Chapter Sixteen: Frankinsence and a Deal of Love
Azrael woke early in a wave of excitement and anxiety. Her imagination ran wild with the thoughts of this library. What would it look like? Did reach for the stars in knowledge or was it even a physical building. She knew very little of the astral plane. The more she thought about it the more she realized that she had no clue what the astral plane even looked like. Maybe she could ask Raden.
As she shifted in bed, Azrael realized she was alone. Raden's side was empty and now cold. A weird pang of disappointment crossed her face but only for a moment. Why would she be upset that he wasn't there? Azrael swallowed that disappointment and tossed the covers off and soon regretted it. The cold air hit her exposed skin and sent a shiver climbing up her spine. Azrael shuttered and stood. The wooden planks creaked under her weight as if they were protesting the early morning, and Azrael second guessed leaving the security of the bed.
The room was still dark under the blanket of the tail end of the witching hour. The sun wouldn't wake for a few more hours leaving Azrael to tend to her boredom. She could attempt a few more hours of sleep but the anxiety of her task today wouldn't allow that. She needed to figure out something to keep her busy or she might just go mad.
Across the room her bag hung on a little wooden chair. She stared at it for a moment, debating to see what secrets it held when her attention fell on the addition to the chair. She squinted trying to see better through the darkness. The outline of a box was all she could make out but her curiosity grew.
A note sat on top with Azrael's name written in large loopy letters. Something she knew wasn't done by Raden. She opened the letter and read what she could in the dying candle light.
I've gone to Asra to look for this scroll. I figured you would enjoy something warm.
–Raden
She ran her fingers over the soft material. Azrael sat the candle on the floor allowing for the piece to be illuminated. She unfolded what she now figured was a fleece shaw and wrapped herself in it. Warmth immediately embraced her freezing skin and she smiled. It was a lovely gift and one she was quite grateful for. Azrael spent the rest of the early morning fixing herself so that the shaw would sit just right and that she could wear it proudly.
~~~*~~~
The town was hopping with life by the time Azrael left the inn. Crowds were still trickling in from Asra to find rest. Azraell found that the shops were rather empty except for a few residents braving the weather. It was a nice quiet day for shopping. One she hadn't experienced in a long time.
It wasn't great weather to be out and about, but it would do. Dreary overcast skies seemingly threatened everyone's day of traveling. So most were huddled in the taverns where fresh mead was only at an arm reach away and cheery melodies rang out of drunken mouths.
Azrael hopped from one place to another praying the rain would hold off for just a little while longer. Each time leaving a store the sky would darken ever so slightly. Her hunt may be cut short and her hopes would be placed with Raden and any Gods that heard her prayers.
Each place only had half ended apologies for Azrael. The magical items they did carry were more or less novelties. Trickster wands that sent small fireballs towards unsuspecting victims or blasted vibrant colors in the air. One shop had any and all bags needed for travel. However, a small collection caught Azrael's attention.
A rusted metal cage sat by itself. Several side bags hung locked away unmoving. Azrael strolled closer only to be stopped by the store owner.
"Read the sign before you lose a finger."
A small sign was hanging on for dear life at the bottom of the cage. The parchment had been shredded on one side making it difficult to read, but Azrael tilted her head to attempt it.
Devouring Bags
Will go for fingers please keep out.
Ask the owner for assistance.
Azrael pulled her hand close to her as she noticed one of the bags slightly move. She wanted nothing to do with such a thing and went on her way.
She glanced through the collection of scrolls with no luck and breathed a sigh of frustration. Her spirits were low and the rain was making that no better. Azrael left empty handed to one final shop.
The shop was in a back alley. Azrael wasn't even sure if they were open but tried anyway. The door swung open the moment she touched the doorknob and the scent of witch hazel greeted her. Candles littered any free place giving off a warm atmosphere of light. She hesitantly walked in not sure if anyone was here.
Azrael walked around listening to the trinkets around her jingle and sing. She was reminded of the bazaar she came upon all those years ago and felt the childlike wonder wash over her.
"Pardon the mess," a voice said from above, "I wasn't expecting visitors."
Azrael peered around one of the large bookcases and saw an elderly woman standing at the top of the stairs. Her snow white hair was in a thick braid that was tossed across her shoulder falling down her light pink robes. She wore half moon spectacles that glittered in the soft light of the candle she held. The woman looked otherworldly as she peered down at Azrael, but in some strange way Azrael felt a comfort exude from the woman.
"I'm sorry. The door was open."
"That's quite alright, dear. My shop is always open to those in need." The woman disappeared through the curtains and down the creaking steps. She stepped out, appearing with a matching pink hat that she wasn't wearing before and without her candle. "What can I help you with today?"
