Eventually, the commander decided waiting things out wouldn’t help, and guided Julia; still reeling from her hysterical laughter through the streets. Her health improved in little hiccups and starts that bubbled in time with her laughter. Despite the disapproving looks, Julia drew from others, that kind of attention did nothing to calm her. It wasn''t till the twitching ears of a Catfolk drew her eyes that she steadied herself. Their poise and smoothness of motion were beguiling, and their grace made her wonder at their training.
Well, curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back.
Analysis
[Name: Jai’lee
Race: Basteti (Blessed children of Bastet)
Class: Ranger / Assassin
Level: 12 / 2
Age: 19
Health: 248
Mana: 72
Defence: 43
Melee Attack Power: 39
Ranged Attack Power: 48
Mana: Darkness, Life, Plant, Death
Details: Legends say Bastet created this species to serve in her Temples as guardians and greeters. They’ve long since expanded beyond their initial purpose. Though they are most often in their communities, they mingle well with humans of most good faiths. Individualistic by nature, they still work towards what is best for their communities.]
Unlike the shops in the outer district, the Silver Chalice sign was artistically crafted, rather than an afterthought. Blue crystals embedded in its top gleamed and drew one''s gaze up to the large silver chalice nestled in its centre. The establishment set a strong, almost dependable presence on the street. The gap between each course of stonework barely discernable, with carving along every corner of the building. Their decorative beauty seemed to frame the care that had gone into its construction.
The commander held the door to the Inn open for Julia, then followed her into its common room. Within, the staff bustled about delivering orders, or setting up tables for future use. A tall, striking lady took in their entry at a glance and without a word passed off her tray as she came to meet them. She wove her way through the room, without a pause in picking her path. Her blondish hair was pulled back in a practical braid, yet her swaying fringe drew attention to her silvered gaze. While Julia knew logically, it was just genetics; it didn''t lessen her gaze''s impact.
“Good Afternoon Captain Torm. Would you like a table upstairs or down here?”
“A private room please, Ylva. High Justice Verdandi will join us shortly. Also, please ask Talisha to hold a guest room this evening.”
“Very well. Will a small or large private room be required?” Ylva asked, giving a smile to Torm that warmed her eyes. Despite a business-like tone, her eyes flickered over his chest and arms, rather than meeting his gaze.
“Large, please.” Julia said, “I don''t wish to feel crowded.”
Ylva looked at Torm for confirmation before nodding and led them towards the base of the stairs that led up. Following her, Julia could see a swaying braid that nearly reached her lower back. Her clothes flattered her but didn''t seem shaped to force her contours. It surprised Julia when Torm moved to walk ahead of her, even more so since his stature made getting up the stairs awkward. The staircase looked to have been built to handle large individuals; Torm''s height exceeded its allowances.
A gesture of trust, perhaps? He can''t move smoothly in these confines, yet he''s allowing me at his back. Or is he positioning to protect Ylva, in case I''m faking?
((In either case, he''s putting someone else first.))
“Tight passageways don’t worry you?” Julia asked as she watched Torm finally reach the top of the stairs and step out into an upper dining area.
You’ll start giggling again. Torm seems as oblivious to your terrible lines, as he is of Ylva ogling him.
“Not particularly.”
“We only have the one larger room remaining, all the others are reserved this evening,” Ylva explained after Julia had joined them on the upper level. Guiding them into a corridor, she passed several doors before halting at one beautifully engraved with a wilderness scene. The artwork carved to make the door appear as a gap between two trees, leading the guests into wild woodland.
“Wow, it goes deep.”
Stop it. Dad would be giving you the stink eye young lady.
“Size does matter for some things. Can I get you anything while you wait for the High Justice?” Ylva asked as she moved away from the door. Yet as Torm started moving, Ylva slowed and almost caused Torm to brush against her; Julia had to bite her lip at the feminine battle tactics. Looking at Ylva, she glanced at her before rolling her eyes at Torm’s back.
“Two meads, if you would. Any ?ldur brew would be welcome.” Torm stated, speaking before Julia had a chance.
“Never had one before. Okay. I’m sure Ylva will pick out a nice something for you.” Julia said, nodding to Ylva, as she mouth ‘men’ silently to her. Glad when the server’s lips twitched in response, and the set of her shoulders relaxed as the smile ghosted on her lips.
Well, she could have gotten pissy at me, but in this case, ladies united, point for me. Plus, I might avoid extra treats in the mead.
