Name:
Fera
Gender:
Female
Orientation:
Straight
Relationship:
Linus
(OOC Breedings still open)
Friendships:
Open
Companions:
None
Artist:
Yugi
Fera
Gender:
Female
Orientation:
Straight
Relationship:
Linus
(OOC Breedings still open)
Friendships:
Open
Companions:
None
Artist:
Yugi
Bio:
Fera is the daughter of a nature sprite father and a mortal mother. She lived in a village with her mother where she was told to not use her powers and was taught to be afraid of her own power. After the villagers realized what she was, she was outcast and had to find her own way. She taught herself how to use her skills for her protection and benefit as she sought after a place she could live in peace. She found another village, far enough from the first that no one knew her, but she was careful not to draw attention to herself or her powers. She lived there for a short amount of time but someone noticed her using her powers and she had to flee once more. Previous to her leaving, she had met a viscet who spoke of a place that was safe for viscets like her. She went looking for this place and eventually found herself there, the House of Angels. A place where she could grow and develop her abilities without worry. At the House of Angels, she works mostly with earth, as that is her specialty, so she helps clear space for new gardens. Her own garden holds a variety of plants, some from different parts of the world but many of them from the area around the villages she used to live as a reminder of her past. |
Traits
Minor Mane - Uncommon
Leopard Tail - Rare
Leopard Tail - Rare
Stories
Fera ducked and watched the attacker come as she pulled out her short sword. She danced around them, dodging their attacks as she drew in the dirt with her feet. She dropped to the ground, thrusting her sword into the ground at the edge of the design she had made as she cried out, “Banf!”
The ground erupted in a series of earthquakes within the symbol, throwing her attacker off balance. The recovered and jumped to safety outside the symbol. They drew their sword and readied themselves to attack again. Fera pulled her sword from the ground and ran her paw down the shortened blade muttering, “Give me strength.”
Suddenly her sword erupted into a black flame like substance and Fera steadied herself, waiting for the attack. The other viscet launched themselves at her and she swung her sword, cleaving theirs in half and cutting into their arm. They screamed and threw a thrust with their broken sword at her back but she was able to spin and counter the thrust. She deflected their blade into the ground and quickly thrust onto their hand while calling out, “Jaanx.”
The earth solidified around the blade, slowly growing up the sword and trapping it within the rock. The attacker desperately tried to pull it from the earth but it was stuck fast. Fera tapped her blade and the flames vanished and she sheathed it on her back, turning away from the viscet as they struggled with their sword. They abandoned the sword in the rock and tried to punch Fera from behind but she ducked and spun her leg back, catching their legs and sending them to the ground. Fera turned to look at them, drawing her sword in an effortless motion and put the tip to their throat.
“Remain down. The spell on your sword with wear off in about an hour. You are lucky I am in a forgiving mood this time. Now leave me and the town be.” Fera hissed at the viscet who closed their eyes and remained on the ground.
Fera retrieved her cloak and pulled it back on, hiding the short sword on her back and pulled the cowl back up over her head. She began walking back to the town when she was greeted by another cloaked figure, “You must be Fera. I have heard rumors of your abilities.”
Fera turned to look at the stranger and frowned, “Pardon me, but I don’t know you.”
“You wouldn’t. I am from a few towns over and just here for a few supplies.” The stranger removed their hood to reveal a grey female viscet with purple locks around her face, “My name is Mae.”
Fera bowed her head in respect and removed her own hood, “Pardon my rude behavior Mae. I was put in a foul mood by that smuggler who was attempting to steal away visclings.”
“Understandable. I apologize for not aiding in the fight but I figured it may be better to watch from a distance and help if it seemed you needed it.” Mae spoke and Fera smiled.
“I appreciate that traveler. Come, let me show you to the inn to get you some food.”
Fera and Mae walked into the town and Mae surveyed the buildings curiously. Once they reached the inn Fera spoke, “What do you think of our modest little town?”
“It is incredible. My town couldn’t even compare. It is hardly a corner of yours.” Mae smiled at her and they entered the warm inn where they were greeted by a friendly bar keep.
“What can I get you and your friend Fera?”
“Still serving tea Frank?” Fera asked and he nodded. Mae nodded in agreement and he went to get them both a glass of tea.
“One of the few inns I have ever been to that serves tea.” Mae mentioned and Fera nodded.
“Frank started doing it just for me since I don’t drink.” Fera sat at a table with Mae, “So, tell me about your town. What do you do there?”
Mae smiled as she settled into the chair across from Fera and shed her cloak, “Oh, I grow herbs and other various plants. I then sell them in the town or make concoctions with them.”
“So you make medications and potions?” Fera asked curious and Mae nodded.
