The Devil and a Golden Touch:

The air thick and damp with humidity from the downpour of rain that slammed into this tropical region in the days before. The sun laid low, the sky, not a clear blue is bathed in the colours of bright orange and a dim violet to it, for the night is coming to lay claim dominion. From here atop the balcony of a rich villa, a masked figure gazes at the beautiful view of the jungle before them.

This great jungle the figure stared at, laid in a region of hills and valleys, with rivers snaking through. Our figure watched as the progression of time and the lessening of light changed the very look of this jungle. At first, it was all a bright vibrant green with the light of the sun at centre stage. Yet as time goes by, shades and shadows start to show the dips of valleys and ascension of hills. As if revealing the wrinkles of an old face, the age of the jungle is made bare.

The villa stands on a hill surveying the whole scene, the masked figure simply stares out entranced by the beauty of the jungle. The stranger is dressed in this striking crimson ceremonial outfit with golden stitchings. Along with his outfit, he wears an arrangement of black, white and golden beaded necklaces. The mask he hides under is a magnificent demonic head in a splendid array of colours and intricate designs. Fierce looking with multiple horns, a sharp toothy maw and hypnotising eyes, this mask covers the true face of the figure. They simply lookout, just lost in thought when another glides towards them.

The new stranger, a woman, stands taller compared to her friend. Dressed in a white frilly dress, complimenting her golden honey skin and hourglass figure. On her head lays a golden wreath crown, under this crown is her luminous black hair in a loose plait that falls to her back. She wears a selection of fine gold jewellery, bracelets in the form of golden leaves, anklets made of tiny flowers and golden beaded necklaces.

She clears her throat to grab at their attention and softly says, “The view of the great wild is truly something to behold.”

The figure snaps and turns to them in shock, caught off guard. She giggles and smiles, she has freckled skin and bright hazel brown eyes, as she looks to their surprised friend. The masked figure fidgets with their hands, trying to play it cool that they weren’t caught by surprise.

“The view is really beautiful, yes, kind of lost track of time just watching the jungle,” croaks a voice through the mask, they sounded low and hoarse.

“Almost scared me a little, Glynis,” the masked figure chuckles as they rub at their beads.

“Are you alright, Yara?” asks Glynis, as she gently puts a hand to their shoulder.

Yara’s shoulder slumps a little and shrinks at the question for a moment, but they straighten and stand firmly.

“I’m fine, it has been a tiring few days of travelling. Glad the owner of the villa offered his home for the time, till the festival begins,” Yara simply states as they look to their worried friend.

“Well it certainly has been, Pyra and Curuzil are off sparring together. Got bored watching the two fight. So I walked around a little bit till I saw you just staring at the jungle.”

Glynis shrug as she looks out to the same view as well. Yara watches them as the wind blows gently by around her. They feel a slight tug on their chest, that little skip of the heart, so they turn away fast before that tug in their chest does anything more.

“Festival preparations are getting ready, the bonfire is getting ready and decorations are looking nice. So things are at least getting smoother for now,” Yara comments as they look around at the villa.

A beautiful and lavish place made of white stone and red brick. A large comfortable abode with a grand courtyard and a flourishing garden. A summer home for the noble who owned it, willing to share and host for the adventurers passing by. Even generous enough to hold the festival in his villa for this year. The courtyard itself huge in space had a great bonfire being set for the coming nights, with numerous colourful paper decorations, lanterns and ornate fineries placed around.

A few robed servants in white cloths fix up the bonfire with more sticks and tidy up the rest. They see the two surveying the scene providing a little bow and smile. Glynis smiles cheerfully and gives an excited wave.

“You are all doing great!” she calls out to them.

“Thank you Lady Feade, the preparation is going smoothly,” answers back a servant, as they finish placing a batch of sticks to the bonfire.

“See, there is nothing more to worry about, the festival will come and great things will come,” smiles Glynis as she claps her hands with excitement at the coming celebration.

“That’s fair Glynis, hopefully, it does,” Yara nods.

Yara looks up to the sky and feels a slight grumble from his gut, it is getting close to dinner-time and food calls for him.

