Godly Scars: Alternate AU
[Part one was about Solaris and establishing him but…what was Mamu, Kallamar and the Polycule doing during? Well let’s see, this was so much fun cause I like the idea of what Mamu is like behind closed doors with the poly. @whysoblue2 i hope you enjoy Kallamar’s pov near the end hehe it was fun to write.]
The new temple is truly a sight, construction finishing on time, marble columns carved with flawless precision. Curtains draping over open windows casting pearl shadows along the floors, this was a beauiful sight. Truly a masterpiece in architecture, those who stepped in..it felt less like a temple and more of a palace dedicated to worship.
Of course it always attracted the unsavory types, thieves were not that uncommon but to pull a theft in broad daylight was either gutsy or just plain idiocy. For this crab, it was just idiocy…plus obsession with the Bishop of Pestilence. The crab had stolen a figurine of the Bishop, carved marble and crystal with gold decals. He had stolen many things and could always loose the guards but today…luck was not on his side, of all days the ‘priestess’ had to be visiting and currently was chasing him down with a stride that made apex predators run for cover.
The thief tried everything to slow the priestess down, toppling over stalls, jumping over vendors, hell even leaping off of boats in nearby canals. But nothing slowed the priestess, before long the thief; desperate to escape tried one last move, he flung himself on to a boat bound for the other side of the nearby river…but all that running depleted his stregnth and he fell short, only the figurine made it on the boat while he landed in the water….
And the priestess landing perfectly on top of him, with a well placed slam.
“Sir, the thief has been apprehended and is currently being taken to the stockades as we speak. The stolen effigy has been reinstated in its proper place.”
Astaroth listened, though two eyes were fixed on a scroll his third eye was on the head guard. “And who captured them?”
The guard replied without missing a beat. “The head priestess sir, she had taken the capture of the thief upon herself. Currently she is-“ Astaroth held up a hand to the guard. “I’m well aware of her actions and location right now, return to the stockade and inform me of the thief’s condition. I want him somewhat alive for a proper punishment.”
“Yessir!” The guard saluted and marched off, well at least he was obedient upfront. Most soldiers would hold a sneer when the priestess was mentioned, though that was always with the recruits. The salted veterans of the soldiers/guards always showed respect not just to the priestess but to the spouses of Kallamar. But out of them Astaroth held the highest form of recognition and respect among the soldiers, setting the scroll aside he proceeded back to the private bed chamber. He had to prepare for the gathering tonight, elite socialites and wealthy merchants with their families in toe to set on arriving. All of them wishing to elicits favor from his beloved. He pushed the doors to the shared bed chamber and with a swift practice motion closed them again, he had to get ready.
The moment the door clicked shut he heard the rustle of fabrics and the tell tale sound of a certain diva’s whine. “Oh this just won’t do! This color just looks so garish on me!”
“Oh my sweet I know, don’t you worry your beautiful little head. Daddy will take care of everything~” Astaroth couldn’t stop all three eyes from rolling, he proceeded to the dressing room where Harborym was standing on a small stool looking at themselves in a silk shawl in the panoramic mirrors. Turning their body side to side to get a better look all around, Kallamar close by going through a closet to pick out another shawl. Saleos and Baalzebub were already there going through their own closets for an ensemble, Astaroth made his way to his own section. He would keep it simple, he had a specific uniform for such occasions.
From his peripheral he spotted Saleos about to move towards him, of course the bastard had to needle him. However a knock made him pause, the door opened slightly…and a wet dripping figure slid in and closed the door. “Everyone! I’m home!”
“What in the seven hells happened, child?!” Squawked Saleos, Mamu walked up; discarding her drenched robe in a hamper nearby. “Crab, cake, I mean not a crabcake but Crab and cake…and ocean too!” She listed off as she entered closet, once inside tossing her soaked undergarments as well.
Saleos grumbled. “That doesn’t explain a damn thing.” Astaroth waved a hand at Saleos. “She was chasing a thief who tried pilfering a figurine from the new temple, tried slowing her down by throwing various things at her from stalls. It ended when he tried jumping onto a passing ship, landed in the ocean instead and she jumped on top of him…half drowned him before he was taken away.”
“Such a waste of good cake too, it was chocolate!” Mamu called from the closet, rustling of cloths and frustrated huffs. “Has anyone seen my Lilly flower dress?”
Harborym answered. “Recovering from the last time you wore it!” A slipper flew from her closet, landing near Saleos’ lower tendrils and Astaroth’s feet. “Oh right! That was a fun night!”
“Child! Do not make a mess!” Astaroth barked, he gave a sigh as he turned to smooth out a uniform, the curtains to the closet opened and Mamu twirled out in an outfit….that left NOTHING to the imagination. “Ooh how about this lil’ number huh?” There was a short pause before a unified answer came from all in the room, even Kallamar.
