the glass ángel

17. the oricals

I felt my nerves spike as i walked into the almost crumbling building with Oliver. It was open at the top but vines and moss grew on the walls, the building was not aging gracefully.

"We're almost there, do not worry." He said softly while giving a soft squeeze to my hand. "I'm just nervous, what will they think of me?" I thought aloud. Oliver didn't respond but he gave a nod in understanding. His thumb slowly traced over my hand comfortingly and i felt my body heat up.

A booming voice rang out in the empty building "Olevarus." I turned my head to be greeted with another rock man, but this one looked different. His features were quite defined and his body sported soft green moss and sharp baby blue crystals sat atop his head.

"My son, how are you?" The rock man chuckled and made his way towards us. Son? Oliver slowly let go of my hand and embraced the man.

"Who is this, Olevarus?" He asked while staring at me quizzically. "This is Delilah, she is the reason i requested a meeting." The man smiled and bowed.

"Hello child, my name is Austras. I am the Land God." My eyes widened. A god stood before me, i was quite shocked.

"H-hello." I muttered out, turning my body to be slightly behind Oliver. The man let out a soft chuckle and turned around. "Come, everyone is here."

We walked a bit further down the hallway, i looked up at the sky, it was dark, almost black. But it was lit by bright orange and blue stars. The most amazing thing was the moon, there are three. The smallest one sat almost on top of another, and the largest was on the left side a bit far away.

I turned my attention away from the sky and into the room we entered. There were four throne like chairs on the opposite side and a short stone round table. On the side facing the door were two less detailed chairs.

Three other regal looking creatures sat on the chairs, Austras then joined them.

"My son, why do you sport such appearance?" One of the woman asked. Her skin, a glowing olive tone and her long black hair appeared wet and almost silk like. The bottom half of her body was made up of long greenish tentacles. Her throne was different than the others as well, a pool of unnatural looking water sat around the mossy chair. Her tentacles rested in the dark blue water as she sat regally atop her throne.

She looked intimidating. Her interest detailed as her sharp gaze turned to me and back at Oliver. "Oh? And who is this." She mused with a smile playing on her lips, as if she already knew what was going on.

The oricals looked quite young and practically perfect. I thought they would be some old grumpy elders. I smiled lightly trying to not look so tense.

The regal woman with black hair spoke to me, I was quite taken back.
"My love, i am as old as time itself. I am merely  a god in a physical form."

"How did you know what i was thinking?" I wasn't very shocked, I've been around creatures with special powers before.

"It's one of my gifts," she adjusted herself and her tentacles flicked making a suction noise, "My name is Ahti, young one."

"My gods, this is Delilah. She-" The man with dark skin and molten rock littering his body raised his clawed hand, "Oleverus, let the child speak for herself." I gulped and Oliver gave me an encouraging nudge.

"Wait," The blue bird-like woman said melodically. "My son why do you wear such appearance, where is your tail? And your rocks? Do you dislike your features?" She asked.

"No, Kinnara. I not want to frighten Delilah. She does not look like any creature on Lotus, so i altered mine to sooth her emotions." He spoke with confidence and sincerity.

"Well, revert. She must know what your natural form is. There is no sense in hiding! This is your kingdom, she must learn." Austras boomed. I shrunk down slightly at his assertive tone. Oliver looked conflicted as he gazed down at me.

"Oh goddess," Ahti spoke. "I shall assist you in your choice." She raised her hand and water formed out of thin air. The water droplets sped towards Oliver, and before he could react they absorbed into his skin.

I took a step back as Oliver's face contorted in pain. His wings expanded out and he clenched his fists. His dark wings sharpened and turned a reddish tone. Dark molten rock sprouted from his tan skin covering his hands, shoulders, neck, and peppered his face. His palms turned an orange color as he continued to clench them. Atop his head, his horns elongated and curled.

His most shocking feature was the fat tail that emerged from his back and the gills that now sat on his neck. The tail resembled a crocodile's with the rough groves atop its dark green surface and a smooth tan color on its underside. Lastly, his curly blue hair elongated and lightened to a baby blue almost white color. His loose bun fell and his beautiful coils curled around his face.

My breath hitched. Was it possible for someone so godlike to become even more gorgeous? He was unique, as was every creature on this land. But i know he's something special.

"O-oliver," i stuttered slightly. I could tell his pain had subsided but he hung his head low. "It's alright." His head turned to gaze at me, he looked nervous.

"There, my child. There is nothing to fear." Ahti spoke softly, understanding he was a bit taken back. Oliver turned his gaze to her and nodded his head. His wings retracted and laid softly on his back while he attempted to calm his mop of curls.

I walked closer to him and i could see his body stiffen. I slipped my hand into his and gave it a light squeeze. "Let's sit." I whispered.

We took a seat on the cold aging chairs and waited for the oricals to speak.

"Tell me, Delilah. What is your purpose on our land?"