“Yes, in short, I do. I mostly specialize in healing but one of my companions specializes in poisons and another in a variety of spells. People from the town can come to us and request certain potions for their ailments but we only give dangerous ones to a single group of clientele.”
“Clientele? Who? Who would need dangerous potions?” Fera asked and Mae laughed.
“That's complicated. If you ever come visit the garden, perhaps I will tell you more over a cup of our own home grown tea.” Mae laughed a bit more, bowing her head and offering a coin to the bar keep Frank as he settled the cups of tea on the table, “Anyways, I am just hear for some supplies. We like to continue to grow our garden with different varieties and so I was send to collect seed samples from a few of the local markets.”
Fera nodded and watched Mae sip her tea before she drank her own. They chatted about minor things for a while before Mae excused herself to go rest in one of the inn rooms. Fera offered to cover the charge but Mae shook her head, “You were gracious enough to keep me company for the time I was here and gave me plenty of information about plant varieties I should look into. You certainly have a knack for plants and your other gifts must help with that huh?”
Fera frowned a bit, “Please do not go around telling of what you saw earlier. Please.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it. Your secret is safe with me.” Mae began to climb the stairs but then turned back to face Fera, “However, if you ever need a place to stay, our garden is always welcome to you.”
Fera nodded politely, figuring she would most likely never need it, but asked anyways, “And what is this garden of yours called, if I have to find it?”
Mae smiled again, “It is called the House of Angels.” She bowed her head in respect to Fera and dismissed herself with a goodnight.
The ground erupted in a series of earthquakes within the symbol, throwing her attacker off balance. The recovered and jumped to safety outside the symbol. They drew their sword and readied themselves to attack again. Fera pulled her sword from the ground and ran her paw down the shortened blade muttering, “Give me strength.”
Suddenly her sword erupted into a black flame like substance and Fera steadied herself, waiting for the attack. The other viscet launched themselves at her and she swung her sword, cleaving theirs in half and cutting into their arm. They screamed and threw a thrust with their broken sword at her back but she was able to spin and counter the thrust. She deflected their blade into the ground and quickly thrust onto their hand while calling out, “Jaanx.”
The earth solidified around the blade, slowly growing up the sword and trapping it within the rock. The attacker desperately tried to pull it from the earth but it was stuck fast. Fera tapped her blade and the flames vanished and she sheathed it on her back, turning away from the viscet as they struggled with their sword. They abandoned the sword in the rock and tried to punch Fera from behind but she ducked and spun her leg back, catching their legs and sending them to the ground. Fera turned to look at them, drawing her sword in an effortless motion and put the tip to their throat.
“Remain down. The spell on your sword with wear off in about an hour. You are lucky I am in a forgiving mood this time. Now leave me and the town be.” Fera hissed at the viscet who closed their eyes and remained on the ground.
Fera retrieved her cloak and pulled it back on, hiding the short sword on her back and pulled the cowl back up over her head. She began walking back to the town when she was greeted by another cloaked figure, “You must be Fera. I have heard rumors of your abilities.”
Fera turned to look at the stranger and frowned, “Pardon me, but I don’t know you.”
“You wouldn’t. I am from a few towns over and just here for a few supplies.” The stranger removed their hood to reveal a grey female viscet with purple locks around her face, “My name is Mae.”
Fera bowed her head in respect and removed her own hood, “Pardon my rude behavior Mae. I was put in a foul mood by that smuggler who was attempting to steal away visclings.”
“Understandable. I apologize for not aiding in the fight but I figured it may be better to watch from a distance and help if it seemed you needed it.” Mae spoke and Fera smiled.
“I appreciate that traveler. Come, let me show you to the inn to get you some food.”
Fera and Mae walked into the town and Mae surveyed the buildings curiously. Once they reached the inn Fera spoke, “What do you think of our modest little town?”
“It is incredible. My town couldn’t even compare. It is hardly a corner of yours.” Mae smiled at her and they entered the warm inn where they were greeted by a friendly bar keep.
“What can I get you and your friend Fera?”
“Still serving tea Frank?” Fera asked and he nodded. Mae nodded in agreement and he went to get them both a glass of tea.
“One of the few inns I have ever been to that serves tea.” Mae mentioned and Fera nodded.
“Frank started doing it just for me since I don’t drink.” Fera sat at a table with Mae, “So, tell me about your town. What do you do there?”
Mae smiled as she settled into the chair across from Fera and shed her cloak, “Oh, I grow herbs and other various plants. I then sell them in the town or make concoctions with them.”
“So you make medications and potions?” Fera asked curious and Mae nodded.
“Yes, in short, I do. I mostly specialize in healing but one of my companions specializes in poisons and another in a variety of spells. People from the town can come to us and request certain potions for their ailments but we only give dangerous ones to a single group of clientele.”
