Ascension - (Alarian Warriors)
Scars, Torment & Acceptance

They had parted ways outside the door and headed to the large springs on opposite ends of the inn. One was reserved for women, the other men. Though normally Vincent didn’t care, tonight was different, no training exercises needed.

Aveyon entered the bathing pools to replace them filled with elven women. Never had she seen them so full. Kirra had noticed her entrance immediately, jumping to action she excited the water excitedly bounding toward her. She found it hard to avert her eyes, the woman was well endowed, something she didn’t notice often beneath the ropes she normally wore.

“Lady Aveyon! I did not expect to see you join us. I was going to stop by after we had freshened up to ask you to join us tonight. This is way better!” Kirra took the well-used satchel bag from her hands and placed it by the edge of the room.

Aveyon was having a hard time replaceing a place that seemed okay to look. Naked women smiled up at her and Kirra’s own bouncy bits were hard not to focus on. Heaven’s this was why she preferred to bathe alone.

Kirra giggled. “Do not mind it, we are all women here. If I’m honest I’m rather curious about your body.”

Aveyon looked at her oddly, a slightly anguished expression appearing. “There is not much to see, only scars sadly.”

“On the contrary, our scars tell our stories. Our strengths and our weaknesses.” Kirra spun around showing her back to the Princess. On her silky-smooth skin was a large, jagged scar that covered her entire back. Aveyon looked on in shock, she lifted a hand and traced the huge claw marks that had ripped through the elves’ back. Kirra squirmed a little and giggled. “That tickles.”

“I am sorry!” She snapped her hand back down to her side, feeling ashamed of her invasion of the elf’s personal space.

“Think nothing of it, or the scar. I lost that battle, but I learnt a great deal. I wouldn’t change it for the world.” Kirra smiled at her from over her shoulder. “Come, join us.”

Aveyon nodded but hesitantly stripped her clothing off, followed by her under garments. She felt very exposed and wrapped her arms around her naked form. Her body was stiff, and she felt out of place, only then did she notice that no one else other than Kirra was paying her any mind as she undressed. Kirra walked to the edge of the large bath and waited for Aveyon to wash the dirt from her body before she was ready to enter the pool.

Sliding in the water felt amazing, as it always did. Warmth surround and hugged her body as her muscles relaxed in its embrace. The elves seemed to form a ring around the outside of the pool as they all sat in a circle lightly chatting with each other.

“I can help you get ready for the festival if you like?” Kirra offered.

“I would appreciate that, thank you.” Aveyon smiled. It was less confronting now that she was in the water with everyone else.

Sira and Kia had made their way closer to the Princess as well. Though Aveyon did notice that Erisena was nowhere to be found. Aveyon thought perhaps the elf wasn’t ready for something of this magnate yet. Aveyon certainly didn’t feel ready. But looking around her all the elves had scars of some sorts, it was oddly refreshing to know that not everyone, if not all of them, were not the perfect women.

“We are warriors.” Kirra said, clearly noticing into the realization that was crossing the Princess’s face.

Kia lifted her chin, revealing a rather large gash like scar, normally hidden with a cloth choker. It appeared as though her throat at been cut. “I was fighting a Lycan as a young trainee. In over my head I was, disregarded my mentors’ orders and went after the pack on my own. I was captured, they tried to mate with me.” She visibly shivered at the memory. “And when they found out that I couldn’t bare their children, they slit my throat and left me to die. But I survived, and now I train others.”

Aveyon’s hand lingered over her own neck as the elf told a very short version of what was surely a much longer tale.

“If ever you wish to share Princess, we will listen. It is a hard thing to talk about, that we understand. Believe me, we all understand all too well.” Sira added grimly.

Aveyon looked down at her arms, tilting them slightly toward her. She could remember how every last mark was made. “Is it the same?” She asked. “Do you remember how every one of them...” She trailed off.

“We never forget, we all gain them in different ways, but we never forget.” An elf from across the pool smiled at her. “I must say, I have always thought the scar through your eye is bad ass. What you must have gone through during that, and yet you survived. It’s utterly amazing.”

Her hand lifted to the torn skin that ran down her face. “It only scarred this way because a thrashed around.” She commented.

“I don’t blame you; how can one stay still during that.” Another added.

“You were awake?” One asked, shocked. “By the gods, I would have passed out.”

She let out a half laugh. “I surprised myself too. Though I wish I had passed out, the sound of him eating my eye still haunts my dreams.”

Several gasps and a few of the elves made disgusted faces.

Kirra’s eyes bulged. “It was eaten, raw and everything?”

“Kirra! By the gods, please no. You and your morbid curiosity.” Kia exclaimed.

Aveyon’s laughter lightened as the girls bickered. This was... nice.

“Can I ask about some scars?” Kirra asked ignoring the twins.

Aveyon nodded, she didn’t have to go into detail, Kia had shown her an easy way to express what had happened to her. And it felt oddly uplifting to express and admit the horrors that had happened to her. As more scars were asked about, other elves joined in showing their own and started sharing their stories. It was therapeutic to experience a sense of community amongst the elves.

However, Kia soon ended the conversations as time was beginning to run short, and the woman all needed to get ready for the festival that was all set up and waiting for them.

