Legends of Belariath

A Bard`s Memory of Empire

The 27th Year of The Ilfirian Empire

May 26
Divine Silence Part One

Tehya struggled with the vision in the magical mirror, maybe because she didn’t follow one god, but every day when she returned to look in the mirror she wrote more pieces of the story in the journal. This took weeks turning into months, and the story interested her immensely, but she had those same reservations watching and wondering about the gods.

It was a time when those relying on their god’s wisdom and divine intervention found themselves without the guidance and support in their beliefs. Why did their god’s forsake them? No one was really sure, but it unveiled slowly to develop questions, and disbelief in their followers.

The clang of metal to metal was heard in the streets as Alta Nova worked in the forge. She drew a lot of attention with the glisten of sweat running down her almost nude body. Taurn stopped to watch and smiled admiring her skills since she was his friend and mentor, but also fascinated watching her body. People came and went such as Alyssa Shadowfall and Elaine browsing and shopping, while someone came walking down the street.

A man with fiery red hair, and broad shoulders of human descent walked towards the center of town. He wore a loincloth, chaps and boots and paused by the bonfire’s edge inhaling deeply.

Taurn stood watching and talking with Alyssa Shadowfall who was finishing his sword, and she gave her opinion on what he should do to it.

The fire burned brightly stoked higher than usual. Karram remarked about his skills and how they were building the fire for Ulvelcra, a plea for his return which made the man with the flaming red hair ask him a question in a very assertive voice.

"It's very impressive, not a volcano though. Why isn't it in Valencia?"

Karram answered him truthfully.  "Well that was not my decision, but as far as I can figure, we wish to spread his word out here. He is centered in Valencia, but he is a very important god to the world, and the world needs to know of him."

The stranger with the fiery red hair’s chest swelled, "Yes. He is RATHER IMPORTANT."

Then he brought a hand down on the wolven's arm, and though he was shorter, the attempt held a clear strength.

"But this can’t be all that you have done for this great God, just burning things? I smell burning animal carcass, but nothing fresh. He smacked Karram again on the arm and stepped away. He had his eyes on Alyssa.

"There! Would she be a gift to the God? I heartily approve!" he boomed again, his grin was seen beneath the thickness of his red beard.

Karram was quick to answer, "Oh you don't see them fresh so early, each night we sacrifice animals to him. And come back on Monday for the grand finale, we fuck the virgins, their cherries dedicated to him, and then the great feast."

Infernis didn't normally move about too much while the sun was bright overhead, but when people started babbling in the Inn about something going on, he made an exception...since the gossip suggested something rather significant happening.  He took his horse and rode towards town where he seen the smoke rise from the burning fires.

The man with the fiery red hair; the fire avatar, kept staring at Alyssa Shadowfall which prompted him to ask more about these so called virgins. Her beauty stirred his interest.

"Yes, I know! That is why I'll have to buy things one piece at a time." They went on to discuss price lists and designs.

Elaine pulled her tips from her pouch, already knowing how much money she had in the bank, and sighed.

"Unfortunately I fear I don't have 300 mehrials... But I'd need all custom made so I couldn't really take anything now."

Elaine nodded at that. "Yes miss, they not only need to be lighter for my style of combat, but I also need them to be able to hold as many enchantments as possible. That is why I asked for you. I heard you were very skilled."

Elaine smiled at Alta; she was quite used to people staring at her, especially after she became a magi and Morpheus changed both her body and mind.

The Fire Avatar was growing bored, his eyes lowered and he surveyed the town. He would be in his Mountain, a true earth shaker unlike no other. There at least he could make do with his part of the divided world, and not have to conform. The man stretched, and looked back at the smoke before walking away. They said they had virgins, yet he had seen none. It was a shame he could not at least have taken a fair maiden, or three.

He passed fires in hearths and anvils along the way and the burly man threw up his arms in passing, the fires in the subdued hearths and anvils that flared to life, threatening to spill from their homes and eat at wood and skin.

"WHERE ARE THE VIRGINS? The Great Anvil?!" he questioned the sky.

Infernis spied the 'man' in question, moving through the small crowd, looking at Karram for a moment before turning back to the questioning person. He called over to the large man.

"The virgins are hidden away, safe and secure until such time comes to offer them to Uvelcra. We aren't gathering them for the locals, after all."