“Let us get the other two and get set for dinner. I haven't ain’t much at all today, just meditating to myself. Perhaps it is just nerves and an empty stomach that is getting to my head,” Yara chuckles nervously as they pat at their stomach.

“Well obviously Yara, you’ve been all taut with nerves! Food will do your body and mind good, gotta keep it strong and hardy.”

Yara simply nods as the two walks towards the Villa. Glynis just behind them, step closer and then playfully grabs at Yara ribs, catching them by surprise.

“And you need to plump up, your all bones underneath here!” Glynis giggles as she tickles at Yara and brings them close to her.

Yara squeals in fright as they freeze up by the sudden sensation. They protectively hug at their chest and moves a few quick steps away from Glynis, shielding themselves from Glynis’s childish tricks. They look down at the ground embarrassed of their reaction.

“Let’s just get Curuzil and Pyra, from training and get ready for supper,” mumbles Yara as they hurry along looking for the two and trying to forget the sweet mango scent that Glynis smelled of when she had him up close.

The two-pass into the villa where it is just as grand inside as it is outside. The home had many rooms to sleep in, a dining room fit for even the largest family and many facilities to the liking of our adventuring party. They were getting close to the training room, where the noble practised his sword-play and played sports with his friends. The noise from the room is a series of bang and smacks of weapons coming to clash. The two enter to see a dance between two fierce fighters.

One of the fighters acrobatically swayed and dodge, but striking at their opponent fast with their attacks. His skin is a bright copper with sparkling golden symmetrical tattoos etched to their skin. His body leans with fit muscles, moving in a smooth fluid motion in such flexible and agile moves. Yet his hair is his most eye-catching feature, for it was the colour of a glowing fire, waving and curling like an actual flame. Wearing an open colourful vest of oranges, yellows and reds with billowing dark brown trousers to match with his aesthetic of a chaotic flame. He dances with their partner as he trades blows with swift punches and kicks. Yet they are blocked and pushed away by their duelling partner. With this, he shifts as he goes for swift swipes and stabs with a finely engraved spear, the blade of it a smooth and serrated obsidian piece. He whistles a cheerful passionate tune to himself as he prances their opponent with acrobatic charm.

The opponent holds her ground against him with each blow and strikes hard. Glynis may be a tall woman, but this one is an unstoppable armoured giantess. Athletic in her grand build, truly a warrior’s body with scars across her thick muscles. Her features were just as strange as her sparring partner. For she had cloven hooves for feet, hands like black claws and horns like a bull protrude out from her temples. Outfitted in this black terrifying armour engraved with beautiful golden markings and symbols, the armour truly suited for a champion of her stature. She swung and sliced at the air with her sword and blocking the attacks with her round mighty shield at her side. She stands firm, watching carefully and attacking with swift precision.

In a quick set of actions, the fiery fighter manages to disarm her sword from her hand. He snickers in the small victory and whistles with a taunt. She grunts in frustration but holds steady. He goes forward to strike, but before he can make a blow she throws her shield to him. With a fine throw, she holds him back just for a few short moments.

He blocks and smacks the shield away with the wood of his spear, sending a loud bang as the two make contact. He takes a few steps back in surprise, the hit sending trembles through him, but he holds steady. However, a loud snap and crack ring in the air, as a whip unfurls out. She cracks it, lashes it out onto her opponent’s leg as it wraps around his ankle. She pulls and he falls. He groans dropping his staff by surprise, but yelps as he gets pulled closer to her. She gets in close as her opponent is to the ground and helpless.

The two in one final synchronised swing of their fists, they go towards each other. With her mighty claw as she slams it to the ground next to his head. He swings his fist just stopping under her chin with a sharp obsidian dart poking between his fist as it pokes just gently at her skin.

“That was amazing!” Glynis cheers out as she jumps in joy and claps in excited glee at the fight she’s watching.

The two slowly draw their hands, before the two laughs out in a hearty fashion. The giantess helps her opponent up as she grasps his arms and pulls him up. The other brushes himself down put the dart away and whistles in astonishment.

“My gods, Pyra! Show some mercy could have put me down right there,” jokes the fiery brawler as they go to pick up their spear, chuckling at the sparring match.

