Visiting a Prophet

[Aden Vigil]

Aden Vigil had been back not even a day, but already he had been working non-stop. You know, visiting those who have done stupid things and gotten injured, also there were those that were obsessed with knowing everything. Yes, he had to go visit Lady Bassette. Appartently she had been worried for him when he had come back with that Cruor sword. He had also recently taken a visit to that cursed weapon. Thankfully the sword was hidden still and nothing had happened.

While gone he had learned of Ausguards capture, but amazingly he hadn't learn about Laties until his return. He smirked as he thought of Dulcimer. A good four of his contraptions lay in ruins in the plains because of Aden. Aden's eyes traveled from hut to hut in search of the one that Prophet Bassette resided in.

He looked around him and bowed his head in response to a few over excited greetings. He offered only weak smiles to them as he passed through the crowd. He had to make it through the crowd to get to Bassette. "What's with the crow-" he asked aloud as he came to the center. Two men were fighting and anger boiled in Aden's system. They were yelling about how the absence of Aden must have meant his death. "Stop it!" Aden commanded coldly as he stalked into the center of the fight.

The two stared at him in horror and tried to apologize, "I understand." Aden started as he softened himself, "I'm back, perfectly helathy, but this brawl is going to end now!" He said sharply. "Both of you will go receive medical attention for the wounds that have already been caused and then you will report to another higher up and that person will determine the punishment. Now move!" He said looking between them as they scrambled away.

He passed through the crowd again in silence. It was dead silent and Aden looked back once and that was to say, "You shouldn't endorce fighting. We have limited numbers and we need to remain strong and strength comes in unity." He said turning and walking away again. If some people hadn't heard that he was back then they would now. After all, news spread quickly by these little kids.

Finally he caught sight of the hut that was known to belong to Prophet Bassette. He knocked at the door in respect and said loud enough for the inhabbitant to hear, "Lady Bassette...It's Aden. I would be quite happy if you would speak with me." Respect was all that lined his voice because he did have the utmost respect for this Prophet.

[Prophet Bassette]

"Oh, come in Aden! Please welcome yourself in!" Came the voice of the prophet. But before Aden could open the door, the door swung itself open, revealing Azazeal; Bassette's retainer. He looked at Aden and gave a small appreciative nod, moving aside with a small bow as Aden walked in. Azazeal respected the General, and that was a compliment considering who few he actually trusted in this world. As Aden walked into the hut, Azazeal shut the door behind him. The hut was darkened a bit, but nothing could outshine the prophet. Sitting in her large bed, she smiled radiantly. Dressed in a white gossamer dress in which sleeves billowed out from it, the prophet had been in the middle of getting her hair brushed. Her long white locks were falling over her shoulders elegantly, her hands in her lap.

Upon Aden's arrival into the hut, she smiled brightly. Her smile seemed to be reflected in the garlands of flowers hung about the ceilings and the multitude of elegant cloth that hung about her bed. The window behind her allowed bright moonlight to fill the room, but the candles that were inside were all lit, casting a bright glow. She brought her hands up to her mouth in joy as Aden walked in.

"Oh Aden! Its so good to see you home! How was your trip? I do hope you enjoyed yourself! Azazeal, please make some tea for our guest!" Bassette said as she mentioned Aden to come to the bed and sit. Azazeal nodded and went to the clay stove already hot with fire. The wonderful thing about being a prophet was the ability to tell when people were going to arrive and you could be prepared. He placed a kettle on the stove and poured water into it. Preparing the tea cups, he set them on a platter and stood attention at the stove, the fire throwing shadows against his young face.

[Aden Vigil]

Aden looked at Azazeal and bowed in return as he entered the hut. He looked at the Prophet and bowed to her as well. Every one knew Aden was big in respect and Aden knew very well when to give it and when to expect it. He walked to the bed and sat down not to Lady Bassette when she motioned him to, "My trip was very good. I've made a few new allies who I hope will come to help and I've also thought up a few new plans to trick Osiris." He said offering one of his rare, actual smiles to the Prophet.

He looked over at Azazeal and his mind fled to Dulcimer for a split second and he couldn't help the soft and short chuckle that escape his mouth, "I must ask something though Lady Bassette. Dulcimer tells me that you were worried for me when I brought the sword back. I know I left right away, but I can't help, but wonder if there is something that needs to be corrected." He said looking up at the Prophet.