“Clientele? Who? Who would need dangerous potions?” Fera asked and Mae laughed.
“That's complicated. If you ever come visit the garden, perhaps I will tell you more over a cup of our own home grown tea.” Mae laughed a bit more, bowing her head and offering a coin to the bar keep Frank as he settled the cups of tea on the table, “Anyways, I am just hear for some supplies. We like to continue to grow our garden with different varieties and so I was send to collect seed samples from a few of the local markets.”
Fera nodded and watched Mae sip her tea before she drank her own. They chatted about minor things for a while before Mae excused herself to go rest in one of the inn rooms. Fera offered to cover the charge but Mae shook her head, “You were gracious enough to keep me company for the time I was here and gave me plenty of information about plant varieties I should look into. You certainly have a knack for plants and your other gifts must help with that huh?”
Fera frowned a bit, “Please do not go around telling of what you saw earlier. Please.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it. Your secret is safe with me.” Mae began to climb the stairs but then turned back to face Fera, “However, if you ever need a place to stay, our garden is always welcome to you.”
Fera nodded politely, figuring she would most likely never need it, but asked anyways, “And what is this garden of yours called, if I have to find it?”
Mae smiled again, “It is called the House of Angels.” She bowed her head in respect to Fera and dismissed herself with a goodnight.
“DEMON!” A viscet shrieked as they saw the symbol drawn on the ground by the young viscling. She looked at the man, terrified with what she had done wrong.
More calls came as the other villagers were drawn to the scene, all calling her awful things. The viscling began to cry as she tried to explain herself, she wasn’t a demon. “No… Please…. I was just trying to make a flower for you….”
But her cries were drowned out by the panic yelling of those around her and she sank onto the ground crying. One of the villagers threw a rock at her and she yelped as it struck her, “We don’t want your kind here!”
More joined in and the child got up and fled back to her home, pursued by the angry villagers and their stones. The little girl ran into the house sobbing and straight to her mother who looked at her troubled by the injuries and the shouting outside.
“Oh, my dear. Come. Let us go out the back.” The mother scooped up a small bag and piled supplies and their most prized possessions into it before scooping up the child and fleeing out the back of the house. As her mother ran, the child was able to watch as the villagers threw torches on the house, and watched as her home was engulfed in flames. Her mother only stopped when they reached the woods and the small girl watched as the flames grew larger until eventually dying down again.
Her mother wiped her tears and cared for a few of her injuries, “Oh darling. This is what I warned you of. People will never understand what you do. You mustn’t let people know that they can do this. People will either fear you or seek to use you based on your talent and both are terrible things.”
“What about people like you mama?” The child asked, as her mother didn’t seem to be like either of the options.
“You scare me Fera. You really scare me.”
---
Fera sat up, shaking slightly and then pulled her blanket around herself closer, [i]It was just a dream…[/i] She stood, shaking the chills off her fur and went to the window to look out at the town. [i]That village is far away and was so much different than this town.[/i]
Fera went down her stairs, brushing her hair into its ponytail and pulling her cloak on before she left to go to the inn for some breakfast. Along the way, she heard a child speaking, “momma, it’s the witch. That’s her.” Fera froze and turned to look at the child who was pointing right at her, “I saw her momma. She made the earth move.
The mother locked her eyes on Fera and glared at her, and Fera quickly turned to continue onto the inn. A single child was nothing to worry about, surely the mother may chalk it up to an overactive imagination. Fera slipped into the Inn and Frank looked over at her, “You alright Fera? You seem distressed.”
“Just another nightmare Frank. Mind if I have a bit of mint tea to try and calm down?” Fera asked and he nodded, vanishing into the kitchen to make her a glass. Fera took her seat and held her head, thinking about the child more before hearing Frank returning with her tea. She waited but never heard him approach the table so she looked up.
Frank was standing near the front of the inn, watching out the window. Fera suddenly could hear the raised voices of the townspeople and felt her heart start racing. Frank hurried away from the window and over to the table, “Fera, the people. They are gathering outside with weapons. From their shouts, they are here for you…”
Fera felt the fear raising up through her throat and looked at the door, remembering how it felt running when she was a child, “Hurry. You can still slip out through the kitchen. Go!”
Frank urged her towards the kitchen and she looked at him with tears in her eyes, “Thank you for everything Frank.”
She hugged him tightly and he whispered in her ear, “Go to that place the traveler told you about a week ago. It sounded safe.”
