by Eden Redd
“She seems fine.” Gwen smiled.
Trystan eyed the witch. “Gwen, I never asked before but what is Bella’s story? You asked me to find her but I never had a chance to know why she was in the ruins in the first place.”
“What did she tell you?” Gwen asked as she leaned against the shop counter.
“She told me about her master and how she tried to kill one of his favorite familiars. She said he cut her off of his skin and imprisoned her in the ruins, feeding on the mana of those who found her.”
Gwen crossed her arms. “She told you more than I would have expected. I didn’t know how much of her memory was intact.”
Trystan stepped closer to the ink witch. “Who was her former master?”
Gwen stared off as distant memoires played in her eyes. “He used to be a good man full of life and positive energy. You remind me of him sometimes. Bella was his first familiar and they were the best of friends.”
Trystan thought about Sylk. The mage cared for both of his familiars but Sylk was his first. There was simply a special place in his heart for her.
The witch continued. “I wasn’t there when he cut her from his skin but I have dreamed of her since that day. She was in terrible suffering, lost and confused. I had planned on going to the ruins myself until I met you. I stopped feeling her pain when she bonded to your skin.”
“How can a mage cut a familiar from their own skin?” Trystan said as if trying to understand such a decision.
“There are many people and monsters in the world who have no empathy for anyone other than themselves.” Gwen sighed.
“And her former master?”
“I lost contact with him long before he did that terrible thing to Bella.”
Trystan could feel Gwen holding back, almost afraid to speak some terrible truth. After everything that had happened, the mage wanted to press but his heart said otherwise. The mage kept his mouth closed and looked to the ink witch as she remembered events from a long time ago.
The bell at the front door chimed. Trystan and Gwen looked over as a pale woman stepped into the shop. The woman was dressed in a black corset and long flowing dress. Lacey ruffles ran around the hem of her dress and surrounded her wrists. Pale eyes looked to Gwen and then centered on Trystan.
The mage took a step back and spells immediately came to mind. Shock ran down his face and a deep chill surged up his spine. The mood turned jagged as Trystan took hold of Gwen and pulled her to him.
Before the ink witch could say anything, Trystan prepared a spell.
“The Dead Mother.” The mage said with fear in his voice.
Four
“Trystan, calm down. She is my 7pm appointment.” Gwen said as she gently removed the mage’s hand from her arm.
The pale woman looked down with sorrow etched into her eyes. Trystan let the spell fizzle but kept his eyes on the woman in black, the mage’s heart beating like a drum.
“I understand why he is surprised.” The woman said sadly.
“I….I’m sorry.” Trystan let the words hang in the air.
“I am the one who is sorry. I’ve been meaning to come to you so we could talk.” The Dead Mother said as she walked closer with her head down and fingers entwined.
“Forgive me Trystan. I should have warned you Vanessa was stopping by.” Gwen said softly.
Trystan looked to Gwen and then Vanessa. “I thought you were going to be tried.”
The pale woman nodded. “I was tried and found guilty. They sentenced me to finish college and become an upstanding Stukarr citizen, under constant surveillance of course.”
“Then why are you here?”
Vanessa looked away. “When I died, my familiar died with me. Since it has been decided I would continue my studies, I will need a new familiar.”
“I’m sorry I don’t mean to be rude but how can an undead have a familiar?” Trystan knew of mages with undead familiars but the other way around was practically unheard of.
Gwen walked over to Vanessa and put hands on her shoulders. “The undead can still use and produce mana but it’s slower and not as powerful due to most of it being used to keep them animated. They cannot have high mana using familiars. We have to get creative and find one that will suit an undead mage.”
Trystan moved closer. “Vanessa, I’m really sorry. I was startled and……”
The undead woman cut him off. “It’s okay. You should have been warned first. I did worry that we might run into each other.”
The mage felt his curious mind kick in. “If you don’t mind, how can you feed a familiar if you produce little mana?”