There was plenty of space within, even with all the furnishings present. An ornately carved dark wood table, with ten matching chairs, stood in the middle, its exquisite craftsmanship dominating the room. Its maker''s care showed in its tiny details that she could see so clearly; the deer''s antlers, the hunters, and their hounds. They looked so lifelike as they endlessly chased after their quarry, confined to their hunt for all their existence. Soft white light glowing from crystals in the ceiling and late afternoon sunlight mingled to illuminate the room.
The owner had set small cupboards along the room''s edges; each displaying engravings of beautiful wilderness scenes. On top of each sat objects for dining; utensils, chalices, decanters, ornate plates, all appearing decorative yet practical. The polished silver of each item gleamed with an unmarred mirror finish.
“I’ll be back shortly with your drinks.” Ylva closed the door with a soft click, and the sound of any footsteps away didn''t make it past the room’s door.
“Since this will initially be a ‘hearing’, please sit at that end of the table. The High Justice will sit at the other. After she concludes the formalities, we might talk in a more relaxed fashion.”
Freeing his still sheathed sword from his belt, Torm moved around the table. He set it down to divide the table almost exactly in two, before taking the chair closest to the hilt. His posture still properly alert, he appeared ready for a wait and gestured again at ''her'' seat.
“So Captain Torm, why do I rank an officer escort?” Julia asked her amusement at his name, giving zest to her tone.
“The ranks are a new thing. They help maintain clarity between the remaining legionaries and our troops, Jarl or Temple alike. As for why, I’m sure that is obvious given your situation. If not myself, then you would have warranted a Justice to assist.”
In for a penny, in for a pound.
Walking to her ‘assigned’ spot, Julia ran her fingers over its mirrored polish before sitting down. Hands in her lap, she amused herself by folding them demurely and enjoyed the luxury of breaths untainted by any miasma. Letting her fingers flex in time with her breathing as she savoured the mundane scents in the air. The mild odour of beeswax, fur, the mix of various woods, all seemed so normal. While they might not have been her version of the routine, the scents still grounded her.
Ylva returned with their meads and glided quietly about the room. Setting Torm’s cup in place first, she gave him a smile that glowed unnoticed, before setting Julia''s to her right. Julia nodded her thanks but continued to meditate as her body finished its healing. Needing the internal peace to steady her nerves, she waited in silence with the Captain.
The afternoon sun had started to fade before the door opened again. Ylva held the door open to allow an armoured lady to enter the room. Clad in a chain hauberk similar to Torm’s, over it she wore an official-looking pseudo-tabard, emblazoned with the symbol from the Temple''s door. When Torm rose from his seat at her entrance, Julia followed his lead and respectfully bowed her head.
When she raised her eyes, Julia saw Verdandi hadn’t moved from the doorway but instead seemed to be patiently assessing her. Slate grey hair, and dark green eyes that felt as if they were shifting through every aspect of her existence. The lines on her face etched out a map of experience, yet didn''t come close to the wisdom in her eyes. Despite this, Verdandi''s posture wasn’t bent, nor was there any sign of old age''s frailness. To Julia''s Mana Sense, golden scripts filled the air about her, layered far thicker than Aquila’s protections had been.
“Ylva, I’ll have one of those as well please,” Verdandi stated, before closing the door with a click and walking with steady strides to the head of the table. She placed a thin leather journal and her gauntlets on the table with careful precision before she sat. Telepathy received nothing from her, but a sense of energy shielding her awareness slid the Power from Verdandi''s mind.
“Torm, the child looks clear of corruption, as you had stated. I also see strange energy present in the Soul and the bond. While I’ve not seen it before, I sense only calm, so I’ll not weigh it against this ‘hearing’ situation. Once Ylva returns since you are new to this region. I’ll cover the process for these proceedings.”
The three of them waited for Ylva’s return in silence, Verdandi giving Torm a look when he went to speak, returning to the room a deepening quiet. Ylva paused upon entering, a slight widening of eyes her only reaction. Without a word, she placed the cup by Verdandi’s side before exiting quickly.
Verdandi opened her journal and momentarily held a metal dowel a forearm’s length above it. Julia smiled as it spun in the air when she let it go.
Not quite a quill pen.
“During this ‘hearing’, for the murder of a child, I’ll first ask some general questions, then for an account of your actions relative to this situation. After which I’ll ask you additional questions, to which I’ll expect only clear, concise answers. Is this understood?” Verdandi asked.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
“Yes, High Justice,” Julia said, having caught the requirement for concise before she opened her mouth. Her eyes shifted from the neat ‘gadget’ towards the High Justice as she replied.
