No rain, but there was no sun either. The skies of Avaritia Harenae were full of dark clouds. It was quiet, too quiet. Only the screaming wind was embracing the silence tight in its grasp.
No one understood why it was so eerie. Not even the King itself. Well, he didn't need to know, he was too busy eating anyway.
It has been two days since everyone felt the tension in their nation, even the animals. Avaritia didn't have anything religious as the King forbade anything that wasn't putting him as the higher-up. Yet, those who did pray for otherworldly beings, the King, after finding out, would punish and give them a penalty.
And now, dark clouds have taken over the nation, flags and curtains rattling due to the harsh winds that were now blowing. Tension was felt in every person, yet they did not know what was coming or even the reason for such emotions.
While everyone hid in their homes and showed worried and questioning eyes to one another, the King paid no attention and continued dining. The servants wanted to jump in, tell him about the outside of the nation, about the dark clouds that made their hearts beat faster. And hope, hope it will finally rain...
There, stood the Deity, overlooking the nation to which they would be bringing chaos into. Freedom.
Their white outfit, just like the flags, moved along the wind. The young, blonde-haired boy stood next to them, squinting his eyes and trying to cover them up from any sand that might get into them. He lived in a land with lusciousness, so of course he wasn't used to such bothering ground and air.
No words were said.
The khadim stood next to the King, hands clasped and heads down, their eyes wide in fear. The room was dark, with no windows. The King hated sunlight, hated the sight of his nation. So, he lived in a cave-like room with candles being the only source of light. Yet, the King was completely oblivious. Some looked at one another, making sure they weren't alone in the state of fear.
But could they keep quiet? Could they let their hearts melt?! How could they keep shut?! "M--my Lord!" One of the sagus shot out, only to be looked at weirdly and be shushed as the head sagus spoke up, the face of a calm person in such an ominous time of the nation.
"My Lord, excuse me for interrupting, but you should know a very important-"
"You dare speak, so it must be very important news. Better be good."
The sagus sighed. "No.. it-"
"No?!" Crothorht bashed his fist into the table, making the utensils rise and clash with the table again.
"M-my Lord.. the nation.."
"Dark clouds have come onto the nation and engulfed it completely. Only but a beam of sunlight can be seen." The sagus closed his eyes, knowing only that the worst of a reaction was to come. "For two days now..."
The King kept quiet, a frown making its way onto his face. "Oh... And it seems only but now do I find out about it." Crothorht rose to his feet with the help of his khadims, straightening his kaftan. "I have finished dining. Your duty is to fix this mess." The King spoke and walked off to his quarters without glancing back.
The new day began with another harem, as per usual. King Crothorht sat on the edge of his bed, sipping ripe wine and eating the fruits his maidens offered him on the golden platter.
But he didn't know about the rising issue that was coming after him like a snake, just waiting for its prey to step on it. But this snake wouldn't let to be stepped on. No, it would slowly and steadily wrap itself around the prey, and it would already be too late to get out of its grasp...
Silver and gold clinked against one another as the "threat" made its way up the stairs, slowly and steadily, Eden making his way after "it". Their eyes closed and focused only on the things that could be felt and heard.
Crothorht always had guards everywhere, no matter what. Even now, about thirty of his men stood at the large, concrete walls that were the gates and doors to the inside, a way to the home of a fool.
Of course, some of the men caught the top of a white hood coming into view and immediately took notice to be careful, having made sure to be on their guard.
There, in front of them, stood the Deity and a young boy who was only focused on getting past these men. He tried to cover up his fear of losing. He didn't want to doubt the Deity. But the more he tried, the more worried he became.
The only beam of sunlight was gone, now leaving only the clouds of darkness, a colour of ash. It was a break from the constant heat for everyone.
"Oh, a weird bitch with a son. What, are you also here to claim that it is our King's son." Even if he was joking, he had to take the moment seriously. After all, everyone had to be ready for... for something unusual and unexpected... just like the sky that had turned dark after what felt like decades of constant sun scorching the land.
The Deity didn't speak, the guards couldn't even catch onto the expression of the person in front of them, since the hood was in the way. But one thing was clear. "You do understand you're not allowed to be here, right? So, sorry you had to climb all of those stairs, but now you are going to have to go back down. No one except people the King has been expecting are allowed to be even close to the doors to shams."
"I was not welcomed, nor was I requested. But I am here to fulfill my promise. Disappointingly, you are indeed in my way and trying to stop me."
