A Slayer's Tale

This chapter contains some semi-graphic descriptiveness. If you are squeamish, be warned.


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This was not like the sorcerer had imagined at all.

His spell had apparently gone terribly awry. His invocation was intended to bring about a spirit guide, a bound companion to aid and consult him in his spell casting. But the lovely being of light was not here.

What stood before him was a horrifying creature that mocked him with an intricate display of chains and hooks that crisscrossed its flesh. As it moved, even slightly, the glistening, bloody meat beneath its flesh was hinted at. He knew instantly that this..this thing could not possibly be what he had intended to summon. After all his years of experience in the white and black arts, he was sure. And it sent him into a state of panic at what he had unleashed.

The sorcerer threw out a powerful banishment, which sent a white arc of energy toward the thing. The arc hit the beast's chest and exploded out in all directions, leaving a bright bluish glow that slowly faded into the dark room's normal hue. The practitioner of the magical arts steadied himself on his working table and breathed a sigh of relief. His sigh turned to a gasp of horror when he looked up and saw the beast still in the same spot that it was just a moment ago.

It smiled defiantly at him, the broadening of its mouth stretching the flesh grotesquely in odd directions. It was obviously humanoid, or at least, once had been so. Finally it spoke while beginning to slowly and meticulously move across the floor toward the wizard. The leather robing that it wore from the waist down obscured the movement of its legs.

"Do you even know who I am?" the thing asked. "Did you really think to banish me?" Its voice was as the sound of a rake being drawn across cobblestone. It was as if the scarification that crisscrossed every inch of its barren chest, coated the creature's vocal cords as well.

The only thing the shrinking, petrified man could think to do was vigorously shake his head and stammer out a, "N-n-no.."

"No matter." The being stopped across the table from him and stared deeply into his eyes. "All that matters is that I know you." It's voice seemed to reverberate from the very walls and echo into the frightened being's ears over and over again with every word.

"I understand the nature of your fear. But do not be dismayed. Now that I have been unleashed into your world, I will make great use of your special skills."

Now the magician understood. This beast intended to use him! It intended for him to be his magical slave. He broke into a run, darting for the door, but was caught quickly by the arm faster than his eye could have followed. He felt himself being lifted from the ground and brought face to face with the monster, which stood a good seven feet in height.

"Do NOT question the pleasures or power which you have been offered." It spat into his face with a sudden flash of anger. Then, just as quickly, its grotesque face regained its serene appearance and the human was lowered to the floor. The Prophet of The Gash smiled down at him, still holding him by the shoulders. In all his years he had never seen a smile filled with such wickedness, such pure evil.

"My name is Acolistes. Can we begin now?"


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They entered the foyer, Faith staying slightly behind as she had been asked, and Elizabeth immediately asked one of her handmaidens to draw a bath.

It was not an unusual occurrence. Lady Elizabeth very often loved a hot bath after her night's activities. So the young lady spirited herself away to draw the bath and prepare clean bed linens for the young noblewoman.

Afterward, Elizabeth made a quick shewing motion to Faith who had been waiting and watching, unseen. The peasant girl immediately darted up the stairs that Elizabeth had directed her too, with the older girl not far behind.

Elizabeth took the lead and, upon reaching the second floor landing, led Faith to her chamber and closing the door behind them.

Faith walked further into the room, looking around in awe. This was the most amazing place that she had ever been in. Elizabeth's personal chamber was decorated in colors of gold and scarlet, made of fabrics more beautiful than she even knew existed. At one wall sat a large mirrored vanity, which fascinated her, as it was covered with a huge assortment of beautiful, intricately made containers. It became obvious that each was filled with a sweet smelling perfume or powder, because as she approached the area her nose was treated to the volley of wonderful smells.

Directly across the room was a large canopy bed, which was adorned in the same golden and scarlet fabrics. It was also adorned with enough large pillows that several families could make use of them. Then, glancing at the decorations and trimmings that filled the room Faith decided that she should not touch anything. She finally turned to face the noblewoman who was contentedly watching her own exploration of the chamber.

"You stay here?" Faith asked.

"Yes." Elizabeth nodded.

"Every night?" This statement from Faith brought a cutely amused smile to the blonde Slayer's face.

"Of course every night, silly. This is my home."

"The whole house?!" If it were possible, the girl's eyes got even wider.

Elizabeth laughed. She found the brunette's awe and wonder incredibly cute.

"Wait here Faith. Alright?"

The peasant girl only nodded, and stood with her arms crossed protectively over her chest. She still wasn't quite sure what was happening here or why she had found her way to this large house. To be honest, she was slightly intimidated. But it was like any other situation that she found herself in. She could handle it. And if any situation ever turned for the worse, she could find her way out. She always had.

-

Elizabeth went to the door that separated her main bedchamber from the bath. Opening it, she poked her head inside to check on the progress of the water being poured into her large tub. Finding the handmaiden almost finished, Elizabeth politely asked her to leave before motioning Faith into room. It was not that she was ashamed of having Faith here. Far from it.

However, she did want to keep the girl's presence here a secret from everyone from Rupert. Plus, it would cut down on the idle gossip and chitchat that sometimes ran rampant at any new occurrence.

Faith entered the bath chamber, and was once again highly impressed at the immaculate room, that was accentuated by the huge tub. "I'll get you something clean to wear, while you bathe. Umm, you can..undress over there." She made a motion with her hand and exited the room, as Faith began to disrobe.

-

She slid her dress off, noting the stains and tears in the only garment that she owned. Suddenly, she felt a little ashamed and uncomfortable to be here. She must look horrid to the noble. But, at least, she could make herself as presentable as possible.

She approached the ornate bathtub and tentatively lowered herself into the hot water. Then she found the cloth and began cleaning the layers of road dust from herself, just as the door opened again and Elizabeth reappeared. The noblewoman averted her eyes, strangely finding herself reluctant to do so. Still, her gaze at the younger girl's beautiful form lasted a moment longer than it should have. It didn't go unnoticed either.

-

She's looking at me! Faith thought. She's looking at my…oh…The brunette almost gasped silently, feeling the noblewoman's eyes upon her. Only then did it sink in.

She's attracted to me! Her mind filled with wonderful, yet unattainable images. What was she thinking? Was she really thinking about that? A noblewoman no less? Talk about your unreachable goals.

Yeah, Faith thought. Sure she's attracted to me. She's just being helpful, bringing in the clean dress that she was to change into.

But the next thing that happened made her wonder.

"Oh look now. You've missed a spot." Elizabeth said, as she reached forward grabbing another washcloth. Faith gasped aloud as she felt Elizabeth's hand on her, rubbing the layer of grit from her shoulder. Faith closed her eyes as the blonde's touch brought a moan from her.

Oh no! Did she just moan?

It was so strange. Why was she feeling this way? The feeling of the blonde's hands on her sent her into a place that she didn't know was possible. In her long travels, Faith had never known the intimate touch of anyone. Perhaps the things she was feeling were the result of her total lack of intimate experience. Faith had never known the touch of anyone on her skin. Other than that directed to hurt or scorn her.

Now this. This gentle tenderness touched something deep inside that spread right through her. She looked back over her shoulder at Elizabeth who just smiled sweetly at her, and for the first time in a long time Faith smiled back.

"Why are you being so nice to me?"

The blonde looked down at her and grinned as she continued to run the cloth along the younger girl's back. "I just am.."

Faith turned back around and settled into the warm water a little deeper, enjoying the heat of the water and the gentle hands upon her shoulders. The mutual attraction between them remained unspoken, but it grew nonetheless.