Abyssal Road Trip

Fury, vengeful, beautiful fiery rage filled her upon return.

Yet she woke me with jesting words of concern, scolding me rightfully from my slumber. But her words so teasing to me spoke strangely of concern. Her air that of a sister or lover scolding the most foolish of males within their company. Eyes lit by moonlight shone, so bright, so coldly furious, and confusion soared within me greater still.

A Demoness having words of admiration, and such personal like for a High Justice. What a mystery I have before me. The only caution in her words regarded Verdandi, learning of acts Eakcï had set herself to take before Setau was dead.

The venom laced hatred seeded every moment of sound from her lips as Eakcï spoke of Setau. Contempt seethed at what she’d found within his mind and Soul. The thought Eakcï could see such made me wonder what she had seen within me, besides my curse and parentage. Did she know before I admitted my anger at Setau? Indeed, this was more than a game. When together we plotted our vengeance against a God, and the Church which about him lay. I felt something seal within, far more profound than the pact we made. We needed information on our foes, and when she spoke of her intentions, I felt a new path stretched out before me. A course not of her choices but of mine to walk, I knew with certainty now lay within.

Night still lay upon us, and until sleep won again, I spoke of what I knew already. With every revelation, I saw her steel will set its shoulder to the wheel. The look near set me shuddering at what this night had wrought.

The dream slowly choked the life from me as I thrashed against its hold. Deep within, I knew it false but couldn’t get free. A cord wrapped about my throat killed my songs and dragged me back into vile darkness. Where the light would never shine and surely consume me whole. Breasts pressed me into the dirt as Succubi clawed my flesh and Soul so deep. Their black lips branding me with sickness through to the bone.

“Wake up, Moke,” said Eakcï, her sensual tones breathing peace within.

A warm hand on my shoulder chased them away as I felt concern touch through the Pact, and her steel presence drove them to begone.

“Did you have to interrupt? The beer maiden was just getting to the interesting parts.”

My voice strangely steady as I felt the dark air about me, though it’s a darkness that is speaking of dawn to come.

“I know I heard you moaning about it while you were humping the grass tuft,”

“Even nature loves me, and yet I only get a continued rejection from you,”

I matched her glib words with gleeful tones only through practice and a showman’s will.

The glibness of her words following me down the hill. Warm blankets had spilled. So I clung with the cloak tight against the chill.

It was a dream, a dream, just a dream.

Was that truth, and this but a dream? Why would Eakcï, a Succubus, rescue me? Why does her path lead this way?

Is she just after something? Is this merely but a game?

Tree shadowed me as I came forth again but beyond them stonework, mortal human stonework. I had travelled Norse lands before, and the closest building looked right.

“So lizard boy, don’t get all hissy with the guards,” said Eakcï. Her gaze was peering at me, concern clear in her so human eyes.

“I know how more civilised lizardfolk act,” I said, trying for affronted as my heart sang.

As the cloak Eakcï shaped started flapping about in the morning's wind, I could see the frown form so clearly. A growl of frustration singing from her lips as the wind played so fiercely with it. As her eyes caught how I’d held mine from reflex, Eakcï moved to compose herself.

“Seems like you got into a bit of a flap,”

“You want me to give a handy reply?” asked Eakcï, her voice delightfully soft in the morning air.

“At least you didn’t go for rhyming badly again,”

“You’re asking for that slap,” Eakcï said, soft brown eyes growing hard with a chill.

“Not normally my thing. Though if it’s foreplay, for you, I’ll make an exception,” I said, letting my eyes drink Eakcï's form in the growing light. Knowing that the leathers she wore were merely skin formed was teasing in the extreme. A memory of her groin against my hip and my hand unknowing on her truly bare leg coming clear to mind.

When she walked away, I quickly moved to gain ground and found a familiar moment as a hand tapped behind my hood.

She smacked me. Well. Whatever she’s said, Eakcï is nervous. Does she hide things under the cold?

Does that mean the colder she gets, the more care there is?

Was Eakcï scared at The Hollow? Is that why she was so cold?