“I have to supplement my mana with taking mana potions. It is the only way to fight the hunger.” Vanessa said not looking him in the eye.
“Hunger?”
“The undead have a hunger for living mana. It is like a drug for them.” Gwen said as she directed Vanessa to the counter.
Vanessa turned her head to Trystan. “I wish I could show you how sorry I really am about what happened. I had no control over my actions. It still haunts me. I hope one day you can forgive me.”
Trystan let his shoulders drop and a small smile bloomed. “I’m happy that you get a second chance. Forgive me for my terrible reaction.” Trystan bowed.
Vanessa smiled faintly. “It would seem we have forgiven each other. Thank you Trystan.”
The mage stood up and looked to the undead mage. An idea glowed warmly. “What are you doing for the Feast of Giving?”
Vanessa’s eyes widened. “I haven’t really thought about it. Nothing I suppose.”
“I’m moving in with Reeko and Nia. We are planning a Feast of Giving dinner. You should join us.”
Vanessa looked away as her eyes watered. The corner of her mouth pursed as if she was holding back a flood of emotion. Gwen patted her shoulder.
“I didn’t mean to get you upset.” Trystan said with concern.
Vanessa wiped at the corner of her eye. “No, I’m not upset. I just never thought I would feel kindness again since I did all those terrible things. It makes me happy.”
Trystan relaxed “Like you said, you weren’t in control. It might be the best thing for everyone if we start with a clean slate. I will let everyone know you’re coming.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Vanessa said flatly.
“What is your favorite dish? We can have it ready at the feast.”
“I….I don’t really eat or drink.” Vanessa said as she regained her composure.
“Undead can only feed on living or mana infused food.” Gwen smiled. “Raw meat is a good substitute but you may want to pick up a bottle of mana infused wine.”
“I will let Reeko know we should have some of that at the feast.”
“You are too kind.” Vanessa said with stars in her eyes.
“We shouldn’t dwell on the past. Let’s look forward to the future.” Trystan said with positive bright eyes.
“I’m happy you two connected.” Gwen said with a knowing smile. Turning to Vanessa, she continued. “How about we look at some familiars and decide which will be the best fit for you.”
Vanessa looked to the ink witch and nodded.
Trystan picked up his back pack from the foot of the reclining chair. “I will let you two ladies carry on. Gwen, same time next week?”
“Same time. I will wear something pretty for you.” Gwen winked.
Trystan nodded with a smile and walked to the front door.
***
The elevator doors opened to a wide hallway. Trystan hoisted up his back pack of holding further up his shoulder. Stepping out, he walked the hallway to a set of double doors. A mirror hung on each of the side walls. Trystan looked into one and smoothed his hair and checked his teeth to see if there was any food stuck between them. The mage felt a nervous vibe seeing Reeko’s penthouse. He still couldn’t believe he was going through with it.
With his teeth fully inspected, the mage stepped to the double doors and took hold of a
handle. Opening the door, the mage stepped in and was immediately dazzled. The main room was furnished with several leather couches. Wall high windows looked out to the tops of buildings and clear blue sky. Sunlight bathed the room in a beautiful warm glow. Off to the right was the biggest kitchen the mage had ever seen, complete with an island, bar and shiny kitchen apparel.
The mage walked in as the large flat screen played out news feeds of current events. A fireplace was directly under the flat screen, cold and unlit. Stepping to the glass wall, outside was a medium sized pool and a hot tub.
“I could like it here.” Trystan said to himself.
“Trystan, welcome!” said a familiar voice.
The mage turned to Reeko as he walked out of the hallway in a black bathrobe and a wide smile.
“Thank you Reeko.” Trystan smirked.
“What do you think of the place?” Reeko said as he walked to the kitchen.
“Impressive.” It was the only word Trystan could think of.
