Raze
Ennui’s fingertips run across the gilded tome. It had been nearly a week since she had begun to work with Mido to help educate Lumi. The Tenets of Flame were just words, but those words seemed to hold a much deeper meaning to Lumi.
Shine light to those lost in darkness.
Be an exemplar of greatness.
Believe in the gods of fire and light, and know that their brilliance shines upon all.
The third tenet causes Ennui to laugh internally. The gods of fire and light had never shined their brilliance in her life, or any who opposed her. The gods of Talmus had gone, their presence fleeting from the world, and only those few known as saints had any means to communicate with these supposed entities. The entire idea of praising silent gods never sat well with Ennui, gods that were so absent that they would allow terrors to befall the denizens of the realm they swore to protect.
As Lumi continues struggling through the scroll before him, Ennui tosses back her hair and snickers. Each time she would correct Lumi’s pronunciation, he would argue and growl, claiming that reading is unnecessary and that he only required a more hands on approach. Lumi is the same as he had always been; exhaustive, just being around him is enough to cause Ennui to feel sapped of her strength. His speech and mannerisms are more flippant than some of the most enigmatic mercenaries she had ever known. And most conversations would inevitably somehow revert to Khimi.
“I don’t think that we’ll have to be here much longer,” Lumi says suddenly, glancing up from the scroll.
Mido looks longingly through the window and into the courtyard. “I still think Saint Nina wants us to move on…I can’t imagine we can grow stronger in this palace,” he replies without turning to Lumi. In the sprawling yard, his eyes linger on the figure of Augustus. “If we stay here much longer…I think I’ll get too used to it. I mean, how am I supposed to learn anything here?”
Ennui snickers, “Both of you, whining about growing stronger and yet…you sit here on your hands doing nothing but belly aching.”
Lumi gawks at Ennui, “You’re the one who said I needed to learn how to read…you said I shou—”
“Wrong!” Ennui snaps.
“Wh-What?”
“I’m the one who said you should learn about your order,” Mido chimes in, turning back to Lumi briefly. His dark eyes hide his thoughts. “I just think if you’re the Saint of Flames, you should at least know about them, right?”
Ennui examines Mido. She had little interaction with him, but since his arrival in Sidi he seems exhausted. “What’s wrong with you, pup?” She spits. “You look like you’ve not slept in weeks.”
Mido turns abruptly to Ennui, “I—I just think all of this is pointless!” He grumbles with a doubtful expression. “It’s–never mind,” he adds while the chair beneath him scrapes over the tiles.
“I mean,” Lumi begins, resting his chin on his hands. “Just say what you’re thinking,” he adds, his tail beginning to rattle with a hint of annoyance. “Are you upset…because you have to travel with Khimi?”
“You’re…you’re such a — you’re a brainless lion,” Mido growls, slamming his hands on the table. “You’re a spo—”
Lumi purses his lips and leans in further across the table. “You’re jealous.”
“You must have a really high opinion of yourself!” Mido raises an eyebrow. “What are you even talking about?”
“Khimi, huh?” Lumi asks, cocking his head to the side. He rises from his chair and growls at Mido. “Cecilia told me how much you hated him. She said you hated him with every bi—”
“Really?” Ennui interrupts. She watches the display unfold before her eyes. She crosses her arms and leans back in her chair. “Please continue.”
Mido narrows his eyes. “No, Lumi,” he says flatly. “I don’t hate Khimi. It’s you. I thought that you’d be different, but your mind is so rotten that there is no hope for you. I don’t even see why Saint Nina even cares about what happens to you!”
“Nina? Because she understands me!” Lumi drops back into his chair and lifts the scroll, his eyes peer over the top at Mido. “You’re just mad because I didn’t feel the same.”
Incredulous, Mido pushes his chair against the tiles. “What is wrong with you?! Y-You’re supposed to be a paragon of your gods…but you act like a-a spoiled child!”
Lumi shakes his head, “It’s okay, Mido,” he mumbles from behind the scroll. “Khimi said we should be friends…so I’ll be your friend.”
“I don’t want your friendship!” Mido shouts, slapping the scroll down from Lumi’s hand flat on the table. “What do the gods see in you? Are there not tens of thousands of people more capable than you? When…when we first met I worried about y—”
“Don’t,” Lumi interrupts and pushes back against the chair. He crosses his arms, mimicking Ennui. “You don’t have to worry about me! I’m totally fine!”
Ennui bursts out laughing, almost losing her balance only to catch herself. “You? Lumi, how many times have you edged near death?” She asks, flashing her teeth with a knowing grin.
“I mean…a few times,” Lumi replies cautiously. He closes his eyes and tilts his head from side to side. “I mean, it’s never been that ba—”
“Like hells!” Mido shouts. “How can you be so careless! So reckless! You constantly do — just the dumbest things!”
“Pipe down, doggy,” Ennui growls, rising from her chair and placing a boot on the desk. “Let’s count together, shall we, Lumi?” She asks, her crimson eyes boring holes through him.
“I-I’d rather we didn’t, if that’s okay?” Lumi chuckles nervously under his breath.
Ennui tugs a dagger from within the calf-length boot and scrapes the edge under her nail. “Let’s tell Mido about the lion, how’s that sound? Perhaps the pirates?” She asks, tilting her head and giving Lumi a knowing smirk with each of her questions. “Perhaps the dagger in the gut?”
“Pirates? Lions?” Mido questions in disbelief, his ears standing up straight on end. “What is wrong with you? Why can’t you just do what the gods wan—”
Ennui had never seen Lumi’s face screw up so quickly. The speed in which he lunges for Mido startles even her. Within a blink, Lumi and Mido are sprawled across the floor, the edge of Lumi’s fist smashes into Mido’s cheek again and again. Ennui is not sure if she should feel full of pride at Lumi’s display of speed, or disappointed in his lack of self-control.
Mido’s feet kick at Lumi’s waist while Lumi continues his relentless assault, his boyish war cry echoes across the library and Ennui watches. Tears. The wet lines run down Lumi’s cheek are all she needs to see. Her hand catches Lumi’s arm, and he turns to her with a hateful glare. Mido covers his face and looks at Ennui for guidance.
Quickly overpowering, Ennui rips Lumi from Mido and shakes her head in disgust. “Next time you lunge for someone, do it with the intent to kill,” she grumbles, positioning herself between the two.
“You’re broken,” Mido grumbles. He sits up on his elbows, “Even for a beastkin…you’re broken!”
“ENOUGH!” Ennui shouts, “what the fuck, Lumi?”
Lumi points his finger at Mido from behind Ennui, “I’m so sick of everyone telling me what to do! You don’t get to tell me what to do!”
Mido pushes himself to his feet, his sandals clapping on the tiles. “Fine, I won’t! There is obviously no reason to anyway.”
“Fuck,” Ennui grumbles, holding Lumi back while his tail slaps against her. “You know what? This…this is as a good time as any.”
“For?” Mido and Lumi ask in unison while glaring at one another.
Ennui smiles, “Grab your shit. We’re heading out of the city…”
“What about my studies?” Lumi asks between his clenched teeth.
