The Occular, The soldier & The Girl Who Saved Her
Dimension: Olympia-77 | Realm - Illionesus, Greece | 6th Century BDE (Before Davos Entrendecca)
It was harder in the beginning for The Occular to take back the soul shards, especially when those who housed them were kind. They had been gifted the parts of her which were pure, which were kind in and around themselves, she found herself falling for a few which made it all that bit harder when the moment came for her to retrieve what was hers.
“You won’t be killing me” Thalassa said, “I’ll be with you right here… forever, I won’t be dead but born again with your love and your heart keeping me alive for as long as you shall live… so please, take me with you, let me see the worlds I otherwise would not see beyond this one… with you.”
She wanted- with those slim few- to love them, stay by their side until their time came naturally and then take back the shard just moments before death could give it to someone else… but in some cases this wasn’t meant to be… no, sometimes death wasn’t so kind.
So I give you the tale of The Occular, The Soldier and The Girl who saved her…
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The Occular had seen many empires rise and fall in her time, many versions of the same story which she could foresee over and over and over. But she had never seen a story so sorrowful as Illionesus… a variation of the Ancient Greece we know and revere today- only a couple million dimensions away; and it was here did The Occular- for the first time in a millennia- feel as though she had some semblance of a heart in her chest.
It was a warm morning in Illionesus and The Occular, Thalassa & Orpheus all lay, tangled among the sheets in the Aeisóptis temple… a temple dedicated to The Occular herself- only those who set it up five hundred years prior didn’t know the difference between a goddess and an interdimensional traveller… But how could they. It was for that reason The Occular saw fit to awaken with her lovers in a ‘likeness’ of her temple in the ‘Evoraculum’; her own personal dimension, hidden from those who may search for her.
In Illionesus The Occular or should we call her from here on out- ‘Aeisópti’s- was revered as the goddess of wisdom, foresight, and all things arcane in the world; Her domain encompasses the mysteries of the cosmos, the unfolding of fate, and the illumination of hidden truths. Believers turned to her for guidance, enlightenment, and clarity in matters of destiny, knowledge, and understanding.
It was a rare occurrence for The Occular to remain in a singular dimension for more than a day or two, but this was indeed one of those rare occasions, for months had gone by and she was still in Olympia-77, she had intended to just faze in, steal the two souls that had fallen here and be on her way… yet upon meeting the two souls in question, she found herself halted in her tracks, these weren’t just any ordinary parts of her soul… They were her heart, she could hear it thump within them- feel its beating rhythm pulse within her once more when they were near. It was in those first few beats did she feel a stillness come over her, as if she were a marble statue within the very halls that worshipped her.
She remembered in those moments, the wizard… what he did to her and what he had stolen… she couldn’t bring herself to hurt them like he had hurt her… she couldn’t bear to lose her heart again. So she befriended Thalassa & Orpheus, their relationships evolving beyond that of friendship to the point she told them everything… from her beginning, to the wizard and everything in between.
She swore to them they’d be safe from her, she’d never try to take back the shards they held until their last days on earth. She’d let them live a normal life and she would return upon the days of their deaths to take what was hers.
The two Illinesians however didn’t accept her answer, rather they wished for her to stay. She didn’t scare them like she had first thought she would, rather they only seemed to love her more…
These events lead us back to where we are now, Orpheus, donning his armour for his patrols of the city and Thalassa walking out onto the marble balcony to find Aeisóptis stood, looking out over her world of creations, a world blended of many others. In places where she’d seen a sight, sound or smell she quite enjoyed she kept it, bringing it to the Evoraculum. She heard prayers in her head, coming from the Aeisóptis temple.
‘Goddess Aeisóptis, who sees beyond,
Reveal to us the truths we abscond.
In the shadows of doubt, let there be light,
And in the depths of despair, let there be sight.
With your knowledge, may we see the way,
And with your guidance, may we never stray’
“Aeisóptis?” Thalassa’s voice broke her from the trance, causing her to turn towards the girl, her starlit hair blowing in the gentle breeze.
“My darling?” Aeisóptis replied, taking mist-like steps towards the harpist.