Fera nodded and then ran out the back of the inn, making her way through the alleys back towards her house. She just had enough time to slip in and grab her pack, a few of her belongings and her sword before she escaped into the alleys again. She could hear people breaking down her door and she fled to the edge of town. She looked back with tears in her eyes as she was forced to run from a second home. She ran into the woods, not able to watch another house burn.
Fera made her way to the next town and approached the farmer’s market, her cloak hood up to hide most of her features as she walked between the booths, “Do you know where I may find the House of Angels?”
She asked each of the traders but most shook their head, and those that had heard the name didn’t know where the garden was. Fera traveled to the next town, asking there as well but still no one knew. One the way to the third town, Fera encountered a cemetery and found a viscet kneeling by one of the graves.
“Pardon me, I hate to interrupt your time with your loved one, but I am looking for a place.” Fera spoke quietly, exhausted from her travels.
The stranger stood, looking back at Fera and she realized it was a dark colored male viscet, “No worries my dear lady.” He stood, dusting off his legs from the dust, “How can I help you miss?”
Fera looked at the male and bowed her head in respect, “Oh thank you sir. I am looking for a garden. Perhaps you may know it? I believe it is nearby.”
“What is the name of the garden? I am not from around here but I can try my best to help you.” The male spoke as he approached Fera.
Fera’s hopes sunk as he said he wasn’t from the area but she chanced it anyway, “It is called the House of Angels.”
The male smiled a bit, “Ah. You must know Mae?”
Fera seemed shocked and nodded a bit, “Yes, a met her a week or so ago. She mentioned I would always be welcome with her.”
The male nodded a bit and gave Fera a knowing look, “And now you need a safe place?”
Fera nodded and the male began to move away. She lowered her head, believing him to be leaving her there in the cemetery, “Well come along then. The garden is this way.”
Fera snapped up and looked at him shocked, “oh. Ok sir!”
Fera hurried to catch up the male and followed along with him down a small winding path. Fera followed the male in silence before working up the courage to ask him for more information.
“So you know Mae as well?” Fera asked and she could see the smile grow on his face.
“Yes. She was the apprentice to my mate.” He briefly touched a bright blue earring he was wearing and Fera got the feeling his mate was the grave he had been at.
“Ah, so your mate was a healer as well?” Fera asked and he turned to look at her.
“She was. She couldn’t turn away from anyone who was suffering and was the kindest viscet I had ever met. I see a lot of her in Mae. Mae was certainly the best choice for an apprentice and legacy for the garden.” He replied as he continued to walk.
“Where does the garden get its name? Surely you might have an idea?” Fera asked and caught a smirk crossing his face.
“Oh, the name was my idea.” He said and Fera waited for him to explain, but he never did.
“I am Fera. Might I know your name stranger?” Fera asked and he turned to look at her.
“Oh, do forgive me, I usually make sure to introduce myself to viscets properly. I am Walter.” He stuck out his paw for her to shake and she smiled.
“Thank you for all your help Walter. I really appreciate it.” Fera said and Walter turned to continue down the path. She was still curious about the garden name but was overcome by a brilliant smell that she forgot all about it.
Suddenly in the distance she saw the garden. An archway of various roses and other climbing flowers marked the entrance and she could hear the sound of birds within the garden itself. Once passing through the archway, the garden became clear for Fera to see. Beds of gardens were scattered around a path of paving stones that wound through the opening and each bed had a different name on it. Some were labeled with herbs and healing plants but others were labeled with poisonous plants and had caution marked on their sides. She could see one particular garden bed that had a tall fence around it to keep unwanted guests out and Fera could only imagine what was grown in there. In the center of all the garden beds was a fairly large house that reminded Fera of a fairy tale cottage in the woods. She watched wisps of smoke rise from the chimney and could hear laughter inside the cottage. Walter walked right to the door and knocked once.
The door opened and revealed Mae standing there, “Hades! Oh how are you?” She threw her arms around him and held him close, “Oh, is Cel there too? Oh master I have missed you too!”
Fera watched confused as Mae seemed to almost direct her question to Walter’s earring, and the name she called him wasn’t the one he gave her. She heard Walter clear his throat and saw him motion to her. Mae turned and saw Fera standing there, awkward and nervous at this point.
“Oh Fera! I didn’t expect you to come visit this soon! I hope finding us wasn’t too much trouble.” Mae approached Fera and she shook her head.
“I hope you don’t mind, but this isn’t really much of a visit. This is more of asking for a place to stay. I didn’t know where else to go.” Fera looked at Mae who was looking at her with a worried expression.
“Oh honey. You are always welcome here. Come on inside. You must be starving.” Mae grabbed Fera’s arm and pulled her to the door, grabbing Walter as well, “You too mister.”
Walter flopped into a chair that seemed to be his go to seat and Mae directed Fera towards the fire, “Go ahead and take off your cloak. Warm up by the fire and I will get you some stew from the kitchen!”
