Journey To You - Chapter 67

The Divine Lord Foeni’s quick, hurried steps resonate at the temple’s empty hallways. He is trying to catch up with Lumina, who entered earlier.

This obnoxious little, furry beast only answers to her mistress, Eu. Though she is not entirely unpleasant and he assumes she is portraying this facade for a reason.

“Lumina, wait.” he called.

Lumina stops and waits for him to catch up. She sighs as she looks back to see everyone has decided to follow her.

‘All I wanted is to rest… I am also exhausted…’ she mutters to herself.

Meanwhile, the Divine Witch Circe observes the familiar creature. She is sure the voice airing complaints came from her.

‘How can she act so casual? Does she knows her?’

Captain Jairu can’t help himself from defending Lumina. The little creature could be very obnoxious and sarcastic most of the time, but she not always like that.

“The little beast must be exhausted. Eu and Lumina just came back, yet things kept on popping up…” Jairu informed her.

“You mean she is Eu’s pet…? Wait. Eu, the Oracle?” the Divine Witch exclaimed in a hushed tone.

She can’t help her astonishment upon hearing the information. How can a mere pet be so brazen as this creature?

Not to mention, she has a connection with an Oracle. Oracles don’t usually have beast or spirits by their side.

“Don’t misunderstand, Mistress. Lumina is more than Little Eu’s pet. She is really protective of her. You should have seen her cook with the Divine Lord last time she was sick. She is more like her guardian.” Gwyddien clarified.

“Lumina and Lord Foeni…? Eu…?”

They continue to converse about the issue. Jairu and Gwyddien indulge her every inquiry.

The Divine Witch Circe is always an inquisitive person.

She nods as she accepts their responses and explanations. She also suspects Lumina is more than just a mere beast, after all.

Sieg, Di’Anon, and Eirwen didn’t comment. At this distance, they are all sure Lumina could hear every word they will utter.

Haru also remains silent the entire time. He knew Lumina wouldn’t like to be a topic for whatever reason. There are always consequences for offending her.

Meanwhile, Lumina overheard the entire conversation. Her face twitches as she hears these people talks behind her back.

‘How dare she categorizes her as a pet?’

She discreetly waves her furry tail and cast a spell to trip them. She can hear their clandestine conversation very clearly.

It was almost too late to counter the discreet spell. Upon noticing the wave to trip them, the Divine Witch summonsed her staff and broke it before it touches them.

“Mistress…?” Gwyddien asked curiously.

He and Jairu didn’t notice the wave of malicious spell intending to trip them. The Divine Witch shifted her attention as she suspects the furry beast Lumina.

“No, it’s nothing…” the Divine Witch shrugs as she responds.

She can’t believe this mysterious creature is playing her. She doesn’t know what kind of beast Lumina is as she keeps her suspicions.

‘Who is this Lumina…?’

On the other hand, Lumina hides her mischievous grin. She knew it was a lame attempt to catch her off guard, but it is still worth a try.

She just can’t help herself from getting her revenge. After all, she didn’t show herself immediately and watch their struggle against the shadows.

‘How can she be so inconsiderate?’

Still, she understood her reasons for wanting to witness Gwyddien’s fantastic growth. Her Mistress has done an exceptional job bringing (or rather dragging) him out of his shell, after all.

It is almost the break of dawn. The sun starts to rise and unveils the sky from its darkness.

It basks everything with is gentle warmth that seems to bless them for its a new day.

Everyone else is the Temple commence with their daily activities like cleaning and preparing meals for its residents. Everyone is relieved to surpass the events last night, and everything is back to normal.

Meanwhile, the Divine Lord Foeni has tons of questions and even matters to discuss with Eu. He enumerated everything on his head, but as they grew closer, he starts omitting them one by one.

Not long, everyone has reached Eu’s doorstep. Everyone else is silent while they wait for the Divine Lord Foeni decisions.

Even Lumina is waiting for him to knock or enter the Eu’s quarters. She assumes this Lord has plenty of things to discuss with the young, secretive girl.

“My Lord, aren’t you going to open the door? Or probably… At least knock?” Lumina asked as she broke the silence.

The Divine Lord Foeni has a skeptical look on his face and unable to vocalize his thoughts. He totally forgot everything he came there to do.

He looked behind him and saw that everyone had followed him there as he sighs. He doesn’t intend to drag an entourage on his way to talk with Eu.

Before anything, he decided to dismiss the fifteen guards and advised them to have their wounds be adequately treated. They quickly complied and left the area.

He looks at the Divine Witch, Captain Jairu, Gwyddien, and Eu’s comrades as he wonders how to deal with them.