“Not like you’re going to learn shit anyway,” Ennui mumbles, pushing him back against the desk. “You’re either imagining being bent over that desk by Khimi or you’re scowling at Mido.”
“I didn’t need to hear that,” Mido murmurs with a shake of his head.
Lumi’s ears wiggle, “I wasn’t scowling…”
“We’ll settle this with combat,” Ennui mutters, her fingertips teasing the points of her horns. “We’ll go somewhere you can…let it all out,” she snickers. “Maybe Mido can show us a trick or two.”
“I-I can barely use magick!” Mido says defiantly. “Lumi has been practicing non-stop!”
Lumi scoffs, “You know more than me,” he scoffs with his hands on his hips.
“Nothing practic—”
“Then show me what you can do with that curved sword, pup,” Ennui laughs, leaning against the desk. “Now quit your yapping and get your shit.”
Lumi looks out the window and turns to Ennui, “Should I tell Khimi?”
“He may stop you from leaving the estate, but you’re welcome to tell him,” Ennui says, glancing out the window with a light shrug. “He may choose to keep you caged in the library until you can read properly.”
“He should learn to read…we don’t need to practi—”
“Nonsense! You…I’ve yet to see you raise a weapon. Or do much of anything for that matter. You’re a cleric, right?” Ennui inquires with a raised brow. “Cleri—”
“I’m in training,” Mido says with a turn of his cheek, his pointed ears lower. “Augustus and I…we’ve only been between Rhaz, the Temple of Life, and Gomorrah. But we’ve always had someone else with us.”
Ennui chortles, covering her mouth while she laughs. “Isn’t Augustus bound to protect you?”
“Yeah,” Mido whispers uncomfortably. He brushes his fingers through his hair. “What’s that got to do with anything?”
“The bound can only be as strong as those who they are bound to. It’s an equal arrangement,” Ennui whispers. She steps closer to Mido cautiously. “Your precious Lorian will only ever be as strong as you allow him, pup. He draws his magick from you, channels his gifts through you.”
“Huh?” Lumi sounds with a tilt of his head.
Ennui glances back at Lumi. “Don’t you worry. There is no need to explain it to you, it’d all go over whatever is behind those beautiful blue eyes of yours.”
Lumi furrows his brow. “But…Augustus seems capable.”
Ennui gives Mido a queer smirk. “Physically. But if Mido was stronger, he could perform magick like Rashid had done.”
Mido lowers his head in defeat, understanding clear on his face. “I don’t know how I am supposed to become stronger.”
“Try,” Ennui mutters, rolling her eyes. “Do something.”
***
The journey outside Sidi is quick. Her familiarity with the area brings them to a location sparse in population and where they are unlike to be noticed. Her fingertips drum against the hilt of her blade, her thoughts returning to her recent sparring sessions with Lumi. There is no doubt in her mind that in a fight between Mido and Lumi, who would be the victor. Though she is loath to admit it, she had come to admire Lumi in some respects, regardless of how foolish and dense he may seem. But there is a truth beneath Mido’s words that causes her to laugh at the absurdity of the Faith; Lumi had been chosen to be the Saint of Flames. A dull laughter leaves her lips, which causes both Mido and Lumi to cast suspicious glances at her. The gods must be bloody desperate.
The endless trellises of grapevines go on as far as the eye could see in the evening light. The sun is a blood-red orb in the sky, the stars just start to appear while the evening goes on. Ennui urges Lumi and Mido to a field, past an abandoned barn which leans sideways in a state of disrepair. They pass a small freshly cut field of wheat, sheaves bundled and piled up in small mounds, the earthy smell fills Ennui’s nose. It reminds her of days spent in Betset during the wheat harvest, each time she walked along the walls of the city, the earthy scent of wheat had been strong.
As they near a clearing behind the barn, Ennui’s hair stands on end. She pauses in a sprawling field of fresh cut wheat with dirt paths. Something triggers a sense of alarm within her, her fingers tense on her gladius. She scans the area, searching for the cause of her worry. The feeling passes and Ennui releases a sigh, relaxing her breath.
Lumi crosses in front of Mido and turns among the center of the clearing. Ennui laughs to herself again. It is a wonder anyone would think Lumi is an acolyte with the clothing he wears, sarouel that stops mid-calf with open slits on the outer thigh and a half shirt, revealing the entirety of his abdomen. Ennui had only seen Lumi wear his acolyte chiton a few times since meeting him, and even then, he had a way of making the outfit appear provocative.
“H-How do we start?” Lumi calls from the distance between Mido and himself.
Mido whispers a word under his breath, and the winds blow gently over the surrounding fields. “Whenever you’re ready,” he responds with a bit of eagerness in his tone.
“Just don’t kill each other,” Ennui mutters. At the edge of the clearing, she fingers the hilt of her blade.
“Like…do I just start throwing magic at you?” Lumi asks as he shuffles on his feet.
“Do…whatever you want,” Ennui sighs. “How about when my dagger hits the grass, you can start?”
“Fine!” Lumi shouts excitedly, leaning forward aggressively.
“But…isn’t this going to draw a lot of attention?” Mido questions meekly, glancing over at Ennui.
“That’s why we left,” Ennui scoffs and shrugs. The dagger twirls between her fingertips before it soars into the air.
The world seems to still, Ennui watches with an unconscionable hunger in her eyes. She already knows how this whole scene will play out before it even begins. Lumi’s movements had improved severely since she had first set to sparring with him back in Rhaz. Mido, the sniveling canis stands square, his feet flat like a stone on the grass.
The dagger sheaths into the earth and with the utmost quickness, Lumi closes the gap. Merely moments had passed and Mido’s incantation almost finished. Yet, he is not fast enough with his words, and the sudden slam of Lumi’s backhand against his cheek sends him reeling back onto the grass. Mido calls out, his hands extended at Lumi. The winds howl and screech, a sudden eerie gust bursts forth through the field of wheat and knocks Lumi a distance back on the ground.
Lumi’s laughter explodes through the windy gale, his hair swaying back and forth. “SEE,” he shouts, flashing his teeth in a smile. “You CAN fight!”
A confidence seems to take root in Mido, he plants his feet firm and continues to mutter under his breath. The winds increase, broken bits of wheat blow through the air. But all Ennui can do is smile– she has seen the aslan play before. And just like a cat with a mouse, this is much the same.
Lumi rolls into the wheat, vanishing. The stalks along the tall grass bend, alerting Ennui of his location. Yet, Mido is unaware, looking desperately for his aggressor. A shout of panic erupts from Mido. Lumi breaks through the field and lunges at him, falling atop of him, using his momentum and weight as a weapon. The winds die down, the sound of Lumi’s pummeling fist across Mido’s face echoes through the clearing. Mido looks to Ennui for help.
Ennui shrugs in reply and takes a step forward. “You need a better sense of direction. You’re a canis, use those ears,” she grumbles while she strides forward, arms crossed.
Mido raises his hands in defense and pushes against Lumi. His hands instinctively reach for the shotel at his waist. “Help me!” He calls to Ennui.
Ennui clicks her tongue and pauses mid-stride. “Help yourself,” she says flatly, drawing the dagger from the earth. “Use what the gods gave you,” she teases, a cruel smile tugs at the edge of her lips.
