.

His servant made his way to him before going past him without acknowledging him. Now, Narinder was a kind God. At least he remembered himself to be. He did not lash out at ones not informed of his grandness, only if they had shown disregard to him once they knew of him would he be compelled to show the heretic what for.

Aym was not a heretic, nor was he not informed of his grandness. Aym for all intents and purposes should be struck down but that would not happen. For Aym was not just any follower out of line or some dissenter. He was one of his most trustable servants. It was hard not to admit it, he was fond of his servants. They were the one thing he could not forget in his life, from the day of their birth to now with only some holes in the middle. Still holes were better than nothing.

Instead of striking him down he instead cleared his throat as his servant made his way back with some parchment in his arms. His servant looked at him surprised, he almost dropped what he was holding as his fur stood on edge.

He saw his servants cheeks flush with crimson before he bowed slightly ‘’Master’’ It was a show of recognition as he tried to make his way back now slightly faster.

He spoke before he could leave ‘’Aym, is there something that bothers you?’’

His servant turned back to look at him with a searching gaze. It seemed like he noticed he was genuine in his concern as he made his way back to him. Slowly. He dropped himself on his usual spot to his right side before sitting down, laying his bundle to the side.

He sighed before looking up to him once more ‘’It is nothing to concern yourself with I assure you Master’’

And there it was, the usual cat and mouse, the moving around the issue, the ‘I won’t talk about what's bothering me until you take it out of me with pliers’. He smiled at his servant, as it seemed he still knew his servants well.

At his smile his servant tensed, which made him drop it instantly at his tenseness. Before his servant could excuse himself he began ‘’Nonsense Aym, as a faithful master to a faithful servant I am always willing to listen to what bothers you’’ He tried to give him a much more approachable smile this time as to coax him to speak.

His servant looked down at his feet  ‘’It's a few things Master, but none too important for your notice’’ there was a twitch in his ear as he said it, but he ignored it for now.

Narinder could guess as much, knowing his servants would have spoken to him if it was something of his notice. ‘’That may be so, but alas I wish to know nonetheless’’

After a couple of moments of silence Aym huffed before answering ‘’It’s the chronicler Master, she is just annoying’’

He raised his brow ‘’Is that so?’’

‘’Yes, she is ordering us around as if she has any power over us that you have not given her’’ He took a moment before continuing. ‘’It is if she has the right to even tell us how we are supposed to do our job’’

He considered his servants' words ‘’I see, what event has taken place for you to have come to such a conclusion my servant’’ He was somewhat interested now as to what had come to pass with his servants and the lamb. Had the lamb really believed herself to be over his servants or was his servant just overreacting. Knowing Aym it could be both, he was always into theatrics, at least he was sure of that.

Aym shifted in his place for a second before answering ‘’Last night when my brother and the chronicler had returned, we had a bit of a ‘disagreement’ with my brother’’ He got up to his feet before continuing ‘’Then the chronicler decided to punish as when we were just talking of our ‘disagreement’’’ He looked at him while waving his arms dramatically ‘’Can you believe that Master?’’

Now he was really sure Aym was keeping some parts clouded, that boy always tended to misinterpret things in the worst way on top of downplaying some other things. His mind was flooded with memories with his servants when they were a lot younger. 

He smiled unconsciously at the memories. They too were not clear as he would have liked but he still remembered of how he would dramatically account their fight with their brother or how he got into trouble with a vendor because he took something to give to a follower saying ‘They needed it more’. He always was the softer of the two brothers wasn’t he? 

His smile seemed like it had confused Aym. When he realized the look he was getting, he shifted his face to a thoughtful look again. He asked ‘’Was there more of a reason for this punishment?’’

Aym averted his eyes at the question before answering ‘’Well, I guess we were arguing a little loud… But still, she ordered us to be silent for the whole day! It was such a disrespect on her part’’ He crossed his arms after he finished.

Oh, now he understood. Aym was upset at the punishment and well he could guess so. Silence was something brother’s could accept as an order from him but he supposed the new chronicler was not someone they respected… yet. He didn’t know the chronicler too well either but he could tell the lamb was not one to abuse power. No, perhaps she was someone to get frustrated easily, but not one to abuse rank for a pitiful attempt at showing power. He doubted anyone in his cult was that callous even now.

‘’I see, but I must say perhaps she was afraid of trouble the commotion would bring rather than showing superiority over you and your brother?’’

He scoffed before answering ‘’No, I doubt it.’’ He rolled his eyes when he knew he wasn’t looking. He knew Aym would make up with the lamb at some point, but it would take time. 

They settled into a silence as Aym sat back to his cushion. It was not the same silence they had a few days ago where he would stand silent amidst all. This silence felt like the ones they shared together way before he decided to impose this exile upon himself. He could still remember the way the brothers would ‘speak’ across each other. All those hand signs to communicate with each other, to uphold the silence of the throne. It still amused him the way brothers thought he wasn’t seeing them.

He looked upon his servant who seemed like he was meditating now. Still somewhat on edge but much more relaxed than when he first came. He smiled fondly as he breathed a sigh, as much as he forgot about this world he knew he wouldn’t never forget the two brothers.

Chapter Text

***

 She was sitting in her study room with papers strewn about. The whole room could be seen as a cautionary tale as to why children should keep their room tidy. It was almost comical even to her as to how little one would understand what was going on in her room other than her. But it was the price paid to make this report work, all made to cult specifications ready to be sent. With her work on her Lords project coming along nicely.

 She felt a spark of pride take hold of her as she felt like she could relax now a little bit. Afterall the week hadn’t been really kind on her. She could still feel the sore spot on her back, as she tried to flex her back. As she did She started reflecting on the week she had.
She had other than writing at home, done basically nothing. She tried to get comfy on her chair. Listening to the rain outside as she tried to stretch her hoofs. She truly had done nothing remarkable as of late.

 Monotony was something she was very much used to. In fact it was more or less a part of life with her duty. One couldn’t expect much variety in a duty like hers anyhow, but these few days had really pushed that acceptance to the edge. 

 Everyday she would leave with Baal standing way too close to her for comfort and trying to get her home as soon as possible the second she had gotten her food. Stating ‘It is not safe’ which truly made no sense. Sure there were dissenters in the cult from time to time and other less faithful, that was just a simple truth. However this much caution for something that was more or less a part of life at this point felt closer to paranoia rather than vigilance. No, he most likely just didn’t want to waste his time. It was a sad truth she supposed but really there was just no way to explain it otherwise. 

 After they would come back he would sit on his spot and avoid any and all conversations she would try to make. Which was as insulting as it was somewhat heartbreaking. At times she would try to get him to talk by asking mundane things, at times about the past or whatever she was currently working on. Still it would feel like she was just talking to a wall. Baal would only answer in yes or no before going back to meditation. 

 She wanted to stop asking just to spare herself the trouble and perhaps the disappointment, but she felt like she at least had to try. If not as his friend but as their temporary master. 

Maybe that was it though wasn’t it? Maybe he was mad about what had happened that day, with her ordering and punishing the brothers. Reminding them of her status. She knew what she did was not the kindest thing, but did she truly go too far? Perhaps yes, she might have. It was most likely humiliating to be told to be quiet by someone who you outrank by a factor of a thousand. Maybe she truly has pushed him herself.

 ‘Alright, maybe we should move away from him for now’ she thought as she checked through the window. It was still raining, clouds blocking the sun, as light tried to make its way to the earth.

 Then there was Aym. He would come back in the middle of the night. He and his brother would not utter a single word as he would just make his way to his spot on the ground to join him. She would not see him leaving most days and would only hear him enter, it was like leaving with a specter. 

She would be lying if she said she wasn’t worried for the cat clad in black. Just what was he doing all day? There was also the fact that he always came back with shoulders sagging and bags visible under his eyes. Was he taking care of himself? His shaggy fur suggested otherwise.  

 For a week it felt like she was living with a ghost and a living wall. Both always out of reach for different reasons. In a way she supposed, they weren’t too different to that of her parents. 

And there it was, she felt a groan escape as she realized she had no way around this one. No work to keep her busy and no one to try to talk to just to stop herself from having to get stuck in these thoughts again.

 She reached for her cup as her mind wandered to her mother. A woman of few words, not many nice ones even when she even bothered with them. She wasn’t a bad woman nor a bad mother, just one that felt like an entity rather than a person. ‘No, no that’s just too harsh’ She thought. She was still her mother, she shouldn’t think of her like that. For all her faults she took care of their family, besides there were times where she was nicer as rare as those tended to be. Her wool blanket was proof of that.

 She tried to massage her temples as she tried to move away from her mother, just to remind herself of her father. A man she knew so little about and saw just as much. He would come back late at night after leaving early in the morning. He would come back home with heavy shoulders and bags under his eyes. She knew his name but it felt like that's all she knew of the man she supposedly grew up with. Then again, it is not like he had a choice. Their village wasn’t really one where one could idle for long.

 As she scratched at the base of her horns she remembered something about the old ram. He had large horns that ran way above his head before curving down. She tried to make up what he looked like from memory. Scribbling down on an unused paper, she decided to draw him up to help Joggle her memory.

 After a few more moments of scribbling she looked at her work. To see that no, that was not her father. The horns were too large even for her father and the face was too narrow. No. The drawing looked much more like Ovin… 

 …

 Was the roof leaking again? Why was the ink… She wiped her eyes. Looking around with hazy eyes, she noticed there was too much dust in the room. Of course, that was why. She wiped at them again to try to dislodge the dust in her eyes. She decided to just stash the paper in her notebook. It would be a waste to ruin perfectly usable paper on a roof leak.
 
After she was done she reached for her cup. The water was cold, right from the well. It felt soothing as it made its way down her throat. It helped her swallow up the lump in her throat too. The cold really did make her throat sore didn’t it? Maybe instead of worrying about Aym taking care of himself she needed to take care of herself more.

Sighing to herself she decided that it was enough, she would get more work done after a propper break. Getting up from her chair she turned around to find Aym looking at her with narrowed eyes. That was just strange, why would he be here this early?
 
He scratched at his neck as he said. ‘’I… am I interrupting something?’’ He sounded as unsure as he was uncomfortable.
She shrugged ‘’Not really, just had something get in my eyes’’ She wiped at her eyes again to get the rest of it out. 

 He just nodded ‘’Of course’’ There was an uncomfortable silence that stretched over for what felt like an hour between the two. ‘’I was gonna tell you Master wanted to see you again tomorrow’’

 So that was why he was here, that made sense ‘’Alright, I will ready my notes and the rest’’

 The silence from a moment ago came back again. It was strange how things became so awkward with the brothers since that day. It almost felt like the night she called Aym ‘Murder Kitty’ was just some dream she had rather than an actual memory. 

 Aym moved to exit the room which was a small mercy. Before he did however he looked back at her. ‘’You know lamb, you could talk to m- us right?’’ 

 Well, that was true. She could talk to them. Though if she did Baal would most likely ignore her and she would need to find Aym wherever he went off to. She decided a nod was enough of an answer before she looked back on the desk. She had a lot to prepare if she was gonna write more tomorrow.

***

Everything was planned. Narinder made sure of it. He made sure of the fact that what he was about to do would not end in failure. Even though the chances were as high as they could be. No, he was not worried. That was below his stature as expected.

 He will send one of his servants and the lamb to check up his brother’s realm or what was presumably left of it. After a while they would be back and tell him what they saw, or perhaps tell him how it was holding up, or really anything at this point was good. No, he was not desperate. That was also below his stature. 

 A sigh escaped him as he rubbed at his face. This was a disaster even before it began, there were so many things that could go wrong. What if they ran out of food? The brother’s would be fine but what about the lamb? Was it right to send a lamb outside of the cult for such a mission? 

 Another headache made its way as he let out a frustrated groan. This was a terrible idea, the worst one he had in a good while. He cupped his face with his hands as he tried to alleviate some stress. He wouldn’t have to do all this if he could just remember. How hard could it be to remember his own brother’s death?

 As the thought made its way deeper into his mind he felt a wave of shame. That was why he wanted to send them off on this possibly dangerous mission. Because he couldn’t remember something as important as his own brother’s death. ‘So much for one's stature’ he thought as he let the shame pass over him.

 The hands around his face made their way to the sides of his head as he squeezed. It was not enough to scar him or anything. The pain brought him some comfort, It made the headache manageable. He knew he shouldn’t really be doing it. It was not really a good idea to squeeze one's own head for a headache. No, it would just give him physical pain on top of the headache. 

 His hands eventually found their way back to his lap as he sighed. What he was asking out of his servants wasn't that unusual. His servants were strong as they were competent. As for the lamb, sure she was young but she didn’t look overtly weak. Besides, what danger could even lurk in his brother’s land anyhow?

 He looked up as he realized maybe he was just a tad overreacting. The woods weren’t ever that dangerous. Other than a wild wood worm or two, it would be as safe as it could get in the land just a tad bit more chaotic than the rest at times. Maybe it would even be better for her if she could see the rest of their island. One needed their inspiration when writing afterall.

 He sighed once more, this time with much more relief than frustration. She would be safe, so would his servant… though which one? And there it was. He had forgotten to choose which one should come with her on the journey. 

 The familiar headache made its way back in vengeance this time. Now he had to choose. He couldn’t send both of them, one needed to be here so they could take care of the cult in his steed. Aym would be the obvious choice, he did like exploring the most out of the two brothers. Then again Baal would be better at collecting the needed information. It truly was a tough choice.

 Both brothers, so talented but who to choose, would the one left behind feel left out? the one sent feeling like it was an insult to them to task them with something like this? He looked down on the spots his servants would normally take. Momentarily a fond smile made its way to his mouth, with it an ancient memory. It was the first time the three made their way to a brook closeby. It was Aym that had found it when he ventured off one day from the cult. He was mad at the then young cat for straying so far away from the cult, but now he could understand why he did it. Everyone needs an outlet when growing up, don't they?

 After they made their way to the brook, it was Baal that corrected his brother by calling it a brook. Aym swore up and down that it was a river all the while flailing his arms around to show off his point. It got to a point where He was sure the brothers would fight over the correct title for the body of water if he hadn’t broken it off by chugging the two indignant cats into the water before he himself jumped in. Though for him it wasn’t a dive as much for them. He could still remember the both cats hissing at him at first before a laugh took all three of them. 

 Chuckling at the memory he realized maybe he was overreacting here too. Aym seemed like he still needed to have a talk with the lamb so he would just send her with Baal, it would give Aym more time to sort himself and maybe get Baal and the lamb closer. Problem solved, nice and easy.

 He stretched his paws as he made himself more comfortable at the throne. ‘I really do overthink things sometimes don’t I?’ He thought, though it wasn’t really his fault now was it? He was just too vast for simple things at times. 

Before he could get too comfy however the brothers came. Opening the great doors it was Aym that he saw first, with bags under his eyes and sagging shoulders, his fur rivaling his own in its shagginess. Then there was Baal who looked around from side to side as if he was expecting an attack, calling it paranoia to expect an attack here would have been an overstatement. Lastly there was the lamb who stayed away from both the brothers, with her eyes glued to the ground carrying a little too much paper. 

 As it seems, he in fact had not planned for everything.

Chapter Text

His servants and the lamb stood in front of him. Between the trio he would say that none of them seemed ready for what he was about to ask of them. Aym looked like he was two steps away from being mistaken with an old rug with how scruffy he was, which was only slightly hypocritical coming from him. Baal on the other hand looked like he was in enemy territory with how twitchy he was. Lastly there was the lamb, who resembled the statues with how dreary she looked with all life seemingly drained off of her.

He took calming breaths while trying not to look like he was worried. He was not worried. Totally. With one last breath disguised as a sigh he started ‘’My lamb, you have come as I have asked’’

She bowed just as she had when entering ‘’I have indeed my Lord’’ Her voice was strained as it was quite.

The confident lamb from before looked like her soul was sucked out of her. He knew what that looked like in the count of him doing it to a heretic or two back in the days. She was not as bad as the ones he left with no soul, but it was still not something he wanted to see. He needed capable followers not ones that looked like they had seen Oblivion without him to guide them.

‘’You have indeed, but today we shall not discuss my siblings my lamb.’’ She looked at him curiously at that, bit more life returning back to her. ‘’No, for I have a mission for you’’ With a flick of his wrist he conjured up a map of the lands of the old faith, now in front of them on the ground. ‘’You shall take my servant Baal and travel to the Darkwood where my brother once lived.’’ Ignoring the pang in his heart he continued ‘’Once there I ask of you to gather information on his temple. Gaze upon his once grand land and familiarize yourself with it all, when you come back I wish for you to explain to me in detail what you saw’’ When he finished he could see the excitement of the lamb who shifted in her place, her hoofs finding each other as they clasped in the middle.

She coughed before speaking ‘’I see my lord, thought I must ask why me?’’ The ever so humble she was, asking me why she was to be sent to such a mission of importance. He was proud of the lamb more than any other follower he had in a long time. It filled him with pride knowing there were ones like her still in the Old Faith.

He smiled ‘’Why you? Well why would I not send my most trusted follower into such pilgrimage of importance?’’ He could see her own smile appear as she heard him. Though it must be hard for her after being so upset for so long as he saw her smile quiver for a second.

It was a good decision to send them to the mission he thought as set his gaze down on Baal who looked a lot calmer than before. Though he looked a little motionless at the moment with his gaze seemingly stuck. Ignoring the antics of his servant he looked at Aym.

‘’Aym, bring upon the sword of the first, the curved one’’ Aym looked at him shocked for a second before looking at his brother who was still motionless. At his brother’s inaction he rolled his eyes and moved to the case near the statues. Taking the blade off its case he brought it back.

He gave a nod to him before looking back at the lamb. Motioning to the blade he said ‘’Here my lamb, is the blade of my first witness. Melvin, my dear friend of old. The first one to find comfort in death, the one that saw the end of my many enemies’’ He called back to the memories of the old wolf. He could still remember the way that old mutt swung that sword as he sliced through the heretics. Smiling at the memory he continued ‘’You shall take his blade in your journey, I find that he would find you worthful of his tool of war’’ scratching at his chin he continued ‘’Though I doubt you would find similar use for it in this day and age, there is not much of the heretic menace left’’

The Lamb was silent as Aym gave her the sword. She looked at the blade before looking at him with wide eyes. He smiled at her reaction, it was delightful to see her excited at his gift. She almost looked like she was about to burst in tears of joy, ‘children these days, they get excited over some ancient relic’ He thought.

‘’Alas, now. Prepare for your journey and be back in when you are done. There is much to do’’ He didn’t want to delay her from her pilgrimage any longer, she looked like she was about to just run out the room to meet the lands of his sibling at this moment.

She nodded again before bowing, Baal followed her out as Aym went out with the two. As they closed the door he felt truly at ease for the first time today, this journey would be great for the two.

***

This was not okay. This was really not okay. This was not okay to the power of a thousand. This was not okay in a manner unknown to her as she took her bag off then proceeded to yell as hard as she could into it. She tried to calm herself as she shouted her frustration away, but it only served to elevate her worries further.

It continued on for a couple of seconds before she felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking up from her screaming she saw Baal with the same wide open eyes as before. He took her bag off before also screaming into it. Which was rude but at the same time understandable.

Now left with Aym as Baal continued to scream, she could only gaze upon the sword she was left with. Trying to take her mind off her what amounted to a suicide mission she took the blade off it’s hilt. It was as strange as its hilt, curved much like a gazelle horn, the thing was positively strange. How was she even supposed to use this? Was she seriously getting sent to her death with a strange blade she had no clue on using?

She tried to take calming breaths but it quickly turned into hyperventilation as she tried to make sense of what just occurred in the throne room. She was being sent to a land she was sure was filled with all manner of beasts ready to kill her. Why was their Lord doing  this to her?

She felt a hand on her shoulder again, taking her off of her thoughts. It was Aym who gave her a sympathetic look ‘’Come on Lamb chops, we gotta get you ready’’ She could only nod as he took her hand to guide her to wherever he was taking her. Not looking whether Baal was following them or was still yelling into the bag. She decided to just let things play out, and besides maybe she was still just asleep and this was all just a nightmare. Hopefully.



Unfortunately it was not a dream, proved by the pain she felt at the fresh cut on her arm. It was a small little thing, something one would get playing in the field, but it was enough to tell her what happened was real. They were in a room with Aym trying to teach her how to use the blade and Baal just sitting to the side with his hands cupping his face.

She tried to follow Aym’s example as she went through each strike he teached her. At first it was not that complicated, but eventually counters and dodges made the whole thing harder and harder. They were only two hours into the training and she could tell this was not going to work.

Saying Training was not really going well would be an understatement. From the unfamiliar shape of the sword to the lack of background she had coupled with only having a few hours before they had to head out. It was frustrating, it was infuriating and most importantly it was just senseless. Why would our Lord send her on this fool's errand? Did she offend his greatness? Was their Lord judging her? Did their lord have such confidence in her? and if so just why?

Another strike to the blade from the side shook her from her thoughts. As the air was taken off her chest with the blow she breathed out. At that moment she realized how tired she truly was with how labored her breaths had become and the wobble she felt on her knees. Out of breath she called out ‘’Can we take a break for a second?’’

Aym rolled his eyes not stopping his stance ‘’No, now get back to position’’ He moved to swipe with his staff, which was fortunately countered at the last second.

Groaning, she striked back. It was met with air as the agile cat just dodged out of the way. She breathed out again ‘’Come on, just five minutes?’’ But her pleas fell to deaf ears as Aym just continued his assault, Striking with the bottom of the staff before switching to the top side with the moon in quick succession.

She tried to counter the first strike but it ended up just knocking her off balance as she barely avoided hitting the ground. The second one came to disarm her which was successful.

With the clamor on the ground she dropped herself to the ground, now sitting on the made up arena in exhaustion. Aym looked at her with frown ‘’Get your blade back lamb chops, you cannot face an opponent without a blade of your own’’

She gave him a frown of her own as she crossed her arms ‘’We have been training for more than two hours.’’ after a huff she continued ‘’I am taking a break’’

She was met again with a frown as the cat clad in black took her by the cloak to get her back to her feet. ‘’Do you think the enemies you will face will give you time to ‘take a break’ in the middle of battle?’’ He scoffed as he dropped her.

She landed on her hooves with a slight stumble ‘’I am not in battle, also I am not a warrior’’ She knew she was being petulant, but this was beyond absurd. How was she supposed to survive yet alone do what their Lord had asked of her? She never swung a sword before for crying out loud!

He rolled his eyes again before scoffing ‘’Sure, explain that to the denizens of Darkwood. I am sure they will just leave you alone after you talk to them about your lack of warrior background.’’ She felt tears almost leak out of her as she felt more frustrated at his words, not because they were hurtful but because they were true. She had no chance of convincing those creatures to leave her alone, so fighting was the only way. Just how was she supposed to learn at such a short time? It felt hopeless.

