Fear of Mantodea (Yandere Mantis x Reader)

Sneak Peak: A clash of Wyrm and Ice

        It was a long time ago on a dark and dreary day when the head priest of Mantodea entered the district of the night. Steel boots clicked upon cracked stone, present since the day of its conception, giving the pathway a heavy atmosphere of dread and caution. Like alabaster night his coat flowed behind him, moving as if it had a mind of its own. Behind him, his young attendant followed, the clicking and clacking of his own heels keeping a rhythmic fast pace, complimenting the light pitter patter of a raindrop choir. Anxiously, the attendant swiveled his head around like some kind of belligerent owl.

"Quin," A calm, yet stern voice reproached, looking back at the attendant with mild concern. "What wracks you with such worry? Surely there is nothing to fear about the kingdom we call home."

Young Quintarion shook his head, pushing back his short dark hair with a darkly speckled hand as he gathered his things within his arms.

"My priest, it is not the kingdom I fear, but the filthy inhabitants of this cursed district. Ugh, to even step foot in such a place disgusts me. I don't see why it's even standing still."

The priest and his assistant turned down the alleyway, passing by a few stray animals that made their home within the filth ridden streets among the poor and vile citizens. Most of which, the priest noted, were those of non mantid origin.

"Ellouis-" Quintarion began before getting interrupted by a raised hand.

Stopping in front of a building, Quintarion found his inhibitions rise. In front of the two, a stature of a lace hanging crescent moon with stars stood boldly. This was near the entrance; the bold words "Den of Stars" written in gold lettering telling the assistant exactly where the two had found themselves. The recognition was near immediate, his teeth gritting at the mere thought of stepping inside this horrid place. The Den of Stars, Mantodea's most famous brothel pit. Not only did the lower cast visit often, but the higher class as well, some even saying they had spotted the princess within the walls before. The young worshipper stood, fixed to the ground as he looked nervously around as if someone from the sun district might see him. This nervous energy, the fidgeting of his fingers; it was only when Ellouis cleared his throat did he realize that he was waiting for him to walk through. Quintarion stood back, shaking his head in a fervent manner.

"My priest! This place is no establishment for holy men to be in! It's so...filthy!" He cried, urging Ellouis to turn back, only prompting a sigh from the older man as he walked inside.

"Hush now Quintarion. You know as well as I do that even the most impure of places are filled with Ignis's light. Besides, we have a friend to visit."

A low groan escaped the dark mantis. As soon as the two entered the reek of perfumes and hazy flowers assaulted their senses, the likes of which caused Quintarion's eyes to water. For all of his time living in Mantodea, he held quite the hate for this district, perhaps even despising it the most. This place's residents, ruler, even the ground itself called forth a stigma not unlike one would have for a detestable insect upon sight. His hatred was a palpable thing, causing an almost physical barrier between the holymen and whomever else dared step forward from this rotting, filthy ground. Despite the obvious stench of money, no worker, rat, or miscreant dared draw near. It was well known in the night district to be weary of the priest and his entourage. Ellouis smiled to himself, his fingers tapping upon a desk hailed by a woman wielding a silver pipe. Large and baggy eyed, her smoke wrapped around the two, choking the clean air in favor of a brisk, fiery aroma. Her back straightened at their presence and when she spoke, it was like hearing the click of a pen against weighted stone, rhythmic and somewhat raspy.