“He’s going to kill me!” Mido pleads, pushing against Lumi’s face, and trying to block some incoming blows.
“Maybe he will,” Ennui says, laughing with every step. “Would be shameful to be killed by someone you resent, wouldn’t it?”
Mido growls and kicks at Lumi, finally forming a distance between them both. Blood trickles down his nose. He runs away from Lumi, then shouts an incantation from between his bloodied lips. The ground trembles, the grass shifts, a jagged shard of earth shoots upward like a blade. Ennui laughs to herself, covering her mouth to hide her excitement.
“Mages,” Ennui whispers quietly. “Always so showy. So…very showy.”
Beads of sweat mark Lumi’s brow. Yet he shows no sign of fear or worry. Instead, excitement. “You could do that?!”
“Come’on!” Mido cries out, drowning Lumi out.
Lumi tilts his head, his finger tapping his chin. “Now you sound like you wanna kill me,” he says almost to himself. He looks to Ennui, “Mido’s upset…maybe we should stop.”
“Oh, indulge him, Lumi. Just a little longer…I think he’s learning a lot about himself.”
“I am not upset,” Mido growls, his dark eyes trained on Lumi. The wind begins to spiral and whip around him.
Ennui sighs and rolls her eyes. “Go on.”
Lumi’s bare feet pad over the grass, the wind blows against him, wanting to push him back. Yet he persists with his speed. The short distance between them is nothing, not enough room to keep Lumi at bay. As Mido begins to shout, Lumi’s hand breaks into his mouth. A look of alarm and horror on his face while he stumbles backwards and Lumi once more falls atop him.
“You’re so stiff,” Lumi laughs, his fingers tight on Mido’s tongue. He leans in and whispers, “It’s okay…you can’t recite like this.”
Mido’s eyes brim with hateful tears. He kicks against Lumi’s abdomen and tries to speak against Lumi’s hold. Lumi raises his fist and with a grin brings it down onto Mido. The bone cracking crunch of Mido’s nose sends a shiver down Ennui’s spine. Lumi pulls his hand from Mido’s mouth and shakes it. He looks up at Ennui for approval. I’m creating a monster.
“Enough,” Ennui grumbles. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. “Lumi, help Mido to the barn. And fix his nose.”
Mido holds his hands over his nose and glares at Ennui with a look of loathing. “What is wrong with you people?”
Ennui purses her lips, she had often been asked that question. “Nothing. I just thought you wanted to grow stronger, is all. I didn’t know you were so fragile…like an egg.”
Lumi’s lips curve into a smile, and he claps his hand over his mouth. “Ennui, don’t be cruel!”
“You say that…but you’re the one who cracked the egg in the first place.”
Mido pushes Lumi away and limps to the barn. He quickly presses his back against the sun-bleached wood and slumps. “Screw both of you,” he yelps, nursing his wound.
Lumi begins to approach Mido, his tail rattling behind him. “I’m so—”
“Don’t,” Ennui says, cutting him off quickly. “Don’t apologize. Now get over here,” she grumbles as she pulls the vest from her shoulders and tosses it at the edge of the wheat field. Her fingers tease the hilt of her dagger, and she taps the toes of her boots over the soil.
Lumi clicks his tongue and looks back at Mido, “I-I didn’t think,” he mutters softly. “I’m so—”
“LUMI!” Ennui shouts at him. She begins to roll up her sleeve and cuff them in place. “Ready?”
“W-What?” Lumi asks with a confused tilt of his head. “Oh,” he mumbles with a look of recognition.
“It’s only fair, since you beat the yolk out of the egg,” Ennui replies. “It’s time to show me just how much you learned…without restraint.”
“When do we sta—”
Rushing forward, Ennui darts through the clearing and rips her gladius from its sheath. The blade swings swiftly and with intent. Lumi manages to duck, but just barely, the fur at the tips of his rounded ears nearly sheared.
Without voicing a word, dozens of spectral javelins appear, they shine with the same aetherial blue as Lumi’s eyes. They hurl through the air, moving with purpose, while Lumi pushes forward, evading, yet progressing closer and closer. The event shocks her, yet amuses her. Ennui’s cruel laughter echoes through the clearing as she cuts away at the encroaching ghostly weapons.
“Come now, saint of flames.” Ennui chuckles before she draws in a deep breath. “Surely you can do better than that!”
Lumi shouts, his hand extended. Fire leaps forth from his palm, a surge of burnished flames. Ennui bends back, evading the sheet of scorching flame. Anticipating Lumi’s movements, she brings herself back and swipes her gladius in a wide berth. Though the heat still stings her eyes, she can at least hear Lumi’s movements across the grass. Her eyes steadily clear, her tail whips behind her impatiently.
“Where are you, little lion?” She calls out.
Even without response, Ennui knows a trick. Look at the crowd. It had been something she told Khimi years ago before he first stepped foot into the arena. Mido’s eyes are telling, she follows his gaze and just as the wheat behind her rustles she turns on her heels. The pommel of her gladius smashes directly into the side of Lumi’s head. He rolls across the grass in the clearing.
“You’re the Saint of Flames,” Ennui grumbles, crossing the clearing. She flips the gladius between her hands and smiles. “Get up.”
Ennui gasps in shock by the speed in which Lumi rises from the grass, a spectral spear of light, the same burning blue as his eyes, appears in his hand. She meets him with her gladius, a burst of sparks and light rain down around them when the weapons collide. Lumi’s brow furrows, golden lines begin to form along his forehead. The hells? She recalls the words the sailor’s had spoken. The markings that had appeared along Lumi’s body when he made the pirate vessel vanish.
“Ennui!” Mido shouts from the barn, his voice shaking.
Lumi’s eyes steadily shift to a crimson hue, he surges forward, his teeth clenched in concentration. Ennui moves swiftly, keeping her hands firm on the hilt of her. The gladius runs along the spear shaft. Determined to end things before Lumi manifests his gifts further, she brings her fist directly into Lumi’s throat. He croaks and coughs, the color in his eyes and the markings across his forehead vanish. He reaches for his throat and coughs, buckling over, he gasps for air. Ennui approaches him slowly, his eyes rolling back into his head.
“I didn’t even hit you that hard,” Ennui mutters while she sheathes the sword. “Well, at least I don’t think I did.”
Lumi’s spear disappears in a flash of light, and he holds his throat with both hands. A panicked look in his eyes.
“Get up, I barely hit you,” she says, a hint of worry in her tone. “Lumi, quit playing. Heal yourself or something.”
Mido begins to stand and lions to Ennui’s side. “What’d you do to him?!”
“I smacked him in the throat to shut him up…worked on plenty of mages in the past,” Ennui replies, blowing her hair from her eyes.
Mido stumbles to Lumi’s side and lays him down flat on his back. The unsteady breaths and gasps for air continue. “You broke his windpipe!” He shouts.
Ennui moves beside them and squats, glaring at Lumi. She rolls her eyes at the rapid wheezing sound. “Relax,” she growls softly. “Panicking will only make it worse.”