“Then make sure to not get cocky with your attacks and be watchful,” comments the horned warrior, Pyram as they coil the whip around their waist like a belt and brush the dirt off their clawed hand.

“Well, I say you both did great, feel safer already with the both of you!” Glynis skips over to them.

“True you have been both fearsome allies on our many paths before,” Yara agrees as they follow along with Glynis towards their fierce friends.

“Our prowess in combat is not the only thing that keeps us safe, you’ve both been a great help against many obstacles along our journey,” says Pyra, her voice gravely and rough as she marches over to her fallen weapons and sheaths them.

“Pyra’s got a point, your magics and charms, certainly saved our asses far more than you would believe, your highness” winks Curuzil, the passionate skirmisher as he does a mock bow to Glynis.

“Oh stop it you two!” Glynis squeaks in delight as she hides her blushing face.

“Well since the sparring is over, the both of you must be starving for something to eat,” Yara chips in towards the two.

“Let us clean up, and we’ll meet ya at the dining table, for supper, sounds alright?” Curuzil asks around to the group.

“Oh-oh! I’ll get started cooking for everyone, a nice big meal for all of you!” Glynis rushes out of the room in such a cheerful speed.

“Well I’ll get the table set for us all, I’ll see you both soon,” chuckles Yara as they head out as well, leaving Pyra and Curuzil to comment about the sparring.

Yara heads back to the dining room, where a great oaken table lays at the middle of the room with several cabinets to one side of the room. Torches are lit up as the light of the sky dims lower and lower. Providing the light of the fire to the villa. Yara takes their time in prepping the dinner table. They grab enough smooth wooden plates for them to dine, along with the cutlery and cups needed to enjoy their dinners. Placing fine fabric dinner mats just under, to provide a bit of decor to their dining.

Just in another room, he could hear the gentle velvet tones of Glynis singing as she cooks for her friends. Yara listens attentively as she hears the hums of her happy voice. They hear beats to the melody and rhythm of her voice, they even sway to it.

Worthless.

Yara jumps at the sound, turning around looking for the source of the sound.

Feeble.

The sound whispers again almost as if from behind them.

Hideous.

The sound snarls at Yara, where they turn to the window, seeing the torchlight reflect on them. However the mask, that covers Yara’s face, their identity, blinks.

The mask though a finely handcrafted piece of work begins to look alive as the mouth grins wide. The reflection sneers at him, staring at him in disdain. The painted eyes blink and the head twitches as it shakes in disappointment in the reflection.

Know your place, warlock.

Stay humble.

Don’t stray and you will accomplish what we need.

Yara feels themselves tremble as they watch their blurry reflection speak back clearly as if in the flesh. The disembodied voice has a honeyed deep, rumbling and guttural sound to it. Sweet-sounding and tempting but each word dripping with malice. It speaks in Yara’s head, the voice is inescapable and unavoidable.

“Ye-yes yes, my lord. I know of my station-of my humble station. I serve-I serve to accomplish our goal.” Yara’s voice shakes with fear as the demon eyes them up. It quickly slams up to the window, Yara jumps hitting his hip to the table, the demon pressing closer but restrained back in the reflection.

Do you?

I feel hesitation.

Don’t toy with me, just do the ritual.

“Of course my lord.”

The creature turns its head but slowly steps back.

We’ll talk later.

I can’t teach manners like this.

The monster grins widely at Yara, as a long slick black forked tongue licks wet at the fangs of the beast.

“The table looks quite nice Yara,” Pyra strolls in as they look at the prepared table. Her cloven feet clopping as she arrives in.

Yara turns quick to them and back to their reflection.

The mask looks back normal, inanimate, and certainly not alive.

They gulp down their fear, straightens and simply nods in response.

Pyra dressed in a simple informal sleeveless tunic. Revealing her scarred large muscular arms, and her full image out of the armour. She had terra cotta brown skin, like a hard sun-baked pot, with dirty blonde hair in this dull golden colour styled in a messy bun. Her eyes are a pale icy blue, in her calmest mood can seem gentle, but can take a freezing quality when angered. She takes a seat at her spot of the table, getting her large figure to sit comfortably.