He then looked around. His smile dimmed a little, but it was still there. He enjoyed beauty and serenity and it always seemed like this was the hut that had the most of that. He turned back to the Prophet and then looked over at Azazeal. His mind was turning in all sorts of directions.

[Prophet Bassette]

Bassette looked at him for a moment, then smiled gently and apathetically as she reached over and with her gentle fingers, ran them over Aden's forehead. She smiled as she pulled back his bangs so she could clearly see his face. Placing her hands back in her lap, she smiled again.

"No, Aden. There is nothing amiss. You've done very well. I was merely worried for the health of your mind and body after having to be around such a dirty sword. For many people, after handling the sword for a long time, they either fall ill or their minds are trapped within the grasp of the sword's evil. I only wanted to make sure you were fine, is all." Bassette closed her eyes for a moment, then looked at Aden again as the moon's light became dull and spotted as clouds moved over them.

"I worry for many people Aden, but especially you for all the trouble and the worry that follows an occupation such as yours..." She said. The tea kettle began to whistle and Azazeal took the kettle and poured the hot water. Stirring the simmering water, he placed both cups on the platter and brought them to Bassette's bed where the General and the prophet sat. He placed the platter on a small night stand and handed the General his tea while handing Bassette her's as well.

"Careful, its still hot," he said. He then took his place sitting behind the prophet as he continued to brush her hair. Bassette held the tiny white cup in her hand. She gazed into the honey colored tea, the smell of lemon wafting from the hot liquid.

"Aden, your job is a terribly painful and lonely thing. And I am merely a messenger on your behalf; I can only imagine the strength and courage needed in your place. I admire it very much. I just want you to know this. So, I want to do my job as well as possible. So, I must tell you what I have seen..." She said. Taking a deep breath as Azazeal placed her hair in a braid, she looked at Aden with a serious face.

"As you know, Laties is headed for the Odium sword. Ashamedly, I cannot see past what happens beyond his entrance. I've sent a guardian so he does not perish...I've put my full faith in this guardian...But I do know that I wish for Laties...to come unto the protection of the Order," she said. She looked troubled and suddenly, very weak.

"But...I want to know what you think..."

[Aden Vigil]

Aden listened to her speak and he nodded gently, "I understand. The sword was what pushed me to the edge and over it. It is the reason I went away." He said speaking softly. He remembered the painful headaches he had been getting for a while and then also how they had worsened after he held the sword for those five minutes in which he had been dragging Ausguard. Then the headaches had turned into moments where he seemed to travel back to a memory and relive every bit of pain it caused him. He woke from the thoughts as Lady Bassette began to speak again. She was continuing about why she worried.

He offered her another, stronger smile and said, "I knew what I was stepping into. I've never expected to make it out of this war alive or even sane." He said as a joke. He bowed his head as Azazeal when he was handed the cup. He felt the warmth that rediated through the cup and warmed his hands. Even though the weather was still warm his hands always managed to be cold. He never seemed to care though. It was just one of those things you come to get used to.

She started to speak again as Azazeal started braiding her hair and he listened. So, the rumor that a guardian had been sent to Laties is true... He thought as he stared into space as he started to think out the plans he had made. "What I think?" He started, "I think that's what my next move is." He said nodding his head as he tried to figure a way to explain what he wanted to do without making it as confusing as it was in his thoughts. Even he was having trouble following it all.

"Since Dulcimer first told me that I've been thinking of doing that. I may never agree with the fact that he served Osiris willingly, but I also know that now he is wanted he'll need protection or else he'll be killed soon. I also know that if the cards are played right then maybe we'll gain some knowledge and another way to hurt Osiris." He said aloud. His plans became more confusing as they went on and he wasn't in the mood to be too confusing.

Aden looked at her and said softly, "I want you to know I value everything you tell me." He didn't know why he felt as if she wasn't sure of her words. "I will always be in debt for what you tell me and the advice you give." He said bowing his head to her in respect. Aden's mind was busy thinking about how he could place his plans in action and about how quickly he could merge them. So far he was just thinking in circles.

[Prophet Bassette]

Bassette gave him a sad, but relieved smile. She looked down at the tea in her hand for a moment, then took a sip. Wincing slightly, she pulled back then smiled again.
"Heh, still too warm..." As Azazeal finished her hair, he moved from the bed over to the small clay stove and began to place more wood into the crackling heat. The cold stormy wind was picking up as more clouds hovered over head. Bassette then looked at Aden again as he thanked her. Shaking her head, she let out a small breath.