As Mae vanished, Fera looked up at Walter and tilted her head a bit, “So, Walter?”
Walter laughed a bit and nodded, “I apologize for deceiving you darling, I just thought you wouldn’t trust me if you knew the truth.”
“The truth?” Fera asked and saw Walter look away a bit.
“I am actually Hades. Lord of death and God of the underworld.” Hades admitted and Fera just stared at him, “That’s why this is called the House of Angels. I live in the underworld with my Angels and so this is a place they can feel welcome, just like all other misfits.”
Fera was just watching Hades when Mae returned, “Here is a bowl of stew for you hun.”
Fera looked at Mae, “Is he really…”
“The god of death? Yes.” Mae responded and handed her the bowl, “I told you we have a specific client who we give the more dangerous potions to. That would be Hades and his angels. They use them in battle and to help those who are suffering.”
Fera considered it all for a moment and nodded slowly, “I see.”
“If you look in the painting behind you, that’s me and my mate with Mae here as a small viscling.” Hades spoke and Fera turned to see a painting of Hades and a much smaller Mae with a third viscet. The viscet was pretty and Fera could see a crown of flowers on her head. Fera turned back to Hades and he waved his hand, summoning shadows around himself to create armor, a thorn crown and a black blade attached to his hip.
“This is what people typically think when they hear I am the God of Death. This is only how I look when I fight,” he wiggled his ears through a metal helmet and suddenly the tips of his horns started to glow with a blue flame. He shook the shadows off and the armor vanished, leaving only the crown of thorns. He lounged on the chair and Fera found herself staring.
This viscet was intriguing to her, she had never met a god before. And his powers were similar to her own, of course much more refined and stronger, but still, there was someone else like her. She looked at Mae who was watching the pair curiously.
“Hades, may I show you something?” Fera asked and Hades looked at her confused.
“Of course you can.” She stood and went outside, prompting him to follow. She found a small section of the garden that was bare and began to draw a symbol in the dirt with her feet. Mae watched from the doorway and Hades approached slowly, watching Fera’s every motion. Fera finished the symbol and drew her sword, thrusting it into the dirt and yelled, “Banf!”
The ground started to break apart and shift in the symbol and Hades grinned as he observed the change. She then ran her hand across the hilt and pointed the sword at a tree, “Shula!”
Thick vine line growths sprang from the blade, wrapping around the tree and then dislodged from the sword, tying up the “attacker” and leaving her blade free to continue to work. She then ran her hand down the blade, muttering, “Give me your strength.”
Hades watched fascinated as the blade burst into its black flame and then he began to clap, “Very impressive! Very impressive! Where did you learn such technique?”
Fera was shocked that he seemed to enjoy her talent, “Uh. I taught myself. I wasn’t welcome in most places if I showed my power. In fact, that’s why I am here. I got chased out of town for using my power to help people.”
Hades shook his head, “Well you don’t need to worry about that anymore. I promise no harm will come to you here.” Hades motioned to the garden and then approached cautiously, “May I?” He asked, gesturing to the sword which was still engulfed in flames.
Fera nodded and he inspected it curiously, “Hmm. I see. That makes sense.”
“What makes sense?” Fera asked as she listened to his mumblings.
“Did you ever meet your father?” Hades questioned and Fera shook her head, “I see. Well I do believe he may have been a nature sprite or nymph. And so you got your power from him.”
“Really?” Fera thought of her father, being able to accept her and teach her how to use the power instead of being taught to hide it.
Hades nodded and smiled at her, “It is an amazing gift you have. And I am sure you will enjoy it here. Of course they may put you to work to earn your keep!” Hades chuckled and Mae glared at him.
“I will do no such thing. Everyone is welcome here and can work if they feel like it. I don’t run a sweatshop here.” Mae kept glaring at Hades but Fera couldn’t help but smile at his goofy grin.
“Well ladies, I should get back to work before the underworld falls apart without me. Perhaps next time, I will bring you some more metal flower seeds Mae. I know how you love them.” Hades grinned and Mae’s face lit up.
“Oh, I almost forgot! I grew something for the grave!” Mae ran inside and Hades watched her.
Mae returned with a small poplar sapling and handed it to Hades, “Here, I figured you could plant it behind the grave and it will be grown in no time! I know you have lots of them in the underworld so I figured it would go along with the flowers you have there!”
Hades took the tree and held it close to him with a solemn look on his face. He kissed Mae’s forehead and looked down at her, “Thank you child. I appreciate the gift. Now take care of your guest.”
When Hades turned to say goodbye to Fera she was shocked to see his eyes no longer grey but rather a soft blue. He bowed to her and smiled, “I hope you enjoy it here in the garden. I feel like you will thrive here.”