Who is she?

“So your room or mine tonight? I hope this town has comfortable beds, large with room to roll,” I said. Too busy with my thoughts to block the words that had come.

“Shut up,” said Eakcï, her growling tone rich with embarrassment.

“I’m sure I can find something to keep my mouth busy with you,”

“You’ll have a set of knuckles in your mouth if you keep it up,” Eakcï said, embarrassment soaring clear.

My goodness, this can’t be. Surely not? How is Eakcï a Demoness of Lust?

She strode away, and the fixed offence in her shoulders matched the surety of her voice. The tone and act so like the bantering from female companions I had ventured with before adding lightness to my heart’s tone. Even as I laughed, dawn’s light bloomed within and without. An ungracious grunt stole from my lips as a summer’s sun shone within. A whisper of breeze brushed my fingertips, and the sensation felt as if across bare skin. Reflex lifted my hands to see as I heard Eakcï turn towards me.

Scales vanished from my palms under the sunlight. I closed my eyes, sure this must be a dream, and ran my fingers through the hair I felt renew beneath my touch. The aches and pains inside me have washed away, making me wonder if someone had purged the Pact. There was no sense of the weight of it pressing against me anymore. Even as I think of it, I know it is still there, yet so changed. Ice crystals glimmering in dawn’s pure light shine within my mind as I think upon my link with her.

This isn’t how things usually work, I’m sure. Shouldn’t I be feeling worse with a Pact? Not so much recovered. Did mother have something waiting for my return to the material plane?

“You look different now. Guess a horse kicked your face when you were young.” Eakcï said, voice light with feigned surprise and something more.

Why is she suddenly angry? Does she think she’ll have less of a hold since she didn’t break the curse? I’d still be in the Abyss.

My hands raised to clap against my face, feeling joyous as I played along.

“Oh, yes, very droll.”

Banter slipped so lightly as I strove to regain my sense of balance. Wonder spun concerns of dreams and back again till the wind intervened. Light blessed me with her beauty as the sky lightened further still. I was sure I’d know no human form fairer than the one I saw before me now. Yet it wasn’t just the flesh, but the energy that gleamed within, unheralded by the dawn’s light alone.

Her skin and eyes so draw the eyes, desire seeps from within.

“Eakcï, you need to let me talk to the guards,”

“What are you talking about?”

“You don’t do normal very well, Eakcï. I thought you were beautiful by moonlight, but now in the dawn’s light, your beauty seeks to steal my gaze.”

“Moke cut it with the joking,”

“This is not a jest. If I put you on a square’s stage, crowds would pay to admire your beauty, even dressed as you are,”

“I’ve been through the gates here before,” Eakcï said. The last word was fading from her lips when she pressed on.

What? How is that possible? Did you start a fight and slip by? I’m free! I have no wish to see a cell before lunch!

Anger set her shoulders under the cloak as Eakcï pulled the hood back in place. With her still having the purse, I could but play along. When we reached the gate guard, the wind of fate spoke. Their eyes widened even as Eakcï’s focus was on the board and chits. The wind having conspired to flip her hood away.

Words fairly flew unbid from my lips as I sought to quell the trouble screaming to overrun. When through the gates at last. True danger raised its gaze and blasted. Eyes chilled with winter’s fury, and pain upon lips set. I was sure my fate was met. Yet when all was done, it seemed fate I would outlast.

“Moke,” Eakcï said. An eerie calmness in her voice freezing against the air with the single utterance, “Let me make this quite clear to you. This is not funny to me.”

Pain. Such bone-deep sorrow. What is going on?

“Since it is not a jest you find tolerable, very well. You really are a mystery, Livia.” I said. Puzzled concern etching my words, wondering how I’d hurt this strange rescuer of mine. However, I ensured to use the name provided for the chit.

We’re through the gates. Shouldn’t a demon disregard the means employed to reach the goal?

Why is there so much hurt showing in the frost within her gaze?

That isn’t a desire to inflict pain. It’s the agony of dreams lost.

