Chapter 11
CHAPTER 11
A islinn
As we crossed the threshold into Kitris's house, a shiver ran down my spine. It was almost as if I had stepped into a realm untouched by time itself. The air hummed with different magic than we felt outside. This swirled around us in a gentle embrace that left me feeling both exhilarated and welcome.
The interior of Kitris's house was a marvel to behold. Elaborate paintings adorned the walls. They depicted scenes of mythical creatures and odd landscapes. And their vibrant colors glowed softly in the dim light. Strange artifacts and curiosities littered every surface. I didn't recognize anything. They could have been useless tchotchkes like we put around our house on Earth. Or they could have been powerful artifacts.
The furniture was elegant and beautifully crafted. It looked similar to what we had but was crafted from different materials than I was used to. As Kitris led us further into her home, I felt a sense of awe at the sheer magnitude of her power. There was an air of authority about her. She had a quiet confidence that seemed to emanate from every pore.
"So, tell me more about this shield that brought you here?" Kitris's voice cut through the silence, drawing our attention.
I exchanged a glance with Fiona and Violet both were silently weighing our options. Lifting her chin, Fiona stepped forward. She was ready to recount our journey. "It's a bit of a long story," she began. "We're Artemis's huntresses, and she came to us with a mission for us to find a shield. She told us it was created by the goddess Metis and designed to hurt certain gods. During our research, we found a possible connection between Metis and Mount Tambora. We were on the volcano when we were cornered by the goddess Nyx herself. When we tried to follow her, we encountered the shield in question and were whisked here."
Kitris listened intently as I spoke, her expression shifting from disbelief to curiosity. "Nyx?" she repeated. The surprise was evident on her face. "The goddess of the night?"
I nodded, feeling a sense of validation at her recognition. "That's the one," I confirmed. "And let me tell you, she wasn't exactly the most gracious host."
Kitris furrowed her brow, deep in thought. "Nocturne is a realm created by Nyx for her children. Yours is no ordinary matter," she mused. "We must consult the elders."
"The elders?" Fiona echoed. Thank the gods, she asked because I was too busy freaking out to form words at that moment.
Kitris nodded solemnly. "Specifically Gismos and Otia," she explained. "They are the most trustworthy demigods on Nocturne, and they may have the answers you seek."
Fiona and Violet exchanged wary glances. I was uncertain too, but I couldn't shake the feeling that this was our best chance to uncover the truth about the shield and find a way back home. Who else would have the information we needed?
Fiona glanced around Kitris's elegantly adorned home, her gaze lingering on the enchanted lanterns illuminating the space. "Okay. Where do we find these elders?"
Kitris turned to face us. Her sapphire eyes shimmered with ancient wisdom. "I can reach out to them at Lila's pub," she replied, her voice hinting of intrigue.
Violet's stomach rumbled audibly when Kitris mentioned the establishment. "Do they serve food there? I'm famished after regenerating."
Fiona nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I could eat," she admitted, exchanging a knowing glance.
"Same here," I added.
Kitris smiled warmly. "Yes, there's food at the pub," she confirmed. "It's not far from here. And not everyone here is friendly and accepting. Follow my lead while we are out. I won't let any of the more unsavory residents of Nocturne become too suspicious."
My stomach was in knots as we followed Kitris out of her home. I was tempted to ask if we could stay there. I was the scaredy cat of our coven. But that wasn't going to get me back to my family, so I pulled up my metaphorical big-girl panties and kept my mouth shut. Fiona released her spell so our footsteps echoed softly against the cobblestone streets as we ventured into the heart of Nocturne.
The city unfolded before us as Kitris led us through the winding streets. It reminded me of Cottlehill Wilds. Two and three-story buildings lined the cobblestone streets. Their facades were made from similar stone as Kitris's house. They were also adorned with ancient symbols and cryptic runes that glowed brightly. I'd bet anything they told the residents what was offered inside. I was curious but the stares of others roaming along the streets kept my lips clamped together. Kitris asked that we follow her lead and she wasn't saying a word.
