Ah my beautiful fallen angel!

How close you were

to experience such sweet pain.

But alas not by my hand,

so I am thankful to that stranger

for saving you, at least.

You are still unblemished,

for now.

What would I have done?

What if your purity had been stolen by someone other than me?

I would have loved you still, I’m sure.

Whatever pain they might have inflicted

will surely pale in comparison of my love for you.

Again, I must thank the stranger.

Now I will not have to share you with others.

Your firsts shall be taken by me.

Your first kiss.

Your first ‘blood.’

Your first scream

in blissful agony.

* * *

The three deviants had run away in a hurry, with the biggest turning to look back a few times, presumably checking whether Siúlóir and company would give chase.

They had no plans to.

Instead he wanted to focus on helping the young woman behind him.

His two companions had already stopped observing the fleeing trio and started looking after the girl.

Once he turned around, the state of her clothing clothing could not escape his notice.

Her blouse was ripped and the only thing keeping her breasts in place was a tightly wrapped linen around her chest.

His fairy friend chimed angrily at him, and should he turn his head towards her, he was sure she’d puff out her cheeks and cross her arms over her chest in any angry pout.

While the girl was visibly relieved, she could do little to suppress her shivers, either due to shock or the cold, Siúlóir neither knew nor cared.

Seeing the girl in her current state roused his anger, making him regret his decision to let her assailants go so easily.

At least he knew who one of them was, even if he did not intend to run into them again.

His eyes rested on the girl. So young and yet she had to live through such a harrowing experience ...

Maybe he did want to meet the three again, preferably alone and in a dark alley.

But first he needed to take care of the situation in front of him.

Untying the knot that kept his cloak in place, he draped it over her shoulders in one swift move.

Better to keep her warm, and his fairy friend happy.

Besides, he really didn’t know where to look while the young woman in front was so exposed.

His two companions had unmasked themselves and after a brief surprise reaction, the girl studied them with eyes alight with curiosity.

One eye actually, as the other was covered with a white eye patch, adorned with various scribbles and writings.

Had she lost her eye to a previous attack, he wondered. The young was proving to be quite the enigmatic personality.

Despite the personal and vicious nature of the attack against her, she chose to spare them, or asked for them to be spared. What could have let her to be such a selfless person? Siúlór became more and more intrigued with the young girl.

Studying her face closer, he was surprised how human she looked. The skin was dirty from the fall and although slightly tanned, her face was turning red, and not just from the fresh winds of the evening.

If not for the long ears on her side, almost completely covered by her wavy brown hair, he'd have considered her a human, like himself. If it weren’t as disheveled he might not have noticed, actually.

It might be some form of fashion statement.

Her face was, in a one word, cute, he had to admit, and unlike Enda's or Fió's, her face was almost oval-shaped, with a pointy chin and a straight, yet dainty nose. Her cheeks were full, and although they had an almost child-like quality, the form of the beautiful woman she might become was beginning to show.

His eyes met her emerald green one briefly, before her gaze darted left and right, returning to the intense study of his companions, only briefly sneaking glances at him.

Chiding himself for his starring, he promptly asked for her name, before introducing his companions and himself.

She introduced herself as Keriana while trying to stand up, failing to put strength into her legs. They had to wait a few more minutes before she actually succeeded to struggle to a shaky standing position. Even before she could try to take a step, she almost collapsed again, only managing to avoid the ground as Siúlóir caught her deftly, earning another angry chime from the invisible fairy and small chuckle from Fío.

Enda merely scowled.

It took Keriana a while before she could walk on her own again, the experience having been more harrowing than she would care to admit. Siúlóir had caught her again after another near tumble, causing another flush of red cheeks filled with embarrassment.

She thought she heard the sound of a whistles or wind chimes while he helped her, but she ignored it over the loud beating of her heart.

She couldn’t remember the last time someone held her so gently.

Even the priest of the monastery she lived at, although nice in his own way, kept a healthy distance from her.

Keriana searched for the sun through the thickets of the tree. Unnoticed by her, it had grown quite dark as sun was setting behind the tree line. She had to go rush back to the monastery and begin preparing the food with the herbs she had collected. Her gaze swept across the ground, looking for her basket. The spider-woman, Fío, had already collected everything and held the basket in front of her.

Tears of a different sort made their way to her eyes.

These people were so nice.

So warm.

What would they think if they knew the truth? If they learned who she really was? What she was.

Would they still be so kind towards her?

Her eye searched Siúlóir’s face. What would his reaction be?

