The Forsaken

VII

Irridia had received her first book from the library of fate on the history of the high heavens. A small portion of it's past. How it had all began and where they came from. She had stared at the crystal arch through the small arched glass window next to her desk. The small room held a similar set up as the one Tyrael had introduced, but this one had a larger desk with more supplies to write and study. She utilized the desk well, taking noted and practicing her calligraphy. There were so many things she wanted to learn about within the heavens. She had a long way to go but she was observing everything like a dry sponge to water. She had read about these entities called demons that were natural enemies to the angels. They were described as vile creatures that craved only pain and despair from all things living.

    As she stayed up reading the book, she couldn't help but wonder what their thought process must be like. Why they were so bitter and angry. Why were they filled with so much hatred toward every living thing.What had started the war or begin with? She looked up to the glowing blue globe called the crystal arch and pondered these thoughts, eventually having them carry her into a light sleep. Her wings were neatly tucked behind her, the bed was warm and comfortable. It was something she wasn't used to. She had been in the forest along sanctuary for a while and didn't know what a real bed had felt like. Now she knew why the humans preferred this method of sleep. Angel's didn't require nearly as much sleep as mortals, but it was still needed every now and again.

    By morning, a soft knock woke Irridia from her dreams. She forced herself out of bed before gliding toward the door. After turning the door knob and cracking the door open, she saw the small lavender winged angel greeting her with a small bow. It immediately gifted her a smile along her face and she gave a respectful bow back, regardless of him not being able to see it.

    "Good morning." He said in a soft tone. "I so apologize for the sudden changes made for your stay last night. I did not realize I hadn't formally introduced myself until I had already left. My name is Xenarius. I am one of the couriers of wisdom. I've been ordered to escort you to your first trial." He continued. "Follow me"

    Irridia gave a small yawn and smiled hearing his unique name. "My name is Irridia. It is a pleasure." She said back to him. She stretched out her wings and gave a deep breath, her nerves slowly building from the anticipating trial.

    As they took off, she followed closely beside him, her eyes scanning the high heavens structures. The spires glistened in the morning sun, spilling golden light along the stain glass windows and marble floors. "The first trial will be that of Auriel the archangel of Hope." He continued. "It is there she will test your skills and knowledge based off instincts and morality. She will instruct you and inform you of the tasks given and the rules."

The grey angel gave a nod followed by a hum. She just hoped the challenges ahead didn't require her to use any of her abilities. She couldn't quite control them nor did she know exactly what they were capable of. Not yet anyhow. She was hoping that here time spent here would help her discover who she was and what she was capable of. Only time could tell.

    Irridia glided past the last spire before seeing the Gardens of Hope come into view. Her glowing orbs for eyes scanned over to a clearing where plants, vases and angels weren't occupying the space before landing. She watched after Xenarius noticing him hesitant to land, but eventually he managed to stick a perfect landing after pausing mid-air for a few moments. She watched as surrounding angels gave odd stares to both her an him, keeping their space. The grey angel tucked her wings neatly behind her back and tilted her head toward her guide.

    "When will the trials begin?" The grey angels thoughts began to wonder and her nerves began to hit it's peek the longer they remained in the center of the gardens. The ends of her soft smokey wings curled into thin wisps and form small nervous knots, easily expressing she was uncomfortable with all the stares being received. She wished she could be as nonchalant as Xenarius. She too wished she could be blind in that very moment, not being able to see everyone's rude questioning gaze.