I was frozen on my place on the floor, terrified at what I had done. The Lion's Den was practically deserted now. Only the seemingly-indifferent bartender, the man and I were there.
The man had finally stopped screaming. He had fallen asleep on the cold floor. I could not imagine how he must have felt when my flames raged towards him. The impact most probably left him blind. Though I knew I would have suffered much if I did not act the way I did, I could not help but feel sorry for the man whose pain I had caused. Nobody, even those with the darkest of hearts, deserved deliberate pain and suffering...
The doors of the tavern creaked open and footsteps broke the silence of the old, rundown place. By instinct, I turned towards the direction of the young man who had just entered. With his platinum-blond hair and incredibly fair complexion, he appeared quite striking. His clothes - a long silver topcoat with blood red linings worn atop his plain black undershirt and loose pants - showed off his well-proportioned body as well as his immense physique. He carried a long silver spear adorned with red streaks in his right hand.
His brilliant sapphire blue eyes darted towards my direction. An uncomfortable feeling came upon me upon the meeting of our gazes. He did not turn away as he slowly approached.
Without a word, he offered me his hand and helped me stand up.
Now up on my feet, I remained silent as he continued staring at me with curiosity. I kept my eyes to the floor, keeping myself from staring at his flawless face. I would have lost myself in his mesmerizing gaze and apart from that, I would not want him to end up like the man who laid unconscious on the floor. Who knows what more gruesome deeds my hands were capable of...
"That girl miraculously managed to defend herself against Ol' Tantus and left him lying over there," suddenly said the bartender, still without leaving his spot behind the counter. Both the young man and I turned to him in surprise. He speaks? "Flamma Puella...Fire Maiden, that's what she is..."
"Flamma Puella, huh?" His velvet voice resounded in my ears, much like an irresistable charm. His soft chuckles that followed revealed his amuseness at the name the bartender had titled me with. "The entire city's in disarray with the things your regulars have been talking about. To put it in a gist, they said that a young witch came and set fire to Tantus' face when he tried something on her."
"She's no witch, believe me... But she is capable of extraordinary things..." said the bartender, jumping off the counter with an elegant leap. He removed his shabby-looking apron, carelessly tossed it on the counter and walked towards the young man's side. "You'd be best to take her somewhere safe. I'm off to buy supplies." Giving the young man's shoulder a quick pat, the bartender marched out of the tavern.
The young man turned to me with an apologetic smile. And what a smile it was... "Sorry about that. Conrad can be like sometimes, but he is a pretty nice guy. Anyway..." He extended his free hand towards me. "My name is Lionel. Welcome to Gaudium."
Lionel...Lion...
He whose courage burns as that of a lion's spirit..
It was too much of a coincidence.
It was meeting of chance, perhaps, but for me, it was truly a meeting of fate.
Occursus Forte - Meeting by Chance
-end-
Monday, November 2, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Exustio - Conflagration
The Lion's Den was an extremely run-down place. Its exterior appearance had gotten me thinking just how old the structure was. Getting inside and seeing its interior further reinforced my assumptions. The cracked floorboards... The chipped paint on the walls... The broken glass windows... The blinking light bulbs that dimly lit up the whole place... Everything was in poor condition. I could not imagine how this place could earn any regulars.
But apparently, quite contrary to my views, there were a lot of people present. No seat by the counter was left unoccupied and in addition, three tables were filled by men in eager conversation. Everyone inside the tavern had large muscular bodies. Majority of them wore sleeveless clothing, exposing their burly arms that were filled with a variety of tattoos. Some even went without shirts and quick glances allowed me to see their torsos, which were marked by scars and wounds.
Scars and wounds mark the bodies of a warrior... At least, this was what I thought. I felt as if I was getting closer and closer to accomplishing my mission. Surely, he must be here... He whose courage burns as that of a lion's spirit. My eyes wandered, scouting the entire scene. I was not sure how I would be able to tell who it exactly it was I was looking for but I was hoping for some sort of sign. There must be something that marks him different from all the rest.
