Ulrich's footsteps sank into the soil. Thin raindrops descended from the sky as they were weaving it. His wet black hair fell upon his black eyes, where dark circles clung beneath. A dark cloak, heavy with water, hid his pale skin.
Unpleasant whispers bothered his ears. At his sides, poorly built stone houses made their alleyways serve as shelter for people. Some of them opened their mouths to drink the blessing of the sky, while others stored it in clay pots.
Ulrich walked past an alley. Kids hugged their knees, covered by the same dark cloak, trying to appease the cold and quiet the roar of empty stomachs. Around their bodies, dark silhouettes with diverse shapes gnawed on their minds.
Pattering of rain that got mixed up with unknown words, and an invisible weight that stuck to Ulrich's back. Slowly increased.
His ragged breath left a trail of mist in his wake.
As alleys passed by, a structure built of pale stone and crowned with slender tapering spires, three of them that made it look both defiant and desired, came into sight.
Ulrich walked as the whispers intensified.
After what felt like an eternity, Ulrich finally stood in front of two wooden doors that prohibited passage. However, he walked towards them, pushing with all the strength he had.
Slowly, the door opened, letting a deep groan fill the inside. Leaving enough space to croos, Ulrich placed his first step, and his mind fell silent.
Ulrich let a deep breath out.
Turning around, he pushed the door once more, which thudded shut. Then, turned again and walked through the stone benches that were on both sides. There were dozens of these, each one pointing to a marble sculpture at the end of the room.
The sculpture exhibited a human figure, whose body was shrouded by a cloak, and only the left hand was shown. Which was hoisting a long sword. Under it, in a polished black, an altar that held several lit candles, which also dyed the altar in its upper side.
"You seem tired."
A calm, melodic voice echoed through the darkness. In the far right corner, the tap of boots announced an approaching presence, and a silhouette soon emerged from the gloom.
"Same as always."
Ulrich said with a hoarse voice that made his throat itch.
The man approached the altar candles, which illuminated his face. Green eyes that glinted at the flame rhythm, and his brown hair was slicked back.
Ulrich slipped into one of the stone pews and sat. He rested his left arm on the edge and crossed his left leg over the right. Then, waiting for the man, he looked at the ceiling and gazed at the gigantic, golden candelabra, which swung unlit.
When the man approached, Ulrich asked:
"Something?"
He sat and let a sigh out.
"People already know what's happening in Wisburh. It's just a matter of time."
Ulrich lowered his head, fixing his gaze at the sculpture.
"Don't think so. They can't do anything if no one stands first, just look at the streets."
Silence filled the temple.
"…Val, I need you to do something."
Valerian glanced at him before closing his eyes and lowering his head.
The dull sound of rain pressed in from outside and crept faintly over the stained glass at their right side. Embodied, a long sword that pierced the land and reflected the rising sun.
"Do not supply more medicine to the poor. Focus on the nobility."
Valerian frowned and looked at Ulrich.
"What?"
There was no response. Valerian continued, his voice showing signs of displeasure.
"Are you serious? If it weren't for the medicine, they would die in weeks. They can't stand corruption."
Ulrich remained silent.
"Ulrich!"
The pale light of the moon filtered through the stained glass, reflecting Valerian's tightened jaw and his knuckles that stood out. Ulrich, without any light to illuminate him, hid his gaze in the darkness that surrounded him.
Seconds passed by. The rain slowed down, leading to a quiet night. Ulrich, finally cut trough the silence.
"In less than a couple of weeks, the three moons are going to fully bloom, giving birth to a new year. By then, make your way to serve in the Temple of Asleir."
"Why should I?"
Valerian asked, his voice cracked.
"Because we want the same thing, Val. I already walked a long way to just blow it away now…"
Ulrich answered wearily. Letting out a deep breath, he took his left hand from the edge and slipped it into his cloak. After rummaging in it for a moment, he took out a note. Then offered it to Valerian without looking at him.
Valerian looked doubtful, but ended up taking the yellowed, wet note. After opening it, the black ink in it differed throughout. However, the words were distinguishable:
"Josh Vanmister… What about him?"
Valerian asked confused.
"Between the nobility, give him more medical supplies. But don't start until I give you the advice, meanwhile store up as much as you can while giving a portion to the nobility."
Valerian lost himself in his thoughts. On the other hand, Ulrich massaged his face, starting from his nose and ending with his jaw. By then, Valerian already made up his mind.
Standing up, Valerian saved the note on his cloak and walked away, leaving behind his last words:
"Hope that your plan works, our relationship might be in line… And take care of your face, we don't want it to fall off."
Ulrich's lips curved upwards while he looked at the ground. The footsteps faded away slowly, and Ulrich muttered:
"I wouldn't want that…"
Moonlight caressed his body. Ulrich, with his hands crossed over his knees, raised his gaze enough to see the marble sculpture. Then, after a few moments, closed his eyes and stood up.
'Let's start…'
Ulrich thought as he emerged from the rows and walked towards the wooden door. His own steps were the only sound that echoed through the silence.
Reaching the door, grabbed a black, metallic handle that had the length of his own, and pulled it. Opening slowly, the temple filled with a deep creak.
Leaving enough space for him, Ulrich passed through, and the door closed by itself.
'It has to be an easier way…'
Letting a deep breath out, Ulrich gazed at the deep black sky, which was stained by three big and imperfect white spots. Enough light to be able to walk.
As his steps returned to the embrace of soil, the weight on his back and the unknown words harassed him too. However, this time, Ulrich had a clear path, and his steps weren't meaningless anymore.
Ulrich vanished into the darkness.