Mamu turned with mock surprise before looking at the outfit and turned back with a playful smile. “You’re right, doesn’t show enough butt!” A with that she disappeared back into the closet before the outfit was also tossed into the hamper, Baali shook her head but a chuckle came from her lips. Haborym, however couldn’t help but start giggling. “Where did she get that thing anyway?!” They asked, of course they knew…they all knew where that outfit came from and what she used it for.
Kallamar smiled but gave a tired sigh as he turned to hold a shawl up to Harboyrm, had to make sure it looked just right. His concentration was broken when he heard a snort from Mamu’s closet. “Ooh my gosh, my lord how about this!?”
Kallamar looked up, he let out a squawk and backed up. “OH for the love of- I THOUGHT I BURNED THAT DAMN THING!”
Everyone turned and each had a look of either surprise, confusion or disgust…for Astaroth it was all three. The dress was a horribly large prune colored outfit with crystals sewed into the ends, sleeves and shoulders were puffed up more than fresh cotton and the skirt was both ruffled and cinched giving the hips and rear end an unnaturally large volume.
“Oh, my, my, my…hips over here, hips over there and- whoops pardon my behind young man didn’t mean to knock you over!” Mamu walked over, swaying one hip to the side then the other before playfully pushing Saleos with the backend of the dress. He didn’t fall but didn’t stop him from pushing back a little. “Where in hell did that thing come from?!” He growled with a smile.
“Thats what I wanna know!” Mamu laughed turning to Kallamar who walked over, a hand over his eyes. “It was a gift from some random noble, get that thing off we are burning it!”
“Before you do let me at least get the crystals off this thing, their premium seashell color.” She laughed as he gently turned her back to her closet, a gentle nudge and she was back to choosing an outfit, this time getting serious. “Will this be a formal event or casual?”
“Its a meeting of all who wish to attend, artist, nobles that sort dear.” Kallamar sighed, he examined the shawl in his hands…no won’t do, Harboyrm should be wearing something nicer than seashell green. Maybe that lovely pearl vest with-
“My lord, what color will you be wearing?” Kallamar blinked, turning back to the closet, Mamu’s head sticking out looking up at him. “Color- OH I’ll be wearing that new silk toga, that lovely ‘blue lagoon’ one.”
“Okay…I’ll need a dark color to make it stand out…I got just the one!” Her head disappeared behind the cloth curtains of her closet, Kallamar tilted his head. What did his little priestess have in mind?
He knelt down just a tad, faintly hearing the soft tingling of metal from inside. Kallamar scooted back after hearing her footsteps draw close followed by Mamu’s voice. “Ok my lord, what do you think?” The curtains gently parted back, she stepped out, wearing a color born from the ocean itself. The ensemble was the a two piece, pants with a flared skirt around the back, her midsection showed but her chest was covered with the same color but hemmed with silver coins, white crystals studding along the ends of the lands hem while the top was tied up in the back with long tasseled ribbons of the same color. Silver bangles adorned her arms and a beautiful veil headdress adorned her head.
Kallamar blinked, eyes growing wide as he knelt down to examine the color. “Child! Where did you get such a beautiful fabric, this color is just magnificent!” Well that got everyone’s attention, even Astaroth had to pause and marvel at the color. ”Remember that outfit you had commissioned before, the beautiful multi-blue attire for the grand ceremony of Anchordeep? Well there was some spare fabric left over, instead of throwing it away I made this. Along with some other things I saved from other projects, think it’s ok?”
“Make me one!” Haborym squealed as they rushed over, hands tracing the fabric. “Oh, a dress in this would be just perfect, or-or a-“
“A open back gown with white crystals sewed in?! That would look amazing, you’d look like the setting sun and the rise of a beautiful night sky!”
The sound of Astaroth clearing his throat brought everyone back to the present, Saleos and Baali were just staring as Astaroth approached and examined Mamu up and down. Closing his eyes he gave a curt nod of approval to her. In return she gave a polite graceful curtesy, this seemed to break Saleos out of his trance.
“Child do you have to do that for him?” He grumbled, Mamu smiled and turned to Saleos. “Yes, as a matter a fact papa Saleos I do. Father Astaroth deserves his respect as much as you do.~” Those never ceased to make Kallamar smile wider than the largest trench when hearing her call his two favorite jellyfish by those titles!
The carriage ride to the temple was smooth, Harborym taking a special place in Kallamar’s lap being. Being cooed over by the bishop of pestilence. Everyone minus Mamu was glaring, she was busy staring outside at the passing shops, vendors and people lining the streets to the temple. This was prime selling time for these merchants, those from Darkwood would be around so a chance to have new customer and such. Mamu started to count how many Darkwoodian souls came, so far she was up to twenty before reaching the temple.
There was no sign of Lord Leshy yet, in Mamu’s mind that was a blessing. She didn’t mind Leshy, she respected him but…she wasn’t happy to deal with his disciples. Agares being the one she disliked the most, his constant digs at Astaroth always made her fur stand on end….worst yet was when he got drunk and started making moves on others. One time on her but she returned the favor in private with a sobering slap across the face. She recalled other Witnesses, Bathin was ok, not her cup of tea though ….then….there was Allocer…the Witness that made her both revolt and shudder in unison.