She could already imagine his face contorted in disgust, his eyes narrowing the same way as the villagers'.

Her chest tightened at the thought.

Her breathing quickened and her vision narrowed in panic.

Even her temperature fell a few degrees and cold sweat covered her spine and hands.

Should she tell them now? Or hope they’ll never find out?

Uncertainty spread and threatened to drown her.

Suddenly she felt a warmth on her back. A warmth that chased away all her fears and dark thoughts.

She looked into the face of the man that began rubbing her back supportingly.

She should tell him … them.

She should do it herself. Maybe if she was honest right from the start, they might forgive her for being what she was.

Her mouth opened to speak, but she was cut short by the growl of a hungry beast.

She blinked a few times, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water, unsure of what she had heard.

She first looked towards her own stomach, just to be sure.

No, she wasn’t hungry, well not that hungry.

Then she looked towards her savior, doubting that such beastly sounds could have come from such a knightly person.

His eyes however were focused on one of his companions, so Keriana followed his gaze, before coming to a stop at the Homo Vulpus, Enda, who quickly turned away ashamed, her head dyed almost completely red from embarrassment.

The female vixen quickly hid her face behind her mask after their other companion, while Fío, started to chuckle.

She could swear she also heard the amused jingling of a wind chime.

“Come on, don’t laugh ...” Siúlóir started to berate the laughing spider-woman.

But he was cut short as well when another grumbling sound echoed through the forest, and although not as loud as the first, still at a noticeable volume.

This time the source was surely him and he blushed as well.

“W-well, we haven’t eaten anything since ... you know...” He struggled to explain. “Maybe, you could tell us where we can find an inn or tavern for some food?” He looked nervously at her.

Was this a chance for her, after all? The scene had almost blown away her worry, even if that nagging fear remained. At least she could now do something for her saviors.

“T-the monastery ... where I live ... is close ...” she stammered, “I was … about to make dinner anyway.” She looked up at him hopefully, yet still hesitant to ask them directly to join her. Luckily Fío read her intention and asked if they could accompany her and join for the meal and, maybe, a place to sleep. Not as if Siúlóir could have refused her upturned eye and puppy face.

Thus their next destination was decided.

* * *

“I-I …*huff*... will KILL ... *cough cough* … kill them!” Gilroy shouted at no one in particular.

They had run a good distance, leaving the interlopers a fair distance away. A safe distance.

So they hoped.

Aodh had no breath to speak, and Gilroy was panting heavily.

Only Carbey felt okay, having the most stamina of the trio.

“First, I’ll kill that bitch, then rape her, then I’ll kill that freaking spirit or whatever that was...”

Gilroy had started on one of his tirades, and Carbey knew better trying to stop him for now.

Besides, sometimes there were good ideas thrown out amidst the crazy banter.

“No, first I’ll kill that spirit, then I’ll rape that whore … and then I’ll burn her ...”

Aodh was far less relaxed than Carbey and begin to shiver when he realized how disturbed the other boy truly was.

“No no, first I’ll stab him, then I’ll rape her in front of him, and then… then I’ll torch her hair, and ... and break her fingers and her toes … and cut open her stomach ...”

Gilroy’s eyes were filled with a mad glint. Even Carbey shuddered at the darkness his ‘friend’ was planning.

He could go with having some fun with the girl, maybe taking a few extra measures afterwards to ensure her silence, but the deeds Gilroy was planning … he shivered slightly.

“Nonono, I’ll set fire to him, right in front of her, then I’ll … no we’ll rape her in front of him, his dying screams mingling with hers. And then, we’ll chain her up in my father’s basement. We can enjoy her thoroughly for days, maybe even weeks. And after she’s so broken she can only beg for more … then I’ll slice … no, then we’ll sell her at the next city ...”

Gilroy began calming down, his crazy rant growing more focused and his voice icy cold.

The other two weren’t certain whether his last idea was crueler than the first of more merciful.

They opted for the former.

Aodh just wanted to leave for home immediately. Despite his initial doubts, he finally understood why his mother forbade him from associating with the Mayor’s son. If only he could bury his head in her...

He’d listen to her now, he swore.

Carbey’s reaction was slightly different. The first two ideas were pure madness and of little actual worth besides stroking the already inflated ego of Gilroy. The last one however held merit and a small voice in the back of his mind responded with glee at the possibilities.

He wouldn’t have to waste any money on wooing any of the girls, or pay the prostitute, as he could relieve himself of any stress he had on the demon bitch. There were a few things he did not dare do yet.

Too many would see his handy work on the whore.

If she even let him.