“The enchantment it carries is both used to record this session and ensure no one can scry on us without great effort. Even if someone physically entered this room uninvited, they could not hear our words. First, for the record your ‘Use’ name or name you agree to be called during this ‘hearing’.”
“J or Julia,” Julia said her name and heard the words come out in Abyssal.
((Trust her. They are worthy.))
{{Do not.}}
((Have hope.))
Emotions coiled around inside her unexpectedly pushing aside nerves. Suspicion and hope dug into her as she flicked a glance at Torm. Julia activated Soul Sight again and took comfort in the blazing energy from the Celestial. A fine cord of golden light trail trailed between him and Verdandi. The Power made it clear it wasn''t a bond of servitude but a mark of their alliance. After all the horrors the Power had shown her in the Abyss, the cleanness in Verdandi''s Soul was surprising. A weight of life and judgement had left its mark upon her, but a core of will inside her remained focused on service of Justice, not simply the Law.
“Please provide the name of the child whose Soul I see bound to you. Also, any specific information you know of her.”
“Livia, former Novice to Aquila, High Priest of Janus,” Julia answered, keeping to the facts she knew.
“Is Aquila still alive?”
“Yes, to my knowledge, he is some distance towards the dawn from here.”
“Provide the circumstance known to you of the child’s murder.”
“Wajet of the Ten Kingdoms sacrificed her. He was the Summoner who called me from the Abyss. I was unaware.” Verdandi interrupted Julia with a curt motion of her hand.
“Only answer with information directly related to the questions I ask. You will have opportunities to expand on answers if still required after you recount the circumstances. Now, how long have you been out of the Abyss?”
“I believe close to two days. I don’t know the time of the summoning, but today was the second dawn I’ve seen.”
“As best you can recount in chronicle order, what occurred, from the time of your arrival till my entry to this room.”
Taking it from the point of being aware of Wajet’s summoning notification; she carefully took her time recounting events in order. Verdandi didn’t interrupt, merely listened and occasionally sipped as she watched the marks appear on the pages of the Journal. Whenever it reached the end of a page, the journal shifted to a blank page, and the scribing device would continue onwards, until she finally arrived at the meeting with Verdandi.
“Both Aquila and yourself put the child’s Soul at risk. However, Aquila’s failure to protect her led to her death. Her bond to you did not occur with any advance knowledge or desire on your part. However, you put your pride and own dislike of him ahead of the child''s safety. Also, despite your ‘peace offering’, you baited him a few times, which was clear from your own words.” Verdandi stated after Julia had completed her account.
“YET your words match what the scribe object’s recorded, so you have spoken the truth, not just facts. You owned up to being in part in the wrong. Curious, given you appear to be a Lesser Succubus and sworn to the Sisterhood of Blood. Demonic Assassins aren’t normally so forthcoming, nor show a willingness to surrender their prizes. No Demon I know of would bother to admit wrongdoing, especially not one of Pride. Explain how you are in the Order so young.”
“I triggered an alarm ward for Blood Monks not in their order when I entered a city. The Lady of the Order used this creature of metal that let her discover my ‘True Name’. She then forced me into swearing their Oaths.”
“The pouch from the Priestess. You said there was something in there besides valuables?” Verdandi asked, taking back control of the interview even as Torm looked ready to pursue his own questions. When she interrupted, he just nodded in apology to her and went back to listening.
“There is an Altar of Set, with a body chained to it. The remains aren’t mortal; they’re Celestial. I think their essence might still be in the remains.”
“Do you seek to use them as a bargaining piece?” Verdandi asked, her focus still intent on Julia. She raised a hand to intercept another interruption from Torm.
“No, they need to go home. No one''s body should be an object for trade. I need to help Livia. Is it possible to restore someone to life?”
“Yes,” Torm stated, his eyes looking as if they were following a movement to Julia’s left.
“Torm, if you speak again before I conclude, I must ask another to attend instead. I should not have to remind you. You are the Witness in this ‘hearing’, not the Justice. I allowed the earlier question as it was information the ‘hearing’ needed.” Verdandi said, lacing her fingers in front of her on the table, for once not looking immediately ready to leap into battle.