It wasn't too long before we arrived at our destination. It was a quaint little pub nestled in the heart of the city. The exterior was unassuming. Its weathered wooden sign swung gently in the breeze. As we stepped inside, we were greeted by a anything but ordinary scene.
The interior of the pub was a riot of colors and sounds. The air was thick with the scent of spiced mead and roasting meat. The room was filled with a motley assortment of patrons. They were all dressed similar to Kitris and their voices mingled in a cacophony of laughter and conversation.
The bar itself was a massive, intricately carved structure that stretched the length of the room, its polished surface gleaming in the dim light. Behind it, rows of glistening bottles lined the shelves. Colorful liquids filled a variety of bottles. I imagined wine and other exotic spirits filled the containers.
Seated at a table near the back of the room was a group of locals. Their raucous laughter echoed off the walls as they raised their tankards in a toast to their good fortune. At the bar, a lone waitress bustled about, her apron stained with ale and grease, her tired eyes scanning the room for empty glasses to refill.
As Kitris approached the bar, the waitress greeted her with a warm smile. Her eyes lit up with recognition. "Kitris, dear, good to see you again," she said, her voice tinged with affection. "Do you want a table?"
Kitris nodded, returning the smile with a nod of her own. "Yes, please, Lila," she replied, her tone warm and friendly. "And please bring us a round of nightshade wine to start."
But as Lila turned to acknowledge us, her smile faltered. Her gaze slid past us as if we were nothing more than ghosts. With a curt nod, she hurried off to fetch our drinks, leaving us feeling somewhat invisible in her wake.
Kitris led us to a table. Lila was right behind her with a pitcher and glasses. She set it down, and Kitris placed an order for a variety of foods. It didn't take long for Lila to deliver a variety of delicious-smelling dishes to our table.
The air became thick with the heady scent of exotic spices mingling with the tantalizing aroma of succulent roasted meats and freshly baked bread. I salivated over the lavish banquet laid out before us. The table creaked under the weight of the sumptuous feast. Each plate was a masterpiece of culinary artistry.
"As the children of Nyx," Kitris began, her eyes alight with pride, "we dwelt in the heart of darkness, where shadows danced and secrets whispered in the night." She gestured to the enchanted lanterns that bathed the room in a soft, ethereal glow. "Wanting us to have a realm with little sunshine, Nyx created Nocturne. The elders established a community and invited the rest of us to join them."
Kitris ate and drank as she regaled us with tales of Nocturne's storied past. Her voice was like honeyed nectar as she wove a tapestry of myth and legend. She painted a vivid picture of a realm steeped in mystery and magic.
Fascinated, I leaned forward, eager to learn more. "What is life like in Nocturne?" I inquired. My curiosity was piqued by Kitris's words.
"Life on Nocturne is a symphony of collective effort," Kitris explained. "Here, there is no currency. Each of us contributes to the greater whole in our own unique way. We thrive on cooperation and collaboration. We all understand that every individual has a role to play in the tapestry of our existence. It's a place where responsibilities are shared, and everyone pulls their weight to ensure the prosperity of our realm. "
"That's astonishing. I wish we could have something similar on Earth," Fiona said before she changed the subject. "Did you have electricity here?"
Kitris chuckled softly, shaking her head. "No, my dear," she replied, amusement dancing in her eyes. "But we have our own ways of lighting the darkness." Again she gestured to the enchanted lanterns that lined the walls. Their soft glow cast a warm, inviting ambiance over the room.
As the conversation continued to flow, it was punctuated by laughter and camaraderie. Kitris's warmth and hospitality enveloped us, forging bonds of friendship amidst this mysterious realm. Meanwhile, the pub hummed with activity. Everyone eating, talking, and staring at us.
My need to use the restroom became unavoidable as we sat in the pub, indulging in the lavish feast Kitris had ordered. We had not covered the topic yet. I cleared my throat and glanced around nervously. The weight of everyone's eyes was on me. Dressed in my unfamiliar attire, it was clear that we were not from around here.
