The courtyard of Hemsberg, though far from opulent, offered a reprieve from the overwhelming vividness of the forest. Nyxeria found herself somewhat thankful for the muted colors that surrounded her. The lush, vibrant greens of the forest had clashed with the dreary, shadowed realm she called home. It wasn't just a preference; it was a longing for the familiar gray curtain that constantly blanketed her father's domain. Her father, known as the Raven Lord, held titles like Keeper of Nightmares, Lord of Fear, Master of Shadows, and the Conjuror of Dark Trickery.
Nyxeria had spent countless years watching him weave his manipulations into the world, earning him strained relations with other deities. She pondered how she would convince mortals to put their faith in entities that might not be perceived as "good."
As they approached the weathered keep with the two men called Vern and Garen, Nyxeria allowed them to take the lead on getting her an audience with the local lord. Her immediate goal was to ascertain her location.
"Vern? Garen?" The gate guard seemed surprised to see the duo arrive with a peculiar yet captivating girl.
"Hey, is Lord Garet here? We found an extremely important guest," Vern emphasized the word 'extremely' as his eyes and head tilted towards the seemingly disinterested Nyxeria.
The guard understood the situation, having seen such scenes before. Beautiful women were not uncommon gifts to Lord Garet. The lady of the household might disapprove, but as long as no heirs were born from such liaisons, it was tolerated. At least, that was the unspoken agreement. The guard instructed them to wait in the main courtyard while he informed Lord Garet of their arrival and "guest."
Nyxeria followed the guard into the courtyard. Her inky black dress flowed naturally around her, shapely but not too revealing. Despite the worn-down appearance of the surroundings, the courtyard held a unique charm, much like certain areas in the heavenly realms she had explored.
"Milady..." Vern approached her, standing near his brother, whispering amongst themselves before addressing her.
Nyxeria gave him a sidelong glance before nodding. "Speak."
Vern, his teeth slightly crooked and tinted yellow, wore a smile. "When we get in front of Lord Garet, it is important for you to support what we say. Otherwise, he may not believe us, and that could spell trouble."
Nyxeria frowned, considering his words. She saw no reason to disagree. "If what you say is truthful."
Vern rubbed his hands together nervously. "Naturally! We would never dream of misleading you!"
The gate to the main hall soon opened, and the guard motioned for them to enter. "You know the courtesies; don't cause issues, Vern or your head will be on a pike. Understood?"
"Absolutely understood!" Vern's voice cracked.
The main hall was plain, heated by four hearths. At the end sat Lord Garet, a middle-aged man with graying black hair and a scowling expression. Next to him was a woman, Lady Garet, who exuded sophistication despite her graying hair. As Nyxeria entered, their eyes lit up with avarice.
"Lord Garet! This humble subject greets you," Vern and Garen bowed in unison.
Nyxeria stood motionless, observing the two men on the slightly elevated platform.
Vern's eyes widened. "Apologies, Lord. She isn't aware of our customs!"
Lord Garet grunted. "My guard said you came with a gift." His eyes shifted to Nyxeria with a hint of desire. "She certainly doesn't look like a local subject or anyone from the surrounding regions. I've never seen eyes shaped like that or of that color before. It seems she is from far away."
"Why do you even care? Where she comes from is irrelevant to you," Lady Garet said, exasperated.
Lord Garet tapped his finger on the armrest. "How much do you want?"
Vern's smile disappeared slightly. "My Lord, there seems to be a misunderstanding..."
Nyxeria sensed the situation was tense, annoyed by the audacity of suggesting a purchase. She turned to Vern. "Were you intending on selling me to this man?"
Vern audibly gulped. "No, no, no. I wouldn't think of doing such a thing."
Lord Garet pinched his brow. "You're wasting my time and misleading my guard. If you aren't here to sell the girl, what exactly are you here for? Speak up immediately."
Vern bowed. "I apologize, my lord. As you know, many people are scouring the forest for the source of what fell from the sky! My brother and I found a crater, and this young lady was in the center of it!"
Nyxeria felt the tension in the air, but she remained mostly unconcerned, even if annoyed. The prospect of being bought like a commodity was inconceivable. Father would be cackling with glee if he were watching this unfold, reveling in the mischief.
Lord Garet's eyes lit up. "If that is the case, does the young one wish to introduce herself and can verify the information?"
Lady Garet, previously hostile, now leaned forward with interest. "Yes, please. Can you verify their account and provide proof?"
Nyxeria looked up at the two men, whose eyes shone with greed. A straightforward approach was best in this case. Learning the nuances of customs and etiquette could come later.
"I'm the daughter of ravens and was sent here by my father, the Lord of Ravens, to bring people unto his name. Be glad that you are the first to meet me," Nyxeria walked over to Vern. "You ought to be more clear with your intentions, mortal."
Nyxeria felt a straightforward approach was best in this case. Learning the nuances of custom and etiquette could come later.
Lord Garet burst out laughing. "Lord of Ravens? You seem to have landed in the wrong Kingdom. Perhaps you may have landed in the wrong realm. I've never even met a devout follower of his."
Catching his breath, he looked at Nyxeria. "Here in Oriaet, you will find the main deity the people follow is Orria. Besides, even if you were the daughter of the Lord of Ravens, what power can a god with no followers really have and not even a god, but the supposed daughter of a powerless god."
Besides Lord Garet's hearty laughter, Lady Garet was also lightly laughing. "Surely, girl, you didn't think anyone would fall for such a ploy? What evidence do you have of your status?"
Nyxeria frowned; children of deities were not as uncommon or feared as she initially anticipated, complicating her thoughts and plans. Plus, this Kingdom's patron deity was Orria, who, in many ways, was the polar opposite of her father's nature. If Nyxeria was honest, she thought Orria was likely one of the driving reasons for her father being pushed out. Which means, by extension, she was responsible for putting her here away from her home.
"So what you are saying is I should prove my power and birthright?"
Lord Garet stood up, pushing back his furred cloak on his shoulders to reveal a sword. "I might not be at the peak of my youth, but I have defeated more than enough mages and warriors in my time. Your power level from a minor deity shouldn't be much greater than that. If you are the child of a deity, let me send you home to them. If you are mortal, you will die by my blade."
Nyxeria nodded. "Very well, I ought to test out my limits anyway."
Lady Garet's eyes flashed with what appeared to be desire and bloodlust as she watched her husband square up with Nyxeria on the opposite side of Nyxeria. Drawing his thin curved blade, he shrugged off the cloak and let it rest at his feet.
Vern and Garen both watched, concern etched across their faces.
Lord Garet swung the sword several times as she stretched. "Come, supposed daughter of the Lord of Ravens."