She heard an empty chuckle to her side as she was taken from her thoughts. It came from Baal who was now looking at them both. ‘’There is no point brother, Master has found me lacking’’ He looked down on his lap before continuing ‘’This is a punishment for me’’

Aym seemingly unconvinced just rolled his eyes ‘’Stop that nonsense Baal, This is a reach even for you’’

Suddenly he was on his feet as he made his way to his brother ‘’Nonsense? You think I am talking nonsense?’’ He gestured to her ‘’Just look around brother, we are both getting sent to our doom. She will die to some vile creature before I can protect her and master will punish me for not upholding my duty before reviving her an-’’

Aym took his brother by the shoulders before shaking him ‘’Stop talking you dumbass’’ He let go of his brother ‘’You are overreacting, as usual. Master is probably just testing her, why would he be giving her the blade of the old mutt if he wasn’t?’’

Baal took a deep breath before releasing it slowly, now pinching the bridge of his nose ‘’Alright, alright, alright. New plan, we will just tell him we ventured the-’’

Aym cut him off before he could continue ‘’Are you fucking serious? One hurdle and you decide to lie to Master just like that?’’ He scoffed ‘’You always go around talking about duty and this is wh-’’

This time Baal cut him off ‘’This is no duty! this is just punishment!’’

She drew her sword as both the brothers turned to look at her. She was on the stance Aym showed her a moment ago, it was still abysmal she could tell but at the moment she didn’t care. She looked them both with a determined look ‘’I refuse to lie or fail our Lord’’ She looked on Baal who looked at her with bewilderment ‘’If you think this is some punishment that is more that fine with me’’ She pointed at herself ‘’But I am going to see this is a challenge’’

She didn’t know where this confidence came and was sure it was mostly false bravado but she didn’t care at the moment. Even as she felt the tiredness creeping out of every part of her, she tried to stay upwards and at least try to keep fighting. She was here for a duty damnit. She was not going to fail their Lord. She was not going to feed him lies or whatever nonsense Baal was thinking up. No, she was going to prove herself. Not just to their Lord but to the brothers too and maybe even to herself.

Aym Looked at her with a smile tugging at his lip. Turning back to her with his staff raised ‘’Good to see at least one of you is not a coward’’ Baal looked at his brother with hurt in his eyes before he just shook his head. No doubt thinking this journey was going to be a disaster.

Chapter Text

It was quiet. Maybe a little too quiet, but then again she didn’t know how woods were supposed to sound like. She would ask Baal if it was normal or not, but she already knew what would happen if she did so. Baal would ask whether she heard something or not. Then he would question why she didn’t say she heard something before. After that it would devolve into an argument that she knew she couldn’t win, the cat clad in white was just too stubborn for that. 

 Needless to say, after the first two times they had an argument on what constituted a crackle, she was not willing to go through that again unless her life depended on it. Besides, she was sure it would be fine. It was not like it was dark outside as the name of it would suggest. It was positively bright in the account of the sun still being present. Honestly if she hadn’t checked she couldn't tell they were in Darkwood. And check she had, As to why she had to check, well it was simple: It was to make sure Baal wasn’t trying to enact the plan he suggested from earlier. No, she made sure that they were going to the Darkwood, the place Leshy of Darkwood, the God of Chaos, had once called home. She would ferry to and from that land and would do their Lord’s bidding, just as she had been ordered. 

 Trying to take her mind off of unpleasantness caused by the paranoid cat, she decided to just look around. She was sent here to learn of this place after all and what better way than to actually look around.

She looked around slowly in an analytic way, or as analytic as it got really. It was hard to not be stuck amazed sometimes even as she tried to take it all at face value. It was new to her In part because she was not really a forest person. She was used to the higher grounds of the Silver Cradle or to the plains of her village.

This place came to challenge all that she came to view as normal. Here were trees as tall as the sky and moss that climbed half as high, while the silver cradle never had a tree that went above the cloudy rocks of their city. There were also smaller trees that weren’t as impressive as their larger counterparts, which were a lot closer to that of the ones from her village. Still, the ones from her village were mostly fruit trees that littered the plains, each taking a hill as their own. Here they had an aura unlike the ones from back then. Back then those trees stood as pillars of their own domain, proclaiming their sovereignty over the land. Here the smaller trees were everywhere, none claimed importance or rank above the other as they all added to the atmosphere together. It had a somber look to it all in the end. Still, a question remained in her head, was a forest supposed to be quiet?

 No critter uttered a noise, not a crack nor humming of insects. The only company they had was the wind that swept through the tops of the trees, ruffling the dusty tops of the mighty beasts in an almost melodic manner. It would have been pleasant, she thought, if there was anything else to accompany the orchestra of leaves.

 She decided to stave off her gaze to focus back on her companion, who for his part was as silent as the forest. He was still checking the trees every second while brandishing his staff, as he had done for more than an hour at this point, breathing being the only noise he had made, maybe since they had begun their journey baring the arguments they had. She wanted to roll her eyes at him for his antics, but there were two things that stopped her. One, he would not see it. Two, he might just be right about his caution.

 It was hard for her to accept it, but it was true. She might just be wrong to think her companion was just being paranoid. There could be a genuine reason as to his over vigilance. It all remained to be seen.

 Lost in her own thoughts, she almost didn’t see it when Baal stopped. He looked around slowly from side to side, his staff on the ready. Her knees became heavy as she followed her companions' example, taking her gaze side to side with her hands on the hilt of the curved one. 

 Baal spoke ‘’Hold’’ It was a simple command, a single word. Why did it feel so much more though? Why was there such an edge to his usual calm voice? 

 As she looked around she realized she couldn’t see much; there was just darkness all around them. Wait, when did it get so dark? Looking around now she could tell Darkwood deserved its name more and more as it became hard for her  to see past her companion. 

 She slowly came to realize how the calm somber forest had turned into something much more sinister. There were now noises other than the wind swept tops of the trees, a cacophony of critters singing to their heart's content took hold with the bugs now joining them with their humming. The band of the wind was now replaced with the critters who have taken their place on the stage with their loyal insect counterparts.

 She had her hands on the hilt of the blade. Sword stayed in its place for now but she would not hesitate to use it, at least she hoped. While she might not have had much training, nor did she really have an instinct for all this, she still was not as clueless as she was a day ago. She had not shed a drop of blood that wasn't hers previously, but she wanted to believe she would not freeze up, not like back then…

 She dared to close her eyes for a second, under her breath she uttered ‘’It's not the time for that’’ She really didn’t want that to be on her mind now. She could waste her time thinking of that after she wasn’t so on edge. When she wasn’t facing down whatever foul beasts were lurking next to them.

 From one of the trees, a voice spoke out ‘’Eons agone, these lands were rife with gods and their adherents. What befell this pantheon? Alas. 'Tis the nature of beasts to forget, and of Gods to be forgotten. Mayhaps they left. Mayhaps they slept. Mayhaps they devoured and were devoured in turn. Now sits one alone all on his own. 'Twere a land of five Gods once. uncountable followers. Now…’’

 After a moment of silence which felt like it stretched into an eternity even way past that. Out in that eternity she heard groan before Baal spoke ‘’It is you again isn’t it?’’ The edge to his voice from a moment ago was gone, replaced with annoyance now.

 Taking the cue she took her hand off the handle of her blade, but kept it close. Just in case. Off from the trees a flap of wing sounded before an owl? dropped in front of her.

 A bleat escaped her before she could stop herself, which thankfully wasn’t pointed out by either of the two. As she stepped away from the owl? in front of her blinked at her with two white slits that contrasted with his face. It had brown feathers that clashed with its lighter robes, with an odd looking crown on its head that looked not too dissimilar to that of their lord. All this tied together left them with whatever the beast in front of them was supposed to be.  

 Before she could ask who or what it was, it spoke again ‘’praise beest  day,  what  hath  taken  the  servants  of  the  one  who  waits  to  hither  to  the  Wood  of  Dark?’’ She could not tell whether the owl was talking like this because it willed it so or it was compelled to. At that moment however she couldn’t care much about that as she was half way answering the owl or asking Baal to take her away from whoever this was.

 Baal rolled his before he sheeted his staff behind him. ‘’We are here for duty, nothing more nothing less’’ She was surprised at the calmness Baal showed at the moment when just a moment ago he looked like he was two steps away from lunging at his own shadow.

 The owl smiled or at least she thought it did, it was still hard to say with the account of its beak. ‘’quite so indeed’’ The owl turned towards her ‘’alas I see  thee  has't  hath brought  an  ally or a friend mayhaps?.’’ He took a step towards her before eyeing her up and down. His gaze held no judgment as she met his eyes, there were just calculating indifferent white voids.

 Before long Baal moved to stand between them. She felt relief as she felt the gaze of the owl falter. ‘’She is an Ally, now that you have your answer I ask you to leave us to our own you winged menace’’ She paused momentarily at the words of the cat clad in white, she ignored the pang within her as she tried to focus on the owl.

 Owl for his part looked between the two of them, he held no emotion other than complete indifference before flapping his wings. Just like a moment ago it was all it took for it to take off. She couldn’t even tell where it went off as she could only hear the wind in its wake.

 Wind? She thought as she looked around. Indeed the band of the leaves had returned. They took their stage back as the critters from before went back to their burrows with their fellow insects, away from the stage. As she looked around some more she also found out that it was noticeably brighter. Beams of light rained from above, maybe not as bright as before the owl had come but it was still better than the complete darkness that seemed to have followed the ‘winged menace’ 

 Baal sighed ‘’That bird really is asking for his own demise’’ He took his staff off his back again and as if nothing had happened, he walked away. Stunned for a moment she quickly decided to follow him, if not out of bewilderment but out of not wanting to be left behind.

 After they had gotten some distance away from whatever had just happened, she cleared her throat ‘’So, who was that… thing?’’ She tried to hide her confusion, but it was hard as she could not make sense of just what had happened.

 Baal didn’t bother to turn around before answering ‘’He is an owl that is asking to be made into a sacrifice’’ The calmed manner from before was still there, maybe not as much but it was still way more calmer than when they first began their journey. 

 She rolled her eyes ‘’I got that part, I am asking who is he?’’ ‘Is he trying to be as unhelpful as possible?’ she thought as she followed his steps.

 With a groan Baal looked over his shoulder ‘’He is not someone you should be knowing about’’

 A frown made its way into her face ‘’What do you mean by that? He looked like he had so much to talk about.’’ She stopped ‘’There is also the darkness or whatever it was that just happened? also he talked about other Gods an-’’

 She was cut out by Baal who now turned to face her fully. He held a frown of his own as he began ‘’Look chronicler, temporary master, whatever you are meant to be. That owl is not someone you should have anything to know about, the only thing you need to know is that he is trouble’’ He sighed ‘’Now, drop it. We have more path to follow’’ He turned around to continue his walk.

 She was stunned only for a moment before she gave a sigh of her own with a frown still on her brows ‘’Lead  the way’’ after a moment she added ‘’ally’’ She wanted to believe Baal gave a pause at that, but that might have been just wishful thinking.

Chapter Text

 It had been a while since they had met the owl, about an hour if she had to guess. Since then they had done just about nothing baring of course more walking. That was about it, no attacks, no bandits or some forgotten God’s servants and most importantly visits from creepy owls. Just the two of them, walking in complete silence. Needless to say, it was boring.

 With a sigh she realized that she was upset they weren’t fighting for their lives or anything similar to that at the moment, but really she was at least a little right to complain about it. The forest has since become much more mundane, well not mundane per say but she was a bit more familiar with it all? It was odd in a way, how could someone become familiar with such chaos?

 Before she could delve into that question she was met with the cloak of Baal. She reeled back a step after bumping into his back. She stopped to look at what had stopped him to see he was looking over a small cliff. Before she could ask what was going on he jumped above the cliff all in one go. ‘So this is how they get up on the roof’ She thought as she looked over the cliff. It was slightly impressive in a way she thought. It was still a small cliff but it was not exactly that small and it was still steep as a marble pillar in the temple. 

 Her train of thought was Baal who spoke over the edge ‘’Come on, don’t fall behind’’ and with that he was out of the view. 

 She blinked as she stood there, for several seconds she couldn’t comprehend what she heard. When his words dawned on her she could only groan. She decided to instead of trying to climb up what was more or less a stone pillar and decided to wait until he would realize not everyone could jump that high like his magical butt.

 After a moment he looked from above to her with an annoyed look. ‘’What are you waiting for may I ask?’’ 

 She blinked before pointing at the cliff, at which he just rolled his eyes ‘’We have many cliffs the way we are going Chronicler’’ He turned back before disappearing over the edge ‘’If you can not make through this we better just go back’’ 

 There were many words she wanted to say to him at that moment, some including many things involving his magical butt and her hoof but she resigned herself to just a sigh complete with a quiet simmer at the last of his words. 

 After one more look over the edge and a quiet prayer to their Lord she began her climb. Now, she was a sheep, that much was a fact. sheep, just like goats, were good at climbing. However she was not exactly an outdoors person, coupled with the fact that their city being flatter than a sermon's book even though it was on a mountain made her especially a novice at the whole mountaineering business.

 Still she pushed on and to her credit First steps were not bad, her hooves made the climb a little bit more tolerable. As she got higher however she could not help but feel her weight more. Her hands grabbed at the larger rocks trying to stabilize herself before letting her legs do most of the work.  The progress needless to say, was slow at best.

 As she went one more step up she realized too late the rock she was trying to hold was rather loose. She gave out a terrified bleat before the yanked piece of rock fell off her reach to hit her knee on the way back. She hissed at the pain as she looked down on her injured limb. It was not bleeding which was good, but it was not exactly peachy either. It felt stiff and harder to move than before. Still she decided to climb up instead of going down to patch herself up.

 Eventually she came to the top, and other than a few close calls caused by her knee, it was done. At the top now overlooking the cliff she felt a warm pride within her. It was not that high up but the wind over her wool still gave her comfort. It was something she had never really done before and she was relatively fine barring the scrape or two she got alongside her knee. 

 She turned back to tell the dumb jerk she climbed his stupid cliff, but instead of seeing Baal she saw another cliff. This one much larger and somehow steeper with a black cat at the top overlooking her with a disapproving look.

 ‘’Count to ten’’ she whispered before moving to the next stupid cliff to tell the stupid cat what she was going to do with her hoof.

 In the end she ended up not saying what she was going to do with her hoof. Not because she didn’t want to, but because she ran out of breath in the end from the climb. All in all it was about three climbs and only one more close brush to falling off the edge. 

 She decided to just try and forget about that possible meeting with their Lord and focus on other things. Such as the jerk that almost booked that meeting. The cat clad in white was still not talking, just walking while looking around like a dove looking for predators. Like as if he hadn’t just made her climb three cliffs in the span of an hour? Wait, has it been an hour? 

 She sighed at the futility of trying to guess time in this maze of a forest. ‘I shouldn’t delve too much into that’ she thought and she decided that small talk would do some good in distracting her. She cleared her throat ‘’So… you seem to know the forest’’ After a short moment she was answered by the wind.

 She cleared her throat again to get his attention. He answered her with a deep sigh and after a moment ‘’Yes’’

  After a moment to give him time to continue she realized he was not going to. She rolled her eyes at his antics, she knew he was not that socially inept ‘’How?’’ 

 Again she was answered by the wind. Realizing she wasn’t gonna get an answer she decided to change subject ‘’So, what are you and your brother?’’ She could have worded that better she thought, but honestly she was getting a little too tired to ask a better question. Besides, she was really curious about this one. 

 Without turning he answered ‘’Cats’’ he paused ‘’We are both cats’’

 She felt a groan escape her ‘’I know that, I meant as in what are you? Are you two blessed mortals or demi g-’’

 She was cut off by him, ‘’Look Chronicler, I have to be on guard. I can not pay attention to answer your benign questions’’

 She was stunned for a moment, unable to speak. He turned back to face her ‘’If you wish to ask questions we could simply turn around and head back’’ He turned back ‘’I am sure my idler brother would love to answer you’’

 She was stunned yet again, this time with a touch of outrage. She breathed in and out, slowly. No, she thought. Balling her fists she decided to just stay quiet. No, she would not grace her ‘ally’ with a reaction.  

 
 How long have they been walking? Has it been hours? Maybe a full day? No that was not possible, it was still relatively bright outside. Then again it was darker than it was now a moment ago. Wait, had it been? It was all too confusing.

 Clutching her head with a hand, she tried to dispel the migraine and avoid thinking about what passed as time in this damnable forest. But really, what could she pay attention to? She couldn’t talk to the cat, nor could she try to pay attention to the same trees that they passed a thousand times by now. At least she was pretty sure it was the same trees though at this point she would not be surprised if she was just hallucinating all of it. 

 ‘It is not like I could ask’ She thought, glancing back at the cat. He was brooding as usual. Just looking around uselessly. ‘Alright that's a little too far’ She thought. Surely their Lord’s servant would not be looking around to see threats right? Surely he would know his way. Surely right? Right?

 In and out, in and out, count to ten. It was not much but it allowed her some peace, maybe some order in this chaos. Her breath hitched for a second as she lost her footing on a rock. She did not fall however as the cat just snatched her cloak before she could meet the ground.

 There was a disappointed glare on his face as he tsked ‘’Can you not be careful Chronicler? As opposed to our master’s belief I do not think you are a lamb no more.’’

 She glared from her spot before deciding to talk while she held the cat’s attention ‘’I would be a lot more careful if I had some rest you know’’ She was answered for her trouble by a roll of the eye, not unlike the ones from before.

 He turned around again to continue the walk ‘’We can not afford to waste time’’ She felt a momentary flash of anger that grew as he continued to walk. 

 With a glare she shouted ‘’No!’’ It was a simple word but really at that point she couldn’t care less about how she spoke.

  She was answered by a glare also ‘’What do you mean ‘no’?’’ He walked closer to her, coming face to face. There might have been a time when she could have been scared by the cat but anger seemed to have taken the rational part of her mind. 

 ‘’I said no, I am not walking one more step without taking a break’’ To prove her point she sat down on the moss covered rock next to her. Trying to glare holes to the offending cat from her spot.

 The cat gave her a sigh, one laced with frustration. Before she could say anything she was off the ground as he lifted her off the rock and dropped her to her feet again. ‘’We will take a break when we need one’’ There was a finality to his words but not enough to stop her at the moment.

 ‘’I do not know who you mean by ‘we’ but I need a break’’ She tried to sit on the rock again before she was snatched by her cloak just like a moment ago. She glared harder at him, but unlike her cat clad in white just held a bored expression unlike a moment ago.

 He sighed ‘’Firstly I mean you and I by ‘we’. Secondly I suggest if you wanna take a break, we could just go ba-’’

 She didn’t let him finish before just hissing out ‘’No’’. Breathe in and yet again out, in a more quiet voice she continued ‘’Just put me down’’ He obliged and it was back to normal. They were walking once more as if nothing just happened, as if she wasn’t just close to saying yes. 

 Her legs were getting heavier by every step as they trudged across the wet earth of the forest. She was tired, much more tired than she had been bar only one other time in her relatively short life. Her hooves were getting agitated as they just kept on moving, dirt and pebbles losing her footing just enough to irritate her knee. Not a moment of respite was spared by the cat clad in white as he made his way in large steps helped by his long legs, unbothered by the terrain nor her suffering. She would be jealous of him but then again she was much more enraged than anything else at this point.

 She sighed as she tried to take her mind off of the cat responsible for her suffering. But even as she tried it just kept coming back to him. He was just leading them through the forest at seemingly random. Taking hard passages that end in small cliffs just for him to jump over and let her figure herself out just like before. Acting like she was at fault for not having the same power.

 But really, those weren’t that bad. She could climb a damn hill or a cliff, but what was hard was to try to get the cat to slow down a little or perhaps give her a break? But no, he didn’t relent as he didn’t a few hours ago… That was few hours ago right?.

 Still even through that ridicule or through the odd passage it was manageable. Or it would be if he didn’t just say the same lines like a broken clock.

 On top of all of that he had the galls to tell her they could just quit out of nowhere. Quit? Really? They couldn’t quit now, what would they even tell their Lord? After so much suffering would it even be worth it? She dreaded to imagine what it would be like. Tucking their tails behind their legs and coming back to say ‘Sorry we couldn’t do your bidding because we got tired’ She felt a momentary shame for just thinking about it. She knew their master was merciful but she doubted he would take in such a brazen act well.

 She sighed, it was just so much, too much. All the tongue lashing all the scorn, It almost felt like he was doing all this just to get her to qu… No, she…

 She stopped at once as it all dawned on her. She couldn’t breathe. He was doing this just to get her to quit. He was, wasn't he? She felt a certain emptiness in her for a second as she let the thought fester. All the climbs that ended with cuts, all the ridicule that led to silent resentment, all the jabbing words that were sharper than the rocks that cut her. They were all meaningless, he just did all this just to get her to quit. Did he even know where they were going?

 She breathed in, why was he doing this? She released it. Breathed in, did he just want her to fail? Released it. Breath in, what did she even do to him? Breath out. In, did he just want her to suffer? out. 

 He turned back to look at her, with a bored expression as if it was all just some benign game to him ‘’Chronicler, why have stopped?’’ After a moment of wait he rolled his eyes before stepping closer to her ‘’Are you okay?’’ Why would he be asking that? Didn’t he know this was all his fault? He looked down on her as she just breathed in. A huff came out of him, scorn yet again written in his every move, as he looked over her ‘’Are you that tired? It has not been long since we started you know.’’ He looked back over the forest ‘’If you are this tired this soon mayb-’’ 

 Before he could finish she whispered, just quite enough that he couldn’t hear it. Suddenly looking back at her, he got closer to her ‘’Have you finally come to your senses?’’ She whispered again which in turn got him closer like clockwork ‘’I can not hear you when you are whispering you do realise right?’’ One more whisper, with a sigh he got even more closer now his ear right next to her face. 

 He staggered back ever so slightly. His hand flew to his face as he realised what had happened. Below his black fur his skin reddened at her slap. For a moment he just stood there looking over her with wide eyes, more so in shock than pain most likely.

 ‘’Fuck you’’ It was just two words. Her eyes were wet for whatever reason as she bared her teeth at the damnable clock.

 He looked at her just blinking, his mouth moving without making any sound. Before whatever disdain he could spew she spoke ‘’Fuck you, you scornful, pathetic bastard’’ 

 He gave her a frown, but no she wasn’t done yet. She snatched him by the cloak, the effect of which somewhat diminished by her height. She looked at his eyes with open contempt unlike his hidden coward visage ‘’I am done’’ She let go of him as she continued to walk ahead, not looking to see if he was following or not. She would do her duty, even if he tried to stop her. 