Leaning forward, I caught Kitris's gaze. "Do you have a place to relieve yourselves?"
Kitris laughed and nodded her head. "Of course we do. We don't go out to the woods when we need to use the lavatory."
Violet and Fiona asked her several questions about what they had for a toilet. Apparently, it didn't work like on Earth, but there was a bowl they used. "Mind if I use the loo?" I interrupted, thanks to the pang of urgency.
Kitris nodded towards a door across the pub. Her warm smile offered reassurance. "You don't have to ask. It's just through there, dear."
Navigating through the crowded space, I made my way to the restroom. I was acutely aware of the curious glances that followed my every move. The door creaked open to reveal a magical chamber unlike any I had ever seen.
The loo was a marvel of enchantment, with swirling patterns of light dancing across the walls and ceiling. The marble stand, where a conventional toilet would be, stood bare save for an ordinary-looking bowl. Yet, upon closer inspection, it was clear that this was no ordinary fixture. It gleamed and glowed with power. And soft leaves, delicate as feathers, replaced the customary toilet paper, adding to the surreal ambiance.
Hovering tentatively over the bowl, I marveled at its magical properties. A mixture of fascination and trepidation washed over me as I tried to remain steady. After I completed my business, I watched in awe as my waste vanished in a flash of brilliant light, leaving the bowl pristine and untouched. There wasn't a sink but there was water flowing from somewhere in the ceiling. I soaped up and washed my hands using the bar next to it. Exiting the restroom, I returned to the table. Fiona and Violet waited with curiosity evident in their expressions.
"How was it?" Fiona inquired eagerly, her eyes alight with interest.
I shook my head in wonder. "It was unlike anything I've ever experienced," I replied, still processing the surreal encounter.
"I need to go now," Violet said, making the rest of us chuckle.
As Fiona and Violet took their turns in the restroom, Kitris exchanged a few words with Lila. It seemed our meeting with Gismos and Otia was imminent. That made my appetite vanish and my stomach churn. Gods, I hoped they weren't put off by our presence. And had the answers we needed.
We continued to nibble on the food and were on our second glasses of wine when the door to the pub opened. A hush fell over the room, and all eyes turned toward the entrance. Stepping into the dimly lit room, the couple caught my eye. Their presence commanded the attention of everyone present. The rest of the patrons got up and walked out, even if they'd just sat down to eat. My eyes flew open and moved to Kitris. She smiled at me before she mouthed that we should stay seated.
The woman glowed softly in the dim light. Her pale skin was radiance. Her silvery-white hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of moonlight. It framed her delicate features with an ethereal grace. Her eyes were a captivating shade of violet. They hinted at the vast depths of knowledge and power she possessed. Clad in robes that shimmered like starlight, she moved with a regal poise that spoke of her position.
Beside her stood a man. His rugged features were weathered by the passage of time and marked by the scars of countless battles. His emerald-green eyes burned with a fierce intensity and reflected a steely determination. Muscles rippled beneath his tanned skin, evidence of years of training and discipline. Dressed in chainmail, he exuded an aura of strength and resilience.
Kitris stood and inclined her head to them. "Allow me to introduce Otia and Gismos," she said, gesturing towards the couple. "They are two of the elders of Nocturne."
We exchanged wary glances, unsure of what to make of the newcomers. Despite their imposing presence, there was a sense of warmth and acceptance in their demeanor that put me at ease. As we settled into our seats, Lila bustled over with plates of food and tankards of ale for Otia and Gismos. She disappeared from sight a second later. Damn, she moved fast. Otia chewed a bite before looking over the three of us and asking, "Why are there foreigners in our realm?"
Kitris cleared her throat and said, "They came across Nyx in the human realm and were drawn here by a powerful relic when they tried to follow her."
Fiona took over then and recounted our journey from encountering the shield to our unexpected arrival in Nocturne. Violet and I added details here and there. Gismos listened intently. His gaze was unwavering as we shared our tale.
