Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Blood Gift ❯ Chapter 1

She sat in the darkness, the water splashing around her waist. She had to sit, because she'd fallen so hard into the well that she wasn't sure she could stand. This was the part of the dream that she hated the most. The light above her was shut out to the sound of childish laughter as the well's opening was covered. She didn't want to cry, but she did. She called out, but nobody heard. Finally, she was silent, wondering if they were even planning on coming back. In that cold darkness it was hard to tell how much time had passed. There the dream faded and moved on. She opened her eyes and looked up at his face. At first she thought maybe she'd died. He was so beautiful, and he held her with such gentleness.

“Please forgive me, I've done something selfish just now.” He looked down at where one of his hands held one of hers tightly. Most of the warmth in her body seemed to flow from that point. His other arm was wrapped around her back as he kneeled, holding her in a sitting position. From their connected hands she could just feel a faint twinge of pain and she could see blood trickling down between their joined hands, dripping onto her shirt. At the time, she'd been just a little girl, unable to appreciate the romance nor even what was really going on.

“Did I hurt myself?” She asked. He smiled faintly.

“You could say so. When I found you, it was almost too late. Perhaps I should have let you go but… well, that's where my selfishness came in. I didn't want to see such a gem vanish into the darkness like that.” She didn't understand.

“Selfish? I don't understand.” He continued to smile gently.

“Well, someday you'll understand what I mean, I'm sure. For now, you should recover. Go to sleep, I'll take you someplace safe.” She closed her eyes as if obeying a command, but just before her eyes closed, she could have sworn a pair of wings swept up from his back. Was he one of the Gods that looked over Sennet? She'd never been able to figure it out. She fell into a sleep deeper than she'd ever experienced before, but this time, the darkness she fell into felt warm.

Sielle slowly opened her eyes and looked around her room. She was home. She always felt a little disoriented when she had that dream. She yawned and rolled onto her back, holding her right hand up in front of her and staring at the silvery scar across her palm. Even though that strange scar was there from her incident in the well, she still wondered sometimes if it was a dream. And she had no idea how she'd cut her hand in such a way in the first place. Probably on the way out of the well. But his words had been so strange. Even after twelve years she still didn't understand why it had seemed like he apologized for saving her. But maybe she was getting the idea now. In those twelve years, she appeared to have aged maybe five or six years. She was barely becoming a woman, even though she should be fully an adult by now. Her friends were becoming awkward around her and as for men, they were barely starting to notice her. She was approached by teenage boys all the time. It was to the point where it was almost embarrassing. She slammed her hand down on the alarm as it went off and got up out of bed.

 

Her mother was already in the kitchen with breakfast ready when Sielle joined her.

“Good morning dear.” Sielle sat down at the table yawning.

“Good morning. Where's father?” Her mother told her, sitting a plate in front of her and sitting across from her.

“He's already gone to work. Did you have plans for today?” Sielle nodded.

“I was going to look for a job, if anyone will hire me. I was thinking I might just pretend to be younger than I am. Maybe then people won't think I'm some sort of liar.” Her mother told her.

“It's almost a waste that you graduated from college at the top of your class.” Sielle sighed.

“A lot of good it did. One look at me and my credentials no longer matter.” Her mother took a sip of tea and then asked.

“Aren't you friends with that priest by our old house? Why don't you go over there and ask him for work?” Sielle looked up at her mother.

“What? You mean I should become a priestess?” Her mother shrugged.

“Well, that might be fine, but I was thinking more that the old man might be willing to do you a favor.” Sielle rubbed her forehead.

“I don't know. I haven't seen him in at least ten years.” Her mother told her.

“Why don't you go? You haven't found anything anywhere else.” Sielle took a deep breath and nodded.

“All right. I'll check a couple more places and then I'll stop by there later.”

 

She looked at the list she'd printed up and sighed. The only jobs left for her were either at the temple or as a waitress. She didn't really want to be a waitress, though she imagined that tips for a fifteen year old girl wouldn't be that bad. It just seemed really lame for someone with a college degree. She walked up the steps to the temple that she had often visited throughout her younger years for festivals and also simply to spend time in it's beautiful surroundings. It was sort of nostalgic. The stairs leading up weren't as tall as some of the other ones in town, but that simply meant less climbing to Sielle, not that the temple had less prestige. She stepped off the last stair and felt a reassuring breeze touching her cheek. She always felt a lot better when she came to this place. It was a shame she didn't visit more often. Maybe working there wouldn't be too bad. She walked onto the ground and looked around. There was only one person in sight, and she didn't recognize him. He looked like a new priest. She tucked her list into her pocket and walked up to him with confidence.