"Hey!" I had gone too lost in my thoughts to even watch where I was going. By the time I realized my lack of alertness, it was too late. I had bumped into an incredibly intimidating man.
His bloodshot eyes met mine as he turned to face me. His large body came into full view as he glared at me, clearly angry at the disturbance I had caused him. I tried hard to remain calm but his overwhelming features had already succeeded in making my legs shake and shiver.
"I'm sorry..." The man seemed oblivious to my apologizes. He went on staring at me with his frightening gaze. I kept my ground, standing still as he lowered his face closer to mine. I held my breath against the foul stench of his. He reeked of alcohol and from that close range, it was clear to see that he was already intoxicated.
"A girl?" The drunk man gave out a horrid snort, followed by a series of boisterous laughter. "And a foreigner at that? Bah! Some place you picked to tour, girl! Bad move!" Then, he made a grab for my arm. I was too overwhelmed to move, let alone use any of my powers to defend myself. I managed to let out a scream but this seemed to have further amused the man who held me.
"No use yelling, girl... No one would dare stand against me. I am the strongest guy in this here turf!" With his massive strength and size, he was easily able to push me to the ground. Luckily, in the process, he released his hold on my arm, giving me enough momentum to cast a spell.
Moving as swiftly as I could, I placed my hands directly on top of his face and yelled at the top of my lungs, "Inflammatio!" Raging flames came bursting from my palms, hitting the intoxicated man's face and causing him to stagger down. His fall caused The Lion's Den to shake. His continuous cries of pain caused the people by the counter and the tables to quickly abandon their drinks and flee for the exit.
I was able to sit up. I was panting, a bit stunned after my first attempt at offensive magic. I stared at the man who now lay quivering on the floor, screaming in pain. I had caused this...
I had caused this...
Exustio - Conflagration
-end-
But apparently, quite contrary to my views, there were a lot of people present. No seat by the counter was left unoccupied and in addition, three tables were filled by men in eager conversation. Everyone inside the tavern had large muscular bodies. Majority of them wore sleeveless clothing, exposing their burly arms that were filled with a variety of tattoos. Some even went without shirts and quick glances allowed me to see their torsos, which were marked by scars and wounds.
Scars and wounds mark the bodies of a warrior... At least, this was what I thought. I felt as if I was getting closer and closer to accomplishing my mission. Surely, he must be here... He whose courage burns as that of a lion's spirit. My eyes wandered, scouting the entire scene. I was not sure how I would be able to tell who it exactly it was I was looking for but I was hoping for some sort of sign. There must be something that marks him different from all the rest.
"Hey!" I had gone too lost in my thoughts to even watch where I was going. By the time I realized my lack of alertness, it was too late. I had bumped into an incredibly intimidating man.
His bloodshot eyes met mine as he turned to face me. His large body came into full view as he glared at me, clearly angry at the disturbance I had caused him. I tried hard to remain calm but his overwhelming features had already succeeded in making my legs shake and shiver.
"I'm sorry..." The man seemed oblivious to my apologizes. He went on staring at me with his frightening gaze. I kept my ground, standing still as he lowered his face closer to mine. I held my breath against the foul stench of his. He reeked of alcohol and from that close range, it was clear to see that he was already intoxicated.
"A girl?" The drunk man gave out a horrid snort, followed by a series of boisterous laughter. "And a foreigner at that? Bah! Some place you picked to tour, girl! Bad move!" Then, he made a grab for my arm. I was too overwhelmed to move, let alone use any of my powers to defend myself. I managed to let out a scream but this seemed to have further amused the man who held me.
"No use yelling, girl... No one would dare stand against me. I am the strongest guy in this here turf!" With his massive strength and size, he was easily able to push me to the ground. Luckily, in the process, he released his hold on my arm, giving me enough momentum to cast a spell.