Lumi’s chest rises and falls at a slower pace while he nods his head. His neck turns slightly and his head lolls to the side.
“Did he pass out?!” Ennui questions. She grabs Lumi’s cheek. “Egg, fix him!”
“I-I don’t know if I can!” Mido replies fearfully.
“If you don’t try…by the hells I’ll rip your fucking head off,” Ennui growls, her crimson eyes meeting his. “Do it!”
Mido places his hand over Lumi’s chest and begins to whisper an incantation. The winds whip around them, the air grows heavy. The blue light emanating from Mido’s hand spreads through Lumi’s chest.
“I can help him,” a gentle voice calls from nearby.
Ennui launches to her feet, her hand on the hilt of her gladius. The sun had all but set and the stars had just begun to appear. “Who’s there?” She questions, scanning through the darkness in shades of gray.
“An interested party,” the man’s voice says before he appears from behind the barn. The elven figure approaches with a small shepherd’s crook in his hand. His clothing and flowery accent mark him immediately as a Lorian.
“What’s a Lorian doing in Sidi? You’re far from home, traveler,” Ennui calls through the clearing. “We’re fine…we have no ne—”
“You wish one of the chosen to die, then?” He calls, a smirk pulling at the corner of his lips.
Ennui scoffs, her fingers tense on the hilt of her gladius. “He’s just a boy, he’s not CHOSEN.”
The elven man’s laughter echoes through the clearing, and Mido glances back at Ennui with a look of concern. “I just need to touch him,” the man speaks softly, his sharp eyes drawn on Lumi’s limp form.
“Ahh,” Ennui sounds, returning the man’s laughter. “You’re a pervert. You like to touch little boys, do you? Typical of a Lorian.”
The elf shakes his head and takes a step forward, pulling his lengthy sleeve up. A sunburst marks his forearm. “I am here to collect our chosen,” he growls, “now if you’d just…step aside.”
“Ennui,” Mido coughs, focusing on his magick, “Don’t.”
Ennui laughs and fingers the fine point of her horns, brushing her finger over the golden ornament. “Elf, I suggest you walk back through that wheat and disappear before things turn to shit for you.”
The elf’s lips tug into a smile, “I doubt I could fight the ghost of the Desert Cities myself…but I don’t need to fight you. I just need to touch him.”
“There you go again with the touching…”
“Wake up, Lumi!” Mido shouts, he pushes his hand under the fabric and splays his fingers across his bare chest.
“He won’t be able to breathe without proper healing,” the elf says quietly, ignoring Ennui’s comment. “I can help him…otherwise we will stand here, and you can watch him die,” he mutters, brushing a hand through his lengthy blond hair.
“Who in the hells are you?”
“Doesn’t matter,” the elf replies with a knowing smile. “Someone who can help.”
Ennui chuckles under her breath, “Somehow I severely doubt that,” she says, gauging the elf’s expression and tone.
The elven man sighs and hangs his head. The crook drops to the ground. He pulls his hair back and ties it close to his scalp with a piece of linen. “There is no time for all of this,” he mutters quietly. He removes the outer robe and allows it to fall to the floor, revealing a pure white linen beneath. His form is gaunt and narrow, his flesh is tight over his bones, almost malnourished.
Ennui clicks her tongue, “Your order must be on hard times, seldom see a thin Lorian…you’re all fat and greedy.”
The elf snarls, “Quiet, devil!”
“Devil am I?” Ennui snaps, rushing forward without any concern.
The elf raises his palms to the sky, orbs of light appear like shining stars. Ennui had heard of the nature of those bound to the gods of light and fire, but she had never seen their craft firsthand. Orbs of uniform size and shape, shining through the twilight, radiate with an ominous glow. One after the next, they fall from the sky and smash into the ground, erupting into flames. The elf does not move, only stands still and continues to whisper, his lips hardly moving, conducting his destruction. Fire begins to rise among the edges of the high wheat, the grass burning about them, black smoke rises into the air.
Ennui rushes through the falling screen of orbs, the fire burning against her flesh. Another orb buzzes from the sky and explodes between Ennui and the elf, giving him enough time to flee from her assault.
A cackle of laughter, “Lumi’s right. All of you priests are stiff as boards. Flat-footed gits,” Ennui calls, reaching for her dagger, her view of the priest obfuscated by the smoke.
As the smoke clears, the elf is nowhere to be seen. Ennui breathes heavily, her chest pounding. I just need to touch him. Ennui turns back to Mido and Lumi, her eyes widen. The figure steps from the wheat behind them, a greedy smile on his lips. Ennui shouts to them. She moves as quickly as her feet can carry her. The elf’s eyes flick to her briefly, a smile at the edge of his lips. Mido reaches for his shotel, his hand still over Lumi’s chest.
The elf reaches out and places his hand on Lumi, his lips moving with rapid recitation, words unrecognizable echo through the clearing. Energy pulsates around them, a crackling light and energy spinning and shaking. Ennui dives forward, her gladius plunging into the elf’s gut as she falls atop Lumi and Mido.
The smell of the smoke fades and the scent of salt blooms around them. Ennui can feel the pull of the elf’s magick, the ground around them fades and the scene around them forms. The ground shifts to sand, palms appear in the distance. The air is similar but different; heavy and wet. The elf pulls back, blood dripping from the edge of his thin lips. Ennui’s gladius slides from within him, the pristine white robe, stained dark with his blood.
“Where the hells did you take us?!” Ennui shouts and pushes herself to her feet.
Mido’s eyes are moist with tears. He looks at the dying elf, “Where are we?!” He calls out, repeating Ennui’s question, “Where did you bring us?”
Ennui surveys the area and looks up at the cliff face. “You fucked up,” she mumbles with a smile. “You have bloody fucked up, you worthless piece of –”
“Ennui!” Mido cries, “Where are we?”
The elf laughs to himself, whispering an incantation. Ennui recognizes the lilt and familiar pattern of the healing spells used by clerics and healers of the Faith. Without a moment’s hesitation, she pivots, turning on her heels. The sharp edge cuts into the elf’s throat and spews blood across her linen shirt and sarouel. Mido averts his gaze before he glances up at Ennui.
“What was that for? He was the only one who could have told us where we are!”
Ennui rips her blade back and watches the elf’s final breath. Uncontrollable laughter bursts forth from her lips. She buckles over with cackling laughter. “We’re still in Sidi,” she chuckles. “He only wanted to take Lumi…had it just been you and him conscious, you would have made it…somewhere between where he wanted to go and where you wanted to go. But with you and I under the spell, the pull was closer to where we wanted to go rather than his destination.”
“W-What?” Mido questions with a look of utter confusion. “Where?”
“The beaches,” Ennui mutters, “the skies barely shifted. And I can see the light from Sidi behind the cliffs. Trust me, he failed whatever spell he attempted.”
“What do you mean? Why are you laughing?” Mido asks softly. “This isn’t funny! None of this is funny!”
Ennui wipes her blade across the elf’s white robe and sheaths it with a loud clunk. She holds her hands up in the air, then knuckles her back. “If you wake Lumi up, I swear I won’t make ‘egg’ your nickname,” Ennui replies while she stands.