Moving closer to the conversation, and lowering his tone, he made it plain to the man asking questions.

"The High priest himself is sleeping after two days of effort insuring that the God's sacrifices were well tended. As for that girl there if you wish her, by all means, she is yours."

But was she a virgin?

Windira was restless, she usually was in times like these, her movements were a bit slower, but she did not worry too much, not like the others she had seen. Gaea knew that each animal she healed was a prayer to her, each tree she spoke to, was a life she touched. Her steps took her to town, head tilted to the side, eyes narrowed as she saw the curl of smoke above the buildings. Her curiosity took hold as she made her way down the street.

She moved through town, flames and water soon licked at her small form, a dichotomy, thin strips of liquid flame in every conceivable color crawled over her, revealing scant strips of tantalizing flesh. Split by thin cords of water and ice, clothing her in blue, red, orange, and white she stood startled hearing the booming voice of the fire avatar only to giggle. She didn’t recognize anyone in town except Infernis.

The fire avatar quickly asked Infernis what his name was, and went on about the locals while trying to pry information about the virgins locked away. His temper was fiery, and he asked for more information while eyeing Alyssa who he commented on while measuring her up with his eyes.

"Actually, I prefer spitfires… she seems rather tame."

He measured the girl with his eyes even as he tried to mask his voice as calm, and act discreet. He didn’t really care if he failed or not. He took his hand and gave Infernis a slap to his back. Not something the locals would ever think of doing.

Infernis grunted at the heavy slap. If there was any doubt, it was quickly diminished.

"Ahh, I see your logic...And my name? Well, most here call me Infernis."

It was as close to any name that people would ever know.

"I tended the Valley for a little while, and now I'm working to keep the Temples busy in trying to get their Gods back."

Looking the man over a bit, he nodded.

"So, you think that the God would be better pleased to see and hear those girls put to proper use on his altar’s and in his name? That can be done certainly. Perhaps I can arrange to gather a few for you to choose from, those not so tame."

Shop talk still went on as Infernis and the Fire Avatar held a conversation in the street.

"Infernis, I approve of the name."  He watched as Alyssa left, and frowned not understanding why. Windria came up the road towards them and he suggested using her… as he beckoned her over to the fire.

When Windira got close to them, Infernis suggested, "Well, I'm not part of the God's Temple, but I certainly can see what I can do."

He whispered into her ear, "Very important man, and very close to Gaea, be nice and make him happy it could be good for us all." He patted her on the behind sending her on the way over to the man. She rose in height hovering where she could look the man in his eyes, and peered curiously at the fiery red hair.

"He doesn't look like it!" He seemed too hot for a Gaean, her attention went to the man again."What's the fire for? It's not that cold!"

Infernis didn't need to give much encouragement to get the Uvelcran priests and guards moving, and hustling into the nearby buildings to summon the caught and secured girls, who were brought back to the capitol. Even as the girl Windira was hustled over to the man, the other girls would be brought forth from their confinement and into the sunlight, to the rather large man standing near the fire. All of the girls brought in were put on display.

Finse was terrified. She was blinded by the sudden light and cringed; the crow haired creature pushed her hands into her hair and screwed the back of her hands into the sockets of her eyes. Drawn inexorably forward and prodded, she was pushed and nudged by rough encouraging hands. Finse was curvaceous with butterscotch skin, heavy breasts, and a perky rear end, that had a sway when she walked.

She stumbled, and uncovered her eyes long enough to study her situation and screamed out shrilly. Meanwhile Windra was measured up, and she uncovered her eyes long enough to study her situation, and screamed.

The scream made the man grin wider as he watched Windira, more than happy to drink her beauty in and allowed his eyes to roam over every inch of her. His passions were running high and he wrapped his arm about the creature of air and wind, which only stoked every fire near them higher.

Flames rose and sparked, was it a telltale sign?

Winter was dragged before the man, and taken away from the river fishing with a net, and suddenly stood before the man burning with passion. No one inflicted pain upon her, and she was rather indignant.

Arcadia was next to be brought in and let out a soft groan as her eyes were suddenly forced to adjust to the light, and her mask removed. The light blinded her. Adjusting her sight, she tried to shield her eyes. She wore no clothes, and used her hands to cover herself from staring eyes.