 He stood his ground for a moment more before he jumped in front of her ‘’What in Master’s name ar-’’

 She didn’t listen as she just side stepped him to continue walking, before she got far he was in front of her again ‘’Look, stop you are g-’’ 

 She tried to side step him again before he tried to snatch her, but as soon as his hands reached her cloak her hand fell on the hilt of the blade. A pin could have been dropped on the soft earth of the forest and it would have reverberated across the realm at that moment where even the wind had stopped. 

 He looked at her with empty eyes, with almost hurt within them. Just as it had appeared the hurt vanished with his closed eyes.  Before she could react, he simply turned back around and walked away, away from her. 

 She stood there, watching as her tormentor and guide left her. She was alone now, ‘Good riddance’ she thought as her trembling hand limped away from the hilt. She would do her Lord’s bidding, even without the traitor. 

Chapter Text

***
 Narinder had a momentary pause. His book remained firm in his hands as he looked around from side to side. It had happened again, as it had before. A strange feeling within him arose in a moment's notice. He wasn’t sure why or how, but it was as if a part of his heart was being nipped. It felt as if some little critter dared to crawl up in his still heart to take a bite. More strangely however it felt like it had done so not out of hunger but out of some righteous fury.

 He sighed as he decided to ignore it as he had many times before, he had a lot of that happen lately anyhow. It wasn’t always like this however, it was sometimes a warm bloom or some fury that would settle within, one that felt more petty than right. Still, they were hard to focus on, always so slippery like some wet beast his brother Kallamar would find in the marshes back in the days. He smiled at the flowing memory as he tried to focus on the book once more.

 The book he had in his hands was not really anything special, but it was intriguing to him for some unknown reason. It was just an old trader’s account of the world around. One that had traveled far and wide, through the isles that housed the Jungles of Forgotten Faith to the shallow sands of the Denial. It was an interesting read, though he was more focused on the Plains of Fallen Gods. Something about the provided drawings reminded him of something that he couldn’t really put his finger on. Something about the temples and some ancient cities depicted in the text. Though he wasn’t sure how he could almost remember each of the pillars that held the ancient cities. Then again how could one remember where one had never been to? 

 He shrugged as he put his book back on the armrest before stretching out his back, it must have been something Forneous told him back in th-. He stopped mid stretch, his back remaining rigid with his arms still hanging in the air. After a blink, his eyes focused on nothing as he took in what had just come through his mind. Forneous? Who was that? It was so familiar and so fond…

 He sighed as he felt the familiar headache take hold of him. It was not like the ones he  got a few days ago, but this one was rather close to the sheer pain he felt back then. He scratched his head trying to alleviate some of it, then almost longingly he scratched his neck right below his jaw. After realizing what just occurred, he looked at his hands. Flexing each finger he could almost feel a phantom warmth within each one.

 After watching his still hand for a few more moments, he could almost remember. Black she cat that smiled bright, a red cloak with… He sighed as he brought he squeezed the bridge of his nose, it was gone. Just as it had come. The image disappeared just like the ache.

 With a roll of the eyes he returned back to his book, whatever was going on with him was rather unwelcome while he was trying to finish his book. As he turned another page, his mind strangely wandered to what the lamb and his servant must be doing. He held a smile as he imagined all the fun they must be having frolicing through his brother’s realm. He smiled as he remembered the calm serenity that took hold of the lands of his brother whenever they would hike together. The dark but yet strangely inviting tone of the land. The whimsical critters that called it home. The strange but wondrous plants that grew out of every corner. The warm wind that invited them further as they went along. His brother's lands were truly a gift were they not?

 It was good that at least his servants were having a good time, he thought as he continued his book.
***
 She was not having a good time, not even in the slightest. It was miserable, from the cold wind that seemed like it was stabbing through her cloak to the eerie atmosphere the forest gave off more with each step as the darkness tried to creep in ever more. But still, she was not backing out. 

 It had been only a while since she and the traitor broke off, she was on her own now. Just her and whatever else was in this damnable forest. Still, she had all she needed. Her bag firm by her side, she doubted she would need to seek him out until they needed to  go back home.

 She sighed as she set her gaze on the ground. ‘’At least it isn’t too dark’’ She realized too late that she was talking to no one, but really at this point she didn’t really care too deeply. At least she wasn’t trying to make a conversation with him. 

 Her frown deepened as she thought of him again, it felt like a clockwork almost. She would stop thinking about the cat clad in white for a moment, distract herself with something, to just go back to thinking about him again. He was like an annoying bug almost, a fly that kept invading her mind

 At least she was rid of him now, at least she got to relax for a moment. The ground wasn’t that comfortable on its own but the tree she had against her back at least brought some comfort to her back. It was still cold and the wind was still trying its best to get through her wool, yet her yarn was stronger than the wretched gale. Things were better…

 Her hand felt wet for a second, as if a drop of rain fell on it. She looked at her hand as she saw another droplet join in. But no more rain would come out, she whipped at her face as she took out her bag. It was not really a big thing, just what they could find in the brother’s quarters. Still, it held all she needed. 

 As she went through it she spotted her notebook and canteen. Better to make the most out of her break, she thought as she took out her canteen next to her notebook. After taking off the lid she took a swig of it, and for a moment she felt her insides grow cold as the water made its way in.

 When she was no longer feeling like her throat was made of sandpaper she decided to take out her notebook too. She was sent here for this more or less, so it would be best to get it done with she decided.

 It was somewhat hard to stabilize the book on her knees at first, but she got used to it fast as she catalogged some of the things around. It started slowly, some plants that she saw like some ferns she had not seen before that curled into itself at odd angles. Some pine trees that had odd colored pinecones amidst them for some unknown reason. She moved on to more interesting things after that, some odd critters and beasts that looked harmless but looked mindless like the one that was looking at her now at the corner of her vision…

 She looked away from her book to take a double take, and yes it was there looking at her. She froze for a moment as the worm blinked at her with its two beady red eyes. It was a small thing, around half the size of her forearm with a pair of nubs as horns.
 She blinked back as she waved her hand ‘’Hi?’’ It didn’t seem like it understood her as it just continued to look at her with empty eyes. She felt somewhat awkward as the worm just continued to look at her but eventually she decided to focus back on her research. It was too small to be a real danger anyhow.

 She focused back on the flora, about the carpet of moss that grew up some of the trees making odd shapes amidst them. Before she could attempt to describe them she felt a small bump on her arm.

 She looked down to see the worm had gotten close to her, now looking at her with a tilted head. She was not sure what the worm was trying to say or even if it was able to, but really it was cute in an odd way. Its head tilted like a newborn, trying to make sense of the strange world. ‘Maybe it is just curious’ she thought as she decided to just show it the book, not getting it too close of course in the off chance it thought it was food. Actually did worms eat books? 

 Before she could think on that worm tried to climb up to her lap to seemingly get a better look at the book. She was not sure why she let the strange beast get up on her, but she had for some reason.

After getting a good look, the worm decided to just crawl up on her, setting its head on her. She rolled her eyes before sighing, how did she come to a point where she let strange worms use her as a personal heater and a bed? Then again, it was probably not the worst thing she could be doing right now. Besides, its company was more welcoming than a certain cat, so why not. She could be the personal heater and bed of a wood worm and a chronicler in this nonsensical forest. 

 So there she was, writing about the worm on her lap as it continued to sleep. This was truly an odd point in her relatively short life. Eventually she wrote whatever she could on the beast and decided that why not to just give it a drawing also. Which was way easier said than done now that she actually had to draw it. She was a writer after all, not really an artist. Eventually though it looked something close to the worm. 

 She looked at the worm drawing some more and well… yeah she could really use some practice. While she was looking at her drawing the worm woke up from its nap and took a look at the drawing, just like before it gave it a tilt of the head.

 She snorted at the oddity and maybe the general absurdity of it all before in a soft voice said ‘’It's you, kind of anyway’’ the worm in question gave her an unamused glance before going back to sleep, which got a chuckle out of her ‘’Yeah, I know. I could use some practice’’ 

 Her snort from earlier grew into a laugh as she realized she was really talking to a worm. Which would be sad, if the worm in question wasn’t giving her the stink eyes for waking it. 

 Eventually though she settled into an odd routine of drawing some of the things around and showing it to the worm before it gave her the same look from before, until she showed it a drawing of a vine she saw earlier which seemed like it interested the beast. Its eyes widening as it tried to crawl up to the notebook to presumably take a bite. Before it could however, she closed it. She was not really in favor of losing a page and possibly getting her new friend sick.

 ‘Friend?’ she thought before just shrugging. It could be a friend, besides it was most likely the best company she could get in this place. Bagging the book back, she got up slowly letting the worm crawl out of her lap first. She was hesitant at first when she was fully up, should she really waste her time getting some vines for this beast? It was just a beast, and besides she wasn’t really sure it was trying to eat the page. It might have been just curious, trying to get a better look. She was taken off that belief by a small rumbling emanating from the worm.

 ‘’So it is hunger’’ Yet again she talked to the worm, who was still very much incapable of answering her. She took the worm off the ground to carry it with her.

 She sighed as she realized she was really going to look for some vine with a worm beast in the middle of a forest she had never been to. But as the worm nuzzled closer to her arm, she could at least be sure she would have good company. 
***
 Narinder kept on trying to get comfortable on his chair, but no matter what he did he just couldn’t. Every time he tried to move his back to a more comfortable side of the cushions, it just ended up agitating him further. It was infuriating as it was absurd, how could he be so uncomfortable on a chair he had been sitting on for a century?

 He groaned as he ran a hand across his face. This was getting on his nerves more than the time when Forneious had debated him with… Another much deeper groan came out of him as the name of that person ran across his mind again just to disappear again. Just who was this woman? Was she some odd servant? That made some sense but still, he just couldn’t be sure if some of the memories were still good in the vastness he called his mind.

 ‘’This is getting rather… tiresome’’ He didn’t know who he was talking to, but then again it didn’t matter too much since he was alone.

 He was proven wrong on that by a voice that came from beneath ‘’What's getting tiresome Master?’’ He had a momentary double take as he looked down to see that he was in fact not alone.

 He cleared his throat after a brief shock ‘’Nothing concerning you I assure you servant of mine’’ He tried not to show his surprise so as to not embarrass himself, not that such a thing could happen but still. 

 His servant looked at him unamused ‘’If you say so Master’’ he turned back away from him before continuing ‘’Still, it would make me happy if I could hear what has upset you Master’’ 

 He knew what his servant was trying to do as the words came out of him and he decided to oblige in his curiosity. ‘’If such is the case’’ He reached out to put his book to the pile next to his throne before continuing ‘’I was reading this accounts of a trader’’ As the words left his mouth the depiction of her took shape in front of them both, a camel with a single eye and an ear missing. ‘’She tells of lands outside of the reach of the old faith. Lands at which I had never laid eyes upon.’’ The image changed to the map of the world with the each lands taking shape upon the thin air. ‘’Upon these lands however, one has taken my interest’’ The image changes to the one of the Plains of The Fallen Gods, its rich green hills showing ancient cities shown the way they were in the book.

 Aym had not made a sound while listening to him, just seemingly taking his words. He looked at the images intently with a shine within his red eye ‘’So, you wish me to travel to these lands master?’’ He had a hopeful note to his voice which… had roused some odd fury within him. The idea of him leaving their lands, leaving a foul taste in his very soul. Leaving him. 

 Wearing a frown now he spoke quickly and with cold finality ‘’No’’ it was a simple word but it seemed like it did its job as Aym didn’t dare to even look at his Master for several moments. The reaction was not something he wanted to see, but it was only fitting for thinking he would order such a thing.

 He sighed after a few more moments, his anger leaving him with the air he breathed out. In a much more softer tone he spoke ‘’I do not wish to see this land nor do I wish you to see it’’ He showed the image of the vaguely cat like figure ‘’What I wish to know is who might have spoken of this land.’’ The image grew clearer as it took the shape of a large cat with a sickle on her belt and a morning star on her hands, who wore a kind smile and eyes that shone in the bright of the sun and maybe the moon.

 For several seconds Aym looked at the image, his mouth hanging ajar as he continued to look at it in utter silence. He didn’t know who this was to his servant, for that matter he didn’t know who she was to himself, but he really hadn’t expected this reaction out of him. 

 His mouth moved but no words came out before looking down on his lap, a frown forming above his eyes. After a few more moments he looked back at him, his unfocused eyes meeting his, before looking away again. ‘’I… Thats…’’

 He cut him off ‘’I know her name, it is Fornious but anything else feels distant.’’ He knew a little bit of the black she cat, knew the general way she looked from his memory and some brief flashes. He knew that they were at least acquaintances. He could even recall her voice in part, it was soft but one that carried an unbreakable faith. However, any more tries in delving into the memories just brought in more headaches. 

 Aym for a second looked hesitant, looking away from him. He quickly said ‘’I don’t know who this mortal is Master’’ His ear twitched as he said so. When he was finished he gave him a frown. It didn’t sound not look like he believed what he was saying himself. 

 For a brief moment he felt an anger settle within him as he felt an urge to call him out, to ask him how he could dare to lie to him. For a moment he felt a whisper in his mind, a whisper that told him many things and chief amidst being the punishment befitting of a crime such as this. Of betrayal of this magnitude.

 He clenched his hands as he breathed out, his frown growing deeper with all three of his eyes focusing on the offending creature. How could anything, let alone his own servant dare tell him a lie and do it so brazenly? How could he dare when he alone had his fate within his grasp? He could give him a punishment deserving of his crime… He could torch his body with holy light and set his soul ablaze before casting him to oblivion for all eternity…  But as these thoughts settled within him, all he could feel was a silent horror. It almost felt as if his stomach was trying to give out whatever contents it held… not that it held anything but still. His heart felt colder and more still than what should be possible, since he had no warmth nor a pulse to begin with. The very thought just upset him where it should have brought him exhilaration of retribution. 

 He looked below again now more in control of himself to see his servant looking at him with fear within his eye. His hands unclenched as he let out the air he was holding. He closed his eyes, out came one through ten within. Breathing deep and letting it out slow, he eventually grew calmer. He tried to swallow his shame that he was feeling for some reason, and looked below again to see his servant. He looked calmer now, just like him, though his own shame marred his divine face much like his own.

 He reached out to his servant, his long arms reaching below to his cushion. At first Aym lowered his ears as he looked at his hand with apprehension. He slowed himself down to give him a second adjust, seeing his ears go slightly higher he took it as a sign and gave him a scratch on his ear.  

 Feeling him grow calmer, in a tone that he hoped was soft he began ‘’Aym, my dear servant. You know of my ailment, my need for these memories.’’ He stopped his scratching to bring his chin upwards towards him as gently as he could. ‘’If you have any memory of this ‘Forneous’ I must know of it. I simply ask of you to delve deeper within your mind’’ He gave him a smile as he looked deep within his servants eyes, now replaced with gentle calm rather than the rolling fear.

 He sighed as he looked away from him again, his eyes finding all else other than him before he let out a breath and looked back at him to catch his eyes ‘’You won't like it’’ He had not called him Master, nor did it hold the respect he would show otherwise. But at the moment, he couldn’t care too deeply.

 He gave him a smile now mixed with assurance ‘’Let me be the judge of that my dear Aym’’ He too had forgo the usual etiquette that was expected of him, but he again couldn’t find it within himself to care. 

 Aym gave him a smile in turn, one that held much less understanding and much more sadness ‘’Forneous, she was our mother’’

.
.
.

 Why was it so cold around? It was as if the whole throne room had become ice, the walls to the paintings, to the lifeless statues, to the very air itself. He felt his claws reach up to his face as he felt the pressure spread across his skull. Suddenly wet, crimson wet came out flowing onto his lap as the dark ichor poured out of his eyes.

 Breathing… Breathing…

 He could hear a voice call out to him, one that felt familiar. One that he knew, but it felt distant. He couldn’t make up what he was saying but it didn’t sound good. 

 He felt… empty.

 Why was he empty?

 Why was he so… alone?

Chapter Text

***
 ‘’So what about Wort?’’ She tried to look for a reaction on the worm but it didn’t seem like it even really heard of her, just continued to try to nuzzle closer to her as the wind tried its best to get through her cloak. Seeing this, she tried to face away from the wind to help the worm.

 She sighed as she realized that maybe looking for a name for a worm was a little pointless. It was not like she could take it back home… Right? For a moment she tried to imagine what that would be like. Just a small beast to share her home with, it would certainly be better company than her current sort. Then again did these guys get any bigger? She doubted it but still, it was something to consider. 

 As she looked around for the vine it was interested in, she wondered about that too. Where would she even get more of it anyway? What if it was the only thing it ate? Besides, did it even want to stick around with her? 

 Before she could ponder on these thoughts too much she felt a small tug at her arm. Looking down she saw the worm smelling the air before looking towards her left. Following the worm's gaze she realized they had reached their destination. It was a small opening with bushes full of red flowers gleaming at them from the dark green leaves.

 She gently put the worm down to the ground before it zoomed into the nearest bush… wait, she could swear these bushes had looked like vines when she first came around… She rolled her eyes and decided that trying to question this forest was a mistake. It was not as if questioning gave her anything other than a headache.

 Looking back on the worm she could see it trying to munch on the red petals off the bush, stretching to its longest before trying to snatch a flower just to tumble back before trying again.

 With a chuckle she bent down a small branch with few flowers towards it. ‘’Here, here you shorty’’ Seemingly either ignoring the tease or from a lack of care, the worm jumped at the opportunity to eat the little red flowers to its heart's content. 

 She couldn’t help but smile as it ate the petals away one by one. As it did however she couldn’t help but wonder as to why the flowers felt oddly familiar to her. They didn’t look that special, just red petals with darker inner parts.

 Before she could ponder more she heard a soft rustle behind her. Before she could react, she felt a wind rush past her and heard a squeak from the bush worm was eating from. Looking over she saw… Baal who was currently holding the worm in his iron grip with his red narrowed eyes boring into the small thing.

 She felt the time slow to a crawl as she saw the cat clad in white more or less crushing her little friend, with it just squeaking in pain. She didn’t have a clue on how but her hand flew to the blade.

 Now with a blade in hand she tried to give him her best growl, but before she could carve her friend out of his hands he turned to her with a snarl. In a tone that was trying too hard to not be a whisper ‘’What do you think you are doing!?’’

 Without thinking she shouted ‘’I am trying to stop the bastard from killing my friend!’’

 He looked at her with utmost confusion before looking back at the worm and back to her ‘’What are you…’’ He groaned as he ran his free hand across his face ‘’That is not a friend you damnable, suicidal lamb’’ He pointed at the worm before continuing ‘’That is a chaser worm’’ 

 She blinked momentrally before the snarl took over again as she looked at her friend once more who looked at her with pained eyes. with a hiss ‘’Alright, so?’’ 

 He looked at her exasperated as if he was talking to a dunce ‘’Do you have any clue how much danger you are in?’’ After moment she saw his snarl wipe away and almost as if he was talking to himself ‘’You don’t have a clue on how much danger you are in’’ 

 Unable to take it anymore she shouted ‘’What are you even talking about!?’’ 

 He brought his claw to his lips before trying to shush her ‘’First, quiet down’’ Now pointing at the worm again ‘’Second, these creatures are guardians to the dark forest and they do not like trespassers in the slightest’’ 

 Not taking the words of a traitor over the admittedly not hostile and definitely not territorial friend she continued to shout ‘’Firstly, drop it down!’’ pointing at him with the blade now ‘’Secondly, how in the hell did you find us. Didn’t I tell you to leave me be?’’

 He rolled his eyes as he dropped the worm down to the ground, rougher than what she or the worm would appreciate. ‘’Firstly, I followed you because I knew you would get yourself into trouble’’ He pointed at the blade ‘’Secondly, stop waving that thing around and for the love of Master quite down’’ 

 She waved the sword again in his general direction ‘’I will quiet down when you stop lying and stop being an asshole!’’
 For a moment he grew silent as she saw his hands clench to his sides and his eyes close up. Taking in long breaths before letting each one go slowly he looked like he was trying to calm himself.

 Suddenly she saw his blood red eyes twitch as they opened again ‘’I am the asshole?’’ He pointed at himself with his hand ‘’I am the asshole? I, Baal? The left hand of our Master Narinder?’’ with nothing but contempt in his voice he whispered ‘’How dare you?’’

 There was a moment where she realized she might have gone a little overboard, not that he didn’t deserve her ire and most certainly deserved being called an asshole and so so much more. But still, he was a Demigod or whatever holy creature he was supposed to be and she didn’t really think she had much of a chance against him. 

 Before she could answer him he moved towards her, his eyes narrowing into slits ‘’I am the asshole after all I have done to try to save you from this suicidal quest?’’ He moved closer as she tried to back away into a tree ‘’I am the asshole after all I have done to make sure no harm came over to you in the cult, to watch over you practically twenty-four seven?’’ She felt her back hit the tree as she saw him tower over her, his eyes still pinpricks as he looked down on her ‘’I am the asshole after the one who accuse me of this has done nothing but brought trouble to me and my family?’’ 

 She felt her heart almost burst out of her chest as she could only blink at the demigod who had found her sinful. She had only felt this once more with their Lord when he had learned of the mortal's betrayal against his siblings. However, it was not a personal hatred there. It was a vast canvas of blame spread over the whole cult, but here? He was looking at her as if she was the sole cause for all his grief. 

 Even with all this unrelenting spite against her, she felt her jaw move ‘’No’’

 He blinked at her as she felt some of the rage leave his body at her words, trying to get her tongue to move again ‘’No, my friend was not an asshole’’ She averted his eyes as she continued ‘’But I guess he was never really my friend now was he?’’ 

 It took much out of her to peer into his eyes when she finished, he looked at her with hurt eyes before he closed them both. Taking a breath he clenched his hands into fists before turning back. 

 After taking a step away, without turning back ‘’I guess not’’ She felt empty at his words, but at least it felt satisfying? But no pride followed this satisfaction nor gratification. Just endless emptiness. 

 She felt words try to spill out her mouth but they each dried away before she could utter them.

 She felt the rush of air before she saw the staff coming for her, the one that bore the symbol of the sun with many edges. It was faster than what she thought was possible even for him, it was like lighting shooting across the black and grey skies in a storm. Her breath hitched for a second as she felt her whole life pass behind her eyes, from her village to the first time she stepped foot upon the cult. For one terrible moment she felt her heart give up.

 But the hit never connected with her, instead it landed next to her and into a strange batlike creature's head. Squashing it into the tree behind her as its skull shattered against the wood. She breathed out, her heart now beating faster than it has in a long time.

 She blinked at the unmoving narrowed eyes of Baal, now filled with unceasing focus ‘’Take arms’’  It was a simple command, one that she answered with a nod as her trembling hand found the hilt of her sword. 

