Blackpool - III

How long had it been since someone had offered to do my hair? I couldn't say. Mother had stopped after the age of seven, and father at nine. It had been so long.

"You must have been blessed by the Goddess of Beauty, Aphrodite herself," Tessa praised. While I sat between her legs, she braided my hair to the left side, leaving some waves near the base of my neck.

I feel like a kid again. Father had always said the same thing.

"Thank you,"

"No need for thanks, darling. Merely stating a fact. Compared to all those nobles I'm around, you appear by far the fairest of them all." She said, nodding at her handy work, with a smile. " So, will you be looking for your temple? Rel told me you are a seeker."

"Temple?" I repeated, a little unsure.

"I'm a maid in Crimson Ward, " Tessa pointed out, and a gleam of surprise slipped through my heart. Crimson Ward was where the elite within Blackpool resided. A single house there was said to allow anyone to settle pretty much anywhere in Arcadia.

"That's quite an achievement."

"Not really, darling. Those elites need servants, and I was lucky enough to fill a role. Even luckier to be in service of a lady." Her brow lifted, " I know a few things regarding Seekers, and each of them belongs to one of the many Temples of the Gods."

"Like Tyr?" I said, having heard Relvor praise his name a few times.

"Exactly, Tyr God of Justice, War, and order. It's who we both worship. But there is so much more. The big sevens are Selene, the Goddess of the Moon. Tyr, God of Justice. Njǫrd, God of Wind, riches, and the seas. Hermes, the Herald God; and—"

Hearing Tessa ramble on about the Gods, I couldn't help but be amazed as it went far past the many gods, ranging from the purest of Gods to some of the darker ones who hid in the underbelly of Blackpool. One such as Mephistopheles, Lord of the Eight layers of the Hells. His temple was but one of the darkest, hidden in such secrecy that even Tessa had to overhear its name spoken by her lady.

Mephisto, The Lord of Trickery. Uncle Zariel had spoken of him. Nothing pleasing, although he did say he was a friend but one never to be trusted, not entirely anyway. His sigil was one of a snake eating its tail, Ouroboros.

Blackpool scared me. This place wasn't a good place to start off; I was far too weak and vulnerable to be taken likely.

My stomach dipped at all that could go wrong, and a strained sigh left me. "it's dangerous here."

"far from it, Darling," She said, finishing up on my hair." I suppose there is a single truth in Blackpool, and it's that money is king. No one cares for your religion, no one. So long as it doesn't interfere with the flow of trade." She rosed, with a kind smile, " Done, care to take a loo—" Tessa paused, drawing my attention, " Shit, I'm late! Tell Rel I'll be back a little early today!"

Bolting through the door, Tessa vanished from my sight.

"Always in a rush," Relvor said, stepping out with a sleeping child in his hands, arms tightly bound to his chest, as his soft breathing sounded. " I made you some clothing. You can't go around dressed like how you were. They're nothing great, but they will hide your identity as a Seeker. At least until you find your temple. The upcoming rites will be taking place in a few days to introduce the next generation into adulthood to be offered to the Gods." His gaze hardened, and he gently rested Tomas down where Tessa and I had been seated. "You ought to be careful, Izalith. Not for who you are, but rather your age—the Rite isn't optional. If you are in Blackpool, you are required by law to participate."

"That's rather invasive. Why?" I blurted out.

"I'm but a simple blacksmith, dear. I don't know. But everyone below the age of sixteen must attend, even little Tomas here. Albeit in a different category from the older kids such as yourself." He informed, shaking his head. "Follow me; let's get you some clothes."

—

Running my finger down the sweetheart neckline of the leather chestguard while staring at a steel armguard leading down to a pair of silver vambraces that almost reminded me of Wander-Woman. To the leather leggings and boots, all hidden behind a simple black cloak that hid my features.

Ogling myself through the mirror, I nodded with a hint of achievement in my heart. I had never been one to care for appearance, but looking at myself, I felt rather prideful. It felt like I was about to go larping.

Walking out of Tomas's room and towards the forge connected to the main house, I turned to Relvor, gripping a large hammer.

"By the Hells! They fit! Damn, I'm good." Relvor praised, dropping his hammer over the forge. "How do they feel? To tight? I had to guess I'm not the best tailor."

They were tight, but Relvor had granted me way too much. Way too much.

Such kindness was rarely found towards a stranger.

"There, perfect!" I hastily voiced, waving my hands as he approached.

The Blacksmith chuckled. "Silly lass. Good to hear. They were Tessa's in our days of adventure." His gaze skimmed over me for a moment, landing on my mask. "You need to be careful and watch out for Djinns."

"Djinn?" I repeated, intrigued by the name.

He nodded, releasing a sigh. " Slavers. The Djinn are a type of spiritual race. They are powerful Elementalist and warriors. Capable of flight at birth. They run the slave trade in Blackpool. You should be OK with your mask and cloak, but I suggest you don't remove either. Killing or violence is forbidden, and not even the Djinns are willing to break the rules, but outside, the city is another story."

I nodded, although I was a little interested in these Djinns. It's not every day you get to see a spirit. However, I am more interested in a Trent.

I want a Baby Groot. Or a panda! Pandas are life! They are so fluffy. I just wanna—

"Your smiling," The Blacksmith pointed out. He chuckled. "You should get going."

I bowed, "I will repay what you have given me." I solemnly promised.

"Darling, I didn't help you to gain anything. People in the southern ward are willing to feed those that have less. We help each other out. Just take care of yourself." He said, and my eyes widened at his words.

I placed a smile on my face, and my bow deepened.