They terrified her since childhood but in adult hood that terror turned into fuel for her hatred of them, how that came to be…remained her secret and her’s alone. She shook her head, trying to return to the happier thoughts. The food vendors, the merchants selling rare gems from deep in the caves of the Silkcradle, above all…the dancing! Lord Kallamar had given his blessing for her to perform the welcoming dance this time, normally it would be Baalzebub but she graciously stepped down for the night. In her words it would ‘save me the energy to dance with you godling~’. Soon the carriage came to a slow stop before the temple, guards came out and opened the carriage doors. With deep reluctance Harborym slid down, allowing Kallamar to step down first, then Astaroth followed by Saleos, then Baalzebub and lastly Harborym and Mamu.
It always followed that order, sometimes Harborym complained about it but they were placated by cuddles later. In a perfect line they all strode forward into the temple, Mamu hung back a few steps. She saw the crowds inside take a deep bow when Kallamar entered, what a sight! All of them falling to their knee’s in respect and admiration, soon enough he took his rightful place at his throne. That was her cue to enter and begin her dance, she glided in and with an elegant turn she began her dance. It was like pure muscle movement, each dip, twirl, shake of her hips all perfectly in sync with the music.
She ended with a bow, as natrual as breathing. She lifted her gaze, ready to greet the crowd with her-
Her breath caught in her throat, her body became stone, her eyes locked on to something- no….someone. The crowd disappeared, all she could see…was the jellyfish before her. Skin like pure obsidian, ribbon tendrils cascading over his shoulders like sacred talismans. Eyes, oh eyes like vermillion crystals with a slit pupils of abyss black. A-a prince? A noble? No…no, no his hands had callouses, healed over cuts…a warrior..no quite..a sculptor…and hunter, yes…yes thats what he is!
The roar of applause broke whatever spell she was under, she blinked and looked around, she gave a bow to everyone…but her eyes returned to the stranger…her lips pulled into a warm smile at him. Every nerve in her body was screaming at her to move, run and wrap her arms around him and never let go…or…have him come and do it..
Mamu felt her spine jump, Lord Kallamar calling out for a popular dance. On pure instinct alone she got into position, the music started, she moved. She noted a sea bunny nearby…damn she looked familiar..where on earth did she- oh right that Coal merchants daughter. Harmona she thought, seemed she had her hungry eyes on someone…oh by lord Kall she hoped it wasn’t-
The music ceased and before she knew it that bunny had taken off, Mamu almost reached out to stop her…but seems her mysterious ebony jellyfish had a plan. One swift move and that sea bunny was in the arms of a narwhal and he….
He was standing right in front of her, oh lord her spine was quivering worse than Saleos’ tendrils each time Kallamar stroked his cheek. He reached for her, ooh his touch, his hands sliding through her fur like a blade through air. Now she could feel the muscles in his arms, yes…yes these are the arms of a hunter and artisan. It was cemented when she slid her left arms on his upper and lower back. Well toned, flexible, defined muscles…
Her antenna twitched when the music began….she knows this song…’Blue Danube’. Oh….it’s a waltz, oh praise to Lord Kallamar it’s a waltz! She leaned, he leaned, she swayed, he swayed…just like dancing with a reflection. She dipped and twirled in perfect time with him, her heart hammering against her ribs. With effortless grace..the two danced out of the ballroom and into the garden.
Oh the party is going along swimmingly! Not surprising that Leshy wasn’t hear yet but he will, he never missed a party. So far the party was just everyone mingling and rubbing elbows, he was approached by some merchants and wealthy elites to give praise. Inside he was beaming with delight, Mamu’s dance was just beautiful, he must get more of that fabric she was wearing. Harborym would-
Wait….where was Mamu? Kallamar scanned the dancing couples but couldn’t see her, at least not right away, a flash of blue caught his peripheral vision. He managed to see her exiting out to the garden, rising from his throne he went to the balcony. Perhaps she needed some air or perhaps space, crowds were never her thing. He didn’t come out alone, Astaroth followed along side. Leaning over he scanned the garden, he hummed softly.
“My lord, is something wrong?” Asked Astaroth, Kallamar huffed a little. “I saw Mamu walk out, just making sure she- oh there she is and….” Kallamar trailed off, Astaroth raised an eyebrow and looked over the railing. In the center of the garden, surrounded by white flowers…Mamu was dancing with someone. He was about to wave it off till he caught sight of her face, her eyes half closed gazing deep into the stranger…he scowled a bit when he saw the jellyfish…was sharing that same expression.
“O-Oh my…I think…ooh yes she is!” Kallamar squeaked, one set of hands on the railing while two pressed to his lips, despite knowing the answer…Astaroth asked. “And…what would that be my lord?”
“Don’t you see it?!” Kallamar breathed not taking his eyes off the couple. “Our little priestess is in love. Astaroth blinked, looking down….dear lord…she is..and wasn’t the only one.