 As she took her place behind Baal she felt her lungs burn with adrenaline. She wanted to try and calm herself but knew it was impossible, not when many red unblinking eyes peered behind the dark void that had swallowed up the forest behind them. 

 Focusing on each of them was impossible as each one dashed across trees. Sometimes appearing just for a moment before moving around erratically, all dancing against the canvas of sense with their cruel mockery that reflected only chaos. She wanted to chastise herself for not noticing the dark creeping in again like before, or the eyes which seemed to have materialized out of nowhere. Though really, she had more pressing things in mind. For example trying not to freeze up, or scream, or do both. 

 The blade in her palms did not give her any comfort as she heard more of rustling followed up by shrieks and cries of whatever unknown beast had come to stalk them both.

 Then came a particularly loud shriek and with it a red worm diving towards them both. She lifted the blade to slash at the beast, trying to copy the move she learned from Aym. But it was not aiming for her as it whizzed past her and met the staff of Baal which came with a thunderous noise as it whizzed past her head. Even with the great blow though, the beast hadn’t given up as when it hit the ground from the impact it readied itself for another go, abandoning all sense as it gave into bloodlust.

 She couldn’t focus on the red beast however as another beast made itself known from the shadows with a squeal. This one breaking surface before shooting a jet of acid at them both. She ducked at the last moment as the acid made its way past her and into one of the bushes with the red flowers, which dissolved into a puddle at mere moments.

 She didn’t think as she rushed into the beast. In forethought it was probably not the best idea but she knew letting that thing be would be a bigger mistake. She tried to put the momentum into her swing, the way she saw one of the Guardian attendance do back in the days. It was not as easy as the attendance had made it look like when she slashed at the petty thief all those years ago but she was able to cut into the beast’s mouth, severing a part of its jaw in the process.

 She felt a momentary pride at her doing as the beast wailed, before she felt the pain spread across from her left arm. Looking at her arm she realized she was not careful when rushing into the beast and had paid the prize with a small burn. The beast wailed once more before plunging itself back into the earth.

 Her eyes watered at the pain as she felt it burn at her arm. Cowering her arm with her cloak she tried to swallow the pain. They were still in a fight, she could weep when they weren’t getting attacked by some gigantic worms. Looking at her ally she could see things on his side weren’t great either as beasts were swarming him from all sides, many more green ones not unlike her friend were trying to take bites at his ankles. As it seemed the beasts had decided that the cat in white was the bigger threat. 

 She breathed in as she realized this was really not going well. She took in the closest beast that was trying to take a bite of him, the red worm from before. It looked weakened from the blow from before and was slow enough.

 It took her a second to get the courage to take a stone off the ground to chug at the beast. it wasn’t a particularly good throw, considering she was aiming for its head but it seemed to have gotten the message with the rock hitting its tail. 

 Now looking at her with the four red slits, the beast bellowed as it launched itself at her in rage. She raised the blade just as it was about to hit her. It cut into its top left as the beast met the ground behind her, with her following it soon after as she was put off balance by the glancing hit of its tail. 

 The beast shrieked louder inrage or perhaps pain as it rolled on the ground. Before it could get away to try its luck again however, she got herself off the ground and slashed at the beast. With each swing she felt her blade grow heavier but eventually the beast gurgled its last breath.

 She breathed hard at her effort before looking back to see Baal deal with the last of the beasts. Swinging his staff right into its neck saw the last of the worm’s red eyes go quite. As he sheeted his staff to his back, she could see the deep gash across his arm. Torn cloak trying to hide away the torn ligaments with a deep dark blood running from it.

 ‘Wait, why is his blood that dark?’ She thought momentarily before being ignored, as she made her way to his side. He didn’t look at her as he continued to breathe in exhaustion, looking over the beasts with something close to pity almost. She didn’t particularly share this sentiment for the murderous creatures, as she felt more contempt at the beasts that tried to kill them but a moment ago.

 With one last deep breath he looked over to her, his eyes revealing tiredness that was radiating out of him. She doubted most of that came from physical exhaustion as much as mental, but then again at the moment she couldn’t tell the difference.

 He sat down after eyeing her for a few more seconds, using the tree he was using as a cover in the fight, now riddled with holes and slices from the attacks of beasts. She followed his example as she sat down next to him, to the side with the wound.

 They stood there in awkward and almost daunting silence as they both looked across their battlefield. Corpses of the beasts were strewn around haphazardly, each broken and slashed beyond recognition. 

 She ran a hand across her face, as she tried to finally calm herself. This was not an unfamiliar sight to her, though back then she wasn’t as tranquil about it as she was now. It honestly upset her as she felt calmness that washed over her, upset that she was somehow so emotionless about all this and instead felt some odd sense of relief and a touch of pride which didn’t fail to disturb her. Then again though, back then there were far more bodies that hit the earth that she cared for then now…

 She breathed deep as she tried to wash away those memories. They were not needed, not now, not ever. Besides, she had an angry kitten to bandage up before he died of blood loss. Even though a part of her just wanted to leave him be. 

 Tearing a part of her cloak was not hard, it was already pretty damaged by their track and the battle made plenty of spots where she could dig in.

 He didn’t even look at her as she ripped out a piece big enough for his arm, just gazing out to nowhere in particular. The same pity from before still staining the otherwise serene look.

 She hesitated as she reached out to his arm. Part because she didn’t know how he would react at the moment and part because for some reason the oozing blood gave her a chill as it ran from the wound. She wasn’t unused to blood, she had seen it plenty of times but his was just… wrong.

 Braving uncomfortable feeling and the uncertainty, she reached out to his arm to grab it. Soon as her hands touched his arm he jerked away, looking at her with confused eyes. She jolted away at his sudden movement before giving him a frown, gesturing the makeshift bandage in her hands as she tried to tell him what she was trying to do.

 He ran a hand through his face with which morphed into a tired expression ‘’I can heal the wound myself, it will go away in a bit’’ He went back to looking at nowhere

 She sighed ‘’We should still bandage it, there is no way bleeding that much is good for you’’ 

 He looked at her with a frown before looking at the wound and with a sigh, he moved his arm towards her. But not before saying ‘’Just do not touch the blood, trust me’’

 She scoffed before starting to wrap the bandage around the wound, in a voice that was barely above a whisper ‘’I find that hard to do these days’’ He didn’t look at her as she continued without a word.

 As she wrapped the bandage around, she saw it strangely corroding away almost. Especially where the blood was touching it. She stared at it for a second before just sighing, more magical shenanigans she barely understood from the cat she barely understood. 

 Looking at her work after tying the last part into a ribbon, she could tell it was not her best work. Then again, she was using a piece of a cloak as a bandage all the while it was corroding away so she decided to cut herself some slack.

 He looked at the bandaged limb after she was done, his expression softened as he slowly blinked before looking away. ‘’You didn’t have to do that’’

 She shrugged ‘’Yeah, a part of me didn’t even want to’’ She looked at the ground as she started to pick at the grass below. ‘’But, I guess most of me did’’ There were many things hiding in the words left unsaid in her voice, but at the moment she decided to let them be. 

 An odd laugh came from her side as before she could ponder much, taking her away from her thoughts. The unfamiliar sound reverberated out of his lungs like the wind from before trying to make its way through the forest. All in all, it was perhaps the second worst laugh she heard in her life. 

 He suddenly looked at her with sorrowful eyes, their void inners in a sea of red looking at her with endless grief. ‘’I don’t understand you’’ She blinked at the words that came out of him. He continued after a pause ‘’You hate me for no reason, then just act like this in the next’’ She felt her anger rise at the audacity of his words but before she could really take his words in he continued. ‘’I just do not get it’’

 She clenched the remaining fabric of her cloak as she tried to stifle the fury that was building within her. She breathed as she tried to compose herself. ‘’You hurt me’’ At her words he looked at her with confused eyes.

 He tilted his head to the side ‘’When?’’ 

 She searched his eyes for a moment at his question, as she peered into them. And no, He was serious. He was actually asking this. It would have been funny if it wasn’t for how infuriating it was. She scoffed ‘’Since we started this journey’’ She looked at the ground as she continued ‘’The cliffs you made me climb for a start’’

 His ears straitened as his eyes narrowed ‘’What do you me-’’

 She turned to him suddenly ‘’You made me climb up to each of them for no reason’’ she looked down again ‘’Or just to see me suffer’’

 He narrowed his eyes again, turning to look over to his side before looking back ‘’I didn’t do that to see you suffer’’ He scratched his neck before continuing ‘’I just wanted you to get tired’’

 She searched his eyes again for a lie and no, he looked as genuine as it could get. Before she could really let that sink in she asked ‘’Why?’’

 ‘’So I could convince you and get us back home’’ He looked ashamed as he finished his words. As if he wasn’t just admitting his sin.

 She scoffed at his words before looking away ‘’So you could tell our Lord I quit? That I am a coward unworthy of his duty’’

 He shook his head ‘’No, so I could stop you from getting hurt’’

 Yet again, his eyes only spoke true. This time she felt a laugh make its way out of her. It was almost comical, but really it was just…

 She breathed deep before letting it go. Now with considerably less anger ‘’So you hurt me, to get me to not get hurt’’ she let out a mirthless chuckle as the words left her.

 He ran his hand through his face as he looked away again ‘’Protecting you is my duty, you realize this right?’’ He got up suddenly as he stepped away from the tree, gesturing to the battlefield which now grew quiet ‘’This here is proof that I was right to at least try’’ 

 Another chuckle left her, this one with a touch of anger ‘’This is a proof that you are a shit friend who co-’’

 Before she could finish he turned back around, now facing her ‘’We aren’t friends’’ Before she could tell him how right he was he continued ‘’We are just your damn servants, stop trying to get me to feel bad about trying to enact my duty’’ 

 She tilted her head in indignation ‘’What are you even-’’

 She was cut off again ‘’We were never friends to you, we are just given to you as a part of our duty. You proved that yourself with your orders and with the punishment yourself’’ 

 She blinked as she tried to understand what he was trying to… say… Her mind made the connection as she remembered the way brothers reacted to her after she told them they were grounded and told them to be silent. She realized that… they didn’t think it was a joke, they genuinely thought she punished them and that she was still ordering them. 

 The realization was a bitter one and almost funny if it wasn’t so sad in a way. She understood now why he looked so angry and all the times he refused their friendship. It was because she ordered them. It was a simple mistake, really it was a joke or it was supposed to be anyhow. However it seems the brothers just didn’t see it that way, they saw it as an insult and really… It kind of was. 

One part of her was screaming at her that the idiot in front of her was just drunk off his own pride and that he just couldn’t understand a simple joke but the other part sort of understood. The rage from before was replaced by an emptiness that was kindly filled with sorrow.

 She looked at the betrayed eyes that stared her down before looking down. It felt like acid in her tongue after the day she was subjected to and even though it killed her in a way she said ‘’I am sorry’’

 He blinked at her words as he sighed, scratching at his arm he muttered ‘’For what?’’ 

 She met his eyes as she spoke ‘’I never wanted to order you around Baal, I just didn’t think before saying something stupid’’ She moved to take his hands in her own, he didn’t fight her as she took them in ‘’I am sorry for that’’ She looked at the eyes she first met in the halls of the temple in that fateful day as she contiıned ‘’I am sorry for making a friend that tried to protect me from his hot-tempered brother, the one that healed me when that fox striked at me upset and caused him grief’’ She smiled at the dumb cat in front of her but her smile quickly faded as he pulled away from her. 

 He looked unsure, conflicted as he looked around uncomfortably before sighing deep and meeting her eyes ‘’I am didn’t do that for you Lambert’’ He looked at her with shame as he continued ‘’I did that be- because I-’’ He looked at the ground for a second before falling on his knees ‘’Because I was afraid of Master, I was afraid of what he would think if I failed him, failed my duty.’’ He brought his hands to his face as he continued ‘’I was a shit friend even before that, if I ever was your friend. Just a damn coward that couldn’t face his own fuck up’’ His hands moved to his head as he began to squeeze at his scalp ‘’You wouldn’t have been hurt at the first time if I upheld our Master’s words. If I could just stop the mortals from twisting his words and commands until there were ranks amidst the followers of death.’’ His voice quieted down ‘’You would be happy, all would stay equal in the eyes of death, you would not be here in danger in this forsaken forest fighting beasts.’’ 

 Her arms found his trembling torso as she tried to stop him from hurting himself further. ‘’You are wrong’’ She paused before looking up to meet his wet eyes. '’I might have been safer, maybe the cult would not be so divided either. But I would not be happy’’’ She smiled at the her friend who looked at her with sorrow as she finished her words ‘’Because I wouldn’t have ever met my friend’’

 His eyes gazed into her very soul, no doubt searching for a lie that was not there. When his search gave him no yield he hugged her back, his long arms encompassing her whole body as he embraced her closer, his tremble softening.

 She felt his whiskers to her ears as he whispered ‘’I am sorry’’ He paused to look at her with teary eyes ‘’My friend’’

Chapter Text

He was cold, not unnaturally cold but just cold. That was the first thing that came to her mind as they embraced each other. She also couldn’t tell if his heart was really beating or not as she could feel him purring against her, it was a small thing barely noticeable but it offered comfort where his heart couldn’t.

 She didn’t want it to end, she wanted to remain where she was for one more moment but she knew it couldn’t last forever. Slowly letting her go, he delicately set her infront of him. They locked eyes as he pulled back gently, his eyes still shining from the gentle wet of tears shed a moment ago. 

 He looked unsure as he looked around them, scratching at his bandaged arm as he spoke ‘’So, yeah I…’’ His eyes met hers briefly as he continued ‘’I… don’t know this thing.’’

 She was confused for a moment, looking at him with a tilted head ‘’What thing?’’ 

 With the same unsure look from before ‘’You know’’ He gestured with his hands between them ‘’this ‘friends’ thing’’

 She looked at him for a few more seconds before breaking into first a chuckle which grew into a laughter as she saw his indignant eyes glare back at her ‘’Why are you laughing? I am asking something serious’’ His gestures continued as did her laughter ‘’I had just wished to know if there was a rule set or a code of honou-’’ 

 She cut him before he could continue further, her face now as serious as it could get before she spoke in a low tone ‘’Yes’’ His eyes opened slightly at her words as his ears straightened.

 Gesturing him to lean in closer she looked around to make sure no one was listening as she whispered ‘’There is a blood oath we must take to make sure our friendship stays true forever and beyond’’ 

 He looked at her stunned, his eyes gone even larger than before ‘’Really?’’ 

 Her serious look twisted back into a smile as she just shrugged ‘’Nah, just wanted to mess with you’’ Her laughter continued as did his indignancy.

 With a humph he looked away from her as a small frown made its way to his brow ‘’You know I am beginning to think this friends thing is not really worth it’’ 

 She whipped away a tear as she tried to face him ‘’Oh come on you’’ now his eyes on her she continued ‘’I was just messing with you, it's part of being friends you dumb kitty’’ 

 Looking back at her with narrowed eyes ‘’So insulting each other for things they don’t understand and name calling is a part of friendship?’’ 

 She rolled her eyes ‘’Only if it is not serious, if they are serious then they are just assholes’’ She briefly thought of using that word, but if he had a problem with it he didn’t show it. 

 With a sigh he met her eyes ‘’Alright, I think I understand’’ 

 A quiet descended upon them both by the end of his words this time much less daunting and more comfortable. There were just the two of them, sitting on the relatively soft ground as they took in what happened between the two of them.

 There were many things going through her mind, about the fight, about the whole embrace with his heart and how cold he was, the whole forest doing its thing, their master probably getting impatient waiting for them at this point and many many more things. But for now, they all felt so little dire. There was something about this moment, maybe the soft grass or the sweet smelling flowers that masked the smell of spilt guts that somehow helped her find some serenity amidst all that clouded her mind.

 However that peace of mind was broken suddenly with the rustle that emanated from the bush closest to them both. In a moment Baal had his staff readied as he waited for another ambush, she herself had her hand at the blade as they both eyed the bush. It was not as nerve racking as the first time but she still felt her heart fasten as the rustle grew.

 But instead of a beast, there popped a small green worm. Her other friend from earlier, who beelined towards her before throwing itself against her leg. She felt a chuckle rise out of her as she sheathed the blade back before sitting back down to her spot, worm finding its place on her lap as she did so.

 After giving it a small pet as it tried to nuzzle further, she looked to her side to see that her friend did not follow her example. She rolled her eyes ‘’Alright on second thought there are some rules in friendship’’ She pointed at his staff ‘’One of em being we don’t pelt each other’s friends to pulp’’ 

 Her taller friend mumbled something himself as he sheeted his staff not so willingly, ‘’You know that worm is just a young version of the one that tried to take a bite out of us a moment ago right?’’

 She gave him a look as she pointed at the worm who was happily trying to nuzzle closer to her cloak, seemingly content after getting its fill from the bushes. 

 Unimpressed he narrowed his eyes ‘’Just give him year or two then you will reconsider’’ 

 With an equally unimpressed look ‘’Sure’’ after a moment she looked at him with a tilted head ‘’wait him?’’ 

 He shrugged ‘’Yeah, him. Green ones are the males, the ones like the red one from before are the females’’ 

 She looked at the worm again, its green skin gleaming against the faint sunlight that decided to peak again from the canopy above ‘’Huh’’ 

 As she gave him a pet he pointed at the worm again ‘’Also, Does it not have a name?’’ 

 She felt her cheeks reddened as she answered him ‘’umm… no’’ After a particular look from Baal she added ‘’Yet’’

 He rolled his eyes ‘’You say he is a friend and you haven’t even named him?’’

 With huff she answered ‘’It is a working progress you jerk’’

 Sighing he picked at one of the bushes with the red flowers, taking one of them before plucking another one by the stem ‘’You should name him Enoh’’ 

 This time it was her turn to roll her eyes ‘’You can’t just name him like that’’ She pointed at the worm briefly ‘’he needs to like it too’’ She was not paying much attention to what Baal was doing as she petted her considerably smaller friend. 

 He bended the stems at angles as he asked ‘’Alright, what about Vermis?’’ 

 She had to admit it did have a nice ring to it, but she still felt like it didn’t really suit him fully. There was something so silly about the little guy, something that got him to stretch as she continued to pet his belly, something that just screamed something else… something like ‘’Wormy’’ He gave her a look as if to say ‘Really?’ but no real word followed

 ‘’Hey, it's nice and simple, besides he likes it’’ she said, pointing at the stretching worm which gave no indication as to if it had even heard of her as he took in another belly scratch.

 She muttered under her breath about the his traitorous worm behaviour before a sigh ‘’Wrill, he totally looks like a Wrill’’

At that Baal gave her a questioning look, his head tilting to the side ‘’How does one even look like a Wrill?’’

 She shrugged as she turned to face him ‘’He just does’’

 ‘’Alright firstly, you are terrible at naming things’’ Suddenly he put a wreath of flowers on her head before continuing ‘’Secondly, how does it look?’’ 

 Stunned for a moment she looked at one of the flowers poking out of her head and obscuring her vision slightly. She was speechless for a second before turning away to hide her quickly redding face ‘’Absolutely terrible’’

 He scoffed as he moved to pick the wreath back after her words ‘’Really? I guess you wouldn’t mind if I take it back then’’ 

 She moved away from his hand as she held onto the wreath, giving him a look she said ‘’Firstly, no takesies backsies’’ she pointed at her wreath ‘’Secondly, you are teaching me how to make one of these’’ 

 He raised an eyebrow at her words ‘’Is that another rule of friendship I am not aware of?’’ 

 Inching closer to the bush he was using with the worm still nestled in her arms she answered ‘’Yes, it is the prime rule of friendship now’’ Rolling his eyes he moved over to give her room to sit. 

 So they picked at the red flowers, for how long neither knew as they filtered out what could be used. Any discarded piece graciously offered to the eager maw of the still yet to be named worm, who ate each one without complaint. 

 Once they gathered enough he took a small bundle and began to show her the steps. Progress was slow, but she had to say this was the most fun she had in the last month or so.

Flower by flower set in comforting silence, and for a moment she truly felt relaxed. It truly felt like there was just nothing to truly worry about, no reports to file for tomorrow before due, no dejection over having to chow down on gruel, no book to copy over because apparently a priest forgot his own and needed a replacement.

 No, It was just the three of them, nestled between the green and brown giants working in silence. This isn’t going to last forever she thought right as she felt the creeping pain from the wound she received from the fight. The pain was not noticeable a moment ago, maybe from a lack of attention or more likely the adrenaline leaving her system. Her breath hitched ever so much and her movements went choppier as she started to truly feel the burn.

 She swallowed the pain however, she was not going to ruin this moment. This was probably the first time she got to relax since the start of her duty and she didn’t really want to break the silence. But it turns out, her friend had an eye for subtle hitches in breath or he just saw the burn through the ruined part of the cloak.

 She felt his paw on her shoulder, right below the wound. She looked at the unimpressed eyes of his friend before sighing ‘’I was gonna tell you in a bit’’ She probably was anyway.

 She saw him roll his eyes before she felt the soothing cold radiate off his palm, not taking away the ache fully but relieving some of the pain. In a quiet voice barely above a whisper ‘’I can not heal the full damage, but I can take away some of the pain’’ He reached down one of the flowers before softly rubbing the petals against her wound. She would have tried to stop him, seeing as how he was touching the wound, but she didn’t. For she knew he wouldn’t hurt her.

 After rubbing a few more petals against it, he ripped away a part of his own cloak. She felt like she should have stopped him, to offer her own wool cloak which was already way too damaged and not let him ruin his, which was mostly fine barring the burn marks and few odd bite marks. 

 As he wrapped it around her shoulder though, she had a hunch that he didn’t particularly care that much. Looking over her bandaged shoulder when he was done, she could tell he had some experience in it. The rows of white silk blending together to look like one continuous piece while letting her wound breathe under it all. His meticulous effort at getting it all lined up with the burned parts of her cloak was touching in a way, she thought as he took a step back and looked over his work.

 He looked her over and with a nod answered in kind, he moved back to his spot. But before they went back to their craft, she decided to ask him something that suddenly popped over her head while watching him wrap ‘’You know, I am surprised you know so much about this stuff’’

 He gave her a curious look as she continued ‘’I mean, as a servant of the Lord of Death I just thought, you know…’’ She gestured in his particular direction.

 He gave her a small smile, a look although rare seemed so fitting for him ‘’Yeah well, our Mother liked botany.’’ He looked away slowly as he quietly added ‘’Camelias like these were her favorite’’ 

 She was silent for a moment as she took in his words. Mother? Well she guessed the two had to have one, but for some reason the idea of it was strange to her. Honestly she almost theorized that brothers were maybe created by their Lord somehow, one from a piece of the sun and the other from a piece of the moon. 