Infernis paid little heed to the man's crooning and fawning over the girl Windira, and paid even less attention to the moaning and cries of the captured and helpless pristine girls being brought forth and paraded before the man in question. He moved over to the wolven and reached out to snag him by the scruff of his neck, and whispered roughly into his ear.

"Fool… look close at who stands in your midst. Recognize the one person that you're trying to fucking appease."

Elysia shivered terrified... she did not know how it had happened. She had no clue as to why. All she knew was one moment she was in the strange house near the warm lake, and then she was in a wagon and unable to move. Her hood had fallen back with the motions of the wagon and the wind, which revealed her long pale blond hair with a small crown of white feathers.

"Please…what is happening?"  She was frightened and confused.

Isla drove the wagon to the large fire, and stopped, her eyes grew wide, and she shivered watching the group, bringing three women into the area to be OK’d by the temple. She slipped from the wagon, fear was making her feel chilled straight to the bones and she shivered hearing the voice. She bit her lower lip, leading the horse closer, moving back to gather by the group, pulling them out, "be good now." she said quietly. She glanced over to Karram in question, and her fear was quite visible.

The Fire Avatar was placated.

"Ahhh…yes, fine indeed...look at them."

If he had his anvil and his hammer, he would take them all; but he knew that most of these rituals were done with someone in his stead. Still, it would prove useful in his mortal shell; though not something he would do often. The man turned briefly to watch as the guards brought out the 'virgins', each one more beautiful then the next. The burning stare moved from Arcadia, to Winter, to Finse, and Elysia. The man licked his lips; the fires burned a bit brighter all around him, threatening to spill his secret to the other divinities who surely watched.

Marek` glared at Isla, knowing he was right and should have just stayed in the water rather than follow her.

"Release me now."

Finse came near but hesitated since the language they were speaking rattled about in her ears, none of it sensible. Her eyes were the color of soaked tea leaves, a bitter green and brown, and she lacked the drive to cover herself, and perhaps that was a sign that her fear was not linked to her modesty; there was a dark coloration around her throat and wrists.

As he reached forward to wrap around her she started to move, as if to keep from his arms, but she wasn’t quick enough, her small frame pulled against the other’s side and felt the weight of his arm against her, those elements that hid flesh to prying eyes receded under the touch of his flesh, a bit further than normal. Wiggling she squirmed under the touch on her bottom, as bells chimed in the distance.

Targos jumped down from the wagon as it came to a stop, taking a moment to secure his sword upon his back before turning over the captives they brought. He was the threat of violence and force, which meant it would keep them from acting out. When Marek spoke, the barbarian narrowed his eyes on the man watching him to see if he would be the first to cause trouble.

Meanwhile Alta and Elaine kept talking about producing armor and a sword, and shoptalk of working and percentages. It didn’t matter that the women were brought to the fire avatar, and in fact a deal was going on right before their eyes.

Infernis’s smile widened and he leaned a bit closer to the man’s ear.

"I would be opposed to someone such as yourself taking the place of the God in question. I'm sure he would understand if you were to stand in for him and take your pick of the girls offered. You do strike a remarkable resemblance to him."

He would know; he actually had a beer with the God once.

Karram spoke up and asked, "Here's a question for you. Why the hell are you here looking at girls when your own children the Oreads are suffering? Why did you leave us with no warning? We were loyal. Your gods; do deserve respect and praise, but you presume much, just leaving. Why, Uvelcra?"

Alta went on with her work and sales, with Elaine and Irontail discussing weapons and armor but it was a sure thing they heard the bellows of the Fire Avatar which wasn’t quiet by no means.

Arcadia bit at her bottom lip as the realization of her situation sunk in. Would she lose the last remnants of her youth in some form of a ritual to appease a foreign god? Such thoughts were cast aside as the smoke in the air finally began to have its effect on the girl, inducing a fierce bout of coughing; she was not used to such things. Still, she remained close to the other girls, unsure of how she might be able to escape from this dire situation.

Karram continued to ask, "I know who you are, we met, we dined together, we helped you defeat that false god, and yet you leave us...why?"

The look in the Fire Avatar’s eyes became bright and burned enjoying the Slyph’s flesh as it squirmed against his own, only to fire his passion and he moved amongst the girls. He paused before Marek with a strange look.

