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 Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 3:23 pm
The convenience about a high class portal spell was that it could literally let the conjurer lead anyone anywhere they so desired. The problem with this was the shock and often dismay: portals were also simple traps in disguise.
When Aisa stepped through the portal, expecting the gates of Amityville, she would find instead, that she was in the very heart a place more familiar than the school had ever been. Her home.
They were standing in a large open circular pantheon made entirely out of cold marble. Above was a skylight detailing infinite black slab cliffs, cliffs that extended past the sky like impenetrable walls. Everything was always muted, dark, with just the minimal touches of any source of light. Everything was formal, but simply so, cold and silent like the priestesses that helped dictate the clan.
The clan of Death had very specific, distinct, roles. Most of the clan of Death worked, they fought for Death, they built, created shrines, resting grounds, sanctuaries, and most of all, they were the messengers to the outside world. There were however, a handful that never left the walls, the established sanctuaries within: the priestesses. These were the elevated beings, honoured oracles, who stepped through the masses and existed only as entities. They were the ones who gave blessings to the souls, who gave blessings to justify death, and spoke of the simple path of Death. The order of priestesses populated the main temple of the clan. Their words were absolute, except to one.
He stood there now, next to a Priestess, still favouring the broken watch. With another click, he finally beckoned Aisa, it was a request to follow. They walked in silence, not unusual by far, until they reached the innermost quarters of the pantheon, a small section of the main temple. This was considered part of his personal quarters, but even then, everything was dark, drab, basic. Essential.
A large pyre awaited them in the center of the room, and around it, exactly three iron seats. He took the tallest of them, and the priestess beside him the most ornate.
"You may begin chronicling." He gave a single nod to the cloaked figure.
Aisa should easily have recognized this exact priestess, Medea, the head priestess and his right hand. She followed him everywhere in the temple, a shadow, entirely silent, speaking only when it was the time for ritual. A priestess that had been with Death since further than the Heir herself could remember.
"Centuries ago, I found a small child, one who was not chosen to the order, but still throughout the years, became invaluable. Now, I ask this child, who is no longer Aisa but also the Heir of Death, the one who will stand during rituals and walk among the human world at the same time, is she still ready to continue down this path of no return?"
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 4:35 pm
That voice. That sound of the watch, locking and unlocking, in Death's skeleton hands .. It was a sound, no matter how subtle, engraved into Aisa's very being. There was only one thing in the world, sweeter than all Aisa could imagined combined, that had the chilling ability to send shivers and pleasure down to the last fiber of her being. Even the culmination of her relationship to her siblings could not stir the almost warming feeling she felt in her cold body. Although, the three she termed siblings, came peculiarly close in a much different capacity. But this pleasure was rare, seldom and almost dwindled to a nonexistent state, when Aisa had left the hunter island.
As she stepped through the portal, her senses were assaulted by a universal torrent feeling. It was the feeling of being where she knew herself best and where she inevitably belonged in this scattered world.
One of the greatest gifts that Death could give her was a chance to return home. Although, to be complimented by him, was no simple matter either. But it had been far too long since she had been home. There would be nothing in existence that would come close to the barriers that surrounded the sheer elegance of the clan of Death. Aisa followed his footsteps briskly, with an almost exacting precision to step where he stepped. That was how it should be.
Yet..
The weight of this feeling, this experience .. It was a cruel one. Saturated with both a familiarity and foreignness that she could no longer deny. Her armored boots made no sound in the midst of the crackling embers, silenced in the presence of her leader. His quarters .. Even Medea was a comforting sight. The next iron seat was to be occupied by her. Her legs folded in her chair, her partially uncovered back meeting the cold iron slab.
Death's words was laced with a shattering necessity, scattering the remaining insanity into the locked niches of her mind. While her body and mind still fell prey to the insanity, her heart did not. Her chin tipped low, her hand rested on her armored chest, where the oath was made in the depths of her soul.
"There is no greater desire in my being."
How could Aisa be unprepared for the very existence that had created and crafted her? A child who had been meticulously wrapped with the red strands of Moirae's spinning wheels. As a priestess of Death, there would only be certainty in that fate.
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 5:16 pm
"Very good, very good, you are my heir, I would expect no less from you, my dear Aisa." It was the way that he talked, a combination of both formal and often personal that betrayed how much power he had over his domain. Everyone else was reduced to rituals, to a somber stillness and quiet custom except for Death himself. Even Medea was as silent as a shadow, simply waiting for him to speak further.
"It should come as no surprise to you then, that we are a system. We process the souls given to us to provide, and in return provide to others. As long as that structure remains, we can continue of course, as we are, and have been for centuries." They held up on thin, skeletal hand. "We do not like change, Aisa, trusting in new ideas and rituals will only create greater turmoil. The other clans speak of a gathering of abrupt change, yet this will greatly up-heave the natural balance of death. I'm afraid if you wish to continue being my Heir, you will have to delve into the larger scope of current events."