A look of determination comes across Mido’s face, and he looks back at Lumi. Once more, he whispers unfamiliar words under his breath. “I’m trying.”
“Try harder,” Ennui scoffs before she pushes the elf over with her foot. “Have you ever seen this man?”
Mido’s eyes narrow on him, a look of recognition. “He was in the bathhouse…the Athera! Augustus said something about being surprised to see another Lorian.”
Ennui nods and crosses her arms while she stares down at the dead man, “Don’t mention this to Khimi or Augustus…and if Lumi wakes up. Lie about what happened,” she says. Moving the man’s robes aside with the toe of her boot, she continues, “I do–”
“Why?” Mido whispers.
“Because…it won’t serve them to know about this. Khimi is already paranoid, and Lumi is…Lumi. One can never know how he will react.”
Mido keeps his focus, and Ennui sighs at the silence. In the distance, black smoke rises, and Ennui knows they are not far from the field. The amber glow of the fields ablaze begins to light the night sky, and after a few moments the flames rise higher, the decrepit barn erupts like dry kindling, a roaring blaze towering into the night sky. The sound of bells sounds out over the soft lapping of the waves.
“He’s fine,” Mido mumbles, his ears standing up on end, sweat dripping down his brow. “He’ll be asleep for a little while.”
“Good,” Ennui replies, and quickly kneels to scoop Lumi up from the sand. “Remember, mention this to no one.”
Mido’s eyes linger on the dead elf. “What should we do about him?” He questions uncomfortably.
“Leave him for the crabs,” Ennui responds while she rolls her neck over her shoulders. With Lumi in her arms, she follows a sandy path back up the cliffs. “Not a word of this,” she whispers.
Mido wipes the blood from his nose across his tunic as he follows behind, “Promise not to call me egg.”
Foresight
The Sidian marketplace is packed with hundreds of patrons, the plaza in the center is ablaze with life. A stage is set with golden streamers, white silk banners run overhead across the length of the entire central market from the crescent shaped stage. A dozen dancers flit and spring across the stage. Ennui stands between Lumi and Mido.
After their return to the estate that night, Khimi had stated his suspicions of the three of them. Though Lumi had promised not to tell Khimi about their duel, Ennui knew that Lumi would eventually give in to Khimi’s questioning. Since that night, Mido had followed Ennui around, questioning her about their secret.
Lumi claps his hands together along with the tambourines and the gentle tapping of the darbukas. “Mido, come on,” he says with a cheerful smile, he takes hold of Mido’s wrist and tugs him into the crowd.
Ennui calls after them. “Hey! Lumi! Don’t blo– fuck it,” she groans to herself while they disappear into the crowd.
Ennui whisks past the crowd, her eyes set on Lumi until they are just before the stage. The Sidian dancers in their tight-fit, sheer outfits reveal the entirety of their form, leaving nothing to the imagination. Lumi sways to and fro along with the other members of the crowd. Stiff, Mido stands there and watches the action in silence. After a moment, he begins to move with more enthusiasm. The women around them intercede and force Mido to move more fluidly with the rhythm.
“Shouldn’t you be focusing on…something important?” Sura asks from behind.
“Nope.” Ennui says flatly. “Khimi said there was a festival today and to take Lumi out. Probably needs a break from the little lion.”
Sura glances around the crowd and steps up beside Ennui. “Well, he certainly decided he didn’t want to have fun.” She replies in an equally flat tone. “I know you, Ennui. What is this?”
“What is what?” Ennui asks, her brow pinched while she scans the crowd again.
“I recognize your expression,” Sura mumbles with a sigh. “Something is wrong, and you’re not telling anyone,” she says, her hand firmly on her blade.
Ennui turns to Sura, her old mercenary friend. Her blue and golden tunic stands out among the rest of the surrounding figures, the sharp hues of the Cerulean Star visible for all to see. Ennui herself had decided wearing the colors in public had the potential to bring danger, and since the previous night she had chosen to return to her leathers.
Ennui grabs her hand, “Surama,” she whispers, “Promise me that you won’t repeat anything that I tell you.”
“Right,” Surama groans loudly and removes Ennui’s hand from her shoulder. “There is more to all this, isn’t there?”
“That boy,” Ennui begins, nodding at Lumi. “The aslan. He’s the saint of flames.”
Surama’s eyes grow wide with a look of recognition. “Ennui, we can’t defend him,” she growls under her breath. She pushes Ennui back and growls again. “Ennui…”
“I know, I know!” Ennui whispers quietly. “Don’t tell any of the others…if they find out, they may be tempted to take a bounty when it appears.”
“Bounty?!” Surama screeches. “Ennui, surely there is no bounty on his head?”
Ennui sighs and crosses her arms, “Not yet, but it’s coming. It won’t be public, it’ll be run throughout the undercities and pass through the mercenary companies like wildfire. Th-There was someone the other night…an elf from Loria who tried to take him,” she says, her tail flicks nervously behind her.
“Well, he seems to be quite happy for having just been attacked,” Surama replies softly.
“He was knocked out. Only the canis knows…and I have to keep my eye on them because I have a suspicion the canis will run his mouth.”
Surama thrusts her hands into her tunic and holds her head down. Her ears twitch, and she begins to speak, “He won’t make it long, Ennui…”
“I’ve accepted that much,” Ennui replies with a click of her tongue. “B-But…I admit there was a moment when — Nevermind.”
“What?” Surama questions, her dark eyes looking up into Ennui’s. “What moment?”
Ennui bites her lip and looks up to the sky. The sisters can be seen through the midday light, sitting high in the sky. “There was a moment in Betset. When things felt like they clicked together. I knew that I was supposed to help them. Khimi and Lumi.”
“This isn’t like you, Ennui. You’re likely to get killed if you continue down this path. It is a known fact that the Sun Temple is the wealthiest of the fourteen orders. They have all the dispensable wealth in the world. Everyone knows. Everyone, Ennui. There is a reason the Saint of Flames has not appeared.”
The clang of a bell causes them both to turn to the stage, the dancers preparing for their next dance. They move their hips from side to side, their hands move along their bodies alluringly, drawing the gaze. Lumi pushes further into the crowd, and Ennui pursues.
A hand grips Mido’s shoulder. “You two DWARVES!” Ennui growls angrily. “Quit running off on your own.”
“We’re perfe—”
Ennui clicks her tongue, “There are too many people around, it’s hard to keep track of you both.”
“Do you want a hand?” Surama questions. “It’ll be like those sitting jobs we had back in Dolmas.”
Lumi grabs at the satchel at Ennui’s waist and removes a bottle of spirits from the leather bag. “We’re supposed to have fun,” he says with a gentle laugh.
Ennui snatches the bottle from Lumi’s hands. “Listen, little shit. That’s my personal stuff!” She sighs while Lumi twirls away from her with a playful flash of his fangs. “It’s worse than those Dolman sitting jobs,” she groans aloud, grabbing Lumi’s upper arm.
“I’m going to go find Augustus,” Mido says, trying to look past the crowd. “Then you can focus on the one who needs to be watched.”