But the bitch from the monastery had no way to refuse, and once they grew tired of her, they could make some coin at the slave market in the closest town.

As long as they refrained from leaving any scars or actually cutting off any limbs, the girl might fetch a high price.

So he had to hold back a little, but the potential payout was worth it.

Not only was she a rare breed, but her breasts were big for her small stature and her skin was alluring as well.

After enough time in the cellar her tan would surely be gone, leaving snow white skin.

It depended on how long they kept her, and how they treated their merchandise later.

“But first, I need to vent my anger on something ...” Gillroy interrupted Carbey’s musings with another outburst.

The lanky boy was eying Aodh dangerously, and Carbey was about to nudge him into a different direction.

With what he had planned, he didn’t need Aodh’s family and especially the Watchmen on their asses.

“Ah, just the things to relieve some stress ...” Gilroy continued, looking past the young gofer they had brought.

Carbey saw the same thing, but was uncertain.

He had heard the stories. The constant warnings. He might not believe in Shadows and Demons, but this?

Well, as long as they weren’t caught.

The sadistic smile on Gilroy’s face and the mad glint in his eyes told Carbey all he needed to know. It wouldn't matter whatever he might say, the other would not take no for an answer.

As if he would bother to ask for permission in any case. Best to humor him for now.

He needed the sadistic prick.

But maybe later …

The two boys moved towards the new source of amusement.

Aodh watched in horror, before he standing up and turning towards home.

But fear stopped him.

If he left now, what would the other two do to him later?

For now he should follow them, but soon he had to get away.

Why, oh why did he have to tell them about his favorite past time.

Why couldn’t he just keep his mouth shut and enjoy it for as long as possible.

The voice hidden in the deepest recesses of his mind was promptly ignored. Even if it's whispers were almost sweet to his ears. Even if it taunted him with the prospect of sucking, licking and biting into the girl's fleshy mounds.

And maybe something tasting something completely unknown much further down.

No he chose to ignore it for now.

But it remained, hidden behind fear and apprehension.

Waiting for that momentary weakness it could prey upon.

* * *

With the promise of food and warm shelter, the group arrived quickly at the monastery after only a short ten minutes.

The monastery, if it could be called that, was more of a stone tower connected to a half timber framed house. It was bigger than any building in the fox-people’s village, but Siúlóir somehow expected something grander.

Bigger.

The tower was maybe 5 meters high, and judging by the construction on top, housed a bell. The stones were covered in ivy or moss, only a few small windows of stained glass were free of foliage.

The walls of the house were also partly plastered with the same stones as bell-tower, giving the structure a merged look. If you looked closely however, it became evident that the wooden structure was not as old as the stone tower, even if the same stones were used to cover the walls.

An oaken door barred the way into the tower while another door led into the interior of the house.

There should be another entrance to the tower within the house as well, as the house was built as if to merge with the bell-tower.

A little further from the building was a well, presumably the primary source of water, and a little closer to the house, another smaller wooden structure. Síulór shuddered, as he realized the purpose of the other building. He wasn’t sure why, but he believed that he was accustomed to another way to relieve himself, within the comfort of his home. Another shiver ran down his spine when he realized that ‘no toilet’ meant ‘no shower’ and possibly ‘no bath’ as well.

As they arrived, they were greeted by an older man, already standing at the door of the wooden house. His anxious expression disappeared quickly before he narrowed his eyes with suspicion.

Keriana made her way to the robed figure in a hurry, fighting back the tears in her eyes.

The man’s face turned from surprised to angry as she started to recount what had happened to her, and Siúlóir was almost certain the man would storm of after the youths and rain down judgment down upon them. He felt the same, but acquiesced to the young woman’s pleading.

While the three of them would hardly remain in the area for long, Keriana lived in the village, or near it to be precise, so actions shouldn’t be taken to hastily.

He couldn’t be sure how the villager would react if three of their own would be seriously harmed or even killed by strangers, whatever their reasons might be. His thought process was interrupted as he felt a sharp gaze on him. Searching for its origin, Siúlóir’s eyes focused on the man that was ushering Keriana inside.

Something felt strange about the man, although Síulóir couldn’t quite place it place it at first. The man had a medium built, as far as one could tell beneath the brown robe. The attire screamed piety, as the outfit radiated ‘monk.’ Even the bald spot on the top of the man’s head added to that effect, the brown hair on top of his head having been shaved off in a tonsure style.

Pale brown eyes scrutinized their group intently, presumably trying to gauge the unexpected visitors.