 After she collected her thoughts she decided to ask ‘’I didn’t know you had a mother’’ The look he gave her reddened her cheeks before she added ‘’I mean, I know you  two must have come from somewhere but I guess… I ju-’’

 He cut her off before she could dig herself deeper ‘’Forneous’’ as he took the bundle of flowers in her hands and started to twist them into each other, slowly enough where she could understand how it worked he continued ‘’It was her name’’ 

 As she copied his hands with the rest of the bundle, she thought of the ‘was’ part. For a moment she felt awed, It was odd talking to someone who seemed like they could just… be so open about it? Was that the right word? She shook her away from the thought.

 She knew she would regret asking this, not because she would not like the answer but what it would remind her. However, one didn’t simply become a chronicler without some unneeded curiosity. 

 ‘’How was she like?’’ She was regretting how she was evaporating the comfortable silence both managed to cultivate, but at the same time it felt good to talk about stuff like… this. With someone who seemed like they understood rather than someone who claimed they did. 

 He gave her a chuckle before taking her palms into his and correcting them to fit the weave better ‘’Well, she was a large cat for one thing, she towered over basically everyone.’’ She could believe that, seeing how tall the brothers were. He continued after a moment, maybe to remember a forgotten memory ‘’She always carried a sickle on her belt and a morning star on her hands’’ So that's where that comes from she thought as she eyed his staff ‘’She wore a kind smile and eyes that shone in the bright of the sun and maybe the moon’’ That she could see in her son as he lifted the finished crown of camellias.

 She looked over their craft in his hands before gently taking the crown off his paws. He met her eyes before she moved to place it on his head, and with a small bow it found its place between his ears.

 She took a step back to get a better look at his form. She was met with a tattered white silken cloak with a touch of blood, a bandage made of wool shaped into a bow that looked out of place, a wreath of blood red flowers that looked grander than any crown and lastly a friend.

 She gave him a smile as she spoke ‘’I think I found him a good name’’ He raised a brow at her words ‘’Wormy Vermis Wrill Enoh the second’’ She chuckled at his groan as he continued to mutter under his breath, shaking his head as the flowers danced on his head with him. But even through his muttering she could see the smile creeping up his muzzle ever so slowly. 

Chapter Text

***

 Narinder was...
 .
 .
 .

 Here…
 
 Where?

 Void, as black as the night. One that stretched against the horizon and back to him. One that he saw no end nor start in as he looked on and on and on…

 His eyelids flickering, trying to blink away the abyss that had laid claim on his vision. For what had felt like eons he found no respite as he tried and failed to see anything else other than the darkness.

 Just as he had an inkling of despair creeping in his very soul, his eyes found reality that had snuck itself here. His heart swelled with hope as he could almost make up a silhouette, focusing more he saw a visage of…

 No… wait… Frustration crept itself within as he tried and failed to put a finger on what he was seeing.  So unfortunately it stayed a vague shape, for now hopefully.

 Now discontented with his lack of vision, He tried to get near, to take a closer look. But something held him back, His legs refused him as they fell frigid. Gazing downwards to see what stopped him, he only saw his own cloak. Black and gold like the days before he donned the one meant to mourn, white and with a streak of red.

 So he couldn’t move, unsurprisingly this had not bothered him as much as his lack of vision as lack of mobility was not something he was too unfamiliar with. Out of options and still stuck he did the logical next step, He tried to light away the abyss instead, to take away the darkness with a flame he knew would blaze… that never even came to ignite.

 For a moment he felt horror creep within his still heart as he felt no warmth emanate from his grip. Was he truly stuck? Was he trapped within whatever this void was? Breathing hard and deep he tried to orient himself as he took in his surroundings. Wherever he had found himself would not shackle him; nowhere, no one could contain the end, not forever.

 So he couldn’t move and his magic lent him no path. So gazing he went back to. To his left and right gave him only the cold abyss. So he looked down below. Surprisingly he was met with the visage from before, who laid within his arms now.

 His vision didn’t hold however as the image became blurrier by the second. He felt horror take hold of him once more as he felt the sheer terror of losing the last sense he could perceive. But he was saved from this dread as he felt fur against his eyes and in a moment his vision came clear.

 Though this euphoric moment was cut short as he laid eyes upon his saviour. A tall black cat with eyes that shone with light that cut away the darkness and with a smile that warmed the cold away.

 He didn’t speak, not for a lack of trying but because he felt no words could explain his gratitude. But where he couldn’t, the cat could ‘’Mine heart weep not. O mine love, they are’’ As her words filled his ears he could see the two bundles in her arms, squirming away in her soft but firm grasp ‘’Two kits black of fur, true love found!’’

 He was filled with joy for whatever reason. Amidst all this grief and strife, seeing the bundles move away in her arms he felt content. The abyss itself felt lighter somehow, it still bared hard on his very existence but it felt manageable somehow. But it did not last, as all things not of his nature tend to.

 One moment he held her, in the other he felt the grip of his scythe. He saw true in that moment, vision as clear as before but seeing only the dark and the tip of the weapon he carried instead of the tree cats.

 He did not see much else, but he heard many more. Of cries, of wails, of kittens mewling; but also of droplets wetting the earth ever so quietly. The voice from before filled the void ‘’One summer day, he went away… retribution, vengeance, he cried. For the ones he loved most, the ones that met his realm too early… I wept, I keened… But how can one say no to a God?’’

 He felt himself move, but instead of relief at the sensation he had missed, he only felt emptiness. As he walked further and further away, one of his eyes went blurry for but a moment. As he put one foot over the other however, paradoxically the mewling and the weeping only grew stronger.

 Try as he might though, he did not turn back.

 He felt his cold heart light aflame as he felt pain he hadn’t for long. It was as if a star had fallen within his very heart, no kind warmth came from it however as it burned away all there was within. Eating him away as he felt his arms move, as he heard bones breaking and earth being wet with the blood of many. Of wails and cries that sounded so quiet compared to the one before, so meaningless, so far away.

Scene changed yet again, but the pain had not. The star within him had frozen now but it still tore him asunder, now not burning but freezing away all it could reach. But that did not compare to the pain he saw when he looked at his arms. The she cat had returned, but it was not the same as before.

This time she held his hands, her smile now tired as her eyes shone pale. His vision was yet again blurred for a moment before her hand found his eyes, now more slowly than before she came to clear them.

 Her lungs gave way to a cough, one so deep and terrible ‘’O heart, O desire of mine’’ She gestured closer as he felt himself bow to meet her ‘’I am to meet thee realm’’ This he knew, even if he didn’t want to admit it. He knew. ‘’Kits of mine, now so lone. With none to love but each other.’’ He felt a sudden wet against his lips, a chaste feeling that left him so unwilling to pull away ‘’Take them under your wing like I, O heart of mine. So wherever they be, they are to be as devoted and loving as I!’’

 He felt it, he felt her leave his presence. To meet him soon where his realm laid.

Numbness the likes which he felt not before claimed him, as the last vestiges of her presence left him. bleeding away from this world to the next. All sense abandoned him as he was left stranded. He felt himself drowning… deeper and deeper did he went, slowly at first and faster by the second.

And on… and on… and on…

 But he never reached the end, something held him. Something so small. One thing, no two things, two tiny paws held him above. Above the pit of despair he almost found himself stuck within. He felt air fill his lungs once more as he laid eyes upon his saviours.

Two kits black of fur, with eyes of red.

Chapter Text

***

  Putting one hand over the rock at the edge of the cliff she tried to pull herself upwards. It was a steep climb but that much she was used to by this point. Putting her hoof at the stone jutting out at her side she pushed herself forwards again.

She was about to reach for the next set of stones before she was met with an offered hand from over the edge of the cliff. Without hesitation she grabbed it as he pulled her to his side on the cliff.

Stumbling for a second she took a second to stabilize herself, ‘’We are almost there, we should be able to see it from here’’ Even with her disorientation, she could still tell there was a certain edge to his voice.

It had been a while since their little side adventure with Wormy. Though it was somewhat hard to tell with this forest she was sure it had been at least an hour.

Surprisingly for this place, there had been very little things actually happening since then. Just the trio walking and trying to make a conversation about whatever came to mind. It was not all sunshine and rainbows of course, even with them cooperating the path was still as treacherous as it had been back then.

Still, it was much more bearable now that they were a team. A team made of a demigod, a chronicler and a worm; truly formidable. She felt a chuckle rise out of her as the thought went through her head. When she was finished, she looked around to catch a glimpse at their target.

It was hard to describe what she had felt when she first saw the city, or really the ruins of the city with a forest in the middle. It was part awe at the sheer size of the sprawling city that seemed so strange but yet beautiful in its twisted form that snaked around the giant trees like a serpent made of stone and earth, gracefully climbing and weaving through with purpose unknown to all but itself, as it laid immobile. It was also in part at the sheer absurdity of the entire land in its impossible structure and the lack of any discernible feature she could make up from it all.

Seeing the mix of awe and bewilderment she was experiencing he spoke ‘’It is beautiful is it not?’’

She didn’t look away as she answered, too enraptured by a sight she doubted many saw in their lifetime ‘’Yes’’ It was a poor way of putting what she truly felt of the grandness of it all, but it seemed enough… for now.

Making their way down the cliff she could see it all further. A grand city not unlike their own but yet so different greeted them. This one made of wood and earth just as much as stone, with life seen only from the plants. Her excitement only grew as they came closer and closer, setting one hoof after the other she came to leave Baal behind as she made her way to the city proper.

Her mind swelled with the sheer possibilities of what they were about to experience from the confines of this ancient city. What grand history would this land share with them? What old tales did it intend to show them from its paths that seemed like they had not seen use since ever?

But eventually, almost in but a moment her excitement turned sober when she momentarily looked back to meet Baal’s worry. She didn’t know what had caused this effect on him, but she felt something in her shift as she matched his now slower steps.

But before she could ask if he felt something similar, she felt something from deep within. Turning back to the city, she noticed things she had not seen far away, things that seemed like they were not there a moment before. Not like the red glowing eyes from before… Something much more, disturbing.

From every misshapen window, from every corner of the odd paths that snaked across the roads, from the crumbling archways, it felt like someone or something was watching them. It was nonsensical, unreasonable to expect life here. A city so old and ancient she had only heard of it from tales of priests who spoke of it like legends past.

What was more was that whatever it was, felt familiar to here. Which was impossible, proven by the lack of any currently living here. There was simply no chance that someone was here to stalk them through it… Unless they weren’t ‘living’ here.

It was heretical to even think about but whatever this was felt as if it had escaped their Lord’s realm to be here or had refused his mercy to damn it into this land or even perhaps were never given such mercy.

The walk was as solemn as a visit to the grand tombs of their cult after that, with her checking her sides at each step. She had half a mind to ask if he felt similar again, to ask if she was right to worry but a quick glance showed her that she didn’t need to ask.

Walking slower and slower their advance slowed to a crawl. She didn’t like to admit it but whatever was out there truly spooked her. Suddenly she looked down to her hand after feeling something grab hold of it, before she could call to Baal or go for her blade she noticed it was a familiar grasp. Looking up she saw his eyes look down to hers, ‘’Don’t worry about them, they are just…’’ he gestured with his other hand to the buildings around ‘’There, they will not trouble us’’

She nodded, feeling at least a little bit less on edge. Still, her hand did not leave his as they continued to walk.

Ignoring the strange feeling, looking from side to side she saw many things, some familiar but yet strange. There were structures unlike that of any she had ever seen elsewhere, ones that looked like they had served no purpose in their existence. Chimneys in buildings too small to be bakeries with wooden walls adorned by a stone roof that by all means should have collapsed way before they could have ever set foot upon it.

There were so many more buildings which looked too big and grand that were adorned by the barest of embellishments that took place in the same street as the miniscule building, too small for even a lamb that was adorned with gems of untold value.

Every street, every avenue was like this. Each one different from the last, all grand in their own way but none triumphant over the rest. All standing in a unity created by sheer discord.

Before she could stop herself she felt the words escape her ‘’Its so strange… but beautiful’’

Even through the strange and unfamiliar glances that came to them from every nook and cranny that set her heart almost aflame. It was the only thing she could utter. It was undeniably beautiful in its chaos. 

From the way the gems shone with colours that took little and gave much, to the skyline dotted with spires that seemed like they were dancing in the sky with their mere existence.

What was more, was the fact that it was somehow still standing tall while suffering from the wounds of maybe hundreds of years.

Surely, a lot of the buildings didn’t look too dilapidated. They still seemed functional, if such a word could really even exist let alone apply here. But then there were ones that… well she didn’t know why or how but they looked like they had seen damage, much more than expected out of time.

As they moved through the cobbled streets that led to stone then to simple dirt paths, it seemed like the more damaged they became. At first there were only crushed arches and columns, small holes in the walls. But in time they led to buildings almost crumbling to debris, to the ones that were more or less debris.

As they made their way across she had no more words to speak, not because she didn’t have any to. There was still so much to ask indeed, like how was this place even built? How many people lived in it? to more mundane things like how did they live? and the biggest and one that felt the heaviest, what happened? But she couldn’t ask, even as she burned with a curiosity she knew would render her to embers, she couldn’t.

Because… because it felt… wrong. It was like asking the dead why they were dead. It was like waking the ones gone from their eternal slumber, to take them away from their Lord’s realm and his accepting cold embrace to question them about a world that mattered to them no more. To even utter a word in their lost presence felt wrong, so she kept her silence.

As it seemed however, Baal didn’t share such ideas as he spoke. Respectful and quietly, almost like a prayer to the times past ‘’We don’t know’’ After a moment of silence just enough to finish to a prayer he added ‘’Aym and I never learned what happened here, or the others’’
and finally, quietly added ‘’...To them’’

In a moment her frustration became ten fold before quietly simmering down as a quiet melancholy took hold where indignation first claimed place a moment past. As it seemed, she would not have her answers even if she was so bold and perhaps insolent.

She let the moment sink in as she closed her eyes, perhaps one more prayer to this land was needed. not just for the ones before but for the living too, ‘may the ones still here away from their Lord’s realm find respite in his embrace’ She finished her prayer as she opened her eyes.

As they opened she saw it, atop the hill where they found themselves in. The forest that she saw in the heart of the city that once was, stood in front of her, in all its glory.

As she gazed further and deeper however she realized, it was not a forest but… It was a dome made of roots that seemed like a forest. All the individual veins of the truly leviathan structure led to one point, deep into itself where she doubted even her friend could truly see.

The super structure seemed out of place in the middle of the city now, but in a way it also felt right at home. It encompassed the land around itself but at the same time it didn’t seem like it had tried to consume any of it like some greedy beast of titanic proportion. Instead it seemed like a beast protecting its spawn with its wings. Defiant against the ones that tried to bring ruin against it.

Still in awe she barely heard his words, still spoken like a prayer from before ‘’We don’t know what it is, neither me nor Aym. However we know this is as far as we can enter these lands’’ He finished his words almost ashamed. Even through her own indignation and a touch of disappointment however she couldn’t really fault him. After what she had felt this far away from the great dome, she felt as if whatever was there was not a good idea to explore.

With a sigh she slowly fell to her knees, as her hands went to her bag. Carefully avoid hitting Enoh who seemed content just to sleep in her bag, she fished her notebook. It was about time she did what she came here to do anyhow, no time to worry about the grand leviathan.

Readying her quill, she began to write about all she had encountered in the city. About the grand halls made of wood and simple houses made of gem and stone. About the towers that seemed to go nowhere and seemingly start from nowhere.

She wrote and wrote, for what felt like hours she wrote. But at each line it felt as if something was missing, each time the ink met the paper she felt like her words couldn’t describe the land she found herself in. Frustrated, she huffed as she went over another page. It felt like there truly was no way of putting this strange world to paper with just words alone… She stopped momentarily as she realised.

Words, maybe that was the problem.

Clear page now in her hands, she began to draw… to a limited success. Her lines were wobbly where she needed to go straight and rigid where they needed to flow. Sometimes ink went over the borders as it dripped too much and at times too little.

Frustration crept again as she cursed at her own inability, just as when she was about to do this land do the justice it deserved. but just as she was about to switch back to writing she felt him kneel next to her. ‘’Your hands are too stiff’’

She looked at him momentarily as he continued to look at her work from her side. ‘’Also, you are pressing rather too hard.’’

His hands suddenly found hers as he corrected her quill and began to draw the upside down cathedral they passed a while ago.

His hands guiding her’s, the drawing started to come closer to real structure. It still somewhat failed to truly show its greatness, but she doubted no craft could ever come close to the real thing as much as theirs.

When he let go of her hand, she took a second before going over the next page. This time, she held her hand like he instructed, softly guiding the quill instead of pressing it into the page in force.

He was silent other than the small corrections, only giving advice when she had asked and in time her book was filled with drawing after drawing. Each better than the last even though none came close to the first.

As she drew, she spoke ‘’This place is unlike our own’’ she took a moment to gaze upon to the city before continuing ‘’It is almost out of this world’’

For a few seconds there was only silence as her friend sat quite next to her, before almost like a whisper ‘’This is how it was in our cult too, well not really like this mind you but…’’ He looked away to the dome surrounding the city as he continued ‘’Well, it was somewhat like this in a different way; there were no ranks, no difference between the lower and the proposed higher. No dirt path that separated the stone, no towering halls adorned with gems that met with hovels. All was equal in their own way under death in the end’’

 She tilted her head at his words, questions swimming in her mind as she stopped drawing. ‘’What happened?’

He sighed as he turned back to her, his saddened eyes meeting hers ‘’You remember Aym’s words right?’’ She shook her head as she didn’t really know what he could be talking about ‘’Well, when we first met he spoke about how you ‘reminded our master about mortals messing up’’’ Oh yeah… that.

She scratched at her head before asking ‘’What does that have to do with anything?’’

He gave her a faint smile before staring at the distant ‘’Maybe it wasn’t them that messed up. Maybe it was us’’ He looked down on his feet before continuing ‘’Maybe we should have stopped them when they made ranks within and made internal strife instead of letting them run amok. Maybe instead of shutting ourselves off, we should have taken care of the cult like he asked of us. Never letting the mortals cast their mansions and spoke of higher status among each other’’

She looked down on the grassy earth, her hands still on her notebook before setting it down on the ground next to her. She slowly looked up to him as she spoke. ‘’Maybe it wasn’t just your or our fault. maybe it was both of us, you two shouldn’t have to force us to be on his path’’ She reached up to his arm to softy grasp it ‘’and maybe you shouldn’t have let them ‘go amok’ when they did decided to ignore his teachings’’ they met eyes as they held each other's gaze.

He cracked a faint smile before a sigh ‘’Yeah, maybe’’ His hand found hers on her arms as she gave him a smile of her own.

But their moment was cut short as all of a sudden almost possessed by some presence, her hands flew over to the notebook as she began to draw the sight before her which seemed like it had burned into her very eyes.

Ink fell from her quill as it soaked into the pages. His teachings from before tossed into the wind as her hands scratched at the page. They were fast just as much as her heart as she felt it beat faster and faster, almost bursting out her chest in an erratic way. Little by little, with every stroke of the quill she came closer and yet far away from depicting something…

Her hands burned by the speed they moved as she felt her heart ache. But Suddenly, her hands stopped. Not out her own will, but by the paws of Baal which came to hold them down.

She locked eyes with him as she tried to pry them away from him, to continue to draw even if it would be the end of her. But it was futile as he refused to let her go.

His eyes spoke soft as she felt her heart calm down, beats going slower and slower until she stopped fighting his grasp. Exhaustion hit her as she felt herself fall backwards just before feeling the now familiar arms of his friend wrap around her.

She felt her throat go dry as she desperately tried to talk, but no words came of her as she embraced him back.

For long they stayed the same, for how long hard to tell. Eventually he spoke ‘’It is alright, I am here’’

At his words she felt the lump on her throat came loose just enough ‘’W-what was t-that?’’ Her words wavered like a lone leaf in autumn, clinging onto a shaking branch.

A deep sigh came from him ‘’I-I am not sure’’ She was not sure what was more scary, his uncertainty or the waver in his voice.

After the moment passed they broke off slowly. She breathed deep before letting it go. shakily she took her notebook back, taking in the image that seemed so twisted now. There were images of something on the dome, two triangles and an eye? It was so strange but it seemed oddly right and oh so wrong.

Chapter Text

 The faint lights of the city peered over the horizon that met the skies so dark. ‘A welcoming sight’ She thought after being so far away from the comfort of civilization. At least one that didn’t seem to have been added to the vestiges of time many odd years before. No, their home stood. Unbroken.

 She felt a quiet sigh escape her gaze fell upon the small cliff they were standing upon, the last hurdle they had faced, if it even be called as such at the end of their journey. After all the ones before crossed for what felt like millennia before, it was but a bump in their adventure now past. A feeling of pride bloomed within her chest in that moment, as she took in the sight before her yet again a moment later. With a smile she almost spoke, ‘home’.

 It stood the way they had left it. Faint glows from the windows of the cottages leading to taller manors of the priests. Light from each window be they small or grand adding to the radiance of the marble giant embedded into the mountain that was the home of their Lord. 

 There came a bitter thought to her mind though as she looked from each window to the pillars of marble. After their adventure, the sight somehow left her with something to be desired, within each column she almost tried to see the odd shapes and designs that were carved so chaotic within the city she had only seen the downfall of. Still, even the somewhat spoiled visage was able to renew her strength as she pushed from the cliff and continued their walk. 

 Their walk was silent, but content as they both felt the tiredness wash over them in waves as they got closer and closer to the city. With each step it felt as if their home was taking the weight they did not know they bore.

 Stepping hoof on the streets after so long, she was suddenly hit with how crowded the whole street was. There were followers from all corners of the city, in the middle of the night no less.

 Some were speaking to each other while some just went about their business, even some children played on the odd corner. It was a bizarre sight, it was like not seeing a line to the cookhouse in the morning, just not natural. Yet, somehow right?

 Looking at her friend he looked just as confused, looking at her questioningly a moment later which she could only shrug as a response.

 At any other time it would be strange to see anyone other than some drunkards shuffling back home at such an hour. The sort of people that no one particularly would like to come across, and somehow there was none of that. Late night shouting matches, cracking of bottles over the road, the awful smell emanating from whatever was left behind by the night goers. All just strangely absent. 

 It all almost reminded her old life in a way, sure the nightlife of a sheep was not really this eventful in their town as it is here, but it was closer than what she came to expect out of the city. 

 Lost in thought she stumbled her way to a small crowd on the dirt path, almost bumping into a follower while at it. Looking at the strangely silent crowd she wanted to ask what was going on but the way they stood, she could tell she was not really going to get many answers from anyone soon, as They all seemed transfixed upon the woman clad in black robes on what she assumed was a crate made into a makeshift stage.