"Y-y-you are not planning on doing bad things to them, right?.. The, too, might have families.." Eden clenched his tiny hands, looking up at his Deity.
''They do not, but their mothers are indeed expecting only the best. Expecting them to finally come home."
"Ah.. Just like in my nation..." He didn't expect to suddenly get all emotional looking at the men in front of them both, but he did. It reminded him so much of the children who never wanted to leave home... Eden was nothing but a six-year-old, so, how come such a young boy was heading further ahead of his age?
They, indeed, were not going to let the deity pass. All in all, some were already in their fighting stance. But in the eyes of somebody like a Deity, they seemed like children with sticks. Oh, how pitiful they looked.
A group of women had prepared a dance for their King, each one trying to swoon their King with their body and sensual movement. Be it hips, waist, or chest. Their jewellery clinked in rhythm with their bodies. Out on the other side of it, men were frowning and preparing to fight, their weapons at the ready.
So was the Deity, not minding the sudden fight. Clink The women moved, the oud and kanoon accompanying one another with slow and quiet drum beats in the back of it all. They were in no rush to finish the dance.
A couple of the men moved forward to push the Deity, but they themselves were knocked out and down. Immediately, the others knew this wasn't just some random person; it was a threat that needed to be gotten rid of. Clank
The dancers began moving in circles, enhancing their movements with red and blue cloths they had brought into the dance. Now, the drums had begun getting louder and changing not just the pace, but also the rhythm.
Each of the men that had the braveness to leap forward and attack- were knocked down, left wincing in pain. The sight wasn't bad. They were just hit hard and knocked down. That's what Eden kept repeating to himself as both he and the Deity moved forward even further past the men who had already fallen. Some were bleeding, choking up some blood if the hit was fatal. CLINK
Now, even their bodies had begun moving faster. If it was the viewer in their place, they would have already lost their breath, feeling dizzy.
The little battle outside was in full swing, men groaning and still trying to win no matter what. All had one goal in mind- make sure this person does not make it inside, make sure our King is protected.
CLANK A couple more swirls with the clothes. The drums and other instruments in full swing, getting louder and louder, like a storm.
Then it was all cut, their movements stopping in place. Just to reveal the main beauty that they had been dancing for. The head performer dressed in red, half of the face covered with a veil as she turned around to face the King - who already had a mischievous grin and glint in his eyes. Well, how could one not? The lead dancer was a beauty even from such a distance. She moved forward past the other dancers with her own body movements.
The men kept on losing, each one falling after another. No matter how many tried, no matter what move they performed, the Deity was more flexible in their movements. They fought as if they were in a... dance. That was how the Deity moved with the men who were trying to kill them.
Clink The woman moved closer and closer slowly, a drum and riq accentuating her body movements. While she moved forward like a snake, the other dancers joined her in from behind, not being too flashy to not steal the spotlight from her.
The swooner in red was a beauty the King had yet seen. She put her hands on her back and began moving her belly, making sure to keep her eyes locked on the King. Of course, since they were so captivated by her moves, none of them could have guessed that under that skirt she had placed a dagger which was given to her by one of the dancers during one of the more eye blinding moves of the skirts. She slid it under the waistband of the skirt, the blade was biting into her skin, itching. Clank
The fight was over. Eden had moved next to the Deity, and looking back, he saw how many bodies of men were just laid out on the ground behind them. Of course, they were alive, but it still scared him...
Without saying anything, the Deity walked forward, the large stone doors opening up for the two. There were more guards inside, but their fate was the same.
Snake - clad in red, she was also cunning like a desert fox. She made sure the men were occupied only by her moves, so she could eventually strike. The snake kept on slithering forward towards her target. Who was just drinking wine and grinning like a child that had gotten the best gift ever.
She was just about to strike, but oh how unlucky. The sagus did not let her go any closer - immediately having caught onto the act. ''Assassination attempts will not work while I am here, witch. In the end, it will be just that, an attempt.''
Her eyes had gone wide open, but she managed to keep her composure and not give up. That was useless. All of the lights had dimmed out completely, making shivers go down everyone's backs. In the end , dark clouds had finally made it inside...
All eyes drifted towards the entrance to the chamber; which also allowed the lead dancer to break free from the grip of the magus.
There, stood the deity and the young boy. All were surprised - they just did not know how to act or react. Eventually, the King himself decided to take matters into his own hands, the khadims helping him stand up. ''Who do you think you are, breaking into my chambers like this! Damn insects! Ruining my days like this!''
''A witch, my lord. Perhaps a witch. Did you all notice how the candles had all just gone out as the doors opened?!''