“Excuse me.” He looked up from where he was sweeping the stones.

“Can I help you?” He asked. Sielle gave him a friendly smile.

“I'm looking for Head Priest Yori. Is he around?” He paused and stared at her a moment. He looked a little bit hesitant.

“Head Priest Yori?” He asked. Sielle nodded. He told her. “I'm not sure I know who you're talking about. The head priest right now is Richard Erin. Are you sure you're at the right temple?” Sielle was a little shocked at first. Had he retired? But she did recognize the other name vaguely. She put a friendly smile on her face.

“If it's all right, could you take me to Head Priest Erin then?” He nodded.

“Sure.” Sielle followed him around the back of the temple to the actual living quarters. She took off her shoes as she walked inside and looked around. The place hadn't really changed in ten years, if she remembered it right. She was surprised to see a gaggle of young priestesses crowded around a doorway, peeking in. The priest she was following sighed and walked past without a word. Sielle could hear them whispering.

“Isn't he amazing?” One of them said to another, who seemed to agree. Sielle glanced into the room and was a little surprised herself at the beautiful young man who was looking over a book. He glanced up as she was passing and she was a little surprised at the smile he gave her and the other girls there. It was an extremely seductive sort of smile, something very inappropriate for a temple. But then he went back to his book with an innocent sort of air. Sielle looked at the priest in front of her and asked once they were past, catching up to him.

“That wasn't a priest was it?” He glanced over at her and said.

“Something like that.” Sielle glanced back and then commented.

“Things have changed a lot around here.” He knocked on a door and called out.

“Head Priest Erin, there's someone here to see you.” It was a moment before the door opened and Sielle stared at the man standing there. It only took her a moment to recognize him.

“You were Yori`s assistant.” She blurted out in surprise, though it should have been obvious that he would be the one taking over. He paused and then asked curiously.

“Do I know you? You look familiar.” Sielle smiled and bowed her head.

“Nice to meet you Head Priest Erin. I'm Sielle Aries. You may not remember me, since it's been so long. When I was younger, you and Head Priest Yori took care of me for several days. I was the girl who fell into the well.” She straightened and looked at him. He took a moment and stared at her. He finally said.

“Yes, I think I do remember, but… you don't seem to have changed much.” Sielle nodded.

“That's right. That has something to do with why I'm here.” Head Priest Erin looked at the priest beside her and told him.

“Please have someone bring us some tea. I'll be talking with Miss Aries.” He invited her in and then closed the door behind her. He had a desk there, but he also had a low table with cushions placed around it.

“Have a seat.” He sat on one side while she sat on the other.

 

“I see, so that's why you came here. I may have something available if you'd be willing to wear a priestesses robes. It's a difficult job though.” Sielle leaned forward.

“What's that?” He told her with a faint smile, sitting his tea cup on the table.

“Actually, they've sent us a problem child from the High Temple. He causes trouble wherever he goes, but since he's been chosen to become a High Priest, there's not much we can do about it. He's extremely irresponsible, so we've tried assigning him assistants, however… there are always problems when we assign girls, although he insists he'd rather have a female assistant. If we assign a guy, he usually ends up miserable and gets driven away. If you could at least bring yourself to wear a priestess's robes until you've made up your mind about becoming a priestess, I think you could make a suitable assistant for him. He tends to go after younger girls and being young and inexperienced in these things, they're easy prey. There aren't really that many older priestesses and those who try to work with him usually get driven away as quickly as the guys.” Sielle asked.

“Is he that guy I saw on the way in? He was acting like he was reading a book, but he was flirting with the priestesses standing in the doorway.” Head Priest Erin sighed.

“Most likely. So how do you feel about it? You can make a decision about becoming a priestess later, but for now, would you mind working as his assistant. I'd be glad to tell everyone that you transferred here from another temple. Since it bothers you so much, I'll gladly refrain from mentioning how old you are. Most of the people here won`t recognize you from ten years ago, and even if they do, they`ll probably assume it`s a coincidence that you look alike.” Sielle nodded.

“I think I could do something like that. It sounds like an interesting job. What kind of duties does his assistant have?” Head Priest Erin told her.