“We must return to Illionesus… will you open the door for us?” Aeisóptis glanced over towards the door where Orpheus stood patiently with a smile.
“Must you go?” Aeisóptis teased, taking Thalassa’s hand in hers, the two women walking over to Orpheus, she took his hand in her other.
“You know we musn’t be missed-”
“Then perhaps I’ll take a wander into the world today, I’ve felt an increase in prayers and offerings of late and well- being so close to the reality I feel almost duty bound to respond eventually,” Aeisóptis chuckled, moving to the doorway, pushing in a large stone button causing a light to flare through the cracks of the door.
“Are you sure that's wise, I heard some of the commanders talking lately about restlessness amongst the gods, priests and priestesses alike say their gods are unhappy-”
“And you think that's to do with me?” Aeisóptis questioned, concerned as to what the soldier could possibly be thinking; however the restlessness was to do with Aeisóptis, the other gods saw her as a false goddess, sending messages down to their priests and priestesses to cull the false prophet and their followers on this day… the day the goddess of all things arcane would fall… but of course she didn’t know that.
“I’m sure it will all be fine, now come, let's go,” Aeisóptis opened the door, her airy and sheer robes flowing behind, causing her to be extra vigilant as to not getting them caught in the door and as she sealed it behind them- she grasped her lovers hands once more, painlessly branding them with a sigil that would allow them and only them to open the door back into the Evoraculum.
“Should either of you wish to return, you need only ask the door to let you in and it shall abide… Now, I will see you both later? I believe they're hosting a celebration at my temple tonight to honour me, now that is something I’d love to see!”
“I’ll see you both there,” Orpheus mused, kissing both the women on the cheek before leaving on his duty.
“I too must be on my way, The Emperor has a festivity at high noon and there can be no festivities without a harpist!” Thalassa giddily chirped, the pair sharing a kiss before dividing… little did they know they were being watched.
As Aeisóptis glided through the streets of Illionesus she could admit now that she was alone, she felt the change in the air, the weight of the gods gaze casting down upon the city, as if they were preparing to cast the ultimate judgement.
She had never felt anything like this before…
The self proclaimed goddess climbed the stairs to her temple which was situated atop a hill overlooking the city. The temple itself was adorned with towering marble columns, intricate carvings depicting scenes of prophecy and revelation, and golden veined statues, symbolising the goddess's omniscient gaze.
Inside the temple, the grand hall is bathed in soft, ethereal light, filtering through magically moving stained glass windows, depicting celestial constellations and mythical figures. At the heart of the sanctuary lies the sacred chamber of Aeisóptis, where worshippers gather to offer prayers, seek guidance, and pay homage to the goddess.
As she got closer to the sanctuary's heart she heard the people chant, their words echoing throughout the chambers… Her walk however was halted rather abruptly when two Aeisóptis Justiciars stood before her.
“This is a private gathering, only worshippers of Aeisóptis may enter-”
As they met Aeisóptis’ eyes their own widened in surprise, “My lady!” they said, almost in unison as they knelt to the ground, “Many apologies my lady had we known-”
“It’s quite alright, you weren’t to know it was me… now rise both of you, I wish to hear what the priest has to say…”
As Aeisóptis and the two Justiciars entered the temple's heart a hush fell upon those who had gathered, like a cold chill had befell them all, “Behold! Our lady of the unknown!” The priest called above the silence and the many watchful eyes looked to The Occular almost in an instant. “Mother of magic!” One worshipper called out, The Occular looking their way, “She has answered us!” Another called, and in that moment The Occular felt something she hadn’t in a long time… Pride. Yet she knew the ripples she created here would echo out into the vast unknown; and that it wouldn’t be long until the one she sought to evade would find her… She saw the desperation in the people that surrounded her and regardless of her fear she spent the rest of the day answering the prayers of those in the temple, giving answers to long awaited questions and giving peace to those who needed it.
She may not have been a goddess in actuality, but she was here, and she gave the people what they needed.