"No, Aden. Don't thank me quite yet. I want to see this war over with and until I've seen a clear and pleasant future, I will continue to work hard for you as you do for me. I can't thank you enough for understanding that we will need Laties. He will be an important person in the future, I can tell," she said. She closed her eyes for a moment.

"Aden...I must tell you...what with my inability to walk and my age quicky catching up...I can't do much but to dream of the future and aid you in this way. But in other forms, I can help fight this war with you...This upcoming battle...Osirus' Knights will come from the east. His possessed Knight will lead men with arrows aflame while Osirus' new General will strike from the West. It would be wise to move all women, children, and provisions to the Amblethorn temple. Under the altar, there is a secret cellar. Osirus won't send his Knights there..." She said, opening her eyes to look at Aden again.

[Aden Vigil]

Aden smiled back at her as he relaxed his muscles. "Lady Bassette, there is no need to ever thank me." He said softly, "I do what I do for the freedom of people under Osiris. I'm honored to have every ally I do." He said softly. Aden never did think of the future unless it was about plans and the idea of a clear future was almost an impossible thought, "I don't believe this war will be over for a long time though." He said sighing softly. He was going to see the end of the war, but he doubted he would live past it because it would probably end with a battle between him and Osiris.

He would win, but he didn't know if his life would be part of the prize. He listened to her speak of the upcoming attack and he looked at her gladly, "Thank you for that knowledge. Do you know when this attack will happen? I don't want to move them too early or too late." He said thinking of the children that would never have a normal life because of how they grew up. His heart was heavy with that thought, but he shook it off. He needed to focus on what he was alive to do then he would worry for those kids when an attack wasn't pending.

He looked at the door and sighed softly. He had a long life to live, but he also knew most of it would probably go to beating Osiris and making sure that he didn't ruin any more lives then he already had. "Lady Bassette, what will you do during the attack?" He asked worried for her. He didn't want any harm to before the Prophet, but he didn't want to force her into anything.

He thought of the men who had been fighting because they thought their general was dead. That bothered him, but those men would be dealt with correctly he hoped. He could only wait and see though.

[Prophet Bassette]

Bassette looked at him sadly as she revealed Osirus' plan. She knew very well how Aden was feeling. Having to sacrifice the peace of the families who lived in Amblethorn was not something Bassette wanted to do. If the battle could be moved elsewhere, she would inform Aden to that location. But as it stood, the Order would have a better chance within the city than anywhere else. Their numbers were small, morale was low and the sheer man power of the Order rested on young men barely the age to fight. Azazeal came up to Bassette and handed her yet another cup, taking the tea from her fingers.

Bassette gave Azazeal an appreciative smile and drank the foul smelling liqud. She winced as she swallowed it and as Azazeal handed her the tea again, she happily drank the whole cup. She looked back at Aden and smiled guiltily.

"My apologies. Azazeal is very adamant on keeping me updated on my medicine. But as to when Osirus is planning this attack...it will be four moons from now. He is planning a very swift and quiet attack. He thinks if he can destroy Gurella before Laties can get back, it will draw the General to him again. He wishes nothing more than to kill that man. As for me...when this attack comes..." She looked to the side for a moment at Azazeal, then quickly back to Aden.

"Since the last time I called on the Seventh Plane, it was said that the possessed Knight will make his way here, to my hut. He will try to kill or capture me for Osirus. I plan on facing him. I think...maybe there is a way to save his soul," she said. She hadn't wanted to reveal this to Aden, but there were no secrets kept from him. She shivered slightly as the first drops of rain began to fall.

[Aden Vigil]

Aden listened to her speak and he shook his head, "No, it's perfectly fine." He said speaking of Azazeal making Lady Bassette take the medicine. He then listened to her speak of the possessed knight, his gaze turned sad as he thought of it, "Are you sure Lady Bassette?" He knew that meant he was taking the new general on. He wasn't worried about that. He was more worried about Lady Bassette and this possessed knight. He sighed softly and raked a hand through his longer hair.

He naturally started to plan how to transport the people without much disturbance since he knew Osiris would probably have people watching. Any smart leader would have men watching the area they were going to attack moments before the attack actually took place. "Anything else I may do for you today lady Bassette?" He asked kindly. He was going to train after he left. Nah, first he was going to make his presence known around town so that fights didn't break out again. Then he was going to train just like before.