 Upon further investigation she saw her rabbit ears poke up from the cloak and a necklace bearing the image of a crescent moon on her neck.

 Suddenly after moments of utter silence, she broke through stillness without much elegance yet with much fervor within each of the words that spilled from her tongue. ‘’One clad in black, the angel of our Lord, he alone hath cometh in his steed, to watch over us for another night.’’ She opened her arms wide as she continued on ‘’He who comes, when one needs at night, to bring swift retribution, against the ones against his rul-’’ She tried to focus on her words but they all escaped her as she focused more on her than the her words, there was just some familiarity within the she rabbit that she couldn’t decipher as her song? or whatever it was supposed to be continued on.

 Before she could make up who she was, a loud yell rang out from the back of the line ‘’What blasphemy is being spoken here!?’’ The crowd turned with her as the murmurs began. Looking where the voice came she saw a group of attendance force their way through the crowd as people gave way to them even if some looked unwilling at times. 

 All of them were clad in armored robes as was expected of their station, clad with blades and armor they stood above the rest of the crowd. Next came from who she assumed was their leader as made her way to infront of the stage. Suddenly pointing at the preacher ‘’You! What in tarnation do you think you are doing?’’ 

 Seemingly unphased by her words she rabbit spoke in an almost cherry voice ‘’Why, I am preaching the word of the one clad in black!’’ She clasped her hands as a smile made its way to her mouth in way that seemed almost oblivious to what was going on ‘’The true angel of our lord, the one that reclaimed the night’’

 The attendence looked shocked for a moment at the words that came from her as she looked up and down almost in disbelief at the words she heard just a moment ago. Though her stupor didn’t last much longer as her confused face morphed into a scowl complete with a snarl. The leader of the attendance took her by the arm as she yanked her off the crate, causing the she rabbit to stagger to the ground.

 ‘’How dare you spout such blasphemy you damn Harlot!’’ After what she assumed was a moment of rage washing over her that was blocked partially by a strand of lucidity caused by what could be called a patience she continued ‘’There is no such thing as a ‘Angel clad in grey’ or whatever you claim’’

 She looked to her sides as the other attendance nodded to give her confirmation ‘’As it is written and spoken by true priests, there is and never has been such an entity.’’ A sigh still laced with frustration came rolled off of her ‘’What you claim minus be a demon you are fooled by and are spreading the words of’’ 

 Still with the same cheer she rabbit continued, only looking slightly uncomfortable at being manhandled ‘’But it is true sister, it is he that comes to us at ni-’’ She was cut out by the Attendance whom seemed like she didn’t really believe her as she ended her words with a swift strike.

 Cold voice of the attendance rang out as she took her by the neck of her cloak ‘’Silence’’ It was but a single word but it seemed like it had much consequence behind it if it was not obeyed. Turning towards the crowd she spoke yet again ‘’Rest of you, disperse. Your wilful act of listening to this traitor is already a sin as is, do not squander the mercy we extend by overlooking it’’

 For a moment the crowd was taken by silence, maybe by her words or by the glint of the steel on her belt. In any other time the crowd would have listened and dispersed as was expected, But it didn’t seem like nothing was as usual today.

 Crowd whispers of disgruntled folk slowly grew to voices of anger, and exploded into shouts of rage as the crowd descended upon the now less confident attendance. She had to give it to the attendance, by a sense of duty or bafflement by the strange act of the crowd. They somehow stood their ground.

 Before what she assumed would be a bloodbath the voice of the she rabbit rang out, seemingly making out words off her split lip ‘’My fellow brother listen!’’ The attendance gave her a vicious look which was ignored as she tried to stand high ‘’Listen, I understand your anger but these attendance are our Lord's voice. They are just sceptical is all’’ She looked back at the leader with, her hands now gently clasping the hand that was around the neck of her cloak ‘’They are doing but their duty, so please let them do what they must’’ 

 The crowd looking not really satisfied but now less likely to try and fight the attendance moved away, letting the four leave without issue as they moved quickly out of the area all the while the angry mutter of the crowd followed them back all their own path. 

 She looked on as the crowd left, shaking heads in disapproval and some even swearing as they made their way out of the grounds. There were many things going through her mind with the biggest being Just who was that lady? with the second one being, what in the oblivion just happened!? But instead of an answer to her burning question she got a hand to her shoulder. Looking up she met Baal’s eyes who seemed to give her a look of ‘let's just leave’

 With only a moment's hesitation she continued their walk, shaking her head as she tried to make sense of what just happened. They couldn’t make their lord wait for them any longer, and besides she would get her answers eventually one way or the other. 

 Their entry to the temple was uneventful, the attendance guarding the gate was more twitchy than usual perhaps but seemed just uninterested enough to not let them in without too much hassle. 

 The inside of the temple however was… interesting. It was full of he priests at the entrance whom seemed a lot more active than they should be at such an hour. She wanted to ask what was going on to anyone with a slightest clue as to what was going on. But she decided that it could all just wait just a little longer, their master needed them.

 As they moved towards the inner parts where they were met with a familiar but perhaps unwanted presence.

 The familiar fox shuffled his way out of one of the doors to the side, closing it with a small thump. His proud face looked marred by bags under his eyes. His posture too seemed unlike how he seemed many days before as his shoulders bore a slight sag.

 Knowing the general attitude of the highpriest and his now tired look, she hoped that they could avoid interacting with him. Within her she hoped that, perhaps he was too tired to even notice them as they made their way back to their awaiting master. However soon her hopes were dashed as his eyes fell on them both. His brows lowered as his face took on an almost playful smile.

 ‘Great’ It was the only thing she could mutter under her breath as he made his way to them, agonizingly slow yet not slow enough to be walked past.

 His voice with a false sense of boredom ‘’Back here so soon ‘chronicler’? I thought that there would not be much need of you after your last visit’’ She almost felt like rolling her eyes at his comment but knew better as she looked below, carefully avoiding his eyes.

 In a trained monotonous voice ‘’No sir, I am here on duty yet again.’’ The fox looked disappointed for a moment before simply waving.

 ‘’Well of course, of course. You are here on ‘duty’’’ He turned away as he took a slow step away from them ‘’Carry on swiftly, cannot have the usual rabble in the halls for too long’’ As he turned around she felt for a moment that, that was it and that they could finally just make their way back without more interruptions.

 However as it seemed the fox had other plans as he turned back around after the second step ‘’Though that clears why the ewe is here’’ He pointed at Baal with one of his claws before continuing ‘’It does not clear out why you are here cat’’ She felt a lump made its way to her throat as she involuntarily took a step back ‘’Tell me, why have you brought yourself to here in these holy halls?’’ 

 Before she could try and tell him he was with her Baal took a step forwards, his eyes set directly into the eyes of the fox ‘’I have no reason to be here, I had just thought to visit the temple as it is allowed for all followers of the faith’’ She was stunned for a moment as was the fox at the words that came from her friend.

 But unlike her, Fox’s stupor ended quickly as a small snarl made its way off of him ‘’Well I do not have a clue where you have heard that from, but you have thought wrong’’ Stepping closer to him fox towered over her friend ‘’So make your way out of here you wretch and perhaps I can forget this moment’’

 Sensing the inevitable conflict she tried to calm the fox down ‘’No he misspoke my highpriest he is just wit-’’

 Suddenly the fox’s eyes were set upon her ‘’Have I allowed thee to talk?’’ Looking back down again she shook her head slightly ‘’Then why are you speaking ‘chronicler’?’’

 She tried to swallow the lump in her throat before speaking ‘’Sorry sir, I promise it won’t happen aga-’’

 She was cut off as the fox looked back to Baal, ‘’See it that you do not’’ He straightened his back as he continued ‘’Now you, tell me why you are here again’’

 She silently prayed that her friend would get the hint and just let her explain the situation, but instead ‘’I believe I have already told you.’’ He rolled his eyes before picking at his claws almost dejectedly ‘’Have you not heard when I spoke the first time?’’ with almost a genuine curiosity ‘’or perhaps are you just dimwitted?’’

 A pin could have dropped and the whole temple would have heard it at that moment. She stood in silence at his friend’s words as he seemed more or less bored as he spoke those words. There were many things she wanted to ask in that moment to her friends, but she could ask none as she heard a deep snarl reverberate from the fox. Looking back slowly at the fox, she saw his eyes narrow into slits as his ears rose, his hands clasped to his size and in an impossibly deep voice he spoke ‘’Oh you little wretched insolent little filth!’’

 In a moment she saw the familiar hand of the priest flew backwards. She didn’t know how she was fast enough to get between the two in those short moments but she somehow found herself infront of Baal as his hand made its way towards them in speed.

 But instead of the sharp pain blooming across from her side she felt a small breeze from behind her. Before she could process what happened, her ears straightened as she heard the sounds of something cracking slightly above her. 

 Looking up she saw her friend now in his true height, towering above both of them with the fox’s arm within his grasp. In a voice she never heard before coming off of him he spoke slowly, his each word laced with disgust ‘’High priest Nyx’’

 For several moments she only heard the uneven breaths coming from him ‘’A-arc-ch… d d-deaco-n Ba-al’’ As he spoke in disbelief she could almost hear a faint whimper coming off from the highpriest.

 Baal continued as if he hadn’t even heard him ‘’Thought I may have been admittedly somewhat out of touch with the rules of our cult as of late’’ he paused, meeting her eyes for a moment before continuing ‘’I still yet think, I may know the practices of this cult much better’’ He tilted his head to the side slightly, in almost a genuinely questioning tone ‘’Unless you would like to suggest otherwise of course’’

 The whimpers from the fox grew louder for a moment that grew into few more before she saw the frantic shake of his head from side to side. Baal wore not a smile nor a scowl, just true indifference as he looked within the very soul of the fox, before he Suddenly released his arm.

 As the fox nestled his arm to his chest after being let go, in a tone that screamed finality ‘’Very well then’’ Fox averted their eyes as he sank to the ground below further and further until he almost met the stone ground.

 She didn’t exactly know how to feel about what just happened in front of her, but before she could really think too much she felt his paw on her shoulder.

 In a voice so far from what it was like but a moment before ‘’I believe Master has needed us Master Cult Chronicler Lambert, he could use good company I believe’’ She couldn’t focus on his words as she quietly nodded. So they made their way away from the still whimpering fox, neither looking back as they marched to meet their master.

 The relief she felt when they reached the gates of the throne room was unlike anything she ever felt. The end of their journey, that frankly felt like it had gone for far too long. As each step brought her closer to the end she couldn’t deny that although it did perhaps go for far too long, all through the pain and misery there were moments that made it all worth it nonetheless.

 Be it the moment they shared together with Baal, to the simple meeting with Vermis. Each felt like moments she would cherish until the day he would meet their Lord for the last time.

 Still, there were moments that she wished she could take back and there were still so many questions in her mind. From the ancient city she got to see up close and to their little scuffle with Wrill’s ‘friends’ with the argument that led to it, to the… drawing. 

 Taking a deep breath she tried to ignore those little parts of their journey as she looked upon the great gates, now closer than a moment ago but nonetheless somehow so far away. 

 With one last look at Baal who supplied her with a nod that was answered in kind, the doors opened with a slight push of the cat clad in white.

 Here, is where her journey led up to an- Before her mind could supply the rest of that thought she was hit with a smell so wretched she could not help but gag. Before she could even adjust to the miasma she found herself in, she was met with a visage that would be carved within her mind for the rest of her days.

Chapter Text

 There were no words that could describe what she saw in front of her. No sentence that could portray the true horror of what she was seeing. The mere thought of even trying to made her heart almost stop at the sheer horror of it all, at the sheer blasphemy her eyes were showing her.

 But she had to at least try, for if she didn’t, she doubted her mind would be able to stay sane afterwards.

 It was their eternal leader, their Lord, the one that guided them all in the end, their shepherd. He was on his throne with… red. 

 Red
 Red
 Red…

 Trying to breathe she tried to focus once more, if she wanted to keep her sanity she had to keep going.

 Their leader was covered in it, his once opulent white robes now were marked with crimson red streak running from its neck to the helm. What was worse perhaps were their once immaculate claws and further his arms.

 Unlike the old fur of night that seemed more luscious than any other, one that flowed like the rivers of her childhood that coated his arms, was now black as coal, almost without fur and… and almost skeletal.

 It looked wrong… just so, so wrong. Her eyes stung with tears now shed freely as she continued to stare at their Lord, unable to even blink away this atrocity committed against their lord.

 Who had done this? Who could even dare to defile their Lord in such a way? 

 Holding a barf that tried to crawl out of her she doubled herself, barely avoiding the hard stone ground as she fell to her knees.

 She had to look away, she had to at least try.

 So she focused, harder and harder. First looking from the corner of her eye  found her friend who seemed like they were gazing at nothing and perhaps everything at once. Their mouth moved but it seemed like it was unable to form any meaningful words as it uselessly opened and closed.

 So it went, in and out. One, two and three. In time she could even almost focus on more than their master. One, two and three now she saw the marble of the ground but before she felt any triumphant  her eyes betrayed her once more as her eyes drifted back to their Lord once more. 

 He was as unmoving as the marble statues adorning the walls, with his eyes closed so tight and his body so still. He almost looked as if he was… 

 She didn’t or really couldn’t finish that thought. Who could even finish a thought so fundamentally wrong? Their Lord, the one that ruled over the shall be of all life. Just gone? No it was just…

 She felt frozen for moments that stretched to eternity, lost in that terrible thought. but alas, all else unlike their lord it ended. she was taken from this horror by a soft clack of claw against stone away from their master.

 ‘’You are back’’ It was a harsh voice that came from her side, one that grated against her worn senses like sandpaper. Looking at where the voice came from, her eyes finally freed.  She was met with an unfamiliar figure.

 He, she? It stood tall with a black cloak that almost reached the marble down beneath. Its fur looked disheveled under the few places where its fur showed, long and unkempt. 

 Trying to blink away the confusion she looked upon the stranger, almost tilting her head to try and decipher just who and what this person was.

 Who could this even be? There could be no one else here but she and the brothers. Had a scribe found themselves here almost like how she almost did some time ago? Or perhaps their master had invited som-

 She was cut out from her thoughts by a growl that emanated from the stranger, so deep and somehow familiar with a certain edge that seemed to cut deep into her ears.

 She looked at the figure yet again. It almost demanded her attention with the way it stalked closer, slowly inching its way with each determined step that clacked against the cold marble.

 Now with the nausea cleared from a moment ago to see the familiar staff belonging to Aym sticking behind the figures back. Cold dread filled her stomach as she imagined what had happened to Aym, who could even take his staff? Who could sneak here in the sanctum of their Lord wield the arm of his greatest servant?

 Was this stranger the cause for what happened to their lord?

 Before she could fathom who the stranger was, the figure spoke with a not so quiet voice ‘’Where?’’ It was a simple word spoken with barely kept fury.

 It pointed at Baal with a claw a little too sharp. Baal for his part looked almost catatonic as the figure pointed at him as he continued its advance.

 ‘’Where in the Oblivion were you?’’ The voice was raspy with a certain cold behind it that spoke with harshness only found in the coldest days of the winter, yet with a certain familiarity that had only heightened the sense of wrongness that came from cloak in black. 

 Then just like that, it stopped right in its tracks. They stood there, both looking at the figure shadowed with a warped sense of familiarity. Neither of them spoke, for her it was the shock of it all and as for her companion… She was not sure.

 It looked at her companion with an expression that spoke too much and somehow too little, looking at him with a thousand questions with no answer for the question he was asked.

 After a moment of silence that stretched between them all, it was the figure who spoke ‘’Come on, answer!’’ Walking closer to her companion, who backed up ever so slightly at its sudden movement he continued to get closer with each step.

 Then it stood. the two was at the same height, both towering above her as they came face to face. Now much closer she saw its eyes more clearly, its eyes bared to slits, one touched by the wild and long nights spent awake.

 Blinking slowly Baal spoke with a calm she didn’t know how he managed, as if he hadn’t been staring down this beast ‘’We were at the dark forest’’ Each word spoken slowly, She saw him take a moment before hesitantly adding ‘’As the duty entailed to us by Ma-’’

 With a blinding speed the figure's claw shot out to grab him by the helm of his robe. Before Baal could act room was lit with a sound  ‘’Why did you just abandoned us brother!?’’ 

 …

 She stood there, perfectly still as the figu- no… Aym? stood against his brother, his claw too close to his throat. 

 It was almost as if the time had slowed down, as if it had lost its momentum. What happened? Why was he… How wa-

 Before she could ask or really even begin to decipher what was happening, baring bone white teeth that parted the dark of his mane and cloak alike, Aym spoke words that moved time faster than she thought possible, with ears as still as stone ‘’It has been a month’’

…

 A calm there was, a calm so false. One wrought with nausea that led to shallow breath taken in unease. 

 It has been… a month. She blinked as let those words settle in, slowly. A cold took her in that moment, first Her hooves, then her arms then like a plague the cold ever so slowly spread to her very core.

 How could it have been a month? It was not possible… Was it? No, it wasn’t possible she would have starved before they came. She felt hope spark within that felt as false as the winter sun.

 Yes, it was simply impossible even with the whole lack of day and night in the forest or was it? But yet, it did explain some of the oddities aroun- NO! It was not possible, Aym had simply gone mad or or or maybe he was just joking? Really was this even Aym? It might have been some maddened follower.

 Yeah just some crazy lune… That was as tall as Baal? no that was not… No, maybe it really was just a joke? A cruel joke but a joke nonetheless, or maybe he was just… or perhaps it was…

 Lost in thoughts that seemed impossible to tear herself out of, she almost missed the clash of arms between the brothers. Aym’s staff found his brother’s, with a crack reverberating across the four walls, Baal blocked a strike meant for his ribs almost too late.

 Her mind shifted from thoughts that seemed useless now, to a fight that had broken between the two brothers.
 
 Between her friends.

 Baal was countering hits meant to take him apart. Left and right, above and below. Each hit countered on the nick of time. But for each few strikes he escaped he took in one, this was not the warrior she saw the da- no… month? before. He seemed unfocused on the battle almost moving like a marionette compared to the cloaked and shadowed beast.

 Fighting like a maddened fiend, gone was the warrior that taught her the blade. Striking at the perfect time with only a touch of wild to differentiate him from his brother’s calculating and efficient staffwork, this was not that Aym.

 There was the blackned fur and scar that made him feel so much more mortal of the two brothers, yet there was none of the grace nor unquestionable authority. There was none of the charisma he wielded nor the silliness found deep within that made her smile at his antics.

 There was none of her friend here.

 It was harder and harder to focus as her vision blurred and became unfocused, the cold in her core spread to her eyes and made their way to the ground as she tried weakly to call out to them. To ask them to stop and… and just…

 Alas, all that came out of her was cold, as cold as the eyes of their lord.

 So cold she didn’t feel Enoh’s attempts at pushing his way out of the bag.
***
 Over and over again

 Sounds of steel against one another

 Methodical it was, almost like the lullaby he sung… to… to no one

 Loud

 So very loud…

 Loud was the shouts and arguments between… no one in particular

 Yet, it was not a bother. The shouts and the steel.

 Really what could be a bother here, right now?

 He was the only one here, all alone in his realm… Then he had an epiphany of sorts. No he couldn’t be at his realm… it would be quiet, it would be colder.

 It took him a moment before his eyes opened to the world around, the air aching his eyes ever so slightly.

 Oh yes, really he was in the throne room. upon the throne… 

 unfocused eyes saw the shadows play at the edge of his vision. Dancing against each other as they continued on and on…

 flashes of almost void black red dressed the marble below like fresh ink across the clean parchments of… no one important.

 Oh there was also a blur of white there too he mused, now that was unfamiliar
.
.
.

 In the canopy now painted in dark red and white there flashed a red unlike that of the rest… A crown… of flowe- no, they had a name.

 His eyes focused, unmoved yet focused for a moment to peek at the small red now glancing at him from the ground with almost an alluring scent which he could almost smell, drawing cold air into his lungs that but for so long felt unused.

 He had to reach… it.

 He needed it…. Warmth, of someone that was important.

 He tried, his arm so sluggish so unruly to move, to obey. So strong yet weak, almost skeletal yet ridden overwhelming energy that called to him, the little red on marble right next to the…

 ‘’Red’’ The word fell from his tongue that felt distant to him. Quiet yet with strength, as it made its way to the ears of the intended.

 And so, it was no longer so loud. Gone was the soft sound of steel, replaced with the cacophony of silent. His eyes met only the crown as his hand moved, so slow and yet with purpose unmatched by mortal.

 His tongue wet his lips as he continued ‘’The crown…’’ A request, an order. What's the difference when it was spoken by a God?
***
 None spoke, not she nor the brothers. None moved, not she nor the brothers. Only she breathed ever so quiet as the brothers could only gaze upon their master, at the simple gospel that parted his lips. One so simple yet… with command.

 A worshipper obeys, so she did. Taking the crown from the marble, untouched by the blackened red corroding away the very stone ever so slightly.

 She placed the simple object that should be unfit to touch their leader, that somehow took the attention of their lord.

 She placed it within his grasp. To his hands that were reduced to almost bone… that permeated a cold that was frigid as the grave dug in winter.

 Their lord gazed upon the simple crown made with the crimson flowers. His previously glassy eyes melted away to an iron focus that became slits as his eyes focused further.

  It seemed as if he was gazing upon the secrets of their world and beyond, to the realms anathema to mortal.

‘’What are these?’’ His voice, so small with a touch of wonder in equal measure as grief.

 She felt her tongue swell in her throat as she looked upon her Lord, their leader, Their shepard. His words laced with awe at something so plain.

 She found her voice after a few more moments, after his eyes fell on her with expectancy. Now dilated as the void behind them peered back at her with both impatience and hurt. Swallowing the lump back ‘’Camelias my lord’’

 He froze for a moment and so did she as their lord slowly shut his eyes, now the blackened void no longer peering at her, demanding answer. 

 Words fell from him, with such elegance expected of his holiness ‘’Oh Leshy, the ever loyal. First to the fire, last to our family. So young you were, a tragedy so great’’ He ended his words, now tranquil with only a distant whisper of unease.

 His eyes opened, now not so hard to peer within, the void ever so filled and somehow against all odds… sated.

 His voice was calm, collected and with will ‘’Lamb, my Lamb’’ She felt her heart skip as the words left him, his lamb? ‘’Truest of worshipper, I shall tell you and you alone how he fell. My brother so young’’ 

 Suddenly the room was alight with flame that coalesced into images of a great forest and a being that somehow felt familiar to her beyond any reason, a creatu- no a Lord. One so regal and bearing a crown not unlike their Lord’s.

 The room was washed with colour as vibrant green made of countless twisting roots moved against… something, something dark and with wings of three. Each wing bore terrible eyes with a crown on the misshapen head. Atop it wore a crown of lilac with two corneas stuck in the same eye with three equal prongs stuck.