“Good to have Glynis cook for us again, getting quite tired of rations. Formerly as a soldier, I got used to them. However, with her cooking, my oh my, I’ve been spoiled!” Pyra jokes as she chuckles to herself.

“Yes-yes her cooking is quite lovely indeed,” replies Yara, clearing their throat to quell the fear and stammer to their voice.

Yara takes their seat, back towards the mirror unable to bear to see their reflection once more.

After a bit, Curuzil comes down, cheerfully whistling to the table. Carrying with him a gourd flask the size of his upper arm etched with similar markings as his tattoos. He places it neatly on the table where Yara hears the gentle slosh of liquid within it.

“What’s the special occasion for?” Pyra arches a brow to Curuzil as he takes his seat next to Yara.

“Just to enjoy the moment, the festival is coming and we can finally relax for once. Thought it would be nice to treat ourselves,” Curuzil smiles as they smooth their vest down.

“Well it is true, the danger has passed. Let us drink to it,” Pyra reaches out to grab the big flask, but Yara holds their hand out to stop her.

“Let’s at least wait for Glynis, we wouldn’t want to leave her out?” Yara asks to the two, who both just shrug and smile.

“Yeah let’s wait for her majesty to finish and then we have our little salute here,” Curuzil leans back a bit, his hands resting on the back of his head.

They chat and joke while they wait for dinner to finish. Yara removes their mask carefully to prepare for the coming meal, even under the mask his face is hidden. Wrapped in great cloths of red with a crimson veil hiding their features. Placing the mask gently on the ground next to them.

“Dinner is ready!” Glynis cheers as she bursts from the kitchen doors surrounded by several floating plates of food.

The two fighters cheered as the plates float and land on the table. Hot and steaming, the smell intoxicating and mouth-watering to behold. What rested on the table ready to be served for all is a fine selection of foods. From rice, beans, lentils, meats from pork to chicken, sweetly glazed plantains, little pots of sauces, curries, stuffed pastries, tortilla wraps and crispy chips all waiting to be devoured.

“We should have more peaceful times if this is the result of such peaceful moments!” shouts Curuzil in delight as he surveys the food ready for the picking.

“Then let us salute to this joyous moment,” Pyra reaches out to the flask and pours each a serving of an amber liquid into their cups. She raises her into the air and smiles, “To this moment serenity!”

The group cheers as they toast and cling their cups together, as they take a swig of their drink. The drink had a pungent sweet and smoky aroma of fruits, spices and caramelised tone to it. As Yara took their swig to keep up with their friends, the taste matched the smell. Feeling the exotic mixtures of the fruits of the tropics, the sugars, the spices like cinnamon to vanilla mixing in, along with the rich tastes of sweets like chocolate and caramel playing on their tastebuds.

Pyra sighs in relief after she’s done her swig.

Glynis giggles and smiles after a few sips of her.

Curuzil drains his cup fast and cheers loudly.

Yara simply takes his swig with a sip, the drink burning down his throat, gives a bit of a cough.

“Well my dear adventurers, let’s eat!” Glynis invites them in, and with that, the group dives into the food so sweetly made for them.

This group of hungry adventurers enjoy the meal, joking and telling tales of past adventurers. Yara simply laughs along, adds their comment to the conversation, but nothing less. For their mind rakes on the threats of his patron, the ritual they’ll have to complete at the festival, the pact they have made.

After a bit, the plates and bowls all picked clean. Not a single shred or crumb left. Glynis waves a hand and everyone’s dishes float back up and glide back across to the kitchen. The group in varying states of drunkness, Pyra with a buzz, Glynis rather sleepy, Curuzil swaying from side to side, as for Yara feels their anxieties bubbling in them as they hold their mask between their hands.

“I’ll see you all tomorrow morning,” says Pyra as she helps Curuzil back to their room, who mumbles a happy drunken song to himself.

“Goodnight you two!” whispers Glynis as waves them goodbye.

“Well I’ll see you ya soon tomorrow, Glynis, have a good night.” Yara shuffles in their spot as they head towards their room.