On the other side of the city Orpheus made his way through the bustling streets, his armour gleaming under the midday sun. As he walked his earlier warning to Aeisóptis replayed in his mind and a sense that he was about to be cornered grew quickly; unfortunately this suspicion grew too late, for upon his arrival at the Emperor's palace, Orpheus was greeted by stern-faced guards, their expressions betraying a sense of urgency that sent a shiver down his spine.
He was escorted through the ornate halls, his footsteps echoing against the marble floors and as he entered the grand chamber where the Emperor held court at his festivities, Orpheus was met with a mix of anticipation and dread, those attending watching with confusion, one harpist in particular caught his eye as she stood to her feet in concern.
The Emperor's gaze bore down upon him, cold and calculating, as if he could see straight through to Orpheus's very soul. "You have been summoned here today, Orpheus, for matters of grave importance," the Emperor's voice rang out, sending the room into silence, however Orpheus stood tall, his resolve unwavering despite the unease gnawing at him.
"I assure you, Emperor, I have served with honour and loyalty," Orpheus began, his words tinged with a hint of defiance. "I cannot fathom why I have been called here today."
The Emperor's expression remained stoic, unmoved by Orpheus's words. "Is that so… Well we have reason to believe that you are associated with the false goddess Aeisóptis, the mistress of the arcane which plagues our city!" the Emperor declared, his tone betraying a hint of accusation.
Orpheus's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Aeisóptis, the goddess whom he revered and loved. "Then I deny any such association," Orpheus stated firmly, his voice tinged with indignation. "I am but a humble soldier, loyal to Illionesus and its people."
The Emperor's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing through Orpheus like a blade. "We have proof of your… how do I say… Involvements with her," The Emperor stated coldly, signalling to his guards and in an instant, Orpheus found himself surrounded, “Take him to the hold, he will wait there before his sentence tonight!” his heart pounding in his chest as the truth of his predicament dawned upon him. He looked to Thalassa, with fear filled eyes… but not for himself, for her, for Aeisóptis.
Thalassa’s eyes filled with pain as Orpheus was seized his eyes pleading for her to run, she nodded slightly to him- she would get Aeisóptis, she would save him… she would save them all, if not from The Emperor and his quick baseless judgements, then from the gods themselves.
The Emperor watched as the guards took Orpheus away, “I believe another among us worships this charlatan, the lady of the strings, what song would you sing for your god-” as The Emperor turned, finding the harpist's seat empty he let out a yell.
“Find her! Bring these traitors to justice! We will not fail our gods this day!”
Thalassa ran through the streets, pushing her way past people that blocked her path, rushing her way down the alleys in hopes of evading the guards that now pursued her… she ran past the door to the Evoraculum, not wanting to lead the guards straight to her lovers door, instead she ran to the edge of the city and with determination burning brighter than her rosy, sweat covered cheeks, Thalassa vanished into the forests, a lone figure in a world teetering on the brink of a godly war.
Later that evening as Aeisóptis returned to the Evoraculum, she was disappointed to be met with silence, though in her rational mind she was calm, assuring herself she’d see her lovers at the temple- her paranoia said something was amiss… but she hadn’t felt the soul shards shift, they were still alive and well- but that didn’t ease her.
So after an hour or two of idle contemplation she made her way back through the deathly still town, faint whispers and cries catching her ears from a distance, the smell of chaos in the air… then she saw it, the smoke rising from her temple, but this was not the smoke of celebratory bonfires, this was something else.
She took very careful steps as she entered, her dress dragging through pools and puddles of blood. She was in shock, she hadn’t seen a massacre of such proportions since the day she became The Occular… when she saw a million worlds in a single second.
It was in that moment of shock as Aeisóptis entered the heart of the temple she was ambushed, runed chains bound to her wrists and guards of various gods shoving her into a binding ritual. The place where a statue of her very likeness once stood now contained rubble, ash and blood.
Once she realised the runes on the floor, all act or show she was putting on for the realm she was in disappeared, her true nature quickly showing to those around. As well as her true appearance… “Release me now… and this doesn’t have to end in your death…” The guards chuckled, it was now The Occular saw the death that surrounded her for what it really was, those who followed her slaughtered like feeble livestock, trapped within the halls to be slain.