“Well, first of all, you have to get him to his classes at the High Temple on time every day. Every time he doesn't make it, it reflects very badly on us. Even as a student, he also has appointments and duties for exorcisms and consultations. He's expected to write reports and take notes at these times but it seems he isn't getting that done either. It's likely to be a lot of work for you and as a small temple the wage won't be very high. You'll have your own room off High Priest trainee Aros's room but you won't have to stay there if you'd rather stay at home. I'll excuse you from the usual curfew.” Sielle took a sip of her tea. She couldn't help but think that Head Priest Erin was desperate for someone who could fill the position. She hadn't really considered becoming a priestess, most people started as a priestesses or priests when they were between ten and fourteen. But even she could tell there was something strange about the way she'd failed to mature into a full adult by now. She could stay in a place like this for a while and nobody would notice. And Head Priest Erin didn't seem to have any trouble treating her like an adult, it was refreshing. Even her own parents often treated her as a child. She smiled at him.

“I'd be glad to take the position. I'll consider becoming a priestess after I see how I fit in here.” He looked relieved.

“Good. Thank you very much.” Sielle told him.

“No, I have to thank you. Even with this sort of appearance, you're still treating me as an adult. If you didn't do that, I wouldn't have considered the job.” Head Priest Erin told her.

“Well, you see some unusual things when you've been working in the temples as long as I have. I wouldn't make a very good Head Priest if I fell prey to prejudices easily.” Sielle smiled.

“I see. So when do you want me to get started?” Head Priest Erin got to his feet slowly.

“As soon as possible. I know it's late in the day today, but I can at least show you the room you'll be using and introduce you to High Priest trainee Aros. You can address him as Priest Aros and be aware that he can't relieve you of your duties. Only I can do that.” Head Priest Erin went to his desk and brought her a planner. “This is something I've had his assistants doing. It's just someplace to keep track of his schedule and his future appointments. Since most assistants don't last long, I thought it would be best to have them keep track of things so that the next assistant won't be too lost, since Priest Aros certainly isn't going to keep track of things.” Sielle sat down her tea cup and took the planner from him. She told him.

“I promise to last longer than they did.” She got to her feet and followed Head Priest Erin from the room.

 

She adjusted her robes a little bit self-consciously. It was going to take her some time to get used to wearing them. She was wearing the simple white robes of a Priestess trainee, rather than the cream colored robes of a real priestess. She hadn't complained, since she really didn't know anything about being a real priestess anyways. It would have been strange if she'd been expected to know about things. But she did have a green band tied around her arm which meant she was the assistant of someone wearing a green robe, that being, of course, the High Priest trainee Aros. The priestesses gathered near Priest Aros's door scurried away when they saw Head Priest Erin coming. He walked through the door and Priest Aros looked up from his desk, closing the magazine he was reading and putting it in a drawer. Sielle followed behind Head Priest Erin as Priest Aros asked.

“Come to scold me again? I'm sorry, I couldn't make it to class today. I had other things to do.” Head Priest Erin motioned for Sielle to come and stand beside him.

“This is Trainee Sielle. She'll be your assistant from now on. Since she'll be arranging your schedule, there should be no problems making it to classes on time.” Priest Aros looked over Sielle in what she considered to be a rather insulting manner and gave her a faint smile of approval. She refused to return his smile. What an arrogant bastard. He looked at Head Priest Erin.

“Maybe we're finally starting to understand each other. I won't be held responsible if her duties interfere with her studies will I?” Head Priest Erin told him.

“I don't see that being a problem. She'll be going to the High Temple with you every day and I'm certain she can complete her own studies while waiting for your classes to end. I've instructed her to keep an eye on you at all times. And also, you will be her instructor in the basics of being a priestess. I`ll decide when and if she takes the exam to become a priestess.” Head Priest Erin glanced at Sielle. He hadn't mentioned that before, but she supposed there had to be some reason she didn't do the usual instruction like everyone else. Priest Aros shrugged and got to his feet, coming to stand in front of Sielle.

“Do you have any problems taking up these duties?” He asked. Sielle looked at him. He looked like he was in his early twenties. He might even be younger than she was. She smiled faintly and told him.

“I volunteered for this duty mainly because I owe Head Priest Erin and his predecessor a favor or two. It has nothing to do with you. I hope you`re up to being my instructor.” He studied her thoughtfully and said.

“It seems like you're not being completely honest. High Priests can tell when someone is lieing you know.” Sielle commented.