Before they could step away, they feel Glynis grasp at their arm and is brought into an embrace. Their back to her as they feel her arms wrap around them. She nuzzles close and gives a small kiss to Yara’s veiled cheek.

“Don’t be afraid of them, you are stronger than them, even without it, you’ve always been.”

Yara feels a sort of weight lifted from them. Her voice kind, compassionate and sweet lingers in their ears. Her aroma of a syrupy mango is all they can smell. The kiss still soft and warm to their cheek.

“Be brave, Yara. Goodnight,” whispers Glynis, as she parts away, and walks back to her room.

Yara stays still for a few short moments and returns to their room. They strangely no longer hold that fear in them, their mind cleared. Perhaps for just that moment. They place the mask neatly next to their bed and begin to undress. Slowly and carefully they remove their bright red outfit and folds them neatly. Their skin a brown clay, skinny and covered in scars. Each look as if clawed and bitten, chewed and torn by a monster. They dress up in a white soft gown and tuck themselves into bed.

They look to their room, lit up by the bright moonlight from their open window. A decent and humble room with a bed and night desk. Their bag just settled neatly with a beautiful ornate dagger wrapped in the same beads he holds, resting on top. Through the window once could see the jungle now a dark unknown mass, no longer it’s bright green but a menacing abyss. They feel their eyelids grow heavy, their gut satisfied, the cool air of the night softly blows and the gentle noise of the jungle abyss lulls them to drift to their dreams.

Welcome back.

Yara feels their eyes burst open, no longer in their room but in some crimson space. The honeyed voice returning once more. They see bright red veins pulse within this terrifying abyss. Hearing the scrapes of claws moving closer to them.

Enjoyed your supper?

Yara tries to scream or move, but their throat closes up and body tenses in place. Their heart races and drums in them, panic grabbing hold of them.

Are you happy?

Yara feels a slick wet tongue lick at their cheek and claws prick and glides gently on their flesh.

You’ve tried all you could.

Running away, postponing events and holding me back.

Was it worth it, you useless thing?

Yara feels tears prick at eyes, the fear like chains keeps them quiet and restrained.

I thought so…

Suddenly big swirling colourful eyes appear from the darkness blazing and staring at them. The demon comes to full view and clear as life. Their horns mighty and huge, a mighty grin breaks outshining an array of truly terrifying fangs and teeth. Their snout blows out a crimson-hot smoke. Then Yara feels a great claw pick them as if it were a limp doll, taking them close to the great gaping maw of the beast.

Just before the same sensation comes back, of teeth piercing through their skin and tearing away their flesh. The same sensation that came every time as they held back the wants of this devil. They hear a gentle voice within this terrifying nightmare.

“Be brave Yara.”

And they wake up.

Dripping in sweat.

They reach over to their face and feel the mask on them.

They stand up, the feeling of wakefulness has freed them of their torturous dream.

Not only do they feel free, but feel brave.

They bolt right up from their bed and grab at their trusted weapon, the dagger.

Wearing nothing but their nightgown and the devil’s mask, they head out from their room and into the courtyard.

Adrenalin pumping in their veins they march straight towards the unlit bonfire. Yara begins to chant a few mystical words, their right hand sparkling with energy as they shoot out a bolt of fire into the bonfire.

It erupts into a mighty blaze, hot and furious.

Yara grabs at the front of their mask, pulls and wretches it free from their face. With it, in hand, they throw it into the fire.

The mask lands onto the blazing bonfire, the flames licking and grasping at it, but it doesn’t burn.

“I am tired of your abuses! How your crush at my heart and soul, rip at my own body and squash my very mind!” Yara roars at the mask.

“You need me! You’ve always needed me! To do as you command, to fight your enemies and complete your tasks! All I needed was your magics and powers to do what needs to be done. You played on my anxieties, my stresses and depressions for too long! I will not bite my tongue and let you do as you wish to me. How I have dreamed and wished to smash your face, to strike back and finally feel good for once! I’ve slain great beasts, defeated cannibal marauders and won in contests against truly more powerful arcane powers than I could of muster with only your drips of power! I am brave! And I’ve pulled from reserves of strength that can move mountains!”

