Alastor X Reader: Blood For Freedom

14. Starlight

*** Violence/torture warning

*** Your POV 1300+ years ago, back on earth. ***

"Keep up little light, we have many herbs to gather before sun down!" A tall slender priestess called out to you from up ahead on the forest trail. She had long dark hair tied together in a braid with flowers, rings and other decorations laced in. Just like you, she wore a loose black dress, and many accessories made out of animal bones.

"Sorry Priestess Vienna! I found some lions mane I was gathering." A much younger you responded as you bounded to catch up. Your outfit mirrored the priestess but the chains and crystals were a little different. Your journey was different, and so your objects of power mirrored that. Although Vienna was older and technically more experienced you were considered the same rank, and you were a fully fledged priestess in your own right. Not that it really mattered now days.

"Good eye!" Vienna exclaimed looking at the harvest popping out of your basket, "Pain relief is always in short supply."

You shook your head in response, just wishing you could do more. It never felt enough. It didn't help that it was just you and Vienna now. The rest have been taken away, either forced to convert to the ways of the new church or killed. The worst part was that this order had very little knowledge of the healing arts, in fact they condemned it as witchcraft. Calling anyone with the knowledge or anyone who used it a heretic or heathen, even if they did not worship the gods of the land like you did, or took blood for payment. Your father was one of the first they found, he didn't even know to hide back then. He was in the village, handing out medicines when one of the newly stationed guards apprehended him and he was burned. He was the first, but he was not the last.

One by one the villages turned away from the temple, condemning the same people that have kept them alive and thriving for centuries. Until finally the order gained enough support that they raided the sacred sights burning the wood groves and destroying the altars. From that day on anyone who survived, hid in the mountain caves on the outskirts of the forest. Trying to survive and help the remaining supporters from the shadows. The profound knowledge of herbal and mineral medicine having been all but erased in the raid left many of the villagers sick, and unable to treat many of their ailments.

But what was arguably worse, is the dwindling numbers of your family and friends. Even the influence of your gods has become weaker in the land, like the hope has gone out from the earth. You could feel it. You were always very attuned to the ebb and flow of essence around you, it was how you were able to spot things in the forest others didn't. However, it was draining on your body and mind.

"I know you miss everyone." Your companions voice interrupted your dark thoughts. "But, and forgive me for asking, you've seemed extra tired as of late. Is everything alright?"

"Hah, can't get past your watchful eye can I?" You laughed a little, although you were the same rank now, priestess Vienna was your mentor for over a decade. She taught you everything the gods and the land didn't.

"Never, little light." Vienna smiled.

"Not enough blood." You admitted, "Less and less villagers come down now for help, afraid of being found out. And that means no payment, and no way for me to replenish my magic since I give most it as offering's to the gods."

"I am sure they would understand if you took care of yourself first."

"Perhaps. But it feels wrong."

"I see." Vienna was a wise priestess, and she trusted your judgement. If you say it feels wrong to you, then there was probably a reason. You two continued your journey through the woods in silence, stopping to pick up different herbs and fungals as you saw them. Your destination was a particular patch of trees, kind of close to the village for your liking. But it was abundant in herbs and most importantly there should be fresh pine growing there this time of year. Your father used to take you here every year instead, but since his death you made the journey with Vienna.