Two weeks and a Hangover

[Sophronia]

Sophronia sighed as she looked in the mirror of an old armor shop. What was she to do? After being dismissed she wondered Noria in search of Loki. But she could not find any sign of him. Where could he have gone? She wondered what he was doing... Soon she found herself happening upon the city of Warden, the last place they had seen one another. Barely clothed she wandered into the dusty old armor and weaponry to find suitable clothes. They didn't have much in her size and what they did have made her look like a trallup. Rummaging through another rack of leather and dresses she pulled one out. She pulled the deep aqua dress over her head and tied the leather on the corset till she felt like she couldnt breathe. She turned this way and that, knowing that owner was watching her as well as every other man in the shop. A faint smile touched her lips as her fingers ran over the hand embroidered flowers that ran down the slip of the dress. The corset was tight which made her appear bigger breasted then she was, but she liked it. All she needed now was a cloak to hide her face. She found a pair of tarnish leather boots and matching white fur trimmed hood that she liked. Paying the stunned man for his wears and she pulled the hood on to hide her dark blue hair. She walked out into the busy squarer where more vendors and carts were posted. A chill was in the air but the sun was out and warmed her skin. Her leather boots clicked on the cobble stone as she made her way to a sword smith across the city. The air was full of different smells and fragrances. Fresh baked bread to exotic perfumes. Children played and women gossiped by a fountain while washing their laundry. She stopped and watched as a young man asked a woman for a kiss. The woman smiled and shook her head as she danced out of his reach, but the boy pursued and caught her.
Sophronia smiled sadly and wished for her own normal life, hoping God had plans for her, and that they include a happy ever after.

Soon the sound of hammering ringing around her. Turning away from the couple, Sophronia spotted the sword smith and watch a heavy built man hammering away to a long deadly blade. Slowly she entered the mill and waited till the man noticed her. With a woosh the man dunked the sword into a tub of water. Sophronia made a small cough and the man looked up. Wiping his powerful hands, he frowned, " Woman are not allowed in my shop. What would a woman know what to do with a weapon? " Sophronia frowned, " Even if a woman is willing to pay? Woman should be able to protect themselves and their family just as much as men do. If your unwilling to help me Ill take my business elsewhere. " She turned to leave and heard a rumbling laugh. With a questionable look she turned back to the sword smith who was shaking his head with a smug grin. " whats so funny? " The old man gave her a once over and nodded. " I'll regret this later... What can I do for you miss?" Sophronia smiled and gave a little nod as she pulled a strange box from her bag. " I was hoping you could help me construct me a sword and dagger. I'll pay any price and want it as soon as possible. I hear you can make any sword shape size and caliber. " She pulled out shimmering stones and placed them on the table. With wide eyes the man picked up the stone and turned it over and scraped the surface." By God... pure Delamtima. This very rare metal, unbreakable even, only is found deep in the Earth’s crust. " Turning to her he raised a dark brow, " Where did you get this? " Sophronia shrugged and smiled, " Will it be enough for a sword and dagger? " The smith laughed and nodded, " More than enough I could make ten more with whats in this box. " Closing the box she pushed it toward him, " Keep the extra then as payment for my two. " The sword smith looked dumbfounded and nodded. She explained the type of style and length with him as he wrote down her instructions with great detail.

By the time she left the mill the sun was low in the sky. Sophronia pulled the hood up and leaned against a building tired. She didn't want to feed if she had too and pushed herself to keep walking. After a few minutes she felt like she was being followed. Turning she scanned the crowed...

[Sophronia]

The town was settling down as people were making their way home or to the pubs. No one seemed to stand out or appear to notice her. She walked up a pair of stone stairs and faltered; she grips the stone wall and held her head. She felt dizzy and so tired, her energy spent. She pushed herself up and made her way to the closes Inn; Unaware of the silver haired shadow the stood in a nearby ally.

Sophronia opened the door to her room and found it cramped yet cozy. A tiny oak bed sat in a corner with a small matching table with a lamp. The blanket was freshly washed and was handmade with scraps of vivid colors. A fireplace sat chirping across from the bed. A large window, draped in laced that was fading, displayed the square in its final moments in sunlight. A table with a fresh pitcher of water and basin laid in the middle of the room with two matching chairs. She made her way to the bed, tossing her hood over one of the chairs. Laying down, her body sank into the soft mattress. Slowly she began to drift off into a deep sleep. Unaware of the knight looking up into her bedroom with an evil smirk.