He folded his hands back on his lap. "What it means Aisa, is you will work for us, not Halloween, not the other Clans, and I cannot guarantee it will not lead to the betrayal of any new friends you have made. If you wish to walk guilt free, your freedom is, for you, still an option."
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 9:19 pm
The way he intermingled formalities and personal whimsicality, was one of the attractive and charismatic points of Death. But when he talked, you did not speak out of turn. You did not disrupt his rituals. It only took once of consequence to learn that lesson for eternity. Her elbows rested on her knees as she leaned forward to listen, one leg slightly hiked up.
His odd presentation at the Spectator's booth was no clear, his avoidance for a discussion in front of the other clan members. It had merely been glossed over, the curious eyes Death had referred to .. Aisa, at the time, in her ignorant bliss, had taken it to mean the eyes of Amityville. But it now dawned on her, it was the eyes of the other clans he sought to shield from. The eyes of Conquest, War and Famine.
Death's final question gave her a slight pause of hesitance, although Aisa's expression remained unchanging like the stone. But it was those uncountable years, combined with their recent time at Amityville that created that pause. Even those it was excusable, it was unforgivable for Aisa, the heir of Death.
She would not falter.
"I ask for your forgiveness in my irresolute manner just now. But I am your heir, Death. I have never belonged to Halloween or the other horsemen entities."
Thoughts ran through her mind as she spoke. While her relationship to the school was amicable at best, loyalty had not factored into their relationship. Even if it had, Aisa would have broken it in a heartbeat, if Death asked it so. However, the rest of the moment of pause had been for her siblings. Yet, the decision she made now, would very well overturn and rebel on that word itself. But she made no promises or words with their affiliated clans, only with the heir themselves. Their relationship had called for loyalty, comfort, humor, reliance and everything else bundled in what Death aptly termed as friends. It was partially a pity, that only now, she realized it was indeed a friendship.
But that friendship did not call for her allegiance. Her resolution and obedience. Friendships was not what Death wanted. To upset the balance of souls, a feat that would take an unknown amount of centuries to resolve .. It might almost be irrevocable. It was unforgivable, for the other clans to move forward like so. Especially if it called for Death to take such drastic countermeasures.
At best, Aisa could only hope that their relationships were able to withstand her next words. But Aisa did not hope.
"Your consideration humbles me. But there has never been and there will never be a greater desire than to be your heir. I do not desire freedom and I most certainly do not desire to extricate myself to remain guiltless." She folded her hands on her laps in a similar but docile manner. Her words were carefully selected, forcing herself not to speak out of the bounds and principles that surrounded them. "There are no principles in Death to guide us along the path of right and wrong.. But there are rules to preserve the delicate balance you have carved. In that sense, you are far too considerate of me. There is no such thing as betrayal as we lack such .. formalities."
Such formalities did not factor into the larger image.
"I am yours to wield."
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 10:43 pm
There was a light, dry chuckle from the Four Clans leader known as Death. "Loyal to the very end, so be it. I will share with you our personal plans then, as I never doubted your unwavering loyalty a single bit, not since the beginning, nor how long you have waited for me. Our clan has decided we will take no action, neither for nor against. Now this will be extremely difficult to establish if I were around, which is why, starting tomorrow, I will no longer be here."
A poignant pause, Death readjusted themselves so they were more comfortable. "It's a matter of the other clan's reliance towards me, and all that I have provided for them in return. Thus I think the simplest solution is, when they turn towards me, that I am, and will continue to be, of course, missing. Gone. A little vacation really. Don't worry too much about the little details, Medea has always done the work, enough work for the clans and for our clan during my long absences, but you, Aisa, when they call for a leader of our clan at last, will be the scapegoat. Thus, she will run the work and you will be my representative figurehead. They dare not question the priestesses, nor interrupt our rituals, and of course, you, being only the Heir, cannot be appointed official ruler unless the high priestess wishes it so. It is a little abrupt yes, and a pity it had to be this way, but sometimes, avoidance is key."
Death leaned backwards on his chair at last, seemingly a little more at ease now that the instructions were over it. "I am old, little Aisa, I do not think we win by fancy light and magic shows. You are less my sword but simply my shield. Do as Medea says in my absence, and everything will go by smoothly. Painlessly."
He didn't say anything else, but it was clear he was waiting for questions. Everything did seem rather abrupt, especially considering the gravity of their choice.
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Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 2:00 pm
His implicated trust in her, as well-deserved as it was, was like the time he had given her the flowers that adorned her hair. A burst of pride that brought a ghost of a smile forth. He knew her as well as she did, if not more. She had no doubt that there were crevices in her soul she knew nothing about and he, everything.
Her surprise regarding Death's plan was evident, her eyebrows raising to her hairline. The plan was shockingly simple but effective in it's startling artlessness. Her entire body lowered, in thought, as Death designated her role in this extensive plan. Or course, the system would be forced to be adjusted accordingly without his presence but essentially .. the process of souls and rituals was a monotonous one that could survive his absence.
