Excerpt: Lorien

“I want you to focus on deflection for these next few blows. Use their momentum to place me in a vulnerable position.” Eves’ face seemed as fresh as if they’d just woken from a restful slumber. Calliope, on the other hand, was doubled over, her hands resting on her knees as she panted with exhaustion. Just about three hours had passed, if she’d read the length that the trees’ shadows had moved correctly. “If-” “Eves.” The word came out in between two labored breaths. “I need… a minute.” Eves blinked, their face unchanged. “An attacker will not give you a minute, Calliope. They will murder you where you stand.” Three more heaving breaths passed before Calliope replied. “Something tells me…” she exhaled somewhat less forcefully before standing, “…an attacker wouldn’t engage me for three hours straight.” A part of her cringed internally at the snippiness of her reply. “Do not-” Eves’ voice quieted abruptly as their head turned to the side, their eyes suddenly distant. It took a moment before Calliope recognized the motion - someone was calling out to them. Calliope counted to thirty in her head, her irritation steadily growing. This was supposed to be her uninterrupted time with Eves, not a series of training sessions followed by a quick departure. Eves blinked a few times to signal their mental return. “Very well then,” they smiled, “I suppose you’ve done enough. What do you say to a trip in the city? We’ve urgent business to attend to.” It wasn’t quite a question, and Calliope hesitated to respond. She’d avoided the city of Lorien like the plague since shortly after she’d entered Eves’ service. With a small swallow she mustered a nod despite the odd choice of words; she certainly did not have business in that chaotic sprawl of a place. Calliope had hardly given her reply before a jeweled hand grasped her arm and whisked the two of them away in a flash of wind and darkness. The journey passed in a blink of her eyes; when she was able to focus once more, the brick-and-foliage of a square courtyard settled into her view. A black iron gate, pointed at its tips, greeted her from the other end of the square. Just outside of it stood two comically dressed individuals stoically gripping spears in their gloved hands. Calliope was not personally acquainted with the vibrant sky blue and seafoam green alternating between stripes of black, but she knew all too well of the crest they hailed from. The royal family of the southern provinces, helmed by the silent King Brentiss, had kept the pompous uniform of their guard untouched for centuries. Eves’ hand dropped Calliope’s after a reassuring squeeze. They seemed undeterred by the presence of the royal guard, a stark contrast to the stiffness now pervading through Calliope’s body. There wasn’t much she could see beyond the courtyard’s towering walls but this area didn’t quite match where she’d known the palace grounds to be. It struck her as extraordinarily odd that she would accompany them on such a venture. She’d never had any direct dealings with royals, and for good reason - the less any of them knew of her identity the better for everyone involved. Eves had always been more than happy being the one to rub elbows with people in power, and for that Calliope was grateful. “Calliope.” Eves inclined their head, directing her attention to a lone, unmanned door leading into an adjacent building. “As always, you represent not just yourself but your deity. You will present yourself as such, yes?” There was no trace of anger or irritation in their tone, yet Calliope could feel it brewing in her bones. Calliope nodded, lifting her chin, and adopted the cool demeanor she wore when conversing with clients. Eves gave an approving nod. The unassuming door yielded easily to the turn of its handle; Calliope stepped across the building’s threshold in the same lithe manner as the deity in front of her, silently shutting it as she passed. The building’s interior felt as sterile and decorated as the many unused guest homes Calliope had trespassed over the years. The intention of the decor was nothing to scoff at, though the pristine velvet finishings and gleaming wooden floors gave the impression that this home was more a showroom than anything else - another gleaming jewel for a rich man to gesture towards while swaggering by. “Eves, it’s truly a pleasure.” A soft-spoken male voice drifted from the stairwell next to the brick of the fireplace. Calliope turned as footsteps trudged downwards, giving a face to the sound. “Thank you for your time.” He’d stopped at the foot of the stairs a healthy few feet from the deity with an incline of his raven-haired head. Eves merely stood, appearing almost bored, their hands tucked into the pockets of their black trousers. The man, who had yet to acknowledge Calliope, waited a few moments in silence, seemingly put off by Eves’ lack of response. “My time is exceedingly valuable, Tedrin,” they finally said, “I suggest you utilize it accordingly.” Tedrin smiled, looking downwards as if embarrassed. His well-manicured hands clasped together. “Of course.” Brown eyes finally veered from the deity to glance up and down at Calliope. “To whom do I have the pleasure?” The beginnings of anxiety began to brew in Calliope’s insides. She stowed them away for a later time when she didn’t need to be as aloof as the god standing before her. “My name is Calliope.” A smile. “Tedrin Aramos, that of Brentiss’ name. I hope you’ll understand the need for such secrecy - I’d prefer all business of this nature to be kept away from my uncle’s field of view.” Calliope dipped