Sacrifice

After leaving his creator Zephyr found himself in the eastern lands. It was the area most suitable to him, with mountains that reached their peak and stretched out into the heavens. The humans there created temples to worship him and were peaceful creatures. He watched over them, never showing himself to them, but protecting them never the less. He had not known that it was here the Dark God Nigel had traveled first. It was not until he found the body of a young boy with his throat slashed that he understood. These humans thought that sacrificing their young to him would protect them. He waited until the season's changed to reveal himself to two monks. The two monks dressed in plain white robes. They were thin from fasting and as their customs held they shaved their head bald. They had pale skin and slanted eyes. With them was a young girl, a halfling with long black hair that stopped at the small of her back. Her eyes were also slanted and smokey gray. Her nose was small and thin and her lips full and pink. Zephyr came upon them just as they placed a long curved knife to her throat, and commanded they stopped. They stood frozen before the man with long white hair and white eyes. The girl was the first to kneel before him and the two men followed suit.

"I am here to be your sacrifice air god." She said bitterly.

Zephyr regarded her with interest before responding, "I do not recall asking for a sacrifice in blood."

All three looked at him in shock before one of the monks said, "Our leader, he said you sent him a vision. That only the blood of those tainted with the others would appease you."

Zephyr took in his words for a moment and the girl added, "Surely you want some form of payment for protecting us? Is that not the way of the Gods?"

"Take me to your leader." Zephyr said finally.

The monks nodded trembling. Only the girl remained calm regarding Zephyr with interest and curiosity.

They traveled down the mountain to the large village where the leader and his advisors met them. They were shocked at Zephyr's presence. Immediately bowing to him. Frightened that their sacrifice was unsatisfactory to him.

"Why did you lie to your people?" He asked the leader.

The leader was a tall heavyset man with short black hair and slanted chocolate brown eyes. He too wore a white robe that was decorated with gold stitchings. He frowned at the god.

"I speak no lies, you came to me in a vision. I was simply..."

"Are you certain it was me that came to you? I would never request blood as a sacrifice." Zephyr looked at the man as the wind softly began to blow around them. His eyes became stormy gray. "Tell me human who ordered you go cause such useless bloodshed?"

The leader looked at his advisors who had not moved from their bowing position. He gulped, "He said...."

"Who?"

"They do not speak his name for fear that he will return and plague these lands with his darkness." The halfling girl spoke. "The dark god commanded this of these weak minded men. He said to offer you the blood of offspring of those who dare copulate with the others."

Zephyr was silent as he processed her words. He and the other dragons helped Lucinda seal Nigel away and yet his influence was still felt. He could smell the monks fear as the trembled before them. He looked at the halfling girl.

"What is your name?" He asked softly.

She hesitated before lifting her head to meet his eyes. "Celaeno."

"Celaeno..." he repeated softly, before turning his attention back to the monks. "I will only ask of the blood of those who disobey me. The dark god is gone and cannot cause you harm. You may rise and relay this message to your people."

The monks rose and the leader went to grab Celaeno. Quicker than they saw Zephyr had his wrist.

"You were willing to spill her blood, I will keep this one." Zephyr said calmly. His eyes had returned to their normal snow white color. Yet his expression dared the man to protest.

The leader then nodded his head. Zephyr released his hold and the leader along with his advisors and monks fled quickly, out of fear that if they remained their presence would cause him anger.

"And what is it that you wish to do with me?" Celaeno asked.

Zephyr raised a brow at her, "I need to visit the others. When I first arrived I felt great tension between them and the humans. I figured you would much rather be my guide." At her relieved expression he looked at her in amusement. "Why what is it that you thought I was keeping you for?"

Celaeno blushed, "Oh nothing."

His smiled widened as he stood directly in front of her. "Nothing causes you to blush?"

"I heard stories of the dark god taking women 'companions.' Since you wished me to remain with you..." Her blush deepened as she tried to look at anything but him.

His smile softened, "I would never touch you in that way." Once again she felt relief at his words. "Unless of course you want me to." He winked and turned to walk away pausing only to look over his shoulder and ask, "You are coming with me are you not?"

She hesitated as he began walking again. She knew going with him would interesting if anything, and something always told her she never really belonged with the humans. Sighing she ran behind him until she caught up, falling into step with him.