“J, I will remind you that during this ‘hearing’. I ask the questions! Your role is to answer. Not the other way around! I’m here for a determination of justice not to aid your curiosity. “
“You asked for Justice for the murdered girl when you approached the Temple. The murderer is already dead. Is there someone else not in your account in the mortal realms involved?”
“No,” Julia stated, knowing Tras''laqì didn''t count, but she''d look to ''reward'' him properly for his games.
“Then please explain what you meant.” Verdandi insisted.
“She shouldn’t have died, I''ve felt her life. She was a happy and kind child. Her Master who she was supposed to be able to trust let her down and didn''t even try to keep her safe. I was hoping someone might have magic to restore her life. Wouldn’t, I mean, I thought there would be Justice in that occurring.”
Verdandi looked at her as if puzzled for a moment, then shook her head.
“You sound like an idealist young Succubus. Which is something I never thought to say to one of your kind. Yet again, the scribe’s record matches your words, so you speak the truth you feel. It IS possible to restore the dead to life. It is far easier if their remains are present and relatively whole for the blessing. Easier in either circumstance if their Soul is still present. However, such blessings are normally reserved for members of one’s faith or those who have aided the faithful.”
“Oh,” Julia said, feeling crushed that she hadn’t just endured Aquila’s shit.
Maybe he could have. Damn, Damn, fuck, I screwed up. Sorry, Livia.
Her emotions felt twisted in knots, yet none of the physical reactions she felt matched. It made her feel so strangely out of place inside her skin. Wanting to cry, yet eyes dry of tears, her throat clear instead of tightening with her emotions.
“As I said, Normally. What would you give if I undertook the effort to restore Livia''s life?” Verdandi asked.
“Whatever I could. I can’t say anything because of the Oath as that would be a lie. I have things that I can’t do or they could prevent me from doing. But whatever I could. I think I''ve got most of the Priestess valuables. Gems, various unidentified items, jewelled and fancy stuff, other valuables in the Pouch. I''d help. I agreed to let my name be provided to the summoner, and they killed her to enact it. Whatever I can do. Please, she’s just a child.”
“Again, you tell the truth. Every blessing I prepared confirms you match a Lesser Succubus. Your aura. Your energies. The Sigil of the Sisterhood, in the aura of one who is too weak for them even to consider administrating their trials. Let alone to take their Oaths. Yet you have a pillar of will, one that should be impossible for a lesser being of Lust to possess. So I ask this, what are you? To be one that cares for the fate of this child. That you have not even met in the flesh? What are you?” Verdandi’s tone wasn’t asking as she finished; instead, it demanded.
((Hope. Trust. Have hope.))
{{Out. Run}}
((Have hope, Julia and believe.))
Julia took a deep breath as she felt her nerves jumbling all over the place inside her—breathing out she set her fear aside.
Leap of faith.
She needed someone to know before she completely lost herself. She needed to trust someone and to help Livia. Torm had walked beside her instead of just stood guard. He’d treated her with caution, but also seemed ready to listen. Verdandi carried the same vibe, even now, with all her intensity.
“Julia Amanda Duncan Earnst,” Julia said, having to focus on using her English name, each word wanting to slip into an uncontrolled mess.
“That was not a demonic tongue. The runes recorded by the scribe appear as if almost Latin,” Verdandi said. Her words each echoed with a weight of contemplation.
“I could hear the effort it took you to speak that name. Is that your ‘True Name’?” Verdandi asked.
“No.”
“What is its relevance then?”
“That is the name my Human parents gave me before a curse sent me to the Abyss as a Hidden Soul,” Julia said.
Verdandi looked at Julia, and after flickering a glance between Torm and the words recorded, looked almost as if she was uncertain how to proceed.
“Would you tell us your ‘true name’ for the child’s life?” asked Verdandi, her expression flatly neutral as she spoke.
“Yes.”
“You didn’t even hesitate,” Verdandi said, leaning forward as the intensity of her gaze locked on Julia’s own.
“She’s a child,” Julia said, her tone firm as if it explained everything that mattered."My choices got her killed getting to the material plane."
“Again, one you don’t know,” insisted Verdandi.