 The figures, the lords. They danced… no they fought… no really they waltzed… no they clashed.

 One bearing a hammer, the other a terrible spear of bone and feather, Lord made of roots clashing with disarray,  weaving the very existence into disorder with each swing. countering the spear at each turn with a touch of erratic embedded within.

 They battled, the lords. They battled and battled, danced and danced.

 Alas in the end, not with grace but terrible calculated risk with a touch of bloodlust the great and terrible winged one brought to kneel the graceful worm made of root, bark and green.

 They spoke, not with words she could understand but somehow knew the meanings of. It spoke with delight the terrible thing ‘’Come little sapling, bare fruit here in the realm promised, not one imposed’’ 

 A promise, so sweet. It was as if the nectar was offered to her, so many terrible wants her mind didn’t know her heart wished. Dreams that seemed impossible but yet each was promised with fervor unmatched.

 In some it promised her lands of her own, in others terrible pleasures that sank to her stomach. In some she was but a lord herself, baring crown not meant for her. In other she was a beast taking the night away from the innocent.

 She buckled under the pressure, disgusted at herself. Was this what she wanted? What her heart yearned for?

 Yet there was a voice within the cacophony, one that spoke so clear yet bared chaos within ‘’Bare not she, the baleful promiser and the liar. One that speaks of want not belonging to thee, but weaved lies within just to shame. To bring to kneel’’ 

 She found strength within the words that calmed her wrought mind, chased away the shame. Looking within the eyes of the rooted lord she saw a smile stretched across a wide mouth that bleed. 

 With a shake of head, clear and with resounding certainty

 ‘’Never’’

Chapter Text

It’s over.

It's finally over.

Deep breaths. Inhale, the cold air fills the lungs. Exhale, warm again with only a slight bit of emptiness and the cycle continues.

on and on…

The room, the throne room. It was no longer a void dark realm with only black crimson to dress the marble below.

 It was ‘lighter’ somehow, not just the world but she too. Somehow she felt the world had become easier to understand? No, that was… Yes actually, yes.

 It was calm, definitely calmer. That was the best way to describe it.

 Calm… Calmness, What a strange thing it is. It's something one yearns for only when they experience the total lack of it. Like warmth after a chilled winter night in their lord's land or the breath of air she took a moment ago, only when one is to drown or suffocate does it taste so sweet.

 It's something that is so inherently tied to one's self that only in absence does one realize how much they miss it or really realize how much you really need it.

 Looking around her one more time, she assured herself there really was a sense of calm around them. One that made comprehending all of… this a little easier.

 Eventually her eyes wandered to that of their lord and as soon as her eyes fell on him she felt a sense of warmth truly enter her heart, odd how their grave cold lord could do that.

 He, their master. He seemed much much better.

 He no longer seemed to bleed the deep crimson that once covered him, stained his once opulent white robes neck to the helm. Now it was gone, Though in its place there was now almost a sheen of soot, colouring the robes grey.

He sat on his grand throne, as expected. Though oddly enough, it seemed fractured? There was a noticeable crack within the stone and parts, furthermore darkened wood almost seemed singed. Yet his back was straight and his grand paws held the armrest, rigid yet there was as ironic as it was life there unlike the statue from before.

Her attention went to his paws now. Terrible moments ago it was but bone, now it had regained its fur and plumbed to what she used to remember them being, strong with muscle no doubt could shatter the false Lord of her visions.

She shuddered as she remembered the visage, The terrible wing of there almost carved into her mind. It was too real in that moment, it was almost as if she had been there with the lords.

Almost as if she herself saw their clash and has seen her promi- no, the lies. She reminded herself. They were but lies, meant to trick and brought to kneel. The lord in roots was adamant, and as steel was his words so should her resolve be iron to match it.

Now even as she felt that shudder, it still felt safe. As if only those memories could even try to hurt her here, even the most dark ones she bore, the many terrible ones from her past.

Suddenly she was greeted by the opening of three eyes belonging to their lord, each black orb now seemed full in the sea of brilliant red.

Kind eyes they were, beautiful ones with none of the void behind them that yearned and demanded endlessly with hunger to match.

Her breath cut by his soft smile she couldn’t help but join him as the tension within somehow eroded away at least for a moment.

Alas, it did not last.

Slowly his smile fell into one of quiet frown, his gentle eyes twisting into ones marred with tire as he shifted his face to his side towards the brothers.

Aym looked at his master, still his fur a mess and cloak now torn in places. One part awe and two parts what she knew to be indignation.

Baal on the other hand… He looked to his brother, his robes now almost a mangled rag unfit for even a wretch. What was more concerning was he himself, he bore no deep cuts but yet was ridden with bruises that gently leaked blackened blood to the once cloud white robes.

He wore an expression of hurt, one she knew was not caused by any wound. At least one to his body.

Their lord sighed, his gaze further deepening into a scowl.

***

It was hard to describe a God's physical body. It was like an image of an idea so profoundly tied to this realm, yet the image did not really represent the idea in a way one could really say it inherited the idea fully. It never could in the physical realm.

There were many things anathema to a God as a result, such as hunger in a traditional sense or thirst. His sister… yes her sister Heket, she came to understand it as close as one of their kin could.

Unfortunately, as it seems whatever he was feeling at the moment was not one of those things anathema to him and more so it was excruciatingly awful.

His joints felt stiff, which was not really unusual but it felt somehow a lot more rigid. His eyes felt like he had stared at the sun for way too long, which was something he didn’t even know how he knew felt like and plethora of things he had too much of a headache trying to make sense of.

So really, he was not enjoying the moment.

How did this even happen? What was he even doing prior to all this unneeded suffering unbefitting of him? More importantly, who was responsible for all of this?

He felt like stretching, maybe even getting his back off the…  throne.

As the thought grazed his mind he realized something was… off. Looking down to the throne momentarily, running his paws upon the ancient ebony and marble.

Cracks

He felt a groan escape him as he retreated his hands back, he swallowed a sigh as he wondered how he was going to deal with that.

Just incredible, all of this mess and he still didn’t know who he had to welcome to his realm for it.

But as important as it was to punish the sinner, he still had to find a way to fix all of this before the throne could get damaged further.

Maybe the brothers? He shook that thought off before it could stick, he knew the two of them. They were not masons nor were they carpenters, unless perhaps Baal thought it was a good way to pass time for some reason and thought it was somehow not beneath his station.

He could maybe fix it himself? No, ignoring the whole it being beneath him part he was not really known for either of those too.

No, if anyone could fix the throne it would be his brother Leshy...

Oh

Oh…

  Now he couldn’t let the sigh escape him as he ran his hand across his face, some parts of what just went on started to pour into his vast mind.

At least some parts of it, the words he spoke to the lamb and the vision… Yet what had happened in between he had no idea.

That was a can of worms he was not willing to get into just yet. It was one thing to remember
his brother and whole other to remember what had happened to himself.

It was still fragmented, his memories yet fleeting. Like seafoam getting tossed around, above with the wing and below with the waves.

Yet, it was better than nothing.

He had something to base the events that had transpired, now he knew he was taken away from him by that false idol. The wretch with the wings and dulled eyes that lied and lied till it too believed her false tongue.

He felt shiver run down his spine as he thought of a punishment for the one that took his brother away from him, one so terrible his realm would be wrought with her cries till the eternal bright led to dark and void to oblivion's embrace.

Then again, he wasn’t sure what happened to her. Really, he might have already seen her befall… Shaking his head he decided that maybe he would look into that some time else.

Casting his gaze once again upon the brother since his mind wandered away he saw the brothers and they… Well, he wouldn’t call them well off.

Baal seemed worse, his body bore no deep cut at least ones that could earn him an untimely visit to his realm. Still he saw enough crimson there to put some worry over him.

As for his one clad in black, well he was better off bodily at least. There were no obvious wounds on him other than one that seemed like it was more or less gone over his arm. What was more glaring was his disheveled self.

In that moment as he looked over his servant’s robes? No, more like rags coupled with his mangled fur. He almost felt like throwing his servant down the old river they used to go to back in the days, so he could scrub off whatever coated him in this filth and perhaps get him a tailor or fifteen to fix him something worthy.

Lastly there was the lamb, well at least she seemed to be the best out of the three. Relatively clean, her robes were disheveled and her wool seemed not as white as before and was that mud on her hoofs?

Tracking muck into the throneroom aside there was only one really glaring issue of tear marks. Saddening sight it always is to see one so faithful in such grief.

Really, now it felt like fixing this throne was a task he had to put on hold for the foreseeable future.

Clearing his throat he spoke in the calmest way he could manage ‘’Baal, Aym’’ He gave the two of them a moment to adjust and perhaps for his voice to come out right ‘’Why are you two fighting?’’

He tried to put on a smile, one that invited them to be open in their answer. While he had half a mind to pick the two of them by the scruff of the neck and fling them to their chamber. Perhaps get them the aforementioned tailor and a bath.

Unsurprisingly it was Aym that spoke first ‘’Master’’ He took a moment, looking at him with eyes that spoke of disbelief ‘’You… you were silent’’

He blinked, all three eyes focusing on Aym ‘’I don’t thi-’’

‘’You were gone, away to your own mind and I- I was…’’ He looked around frantically, breathing erratically almost. He knew he should be reprimanding his servant at the very least for cutting him out but he didn’t really wish to shake him further than he already seemed.

So instead He moved his paw slowly and with gentleness only a few mortals ever got to see  reached to him but before he could try to comfort him, he had done something that no other being had done to him for many years.

He swatted his hand, denying his help so graciously given to him.

As he retreated his hand back his face took on a look of both disbelief and a touch of… Anger.

How dare he deny his help? How dare this creature he had given a home to, more or less spit on his kindness like some false idol worshipping…

Crack

Looking down he saw the thrones armrest… to the new crack that had formed upon the left side. Just a simple fracture, yet one that seemed like it ran deep.

Sighing he decided that a reprimand or really a punishment of a sort would have to wait no matter how fitting it would be at this moment.

So he turned to Baal instead, it would be better to let his other servant have a moment. There were no words between them two, but yet he knew he had to speak. ‘’Master me and Lambert were on the duty you assigned of us’’

Oh indeed, that did explain the camellias. Those were his favorite weren't they? kindly grown by his brother's skillful roots just for him. The memories of the patches they used to frolic by when his brother was barely taller than a mortal were delightful as they were melancholic.

No wonder those reddened beauties jogged his memory, The colour of blood and deepest desire. A fitting description his brother had given them, the young and grand worm somehow wise and silly all together in a package that could drive anyone insane as much as befall them into a fit of laughter so deep you could drown in it.

It took him a moment to realize his servant had continued to explain him the events of their little journey, lost in the thoughts he almost missed Aym shouting ‘’You sniveling liar, there is no way you spent ‘only a day’ when you have been missing for this long!’’

Oh… that kind of explains why Aym was kind of on… edge? Yes, he could go with that. Still it didn’t excuse all of his doings just yet.

‘’It was a day! I swear upon oblivion I-’’ He was cut out by Aym ‘’SHUT UP!’’ His voice was touched by a faint touch of the divine power he wielded, one that gave it an edge over any shout a beast could produce. One that reverberated across what he assumed to be the whole temple and perhaps the cult outside.

Damn it all to Oblivion. 

***

Aym seemed unrelenting in his words as he was with his strikes a moment ago ‘’You are either lying right out of your teeth or you are just incompetent’’ Taking a moment to see his brothers indignance ‘’I have been running myself ragged in this damn cult while you were out there making damn flower crowns!?’’

First time since this awful day… week, month? has begun this was the first time Baal seemed truly angry ‘’I wasn’t fucking frolicking you maddened beast’’ giving importance on the beast part ‘’I was protecting La-’’

His staff met the marble ‘’Don’t bring her into this!’’ What was he eve- ‘’What, ran out of excuses and need to throw the mortal under the cart?’’

His words took a moment for her to register, they ran back and forward in her mind before settling in an uncomfortable spot.

Alright, she might not be whatever the brothers were but she was not some weakling or a child, and she was sure Baal wouldn’t be doing something like that. Friends didn’t do that. Is this just what Aym always thought of her? did he just think she was some non-person?

With as much scorn she could muster ‘’I am not some damsel, I ca-’’

Suddenly turning towards her ‘’This isn’t about yo-’’

This time it was his turn to be cut out by his own brother ‘’Nor is this about us being late is it? There is more here isn’t there?’’

‘’SILENCE!’’ She felt her stomach drop as the single command rang across the temple, a command that she doubted none could disobey.

After a moment drowned in stillness that struck the all three as if they were puppets with strings cut ‘’Just silence’’ now a lot more calmer, taking in a big breath ‘’I don’t really understand what happened between you three or my brothers forest’’

running his paw against the ridge of his nose ‘’Alas I am sure we could all agree that we all have had a rather let's say frustrating time’’ he turned to focus upon the brothers. ‘’I am sure you two have your woes against one another at the moment, but yet I do not wish for either of you to slaughter the other not here nor any time soon.’’

At this she saw a brief flash of shame grace Aym before getting replaced with annoyance once more.


‘’So how about this’’ He turned to the one clad in white and blackened crimson '’Baal, bring the lamb back to her home since it's clearly too late for her to be wake and in the morning make a report for me to read’’ He gestured to his brother ‘’maybe make it together so I can understand all of this better.’’

At his words Aym propped up ‘’but Mas-’’

Now with a much more strained voice ‘’As for you Aym, I wish for you to watch for your actions a little better. Especially your conduct with me and your brother.’’ His words had a finality that seemed ironclad.

It took him a moment to respond ‘’Yes Master’’ rest of it took a second longer ‘’I apologize master’’ barely a whisper uttered too fast.

He didn’t deign him a response but still gave him a curt nod before motioning them towards the door and at that moment there was nothing less she wanted to do but follow the brothers out.

Alas she doubted their master wanted company at the moment.

So as a loyal worshipper she made after the two, to an unknown future that seemed like it would be filled with too much strife and long talks with many including two demigods that looked like they were two steps away from killing each other.

But just before she was able to try to leave this day… week? behind and leave future Lambert to deal with all of this and perhaps wash her wool until she scrubbed her head clear of it, a much more gentler voice came from behind her ‘’I apologize for what you had to see all of that little lamb’’

Stopping at her track she turned around to see their master, giving her a rueful look ‘’Once you are done with the writing of the first chapter and its subsequent publishing. I would like you to come back for the second one on my sister Heket.’’

Heket? Oh so, her name was wrong too. Silently cursing the chronicler before her she bowed ‘’I will do my best my lord’’ She turned around once again, but before she could continue on her not so merry way she felt his claw against her injured shoulder.

In a quiet voice ‘’Noticed this a while ago, I assume it was during duty this happened?’’

Suddenly almost struck she nodded without a word leaving her lips.

With a gentle sigh his paw glowed dark for but a moment, a mist surrounded her arm before the dull shallow pain from before subsided completely. A shiver ran its course through her before she looked upon his eyes, all three red orbs that shone with gentleness within that felt so distant from the moment before when he spoke to the brothers.

‘’Try to be more careful my lamb, a good worshipper is hard to find, but one willing to lay their life bare, even harder.’’ He gave her a smile so warm against the cold of his claw ‘’They have to be cherished well’’ She felt his claw move above her head before giving her a simple pat on the head.

She felt her face grow crimson red before nodding wordlessly, spinning around in an instant she took off for the door in a speed brothers would be impressed by. She was more willing to deal with the brothers, the cult and time nonsense than whatever was going through her mind at the moment.

Chapter Text

 They didn’t return together this time. Aym took to the roofs and made the darkened skies his companion while she and Baal shared the streets down underneath.

 Through the windstruck streets, the cold of their home nestled on the mountains rushed in after the waning of the sun. Bringing the fresh and pure air, ridding it away from the usual smell of industry from the lower parts of the city. Yet as the cold and pure air came, so did the ash from the hearth of the homes of so many. From the mansions of the archbishops, to the common houses so many called home and even the hovel burrows the unfortunate had to call their dwelling.

 Each step taken after the other, with thoughts so rampant in her head it was a wonder how steady the legs that carried her were.

 The lost month of her life, seeing their master before he got better. Then there was Aym…

 Sighing to herself she realized that maybe, just maybe she would feel bad for future Lambert who had to deal with all of this. But this Lambert of now, well she would walk forwards and hopefully get a night's sleep. She somehow went through worse anyhow, she would get through this.

 Hopefully.

 Then there was Baal.

 Looking to her right, she saw her friend. He looked regal even in his torn clothing, even in rags did he have a noble look to him. One only marred by furrowed brows.

 She didn’t or really couldn’t know what must be going through in his mind at the moment. Fighting your own brother just a moment ago and now going through the streets at night under the light of the moon. Not to mention their master and the whole month they both lost.

 She knew it was blasphemous to feel bad for a demigod or whatever holy being he was, the mere suggestion of pitying him itself reeked of heresy. Yet, as his friend. It felt wrong not to feel for him at least.

 Reaching up to his paw with her hoof, it took him a second to notice what she was doing. Something swam in his eyes, a moment of confusion that bled into uncertainty. But soon with a slow blink and a sigh he accepted her hand within his.

 It was almost comical, his large paw holding her hoof that felt buried within. Even in his smaller form it dwarfed her own, yet she wished it was reassuring enough. To whom she couldn’t tell.

 Their hands remained clasped for what felt like hours even though she knew it to be just shy of half an hour. One of the benefits of being the chronicler, getting to live closer to the temple. 

 They broke off as they entered her… well she guessed their home. It was odd even entering like this, with Baal taking the door with her instead of the window.

 As she made her way in she gazed around the room, searching for a tall cat that she knew would not be here today. Yet almost a childish hope remained within, one that stung too close. 

 Alas, her hope as it was back then was crushed under the motions of reality, as one member of their home was yet missing.

 Taking her bag off, she breathed in the dust in the air, the almost unfamiliar smell of the house making her nose ache. 

 But before she was about to toss it to her desk she felt a wriggling. After a moment of panic, her worry melted off as a soft smile formed on her lips as she saw Enoh peeking from his spot in the bag.

 Enoh, her little friend. Wormy Vermis Wrill Enoh the second, the hero of the hour. It was a miracle almost, for him to slither his way out of the back at the perfect time. To knock the crown so their master could see it.

 Or did he know what he was doing? Perhaps some whims of another heretical God who oversaw these things decided to lend a hand? No, it was fate. Without a doubt it was fate that drew this outcome.

 Scooping him up in her arms she gently hugged the newest member of their fam- group. Seemingly content at being snuggled at the moment Enoh curled up to her arm. Now with a smile that felt like it wouldn’t shatter in a moment's notice she moved onto her other much bigger friend.

 He stood tall, his back arched straight. His wounds, lacking cuts, seemed almost invisible other than the bruised skin that shone purple underneath the black fur. His cloak though, it was as much of a mess as it was before.

 Looking at his torn clothing then back to him, there was a silent dialogue between the two of them. One laced with enough awkwardness to cause pain.

 Still eventually he understood her intentions as he shaked his head ‘’No’’

 Rolling her eyes she pointed at his clothing ‘’Its torn to pieces, you can’t jus-’’ 

 Sighing ‘’Lamb, I appreciate it but I am pretty sure you have nothing that could fit me prop-’’

 This time it was her time to cut him off ‘’I have something that may fit you’’ Handing him Enoh, who decided to crawl around his arm. She opened the chest to the corner of the room. 

An ancient thing that chest was, one that looked more like an old dowry left by a marriage she doubted even the brothers could remember. Then again she doubted they were invited for it anyway. Even though it looked decrepit and was Losing its battle against the moths and the dust it still bore most of her own relics.

 It was a functional relic of the past, one that she was lucky to left with after she was given the house

 With some digging under some old wool clothing and some things she wasn’t even sure why she decided to keep alongside with things whose stories should be better left untold. She finally found what she was looking for.

 Petting the worm ‘’You know I can just sneak back to the temple Lambert’’ After seeing what she had in her hands ‘’also how do you have this?’’ he pointed with the hand which was getting nibbled at by their green friend.

 ‘’It was my father’s.’’ A quick yet fleeting smile formed on her lips, the old ram liked to wear loose. Then again, it was more to do with how fluffy his wool got after a while that made him wear stuff this way. Funny it was one of the only things she remembered of him.

 He shook his head, looking away ‘’Lambert I cannot take this. What if your father needs it back? Besides, I am fine.’’ Pointing at his few remaining parts of his cloak ‘’I can salvage this come morning I assure you’’

 Ignoring the comment about her father her smile turned rueful ‘’We sheep have a tradition, one we had before we came here.’’ It was not something she liked to talk a lot of, their home from before. Yet she pushed on ‘’If one was to enter one's house with tattered clothing, the owner had to fix it and cloth them’’

 Running a hoof through her arm’s wool ‘’It's important for us, all sheep knew how to make or at least fix one's own.’’ This time she beared an easier smile ‘’It's also another rule of friendship to accept gifts dummy’’

 She smirked as she saw him roll his eyes before sighing, under his breath ‘’They should have just wrote a book about friendship rules and be done with it.’’ After a moment adding ‘’would have been way easier’’

 She turned around to give him some privacy, taking their mutual friend who instead started to nibble on her wool. The spoiled little worm she thought as she cuddled him closer. After a couple of moments she turned back around.

 The simple tunic on him looked like an undershirt, pushing against the fur and the toned muscle. Which highlighted the bruises further. With a momentary pang in her heart she looked at his pants which now resembled shorts more than anything.

 It was all on all not ideal, dare she say it looked goofy on him even. Then again what was ideal at this point?

 With her friend firmly in her arms and now in bed, she spared a look at Baal. Who was on the ground seemingly trying to meditate, his body looking a little healthier than before as the bruises seem to be healing faster than she imagined.

 Though sleep was alluring, there was something that she needed to do before finally resting and letting this rather hectic day be over with.

 In the softest voice she could manage ‘’We will talk with Aym tomorrow’’ She tried to put a touch of finality to her tone but didn’t know if she was successful. She wasn’t sure if she was trying to assure him or herself.

 In turn she heard a sigh ‘’For better or for worse, we will Lamb’’ he paused ‘’For better or for worse’’

Chapter Text

 It was warm, yet it snowed as she walked. She was not alone in her journey, she was never that alone.

 Two of them were taller than her, so vast did they look before her. Their horns almost reaching to the skies.

 One of the taller ones seemed distant, her hand felt closed yet she didn’t bear disdain against her nor the others. She seemed like an anchor for them all, one who tied them together.

 The other taller one seemed more rotund, yet this did not mean merry. his arms looked heavy as the bags under his eyes. Yet he worked and worked for them, they rarely shared heart yet it was he who kept their hearth from cold.