Kirra had followed Aveyon back to her room once they had dried and thrown on something to get them through the inn. She pretty much ordered some of the others to gather some things from her own dwelling and meet her in the Princess’s room.

That’s when it had begun, the constant trying on of gowns, the different hair styles. This part of her royal life she did not miss, but she let the elves have their fun.

Aveyon wasn’t so sure about this anymore. They had spent a few hours getting her ready. She felt silly and slightly unconformable all dressed up. Kirra had even done her hair, pulling the sides up into a high ponytail, leaving the rest of it loosely hanging over her shoulders.

As she walked, her skin rubbed against the delicate silk gown she had been given. It was a beautiful deep blue colour, the bodice hugged her tightly and had black lace framing her chest. The bodice collected into a v shape as the skirts spilled out from around her waist. The same black lace framing her hips and spreading down the back of the gown. It was something she could see herself wearing attending a royal ball.

Shaking her hands at her sides her nerves clearly showing as she continued to pace the room. Kirra had tried many times to calm her down, but this was simply too strange, confronting. In her mind her pale skin contrasted to much against the deep colours, the hair looked odd, her scars on her arms, neck and face fully visible. And the split that peeped open as she walked, it was all too much.

After what seemed like an eternity, a soft knock startled her. She straightened herself up as best as she could and turned to face the door. “Come in.” She called, the shaking had stopped, she already knowing who it was.

As with each step he had taken closer to their room her nerves had faded away, the uneasy feeling of uncertainty fading into nothing. Her safety net. Kirra exited the room as Vincent entered, his smile fading to shock as he took her in. Her shoulders grew tense as she clenched her hands together in front of her.

“It is too much, is it not? I told them, but they would not listen.” Her gaze fell to the floor.

“No, it’s perfect. Here, let me show you.” He had taken a few steps toward her and extended his hand to her.

Placing her hand in his, he gently turned her around and walked her to the window. “Look, down there, what do you see the others wearing.”

Her eyes scanned the streets for what he was referring to. And true enough, she could see many of the elves making their way to the center of the city. They all wore the same type of gowns but in different colours and with different lace ascents. But they also had accessories in their hair, carried fans and wore gloves.

“I think they were mindful of you, trying to make you as comfortable as possible.” His cheek rested against hers as lent in to speak. “And you look absolutely beautiful.”

She felt butterflies desperately trying to escape from within her stomach. “Thank you.” She whispered.

Standing together for a moment more watching the people move down the streets, they begin to hear faint music in the distance.

“We better get going, don’t want to miss your one last night as a normal girl, do we Aveyon?” He let go of her and moved to open the door for her.

She was frozen in place, slowly turning, she looked up at him surprised. “You... just called me by my name.”

“Am I not meant to?” He raised a brow at her.

“No, I just, have never heard you say my name before.” She walked toward him. “I like it.” Just hearing her name being spoken so casually, she felt free.

Joining the festivities was like entering another world. As the sun set, the lights seemed to dance with the sound of the music. A loud bang had her spinning in place as an eruption of magical butterflies filled the air around her and floated up into the sky.

“Pric-” She heard someone call out for her but abruptly stop.

She did notice Vincent frown in the direction of an approaching person, giving them a stern look as they approached.

“Ah, sorry. Aveyon, I mean Aveyon.” The Alarian warrior sheepishly grinned rubbing his head. “You look well.”

“Zero, how nice to see you again.” Aveyon responded. Her smile was genuine as she looked up at him. “I see Vincent filled you in on my little wish.” She raised a brow to her escort.

Vincent glanced away, turning his head away and started to whistle, pretending like he had nothing to go with it.

Zero laughed. “Maybe a little, though the others were protesting.” He informed her. “They have been beside themselves with worry.”

“Oh?” She asked. “There is nothing to worry on, Vincent is a good guard dog.” Clearly his influence and short remarks were beginning to wear off on her.

Zero bit his bottom lip, trying to hold back his snicker. He appeared happy to see her in a much better state than when she had left the Sanctuary. She knew she had changed a great deal by how her body didn’t stiffen at the mere sight of the enormous warrior. “Thank you for coming Zero.”

“If you will excuse me.” Kirra walked up to the group, looking absolutely stunning. She wore a ceremonial head piece with matching intricately designed golden body harness, which was on top a slim fitting white dress. She stood out from everyone else around her, looking like her title described, like a Priestess. “I need to steal Aveyon for a few moments.”

“Enjoy your night Zerophenous, tomorrow we will all be of need of your strength.” She smiled a goodbye and followed Kirra away from the two men.

Zero looked at Vincent with a puzzled frown. “I am honestly the weakest here, no aura and no bond.” He admitted sadly.

“Hey, you are still a meat shield, and you’re quick on your feet. Every able body counts.” Vincent replied. “Besides, she has a plan. But let’s not think on that tonight, go replace yourself a nice elven woman, and enjoy yourself.” He winked at his old comrade, before moving to take a position close to the festivities center.

Tonight, was the night Kirra had been waiting for, the one they are both wanted for Aveyon above all else, he needed to witness what came next.