She couldn't be one fallen. There is no way I’d be able to bring her out with but words. However, my teachers were wrong about a Demon being unable to speak the name of a God of Light.

When Eakcï has moved past, head dipped in a bid for the wind to hold her hood. I looked down and saw her knuckles clear. Lines of stress as cloth showed squeezed far tighter than needed within her fists.

Is that an act? Why would she bother? Her words were low spoken and with such space about us.

Won’t anyone tell me what is going on!

Soaking in the third tub of clean water, I could but puzzle on my rescuer.

Hung clean clothes drew my gaze as their dyed fabric did truly amaze. My lips and throat now watered. Songs issued forth unslaughtered. Light shone, and I was keen to sing for days.

She told me to speak to Verdandi or Torm, so that’s what I’ll do.

I hope she didn’t have to spend too much. Even if the dye has run oddly, it still looks like a wondrous weave.

Dried and dressed, I emerged, at last, to find Eakcï with the magnificence of her beauty hooded. Yet, in her posture, I saw the question as I held my arms from my side to display the clothes she’d bought. Quickly pressed by the bath attendant for the price of their favourite song, the clothes looked colourful enough to make me weep.

“At least you’re clean,” Eakcï said, her tone dry, and I was glad to hear the amusement light under the simple words.

So I raised my arm to flex, and the hood's shadows played as her lips twitched.

I saw that amusement. Clean, honest amusement at harmless antics. How could a Demoness be any stranger?

“I look as cheerful as a summer dawn. The dye has run quite interestingly. Think dyers could do this intentionally?” I asked, hoping she’d tell me where she gained them.

Lady Bast my praise for how my life is blessed.

“Let us go,” said Eakcï, her tone suddenly flat.

She didn’t want me to like them? Why?

“Thank you, Selby. My apologies again for the foulness of my clothing. I hope you find someone to slay them properly. I’m sure those rags were gaining a life of their own with that foulness.” I said. Though I wished I could give an extra coin or three considering what she had to deal with, Eakcï still held tight to the purse.

“We’ll make sure they’re properly dead, Master Moke. Fortune favour your music,” Selby said as Eakcï slipped away.

I pursued Eakcï out the door and gave her a coy smile as the door closed.

“I’m more famous than I knew, had told none of them I’m a Bard.”

“Truly shocking,” Eakcï said, her words almost cutting as she led the way.

Did I offend?

“Silver coins used to get window food worth coppers. I’d suggest you learn what things are worth.”

“Care factor equals zero,” Eakcï said. Yet the roll, stuffed with hot filling, was handed across with care. A moment later, she gave the purse as well.

Such strange sayings from her lips.

“Like sellswords coins, those go out as fast as they come in,”

“He’s got a large family, figured he could use a hand,”

“You didn’t speak to them except to order. How do you know?”

“Told you I’d been here before. So I know he’s got a large family. I saw his wife escorting a bunch of children on the common months ago.”

“Are you sure the children were all hers?”

“The range of ages, the similarity of appearance. Oh, and yeah, they all called her mother. That really gave it away.” Eakcï said, her tone drier than a desert summer before falling silent.

How has Eakcï been in this town and not attracted attention?

“Very well. Though please let me get us through the inner gates,” I said, relaxing as she simply nodded.

She still led the way as I carefully ate the roll, not wanting to spill anything on my fine new clothes. Though I had thought to hold off breaking fast, my stomach’s rumbling had been earning side-eye from Eakcï.

With her wisely leaving dealing with the guards to me, we were quickly through the inner wards. The guard seeing the fine cloth I wear, my proper bearing, and perhaps the heavy purse speaking of wealth does not object. My heart lept into my mouth as we came into the Temple square, and without fail, every single guard fixed their gaze on Eakcï. Without even doing a thing except taking a step within the square, they were all staring at her!

Please don’t let a bolt of lightning turn us both to ash.

I’ve so many reasons for which to live.

Lady Bast, please protect me with your grace.

The last I kept from my lips simply because of standing next to a Demoness, carrying her strange Pact.