“No need,” Ennui shrugs, “Augustus and Khimi went to the harbor. It’s way outside of town. So guess you’re both stuck here with Sura and me.”
“Either way, I need to clear my head,” Mido announces, brushing past Ennui. “I think I need a drink or ten.”
Ennui rolls her eyes and follows through the crowd, urging Lumi and Surama to follow her. “You’re not going anywhere I can’t see you,” she groans.
“Ennui, we’ll be okay. I promise,” Lumi says with a reassuring grin.
“Yeah…right,” Ennui laughs, her tail flicks behind her.
The four force their way through the crowd onto the main avenue of the city. The area is quiet considering the growing crowd around the stage. Lumi darts past them and rushes to a vendor moving his cart. Ennui scoffs and turns to Mido.
“Why did you want to leave?” Ennui asks in a whisper, “did you see something?”
Mido raises an eyebrow. “No…I just wanted a breath of air. I feel overwhelmed by the crowd and dancing.”
Surama claps a hand on Mido’s shoulder, “I hate the crowds too, how about I take you back to the estate, and we’ll get something to eat…maybe some tea?”
“Not until they both go back,” Ennui replies, pursing her lips. “It is best not to separate too far from one another.”
“D-Do you think there are more of them?” Mido questions quietly, his eyes focused on Lumi at the cart.
Ennui laughs while fidgeting with the golden accessories dangling from her horns. “There will always be more…”
“Pleas—”
“Mido,” Ennui whispers, clapping him on the back, her thumb biting into his shoulder. “Do you want to know what Saint Nina has gotten you involved in?” She asks, her tone menacing.
Mido’s eyes narrow. “What do you mean? What are you talking about?” He asks in a whisper, watching the vendor hand Lumi several mugs.
“Ennui?” Surama whispers through her clenched teeth.
Mido shakes his head, “I-I want to know. None of this makes sense…the chosen don’t help each other. The Saint of Flames is supposed to be…a powerful figure in their own right.”
“It doesn’t,” Ennui begins with a gentle laugh. “It makes no sense…but perhaps the gods were seeking a chosen that is atypical of what is normal.”
Surama sighs and presses forward, “We cannot know what the gods had in min–”
“Why’re you helping them? Why are you helping Lumi? Khimi seems just as annoyed with him as he is infatuated with him,” Mido growls under his breath. “You…Khimi, why is anyone helping him?”
“Because,” Ennui begins softly, “If you open your eyes, you’ll see that both of them, Khimi and Lumi, they’re good people. Actually good people. Khimi comes off as brash, and he puts every effort into being successful. But when it comes down to it, he’d do anything for the people he cares for. And Lumi? Well, he’s dumber than a rock, but his heart is bigger than anyone’s I’ve ever met. So maybe…the gods saw that – the goodness in Lumi.”
Mido pulls at his sleeve nervously, “You’re an assassin…are you not? Why do you care?”
“Who said I care?” Ennui snickers under her breath. “Khimi is going to make me the wealthiest woman on Talmus,” she laughs while she turns back to Lumi rushing to them with his hands full. Her eyes grow soft, and suddenly she wonders how long she can keep up this guise.
***
Ennui stands before the trickling fountain, water pours down the tile mosaic. The design is carefully hand laid to make the appearance of the eight pointed star, the symbol of the Zeybek Merchant Empire. Goodbyes are not in her repertoire, nor had she ever been fond of making bonds she knew she would quickly break, yet she finds herself somehow indebted. The youthful ikati, Maza had nursed her back to health after her dance with death, and Aleyna offered her nothing but kindness during their stay. Then there is Mamir, her Rhazian comrade at arms, the only man she knows she can trust besides Khimi.
Lost in contemplation, Ennui crosses her arms, her dark tail swishing behind her menacingly. There is much left to do before they leave, and she knows that Khimi’s struggle as Emir Zeybek would come to a close. Each day he had grown more impatient, inquiring about their prospective vessels.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you with a face like that, Ennui,” a voice says with a faint yet familiar tone. “I don’t even need to question the fates to see you’re troubled.”
“Reisa,” Ennui says with a smile, without turning from the mosaic. “You’ve finally arrived.”
“And…I suppose that you’re about to set off again. And just after I made the long haul from Dolmas…things are getting out of hand there. Beastkin are being taken and sold as slaves to anyone willing to pay the price,” Reisa begins quietly, stepping beside Ennui. “I’m thankful for your letter, but I’m not sure that I’m needed here…you seem to have everything in check. I had to spen—”
“Reisa, shut up.” Ennui mutters quietly. “For just one minute.”
Ennui takes a small wooden stick and dips it through the flame of a nearby candle, then brings it to others. While she never understood the gesture of lighting the candles, or praying to the gods, she had always enjoyed the feeling it brought her. Flicking her wrist, the flame flickers to smoke, and Ennui casually tosses it into the basin beneath the mosaic.
Reisa is tall for a vulpo, standing only slightly shorter than herself. Long pointed ears pop up through thick brown hair which hangs over her shoulders. There is a certain pleasantness to her face, which Ennui finds comforting. Beneath her hazel eyes, across the bridge of her nose and cheeks are hundreds of freckles, spread across her face like constellations. Her frame is sleek and lacking in muscle. At her waist is a scepter which dangles from a leather string.
Reisa has been a known mage, one who studied the magick arts with the scholars of the Dolman academy. Throughout the years, Ennui had learned of Reisa’s abilities, something which gave people pause and others awe. The vulpo had somehow received a minimal understanding of fate, being blessed with visions and foresight. Once, she had told Ennui that her gifts were given to her when she was a child while witnessing an elder god spin the tapestry of fate in her dreams. Farfetched stories aside, Ennui knows having Reisa look after Aleyna and Maza is the best way to guarantee their safety, even if it puts her old friend at risk.
Ennui’s hand shoots to Reisa’s shoulder. “Reisa! You look…like you could use a wash.”
Reisa shrugs, reaching into her pouch. “I brought your invitation. But…Ennui, this invitation. I can’t stay here forever. I hope you understand that.”
“I’m not asking you to stay forever,” Ennui murmurs. Their bodies draw closer together and Ennui pulls against Reisa. “I’m just glad you showed up.”
Reisa returns Ennui’s embrace, “I came out of my respect for you, and the kindness you extended to me in the past. Think of it as returning the favor,” she adds before pushing Ennui back. “There is more, but this is neither the time nor the place.”
“Why? We’re alone. If there’s something you saw, Reisa. You have to tell me.”
“Not now!” Reisa mutters under her breath while she looks about the area.
“I thought I smelled a rotten fox!” Surama shouts, the door to the hall bursts open with a thud.
Reisa’s lips curl at Ennui, tilting her head knowingly. “Sura!” She calls back, turning to the lottore. “I’m surprised you managed to find a place among Ennui’s finest, beings that you can’t keep those grubby little hands to yourself.”
“Fucking hells,” Ennui groans in dismay. The whip-like tail slams against the floor with a crack, demanding their attention. “I’m not interested in your childish squabbling. I NEED both of you to be on your best behavior. As you know, you’re under the employ of one of the most powerful individuals in the Desert Cities.”
“We would’ve been fine without ‘er,” Surama pouts and nods to Reisa.
