Neledh || ONC 2023

Chapter 7 | Eira

They had stayed in the south of France after the crusade. Incapable and unwilling to leave the last remaining parts of the pull behind. But life had continued even if they momentarily were unwilling to face that.

Together they travelled around from town to town, but never staying long enough to form roots anywhere. In Balma they had lived in relative peace for several years before fate came back to haunt them.

An inquisition had been formed and in fear of attracting unwanted attention to the small town, did Nadine and Eira hid in the surrounding woods. Katell, the woman they had been living with, had left for a nearby town to be present at the execution of her friend.

She had come to tell them and had only found Nadine, who in turn had followed her when Eira had arrived from her hunting trip. Together they had followed in Katell's footsteps to Blagnac.

Eira would never have been ready for it, even now looking back at it with a more clear mind, was she sure about that fact. She would have never been ready for her soulcall to die in front of her eyes, before even meeting her.

They had arrived moments before it had been too late, from the other side of the river they saw the seemingly young woman be bound to a stone and thrown in the river. Eira had taken Nadine's hand to ground herself, to ensure she stayed right there.

She couldn't save everyone.

She couldn't come crashing into this group of humans in rightful indignation.

She couldn't move, until she could.

Eira pulled Nadine with her. Away from the scene, the river, the death surrounding the place.

Eira ran away from the path, fate had laid out for her since she had been a child. The beautiful anemones in the field, forgotten in her wake.

-

Nadine had led them back to the road to Balma, as Eira wasn't sure she could tell the difference between north and south at that moment. They were almost by the outskirts of Toulouse, when a person emerged from the trees surrounding the path.

Eira had lifted her axe, ready to fight any and all bandits that were too stupid to run, when the person removed their hood and Themis' face appeared.

"Follow me."

No explanation, no offered comfort. All business and no contradiction was tolerated. Eira and Nadine followed in silence to a secluded house that appeared between the trees of the forest.

They were led inside and only there they cried bitter tears, whereas Themis rubbed circles on their back in silent comfort.

-

Eira had fallen asleep on the bed together with Nadine, her arm slung over Nadine's smaller frame. The sun had risen several moments before and Eira had woken up only to see there was no one else in the house. Themis was gone and Nadine fast asleep.

Nadine stayed asleep while Eira made breakfast.

She was still asleep when Themis returned without saying a word, and the moon rose high in the sky.

And the next morning when Eira was shaking her hard enough and screaming her name for anyone to hear, she was still asleep.

This time Eira didn't stay.

-

"I won't do it for less than 600. I won't even make any profit, it'll only cover the costs.

Eira wasn't even that pressed to be paid fair, but she still needed to show some vigour. It wouldn't do to not be concerned by actually losing money while risking your life. As much as she could even do that in this body.

"Fine, you leech. 600 it is, but don't think it will be the same next time."

She didn't blink as accepted half of the sum and stepped through the portal, on to the next job.

-

The sudden death of her soulcall, had left an achingly empty feeling in Eira's mind. And with Nadine's absence it was felt even more.

Every single day she would be reminded of what she had lost. It didn't become better with time, or with fighting for people she did not care about, nor the paths Themis sent her on.

But it took time to go from A to B and back. To fight people and plot the overthrowing of a ruling order. To go undercover, and never reveal her real status to the beings she was spying on.

It made the time alone a little more bearable.

Seldom did she encounter humans or more moral species. It was usually a very good hint if they knew Themis in some form, that they weren't up to much good. As Themis themselves didn't have a very high moral standing and the people they worked with were of the same mentality.

Though usually Themis was only known as a prosecutor, someone that stepped in when all hope was lost and decided the battle.

Someone not to be trifled with.

The others that knew them, were similar in age and heritage. Not older than time, but survivors against all odds. Few of them were master vampires and many had a creature inheritance.

And at this instance Eira didn't know what way to go. This person knew Themis, but Eira could not figure out how.

They were old, older than she was by many years.

They were a centaur and a vampire.

They had a powerful protector with money that let them into this part of town.

They were afraid.

-

Author's note

So this chapter hated me and I'm done with it. 

Large update, because I was writing two chapters for each pov before I wrote this one.

So just that everyone knows, I originally planned three chapters for chapter 7 & 8. So if some parts feel rushed than this is the reason, as I won't be able to finish the story before the deadline otherwise. 

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April 15, 2023