"This… is a man!’ He only pointed out the obvious and made an hmmph sound; after all they didn’t expect him to take a man did they?

The Fire Avatar didn’t lose any time reaching for Windra’s hip, and slid his hand to her center trying to press thick digits into her while casting a spell of divine ecstasy. His attention wasn’t only on Windra he kept an eye on the others brought to him.

Windira blinked at Karram's words; her lips curled down, looking from the man’s arm encircling her waist, to the wolven, and back to the sound of her genuine laughter echoing through the small area around the fire with bright eyes.

"Ulvelcra?"

Her laughter was genuine, and she clearly did not believe it. She wiggled as she felt his hand on her hip moving, his strong fingers pressing between her thighs, sending the sexual heat teasing across her tender petals, a soft gasp passed through her lips, and her hand came up to poke him in the belly after he bellowed at the wolven. Her breath became softer, a bit more breathless.

"Gaea said he never was much for waiting, or patience...the Fire Avatar would already have taken all of these girls if it was him."

Marek was heard in the background with the other girls, "Just what exactly is this all about? Why am I here?"

Infernis gestured the rest of the girls forward.

"Just so you know, I'm not one of the God's faithful, but fuck if I'm not smart enough to recognize reality when I see it. Don't let one person's questionings turn your temper foul, not when we have such a selection for you to choose from."

Hoping again to distract the God with what was being offered to him, and remind him that there were benefits to returning and answering those prayers that he heard constantly.

Arcadia could hardly be described as a dainty little flower, but the man who held her arm dwarfed her nude form. With a sharp gasp, she found herself being dragged backwards away from the fray as she was simply too valuable to lose in a bout of foolishness on the part of the male. Despite this, she did keep her eyes on the exchange, ever curious to see if there would be retribution.

Karram asked. "You are my god; you are Uvelcra are you not? Do you deny it? If you do in fact deny it then these are not for you, but if you are he, I do not question your wisdom or intent I only ask why? Without you we are nothing. You know this. What reason is there to torture us, not me, your children, the Oread, they suffer and didn't even know you had left."

Targos studied the man Karram was speaking to, a powerful presence he could not place, but one he knew to respect to some degree. If the wolven was correct on whom he was, then even more so. He had to keep his eyes open with so many timid offerings about, it was likely one might try something, even as futile as it seemed to be. So he kept his gaze wandering, listening and waiting… curious to see what would become of it all. Elysia suddenly felt a woman's hand cover her soft lips. Her tears soon drenched those digits, her sobs only intensified when the two strange ones began to argue. She tried to hush, to calm herself, to think of a way of escaping while they argued. Oh why had she been curious? If she had stayed in the forest... even if lately all life seemed reduced to a shell... even so... she would have been safer. She dug her nails into the palms of her hands and a droplet of blood spilled onto the floor.

Isla closed her eyes, feeling the girl cry, "Shhhh." she said, "I will not let harm come to you." she whispered, "relax," she closed her eyes, casting spindle of emotions on the girl, trying to calm her. Isla held her close, her eyes moved back to the other two, shifting from Karram to the Fire Avatar, worried about Karram.

"Targos!" she looked at her husband, "perhaps you should hold onto her, keep her safe." She kissed the girl’s cheek and moved forward, hoping the spell had caught. She moved to the front, her eyes moving from one man to the other.

The Fire`Avatar waited for a response, but as he did his temper burned, and he shook with the need to shake the earth to smite those who questioned him. He could not, he was as much bound by the covenant as he was by unspoken rules, but that would not be said for he was still him; he was not impotent, letting Windira move up he stroked her thigh.

"If I was your God, you would be ash. If I was your God, you would be on your knees to me. You may be his most faithful, but you do not Trust your God and what he does?"

He could not contain the small rumble of the earth beneath him, great fists forming as one came down upon the crude desk that Karram tended. It crumbled, caught and burned like the rest of the items set for the bonfire.

"The truly strong come from adversity, not from being pampered. Be gone, if questions are all that I receive."

No denial, no truth, and he swung one arm, free of the prize on his shoulder, attempting to throw the Wolven away from him.

Karram bellowed back.