[Sophronia]

Sophronia awoke to sunlight streaming into the window. Slowly she sat up and stretched her arms and yawned. She felt weak and listless as she made her way to the pitch and bowl. When asleep she found a way to sap the reminding hope and will from souls doomed to Hell. Lucifer would be furious if he ever found out she was not only stealing from him but also not killing in his name. She was finished helping him and refused to kill another soul as long as she had a breath in her body. She wanted a normal life, as normal as she could make it. She was striving to make a name for herself in this town in hopes of Loki finding her. If only it were that easy in such a large village. Once she was washed and dressed, she picked up a small shopping basket and made her way to market to find breakfast.

The day was sunny again but a hint of a storm coming was seen far east. The clouds promised either cold rain or snow as a chilling wind rode up and over the city. Pulling her hood up she started down the steps and out into the square. Again everyone was out to sell or running earns. Humming softly Sophronia picked through a few ripe fruits. “ In your house I long to be, room by room patiently, I'll wait for you there, like a stone I'll wait for you there… alone… ” She paid the vendor and moved on down the street with a uncomfortable feeling that someone was watching her. She turned but no one was paying her any attention. She tilted her head and moved on to a jeweler. She handed him a scrap of cloth that was wrapped around a sliver of red glass. Within a few minutes the man handed the glass back attached to a long silver chain. Pass the man a few coins she felt the skin on the back of her neck stand up. Someone was watching her.

Later on while admiring a silk stand, Sophronia kept her senses on high alert. Picking up a red and orange scarf she pulled her hood back and wrapped it around her hair and looked in the mirror. While pretending to arrange her hair, she scouted the glass for people. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a flash of silver. “ Loki… ” She turned and pulled the scarf off, “ Loki! ” Running through the crowd she turned and jumped looking anywhere and everywhere. Running down a back alley and coming up to a darker side of town, she spotted the silver haired man and smiled with tears in her eyes. “ Loki, it’s me! ” Happiness ringing in her voice as she flew through the crowd. She couldn’t believe he was here not five feet away from her. Colliding with his back, she hugged him from behind, “ I missed you so much! I looked all over for you but I was scared that I couldn’t…find…you… ” The man turned his dark blue eyes on her and she backed away from him. “ Oh… I’m so sorry… I thought you were… someone else. ” The man smiled and nodded, “ That’s alright, you may call me anything you like… ” Sophronia blushed and laughed nervously as the man took her hand and kissed it, “ My name is Lieutenant Terres, and who do I have the pleasure of meeting. ” Sophronia took her hand back and smiled, “ Sophronia… ” a feeling of dread crept over her as he smiled down at her. He was tall and dark besides his long silver hair that was pulled up and a military style. He was big but lean. His eyes were deep but she could see the slights glimmer of evil cross over them. Sophronia had a bad feeling about the soldier.

[Sophronia]

Lieutenant Terres was overly friendly with Sophronia which made her feel uneasy and on her guard. She smiled as she looked around and noticed she was turned around and couldn’t recognize where she was. Sensing this he asked, “ Are you lost Ms. Sophronia? I would be happy to take you to your escort? ” Sophronia’s mind raced, what should she say? She could lie, but she had no one waiting on her. Then again she could take care of herself, hopefully without causing a scene. But without knowing where she was she could be wandering for hours till she found her way back. Perhaps she could walk withhim till she found a familiar shop or landmark and find her way back. “ I’m waiting for my husband to return from a journey. I’m sure he would be happy to know that a fine officer is willing to help me back to my Inn. “ Sophronia watched his eyes as they seemed to take in her story and run it through his twisted mind. “ So you’re alone in the city? Well let me be your white knight my lady. “With a sly smile he took her arm and made his way back down the alley. His hand was cold to the touch and made her spine snap straighter. She hoped the trip would be short while and away from the so called solider.
A few minutes passed and the surrounding area still didn’t seem familiar to her. If anything the streets seemed to get darker and dangerous with each turn. Soon they came up to a large noisy pub that looked more like a Hell hole then a bar. Terres pulled her toward the building, but she stopped him short. “ This isn’t my Inn… “With a dark smirk he answered, “ I know… “He again pulled her along but she used his momentum to knee him in the stomach. He let out a groan but didn’t let go of his bruising grip. She was about to kick him again but was shoved forcefully into the grimy brick wall behind her. Her head bounced off the uneven slab as a shot of pain webbed over her skull a she felt her body fall to the wet stone gravel roughly. She fought to stay awake, to focus on the villain who hit her. But she could only see dark shapes then saw patches of black and was out cold in a few seconds later. Her last thought was of Loki and how he held her under the shade of the white cherry blossom tree.