Moving as swiftly as I could, I placed my hands directly on top of his face and yelled at the top of my lungs, "Inflammatio!" Raging flames came bursting from my palms, hitting the intoxicated man's face and causing him to stagger down. His fall caused The Lion's Den to shake. His continuous cries of pain caused the people by the counter and the tables to quickly abandon their drinks and flee for the exit.
I was able to sit up. I was panting, a bit stunned after my first attempt at offensive magic. I stared at the man who now lay quivering on the floor, screaming in pain. I had caused this...
I had caused this...
Exustio - Conflagration
-end-
Friday, October 23, 2009
Se Astringo Fatum - To Commit to Fate
Uneasiness – That was what I felt even two weeks after my first encounter with Pegasus. I was not the person I used to be. I was no longer the useless girl resented by her parents. I was now a person who had a purpose and a destiny but this very change was the reason for my growing uneasiness.
With my new powers, I had transformed myself to look as normal as possible. I clothed myself in a simple manner – a plain light blue blouse with long sleeves, black trousers and a pair of sandals. The clothes I was able to produce were common enough to help me blend in with crowds. After much discretion, I decided to keep my hair and face as they were. Nobody would be able to recognize me anyway…
I stood just a few meters away from the gates of Gaudium, which was known as the City of Bliss. I had headed for this place after pondering over the last words given by Pegasus. The winged horse – and my guardian – had temporarily returned to its place in the stars but I was promised that it would return come the proper moment in time.
"The place of promised happiness is not what it seems. There you must head out and search for he whose courage burns as that of a lion’s spirit. He is of a pure heart but his innocence is what makes him vulnerable to the fantasies of bliss. Beware, beloved, for you too might be tempted to its illusions."
Gaudium, the City of Bliss, certainly would fit Pegasus’ words. I was certain that this was the place of promised happiness, but uneasiness paved the way for my hesitation. My first mission seemed clear enough – I was to search for the man whose courage was so great and comparable to a lion’s spirit. But the warning of Pegasus was truly what got me worried. Just what did ‘tempted to its illusions’ mean?
I walked through the busy streets of Gaudium with caution and alert. I took note of every man I passed, wondering if the one I was searching for was one of them. He whose courage burns as that of a lion’s spirit… Just how was I supposed to look for a person like that? Goodness, Pegasus... Why are you making me do this? I was given not only an enigmatic warning but also a seemingly-impossible task. I may have felt powerful but whatever power I possessed seemed to prove useless in the situation I was currently facing.
I continued on walking and this time, I was already praying to whatever gods might exist in the world. Guide me towards this endeavor...Whatever outcome, I commit myself to whatever fate is waiting for me.
Then as if my prayers were truly heard, I stumbled upon an old tavern found in the farthest corner of the city. Nothing about it appeared extraordinary but it certainly drew my attention. My eyes could not help but dart towards the signboard hanging loosely by the tavern’s entrance. The words carelessly painted in white on the old wooden board were truly striking.
The Lion’s Den
Swallowing hard, I braced myself and prepared to enter. Once again, I called on the gods - Guide me towards this endeavor...Whatever outcome, I commit myself to whatever fate is waiting for me.
Yes, whatever fate…
Se Astringo Fatum - To Commit to Fate
-end-
With my new powers, I had transformed myself to look as normal as possible. I clothed myself in a simple manner – a plain light blue blouse with long sleeves, black trousers and a pair of sandals. The clothes I was able to produce were common enough to help me blend in with crowds. After much discretion, I decided to keep my hair and face as they were. Nobody would be able to recognize me anyway…
I stood just a few meters away from the gates of Gaudium, which was known as the City of Bliss. I had headed for this place after pondering over the last words given by Pegasus. The winged horse – and my guardian – had temporarily returned to its place in the stars but I was promised that it would return come the proper moment in time.