The mask doesn’t burn and its voice doesn’t reply.

“I am taking control!” Yara unsheathes their dagger and points it straight to their chest.

Still not a reply.

“You’ve needed me, you’ve always had to feel strong and in control. Perhaps it is time I’ve taken your tool away.” Yara snarls as they hold their dagger tight and pulls it closer to them.

Still no response.

Yara glares at the untouched mask as they feel the tip of the dagger poke at their skin.

Not a single word peeps out from their sadistic devil.

Yara with such determined righteous fury and adrenalin pushes the dagger slowly in.

Nothing from the devil.

Yara pushes further, the pain burning at their nerves, their mind telling them to stop, but they push deeper. Blood starts to pour out from the wound, staining the front of their white gown. The winds blow and nip at their sweaty body, causing shivers to crawl through their skin.

The devil doesn’t reply, and Yara pierces through bone. They grind their teeth down, holding back a scream from the pain inflicted by them. The metal scraping through the bone, the terrible crack and snaps as it pierces through further and further.

“I have strength and power! I finally have the bravery to take back control, to take myself back from your wretched claws…” Yara spitefully coughs out, as blood spits out from their lips. The dagger piercing deep enough through that they could the tip of their dagger poking at their racing heart.

The air blows by. The fires roar from the bonfire. Yara holds its stance and stares down at the devil. Their heart racing, their body screaming in agony and the dagger just about close enough to end it all.

If so… then why have me?

The voice comes back. Yet it doesn’t speak in that sweet malicious tone, but gentle and comforting.

Yara stumbles, confused at this reaction, hold their ground and keeps the dagger steady.

Tell me Yara, why do you still have me?

The mask begins to move, the mouth moving by its own volition.

If you had strength, then why call upon me for more?

The flames around the mask start to shift and morph to that of a humanoid body made of the very flames trying to burn it. Standing at the same height as him.

I have given you sanctuary from your insecurities.

The voice didn’t roar back in anger as Yara did, but whispers gently back like a comforting parent.

Comforted you in those terrible lows you suffer with.

It takes a few steps forward, coming closer and closer to Yara.

Gave you everything you ever have and wanted.

They stand a few feet away, Yara almost unexpectedly moves closer to them.

Without me, your truest friend, the only one who ever understood you.

The devil comes closer to Yara, their hot hands gently grasps at his, not burning them, but a warm touch.

I’ve healed your wounds, wiped your tears and gave you all I could.

They slowly pull the dagger out, the pain-numbing away, almost as if healed. Yara feels a sigh of relief escape from them, the pain so much and the aid though unwanted was needed for their wound.

I gave you all you have.

The devil motions with a flaming hand at the villa around them

Your friends, that’s my handiwork.

Your adventures, I’ve supported all the way.

I did all I could for you, and I ask for so little.

Yara feels themselves tremble, tears once again bursting through their eyes. The voice and words were finally so gentle and understanding. It is all they wanted to hear, a smile breaks out from them.

So please my dear Yara, I…

“I forgive you?” Yara pleads gently, cutting in by accident, the emotions just about to burst with them. Hoping to at least hear them apologise for the pains they caused.

Yes my dear Yara, I certainly forgive you.

Yara’s smile collapses at that sentence.

“Forgive me?”

Of course!

The devil comes closer holding at Yara’s shoulders.

I forgive you for this lapse of judgement.

I forgive you in this moment of foolishness.

I forgive you in acting so recklessly.

I’m happy you understand this. Acting so careless with this whole act.

We can be together again, and I truly forgive you for worrying me so.

Yara is speechless, they don’t move.

The devil opens up to them with open arms. Their body in flames ready to accept their embrace.

Come back Yara, it is okay to have felt so callous when I’ve been doing so much for you.

Yara takes a step forward, ready to embrace their devil, their friend.

Finally so glad you’ve come back to…

Before the devil could finish, Yara lunges and stabs at the head of the devil. The monster caught in surprise doesn’t know how to act. However, Yara pushes them back into the fire diving in with them into the bonfire.

They plunge their dagger further to where the hilt meets the monster’s flesh. They carve down, across the devil’s face with every ounce of anger they can muster. Dragging the dagger down with all their strength to the chin of this devil’s face.