Reisa holds her composure, lips moving to words unspoken. Her hands finally fall to her side in defeat. “Surama, if you don’t mind…Ennui and I were sharing words,” she says in a cautious tone.
Surama rolls her eyes. “Sure thing,” she begins, her thick bushy tail seems to grow larger with her anger. “I was just coming to tell Ennui that Lady Aleyna wished to have a private word…when you have a moment,” she adds with a sideways glance at Reisa.
Ennui rolls her tongue over her teeth then sighs. “Well, tell her I’ll find her shortly…”
Sura does not offer a response, yet turns on her heels and back to the door. Reisa follows a few steps behind to close the door behind her. With an audible sigh, Reisa closes her eyes then tilts her head to the ceiling.
“She’s still the same,” Reisa says with a laugh, breaking the awkward air. “Even now…she hasn’t grown out of that immaturity.”
“Immature or not, she’s a damn good mercenary,” Ennui says, her arms crossed impatiently. “So spill it. What did you see?”
Reisa steps away from the door. Ennui’s hands drop to her side as Reisa opens her eyes, two pools of ebony stare back at her, dark as pitch.
The room around her crumbles into dust, only she and Reisa stand in the encroaching darkness. Out of the abyss vessels begin to approach, the sound of bells tolling in the distance, the scent of smoke and burning flesh. Black sails unfurl and as quickly as they came, they shoot past and vanish into the swirling pitch around them. Harbinger and Apathy.
A swarm of eyes in the dark, an untold number of reds, greens, and golds. A misty white fog rolls through the dark, a light illuminating the area between them. Khimi appears with a smile on his face, the selfsame confident grin she remembers from their first meetings. The mist behind him forms into a pale, sickly figure and without warning sinks her fangs into his clothed shoulder. Ennui could feel herself react without thought, her hand reaching for the missing gladius at her side. Khimi and his aggressor fall into the mist and vanish into the dark fog.
A tall pantera stands with a small congregation of aslan behind him, he stares menacingly at Ennui, his fingers clutching a gilded dirk. The aslan behind him move past the pantera and evaporate into dust while they walk past her.
The room darkens once again and just when Ennui begins to speak, the sound of heavy sobs behind her is likely to break her. Lumi’s boyish sobs are familiar, but never had she heard him cry with so much grief. As she turns on her heels, the sight before her causes her more pain than she knew she could feel. Her fingers clutch at her chest, these visions are premonitions, events bound to happen sometime in the future. And just as Lumi’s eyes are filled with tears, and he sobs over Khimi in his arms, she too could feel wetness forming on her cheeks. A congregation of hooded acolytes and priests behind them, bearing a sunburst emblazoned over their hearts.
“ENOUGH!” Ennui calls angrily, her hands waving at the vision before her. “End this, Reisa!”
“There is more…are you certain?” Reisa asks quietly in the darkness.
Ennui closes her eyes, shielding herself from the visions, “These premonitions…they aren’t guaranteed to happen?”
“These events are most likely to happen,” Reisa mutters in response. “I’ve had premonitions of events that aren’t destined to occur until long after we pass. What I’ve shown you…these events, they could happen in any order, any time.”
“These are all premonitions of danger,” Ennui murmurs. “Can’t you show me anything…else?”
“It doesn’t work that way,” Reisa responds quietly, the darkness fades from her eyes, returning to their unique mixed hue. “My gifts…they are warnings, signs of things to come. Their appearance isn’t always exact, but there is meaning in everything they show.”
Slowly the surrounding walls return, bit by bit the darkness that swirled about her vanishes. Ennui turns back to the mosaic fountain to hide the wet streaks across her cheeks. The candle wicks flicker, and she squats in front of them.
“Reisa…what these visions showed, tell no one. Keep them to yourself. Did you come here to show me this?” Ennui asks as she wipes the wetness from her cheeks.
“From the moment I touched that invitation, I saw those things. I knew I had to come tell you, at least, to share what I had seen! Ennui, these things are important! Enn—”
“What do you expect me to say?!”
Reisa sighs, covering her eyes. “I’m sorry, Ennui…you can’t change what’s going to happen…but you can accept it.”
“I need a drink. Do you have any idea what sort of burden you just put on me? How am I supposed to pretend?” Ennui questions angrily.
“For those without the gift, you can’t accept the things you’ve witnessed, but you will see…this will help prepare you for what will happen!”
“A-Am I supposed to be bloody thankful? Fuck!” Ennui shouts. She brushes her hair from her eyes and turns back to the mosaic. “Reisa…I’m sorry.”
Reisa slowly approaches Ennui from behind, then places her hand on her shoulder. “Don’t be sorry,” she begins in a soft whisper. “I understand that these visions can be hard on a person.”
“I’ll be fine,” Ennui grunts audibly as she forces herself to her feet, knocking Reisa’s hand away. “You should see yourself to your room, or ask Sura…I’m sure she’s looming about.”
“I know you’re hurt…but if you have any questions, you can ask. But it was a long journey and I would be glad for the rest,” Reisa whispers back while she looks deeply into Ennui’s eyes. “Don’t fear what you saw, Ennui,” she adds, her hand returning to Ennui’s shoulder. “Embrace it, let it help ease your pain.”
Ennui peels the vulpo’s fingers from her shoulder and stands quietly before her. Reisa bounces on her heels and sucks her teeth before leaving Ennui alone by the fountain. Ennui is unsure of how long she stands there in the quiet, the candles burning through their wax. The only thing she knows for certain is that the sun set and she is alone. I’ll never let it happen! She thinks to herself as she grits her teeth with determination. The flames flicker and extinguish, trails of white smoke rise in their wake.
Farewells aren’t Forever…
The antechamber beside Ennui’s room is well furnished and comfortable. A servant had appeared at some point in the early evening and lit the dozen lanterns about the room, each of them casting a different color light from their various stained glasses. Ennui had isolated herself to the bedroom and antechamber, contemplating the words and visions bequeathed to her by Reisa. Each and every part she analyzes over and over until she can no longer think properly, and still she continues to scour the recesses of her mind for clues.
The light from the lamps flicker before her, and for the first time in what feels like ages, Ennui considers contacting Samael. The devil would know the truth behind the riddle, but there is always a price to Samael’s assistance, and she is certain her request would come with a steep price. Lost, Ennui stares into the milky spirit in her glass chalice. A growl rises from her lips. She tosses the chalice against the wall, glass splinters across the sandstone floor.
Ennui sits forward, her hands gripping her horns. Samael is a menace, a constant terror in her life. The thought of begging for his help tears at her very being. There would be no joy in reaching out to the devil, but she is certain she had no choice in the matter. Her thoughts are interrupted as the door swings open suddenly to reveal Maza’s lithe form. As if teasing, she tosses her hair from shoulder to shoulder, her fingers combing through the loose blonde locks. Ennui’s lips tug at the corner to produce a weakened smile.
“Though I may not be the smartest girl in Sidi, I can certainly tell when something is amiss. Khimi asks me to learn from Mamir, and now you’ve hidden away in your room,” Maza says, walking away from the open door.