“My dear, you have got admirers here,” I said, slowing slightly to let her catch up to my side, which Eakcï did without the slightest hesitation.

“I’m not your dear Moke. But yes, it seems my looks bring all the boys to the yard.”

“They can’t see your face, and female guards are staring as well,”

“Whatever,” said Eakcï, pointing toward a building bearing Týr’s symbol by the gates, “that way.”

“I see,” I said, letting nervous energy from the dire gazes lighten my step.

Yet as Eakcï soon halted, I came to a sudden stop. And found her gaze fixated on a man doing some flowing dance, with a little girl following in his wake.

When the girl’s gaze landed on Eakcï, she was running towards us faster than a scared goat, looking to leave pursuit in its wake. My heart threatened to burst as Eakcï crouched to meet the rush, and all the guards seemed to take a step forward. The words of delight from the girl made no sense. Yet the guards eased down at the girl’s delighted babble even as the dance instructor drew near.

The child’s words continued to sprout and made my mind spin till Eakcï's introduction snapped me from my daze.

Wait, the girl called her Julia. Is that an alias she used last time? Should I use that not to confuse?

Maybe the other is a demon name, and she doesn’t want it known? How am I to know?

Surely a High Justice didn’t use a Demoness to kill evil men?

She made the pain stop? The same way she eased the blight’s ache?

“Of course. Livia, this is Moke. If he says something improper, let me know, and I’ll scold him,” Eakcï said, her words interrupting my whirling thoughts, the words being exchanged having slipped past my mind’s grasp.

“I would not speak of a child in that manner,” I said, trying to defend myself.

“The improper things don’t have to regard her Moke,” Eakcï said.

“Why does your clothing show the forms of people in coitus?” Livia asked as her eyes looked over my garb.

WHAT?

Looking down, I understood, at last, the shapes within the dye. A man’s body arched back as he drove himself deep within a woman from behind—another a lady straddling a man’s groin. The forms are skeletons, yet all delightfully posed.

How?

Oh, my goodness. Eakcï made them, even small clothes. Her form is all around me, wrapped around my flesh.

I’m inside her!

“Coitus?!” I said, the word escaping as my mind raced to make sense of another set of spots, and then more leapt forth.

I’ll have to try that one—the Lady’s leg up over the man’s shoulder. I would need someone flexible, or someones.

The teacher explained the word to my disbelief. I surely knew all the words for sex anyone needed to know. I can even ask in native Basteti, thank you very much.

“I know, but I never. Julia, you, oh, you didn’t. I have something from you wrapped all around me, oh my.”

No wonder the outfit's weave feels so pleasingly delightful. I’ll find nothing better than these clothes. What am I going to do? So little hope now of getting a second set. Maybe she’ll make another. Please, lady Bast, guide me to convince her to make a few.

The words between Julia and Livia quickly end. While the man and Julia talked, I must admit my mind wandered. My gaze is roaming over the shirt and pants, checking for the positions nearest crucial places.

Would those be her favourites?

When the dance instructor lashed out a fist at Julia, it startled my focus from my clothes, and I heard Livia whisper to me.

“I want to cheer for them both!”

The whisper made her excitement clear, and I wondered what fate my path had crossed.

She doesn’t look or sound Norse. Why is she cheering about a fight?

“How do you know Julia?” I said, keeping my words soft, not wanting to annoy either fighter.

“Hush, I'm trying to watch their techniques. She saved me. Silly, weren’t you listening when I told Master Farhad.”

“Why did you believe she was a dream?”

“I was dead. I followed Julia around while she killed the Slavers and rescued the villagers from the town where my old master got caught. Then she brought me here to get raised,”

How does a child follow when dead? Is this little one mad?

“Julia brought you here,” said I, managing at the last moment to change the words.

“Yeah, she got all upset trying to talk High Justice Verdandi into raising me,”

“She raised you from the dead at Julia's request?”

“That’s right. I’ve lived here since then, and the others asked Master Farhad to teach me,”

THE High Justice Verdandi raised a child from the dead at the request of a Succubus?