Aden hadn't grown any weaker with his vacation, but he certainly had yet to grow stronger and Osiris wouldn't make just any one his general. He would make a man he thought could take Aden down his general. Boy was he wrong...His idea of sending a party out to find that last sword was going to be put on hold now. His priority was keeping people safe and making sure they won this fight.

Then plans would go into action and allies would hopefully come. He could only wish though. Hope was valuable, but he only hoped to win the war. He wished for everything else. Aden sensed the rain and smiled weakly. The rain had always given him something to be happy about. It meant nature wasn't dead. It meant things were in or close to working order. It meant life.

[Prophet Bassette]

Bassette smiled in reply to Aden's worry. She nodded slowly as Azazeal stirred the fire again. The crackling embers and the sound of rain was mixing together in one comforting melodious song. It was relaxing, which was exactly what Azazeal wanted for the Prophet. Bassette would soon sleep and dream unwillingly of the future. In the mean time, Azazeal would watch guard, as he did every night. It was clear by the paleness in his face and the young, tired eyes that he did this for the Prophet every night. Moving his long garments from the fire with one hand, he reached into the stove to move a log. An ember licked his finger and he pulled back with a sharp hiss, sticking the finger in his mouth. Bassette was determined to fight against Israfel, but for more than one reason. It was true she wanted to save his soul, but Azazeal also knew what it meant to have the possessed Knight come after his Lady. It meant him having to sacrifice himself until she was prepared.

Azazeal had always been ready to die for the Prophet; ever since she had begun his training and kept him like family. It was true, Azazeal knew Bassette as his only family. She was the only means by which he was considered normal. As a Shade, Azazeal knew how threatened he was by Osirus decree against his kind. He glanced at Bassette; relieved to see that she hadn't heard him. She didn't need to worry about him.

Bassette breathed in deeply the scent of rain and wet dirt. She loved it.
"Yes, I'm sure. If I can rescue Israfel from his darkened cage, Laties will have more of an incentive to remain with us and to keep a calm head." As Aden asked if she was finished, she merely smiled and brought a hand up to caress his cheek. If she had given birth, Bassette would truly want her to son to be as beautiful and kind as Aden. As she did for most people, Bassette treated most like her children. But Aden...Aden was special in her eyes.

"No, you can go. Just be sure to take care of yourself Aden."

[Aden Vigil]

Aden's eyes glazed over as thoughts, memories, plans and all of them rushed through his brain. He felt horrible about what he needed to do, but it was what the Prophet wanted him to do. "Thank you for all your help Lady Bassette. I wish you two luck with this posessed knight since I may not be able to make my way back with this battle only four days away." He said standing and turning to both. He bowed to them and made his way for the door.

"Thank you again." He said opening the door and stepping out into the rain. He smiled at the cold feeling against his skin that was still warm. He had remembered the place the cup of tea down on his way out. His hair quickly became soaked as he turned in the direction of the center of town. Time for action.

(Aden's is gone)

[Prophet Bassette]

As Aden left, Bassette couldn't help the sigh that escaped her lips as Azazeal came to her side, taking a hand. Bassette looked at her retainer and gave him a delicate smile.

"It'll be alright Bassette. If you have faith in him, he will succeed. You have the power to manipulate this horrible future to come," Azazeal said, sitting in front of her. Bassette smiled and reached over to move Azazeal's bangs from his face.

"I sure hope so, Azazeal...Because if I can't, the world will fall into chaos and all those innocent lives will be lost. There is more to this story to behold...Osirus must leave his throne, his Queen must vanish, and Prince Eros must take rule if we're to see a decent day. But until that moment, many days and weeks, even months to years of pain and bloodshed will happen if I cannot help," she said. Azazeal squeezed her hand, then stood.

"Come now, Lady Bassette, its time for you to rest," he said. He helped Bassette under the covers, tucked her in and was about to fluff her pillows when she suddenly embraced him tightly.

"Azazeal...I will not let him kill you..." Azazeal looked at her painfully, then shook his head.

"The future is the future. What is to happen will happen. I'm prepared for it," he muttered. Bassette released him and smiled sadly.

"Azazeal..." The retainer shook his head and moved from her bedside.

"Sleep." Bassette stared at him only for a moment longer before falling asleep.

::Bassette Fin::