She had caused this, this was her fault…
“Oh you’re not going anywhere imposter god! The Emperor would quite like a word with you- of course after he sees to the death of your little warrior!” A guard teased with a laugh, causing The Occular’s eyes to widen, rushing forward in an attempt to get at him only to be stopped by the rune bindings and her chains, causing her to fall and hang by her wrists.
“Don’t worry though, we will make sure to be extra kind to your little heretics that followed you around… we already have your warrior awaiting execution as we speak… the little harpist though is slippery, we couldn’t get her- but we will…”
As the evening went on the guards dwindled, most leaving at the horn of execution… but one remained… one scrawny little soldier who had clearly never seen a day of true battle in his life… he was scared of blood… and dogs, The Occulars golden eyes sparkled as she read him and it was then she knew she wouldn’t be chained for long.
“Did you know that although I may not be a god, I could give to you anything your heart desired… if you can dream it- I can find it and give it to you…” The Occular began, “All you need to do is release me- release me and your greatest dream will be yours!”
The young soldier straightened, attempting to ignore the woman in the binding circle, but he couldn’t deny her power, ‘She must be powerful is she required an arsenal to take her down…’ he thought, ‘She must be powerful if she as a one woman show had angered the gods’
“Go on, there must be something you want? Money? Love? Freedom?” The false goddess thought, trying to strike any nerve she could, “Food? You look hungry… maybe strength? I once went to a dimension where strength was currency, I could get you fighting fit in no time- you’d be the strongest man in The Emperor's army- other men would tremble at the mere mention of your name…” At the sight of the young soldier turning slightly, The Occular knew she’d hooked him; he was listening now.
“That’s possible?” He asked, sealing his doom.
“It is! If you let me go- I can get you your strength…” She peered into the young man's mind further, seeing his life through his own eyes.
“I know they tease you… I know they give you all the petty, useless jobs, rat catcher, sewer cleaner… all because you're so small,” She laughed and the man scowled; “But that needn’t happen ever again… just scuff the runes, and I’ll do the rest… I’ll give you strength to die for!”
The soldier contemplated her offer for a moment before smiling, little did he know she would give him exactly as he wished… ‘Strength to die for’.
He moved forward, scuffing the binding circle in one quick motion before scuttling back, another soldier entering the room, “No! What have you done!” The room filled with a golden light, the ash and rubble swirling like a tornado as The Occular took back her power, melting the cuffs away and killing the two soldiers, she threw one against a wall and the young foolish one… she built his muscles alright, she built them up until they ripped through his skin and he was nothing but a ball of writhing flesh and bone.
When the dust settled The Occular looked at the destruction she caused, she felt sick… she would leave this dimension tonight, and she would never come back; but now she ran- as fast as she could from the temple to the town square- hearing the sound of the executioners drums in the distance- she didn’t have long.
Orpheus thrashed against the guards as they dragged him towards the brass bull, he pleaded for forgiveness but The Emperor just watched with a smile as the bulls hatch was opened and Orpheus was forced inside; his screams already causing the brass horn to roar; once sealed inside the fire was lit and the clock was ticking for The Occular who still ran through the streets, getting closer and closer.
As Orpheus screamed and writhed in growing agony, his cries passed through the pipes and emerged from the bull's nostrils, creating the eerie sound of the roaring bull. This horrific spectacle not only tortured him but it also served as a form of psychological torment, instilling fear into the hearts of all who witnessed it- amplifying the cruelty of the punishment to not only Orpheus himself but the crowd that had gathered as well. The Emperor clearly wanted people to know just how merciless he could be…
But once The Occular arrived- he too would be greeted with the same kindness; for as the bull let out its final roar The Occular entered the town square, falling to her knees in anguish as she felt the soul shard leave.
Orpheus was dead, she was too late.