“The others,”

“Oh, you don’t need to know. Thank you very much,”

The complete door slammed in the face treatment. By what, a nine-year-old? Ten?

“Who is this asking you all the questions?” asked a hulking warrior. As he loomed close, a glance showed the symbol of Týr upon his garb in several places.

“Torm, this is Moke. I’m not sure who he is besides someone Julia likely rescued from trouble,” said Livia.

“How do you know I didn’t rescue her?”

“I know Julia. She’d bone you like a chicken if you were bad. For you to be here with her, you were likely in a lot of trouble. Especially considering why she couldn’t stay last time, she likely brought you from her home. You look all shiny and healed, with a..,”

“Livia,” said Torm, the word kind but firm, and the child shut her mouth mid-word, “we don’t know Moke do we.”

“Sorry Torm.”

“You’re all excited about her return, I know. I wish you had told me about Víðarr's words while she was still here. How do you know Julia?” Torm asked as the fighter’s gaze locked on me, like an eagle on its prey.

“My dear wife and I,”

“Wife?” asked Torm, the word carrying more heat than warmth, as his gaze seemed to burn in the morning light.

“Yes, we’re just on the honeymoon thing you Norse do. Julia gave me this wonderful present of all the positions she’s dying to try out,”

Julia isn’t the only one that doesn’t like jokes about marriage, and she changes names more often than I do.

“He didn’t even know what the skeletons were,” Livia said, interrupting me with highly accurate and unhelpful information.

“Yes, but now I know I’m sure she wants to try this one,” I say, ignoring the look of fire from Torm. With the emblem of Týr on him, I’m pretty sure I’m safe. So I point to a lady skeleton with her legs spread out in a wide V shape near my waist.

“It really would take full advantage of that flexibility she just showed. Her leg went straight up. Doesn’t that hurt a woman as well?” I asked.

“Master Farhad can do that as well. You should tell the truth,”

“How do you know I’m not? We’ve travelled so far all alone together. She’s even stripped me down to the skin. The warmth of her is such a delight. The heat of her around a man would inspire songs,”

“Moke, if you’ve compelled her to do anything. I will see you impaled,” said Torm. The anger is lacing through his voice, making my eyes widen.

She's subverted a guard of Týr.

“Don’t the Norse normally go for the chop style executions,” asked my mouth before I can gag it.

“I’ll ask for an exception. Do you warrant an execution?”

The question from this guard is fair a growl, the words resonate ominous and low.

“I don’t believe so.”

“Don’t kill him yet Uncle Torm. Julia brought him all this way. If he’s done something wrong, she’ll at least want to watch,” said Livia.

YET!

“I’ve not compelled her at all. I offered her employment, a chance to travel,”

“I know much about Julia if you brought her here and compelled her. I’ll see you dead,”

“No, I'm not into compulsion. I'm a famous Bard. Actually, the truth be told Julia is the one who hired me. Most recently, to collect information on the foulest of black hearts. I’m a key resource to her plan. Not that I needed much convincing. She rescued me from a dire plight indeed.”

“But she’s here now?” Torm asked.

“Anyway, didn’t you say before you were telling the truth? Why should we believe you now?” Livia asked, not taking her gaze from the fighting. The sound of bone breaking alone making my arm ache. Yet Julia doesn’t even flinch but gives ground through the trees, defending till she can use it again.

He can break the bones of a Demon with his bare hands. Who is this fellow? Does he want a song or five composed?

“She suggested coming here. I needed out of where I was, and Julia offered, well insisted she could help. No, I didn’t say I was telling the truth. I clearly remember asking, ‘How do you know I’m not?’ That was a question, not a statement. I’ve not heard of Master Farhad,”

“So you were lying before. Why should we trust you now?” asked Torm, his tone a raging fire.

Crud, who is this fellow?

“Captain Torm. He came in with her. If he’s causing trouble, should we take them both into custody?” a town guardsman asked, taking his eyes from the fighting to glare my way.

I really should be careful about what questions I ask. Lady Bast, if that was by your prompting to let me know how much trouble I was in here. I can only offer my most humble thanks.