"You have my devotion, you have my faith, but do you really want followers so weak and spineless that they will cower before you? You made me this way, you are the mountain strong and firm, you are the fire, not to be held or tamed. You chose me as your Joiner because I do not bend or waver even to my superior. Would you prefer a pussy to be of you?"

The Fire Avatar snorted and turned from Karram, he wanted the strong and spicy to hold to his Temple, but he did not expect them to be questioning him or what he did. He didn’t proclaim to be the Fire God; instead he told them his decision.

"I want them all." He turned that temper into a burning pulpit of desire.

Karram yelled back completely frustrated, "We did this for you, and all do is attack your own followers for acting like you- how we were taught-and you only want sex!? You have the fewest followers and you toss one of yours away...fine. I will not bother you further...ever!" Targos gave a nod and stepped forward, placing a large hand on Elysia's shoulder, his grip firm to keep her in place and perhaps offer a feeling of security. Dghor stood next to Merak and Targos and watched noticing the anxiety coming from the girl with them. He could not blame her, something about all this was intriguing and a little nerve racking.

"Calm down. No one is going to hurt you." He actually felt bad for the girl, seeing her so afraid, knowing the strange fate that awaited her. His voice was gentle, but resolute, confident in his words as he watched her for a moment before looking up to keep an eye on Isla too.

Elysia felt the spell work on her and she was surrounded by calm and quiet... her tears ceased, even though her body still shook, and her eyes became clouded by the spell. Even if she was still frightened to the core she was not crying or screaming anymore. She just kept her eyes on the fire... and yet she had the sense to still beg.

"P-Please... Please let me go home."

Violence wasn’t something Winter the mermaid was used to and the anger that roiled around her only served to panic the small female. She had enough common sense to realize that the man being questioned was not someone she wanted to anger. The very air around him held more power than anything she had ever felt before. Her hopes that he wouldn’t use her faded hearing him say he wanted all. She knew she wouldn’t be released to return to the water.

Her luck ran thin as another man prodded her forward and twisted her thick hair in his hand. She almost collapsed trembling, as she was pushed towards the Fire Avatar. Word on the street spread quickly and others came to town to see what was going on. Aurin happened upon Winter and stood behind her looking around to see if anyone was there that he knew. He stood back making himself inconspicuous.

Dghor had no clue what was going on, or what was going to happen, but the worry from the girl alerted his senses. The fight-or flight instinct was kicking in, yet he waited to see what was going to happen, He was a cat after all, and his sense of curiosity was peaked.

Winter felt the Fire Avatar move his palm over her breast to test the firmness, and then slid between her legs to test the heat of her pussy. "I want them all!" he said again, his hair was the color of fire moving in the wind about his face. The man caught Meadow by her collar, and then Christine while flames leaped to attention. Soon, the males that stood close enough felt their own desires running through them.

Windira’s bottom shifted on his shoulder as she squirmed, considering the one who continued to threaten her promised fun, before his attention shifted back to the others, her eyes bright, and she giggled lightly. Her fingers moved to his neck, tracing gently around the back of his ear, and her voice was soft, watching his hand cup the mermaid's breast, while gripping another’s collar.

"I don’t think you can handle them all… and me."

"I can’t… hmmm… well you shall see? CEASE YOUR TIRADE!" he demanded, moving to touch upon Christine as he almost stampeded towards the Wolven, words spouting out at the naysayer.

"Burn him… FEED HIM TO THE VOLCANO! I would not have this GREAT God unjustly slandered by a ... whatever he is."

Meadow stood by Karram and she wouldn’t leave his side. She moved between him and the Fire Avatar. It was only her presence between them, and she hoped to protect him from any harm. The girls Infernis gathered, each showed their fear, but there was no denying they were aroused too.

The Fire Avatar spotted Christine Daae and beckoned her over. He had the same intentions with her as he had with the others. He still wanted to test the virgins himself, and he noticed Sheyka and turned her over to see her bottom making a comment to Arcadia.

"Arcadia, do your passions not rise upon seeing me? Do you not grow wet to know that when you are fucked, it will be in the presence of a God?" he questioned before straightening and glancing sidelong to Windira with a growl. She could not deny that there was a certain amount of arousal growing between her legs as she watched the display of power, one that was unseen in her short life time.