Azrael was in amazement that she stood there frozen. She hadn't come face to face with another magic caster in some time and was in awe.
The woman smiled warmly. "I know another witch when I see her."
"Sorry I don't mean to be rude." Azrael pulled herself from staring. "I just haven't..."
"Seen another witch. There's not many of us out in the open anymore."
Even with being so far in southern kingdom territory, many magic users have been hunted down. Not much done to stop such horrible killings so magic had disappeared and users went into hiding.
The woman gently looped her arm with Azrael's guiding her through the store. "Now what can I help you with?"
"Oh, right." Azrael remembered why she was here in the first place. "I'm looking for a scroll of plane shift."
"Plane shift?" Her face twisted into deep thought. She lightly patted Azrael's hand as she walked off towards the far end of the shop.
Azrael followed her to a large bookcase of roles of scrolls. She watched in silence as the woman searched over the numerous scrolls, pulling out one every now and again. After a few minutes, the woman turned to Azrael with a frown.
"It looks like I no longer have the scroll."
Azrael frowned and felt all hope melt into the floor. "This was the last place I could search."
The woman fell into concentration as she stared deeply into Azrael's eyes. "There's a sister shop in Asra I could send a letter to." The woman pulled out a quill and some parchment.
"Wait really?" Excitement bubbled in Azrael.
She nodded.
"I have a..." Acquaintance? Friend? What was Raden considered? "A... a person I know has gone to Asra looking for the scroll actually."
A glint of mischief flashed in the woman's sky blue eyes. "Then I'll write a letter telling them to hold it until..."
"Raden."
"Until Raden comes looking for it." She scribbled down a few words and rolled the parchment up. She snapped her fingers and it vanished in a ball of fire. Azrael stared in amazement causing the woman to laugh. "To see child like wonder, it will never grow old."
Azrael smiled brightly. "Thank you again..."
"Eloize."
"Eloize," Azrael repeated.
"Before you go." Eloize plucked something from a shelf. A brown leather coin sack and handed it to Azrael. "Because I didn't have what you needed, this is on the house."
Azrael eyed the bag a little confused. She wasn't really in need of another bag but smiled anyway.
Eloize laughed. "It's a trick bag. I've found it helpful in times of need or just needing a good laugh." She pressed her hands over Azrael's. "Sometimes laughter is the best magic especially in dark times like this."
"Thank you." Azrael smiled.
"Go save the world." Eloize winked and gestured Azrael to the door.
Azrael held the bag tightly and stepped out into the cold air. She turned back once again to thank Eloize only to find an empty room. Her mouth fell open and she stepped back in. The room looked as if it hadn't been touched in years. Dust and cobwebs littered the place.
She found a small letter attached to the bag Eloize handed her.
When you are in time of need, I will appear.
~~~*~~~
Asra held a reputation for being a town of great magic merchants. Most days the streets were filled with traders and curious folk looking for a short cut to problems. However, those with a keen perception knew where to find the real magic markets that lurked in the shadows or the corner of peoples eyes where it went ignored mostly.
Raden landed in the almost unrecognizable square around noon. Barren cobblestone streets held only hints of what had occurred days before. Withered petals mixed with fallen leaves in piles sitting on a few store corners. Customers sat at the various garden tables that replaced the dance floor. Raden was quite taken aback at the stark difference only a few days made, but quickly shook the feeling as he was on a mission.
An apothecary caught his attention, sitting on the outer rim of the square with its shiny new sign and dazzling potion kits. He entered to the chime of a bell catching the attention of the tall man who stood behind the counter. His funny looking hat sat awkwardly sideways on his head while his spectacles rested right on the tip of his nose.
"Welcome to Thomas's Apothecary! My name is Thomas, how can I help you today?"
Raden looked around the shop at the strangely figured bottles and odd tools. This may be harder than he thought. "I'm looking for a plane shift scroll." He met the man's eye. "You got any of those."
The man smiled softly. "I'm afraid you're in the wrong place." He pulled out a crate and sat it on the counter top. "Now I do have some very fun scrolls here..."
"Well, do you know where I can find them?" Raden crossed his arms in annoyance.
Thomas paused with a single scroll in hand. His smile never faltered. "Indeed! If you leave here and take the first street on your left, you'll find yourself in Regency Alley." Raden stood there waiting for more. He must've looked quite confused at what seemed to be common knowledge. "The magic district?"
"Right," Raden answered in a rather sarcastic tone. "I'll just go hop on down there for a nice stroll."
Raden's harsh response didn't shake the shop keeper. Thomas's smile never faltered nor did his eyes hardened in anger. He stayed gentle and patient with the celestial that stood in front of him. Something that only Azrael had ever done.