“Well, it's a good thing you're just a lazy trainee then isn't it. Perhaps I'll be more direct. The reason I accepted this job has nothing to do with you. Was I lieing?” He looked a little bit annoyed by her remarks. He studied her with a much cooler look and looked up at Head Priest Erin, who hadn't said a word yet. Head Priest Erin said, backing away.

“Excuse me, but I think the two of you need to work things out on your own.” He turned and left and Priest Aros looked at Sielle and then turned away from her.

“I have class tomorrow starting at eight, so we'll need to leave here pretty early. Be sure to be ready. Your room is through that door.” Sielle glanced at the door and told him.

“I won't be staying there for tonight at least. I need to take care of some things before I start working. I'll see you tomorrow morning Priest Aros.” She bowed faintly and then walked through the connecting door. She'd left her clothes and his planner in her room.

 

He waited in his office, his robe hanging open. He could hear his new assistant in her room next to his office. He'd been waiting for her to arrive. His plan had been to have her help him get dressed. It was his revenge for the day before. He couldn't completely blame her, no doubt that damn Head Priest had given her some sort of warning. He was getting sick of waiting. He heard her swearing from the other room and looked at the clock. They weren't going to have to leave shortly. He got to his feet and closed his robe, tieing his sash quickly and deftly. It only took him a few moments to do it himself. He didn't bother to knock, opening the door to her room in annoyance. He paused for a minute and then raised a brow as she looked up at him. She was holding the sash that was supposed to wrap around her robe and seriously struggling to put it on. He leaned against the doorway as she asked.

“What are you doing in my room?” He told her.

“I'm waiting for you. Unless you want us to be late. Should I help you get dressed?” She gave him a cool look.

“I can do it myself.” He watched her for a minute as she struggled to figure it out and finally he couldn't take it any more. He walked forward and took it from her hands.

“You talk about me being a lazy High Priest trainee but you're so incompetent you can't even get dressed.” He didn't give her time to protest as he tied her sash around her robe, pulling it tight under her bust and tucking in the ends. “Learn how to do it properly.” He told her. He straightened her collar and said, in a bad mood himself. “Come.” She stared at his back for a moment until he looked back at her coldly. “Aren't you supposed to keep an eye on me? Or are you ready to resign already?” She immediately started moving.

“Of course I'm ready.” She picked up a bag off the floor and threw the straps over one shoulder. He glanced at it. He could see the planner his assistants usually carried, as well as a couple of books that he would expect a priestess trainee to read. He supposed that's what she'd be doing while he was in his classes.

 

She stopped outside Priest Aros's classroom as he went in. Even though she was keeping an eye on him, she didn't really think she'd be allowed in his classroom. He greeted the other priests and priestesses in his classroom.

“Aros, you devil, I can't believe you skipped class again yesterday. High Priestess Tanna is going to kill you.” One of the guys told him. Aros sat down at one of the desks.

“They've already sent me to the most remote temple they could think of. I'm sure my punishment can't get any worse.” He said with confidence. One of the priestesses sat down next to him.

“I missed you.” She told him. He gave her a friendly smile.

“Really? I'm so glad.” He took her hand and kissed her fingers. “It was worth coming today just to see your face.” The priestess giggled and Sielle was actually a little bit disgusted. Priestesses couldn't advance unless they maintained a pure body. Even someone like Sielle knew that. Besides, that girl had to be around the same age as Aros, she was stupid to fall for his lines. Sielle turned away and leaned against the wall outside the classroom door. She was a little surprised when a priest on his way into the class paused and asked.

“Can I help you?” Sielle looked up at him and gave him a friendly smile.

“No thank you.” She motioned to her green armband. “I'm completing my duties.” He glanced into the classroom.

“You must be here to keep an eye on Aros right?” Sielle nodded and he said.

“Good luck. He never makes it easy on his assistants. You can come in and sit down if you want. There are some empty seats in the back.” Sielle pushed away from the wall.

“Am I allowed to do that?” He nodded.

“As long as you don't disturb the class, it should be fine. High Priestess Tanna probably won't mind.” Sielle hefted her bag onto her shoulder.

“All right. Thanks.” She walked into the class in front of him and headed for the back as the student who'd come in behind her went toward a seat in the front. Aros saw her coming into the room and their eyes met. He was surrounded by several priestesses. Sielle looked away from him and went to a seat in the back. The priests and priestesses were all looking at her curiously. She was sure it was pretty rare to see someone in white robes in their class. She asked the priestess closest to her.