Fera smiled back, “I believe I will as well.”
Hades turned and walked back down the path, slowly and holding the little sapling close. Fera watched him go and then looked at Mae, “Have you ever gone to the underworld to visit him?”
She shook her head, “Nah, the angels come to us so there has never been a reason to go.”
“I feel like it must be lonely though. I have read the old myths and according to them, hardly anything grows there.”
“Oh, plenty grows there. He has a variety of metal flowers that pretty much only grow there, here and on Cel’s grave. And of course the poplar trees, and he has his own personal garden filled with Cel’s favorite plants. So he makes sure that things grow.” Mae spoke and then looked at Fera with a smile, “Well let’s get you settled into a room.”
More calls came as the other villagers were drawn to the scene, all calling her awful things. The viscling began to cry as she tried to explain herself, she wasn’t a demon. “No… Please…. I was just trying to make a flower for you….”
But her cries were drowned out by the panic yelling of those around her and she sank onto the ground crying. One of the villagers threw a rock at her and she yelped as it struck her, “We don’t want your kind here!”
More joined in and the child got up and fled back to her home, pursued by the angry villagers and their stones. The little girl ran into the house sobbing and straight to her mother who looked at her troubled by the injuries and the shouting outside.
“Oh, my dear. Come. Let us go out the back.” The mother scooped up a small bag and piled supplies and their most prized possessions into it before scooping up the child and fleeing out the back of the house. As her mother ran, the child was able to watch as the villagers threw torches on the house, and watched as her home was engulfed in flames. Her mother only stopped when they reached the woods and the small girl watched as the flames grew larger until eventually dying down again.
Her mother wiped her tears and cared for a few of her injuries, “Oh darling. This is what I warned you of. People will never understand what you do. You mustn’t let people know that they can do this. People will either fear you or seek to use you based on your talent and both are terrible things.”
“What about people like you mama?” The child asked, as her mother didn’t seem to be like either of the options.
“You scare me Fera. You really scare me.”
---
Fera sat up, shaking slightly and then pulled her blanket around herself closer, [i]It was just a dream…[/i] She stood, shaking the chills off her fur and went to the window to look out at the town. [i]That village is far away and was so much different than this town.[/i]
Fera went down her stairs, brushing her hair into its ponytail and pulling her cloak on before she left to go to the inn for some breakfast. Along the way, she heard a child speaking, “momma, it’s the witch. That’s her.” Fera froze and turned to look at the child who was pointing right at her, “I saw her momma. She made the earth move.
The mother locked her eyes on Fera and glared at her, and Fera quickly turned to continue onto the inn. A single child was nothing to worry about, surely the mother may chalk it up to an overactive imagination. Fera slipped into the Inn and Frank looked over at her, “You alright Fera? You seem distressed.”
“Just another nightmare Frank. Mind if I have a bit of mint tea to try and calm down?” Fera asked and he nodded, vanishing into the kitchen to make her a glass. Fera took her seat and held her head, thinking about the child more before hearing Frank returning with her tea. She waited but never heard him approach the table so she looked up.
Frank was standing near the front of the inn, watching out the window. Fera suddenly could hear the raised voices of the townspeople and felt her heart start racing. Frank hurried away from the window and over to the table, “Fera, the people. They are gathering outside with weapons. From their shouts, they are here for you…”
Fera felt the fear raising up through her throat and looked at the door, remembering how it felt running when she was a child, “Hurry. You can still slip out through the kitchen. Go!”
Frank urged her towards the kitchen and she looked at him with tears in her eyes, “Thank you for everything Frank.”
She hugged him tightly and he whispered in her ear, “Go to that place the traveler told you about a week ago. It sounded safe.”
Fera nodded and then ran out the back of the inn, making her way through the alleys back towards her house. She just had enough time to slip in and grab her pack, a few of her belongings and her sword before she escaped into the alleys again. She could hear people breaking down her door and she fled to the edge of town. She looked back with tears in her eyes as she was forced to run from a second home. She ran into the woods, not able to watch another house burn.
Fera made her way to the next town and approached the farmer’s market, her cloak hood up to hide most of her features as she walked between the booths, “Do you know where I may find the House of Angels?”
She asked each of the traders but most shook their head, and those that had heard the name didn’t know where the garden was. Fera traveled to the next town, asking there as well but still no one knew. One the way to the third town, Fera encountered a cemetery and found a viscet kneeling by one of the graves.
“Pardon me, I hate to interrupt your time with your loved one, but I am looking for a place.” Fera spoke quietly, exhausted from her travels.