Though was I distracting him? By Bast. How does she kick so high? I know that’s her skin. Couldn’t she wear something less concealing? Still, it’s so tight on her cause, well, it’s her skin. She was up against me, darn it. I should have gone for the hug she seemed unsure of giving.

“No, it's alright, I’ll monitor him. Though a Bard with a fast mouth should sing true.”

“I sing excellent songs. Would you like to hear some? Or a poem? But I’ve not heard of this Master Farhad,”

“That’s 'cause you’re likely an idiot,” Livia said, her statement so matter of fact, I feel on the receiving end of the punch Julia just blocked.

“What?”

“He’s famous. You’re just too blind or stupid to see who he is,” said Livia.

“You insulted her Master and lied about your involvement with Julia. I think you’re in deep trouble with Livia,” said Torm, his tone grimly amused. At least it didn’t sound like he was going to call for a stake now.

“Is there a song about him?” I asked, desperate to distract.

“He is in dozens of them,” said Livia, her tone as crisp as a knife whisking across a whetstone.

“Oh, I just don’t recognise the name.”

“Older songs and poems,” said Torm

“He’s trying to change the subject. We shouldn’t let him off easy for false witness and I’ve been keeping count.” Livia said.

“What have you been keeping count of?” Torm asked, looking at me with suspicion.

“Indecent things he’s said,”

Land me in trouble, with every word true, you cunning little girl.

“How many have you said, Bard?”

“She’s only counting because Julia was, I’m sure, joking with me, and asked her to,”

“How many?” asked Torm, continuing the pursuit.

“Since when? Can I just close my mouth and watch the fight, dance or whatever this is?”

“They’re getting to know each other. How dumb are you? Weren’t you listening?” Livia asked, her sharp words feeling like slaps. I obviously didn’t rate the happiness Julia had received.

This child is harsh; I feel wounded by her tone alone.

“I don’t know. Can you?” asked Torm, his lips twitching as if uncertain if he should agree with Livia, but opted to slap me verbally.

With a smile, I just shrug and watch the frantic activity among the trees. However, I feel if I asked Julia to raise her leg high for me. My head might match the stone she just broke. These folks are harsh.

I think I was in less danger at The Hollow.

How can a Succubus inspire such loyalty? They’re not all charmed, are they?

“She’s naked,” I said, the words coming in a dreamy whisper. Though considering the tight contours of leather she wore, it wasn’t a stretch for my imagination. The fight has already drawn on far longer than I had expected; the shadows moved by a bell or more. Yet my pleasant thoughts faced interruption via a massive hand suddenly resting firmly on my shoulder.

“Didn’t think you could keep it closed,” said Torm.

“Oops.”

After a time spent enduring its weight, it relieved me when a familiar stern-faced woman slipped up beside him. Even as she spoke, he withdrew his hand.

"Surely you can support the weight of your own arm, Torm. Or has this stranger become such a close friend you wish to hug?"

"Moke this is High Justice Verdandi. While Moke arrived with Julia, he is very free with his words," declared Torm, with such a hurtful judgemental tone.

"So you sought to provide him with a weight to hold his mouth shut? Moke. I believe I heard you recount the poem of Grendel for the Jarl when he visited Thebes four summers past," stated Verdandi, her gaze assessing us both.

"I had thought your face familiar High Justice, but they did not introduce me to the steel flower in amongst the men. From memory that was Jarl Óblauðr."

"Fine memory you have for names Moke. Why are you here with Julia?" Verdandi asked, having just raised an eyebrow at my words.

"We've things to speak to you about High Justice. Though while fortunately not as many as I feared, the ones left are dire."

"I have time now," Verdandi said, before turning towards the pair still fighting with fresh vigour despite the bells spent, "but it doesn't look like their play is slowing."

With quick strides through the crowd that had grown around us, Verdandi moved and her voice rang out.

“Master Farhad, I wish to speak to my guest.”

She claims a Demoness as a guest. How could Julia have corrupted this centuries-old Priestess?