"The place of promised happiness is not what it seems. There you must head out and search for he whose courage burns as that of a lion’s spirit. He is of a pure heart but his innocence is what makes him vulnerable to the fantasies of bliss. Beware, beloved, for you too might be tempted to its illusions."
Gaudium, the City of Bliss, certainly would fit Pegasus’ words. I was certain that this was the place of promised happiness, but uneasiness paved the way for my hesitation. My first mission seemed clear enough – I was to search for the man whose courage was so great and comparable to a lion’s spirit. But the warning of Pegasus was truly what got me worried. Just what did ‘tempted to its illusions’ mean?
I walked through the busy streets of Gaudium with caution and alert. I took note of every man I passed, wondering if the one I was searching for was one of them. He whose courage burns as that of a lion’s spirit… Just how was I supposed to look for a person like that? Goodness, Pegasus... Why are you making me do this? I was given not only an enigmatic warning but also a seemingly-impossible task. I may have felt powerful but whatever power I possessed seemed to prove useless in the situation I was currently facing.
I continued on walking and this time, I was already praying to whatever gods might exist in the world. Guide me towards this endeavor...Whatever outcome, I commit myself to whatever fate is waiting for me.
Then as if my prayers were truly heard, I stumbled upon an old tavern found in the farthest corner of the city. Nothing about it appeared extraordinary but it certainly drew my attention. My eyes could not help but dart towards the signboard hanging loosely by the tavern’s entrance. The words carelessly painted in white on the old wooden board were truly striking.
The Lion’s Den
Swallowing hard, I braced myself and prepared to enter. Once again, I called on the gods - Guide me towards this endeavor...Whatever outcome, I commit myself to whatever fate is waiting for me.
Yes, whatever fate…
Se Astringo Fatum - To Commit to Fate
-end-
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Exordium - The Beginning
It all began one ordinary evening - an evening that made the whole world seem calm and peaceful with its silence and solitude. I was out in the Viridis Fields, lying down with my back against the somewhat damp grass as I looked at the glistening stars above me. Stargazing was something I did every night but more than that, it was something I could not be without.
After another hour or so, I finally decided to head home. Silently promising the stars of my return, I slowly sat up, bracing myself for the long walk ahead of me. I sighed, not at all looking forward to what was waiting for me back home. I would rather stay in that open field all night, enjoying the company of the stars, than head home and return to my bitter reality.
"You are worthless. You will never amount to anything." Those cruel words rang inside my head over and over again. Such uneasiness I felt... It was as if I was being pushed down to the level of lowest of the low, the weakest of the weak and the poorest of the poor. Perhaps they were right in saying that I was worthless. The only future waiting for me was of a lonely, insignificant existence.
I started on walking towards the path, trying hard to hold back tears but unfortunately failing. My tearful eyes, along with the darkness unreached by the light of the moon and the stars, made it hard for me to see where I was going. I eventually fell, grazing my knees pretty badly.
Yes, truly worthless... Any faith I had left in myself slowly started to disintegrate, breaking my spirit from within bit-by-bit. I considered how wrong my existence in this world was. Suicide came into my mind as I thought about how I would fit in the next world. Will I be useless there as well?
"Fear not, kindred spirit, for you are not alone."
A deep, mystic voice echoed through the night as a bright, blazing flame came descending from above. I trembled at the sight and would have ran away if not for the weakness of my shaking legs. From the burning fire, the figure of a creature I thought existed only in myths emerged. It was a majestic winged horse, surrounded by a strong blazing fire.
The thought of a winged horse instantly made me turn towards the northern hemisphere where I knew the constellation of Pegasus was found. To my surprise, the bright stars of Pegasus were nowhere to be found. They had disappeared from their place in the sky.
"Look no further. I am here. No longer do I have to watch over you from the heavens for I have descended to guide you towards your destiny."
The winged horse, illuminated brightly by the flames it possessed, slowly made its way towards me. I felt terrified, shaking with so much fear, as it bent its head down, touching my grazed knees with its muzzle. I expected to feel the heat of its flames and the pain it meant, but I felt no such things. Instead, what came over me was unspeakable warmth, comforting and relieving me of even the injuries I got from my previous fall.