She would be what Death wanted her to be. Even if that meant as a scapegoat.
As an heir, it certainly wasn't a position that was new to her. But in a heavy situation as this, it called for more intriguing dynamics. As his shield, she would follow Medea's instructions and proceed. Yet .. once called out, could she proceed as smoothly as Death stated? Her eyebrows creased inwards, unfolding her long legs.
"Death .. I'm concerned about ...my role." She had no questions regarding the explanation to the other clans about his absence or where he was going. She would prefer his location to be left to only Media, as she was immensely thorough when it came to everything concerning Death. In the worst case scenario, Aisa's inability to speak on Death's location was best. She did not even ask for the other clan's plans, that decreed this solution. Explanations would come in time. But the next words were difficult to say to her clan leader herself, admitting her own disability.
".. We heirs have altered since you and I have last met. More runs throughout blood than the blood and flesh we have been given. Insanity bleeds through our actions." A finger brushed along the horizontal bone in her arm, lowering her chin.
"I cannot, with certainty, assure you of my demeanor as you may recall from the past."
When she had been free of interactions with hunters and safe within the walls of their pantheon.
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Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 2:54 pm
"And that is why you, my dear Heir, are perfect for the role." It was almost as if Death had been waiting for this answer. "All the other clans leaders know this too: their precious heirs, each of them, strained with a mild affliction, really, but absence often makes the heart grow colder, as does and inability to comprehend. The other leaders do indeed doubt their choices, the are reconsidering Heirs, but me, why, I have never doubted you for a second."
Medea as well said nothing, simply watching behind her hood, as always.
"I believe, without a doubt, you will fit your role perfectly," there was suddenly an odd ticking noise as Death looked at their pocket watch. The single hand on it was moving again at a slow, steady pace. "I'm afraid that's all the time we have for today, sadly, but I would not worry, Aisa, too much. As long as you can keep silent, all will be saved. Your only betrayal will be your choice to say nothing on this matter when they ask you, both simple, and complex."
He was already standing as he spoke, tucking the watch into the folds of his clothing, as the head priestess also followed lead. "Good luck then, I am sorry we didn't have much time to discuss things, I'm afraid I do have other peers that keep me on schedule a lot more than I'd like. Until it is over, Aisa."
There were no theatrics as Death simply vanished.
Medea bowed low, "My mistress, this humble messenger is at your service. I understand your heart may no longer be fully with the clan, despite his words. If anything troubles your mind, you only need to speak so to me."
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Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2012 12:41 pm
Never before, had Aisa thought that Death would accept her flaws so openly, regarding it as perfected tool to his plans. Insanity had always been a double-edged sword for her, as she could barely remember a time without it. It seeped into her memories, warping and distorting. But what overpowered the returning insanity was an overwhelming realization. No matter what path she went down, Death would not doubt her. A sense of disappointment ebbed, as Death prepared to take his leave.
But that was how it was, the hands of time moved and decreed their duties. Contrary to philosophies and varied views, the hands of the clock still moved for the clan of Death. Even if it occasionally stopped. No elaborate goodbyes, it was simply a silence left behind after Death.
"Medea .. I will be counting on your continued wisdom and teachings to guide myself." Aisa returned the bow, her voice brimming with a fondness and reverence that was given to no other. Of course, Death had a special place in Aisa's heart. As did Medea, in a similar but differentiated capacity. To Aisa, who had been a priestess before earning the title of heir, Medea would always be the head priestess. Even now.
Medea was the closest Aisa considered to be, an older sister of sorts. But in the bare-boned and solemn rituals of Death, their relationship wasn't a sentimental maternal one.. It was not even like her siblings. But there was a fondness between Aisa and Medea, a discernible one. She was touched, a little surprised, at Medea's consideration.
"..You are correct, my heart seems to be quite scattered at the moment. Even if it is supposed to be an unbeating one." Her hand rested in her chest. "..I will depend on your sound advice to .. make sure my troubled state does not disrupt the plan. Do not allow my judgement to be carried by a sense of emotion or whimsical desire."
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Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2012 4:05 pm
"As long as the will of death guides us, we will continue to follow the endless path forward." Medea in turn, recited the closing lines of the passage, signifying both acceptance and a polite dismissal. "Steady your heart Aisa, the thousands of choices we make will still guide us to the same finale. All is ready and prepared, and as the Trials of War near to an end, it will be our time soon to preform the Trials of Death." She bowed her head. "It is regretful that both you and our master seeks the anchor of Halloween when they know so little about us and our ways. As head priestess of the clan of Death, I try my best to guide and teach them in the next clan trial. Hopefully then they will finally turn to us more openly as we do to them."
There was very little time to digest exactly what those last cryptic words meant. The bells chimed in the temple: it would be time for prayers from the clans soon. Medea nodded one more time. "The blessings of death are with you."
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