“Excuse me, are any of these seats free?” The girl looked up from her book and seemed surprised.

“Are you joining our class?” She asked. Sielle shook her head.

“I'm here to keep an eye on that guy.” She motioned toward Aros. The girl looked over.

“Oh. Well, if you want to stay in here for class, you should get permission from High Priestess Tanna first. If he told you it was all right to come in here, he was probably just trying to get you in trouble.” Sielle was a little surprised. She looked toward the front of the room where the student who'd told her to come in was laughing with some of his friends. He glanced back at her and gave her a friendly smile. She couldn't decide if he'd been lieing to her deliberately or if he'd really not known. Either way, the best thing to do would be to get permission. She smiled at the girl and bowed her head respectfully.

“Thank you very much for your help. Could you tell me where to find High Priestess Tanna?” The girl looked a little embarrassed.

“Well, she should be here soon. If you wait by the door, you'll be able to talk with her before she comes in.” Sielle straightened and told the girl.

“Thank you.” She went back to where she'd originally been waiting outside the door, wondering how this was all going to work out. She didn't have to wait long before a rather stately woman in red robes showed up. She looked younger than Sielle would have expected. She paused when she saw Sielle standing outside her classroom.

“Can I help you?” She asked, studying Sielle closely. Sielle asked.

“Are you High Priestess Tanna?” The woman nodded and Sielle bowed her head respectfully.

“I have a request to make of you.” She told her. High Priestess Tanna motioned for her to stand.

“And that is?” Sielle lifted her head and told her.

“I'm High Priest trainee Aros's new assistant, Sielle Aries. I've been instructed to keep an eye on him and in accordance with that request, I'd like permission to sit in while you conduct class.” High Priestess Tanna studied her carefully.

“And what will you be doing while we have class?” Sielle reached into her bag and pulled out one of the books that Head Priest Erin had given her.

“I'll be studying.” High Priestess Tanna leaned forward and asked suspiciously.

“And why aren't you attending your own school?” Sielle glanced in toward the classroom. It seemed like no one was paying particular attention to them, not that it would be a tragedy if anyone found out how old she was. Although, if this high priestess didn't think she was serious about becoming a priestess, she might not want her in the High Temple at all. She stepped forward and said softly.

“I've asked Head Priest Erin to keep my personal information to himself, so I please ask that you do the same. I'm twenty-four years old, but since I appear to be much younger, people assume that I'm the perfect age to become a priestess. Also, High Priest trainee Aros is my instructor.” Sielle looked at the High Priestess's face. If she thought Sielle was lieing, then she'd probably be angry. It all depended on whether or not what Aros had said was true, about high priests and priestesses knowing when someone was lieing. High Priestess Tanna was studying her so intently that for a minute Sielle thought that Aros was a liar for sure. She started to get nervous.

“I have an ID…” She started to say. High Priestess Tanna held up her hand.

“It's all right. I can see you're telling the truth. May I ask though. Is it a condition you've always had, since you were a child, that you look younger than everyone else.” Sielle shook her head.

“No. I was normal until I was eleven or twelve. That was when it started to become pretty clear that I wasn't maturing as fast as everyone else.” High Priestess Tanna looked up as her class started to get noisy and frowned through the doorway. She seemed especially irritated by them but when she looked back at Sielle she smiled and rested a hand on her shoulder.

“Please, feel welcome to join my class whenever you like. Let's talk again sometime. Good luck having Aros as your instructor. If he fails to teach you properly, let me know.” Sielle nodded, noticing that High Priestess Tanna had warm hands. It was sort of comforting, feeling that hand on her shoulder for some reason. She got the sense that High Priestess Tanna was a good person.

“Thank you High Priestess Tanna.” She walked into the room ahead of the high priestess and went to the back to sit in an empty seat, taking out her book. As High Priestess Tanna reached the front of the room and looked over the class, they grew quiet with surprising quickness. Sielle was impressed. High Priestess Tanna told them.

“Although she will not be participating, Trainee Aries will be joining our classes from now on. I expect everyone to be nice to her.” That was all she said before quickly moving on and Sielle acknowledged the heads turned her way and then opened her book. She hadn't decided on becoming a priestess yet, but she was seriously considering it. Priestesses were respected members of any community in Sennet, and talent was generally respected above age, so even if she looked young, it wouldn't be a problem.