The Keepers of Chaos: A Vault of Hell

Donna Evergrove: XXII

Join us please: XXII

"Careful!" Donna sneered she didn't mean to come off so harsh but Vaelle had bumped into her as they walked in line.

"S-sorry." Vaelle whispered back. Donna observed her childhood friend, her dark raven hair looked glossy and perfect, her hazel eyes spitting the image of naivety. She would fix that, Donna promised herself she would prepare Vaelle for the Real world and how it acted. They shuffled neatly in the large temple chambers. It was underground situated with dirty grey rock on every side, it was shaped like a theater minus the chairs.. And with an addition of a large black metal brazier sat sternly in the center of the room, suspended in air by chains.

"Praise, Hail Asmodeus! Glory be to his grace, the father of true power. To Asmodeus the Lord of Nessus!" Those around her began to chant Donna felt her body get lighter as she joined in, happy to engage in the prayer.

"Praise be.. Glory.. Lord.." Vaelle muttered she was trying to keep up, Donna figured but didn't know the words, she nudged her friend.

"Just.. move your lips for now.. You'll learn it soon." She suggested. Donna felt giddy that elastic leap of butterflies in one's stomach as they achieved something new. This she especially felt as she guided Vaelle towards the faith. As the prayer came to an end Vaelle seemed to grow restless.

"W..where's Holiver?" Donna rolled her eyes, Holiver, all the young new disciple could think about now was her boyfriend in the great light of the Lord! She stopped herself, no.. no.. it was fine. Vaelle was still.. Adjusting it would all be fine soon enough.

"Among us." she replied. She felt like laughing for some reason. "Vaelle he is now one of your brothers.. And I your sister. We are family, a family in faith." she reminded her friend. In all reality she peaked over the heads of fellow followers wondering where Holiver had run off to. Vaelle pursed her big lips.

"But.. I don't wanna marry my brother?" The woman frowned. Donna stifled back laughter, no she did have a point.

"Acolytes of Asmodeus!" A voice roared from the stage, the theater like rooms dim light grew brighter as the brazier's red flames basked the room in a yellow light. "Followers of the true one god. Welcome." On the stage stood five people against the podium, a well dressed but incredibly tall female figure. She was dressed in scarlet robes alike to the others yet over her shoulders was a distinct golden shroud, to her right was a shorter man dressed in similar attire. Both of them were shielded by silver featureless masks. "For this mass.. Your Lord and I would like to read.." The speaker went on, Donna glanced at Vaelle trying to encourage her friend to loosen up. Vaelle looked practically petrified, her hazel eyes glancing in every direction looking extremely nervous.

"It's ok.." Donna placed her dagger at her hip and picked up Vaelle's hand pulling her into an embrace, she needed her friend to feel safe only then she would surrender to the great Lord. The priestess continued speaking before a noise interrupted the sermon.

"This faith is a lie!" Donna was pushed back as a group of five followers stripped away their cloaks. She spotted a group of people dressed in heavy scale mail, and studded leather armor, unsheathing blades and readying weapons. No.. her eyes widened realizing they were under attack, something she'd seldom seen. Vaelle began shaking violently, Donna wrapped herself around the girl but followers darted in numerous directions. "Priestess.. You and your broode have poisoned Waterdeep long enough! We, The Battle Teeth! Shall put an end to this at once!" The man leading the charge looked familiar; he had dark skin and pale eyes. His party of five total stood at the ready before lunging. Donna pulled Vaelle to the back guiding her to a nearby wall.