A few hours later Sophronia woke up, a throbbing headache at the back of her head. Moaning, she slowly cracked open her eyes but closed then when the room tilted and span, making the throbbing in her head that much worse. She took a few deep breaths and tried again. The lights were low and the air was thick with incense that made it hard to breathe. Soon colors and shapes started to appear. Women were crowded around in a small group. Some looked scared, others looked broken. Slowly she sat up and touched the back of her head to a large lump. She then noticed the chain around her ankle and bars that surrounded the room. She was locked like some animal in a cage. Confused she tried to recall what had happened. Rage built up inside her as a curtain was pulled back and a room full of men peered inside at them. Sophronia gripped the bars as her amber eyes started to frost over into a deep blue. Slowly she could feel the metal bending beneath her fingers. Then a shadow fell upon her as large man pulled her closer to the edge of the cage. He was an ugly creature, as he pawed at her soft flesh with his filthy hands. Sophiaronia cringed as he licked his lips, “What a pretty pet, come sing to me…” The foul odour of his breathe made her gag and stomach roll. Then his touching grew bolder as he creased her chest but with quick reflexes she snapped the man’s wrist and pulled his arm out of its socket. “ Keep your filthy hands off me… ” The man screamed and tried to pull his arm out. Over his shoulder she saw a flash of silver and she pulled harder tearing his muscles in two. Lieutenant Terres was smirking at her from the bar, small towers of coins sat beside him as he raised his glass in slut to her. It suddenly hit her; he had sold her to a slave trade. She was trapped.

[Sophronia]

Sophia released the man’s arm as he stumbled back grasping his broken limb with tender care and tears in his bloodshot eyes. She didnt even see him scurry away but kept her gaze on the one man who pawned her off to this whorehouse of horrors. The noise around her seemed to fade away, as the fury brewed inside her, ready to bubble over. Her eyes were cuts of frozen ice and the air seemed to drop to an icy chill as white fog began to seep in around the pub. Her skin started to prickle as frost began to climb to bars around her hand. Men shouted, "Witch!" and moved back, the women in the cage were now screeching with fear and scurried away from her, their chains rattling and pulling on her own. Lieutenant Terres froze and dropped his cup, the amber ale splashing to the ground, freezing on contact. The disbelieve on his face made a corner of Sophia's mouth turn up, did just now realize what he had done?

Too Late.

Sophia pulled gently on the cage bars between her palms and herd the satisfying snapping of metal giving way. Those around her started to run, no fools to what she was doing and not wanting to stick around to see what she would do once she was free. Lieutenant Terres was one of those who sought a fast escape but Sophia would not have her prey flee so quickly. The fog grew thicker and men scavenged to find an exit as they pushed and shoved one another out of the way. Eyes of cold topaz she pushed the cage door back and watched it fly through the air and into the path of the lieutenant. Screams of agony and fear echoed around her as she slowly stepped out of the iron cage. The chain around her ankle was rusted with ice and fell away like snake skin as she moved further into the white fog. She could see clearly as the others could not, they took up weapons and hunted for the door. Fights broke out and chaos reigned around her. She could hear pleas for help, prayers to gods, and even the sobbing of grown men. One had found a window and was desperately trying to pry the bars loose but to no avail. She strolled pass them, her sights on the man trapped beneath the cage door.