A heart shattering scream erupted from her throat, the gathered crowd and The Emperor clutching their ears before collapsing themselves in pain. The Occulars appearance that was once light and hopeful now reflected nothing but sadness as her hair darkened like the night sky and her robes dulled to pitch black nothingness…
She crawled her way up the stone steps to the bull, tightening her hand into a fist causing the bull and the fire to evaporate like bubbles into the evening sky.
“I should have listened…” She wept as she pulled his lifeless and burned body into her lap, “I never should have let you go into the city…” for a few moments she simply cried, this was the last thing she expected, but then a sudden thought crossed her mind… Thalassa… she looked up, eyes darting around the fallen crowd, assuring to herself she hadn’t killed her like the others, but when she couldn’t see her other love she let out a breath of relief… there was still hope.
She placed a hand over Orpheus’ heart, feeling the lack of beat in his chest she thought to the Evoraculum, his body fading to dust… if the shard was lost, his death wouldn’t be for nothing… he would live eternally still, just not in her heart as she had once hoped.
An hour passed and back in the Evoraculum, Thalassa paced and with a hand at her chin she chewed her nails in worry, she felt a shudder in The Occulars dimension but she had no idea what it could have been, until she saw her return… a shell of what she once was.
“No…” Thalassa sighed, knowing this sullen sight was not for nothing, “Say it isn’t so, please…”
“I’m afraid my time here has caused more ripples than I intended… I can wipe the citizens memory of your association with me- you will be safe-”
“Aeisóptis, stop, why does this sound like a goodbye?” Thalassa worried, taking a few steps forward.
“I must leave, the longer I stay the longer I risk the wizard finding me… I will not return for your shard, you can live a normal life without me-”
“No! Absolutely not-”
“I did not come here to argue, I am leaving tonight one way or another and you cannot come with me!” The Occular reasoned, walking over to a stone wall, waving her hand revealing it to be an illusion which faded to reveal her true control room.
“No, that's not fair! You can’t just leave me here… without Orpheus- without you! I love you Aeisóptis- I don’t want to be without you…”
“The memory of me can fade, once I leave, you’ll barely remember me… but that's my curse to bear.” The Occular began to fiddle with her controls, erasing the minds of those in Olympia-77, it would take a lot of power, but she had enough… and enough for a one way trip away from this reality.
“Then take my shard now!”
“What?”
“You heard me, take it, at least then a part of me will forever be with you… I can come with you on your adventures- your journeys into the unknown… just don’t leave me here,”
The traveller thought on the proposition, in a way it could work, take back the shard… keep it conscious somehow. “Is that what you want?” she asked, perplexed by how much love the harpist held.
“I just want to be with you forever… and if that means being a disembodied voice in your head- keeping you in check,” She almost joked, a tear rolling down her cheek, “Then that’s what I’ll do!”
A silence befell them but eventually The Occular nodded, slowly walking toward the musician, “Let me at least make it special for you… the death you’ve always imagined,”
“I always thought I’d die an old lady, walking the sands of the eastern beach towards Hecate’s temple, holding a lit black candle… would you walk with me?” Thalassa asked, voice quivering, but not in fear.
“Of course I will… Of course!”
The Occular moved her hand in a circular motion, the room around them fading to that of a beach at dusk, the sun heading toward the ocean line and faded stars slowly becoming more apparent. Aeisóptis- as Thalassa knew her- held out a black candle to the harpist, the flame lighting itself.
The two intertwined their hands and The Occular slowly started to draw the shard away, Thalassa couldn’t even feel it- so they began to walk, a large temple in the distance, a temple neither would ever reach, for with each step Thalassa grew older and weaker, the black candle burning down quick in her hand, the melting wax dripping into the sands.
“Thank you Aeisóptis… these past few months have been the best of my life… and I am so glad the gods chose me to have your heart…” Thalassa stumbled, dropping the candle but The Occular caught her before she could fall, she lowered both of them into the cool sand and simply held her love as the life drained from her eyes.
“I will always be with you… I will be there when it counts…” And with those final words Thalassa’s head lolled to the side, The Occular closing her eyes in an attempt to hold back the tears, for a moment she felt a heartbeat in her chest… before it faded once again.
“Goodbye… My Saviour…”
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