The Fire Avatar picked up Meadow in his other arm. It was a fact that once the God was on the warpath not much could sway him; perhaps Gaea herself, but the touch of the divine lover was not there. Even if he wore the mortal disguise.

"Do not concern yourself with him, slave, where is your Master? I recognize your collar but I do not see him. Do not seek to protect your friend, he will either die and find his answers in the flames, or be reborn and learn not to question his faith. Do you Question your God?" he watched Christine closely as he spoke. His temper flared and he was jealous, these people were his followers, why would they question him?

Meadow blinked as she was swept up by the one who claimed to be her God. Her eyes lowered not touching his face at all. Her voice softened as she replied.

"This girls master would be at the temple or the mountain seeking to find what it is you wish of him. A girl does not question her God. She seeks only to protect that which has served Him for so long, and so faithfully. It is a girls place to do such, so my god’s followers are always healthy and able to serve fully."

Karram was burnt and near death.

The Fire Avatar questioned them and grilled them, no pun on words. When Tehya looked into the mirror she shook her head, still doubting most gods and their behavior. She heard the Fire Avatar’s screams in her and covered her delicate elven ears while viewing the scene within her mirror.

He went on to question them.

"If he serves your God so faithfully, why does he question his faith or the motives of his god? Would your Master question his motives?"

He touched the side of Meadow’s face and his palm rubbed over Windrira’s behind. The unwilling girls were aroused, and his gaze sparked them alive with a passion they couldn’t disclaim.

 And so it came to be the Fire Avatar set them all on fire, but not with a flame, but heat and passion

The Fire Avatar felt hands roam over him and looked at Windra amused and grinned. His muscles flexed and his words inspired them to become the heat he himself represented. Not all were followers and Christine Daae admitted she wasn’t, but did ask if she could do anything for him. Most were being immersed in their own fiery passion as they heard him shouting, sparking and igniting them on.

"It is the nature of these lands to question everything, but back when the gods were the first, questions did not rise that were not answered in time. You expect to go to Ishtar, demanding answers and get them? If so, I recommend going to her domain and asking, see what it gets you."

He was growing tired. He was not there to teach, but it seemed his followers had lost the patience of the wise.

"That High Priest knows a thing or too, let him answer my questions."

Meadow’s pleas were sweet, but the Fire Avatar was lost to his temper and too stubborn to assist Karram back to the current road of re-life.

"Who denies your god followers… no one? If you seek him, then the fires will be your answer. I would convey that to your Master." he said the last to Meadow again.

Each and every one of them felt their loin’s burn with desire, and some were entwined, others held their lust for another time. It would burn inside them for eternity if the Fire Avatar had his way.

In the distance Infernis heard the music that Christolf was playing and sat atop his steed listening to the moans and screams that were muted by the Fire Avatar’s bellows. Infernis was still there, oh yes. Just there on his horse, waiting and watching and looking to see if his help was required. It was his duty, of course, and if the Temples needed his help, he'd give, if he could. There was more at stake than simple pride or policing for control. He wasn't showing any sign of leaving, no matter how few decided to come, and he still needed to see if the leadership ... had any plans for their last three days.

The Fire Avatar looked down at Windira seeing in her stead the lovely Goddess - and his urgings told him that his 'blessing' would cause eyes to peer in soon enough. It was time to for him to leave, though he would return when the bonfire was higher and when the virgins were hot and overripe for their time.

"Tell your Master, that his God is watching." he said to Meadow, feeling his cock surge, and jut out proudly before his congregation of flame. He burst into nothing, a pillar of smoke rising upwards in his place leaving behind him the girls captured that were no longer thinking of their virtue or safety, but only to satisfy the lust he instilled in them. The billows of smoke drifted down over the writhing bodies on the ground, and in the haze of smoke Infernis was seen sitting on his horse watching, and then turning off in a different direction of the forest nearing the tunes of Christolf being played. His music lured another small group of followers to gather. Only this group of followers didn’t witness the Fire Avatar, and instead sought their own goddess out in the midst of the forest.

Tehya rested her quill down on her desk, and the ink pot spilled leaving a blot on the paper it rested on, spelling out the name…Gaea. She remembered the teachings of Christolf in the forest long ago, and she was almost sure of what god the small group of followers came for.

To be continued:

Tehya

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