"Guardians, we do not fear ye. We stand strong here, protected by our Goddess, surrounded by her woodlands." said Alys Knoxly, one of the coven elders, as she stepped forward. Her age disguised her true wisdom, being a mere 19 years of age, though her sad eyes who those of a woman who has seen great sorrow, and fought great battles. Her skin was almost red, and spoke of her father, a Moore, one of the few in the coven, but many in their woods.
Alys' eye met Stefan's in a steady stare, making it clear she did not fear him, even with his ruthless reputation. There was but a foot between them, and Alys could feel the power, and raw evil from him, licking skin let flames. She concentrated and unleashed her full power, something she rarely did. Stefan's eyes widened, surprised by the strength the young witch. Then his eyes changed from surprise, to something else, something far more sinister.
"My, my..." he said, still staring into her eyes "for, you are rare. I beseech you, if you were to join our ranks, we could teach you things you'll never learn gallivanting around the forest. I am what powers you posses... the darker ones. I can feel it, and even see it in thou eyes." He took a step forward, slowly as though eyeing his prey.
"I do not wish to hear of this. If thou can see inside my mind, as you claim, twill know that I have no wish to join you" Alys said, her voice shaking just barely
"Art tho sure?" Stefan asked, smiling "Because I see differently. I see a curiosity lies there, an inkling that one day thou will have to acknowledge, and when you do, we'll be here, waiting. Ay, I can see a day where you will beg for-"
"As that day is not today, let us speak no more of it, I pray you." said Gratiae Lumen, another, older elder, "We have met you this eve for one reason. We want to end the ancient war that plagues our kind. Our time is ending in this world, and, with it, our need to battle."
"Hag! Fye!" spat Odium de Mors from behind Stefan, "Our time will never end. Our power are the very force that make up this world."
"Oh, but Stefan, thou hast seen it too!" said Gratiae watching Stefan's face change. Still as hard as before, but a trance of some sorrow. His psychic abilities were strong, almost as strong as hers. She knew that if she was able to see the world to come, he was too. A world where magic was hidden from onlookers, not praised by all who did not posses it. She saw woman and men being burned for practicing it, many dying far too young. The shrines her people have built for their beloved deities being torn to piece, as humanity fell to their knees for a new, unknown, false lord.
"Let it be, then. What is it you propose?" Stefan murmured.
"A pact. From this day forth, neither Guardian nor Tephesia may cross into the others border without stated permission. There is to be no dueling, battling, who even a foul exchange of words between our bloods. We will not interfere with each others bidding unless it is unavoidable." Gratiae stated
Stefan turned to his fellow Guardians, Odium de Mors, Messor Torvus, Pestis de Imforma, Ronald Noctis, Rowan Diablous, and Sadon de Malum. Five of the six nodded in agreement, but Messor turned away, towards the witches.
"What of our magic bonds? What of the prophecies?" Messor bellowed to Gratiae
"All that was foreseen will come true... in time." Alys said, eyes raising, looking past Messor, and to Stefan. He was correct, she was curious of her powers. She did wonder what she could do if the other elders had not put her on a short, taunt leash, like a disobedient dog. Stefan saw this all in her eyes.
"Ay, and is it you who has foreseen it?" Stefan asked, gliding towards Alys once again
"Many have foreseen many things. I've seen but I small fragment of the a large future." Alys whispered, realizing how close Stefan was to her, his power licking her skin again.
"And how is it we are to finalize this pact?" Messor challenged
"By blood." Stefan answered, not giving anyone else a chance.
"Nay, we do not use blood magic!" Mary Muris shrieked
"Then, tis the perfect event. A vow made with blood may not be broken eaily. Some would twas impossible, but that is not so. It is only... difficult. For only true destiny will allow the vow to be broken." Stefan stated calmly, eyes narrowing with challenge.
"Whose blood must be spilt?" Mary asked
"Mine... and the blood of Alys Knoxly" Stefan said, staring at Alys
"Fine." Alys reached out both of her hands. She closed he eyes, and her athame appeared in the palm of her left hand. "Who is it who shall made it so?"
"I will" said Gratiae, stepping forward
"Ay, as twill I" said Odium.
Stefan outstretched his hands as well, fingertips touching Alys'. His athame appeared in his left hand. Gratiae stood next to Stefan, taking the athame up, and Odium did the same to Alys.
"With is blade, Lady and Lord of the Night, creatures of the deep, let the blood of Alys Knoxly spill! Let it run deep into our earth, and be received by you!" Odium cried to the night, his thick accent sending chills down Alys' spine. He slowly dug the point of her own blade into her heel of palm and dragged it to the base of her middle finger. Alys watched, mesmerized by her crimson blood.
"With this blade," Gratiae raised the blade above her head "oh, precious Goddess and God, let the blood of Stefan de Pero spill! Accept out sacrifice as you witness our vows this eve!" Gratiae sliced the blade from the base of Stefans middle finger, to the heel of his palm.
Alys and Stefan raised their hands, and pressed their palms together. The moment their palms met, Alys felt Stefan's powers rushing into her. Her head became light, and she saw as he saw. She saw the night different, more vivid. She pressed her palm hard against his, not realized the power lust taking over, desperate to feel him forever. She felt Stefan push back.
Together, their blood fell as one onto the earth, absorbed by the mother goddess.
"Tis done." Odium said
Slowly, Stefan's hand fell from Alys'. She still felt him all around her, in her. She opened her eyes finally and felt every eye on her... but her only focus was on Stefan's.
"Well, tis it." Alys said to him
"Yes. Tis it." Stefan said
But they both knew it was far from over.
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