As Siúlóir studied the face coser, he believed to have found the reason why the man felt familiar yet so alien to him.

It was the ears!

His ears were long and slightly pointed as well, though not as long as Keriana’s. A term was no the tip of his tongue, but he felt it did not apply to them. Their features were not as fair or beautiful as the term ‘Elf’ implied. Maybe all they truly shared was the shape of their ears? A baritone voice interrupted his thought process.

“It is late, let us go inside...” the voice offered in an almost demanding tone.

Even if he was somewhat irked by the intonation, there was no real reason to refuse, so the trio complied. Continuing in the dark through an unknown forest did not appeal to Siúlóir, even if he believed both of his companions could easily continue on. On top of that, he had been on his feet for almost the entire day.

It had been a long day.

Walking to the Fox-village, fighting against a werewolf like creature, the ‘Dreamwalk,’ the pursuit and battle against the kidnappers. After that, a brief mourning period for the fallen and continued pursuit.

Barely any rest in between.

It had been a long day.

Lost in his own musings, Siúlóir took a seat at a wooden table, only now taking in the room he was in.

Certainly quaint, it still was radically different from the Elder’s hut in the Foxen Village. The walls were made of stone, the floor laid out with wooden planks. The walls were lined with the glowing stones, emitting a weak white light that still managed to illuminate enough of the room. There was on window outside, but it was shut tightly with wooden shutters. Minimal amounts of glass, not pure enough to allow seeing through. Keriana disappeared into the back and the sounds of food preparations soon followed.

The room was draped in silence for quite awhile before the man decided to begin asking questions.

“First I would like to extend my gratitude to you ...” he hesitated, unsure on how to continue.

“... for saving, Keriana. I have been raising her her whole life, so she is important to me. Even if I am a priest.”

This confirmed Siúlóir’s suspicion. Judging by the coat and the hairstyle, he had expected the man to be of the clergy, he was just unsure on how to proceed from there. Any questions that would be obvious to most were still completely new information to him. And asking for the information could lead to unwanted attention. But he did receive a warm reception from the fox-people, so maybe he should risk it? And he did save Keriana, who the man said was like a daughter to him. Just as he was about to begin asking question however, Fío spoke.

“We were just stumbled upon the scene by accident, so there is no need to be too gracious!”

The man turned towards her to respond.

“Nevertheless, not everyone would have gone out of their way to help. Unfortunately the shadows have clouded the hearts of many and thus dulled their sense of righteousness. But as you are a greater Arachnea, you are surely aware of that.”

Fío’s eyes widened in surprise barely managing to retain her composure. Siúlóir’s interest was roused, not only because the priest seemed to know of other races but mostly due to Fío’s shock. As he had guessed, the humanoid form of the spiders was indeed special, and now he even knew their names.

“No need to be so surprised! Or alarmed. The church of Nur always prided themselves with their extensive knowledge. The sun sees all after all.” the priest said while laughing.

“You are indeed correct, I am a greater Arachnea. I am just surprised the knowledge of my people remained intact outside our tribe. I am Fíodóir and my companions are Enda of the Vulpis and Siúlóir, a wanderer.”

“A wanderer, huh? Excuse me if I may seem rude, but I have never seen someone quite like you, even during my training journey. Pray tell, from whence do you come?”

“I am not offended,” Siúlóir began, “but unfortunately I cannot answer you...”

The priest’s eyes narrowed in suspicion, so he added quickly, “but only because I don’t know myself.”

Fío quickly stepped in.

“While we were rescuing members of our skulk captured by Cŵn slavers, we liberated him along with a few others”

Enda raised an eyebrow in confusion. Luckily the priest did not notice.

“Cŵn Nerwnn? Hardly more than mercenaries nowadays ...” he mumbled before continuing,

“forgive my rudeness, it surely must have been difficult, being caught as a slave without knowing who you are.”

Suddenly the priest stood up, having come to a late realization.

“Where are my manners? I have yet to introduce myself!”

And while bowing slightly,

“they call me Domenico, and I have been the priest of this humble monastery for the last 15 years.

Although I am uncertain if we can still call it a monastery, as I am the only brother here.”

He paused briefly, glancing towards the door which Keriana disappeared through and continued,

“... in any case, I would welcome you to rest here for the night and eat with us. It is not safe during the night for ‘outsiders’ to travel anyway.”

“We can handle anything these forests can throw at us!” Enda exclaimed pridefully.

“I am sure you could most things, but these woods are protected by powerful guardians. Alva wolves stalk the forest at night ...”

“Divine beasts?” Fío asked surprised.

