Heavy is the Head that Wears the Solemn Crown

Fifty-Three - The Blood of the New Moon

Techno

Techno and Grian return to the rendezvous point with the others with fresh supplies and two gods peering over the former's shoulders. Grian is unaware of them, but he does sense something different about the air. Techno considers telling Grain about Alex and Steve, but the gods make their disdain for the seraph extremely clear. They gaze at him warily, as if they have some reason to be upset with him. Notwithstanding the simple fact that Grian does not hold an unlikeable disposition, gods should not carry such vitriol in their bodies for mere mortals. Other than existing when he should not, Grian has done nothing to offend the gods. Their hate is unfounded, but they continue to carry it. When Techno watches over Grian's sleeping form, the gods whisper that he should cut his losses and kill the seraph. He refuses them every time, and they amend their statements with one that is arguably worse. They tell Techno to use the Axe of Peace to sever Grian's wings from his back. It would take away his status as a seraph. It would allow Grian an easier life, they argue, but Techno can only see Tommy every time he reaches for his axe. He can only see wide blue eyes filled with tears and disbelief as a pair of wings lie on the ground between them and blood soaks into the earth. Techno isn't sure if the imagery is all in his own head or if it is a memory that he has not laid claim to, but he refuses to hurt Tommy and he refuses to hurt Grian.

Grian, sometimes, looks at Techno like he knows what thoughts plague his mind. He never hides his wings or back from Techno. He does not reach his hands around his neck or head when Techno gets close. He does not tense for battle when Techno stands next to him. He does not do anything physical. He just has a spark of understanding in his eyes. Techno could apologize, but he knows he has done nothing. He does not even entertain the thoughts his masters press into the forefront of his mind. Techno only shows the axe when a desert creature slides across the sands with a gracefulness that freely thinking creatures could never hope to mimic unless they bond with a demonic beast of the golden realm.

"We are approaching the area," Grian admits, a few steps in front of Techno. His wings are partially hidden by a cloak thrown over his shoulders, but the ends of the larger feathers are seen from the ends. Despite being inflamed, the wings do not disperse light. It is a startling sight that makes Techno's eyes narrow. He could almost reach for them, to feel if they give off heat if not light, but he keeps his hands to himself, lest he feel the overwhelming urge to pull. Techno has not considered himself a child in a very long time, but sometimes the gods hanging around his form make him feel like he cannot control his own instincts. He usually vents this problem onto the monsters in the snowy outreaches of the empire, but he dares not let Grian disappear from his sight.

"I told you that the others would be here," Steve idly mentions. Techno looks at the god for a moment before he finds where Steve is looking. A multitude of tents are stationed on the horizon with a few horses under the shade of a tree that spreads its branches over a shallow hole where water once laid. With enhanced sight, Techno is able to recognize the figures standing among the Hermits. Grand Duke Sam Dude is having a conversation with some of the Hermits, leaning down on the ground to draw in the sand with sticks. Captain Puffy is patrolling around the perimeter with her sword shimmering in her closed fist, and Phil is flying overhead to watch for aerial strikes. Hannah seems to glow with an unnatural light as she presses her hands against the plants. They blossom with flowers, and the flowers soon drop their petals to reveal rapidly growing fruit. People with baskets rush to pick the fruit as soon as they are ripe, and Techno notices that Niki and Fool are among them. The seraphim- Beau, Freddie, and Andor- are sitting on the ground with Jimmy examining their wings. Gem and Fwhip sit across the fire from the seraphim, helping make food for anyone who comes with a poorly made bowl. It is a makeshift camp, far larger than Techno thought it would be, but he supposes that many people were displaced by the war and rising tensions.