Burning Soul

After leaving the hall they followed the guards to the healing chambers, as Dimitri said, ‘The best of his kin were tending their injuries’

The healer who was tending to their injuries was none other than the Head Priestess of the Cathedral that worshipped the Goddess of Health, an original Goddess who was unbiased to worshippers and also one of the only Gods who held no resentment towards mortals in any way, she went in eternal slumber after the rise of New Gods!

Though worshippers were able to draw out blessings from her, thanks to her benevolence.

The head Priestess of the Cathedral in Arnor was well known across the entire southern continent, she was considered the best of the healers! Some even considered her as an Avatar of Goddess herself!

Her methods were surely effective, though it was totally different from what Temple of Origins could offer, she was second to none in her art!

Though, she was also infamous for her behaviour.

Yvaine, her name meant evening star.

She was in her early 30’s (Something she strongly denied), single and attractive looking, known for her purple hairs, a strong magical trait only found in those who were exceptional in performing magical arts.

Before entering the Chambers Merida warned them about her, it was like with crazy powers come crazy personalities.

“So,

Do not talk much, do not look into her eyes and do not reply to her!

Why does she sound terrifying out of nowhere?” Aeneas whom she warned twice felt a shiver.

“Why do you not see any man here?

Gosh, seriously!

Some stupid like you became an Ace?

What were our ancestors thinking?” Merida rubbed her forehead after answering him with disappointment in her eyes.

“Anyways, and well even though they are all out of danger,

They are still in shock so be mindful okay!” This time she looked at Theodore while asking them about their politeness.

The healing chamber was a bit weird looking. Unlike all other chambers, this one was something that stood out way much. The cathedral and Healing chamber were located separately but nearby. Both were huge buildings, so magnificent that even the Castle back in the home of Arboria would look smaller. The chamber walls were lined with colourful marble while the main door and the windows were lined with gold and gems. The walls of the door were made of huge single piece crystals and looked and felt rather exquisite.

“This priestess must have a weird taste of fashion I assume!” Aeneas had difficulty understanding the grand scheme of the place, his comment was in a flustered tone as well.

Pushing the giant door they all stepped into the chamber, the interior was just as Grand as it was from outside, not to mention a chandelier; which was giant in size and white in colour. It was elegantly furnished with sterling crystals which were shining very much. It was hanging from the roof reflecting light to every corner of the chamber.

Both Theo and Aeneas were staring at the splendid chandelier with wide enlivened eyes as this was the first time they had seen something so radiant! Aeneas patted his head with a hand and then nudged his face.

Merida who had taken the lead folded her hands by her waist, smiled leniently and stopped to let them enjoy the view a bit.

“You have arrived huh!” A dead voice gained their attention.

Women, with a slender body, plain clothes, no fancy ornaments with her tied up hairs welcomed them.

“Who are you?” Aeneas asked out of curiosity, the colour of her hair was somewhat different.

“My name is Yvaine…”’ Sob-Sob’

She replied while shedding a tear, “So let’s get going!” Merida looked back with a vigour smile adjusting her hairs at the back of her ears, tried to avert everyone but her brother who still had little enlivened gaze had other thoughts.

“Why are you crying?” He asked Yvaine as he felt a bit sorry for her,

Just as he asked her eyes shined with hope, “Would you listen!

Would you really listen to my tragic love failure?”

Except for Aeneas, everyone was dumbstruck, ‘Not again!’ was written on their face clearly!

“But we came to…” Aeneas tried to sneak out to the chambers but was blocked by her,

“Ah!

They’re still sleeping as they are on medication, you won’t miss it!

It’ll also give them some time to rest!”

“But…” Aeneas was in pinch,

“Please!” She asked with wet eyes!

“Why not! If that is going to help you!” Theo replied, being a nice guy.

Just as he did, Merida took a step towards him and with her slender hand she pulled him back at her and held him by the collar, she went a little closer to him, her eyes were furious and her face had a vicious appearance, “Do you have any idea what you have done?

Now she’s gonna cry all time thanks to you!”

Saying this she departed his collar from her hands and pushed him a bit with a fierce expression.

“I couldn’t help it! Don’t you remember what mother used to say, ‘Never ignore anyone’s cries!’

Who knows her burden might lessen up!” His reply did manage to calm her anger as he brought up their mother’s words, ‘He’s done it now

“Just so you know, we’ve listened to it already so…..” Nuae and Catherine tried to slip away from the situation as they took a few steps back and tried running off.

Though they were stopped by Yvaine as she stood next to her, “Thanks a lot for listening to my sorrow, now I shall begin!” Her eyes were dead as she looked at them, making them turn back and walk to where they stood earlier.

‘Why does he have to be so kind, gosh!

And who’s talking about love n all!’ Merida looked down in an annoying way and rubbed her forehead with the tips of her fingers while thinking and stroked her hairs back which came forward with a worried look on her face.

“This way!” She pointed at a guest table where a maid was preparing tea for them all,

“You prepared all this!” Aeneas had a blank expression as he was looking around the marvellous chamber with wide exhilarated gaze and mouth open a little bit; his hand patting his cheeks and then stroking his hairs.

But instead of listening to him she had taken a seat already, kept her hands in a folded manner on laps and with shining eyes, she was waiting for others to join in.

“It was long before I became a priest!

At that time, I didn’t even have any plans for the future, I was happy being a normal everyday girl. Unlike all the Beastemen in the vicinity, I am a human, the only one around here!

I was saved by a merchant they say, apparently, my parents didn’t want me and left me to die in some godforsaken place.

Good thing is that my cries were heard back then by a generous merchant and he took me with him, a human, even after knowing that the Lord won’t allow it! Who does that to anyone whom you’ve just met?“

She said it by flourishing her eyebrows upward and tired to smile little but probably couldn't; her eyes were still wet and almost looked dead. Her hair flicks trembled over her face a little bit as she talked.

Though the fact didn’t leave unchecked as Lord found it out, fortunately, he allowed me to stay until I was of age, he said I should leave Arnor once I’m capable enough.

That never happened!” She sighed and continued while looking at Theo who was sitting beside her with his both elbows resting on the table and keeping his chin on the back of the palm, blinking his eye a bit; was listening to her wholeheartedly,