“They are here, might as well bring them along…” Lumina casually suggested.

Before anyone can say anything, she has disappeared and entered the quarters. The Divine Lord can only helplessly sigh on her nonchalance.

Everyone carefully entered Little Eu’s room. The sweet winter roses fragrance is evident but not overwhelming. The room is dimly lit, thanks to the heavy curtains on its windows.

Meanwhile, the Divine Witch can’t help feeling nostalgic about the familiar scent. She recalls a room with a familiar aura.

She closes her eyes to recall the memory.

****************

It was a very long time ago, and she was still the newly ordained Divine Witch Circe. She recalls a magnificent Temple in prism crystals that dazzle in the light.

The Divine Sorcerer Rincewind has ended his term and chose this young White Witch to succeed him. She can’t help her nervousness and excitement that day, yet the familiar scent has calmed her down.

This is her first audience with this person after her ordination. She doesn’t want to act inappropriately in any way or create mistakes.

Not long, a young girl approaches her and offers her a cup of tea and biscuits. The girl has beautiful amethyst eyes that sparkle like gems.

She is about thirteen years old physically. She has golden hair that cascades on her back, and her skin is radiantly glowing.

The girl’s presence is utterly enchanting, and she is awestruck. How can someone so beautiful in such plain clothing?

“Thank you. This is my first time. Hi, my name is…” she said.

“You are now the Divine Witch. You must use your new name.” the girl interrupted before she could finish.

“I apologize… I forgot. I am nervous… I am Circe… Yes, it’s Circe…” she rambled.

“No worries. Just act normal, and you’ll do great. Have some tea to help yourself calm down…” she chuckles.

Circe posed several questions, and the girl didn’t hesitate to indulge her. She enjoys the freshly brewed winter rose tea and biscuits she has brought in for her.

The time for her audience finally arrived. Before the girl left the parlor, Circe called out and inquired.

“Thank you. May I know your name…?” Circe asked.

The girl turned back and smiles.

“I am Maidservant Clair. It’s a pleasure meeting you, Divine Witch Circe.” she replied.

“See you around, Clair. Thank you.” Circe said.

“Don’t worry. I am pretty sure we will meet again someday.” Clair chuckles.

The girl left, and the young Divine Witch Circe realized something. How did the girl know she was the Divine Witch Circe?

She recalls that the Divine Sorcerer Rincewind told her this is a privileged encounter. No one knew she is coming.

She was simply dumbfounded. She made a few inquiries that day and never heard anyone named Clair.

In fact, she is like someone who never existed at all. She is certain she met her, but why does everyone deny her existence?

She looks back at the magnificent Prism Temple once again before she heads back to Middle Realm.

Then, who is that strange girl in the parlor?

Her train of thoughts was interrupted as she recalls.

‘Don’t worry. I am pretty sure we will meet again someday.’

She can only sigh and let it go. There is no reason to dwell on it as she heads back to the Middle Realm.

Now she is a Divine. She has plenty of time to wait for this so-called someday.

***********************

“What are you doing, Eu? I told you to rest. Why are you not resting?” The Divine Lord spoke.

He broke the solemnity of the room and brought the Divine Witch back to the present. She knitted her brows and adjusted her vision to the young girl sitting on the couch.

“I am well-rested enough. Besides, it’s already morning.” Eu refuted.

The Divine Witch can’t help finding the voice who is conversing with the Lord Foeni very familiar.

‘This voice… Where did I hear it…’

As for Lumina, she curled around Eu’s neck and disguised as a furry scarf. She is tired and has no intention of joining their conversation.

Meanwhile, the Solas gems glow brighter and adequately illuminated the room. Eu stood up as she welcomes and greets them.

“I assume you are angry. You have questions and needs clarifications…” Eu said as she approaches him.

“Yes, I do. You also lied, and among other things…” the Divine Lord protested.

Eu heaves a heavy sigh.

Eu decided to shift her gaze at the Divine Witch Circe. She is simply befuddled upon finally seeing the infamous girl, Eu.

Circe has heard her name so many times, yet this is the first time she met her in person. She heard about her, but her existence is a mystery.

“Greetings, Divine Witch Circe. I am Eu.” Eu introduced.

“You are Eu…?” the Divine Witch responded in surprise.

She wanted to say this person resembles the mysterious Maidservant Clair from the Prism Temple. For some reason, she can’t voice out her concern.

‘Who is this person…? And there was also Lumina…’

“Do you know each other…?” the Divine Lord asked in surprise.

He can’t help noticing the Divine Witch’s surprise tone upon seeing Eu.

‘Does the Divine Witch knew her by any chance?’

Still, how was that even possible…?