“Thank you. My home is your home. Pick one of the rooms down the hall and drop off your stuff.” Reeko opened the refrigerator and poured himself a glass of juice.
“Thanks but I wanted to talk to you first about something.”
“Fire away.” Reeko said as he took a sip of his juice.
“I ran into Vanessa Shroud and thought it would be nice to invite her to the Feast.”
Reeko’s happy demeanor shifted. “The Dead Mother?”
“I don’t think she goes by that name anymore.” Trystan tried to stay upbeat.
The goblin swirled the drink in his green hand, lost in thought. “I heard she had her trial and I have seen her around campus. I wasn’t sure what to make of it.”
“Her trial ended and her sentence was to finish college and become an upstanding Stukarr citizen. She doesn’t have anyone to share the feast with so I thought it would help break the ice between all of us.”
Reeko looked over to Trystan. “I can see why Nia speaks so highly of you. If she is reformed, then I would say yes.”
Trystan nodded. “I will let her know it’s okay that she can come.”
Reeko stopped swirling his drink. “Under one condition.”
Trystan was silent.
“She brings wine. “Reeko smiled. “I do believe we have enough but I’d rather have more than just enough.”
“You drive a hard bargain.” Trystan smiled.
The goblin walked over and clapped a hand on Trystan’s shoulder. “Let me show you the rooms.”
***
The days bled together for Trystan. It didn’t take long for the mage to get used to his new home. Nia had taken up residence in the bedroom next to his but they often spent nights together in one or the other. The Feast of Giving was fast approaching and the penthouse was filled with music and preparations. Trystan asked about the fourth roommate. The mage was living there a few days but didn’t see them at all. The goblin said she would move in the day of the feast. She was finishing up some details with her current arrangement and couldn’t move in until the holiday.
The mage shrugged and the world spun on. Classes were demanding as the holiday approached. Despite the heavy workload, the mage basked in a comfortable peace. While running from class to class, the mage came across Aznara from time to time. The succubus stopped him each time to talk and catch up. She was looking forward to the feast at Reeko’s penthouse.
The night before the Feast, Trystan was working in the library. He had about thirty minutes before his shift ended and thoughts of his new home sprang to mind. Falling into his big bed made the mage feel good and tired. He picked up the last book from his cart and slid it into a shelf. Mist rolled off his left shoulder and the mage peered down.
Bella appeared out of the mist and stood silently, eyes staring at nothing.
Trystan turned to her. “Bella?”
The blue slime was silent as a tomb.
“Bella? Are you alright?” Trystan said with growing concern.
“The whispers are getting louder.” The slime said with no emotion.
Trystan reached out to touch his familiar when a surge of pain blazed through his chest. The mage clutched at his robe as he fell to his knees. Lashing tendrils of pain struck out like hot pokers. The very air left his lungs and the mage struggled to breath. Bella fell to her knees taking hold of her master with wide eyes.
Trystan clawed at his robe, a surge of adrenaline causing him to rip it open. Bella looked down as her master gasped in agony. The black and purple spiral on his chest moved clockwise, spinning faster and faster. It became a blur as Trystan twisted and contorted his body, nerves flared with impossible light. The spiral pulsed and then coalesced into a small design.
The mage looked down to see the spiral slow and shrink. The pain subsided and Trystan managed a deep intake of air. Eyes on the tattoo, it pulsed one more time before forming a black oval. Then suddenly the pain stopped.
Trystan blinked as Bella held him close. The mage noticed she seemed more like herself. Coughing, the mage held onto his slime familiar as if she was anchoring him to this world.
“Master?” the slime stared down with worried eyes.
“I need a moment.” Trystan huffed.
The mage could feel his body returning back to normal. A darkness pressed against his mind. Something unseen was there, watching him. As soon as Trystan was on his feet, the feeling faded into the background.
“Should we see Ms. Azure?” Bella said as she oozed up onto her feet.