"It's lunchtime isn't it." Thomas stated. Raden narrowed his eyes at the strange shift in conversation. The shopkeeper took off his spectacles and grabbed an olive green cloak. "I've been craving some dragon popcorn today. Only place to find it is at Constance's." He winked and left the store. A moment later the bell above the door jingled and Thomas poked his head in. "I could use the company."
Raden followed after the shopkeeper in silence. They took a winding path away from the main hub of the town and down rather worrisome looking alleys. It was of course nothing Raden couldn't handle but he would much rather leave without causing another massacre.
"It keeps unwanted guests away." The man spoke up.
"Sorry?"
The man chuckled. "The dilapidation of the alleys. It's merely a glimmer as the fae describe it. They keep out unwanted guests. Keeps out most of the trouble that lingers. "
"How do you know I'm not trouble?"
"I don't mean offense but you looked like a lost child walking into my shop."
Raden smiled and nodded. "That obvious?"
Thomas glanced over at Raden with a smile. "I take it that you don't often visit here."
"I don't visit much of anywhere." These last few weeks were the most he's been in this plane that wasn't on some battlefield. Azrael had taken him on quite the accidental adventure, but he was grateful.
"I would expect so." Thomas continued staring forward as they passed an unruly looking man. He snarled at the two passing but let them be. "You death angels only set foot when death is near."
"How do you..."
"I have my ways." He winked. "None of which I can tell you, and your wings."
Raden laughed in response. Though he could hide in the shadows of the night, he did rather stick out like a sore thumb.
~~~*~~~
The glimmer placed on the alley began to falter in some places. Where worn mold covered brick once sat, now became vibrant red and pristine. Raden did several glances making sure he was seeing things correctly and the color was definitely changing. As the two walked on the glimmer began to dissipate leaving each side with those bright red bricks. However, a wall stopped Raden and he raised a brow at Thomas.
"Not everything is what it seems my dear friend," Thomas spoke before disappearing into the wall.
Raden took a step back in complete surprise. He had seen strange magic before but this had caught him off guard. That was until two women appeared in front of him in scarlet robes and baskets full of strange plants. One smiled at him before they both ducked their heads and hurried off. Raden peered back at the 'wall' and slowly walked forward investigating it. He reached out expecting to feel the coolness of the brick but completely went through it. Raden took a deep breath and walked straight into the wall, but he didn't. Instead he was greeted to the hustling street also known as Regency Alley.
Buildings on either side stood at strange angles with funny roofs. Some leaned over the alley while others bent to impossible feats. The people below didn't quite care as much as Raden. They continued their days in strangely colored robes and carried questionable items. Raden wished he had a day to just venture around this place. There was much to be discovered here.
Thomas held out an arm stopping Raden from stepping into the street as an elderly man raced past with a cage of what looked like little mushroom pups. The man's high cackle sent shivers down Raden's spine. A few seconds later a group of men in all leather robes came yelling and cursing after the thief. Raden raised a brow that made Thomas laugh.
"That's Woody. He's been banned from every animal emporium around because he enjoys freeing the animals."
Raden wasn't about to question anything that weird man was doing.
"Follow me. It's quite easy to get lost in this place."
Indeed it was. Raden followed closely to Thomas as he began a brief history lesson.
"In the ruling times of King Erebus, much was done to keep magic protected in the north. Small little alleyways were completely morphed into safe havens for those needing protection." Raden was familiar with the wiping of any magic within the northern kingdom, but couldn't figure out why this one was so far south.
As the crowds dispersed slightly, mostly because of Raden's wings, he was able to get a better look at all the shops. Lolita's Garden of Potion Remedies and The Sleeping Dragon's Book Hoard were rather popular stops as Raden peered through the windows seeing shoulders pushing off each other. Across the cobblestone street stood a smaller shop. It looked to be the source of the warm cinnamon smell that seeped beyond the veil and where the shop keeper stopped.
"If you go past those two buildings on your left and turn, you'll find the shop you need." Thomas smiled
Raden frowned slightly. "You aren't coming?"
"Afraid this is my stop."
"Well, uh, thanks." Raden smiled and held out his hand.
Thomas bowed and tipped his funny looking hat. "Remember us little guys when you save this world." Then he vanished.
It became clear that Thomas hadn't come for 'dragon popcorn.' Raden smiled and was secretly grateful for the stranger's help.
Thomas had been right about where the shop was. It was small and easy to miss if you weren't looking in the exact spot it sat. Almost as if the shop didn't want to be found.
Raden was greeted with the heavy scent of frankincense that hung in the air. His head began to spin and he stumbled against a desk. If he couldn't focus on even walking, how in this world would he find a scroll?
"You," a croaking voice said.