“Aye, and they attack any they do not recognize, especially at night.”

After such a warning even Enda saw the wisdom of staying for the night. And the other two welcomed the chance for a break, embracing the chance for a much needed rest.

“Domenico, while we wait, would you mind telling me about your faith?” Siúlóir asked, trying to find out more information about both this world and the priest in front of him.

“Of course not, I would welcome the opportunity,but I’m afraid most people find it tedious.”

So while waiting the priest began to explain about the church of Nur and the various Gods and races. Enda, at first disinterested began to listen attentively when the priest began describing the other races.

He began with the Creation of the Cosmos, the birth of the Gods from Mana, continuing with the story of the Shadow War. Lacking details he briefly summarized how the darkness and its messenger were pushed back before the world was formed.

The priest had just finished a shortened version of the creation of the different races, mostly through the workings of the Nature Goddess Alva, but not without help from the Sun God Nur, at least according to his church’s doctrine, when Keriana had finished preparation for dinner.

As she began bringing out the food, denying Siúlór’s offer to help, the priest had mentioned the Ice Goddess Eira. Something stirred within Siúlóir when he heard the name, but he could not place it.

Searching for answers he looked at both Enda and Fío but learned nothing of their expression.

Enda shivered slightly at the mention and uttered a small chant under her breath while Fío narrowed her eyes in deep thought.

The meal was a simple vegetable stew, garnished with some of the herbs Keriana had picked, accompanied with some bread. And although the ingredients were fresh, the taste seemed somewhat bland to Siúlóir.

He still ate it hungrily, only now realizing how famished he truly was. But next to Enda, who was wolfing down her stew while grumbling about the lack of meat, he looked positively well-mannered.

Once Enda realized she had become the entertainment for the evening her face blushed crimson, earning her a hearty laughter from the priest, who merely shrugged and thanked her on behalf of Keriana for enjoying the meal so openly.

This in turn earned an embarrassed blush from the young girl, who turned her head to the side in a hurry, trying to hide the tears forming in her eye.

Fío was more subdued, eating slowly and with trouble at first, clearly unused to the need of tools. Luckily the spoons weren’t hard to figure out and mostly copying the others, the ‘infernal tools for torturing unwary souls’ proved little distraction.

Every now and then she marveled at the taste, her tongue being a new addition to her physique.

“I have much tasting to do!” she whispered seductively in Siúlóir’s ear, causing him to almost choke on a piece of vegetable. She withdrew giggling and gave him a quick wink, which luckily remained ignored by most of the others, thanks to Enda’s antics during the meal.

A warm feeling spread from his stomach, and he was certain it wasn’t just the stew. The atmosphere seemed strangely unfamiliar and yet filled him with happiness. Did he have people to spend the evenings with? Did it involve the same merrymaking? Perhaps he even had a family? Surely he must have. Then why did this seem so alien to him, so unfamiliar?

Suddenly the door burst open and a man rushed into the room, breathing heavily.

“Priest, we … need your … help” the man spat out between breaths.

Alarmed, Domenico hurried to the man while Keriana prepared a mug with water. He took it with hesitation, giving a suspicious glare towards the helpful girl. Keriana withdrew once the mug left her hand, a sad smile on her lips, the situation oh so familiar to her.

“What happened?”

“The wolf mother … her pack surrounded the village … and she … she injured one of the guards … nearly ripped out his arm ...” the man was visibly shaken, but he soldiered on.

“She dragged him … dropped him in the village square … demanded to speak to whoever’s in charge … the village chief … he sent me …”

The man pleaded with tears in his eyes.

“We don’t know what to do … please… you must help us!”

Author Notes:

Let me begin with apologizing for the late release. I had been busy with real life issues, and although they finished last week, I had some trouble getting back into the rhythm of writing. Didn't help this chapter was kinda boring to write, although there's some plot relevant information inside. Trying not to be too obvious hopefully won't backfire on me. I am interested in seeing who notices the plot-important details, so I encourage you to use the comments.

As I wanted to release speedily, I did not have the chance to do much in terms of editing and correcting, which will be done over the weekend, I hope it's not to bad. In any case, I hope you enjoy this chapter of 'The Wanderer' even if it's more on the boring part. The next one will be much more entertaining and will include fight scenes!

I added links within the text to the Creation Myth according to the Church of Nur, which while not necessary to understanding the story, should help in piecing a few things together. I do hope it's a not too unpleasant way of Info-dumping back-story. Don't be surprised by the weirdness of the sentence flow, as it is meant to represent a religious text such as the ones we have here.

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