 Then after some time, came a short one to join the trio. Almost seemingly from nowhere. One who seemed like would make her dark days so alight. She smiled at the mere closeness the two shared as they walked, as his hand barely reached her own.

 She felt a bond between them, one of soft chains that wrapped around the two and the rest. 

 It was so warm, even though there were no hearths burning around them. They walked and walked, and they shifted and changed ever so slightly.

Her hand no longer sagged as she grasped his and the wool of the other two grew thinner and more brittle.

 Yet they walked on together, perhaps not as tight as the others yet together. 

 And there were others, all figures moving too quickly to know who. Each with horns that pointed towards the sky like the tops of the trees in a forest. their wool like leaves wrapping around and around themselves.

 Soon it was fall, and so leaves reddened. So much red… So much red. Now cowering the ground as they walked, all crumbling under her hoofs. So they went towards a figure in the distance.

 Then Fall led to winter, and Soon all were bare. Their ribs like branches swaying on the terrible wind that broke bone to kindling.

 Then there stood the figure in the distance, a giant above giants. The one who peered with many eyes of red.

 He stood, over a gate gilded in marble and obsidian. Its glow calling out to all like flame to moths.

 There she felt an absence. There she saw the taller ones leave them. It was the rotund one first, he seemed more tired than ever. Yet seemed to relax as he left with the rest of the figures.

 Seeing the other taller one leave made the first one seem sad. Yet even in that endless melancholy she peered back, and as her eyes met hers. There was a silent promise, one that extended to the one who held onto her hand tighter.

 A nod was all she could answer with before she disappeared after the first one.

 Chain tightened around the two, now not so soft. So perhaps because they were so rough and tight that it grew brittle enough to snap.

 Maybe it was a shout here, maybe a word that was not meant to be spoken before. Perhaps something worse, all the same in the end.

 Alas it did snap, the metal breaking against bone as the sounds haunted the forest that now felt hollow with only the wind to keep her company. 

 She was now at the edge of the gate. Now so alone. Alas, the giant only regarded her with something she couldn’t understand written on his face.

 Waking up wasn’t a pretty thing that morning, then again it rarely was when this sadly too familiar dream graced her night again. 

 There was no scream, no frantic look around nor a soft cry. No, this insidious little dream had drained her enough tears long before now.

 Dream, well she supposed a nightmare in dream’s clothing was a little fairer.

 Trying to take her mind off of her dream she looked around. It was still early, a glance towards the window proved that. The beams of the sun had not reached her window even, just a poultry light that peaked from the tops of the mountains.

 So really she could have just gone back to sleep, to perhaps ignore what she felt and smother herself on wool blanket long enough to fall to a hopefully dreamless slumber. 

 Alas she knew, it was hopeless. She would find no respite in sleep, not when this sort swam at the back of her mind.

 So she all but begrudgingly got up, carefully setting Vermis on the pillow without waking him up. He looked peaceful, with almost a thoughtful face. She almost felt an inkling of jealousy rise within at how comfy he looked, while she couldn’t find any relief.

 But just as quickly it was chased away as Baal spoke ‘’A little early isn’t it Lamb?’’

 She glanced at the one on the ground, who no longer bore the clothes from the day before, which now looked folded over the chest on the corner with the old torn robes. He must have sneaked out last night, she thought. ‘’We wake early Baal, you know that’’

 He peered at her with a brow raised ‘’Not this early, and nor do you sheep sleep that late as the last night’’ Sighing slightly ‘’A nightmare I assume?’’

 She turned around to face away as she started to undo the bedding. Murmuring behind her breath ‘’Something like that’’ 

 Sensing that she didn’t want to talk about he opted to instead get up with a stretch before motioning to the door. ‘’Want to walk around a little?’’

 Now she faced the door too, a little slower than him. It sounded pleasant. Maybe a walk was a little better than whatever she was gonna do before and besides maybe it would clear both their heads.

 With a nod and a bit of preparation they soon found themselves at the beaten town road of cobbled stone that at times bled too closely to dirt. Yet her hooves didn’t hitch on the cracked pieces for she was through these roads one too many times.

 Her friend wasn’t so different, he had grace where it counted. In the fights she saw him in he was decorum made manifest, with elegance unmatched by mortal. So it was not unsurprising that even with paws like his he could walk unbothered by the not so well maintained road.

 She didn’t have a place in mind to head to. They were just sort of meandering? Well, she wouldn’t call it that. She would call it wandering around, it sounded a bit more purposeful with a touch of adventuring spirit.

 She had a soft snort, yeah adventuring spirit alright.

 The cult had nothing really new under the sun to offer, Just some people minding their own business here and there, even this early some people were out and about. Some tending to their work with some seemingly praying at the long unkempt statues.

 Other than some drunkards ramblings at night, some Dissenters causing trouble with some attendance doing the rounds around the cult, there was never really any important stuff going on. Nothing really to write home about… Well in her case, chronicle about?

 Then again. It did seem like whatever had happened the day before with that rabbit woman did shake things up a little. Few sects that existed within the cult were mostly tolerated and the ones that weren’t, well… There wasn't a lot written about them in the library even before the fire.

 Then there were the smugglers.

 She knew them of course, a lot of people did. technically criminals that somehow were never punished. She smiled as she remembered her own doings with them, well one of them at least, Ratau.

 Oh.

 Oh, she forgot to visit the old rat hasn’t she?

 She felt a heat take over her face as she felt a momentarily shame crawl over her.

 She didn’t really have a lot of friends in the cult, well barring the brothers. Which one of them might be really cross with her at the moment for whatever reason. Well that wasn’t totally true, there were the people she shared a home with, her boarding mates.

 One was a snake whom she thought she was friendly with, then again she was not really… well lets just say she didn’t really show a lot of emotions, as was often the case with snakes.

 Yeah, Franky was not really the most emotional person, Then again it might have been because she was a snake and she didn’t know much about how they show their emotions.

 Most she remembers from her was what she thought was annoyance when Alphonso forgot the closet open… again.

 Oh and Alphonso, who happened to be a bull. She had more mixed feelings about him. He was more emotional than Franky but he mostly just seemed angry or tired. She didn’t want to feed into the stereotype of bulls being just anger filled beasts and all that. Being a fellow ungulates she didn’t want to be harsh on him. 

 After all, she knew he had a hard time with everyone treating him like a bomb ready to go off. Also with him having to work at the quarry all day, which was a harsh job she couldn’t deny.

 Alas one could only get shouted at for ‘’making too much noise’’ when all she did was try to learn how to write and read at the dead of night when they got to ‘relax’ before the next workday, where she would be working the spinning wheel for hours. 

 Still, he was all bark she knew. He wasn’t really one to ever really bite. No matter how many times Franky tried to get under his hide, he never raised a hoof.

 She remembered that he seemed sad when she was selected for the Chronicler role, he even had waved her goodbye as she got her bags.

 Something Franky hadn’t really done. Then again, she always wondered where she got an extra pillowcase in her bag with a few extra coins she was sure wasn’t there. 

 Head swimming in her past with the two people she barely got to know, she didn’t realize where she ended up. In front of her laid the house/shop of her really only friend prior to the brothers barring some… really old friends from before.

 Quickly changing topic. Ratau, there was much to say about him. A lot of nice ones and a lot of things she didn’t know how to put into words. The kind and helpful old rat with an almost paternal side to him. A man who she had some history with even before coming here.

 She stopped a little away from the shop, just the way she had left it. A little broken down, then again that wasn’t that unusual for this part of the city. A little on the smaller side, which was fair, his home was technically the rest of the building anyway.

 Baal stopped alongside her, looking at her with a face that asked her why they had stopped. She pointed at the store with her slightly which only made him raise a brow.

 ‘’It's my friend’s shop… house’’ She added the last part almost like an afterthought, she didn’t want to embarrass the rat even before Baal got to meet him but she felt it would be dishonest if she didn’t at least mention it.

 ‘’This happens to be a shop?’’ He sounded skeptical as he glanced at the structure.

 Rolling her eyes ‘’Don’t be rude, he is a good friend. Known him for a while you know.’’

 He shrugged. Before walking towards the door ‘’Well I would like to meet this friend of ours’’

 Her head tilting to the side ‘’Ours?’’

 Giving her a shrug ‘’Yes, if we two are friends and if he is your friend then it means the three of us are automatically friends’’ He said like it was the most natural and logical thing.

 She opened her mouth before closing ‘’T-that’s not ho-’’ rolling her eyes with a sigh ‘’You know what, sure’’ She wasn’t gonna complain or retort if her newest friend wanted to meet one of her oldest.

 Before they could enter she saw another figure, a bear leave the store quickly. Her armored robes making a slight clatter as she took off. She seemed familiar, she thought. 

 Inside there was the familiar sight of good ol' Ratau. his green tunic and walking stick giving him the charm she knew him for, with the odd cloth piece on his head completing his almost goofy look.

 With a gentle smile she knew him for ‘’Good morning cus-’’

 As soon as he turned around and realized who she was ‘’Lambert!’’ Quickly giving her a hug that warmed her heart like no other.

 For an old rat he oddly enough still bore an odd strength, one that she was reminded of by the almost bone crushing hug the two shared. His scent of familiar spice and dust enveloping her, she smiled into his shoulder as he broke their hug before looking over her.

 Frantically, almost jumping over a couple of words ‘’On oblivion lass, it had been weeks! Weeks I tell you! Where were you? It seemed like you were gone into smoke and and-’’

 She tried to cut him off ‘’Ra-’’

 ‘’It has gotten so cold since last I had seen you and the winter time is coming, I-I thought you were a gone and then there-’’

 A little louder this time ‘’Rat-’’

 ‘’There is the new whole sect of the angel clad in bl-’’

 ‘’Ratau!’’ momentarily stunning him, now in a much more softer voice ‘’I am happy to see you too’’

 He seemed a little embarrassed before shuffling slightly and giving his neck a scratch ‘’Sorry lass, you know me. Get a little too caught up in the moment and all that.’’ 

 She chuckled as she waved it off ‘’Its okay Ratau, I am used to your ‘moments’ quiet well’’ 

 As they looked onto each other there was almost a longing between the two. It has been only a week at most for her but for him, it has been more than a month. It was still hard trying to wrap her head around it all. Still, for the moment they were both here and they were both alive and well.

 Perhaps that's all that mattered.

 Now that pleasantries were over ‘’So Ratau, it has been a long while huh?’’ 

 ‘’It sure has, lass. I am sure there is quite the tale behind it all.’’

 She nodded, though she wasn’t sure which parts she would like to talk about without giving her friend an unwanted heart attack. She was still willing to talk about some of the more light hearted parts to him, especially the part with Baal.

 Since, apparently now they were all friends by Baal’s words.

 So without further a due, she stepped to the side to give him a clear view of their newest friend. ‘’Before we talk about all that, I want you to me-’’

 She cut herself off as she stared at the now petrified face of Ratau

 He spoke with a voice reserved for only threats and the like. ‘’Vicar Ratau of The Sliced Knuckles, so this is where you decided to hide’’ tone like poison dripping from a dagger.

 Almost squeaking ‘’A-archdeacon Baal…’’ There was fear within his eyes that she had never seen from him, one that seemed like he had stared deep into oblivion.

 He suddenly threw himself to his knees ‘’Archdeacon I have- I had not-’’

 Rolling his eyes ‘’Quiet down you miserable old rat. I am not here for you, well at least not in a bad way I suppose.’’ Giving a glance towards her ‘’Really I didn't even know this is where you decided to scurry to for your ‘retirement’’’ He spoke the last word with clear disdain.

 Wait, they knew each other? Well that much was clear but how? The brothers clearly weren’t that sociable with anyone outside of the highest echelon and even they seemed to be mostly unfamiliar. How could someone like Ratau be even associated with the priests, let alone one with power or status enough to meet Baal?

 But that question would have to wait as there was something that confused her more ‘’Umm… Sliced what?’’

 Ratau looked on to her with eyes that were filled shame ‘’Lass that… is just ancie-’’

 ‘’They were an armed part of the cult, not too unlike the attendance but where attendance is a bludgeon meant to curb dissidents.’’ His face momentarily scrunching ‘’The order of the Sliced Knuckles are… were a dagger between the shoulders at night’’ pointing at Ratau ‘’He was the Vicar, the leader and the handler of the rest’’ 

 In almost a whisper ‘’That was a lifetime ago’’

 A scoff ‘’We both know that means little when our lord saw it fit to let you go on on this plane of existence before reaching his so soon.’’ Looking around the store while running a paw through the dusty shelf ‘’I see you have made the most of his gift.’’

 Now it seemed like Ratau recovered a bit, and with something resembling pride ‘’I was let go- This is my my retirement I earn-’’

 Shaking his head ‘’Be honest Ratau, for but a moment.’’ Sighing ‘’You escaped your duty, and we decided that you weren’t worth the trouble.’’

 But before this abuse could continue a rough voice rang out from the door of the shop ‘’Let him go brother, this sinner paid his dues a long time ago.’’ With clear disdain ‘’Besides, you are not too different on the duty side of things now are you?

Chapter Text

 It was strange seeing him here. Really, it was strange seeing him at all, but here? it sort of added on to the confusion she felt.

 Did he seek them out? Was he here to talk? To make good with the two of them? Last one sparked some hope within her, a hope she knew she couldn’t put too much trust in. Yet at the moment she could use any she could get.

 He slowly made his way inside after shutting the door to the store, the door creaking and groaning in protest alongside the rest of the building which shuddered as the door came back to its frame.

 There was something with his expression, something that must have brought relief to her friend. Who was still on the ground, only glancing upwards slightly.

 As he made his way closer and closer she saw purpose in his stride. Now infront of him, he stared long into his brother’s eyes. Just long enough to cast a long shade of awkwardness between the two of them that bled into an uncomfortable silence. 

 It was Aym who broke this silence ‘’I see you are back to your usual habits’’ 

 Baal stood silent, regarding his brother before uttering ‘’Why are you here brother?’’ 

 Aym for his part shook his shoulders ‘’Had some business with an old man, I see you met him before me.’’

 They stared at each other, neither side breaking contact even as she moved away from them. Their keen red eyes but slits with their ears standing straight.

 She wasn’t sure where the brothers were going with this back and forward but she knew she didn’t like it. It felt odd. The brothers did fight, even before all of… this. But not like this, not this aggressive? Serious? Something like that she supposed. 

 She also didn’t like the fact that Ratau was still on the ground. She had a lot to ask to the old rat, but it could wait. She touched his shoulder lightly, trying not to scare him. 

 His reaction was immediate as he turned towards her too fast, his eyes still open and alert. There still was a touch of shame in his eye. One singular eye that seemingly had told her he accepted this treatment. Perhaps because of fear or something else deeper, rooted so far below no farmer could hope to hoist it upwards like a stubborn stump of an ancient tree.

 There he was, an old man who seemed like he more than accepted this treatment. Almost pitiable really. But she didn’t see that when she looked upon the old man, she saw a friend who could use some help.

 Hooking her hands on under his shoulder she tried to get him to go up. Yet the stubborn stump refused to budge. Shaking his head slightly before looking over the brothers, Baal specifically. 

 Looking back at the stand off, She saw the two hadn’t budge an inch. Seemingly their ire was to stretch on to eternity and perhaps beyond.

 Will they just continue? did they realize two around them, was this to see who would back off first or something more? She had seen things like this before, a ram and another locking horns for hours without end before a herd guard would break it off.

 But there were no herd guards here, and she didn’t think any of the attendance would dare approach either of them.

 She would hate herself for this a little bit, but it felt like it was the only way at the moment to solve this.

 In a voice as soft as she can manage ‘’Baal, can you please wait outside?’’ 

 Even with a voice so soft she could barely hear it herself, he heard her. His body going rigid before slowly turning around. His eyes marred with uncertainty as they locked gaze.

 She quickly added ‘’It is not an order, I just.’’ Sighing ‘’I just think Ratau would appreciate some space.’’ She pointed towards Ratau who was still on the ground, locked in place almost petrified.

 His sight turned to Ratau who refused to match his glare and gazed upon the ground instead.

 Moments stretched on and on, with him looking uncertain yet unwilling to move. With a sigh, this felt cheap but it seemed like it was the only way to give him the last push ‘’He is our friend now, you know.’’ She gave him a weak smile.

 With this he turned around to cast a look over to Aym, who gave a look of quiet resentment to his silent disapproval.

 Sighing to himself, he looked over to her before motioning to Aym with a slight tilt of his head. She knew what he was trying to say, and for a second she felt a resentment bloom in her. She was also a little wary of Aym but she knew he was not a threat. Just as quickly though, especially after catching a look of his eyes that were only filled with concern, she relented.

 Reaching a hand out to his ‘’It's alright, I will just check on Ratau and then we can go back home’’ 

 He closed his eyes before giving a slight squeeze to her hand, with a sigh he slowly made his way out of the door. With a creak and a groan he was out of the shop.

 Silence took the room but before it could take a foothold Aym spoke ‘’Sorry old codger, wish we could have met without him to ruin it all.’’ He made a motion with his hand to which the old rat finally got back from the ground.

 His voice was shaky, and had a touch of disbelief to it ‘’It’s alright archdeacon Aym, you have no need to apologize.’’ He bowed his head slightly, and under his breath ‘’It wasn’t as if he was wrong anyh-‘’

  She cut him off ‘’That's not true at all, I mean I don’t know your past and all that but he wasn’t being fair or at least he didn’t need to be this callous about it all.’’ 

 There was a shimmer in his eyes ‘’No no lass, he was righ-’’

 ‘’Bullshit.’’

 For a moment neither of them spoke before Ratau uttered ‘’I-’’

 Looking straight into his eye and with poison in his tongue ‘’He wasn’t right in the slightest Vicar’’ then softer ‘’We asked you to do your duty and you did it just fine. No one can blame you for wanting to leave eventually’’ Almost under his breath ‘’not after all the stuff you have been through.’’

 The two of them shared a moment, both deep in thought that she knew it would be wrong to break. However she couldn’t stop herself anymore ‘’Alright I don’t want to be insensitive and all that. But I feel loss, just what was all of’’ motioning to everything ‘’This’’

 The old man’s gaze found her’s and after a moment of uncertainty he sighed. Pulling two creates and setting them down, he slowly lowered himself onto one before motioning her.

 Taking up her seat she looked onto Aym, who gave a his own sigh before sitting on the ground.

 Clearing his throat ‘’As you heard I was a part… well leader of a group called sliced knuckles. One that operated in the shadows mostly, subterfuge to simple information gathering.’’ he quietly added ‘’Even assasinatons’’

 Before Ratau seemingly drown in his own shame ‘’One of the best, if not the best task force we ever had.’’ 

 Now with a touch of pride he gave a slight laugh ‘’Yeah, the best alright’’

 Now more tired ‘’Well, the best meant duty and that meant hardship. Some of which, well I suppose I was not ready for.’’

 With a touch of sympathy ‘’You lost enough old man, don’t short sell your own loss.’’

 Oh… now she felt even worse about the whole being away thing. She knew she couldn’t really change the past and it wasn’t like she wanted to be away for a month straight but perhaps she could have at least told him she was going away for a little while? Well she doubted it would have done much really but still.

 Still, she wished he didn’t need to go through something like that even if it wasn’t really like what he was describing.

 Trying not to sound too shaken ‘’Ratau, did- did you lose someone you loved? Like friends or… family?’’ She whispered out the last part.

 He looked on the ground, lost in thought ‘’Something like that Lass, something like that’’

 Before she knew it she was softly holding his hand in her own.

 With a waver ‘’Well, after… all of that. I lost my path in a way. I failed one too many missions, one too many slipped away from my dagger so I was offered ‘help’’’ He spoke in a low and resentful tone ‘’at least that's what they called it.’’

 Off in the corner of her vision she saw Aym look away, almost distant.

 ‘’They extended my life, I don’t know how but they did it. They said it would make it easier now that in their words ‘have a different look to living and life’’’ sighing ‘’Now I would see the world as an outsider in a way, not like a normal mortal would. It would grow both my hand and heart still.’’

 ‘’It didn’t work did it?’’ She asked softly, even though she could feel the answer in her very bones.

 To which he only nodded.

 This time Aym spoke ‘’Then one day you left, we searched for you. But you really were one of the best weren’t you?’’ Now there was pride in his voice ‘’Eventually we stopped searching and declared you ‘retired’ All but a fancy way of saying we gave up the chase. Lost in action to anyone that dared ask’’ 

 He nodded ‘’And I decided this place was the place to hide, right under its own beak is the only place the eagle can’t see’’ He spoke the last words like it was an odd mantra.

 There was only silence then, one that stretched on. It was suffocating and with heartache and broken promises woven into the very fabric.

 Running a paw over his own face before settling on squeezing the bridge of his nose ‘’Look Ratau, I know I should probably be angry. I should probably just take you by the scruff of the neck and drag you back to the temple for a lashing or really a thousand at this point.’’

The two of them had a look of horror before he raised a paw and continued ‘’However, I feel like you already had enough really’’’

 Ratau looked shocked ‘’To lose that much, ones you care about… I believe it is hard. Also, I feel like cutting your freedom short would be crueler than any punishment the Flagellants could come up with.’’

 She blinked at the mention of the ones with the whips, the ones who carried the Cat o' nine tails. Their name alone bringing a slight shiver down her spine.

 ‘’Thank you Archdeacon, I- I am loss for words at you kindness’’

 He laid a hand on his shoulder for a moment. The act alone gave pause to the whole room ‘’It’s alright’’ Before he quickly retracted his hand back.

 ‘’We should talk about… really all of this.’’ she gave him a quick hug ‘’just please take care of yourself for me’’

 Softly before embracing her back ‘’I will try lass, I will try’’

 So now she turned to Aym, hesitantly ‘’I… Thank you. I am still not sure about all the other… stuff we went through and I feel like we should talk as soon as possible, but.’’ She gingerly brought her hand to his arm. ‘’I am really happy you showed up’’

 He didn’t match her gaze but yet softly ‘’Don’t mention it lambchops’’ yet even softer ‘’Really don’t’’ Now in a lighter tone ‘’besides I really do have business with the codger’’’

 Oh yeah, he did mention that. Though what he would have to do with the old man she couldn’t really tell. Which did not put her heart at ease at all.

  Timidly ‘’Can I ask what tha-’’

 A little too fast ‘’No’’ with conviction.

 With a disappointed sigh, ‘’alright’’ She motioned to the door ‘’I guess I will see you later’’

 He nodded slowly before looking at Ratau, his expression unreadable.

 She wasn’t sure she liked not knowing what was going to be spoken between the two of them… But she felt like she would eventually get to learn it regardless.

 With a pained groan the door opened yet again, and with a last look towards the rat and the cat she closed the door.