Trystan remained silent. The library took on a stillness that the mage couldn’t fully explain. Looking around, he spread out his senses. Something smirked in his mind and vanished. The mage looked down at the black oval now surrounded by a red and pink glow.
Trystan took a seat in a nearby chair. “What is happening to me?” The mage said in a low whisper.
Five
The aroma of cooking floated through the air. Nia and Reeko were working in the kitchen cooking and preparing several dishes. A room over, Trystan and Sylk were preparing the dining room. Classical music played from hidden loudspeakers throughout the penthouse. The smell of cooking food drifted into the dining room and Trystan’s mouth began to water.
“I don’t understand why we can’t sit down with you for dinner?” Sylk said annoyed.
Trystan began putting down utensils. “The dining room is big but not enough to for all guests and their familiars. You can join us when the dinner is over.”
“I still think I should be able to sit with you. Nia gets to sit by you but I can’t.”
Trystan ignored his irked familiar. The mage was looking forward to dinner as was everyone else. Judging from the guest list it was going to be a full event. Putting down the last set of utensils, the mage scratched at his chest.
The black oval over his heart itched from time to time. The mage tried his best to forget the events from the night before. Despite the pain he felt that night, he hesitated on bringing it to Gwen’s attention. It was right before the holiday and the mage decided it would be best to let her know after the holiday weekend. Right now he focused on the preparing for the feast. Excitement ran through his veins as he assisted Sylk with placing the plates.
With the dining room all set, the mage and familiar stepped out into the living room and kitchen. Reeko was sautéing some garlic and vegetables. Nia was preparing appetizers, cutting up slices of cheese and salami. The main dishes were already prepared and sat on trays covered in metal covers. Trystan stepped closer and took in the scents as he picked up a small slice of cheese from Nia’s cutting board.
Sylk opened the door to the patio and quickly stepped out into the freezing gray weather. The pool was on and heated. The siren’s thin little bikini disappeared and jumped into the warm water. Trystan watched her as she surfaced and did laps on her back, her firm breasts rising above the water line.
“I think she wants you to join her.” Nia smiled.
“She feels left out.” Trys
tan said as he turned away and stole another piece of cheese.
Reeko turned down the flame from the burner. “I wish we had more room to accommodate all the familiars.”
“I know. I told her that but she is being stubborn.” Trystan sat at the small bar.
Reeko threw pieces of chicken into the vegetable mix. “I know Vanessa is bringing some mana infused wine. I bought extra just in case. I know the familiars will love it one they taste it.”
Nia stopped cutting. “Are we sure we are okay with Vanessa being here for the feast? I mean I’m okay but are both of you okay with it?”
A sizzling mist rose from the pan as Reeko flipped the ingredients. “I’m okay with it as long as she doesn’t turn us into the undead.”
Trystan looked to Nia. “You haven’t talked to her yet. She is almost like a completely different person. I think it will be fine.”
“I’m sure she is. I just hope everyone else is as accepting of her. Sunara had the worst of it when we were her captives.” Nia continued cutting.
“Did she seem bothered by Vanessa coming?” said Trystan.
“She told me she was okay with it but it’s hard to read her sometimes. She always has that same focused expression.”
“As long as nobody gets into a fight, then dinner should be fine.” Reeko said as he flipped the chicken again.
The doorbell rang. Trystan hopped off his stool and took big steps to the door. Taking hold of the handle he opened it with a smile. Instantly horror bled into his face. An urge to slam the door welled up but he was rooted to the spot, staring with wide eyes.
A woman with short hair looked to the mage. Shy eyes blinked and her hand tightened onto the backpack strap over her shoulder. Spider like legs jutted up and down with a full black abdomen behind her. The arachnix wore a simple top and coat, her lower half that connected at her midsection was covered in a medium length dress. The edges of the flowing skirt turned upward against her segmented legs.
“You must be Trystan.” The arachnix bowed her head with a shy smile.
Trystan stood speechless.