The stranger stood, looking back at Fera and she realized it was a dark colored male viscet, “No worries my dear lady.” He stood, dusting off his legs from the dust, “How can I help you miss?”
Fera looked at the male and bowed her head in respect, “Oh thank you sir. I am looking for a garden. Perhaps you may know it? I believe it is nearby.”
“What is the name of the garden? I am not from around here but I can try my best to help you.” The male spoke as he approached Fera.
Fera’s hopes sunk as he said he wasn’t from the area but she chanced it anyway, “It is called the House of Angels.”
The male smiled a bit, “Ah. You must know Mae?”
Fera seemed shocked and nodded a bit, “Yes, a met her a week or so ago. She mentioned I would always be welcome with her.”
The male nodded a bit and gave Fera a knowing look, “And now you need a safe place?”
Fera nodded and the male began to move away. She lowered her head, believing him to be leaving her there in the cemetery, “Well come along then. The garden is this way.”
Fera snapped up and looked at him shocked, “oh. Ok sir!”
Fera hurried to catch up the male and followed along with him down a small winding path. Fera followed the male in silence before working up the courage to ask him for more information.
“So you know Mae as well?” Fera asked and she could see the smile grow on his face.
“Yes. She was the apprentice to my mate.” He briefly touched a bright blue earring he was wearing and Fera got the feeling his mate was the grave he had been at.
“Ah, so your mate was a healer as well?” Fera asked and he turned to look at her.
“She was. She couldn’t turn away from anyone who was suffering and was the kindest viscet I had ever met. I see a lot of her in Mae. Mae was certainly the best choice for an apprentice and legacy for the garden.” He replied as he continued to walk.
“Where does the garden get its name? Surely you might have an idea?” Fera asked and caught a smirk crossing his face.
“Oh, the name was my idea.” He said and Fera waited for him to explain, but he never did.
“I am Fera. Might I know your name stranger?” Fera asked and he turned to look at her.
“Oh, do forgive me, I usually make sure to introduce myself to viscets properly. I am Walter.” He stuck out his paw for her to shake and she smiled.
“Thank you for all your help Walter. I really appreciate it.” Fera said and Walter turned to continue down the path. She was still curious about the garden name but was overcome by a brilliant smell that she forgot all about it.
Suddenly in the distance she saw the garden. An archway of various roses and other climbing flowers marked the entrance and she could hear the sound of birds within the garden itself. Once passing through the archway, the garden became clear for Fera to see. Beds of gardens were scattered around a path of paving stones that wound through the opening and each bed had a different name on it. Some were labeled with herbs and healing plants but others were labeled with poisonous plants and had caution marked on their sides. She could see one particular garden bed that had a tall fence around it to keep unwanted guests out and Fera could only imagine what was grown in there. In the center of all the garden beds was a fairly large house that reminded Fera of a fairy tale cottage in the woods. She watched wisps of smoke rise from the chimney and could hear laughter inside the cottage. Walter walked right to the door and knocked once.
The door opened and revealed Mae standing there, “Hades! Oh how are you?” She threw her arms around him and held him close, “Oh, is Cel there too? Oh master I have missed you too!”
Fera watched confused as Mae seemed to almost direct her question to Walter’s earring, and the name she called him wasn’t the one he gave her. She heard Walter clear his throat and saw him motion to her. Mae turned and saw Fera standing there, awkward and nervous at this point.
“Oh Fera! I didn’t expect you to come visit this soon! I hope finding us wasn’t too much trouble.” Mae approached Fera and she shook her head.
“I hope you don’t mind, but this isn’t really much of a visit. This is more of asking for a place to stay. I didn’t know where else to go.” Fera looked at Mae who was looking at her with a worried expression.
“Oh honey. You are always welcome here. Come on inside. You must be starving.” Mae grabbed Fera’s arm and pulled her to the door, grabbing Walter as well, “You too mister.”
Walter flopped into a chair that seemed to be his go to seat and Mae directed Fera towards the fire, “Go ahead and take off your cloak. Warm up by the fire and I will get you some stew from the kitchen!”
As Mae vanished, Fera looked up at Walter and tilted her head a bit, “So, Walter?”
Walter laughed a bit and nodded, “I apologize for deceiving you darling, I just thought you wouldn’t trust me if you knew the truth.”
“The truth?” Fera asked and saw Walter look away a bit.
“I am actually Hades. Lord of death and God of the underworld.” Hades admitted and Fera just stared at him, “That’s why this is called the House of Angels. I live in the underworld with my Angels and so this is a place they can feel welcome, just like all other misfits.”
Fera was just watching Hades when Mae returned, “Here is a bowl of stew for you hun.”