"Or it might be our neighbouring nation's King's doing. After all, he is blaming our King for the problems he has been having recently.''
Each one would say what they thought, not bothering to see the rage their King had now been boiling up. The dancers were quite scared - actually, all who were here just to be peasants were anxious.
''Seems each and every one of you have something to say. Well, you are quiet most of the time. So, now that you have been given a chance, you spew nonsense.'' The Deity turned their head to face dogs that were barking.
''Witch! You dare even speak!'''
''My lord, just say the word, and we will do what must be done!''
Yet, the King was occupied by the disgust he had now felt. ''Y-you! How did you even step foot inside?! I have men guarding each corner of my abode!''
''To be clear, you 'had' men. As of now, they are just laying around in the halls of this so-called abode of yours.''
''Witch!'' They just could not keep shut and had to intervene. Conversing was going to be difficult if they did not keep shut.
''Ah, let me guess. You are also here for my gold, for the riches I have.''
''One of your men had just mentioned that. Yet, you say it is your guess. You are either self-entitled or just deaf.''
''You dare call me such things! YOU B-''
''First of all, I have a child with me. Secondly, each and every one of you do not want to be called something lower than they consider themselves as. You are not wise, not a single bit.''
''DEATH! Death to you and this child of yours!''
''Hmf. You are quite stupid to use such words like 'death' so freely.''
At this point, the lead dancer was anticipating what was to come. Maybe, just maybe they could actually, finally have the... the freedom they wish for. But the conversation was leading to nothing, just a continuous back and forth. ''DO something!!'' The dancer yelled out. Her breathing was heavy. ''What are you here for exactly!?.''
''See, nobody wants you here. If nobody wants you, then you might as well go on with my orders.''
''You are greedy and you deny it.'' That made the King flinch. His veins were truly about to pop if he did not let that rage come out fully. ''Greed always has an end to it. This is the end.'' With each word, the Deity moved forward. It definitely looked like the King was about to have a heart attack by the sweat that was forming.
''DO SOMETHING! DON'T JUST STAND AROUND!'' He took steps backward, looking at his men, hoping and waiting for them to come to help. But... ''THAT IS AN ORDER! ARE YOU DEAF?! AN ORDER!'' they did nothing, just stood there, quivering as if it was freezing.
The King now understood he was in this all alone. Even if he was a complete fat ass, he still managed to run towards the wall with the scimitar hanging on it. It was the beauty of a blade, but a sharp one. Some gold patterns on the handle and steel base itself. He took it into his hands, pointing the sharp end at the deity. But the person did not fret. So, even with quivering hands, he leapt forward to attack, swinging his weapon at the person. He was not slow, but he did not land a single scratch or blow on them either. He just swung the sword to protect himself.
It was enough even for the deity of such child play. Finally, they kicked him down without much thought - some of the dancers moving out of the way and squealing.
''DON'T YOU DARE! YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS! WRETCHED W-"
He was grabbed by the collar at the back of his neck and dragged away. He was not really the lightest person and quite the opposite of skinny. Yet, he was dragged like he weighed nothing. With shaking hands, the others followed right behind, curious as to what was going to happen.
Their King continued writhing, screaming, and throwing tantrums, arms and legs moving in all directions until he was left panting from his own movements. He was threatening with whatever he could. But none of it was stopping the Deity.
He was dragged outside - right at the edge of the stairs. ''Look. This is your nation right before your very own eyes. You have never even seen it ever since you sat on the throne. You were way too occupied being greedy.''
''Do not! You are so going to regret this!''
''Oh. I am not.''
A beam of sun shined right at the spot where the two were, giving the so-called 'King' his last moments of ever seeing the sun...
That much was enough. Eden moved forward, looking up at the sky and then back to the horizon. Just like the Deity.
After a last sigh, the Deity clutched onto Crothorht's collar once more. Without any last thought, they threw the man up with all strength - up to the sky. His eyes were wide, just like everybody else's. Now, he felt himself falling to the ground. Crothorht doubted that he was going to touch any part of the stairs at the bottom after being thrown so far on... He knew it was going to be a long fall from the grey temple he called his palace...
He indeed did not. Everyone - whoever was looking up at the beam of light - saw a person falling, none other than their own ''King'' who was now going to die before their very own eyes. Thrown down his own abode, he fell at the last steps of the stairs, onto a torch right beside a stall...
The Deity looked at the falling figure and then at the boy that was now beside them.
And so, finally, after decades, Avaritia Harenae was given its first rain.