I never lived

Xavier

I followed a glittering golden road to the steps of the massive castle, holding my breath as I passed a stern looking man dressed in some type of fancy militant uniform. I must have looked lost to him, because he eyed me sympathetically as I climbed the smooth marble stairs. I approached a welcoming enough doorway made of rough, pale, arching marble and dark, rich, luxurious feeling wood. The walls were covered in various artwork ranging from portraits and commemorative statues, to military scenes and golden vases; everything was kept pristine and untouched. I resisted the urge to brush my fingers along the brim of a medium sized pot. Although windows were framed by heavy red velvet curtains, a cold draft whispered throughout, making the halls seem hollow and unloved. The castle seemed to swallow anyone who entered, sealing them from the rest of the world. My thoughts wandered and it dawned on me then that this "holy one" must be quite lonesome in this sterile environment.

Each hall mimicked the last in decor, making me wonder if I was simply walking around in circles. Finally I walked into a room that housed a thick marble fireplace and an indulgent gold and silk throne, the silk matched the deep red of the curtains I'd seen before. At the foot of the chair a large bear skin was carefully placed. The ceiling was gold and dome shaped, leading me to conclude this was the heart of the castle. No art adorned the walls, only thick cloth banisters that matched the deep reds throughout the rooms. I felt as though I was being watched as I crept closer to the crackling fire contained in the fireplace.

"Most new souls come with a guide" a warm voice chuckled.

"You must be-" I began.

"Forget the formalities young one, I am Xavier." He waved off the formalities. "It's so rare to get a new female in this world!" He raced over to take my hands and I silently observed him. He was a slight, short man well past his prime. His thinning hair was a pure white, oddly so were his eyes; he had deep wrinkles that accentuated his gentle smile and demeanor. Xavier, The Holy One, dawned robes that matched the color scheme of his castle, deep red with golden trim. He struck me as you impressive at first glance, but his warm smile and gentle soul made me believe there was much more to him than what his appearance showed. "Shall we seal your soul, dear?" He smiled kindly.

"I suppose that's a good idea" I nodded in agreement, suddenly anxious.

"Just take a deep breath, it'll be done quickly." And with that he laid his palm against my forehead and began to chant quietly. The longer he held his hand there the more my forehead burned, it grew more and more uncomfortable until I began to squirm and pull away. My feet disobeyed me though, and I stayed rooted in my place until Xavier suddenly lifted his palm and looked at me softly. "It seems you've already been sealed to this world... You've also been made immortal.... So it is as suspected."

"What does that mean?" I felt panic gripping at my stomach

"Dear child, you have quite the future ahead of you" he scowled. "Now it is time for you to receive your knowledge of this world you belong to."

"So I'll learn my job?" I could still feel panic gnawing at my frayed nerves.

"No, I'm afraid you won't have a traditional education, but in due time you will come to understand." His eyes begged my patience and I obliged by only nodding shortly. "You will be Lane's student, he is to be our next leader in this world." Xavier smiled mischievously. "Welcome to your new world." He winked.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LANE

I woke up without remembering that I'd drifted off. I didn't sleep much anymore, I seemed to always have too much to do. I sighed to myself and stiffly got to my feet. It was time to wake my companion and get going, she needed to reach the city by today. We were all curious about this new female... She seemed so strong already, I wondered if she was the key to the prophecy. But who knew... She was gone. Well, crap.