Fera looked at Mae, “Is he really…”
“The god of death? Yes.” Mae responded and handed her the bowl, “I told you we have a specific client who we give the more dangerous potions to. That would be Hades and his angels. They use them in battle and to help those who are suffering.”
Fera considered it all for a moment and nodded slowly, “I see.”
“If you look in the painting behind you, that’s me and my mate with Mae here as a small viscling.” Hades spoke and Fera turned to see a painting of Hades and a much smaller Mae with a third viscet. The viscet was pretty and Fera could see a crown of flowers on her head. Fera turned back to Hades and he waved his hand, summoning shadows around himself to create armor, a thorn crown and a black blade attached to his hip.
“This is what people typically think when they hear I am the God of Death. This is only how I look when I fight,” he wiggled his ears through a metal helmet and suddenly the tips of his horns started to glow with a blue flame. He shook the shadows off and the armor vanished, leaving only the crown of thorns. He lounged on the chair and Fera found herself staring.
This viscet was intriguing to her, she had never met a god before. And his powers were similar to her own, of course much more refined and stronger, but still, there was someone else like her. She looked at Mae who was watching the pair curiously.
“Hades, may I show you something?” Fera asked and Hades looked at her confused.
“Of course you can.” She stood and went outside, prompting him to follow. She found a small section of the garden that was bare and began to draw a symbol in the dirt with her feet. Mae watched from the doorway and Hades approached slowly, watching Fera’s every motion. Fera finished the symbol and drew her sword, thrusting it into the dirt and yelled, “Banf!”
The ground started to break apart and shift in the symbol and Hades grinned as he observed the change. She then ran her hand across the hilt and pointed the sword at a tree, “Shula!”
Thick vine line growths sprang from the blade, wrapping around the tree and then dislodged from the sword, tying up the “attacker” and leaving her blade free to continue to work. She then ran her hand down the blade, muttering, “Give me your strength.”
Hades watched fascinated as the blade burst into its black flame and then he began to clap, “Very impressive! Very impressive! Where did you learn such technique?”
Fera was shocked that he seemed to enjoy her talent, “Uh. I taught myself. I wasn’t welcome in most places if I showed my power. In fact, that’s why I am here. I got chased out of town for using my power to help people.”
Hades shook his head, “Well you don’t need to worry about that anymore. I promise no harm will come to you here.” Hades motioned to the garden and then approached cautiously, “May I?” He asked, gesturing to the sword which was still engulfed in flames.
Fera nodded and he inspected it curiously, “Hmm. I see. That makes sense.”
“What makes sense?” Fera asked as she listened to his mumblings.
“Did you ever meet your father?” Hades questioned and Fera shook her head, “I see. Well I do believe he may have been a nature sprite or nymph. And so you got your power from him.”
“Really?” Fera thought of her father, being able to accept her and teach her how to use the power instead of being taught to hide it.
Hades nodded and smiled at her, “It is an amazing gift you have. And I am sure you will enjoy it here. Of course they may put you to work to earn your keep!” Hades chuckled and Mae glared at him.
“I will do no such thing. Everyone is welcome here and can work if they feel like it. I don’t run a sweatshop here.” Mae kept glaring at Hades but Fera couldn’t help but smile at his goofy grin.
“Well ladies, I should get back to work before the underworld falls apart without me. Perhaps next time, I will bring you some more metal flower seeds Mae. I know how you love them.” Hades grinned and Mae’s face lit up.
“Oh, I almost forgot! I grew something for the grave!” Mae ran inside and Hades watched her.
Mae returned with a small poplar sapling and handed it to Hades, “Here, I figured you could plant it behind the grave and it will be grown in no time! I know you have lots of them in the underworld so I figured it would go along with the flowers you have there!”
Hades took the tree and held it close to him with a solemn look on his face. He kissed Mae’s forehead and looked down at her, “Thank you child. I appreciate the gift. Now take care of your guest.”
When Hades turned to say goodbye to Fera she was shocked to see his eyes no longer grey but rather a soft blue. He bowed to her and smiled, “I hope you enjoy it here in the garden. I feel like you will thrive here.”
Fera smiled back, “I believe I will as well.”
Hades turned and walked back down the path, slowly and holding the little sapling close. Fera watched him go and then looked at Mae, “Have you ever gone to the underworld to visit him?”
She shook her head, “Nah, the angels come to us so there has never been a reason to go.”
“I feel like it must be lonely though. I have read the old myths and according to them, hardly anything grows there.”
“Oh, plenty grows there. He has a variety of metal flowers that pretty much only grow there, here and on Cel’s grave. And of course the poplar trees, and he has his own personal garden filled with Cel’s favorite plants. So he makes sure that things grow.” Mae spoke and then looked at Fera with a smile, “Well let’s get you settled into a room.”