"I don''t know you but you''re a servant of a God of Justice. He''s a Celestial—all shining light—yet didn''t act against me without cause. You know what I appear to be, but you''re at least listening to me with an open mind," Julia said and took an unneeded breath to steady herself before she continued. "Livia deserved protection, yet she died afraid. Knowing they hadn’t protected her, she was betrayed like my friend Andre—who her own father abused. Livia''s father traded her off to an apprenticeship for consideration by her new Master''s Church, and he didn''t even fight for her. They told them they ‘were’ damned. They were the ones damned. Not Livia, and certainly not Andre, the arseholes lied to them. I’ve seen things in Livia’s Soul, she’s good. She deserves the chance that I don’t have anymore. Please! Just help her. I’ll go right back to the Abyss. I’ll give you my ‘True name’. Whatever I can.”
“The Book of that Knowledge Demon?” asked Verdandi.
“Yes,” asserted Julia.
“You’d be in trouble. Would you not?” interrogated Verdandi, her stern gaze unwavering on Julia.
“She should have a chance,” rebutted Julia.
“What will they do to you if you break that deal?”
“I’m sure they’ll make me regret even being a twinkle in my father’s eye,” quipped Julia, holding back a shudder at the torment to come.
“That isn’t a saying I’ve heard before, yet I believe I understand.”
A gossamer touch brushed Julia’s cheek as if for attention, and she turned to look. When the pair weren’t in the line of sight, she activated Soul Sight. Livia’s face pressed against her own and a cascade of little kisses brushed her cheek like a butterfly’s wings. Snorting in amusement, Julia raised her fingers and traced down the outline of Livia’s face. Fingertips tingled as they brushed against the child''s Soul.
“Okay, little one I’ll calm down. I’m glad I allowed only positive emotions through our bond. You don’t need my mess raining on your parade.”
Taking a deep breath, she had to allow her Ki Meditation to settle her down before she turned off Soul Sight and looked back at the High Justice.
“Just tell me how I can help you in return for Livia’s life,” insisted Julia.
“The child seems to care for you. You certainly seem to care in your response to her affection. Wajet pursued a course of evil. You prevented him from doing so. He died by your hand while you were bound to his victim. There was no prior knowledge on your part that any death would occur, no matter the guilt you feel now. Her death served no purpose but to show his vileness. Julia, you have nothing to answer for there, there is no weregild owed by you to her. Her killer is dead; Justice is satisfied. I conclude this ‘hearing’ in the name of Tyr.”
Verdandi reached out and touched the metal dowel, yet left it hanging in the air as she closed the journal underneath it.
“The enchantment that prevents anyone from overhearing is still active. There are things one should not scribe in trial journals. Like any information on a certain Sisterhood, Torm,” Verdandi said, her tone scolding before she calmed and continued.
“You have Telepathy and believe you could send images into the mind of the Ranger Ari. I''ll ask Yngvarr to assist and see if we can recover Livia’s remains from the Summoner’s location. With your memory of the summoning chamber, I know he’ll be able to travel there without a problem.” From somewhere she retrieved another journal and set it on the table, an inkpot and quill quickly followed. She was opening the inkpot when she stopped and looked up, smiling at Torm.
“Torm, you can play scribe since you wanted to be the sitting Justice.” She stated, before securing the inkpot and sliding the items across the table towards him.
“We have some planning to do, to make the best use of limited time. Restoring Livia, investigating those remains, discussing your curse, and the damned Souls you currently hold inside you. Though since they are Slavers, I’m inclined to let them stay with you. Though I’m not fully sure what to make of this Profile, you spoke of earlier.”
“Can’t other people see their skills and powers listing?” asked Julia.
“What in the All-Father’s name gave you that idea? Importantly, you mentioned the remains of a Celestial,” Verdandi enquired, changing the subject.
"It''s bound to an Altar in the Priestess''s Pouch," replied Julia, unsure what to make of her Profile now.
Torm cleared his throat and looked at the darkness that had gathered outside. “High Justice, perhaps we should order a meal for you. We could be here a while. It seems the mysteries of today go far deeper than the strangeness of a Succubus wandering into the Temple square.”
"In a moment, I''ve another question. Your speech was very passionate about the child, and why you''d share your True Name, but I believe there was something more behind your willingness. I would know the rest of your reasoning."
The memory of waking on the blood-soaked grass struck at her. A shudder of fear shook her but Julia nodded and admitted the rest that had weighed at her. "If I ever truly lost myself, I''d want someone to have the ability to lock me up and throw away the key, rather than leave me free to harm innocents."
“We do not chain those who''ve not committed crimes, nor do we plan for it in advance. Torm, use the service bell behind you please; we’ll all order. We don’t want to let prying minds wonder. They’ll be gossiping enough,” instructed Verdandi.