Raden snapped his head towards the voice. A crooked finger was pointed in his face. He hadn't even noticed someone walking towards him. Then again he couldn't really focus on anything but the smell of frankincense.
"I've been waiting for you."
"I'm lookin..." He squinted his eyes shut trying to stop his head from spinning. "I need a plane shift scroll."
"My sister said you would be coming." A voice echoed through the store.
Raden snapped his attention from the floor to the large bookcase of scrolls. The lady was on the top of the ladder combing through scrolls.
Who the fuck is this lady? Raden thought.
She appeared again by his side. "This is yours. Now out."
"What..." Raden was ready to argue when he was met with a door in his line of view. His thoughts began to clear and the spinning stopped.
He realized he was now standing in front of the shop again. The door was locked and Raden was left confused. He banged his fist on the door with no reply. He raised his other fist to start banging again but found he was holding something.
A scroll.
Raden quickly unrolled it and let out a laugh. A pink glowing symbol sat on the parchment. He had found it. He had a scroll of plane shift.
~~~*~~~
The rain drowned out everything else in town and it didn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. Azrael had made it back to the inn before the storm showed up in full force and had settled in reading in the candle light.
Azrael had read the same line three times before giving up. Her mind was miles away with a handsome dark haired celestial. She thought back to the night before but the conversation seemed to slip her mind. All she could remember were those stormy gray eyes searching for something in her words, and that laugh that seemingly took her breath away.
"Am I interrupting something?"
Azrael snapped her head towards the door in fright. Her eyes meeting those of a goddess. She could only describe the woman as ethereal. Her skin was the color of rich coffee that glistened with stardust while her eyes glittered with twinkling specks of gold. Vines made of gold twisted to sit among her head and small pink flowers rested in her curls. A vibrant dress of odd shades danced round as she moved and could hypnotize anyone if they stared long enough.
"Who are you?" Azrael called out feeling the spark of magic rush through her veins.
The otherworldly woman slightly frowned with worry. "Oh my darling I didn't mean to startle you." She took to the chair gracefully tossing her dress over her feet as she sat. "Libena is my name but most would know me as Love." She smiled which lit up the room in warmth.
This did not put Azrael at ease in any way.
"I'm not here to hurt you." Libena assured her, seemingly reading Azrael's mind. "I just want to talk."
Azrael leaned forward slightly intrigued but still hesitant. "About what? Raden isn't here."
Libena clapped her hands in delight. "Perfect! Then this calls for tea." She snapped her fingers and a floating set appeared beside her much to Azrael's surprise. "Now, I've been keeping my eye on you two ever since that little adventure into Líadain..."
"Raden already had this conversation with Merikh."
The clambering of porcelain stopped and the tea set froze. Libena blinked and paused for a moment thinking. Azrael was ready to bolt but was quickly brought out from her thoughts of escape. "Oh, Merikh isn't why I'm here. Gods whatever has his robes in knots is none of my concern. No, I'm here because you and that handsome angel of yours are quite intriguing." She winked.
Azrael thought for a moment then the realization hit her. "Oh..." she stood and tossed her book onto the bed. "You have it all wrong. We're just... I mean there's nothing." She took a breath. "Listen, we're just trying to survive whatever is going on. Really."
A mischievous twinkle was written in Libena's eyes. "And do you believe any of that?"
Did she?
"I... don't know." Azrael answered, feeling defeated.
Libena's smile softened. "That's why I'm here." She took a sip of tea. "I want to make you an offer."
"An offer?"
She nodded. "I meddle here and there to pull Raden's attention on you and..."
Azrael narrowed her eyes. "And the catch?"
"I get your first born."
"What!"
Libena laughed, "I'm kidding. Sorry didn't mean to scare you like that. The catch is you telling Raden how you truly feel."
There was still hesitancy in Azrael's mind. Could she trust this strange being? Merikh had shown how much he was against Raden helping her. Why would Libena be any different?
"I do promise that I hold no ill intention here. Truthfully, I rarely get to play matchmaker. I haven't in centuries because of Merikh, but he is a little preoccupied with war and whatever." She rolled her eyes. "If I'm being honest, war is just so those jerk offs can show how strong and powerful they are. It's a tad embarrassing."
"Matchmaker."
"Right." Libena stood and walked over to where Azrael was standing. She gently took Azrael's hands in hers. The lingering smell of rose played with her senses. "I can see how much you love him. No matter how much you protest and deny yourself. I want something good to shine through this darkness and you are just that star." She stepped back, folding her hands together. "So? Do we have a deal?"
When would Azrael ever have such a chance again? Could she even trust this goddess or was this a trap? Too many questions ran in her head to think straight, then again love doesn't think straight.
"Alright." Azrael stared straight into Libena's gaze. "You have a deal."
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