The devil screams out in pain, the fire erupts further in a great furious blast.

“To think that I ever had the heart to be close enough to forgive you…” croaks Yara as they pull with one final tug ripping their dagger away from the mask.

The mask destroyed, the flames eat at it at last. Turning the one beautiful mask to ash.

The devil was gone.

The pact has gone.

And the source of Yara’s powers, are gone.

For as the mask is eaten away, the flames of the bonfire, begins to shrink and disappear. Burnt and smoking.

Yara still clutching at their dagger, the wound still bleeds and hurts.

The adrenaline begins to fade, and the pain rises.

In that final push, the fire gave one last lick, leaving Yara with a terrible burn mark.

Yara wobbles, as they take a few steps away from the bonfire.

They feel as if a great weight has been lifted, the pain, the abuse, the torment, all of it gone.

Yara takes one more step, but their legs falter, too tired to take an extra step.

They feel their body just collapse but something catches them.

Someone catches them.

Yara looks to see Pyra above them, who gently holds the weakened Yara.

“Thanks for the save…” coughs Yara, but Pyra simply gently hushes Yara and carries them back in.

Yara watches Curuzil run towards them, worried but relief as they come close.

“Oh thank the saints, you’re still with us,” whispers Curuzil as they hold Yara’s hand.

“I was fine… just need to rest is all…” Yara’s voice was brittle at all they went through.

“Yeah let’s just get Glynis to check on you, she’s getting ready and was worried. Even sobered me up to help out,” Curuzil comments and stop as they notice something about Yara.

“Yara, you’ve got really pretty eyes!” Curuzil smiles as he gives the compliment, switching the topic of the conversation.

“He’s right. Your eyes are like brilliant golden comets, shame it has been kept hidden from us.” Pyra comments, as she looks down to a confused Yara and smiles at them.

They arrive at Glynis’s room who immediately opens up to them. She leads them to her bed, where they place Yara in carefully. No longer with her golden jewellery, wearing a black silky nightgown with golden stitchings with her hair loose and out. She immediately gets to healing Yara’s wounds and burns.

She speaks in a strange tongue, as her hands glow a golden aura to them. The wound stitches up, without pain and the burns recover smoothly. She grabs a wet towel prepared and wipes the blood off Yara’s chest.

The dagger in Yara’s hands goes limp, and Curuzil carefully takes it away. The tool has served its purpose.

“You were brave tonight, Yara. You showed them you had strength in you,” Glynis quietly says as they brush Yara’s hair. Their hair is a curly dark hazelnut brown, as they gently brush a few strands back.

“I did…” Yara says, with a slight tremble to their voice, holding tears back.

“You were Yara, but as well you were hiding such an adorable face under that mask!” remarks Glynis in a sweet quiet tone.

“I never really liked how I looked, I thought you would all feel the same about it.”

“That’s silly Yara, we like yours a lot more than the devil. Your eyes are stunning and even have cute little dimples when you smile.” Glynis gushes over Yara as they gently pat to their cheek. The same one she kissed.

“I was kind of trying to make bets, about what you were underneath the mask. But Glynis kept shooting the idea down, as she said you’ll show us and that you’ll be quite a stunner,” chuckles Curuzil a bit in embarrassment.

“As well, you are a tough warrior, a brave one indeed. With scars like that, you’ve proven to be quite a champion. I’m proud of your strength Yara.” Pyra salutes as they go down and pat at Yara’s shoulder.

“I’m… I ahh… thank you so much… truly thank you.” Yara repeats as they thank them over and over, till tears stream down their eyes, as they break into a full sob.

Their friends come in close and hug them tight. Yara lets it all out, as their heart pours forth the pain and damage that has been held back for so long. Their friends don’t depart and neither step away, but hug tighter and comfort their fallen friend.

The devil vanquished, although that once dark powerful support is gone. A new one, better and brighter support of power has replaced it. For what once was a fearful night, a golden dawn appears, bringing a hopeful light to an adventurous future.

#shortstory #inspiration #creativity #tropics #fantasy #supernatural