Once she was before him she let the fog around them clear so he could see her clearly, the Angel of Death. He was a tangled mess, laying under the twisted remains of iron like a broken toy solider. His face streaked of his own crimson blood, as deep gash above his eye made him squint as he peered up at her. Puffs of warm air crossed his blue lips as he moaned in agony. Dust and planks of wood littered around him as the once intact bar folded around him. His leg was at a very inhuman like angle, and she was very temped to push it further to cause more suffering. But she held fast and glared down at him. It was a miracle the heavy door didn’t kill him but perhaps the fact that Sopia held the man’s soul in her command made him, lucky. The temperature dropping to an unbearable cold but didn’t seem to cross over to the officer or his executioner.
Soon voices grew silent and movement unheard in the large room. The pub was a void of life but the tow them. She could feel the souls of the dead around her and breathed in the need to feed. She closed her eyes and hung her head back as she drew in the new life around her. As the first spirit entered her a spark inside of her lit inside her till it grew brighter and brighter. The power she felt was wonderful and pure bliss. Her veins were on fire and her power grew to a higher level that made her feel invincible. She hadn’t felt this way since Loki… Her breath hitched and tears sprang into her eyes. The image of Loki’s stolen kiss made her heart stop. The loneliness returned tenfold and the rapture she was feeling faded into a fizzle.

As the last of the souls disappeared Sophia tilted her head down to Terres, unsure what to do with him. The fog swirled around her catching her hair and made her look enchanting and angelical. Terres seemed caught off guard, what was this woman? How could she hold so much power? He stared into the glacial depths of her eyes and saw a flash of holiness move through her. Like a ice water being poured over him, Terres soon found his balls and glared back at her, "Well demon! Be done with it! Kill me!" Sophia smiled and bowed closer to him, her voice was soft and smooth like new ice, "You never asked who my husband was..." Terres snarled at her, "Lucifer himself would be the only man to warm your sheets you bitch...." Sophia had to smile at the insult and let a tinkle of a laugh escape her. Terres didnt know if he had just added another nail to his coffin but bit his tongue till she continued. Sophia smiled and shook her head, "No, you feeble minded fool. Lucifer wouldnt dare look my way in fear of my husband. Have you ever heard of the Demon Lord Loki..." Sophia watched as Terres' eyes unfocused and sheer terror shook his body, "The one of legends..." he asked in a small voice. Sophia nodded and stroked at her teardrop pendent around her neck, the warmth inside soothing her. "Yes, I will not kill you, but know this. My husband, will learn of what you done to me this day. He will decide your untimely demise... Even in death he will find you. He will hunt you down, drag you to Hell, and show you what true torture is like..." She watched as he shook his head and begged for forgiveness, for a merciful death for his ignorance for not knowing who she was and who held her affection. She listened for a few moments more, wondering if he truly meant his words but soon found them empty as his heart. Turning away she stepped back into the mist as it swallowed her into its milky depths. As soon as it came the fog dispersed, leaving behind the many cold dead remains and one who wished he had died with the rest of them.

[Sophronia]

The village was cloaked in silence as Sophia walked through the alleyways her pace slow and tranquil like snow falling. The only sound was the crunch of frost with each step she took, a trail of ice following behind her, like a bridal vile. The moon was full and haloed her as she continued on her path toward the center of town. Her face was serene and pale, eyes a vivid blue as they looked straight ahead. A chill had descended the town, seeping into the cracks and keyholes, turning fireplaces into ambers. The air was thick with cold, stealing the breath from any warm body. Frost had vined its self over the streets and up buildings and over rooftops. Like a tile wave her power washed over the tiny village in seconds, leaving no one safe. She turned a corner and the town center was before her. The moon was hung low and seemed to stare at her as she approached the bubbling fountain. It flinched as she came closer and soon sharpened into jagged edges of ice that woven into different directions. Sophia’s head raised as she stopped and turned her head up to the glassy fixture in the night sky.