"And how do you plan to learn more about this shield?" Gismos's voice held a note of skepticism, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Violet hesitated for a moment before responding. "We were hoping you could assist us with that. We did not intend to come here. We don't even know how it happened. We wouldn't have made it if I hadn't engaged my phoenix and had her protect us during transit.
Otia frowned. "That is unprecedented, but I sense you're sincer..." The door burst open, cutting off Otia's reply.
A figure stormed into the pub. Her expression was twisted with fury. My heart skipped a beat as I watched her approach. She looked like she wanted to incinerate us on the spot. Venom was oozing out of her glare. I wondered if we would survive an encounter with this woman. Without asking, I knew she was one of the ones that Kitris had warned us about. I tried to shrink back in my chair so I wasn't as noticeable.
Gismos's expression was a mixture of annoyance and resignation. He addressed the newcomer with a terse nod. "Tarae," he acknowledged, his voice laced with an undercurrent of tension. "What brings you in tonight?"
The woman, Tarae, narrowed her eyes. Her gaze flickered between us with suspicion. "I heard there were trespassers in our realm."
Gismos laughed and shook his head. "Your information is incorrect. These women are friends of Phera. You know, Lothar's new mate. They wanted to visit after Lothar took a trip with them. They had to see where he called home."
Fiona nodded her head and smiled. I had to give her credit. It was impossible to see her discomfort. "Lothar and Phera went to Maui with us. It's a tropical island. It didn't go over well to say the least. Lothar hated the sunny weather."
"He bitched and moaned about it the entire time," Violet added. "He kept telling her he was a night person."
Following their lead, I shrugged a shoulder. "He refused to leave the room before sunset, which upset Phera. We were happy to shop and day-drink with her, though, so she wasn't miserable."
"They know Lothar, huh?" she replied, her voice dripping with skepticism. "Yet they showed up with Kitris. Convenient story."
Gismos shot her a withering glare, his jaw clenched in frustration. "Our personal affairs are none of your concern, Tarae," he snapped, his tone sharp and authoritative. "And they certainly don't require your approval to be here."
Tarae bristled at his words, her lips curling into a sneer. "You can't expect me to believe that," she retorted, her voice tinged with disdain. "I'll find out the truth, one way or another."
Without waiting for a reply, Tarae stormed off in a huff. Gismos let out a sigh of relief, his shoulders sagging with exhaustion. "Well, that went about as well as could be expected," he muttered.
Otia's expression was a mixture of sympathy and amusement as she offered him a reassuring smile. "You handled her admirably, Gismos. I would have strangled her."
Gismos snorted and shared a wordless look with Otia before his gaze returned to the three of us. "You see, Tarae has always been... difficult," he explained, his tone grave. "She's incredibly controlling and underhanded. Always looking for ways to assert her authority and undermine those she sees as a threat."
Otia rolled her eyes. "She's cunning, too," she added, her brow furrowing with concern. "Always scheming behind the scenes. Constantly manipulating situations to her advantage."
Gismos nodded in agreement. "We'll need to be careful around her," he warned, his eyes scanning the room warily. "She won't hesitate to use any means necessary to get what she wants."
"She sounds unpleasant," Fiona observed.
Gismos and Otia exchanged glances before Gismos spoke up. "Incredibly. Back to your situation. We have a library," he began, his voice tinged with a sense of caution. "It's where you can find the information you seek about the shield."
Otia nodded in agreement. "But," she added, her tone serious, "you'll need to stay with us for your safety. Nocturne can be a dangerous place, especially with Tarae lurking around."
"Given the scenario presented, you should stay with me," Gismos informed us with a smile. "Tarae won't let this go easily," he warned.
"Yeah, we got that memo," Fiona retorted. "So, when do we start our thrilling library adventure?" I wasn't as eager as she was for this to begin. My nerves warned me this was going to be rougher than that visit to the secret library with Luciana.