What was happening? Pegasus wrapped its long flaming wings around me. The warmth spread throughout my entire body, constantly increasing in intensity. The heat soon became too unbearable and I let out a sharp scream. Pegasus' echoing whispers assured me that everything was going to be fine as long as I endured that short moment of suffering. I had no choice but to believe in the assurances, having no point of escape in that enclosed chamber of flames.
When I was finally released, I was a different person. My short black hair had gotten longer and had turned blonde. My tattered clothes had transformed into an elegant ensemble of a blue top and a purple mini-skirt. But the most amazing transformation would probably be the feelings I felt inside. I no longer felt worthless. I felt powerful.
"Tonight you have been reborn. Venture out towards your destiny, beloved Reverie..."
That night was definitely not ordinary. It was the beginning of my path towards destiny.
Exordium - The Beginning
-end-
After another hour or so, I finally decided to head home. Silently promising the stars of my return, I slowly sat up, bracing myself for the long walk ahead of me. I sighed, not at all looking forward to what was waiting for me back home. I would rather stay in that open field all night, enjoying the company of the stars, than head home and return to my bitter reality.
"You are worthless. You will never amount to anything." Those cruel words rang inside my head over and over again. Such uneasiness I felt... It was as if I was being pushed down to the level of lowest of the low, the weakest of the weak and the poorest of the poor. Perhaps they were right in saying that I was worthless. The only future waiting for me was of a lonely, insignificant existence.
I started on walking towards the path, trying hard to hold back tears but unfortunately failing. My tearful eyes, along with the darkness unreached by the light of the moon and the stars, made it hard for me to see where I was going. I eventually fell, grazing my knees pretty badly.
Yes, truly worthless... Any faith I had left in myself slowly started to disintegrate, breaking my spirit from within bit-by-bit. I considered how wrong my existence in this world was. Suicide came into my mind as I thought about how I would fit in the next world. Will I be useless there as well?
"Fear not, kindred spirit, for you are not alone."
A deep, mystic voice echoed through the night as a bright, blazing flame came descending from above. I trembled at the sight and would have ran away if not for the weakness of my shaking legs. From the burning fire, the figure of a creature I thought existed only in myths emerged. It was a majestic winged horse, surrounded by a strong blazing fire.
The thought of a winged horse instantly made me turn towards the northern hemisphere where I knew the constellation of Pegasus was found. To my surprise, the bright stars of Pegasus were nowhere to be found. They had disappeared from their place in the sky.
"Look no further. I am here. No longer do I have to watch over you from the heavens for I have descended to guide you towards your destiny."
The winged horse, illuminated brightly by the flames it possessed, slowly made its way towards me. I felt terrified, shaking with so much fear, as it bent its head down, touching my grazed knees with its muzzle. I expected to feel the heat of its flames and the pain it meant, but I felt no such things. Instead, what came over me was unspeakable warmth, comforting and relieving me of even the injuries I got from my previous fall.
What was happening? Pegasus wrapped its long flaming wings around me. The warmth spread throughout my entire body, constantly increasing in intensity. The heat soon became too unbearable and I let out a sharp scream. Pegasus' echoing whispers assured me that everything was going to be fine as long as I endured that short moment of suffering. I had no choice but to believe in the assurances, having no point of escape in that enclosed chamber of flames.
When I was finally released, I was a different person. My short black hair had gotten longer and had turned blonde. My tattered clothes had transformed into an elegant ensemble of a blue top and a purple mini-skirt. But the most amazing transformation would probably be the feelings I felt inside. I no longer felt worthless. I felt powerful.
"Tonight you have been reborn. Venture out towards your destiny, beloved Reverie..."
That night was definitely not ordinary. It was the beginning of my path towards destiny.
Exordium - The Beginning
-end-
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