Ennui tilts her head and scoffs, “The quiet little ikati finally feels courageous? Wants to come see the devil?”
Maza smiles and shakes her head, “No…I still feel intimidated by you, frightful even. I just…wanted to say that I know you’ll be leaving soon.”
“Guess you’re smarter than you look,” Ennui whispers nonchalantly. “We’re planning to leave as soon as Khimi can get things arranged.”
“Then it’s farewell, is it?”
“You know better than that,” Ennui begins. She closes her eyes, feeling the weight behind her shut eyelids. “Khimi has to come back. It’s his destiny after all, isn’t it?”
“Is it now?” Maza inquires with a teasing strut about the room. She taps the fronds of a planted palm and sighs. “Are you going to return? Miss devil?”
“Will any of us?” Ennui asks ominously.
Maza folds her legs beneath herself on a lilac colored cushion. “Don’t be like that. Everyone will be fine. You’re just g-going,” she stutters, lost in thought. “Where are you going again?”
“Sounds about right, where the fuck are we going?” Ennui questions herself. “Some stronghold…or keep,” she mutters quietly, pushing her fingers into her temples. “Bastion of Horsecock.”
“Something happened, didn’t it?” Maza asks quietly after witnessing Ennui’s melancholy. “You’ve been like this for days…I can’t stand it!”
Ennui closes her eyes in frustration. “You’re free to leave, the door is open for you,” she says, her fingers now pushing against her closed lids.
Maza begins to stand, only to sit back down on the cushion. “Not until you tell me what’s wrong!”
“See, that’s the thing. I’m not sure whether I can tell you anything,” Ennui mutters quietly. “I don’t know the rules…what could change or what would be affected. If anything could be changed?”
“What are you mumbling about? Have you been drinking…?”
“Does that matter? Does it bloody matter if I have been drinking?!” Ennui asks, incredulous. She lifts her head from her hands. “What would it bloody matter?”
Maza, stupefied by Ennui’s outburst, relaxes onto the cushion. “It must be really bad to have caused you to be like this,” she whispers, her hand reaching nervously towards Ennui. “You can talk to me, you know.”
Maza’s kindness only seems to fuel Ennui’s anger. “Why the fuck would I want to talk to a foolish little girl who can’t even look after her master? What good are you to anyone?”
Maza lowers her eyes and pulls the hem down to her ankles. “You don’t mean that,” she murmurs, the meekness Ennui once recalled returns. “Lady Aleyna wished a word with you…she said she missed you the other day.”
“I have no time to dawdle about and play house with your lady!” Ennui barks. “If she’s got something importa—”
“Shut up!” Maza shouts back.
“Don’t you, don’t you dare,” Ennui barks again, rising from the armchair. “After everything I’ve done!” She shouts, stumbling. She realizes the amount of alcohol she consumed throughout the day. Lifting her shirt, she shows the scar on her abdomen. “I took a blade for Aleyna…what have you done?”
Maza stands from the cushion, the loose beads around her wrist clatter together. “Y-You can say whatever the hells you want about me, Ennui! B-But never about Lady Aleyna!”
Ennui points at Maza. “So the timid little kitten can stick up for someone, just not herself, it seems!” She adds with a malicious laugh.
Maza’s brow furrows. “Aleyna cares about you…y-you helped us when no one else would!”
“I helped you because Khimi paid me to come check on his dear old momma,” Ennui mutters. “So if you think for even one second…that I care about you or Aleyna. Or anyone on this estate for that matter, think again.”
Maza turns her reddened cheeks. With a disgruntled look on her face, she whispers, “I was coming to check on you, but had I known you were going to be so cruel…I’d have left you to stew in this den of despair alone.”
Ennui smirks, “Den of Despair, that’s precious. Considering how I found you and Aleyna when I got here. Captives in your own home!” She snarls, reaching Maza across the short distance, she grabs her petite wrists. “You’re f-fuckin’ lucky that I showed up when I did. Otherwi—”
Maza’s open palm smashes against Ennui’s cheek, scratching herself on the horn in the process. “You’re foul,” she spits, her tail standing up straight behind her. “You’re not worthy of Aleyna’s care OR Khimi’s friendship. You’re just a was—”
“Bitch,” Ennui mutters, her lip, bleeding at the corner, curls into a smile. “Not worthy?” She asks, tugging Maza closer towards her, “Khimi needs me…and as for you, you’d be dead or worse. So go on, tell me, what am I?”
Maza looks up into Ennui’s eyes and spits. “F-Foul,” she stammers, watching her spit roll down Ennui’s cheek.
With a sigh, Ennui shoves Maza against the wall, pulling her wrist behind her. The ikati winces and shudders at Ennui’s tightening grip, but does little to resist Ennui’s lips pressed to the back of her neck. Ennui’s horn skims across Maza’s tan skin and prod against the tender flesh, while her hand hikes up the length of Maza’s dress, pausing at the warmth of her inner thighs.
“Is this what you wanted?” Ennui questions before she releases Maza’s hand and jerks at the gauzy garment.
Maza breaths against the sandstone wall, “Not how I imagined it,” she mutters. “Not with you being a cunt,” she adds firmly.
“Sorry, love. I’ve always been a cunt,” Ennui whispers in response, palming the wet warmth between Maza’s legs. “And you’re just a bit fucked up as me, aren’t ya?”
“Hardly,” Maza replies, pushing against the wall and struggling against Ennui’s grip.
Across the room a voice clears their throat with a booming Ahem.
“I hope I am not interfering,” Aleyna says through the open door.
Aleyna is just as majestic as always, the addition of her horns and tail only heighten her charm. The golden accessories from her horns catch the light, glinting brightly. Her sheer shawl drapes loosely about her bare shoulders, which sits atop a copper colored sari. The outfit alone is enough to give Ennui pause, while Maza quickly brushes Ennui aside.
“Lady Aleyna! My apologies! I forget myself,” Maza murmurs and drops to her knees in prostration.
Ennui, still affected by the drink, scoffs and crosses her arms. “Lady Aleyna,” she begins, her tail snapping behind her pointedly. “I was just about to go looking for yo—”
Aleyna’s eyes flick between the two. The door closes slowly behind her. “Please…continue.”
Ennui ruffles her own hair in surprise, but leans against the wall. The lady of the estate is far more appealing than she had ever recalled. The sari leaves her midsection exposed, revealing the soft tan skin. The weight behind the top of her sari is heavy, a slight sheen shown across the gentle skin. Had Ennui not known that Aleyna was Khimi’s mother, she never would have suspected that she was his mother. She’s just — Ennui’s thoughts vanish while Aleyna removes her shawl and begins to lower the waist of her sari.
I’ll change fate if I have to. Ennui tells herself, the sentiment repeating in her mind like a mantra.
“Take off your clothes,” Lady Aleyna demands as she steps into the darkness of Ennui’s chambers. “Unless you’d rather squabble amongst yourselves.”
Maza turns to Ennui, her brow furrowed. “How long was she watching?!” She asks in a hurried whisper.
“Hells if I know,” Ennui responds, ripping at her tunic. The first pieces of her clothes fall to the floor. But I won’t keep her waiting.