Sophia stood for a moment, a battle wilding inside her. She was drowning in icy flames form the inside of her mind and she had no way of putting them out. She was so tired, she felt the hold she had on herself slipping. Why did she even bother holding on? Why did she even try to be normal? No one saw her as a normal girl. She remembered the stares and the whispers in every town and village she passed through. She couldn’t find Loki, no one had ever saw him or wanted to for that matter. But still the hope of seeing him again fueled her to keep going. But what if, what if he didn’t want to see her again? Perhaps he found someone else to give his love too. The thought nearly shattered her. She buckled to her knees, holding her head in pain. No, no, no, no… But yes, he could have moved on, had a wife, a family without her. A cry escaped her, like cracking glass, it rocked the earth beneath her sending shards of ice impaling her surroundings with a deadly force. Her whole body shook then, the pendent sailing back and forth with each shuttered cry. Drops of blood trickled to the snow covered ground. She stared at the tiny jewel with bloodstained eyes, questions of what she would do next mocked her. So tired.

Sophia looked back up at the moon and a whisper of a thought came to her. Why hadn’t she thought of it before? Must fight it, take control… Heaven. She would take over Heaven. She would sit on the golden throne and rule. Lucifer wouldn’t be able to touch her there, she could find Loki, and she could see all that had happened. Did she want to find Loki now? The ache she had for him was painful but it was slowly turning into a dull sting. She laid a hand over her chest and found the skin there cold, not a single beat stirred inside her breast. Had her heart frozen over. Was she completely cold to the world now? Her mind was blank as if she had snuffed out all warm thoughts of love and passion. She removed the pendent from around her neck and stared at it for a long moment, willing the feelings that it use to bring her back to the surface. Nothing. She dropped the pendent onto an outstretched piece of ice from the fountain like an ornament. She didn’t give it a second glance as she outstretched her hands toward the black smith’s hut. With a crash the sword and dagger that the man had made that day soared toward her. She caught each by the hilt and looked at the reflection of the blade, her glowing blue eyes stared back at her, soulless and cold. A flutter of white spread behind her as feathers welted to the snow covered ground. Dagger and sword in hand she arched her gleaming wings and lifted off the ground her sight set on the doorway to Heaven.

[Sophronia]

Sophronia landed swiftly at the entrance of Heaven. The quite and cold wrapped around her like an impenetrable armor that she wore with pride. The heart she once wore on her shelve was now guarded and protected from silly notions of a happily ever after. Her sharp eyes stared down the gold bars that locked her out of the only home she had ever known. A figure stood between her and the throne she knew would show her her future and decided if it had been worth all those years of searching and fighting to keep hope lit in her breast. Alice watched her with sad eyes as if she knew the next breath would be her last. "Sofie..." The nickname didn't rock her as she raised her blade and took the first step toward her damnation. A burst of fire nearly blinded her as their blades cracked together sending shock waves that could set be felt for years to come. "Sophie no, this is not the way..." Sophronia let out a fierce cry and pushed against her blade and jumped back, anger and rage boiling deep in her soul. Alice only looked on as the once angel struck over and over again only to fail and fall to her knees. Sweat dripped down her body as her blade dropped into the mist that swirled about them. Alice looked on at her broken and beaten friend. "What trails have befallen you, my dear Sophie, that you would raise your blade to the good Lord?" She gritted her teeth knowing the angel already knew her answer and just wanted her to admit to her sins. "You want to know where he is dont you...." Sophia didnt let the angel bait her and slowly rose to her feet. Alice watched her, "He didnt wait for you... you put your faith in a demon and he tossed you aside..." Sophia's fisted clenched. Alice couldn't lie in wasnt her nature to do so, the truth was bittersweet, but at least she knew. She wasnt meant to love. It was just something she coudlnt possess like others. She would always be the one to watch the warm emotions pass between two people through cold glass for the rest of her life. Her whole body felt dull and empty. So what was her purpose now... She couldnt go back to Earth with the knowledge she was wanted by no one. Alice took a step toward her but she bearly noticed the movement. "I can give you a second chance, Sophie... A new life, you have carried so many sins in this one that even God see's your scars and wishes to heal you. You can start again, live, fond new love and enjoy the glory of God with a new set of eyes." Sophia looked up in shock at what the angel was telling her. To start again? To be free of all her burdens of Hell and Heaven? "You will not know your past life, you would have to give up your memories of everything that had happened since you first set foot in Heaven. You will be anew, yours sins washed away...." "Everything..." she whispered, "I would forget... everything?" Alice nodded solemnly. Sophia took a few unsettling breaths, unsure if she was ready to answer and find it was all a cruel joke. Was she willing to give up her memories for new ones?