her head, as it was customary for Lovers to be of few words with clientele. “I take it that Eves has informed you of all the necessary details?” Calliope looked to Eves for some indication of any such details, only to be met with a gaze betraying nothing. Their honeyed voice filled the room. “Of course, though I’d like you to go over everything once more to assure we are all equally informed.” They strode silently to a nearby table and took a seat, gesturing for Tedrin and Calliope to do the same. Calliope avoided too many glances at Eves - suddenly the seemingly random set of training sessions began to make sense. Tedrin cleared his throat, his hands splayed out on the wooden surface. “Though I have some degree of access to my uncle’s resources, I have a vested interest in certain… unscrupulous dealings occurring within the city. It would be beneficial for everyone involved if I conducted my business with an independent entity.” He addressed Calliope directly. “You may think of this position as my personal spy network. Rest assured that you won’t be involved in anything particularly dangerous - at most I need eyes and ears on private undercity happenings. This home will be your base of operations and you will only need to interface with me. And of course, you both will be compensated more than adequately for your time and service.” Calliope’s mouth pressed into a tight line. The new clothes, the training, the promise of extended time spent together… it had all been in preparation for whisking her away to the city. She trained her eyes on the pattern of the wooden table, painfully aware of the golden eyes burning holes into the side of her head and the slight drop in the room’s temperature. “How long do you expect to need my assistance?” A bold question, but still reasonable enough that she could feign innocence if pressed. Tedrin thought for a moment. “I would expect this to be a long-term position. Though,” he smiled, “I can assure you that you will not want for anything during your tenure here.” “Very well. Tedrin,” Eves stood abruptly from their seat and flicked a finger upwards in Calliope’s direction, “a moment?” Tedrin’s mouth opened to speak, but Eves’ hand tapped Calliope’s shoulder and whisked them away before any sound left it. They’d arrived in a bedroom that looked to already contain all of Calliope’s belongings. The deity now leaned against the bedroom door, arms crossed, expression unreadable. Judging from the room’s temperature Calliope figured they weren’t angry, but she could never quite be sure. “I see you are not amused with this venture.” The statement was more matter-of-fact than accusatory. Calliope swallowed, unsure of how to navigate the situation. Assignments like these were exactly that - there was no room for negotiation. “Why?” Eves sighed. “You are the only one capable of it. He needs someone with extensive knowledge of Lorien - you ran about this area for three years, did you not?” “I did, but I don’t particularly like Lorien. You know that.” The reality of the situation wore down on Calliope’s façade, bringing stuffiness in her nose and glassiness in her eyes. There were far too many memories roaming within the city’s walls, stretching from joyous to not quite so - and then, of course, there was the night that both filled her soul and ripped it all into nothing. Delicate hands clasped Calliope’s face, followed by the cool imprint of lips on her forehead. “Calliope,” Eves crooned, “I love you, darling. I trust you. I know this may be difficult for you, but think of how this will aid us. No more sleeping in those dreadful inns. Tedrin will pay you handsomely, I swear it. And…” another kiss gently pressed to her lips, “I need a reliable base in the city. We no longer have eyes in the court - the king now conspires with Greylin.” Knuckles clad in silver wiped away tears that had yet to fall. “Come now - we show no weakness.” With a sigh Calliope weakly nodded. Eves wanted the best for her, that she knew in the deepest reaches of her heart. She decided to make the best of what had been thrust upon her and make Eves proud. She would reassure them that they made the right decision to entrust her. And try as she might, Calliope could not argue with the fact that a city as dense and lauded as Lorien would have an abundance of shady resources to track missing people down. Eves grabbed Calliope’s hand to go back downstairs, but paused. Their voice dropped significantly in volume, their lips inches from Calliope’s ear. “I do not like him. Stay on your guard.” Leaving no time for her to process their words, Eves whisked them to stand once more in front of a hesitant Tedrin. “I will be in touch. May this be the beginning of a beneficial arrangement.” They spared a final, smiling glance towards Calliope. “Until next time, darling.” They promptly disappeared in a flash of darkness. Silence crept about Calliope’s newly acquired living room. In all honesty she had hoped Tedrin would take his leave - the day had already proved to be exhausting. Unfortunately, he instead rifled through the drawers of a nearby cabinet and grabbed what looked to be a small booklet stuffed with thick paper. He cleared his throat before laying everything out on the table. “I’ve already made the necessary preparations for your documents of rightful passage. Eves tells me you’re familiar with Lorien’s entrance and exit verification?” Calliope leaned across the table and picked up a small, thick rectangle of paper. Intricate calligraphy marked the center of the page followed by an embossed representation of the royal crest:

BY DECREE OF THE ROYAL FAMILY ARAMOS OF VIVEN

This document hereby grants its bearer full rightful passage throughout the Free City of Lorien. All interested parties please direct queries to:

Tedrin Aramos

The name had been added with a flourishing script in midnight blue ink. Calliope’s eyebrows raised - legitimate passage papers granting anything more than the weakest degree of travel within the city were hard to come by for the common folk. She brought the paper closer to her face, squinting her eyes to inspect the printing quality. “Is this real? I’ve never seen one quite this detailed.” Tedrin chuckled. “Of course it’s real. Though I have some quite good forgeries as well.” Calliope considered the statement, finally ripping her eyes away from the passage paper. “If it’s not forged, this had to have been personally reviewed by Brentiss - who did you tell him it was for?” “You ask a lot of questions, don’t you?” The noble’s arms had crossed, but his tone seemed playful enough. “I suppose I can say. While I doubt you’ll come into contact with many inquisitive folk, the answer I’ve settled on is that you’re a mistress of mine. It’s expected, gives enough gossip for those wanting to wag their tongues, and is secretive enough that none will press further upon hearing it.” Calliope’s eyes narrowed. “Will I be expected to make any appearances with you under this guise?” Tedrin wouldn’t be the first to concoct an elaborate scheme for a chance at a Lover, but he would be the boldest - none of the others ever had direct dealings with Eves. “No! Absolutely not. It’s only so everyone hears the same story, Miss Calliope.” His eyes had widened considerably. For now, Calliope allowed herself to believe him, in the way he seemed so surprised at her assumption. She quickly placed the document in her hand back onto the table and scanned the rest - nothing too exciting, mostly stacks of various currencies and maps of a few of the city’s districts. By all accounts it seemed like a legitimate array of documents for a legally questionable job. “Well, then,” Tedrin clasped his palms together, “take a look around the home at your leisure. Anything you see here is at your disposal, and should you need anything please be in contact. I’m not sure if you had a glimpse of the royal guard positioned outside, but rest assured they’re only accompanying me today. You’ll be largely alone here, though Eves mentioned you prefer that.” Calliope nodded. “Thank you, Tedrin.” He began to walk towards the front door, but stopped to rest his back against it. “On one of those maps there’s a location circled with red ink and another with black. Should I need to contact you I’ll leave a note for you at the red location - please check it every day sometime in the afternoon. You may do the same with me at the black location, and should I have any urgent business I’ll come straight here. Does that sound sufficient for you?” “That’s perfect.” The more time she had to herself, the better, and as little interaction as possible with her client was always preferable. At that, Tedrin cast a quick wave and departed with a smile. Calliope locked the door behind him, crossed her arms, and surveyed what had become her temporary home. The doors and windows, which were plentiful, all boasted a robust series of locks, which gave Calliope hope that Tedrin would not be yet another miserable client of hers to deal with. Satisfied with the assessment, she ascended to the bedroom, wondering if this new chapter might just wipe away the stain that Lorien held across her heart.

***

“Passage documents.” Calliope handed the gruff man the letter she kept under close guard. This would mark her eighth daily pilgrimage to the northeastern district, to the muggy alleyway Tedrin had marked on the map that lay on her dining room table. She’d already grown tired of the bureaucratic song and dance and hoped that after enough time passed both sets of guards she’d encountered would know her by sight. Eves had trained her well - after not even two weeks Calliope had already mentally cataloged the shift changes at every major passing point in the city. Eight days in Lorien, eight bridges she crossed on the journey there and back, eight already-failed opportunities to gather intel on them, if they even still existed. Calliope huffed a breath, a reprimand for even entertaining the thought. No, they were out there somewhere - she was sure of it. “Next!” The paper found its home back in Calliope’s breast pocket. The northern district was nearly the most affluent of the five Lorien was comprised, second only to its crown jewel in the east. Calliope was one of a select few able to traverse the boundary into the district of the royal court, thanks to Tedrin’s connections. It still intrigued her that he’d pulled the strings to grant her full passage - would she be expected to spy on the royals themselves at some point in the future? If Greylin truly had sunk his claws into Brentiss there was no possibility Eves would allow her scent anywhere near his brutish minions. Nothing to worry about now, at least. Calliope strutted through the northern district, feeling a wad of bills burning a hole in the thigh pocket they’d been stuffed into. The shops here were quite tantalizing, and truth be told Calliope had never felt this rich before. What she’d thought was a monthly payment had actually turned out to be a weekly one - it was quite the welcome surprise when the envelope of money had appeared in her mailbox yesterday. Still, Calliope walked on. The stores could wait until after she’d tended to whatever Tedrin had decided to ask of her today. He’d thankfully been rather light on duties in the past week, clearly giving her some time and space to catch her bearings. Though he hadn’t explicitly described the heist as such, Calliope knew she’d passed her introductory exam with flying colors, though it hadn’t been particularly difficult. If all Tedrin wanted her to do was tail drunk nobles and see what ruffians they paid in the darkness, well, she wouldn’t complain. It gave her plenty of time and resources to begin building an interconnected web of eyes and ears in the city. Calliope hooked a finger around the corner of a brick with barely any mortar surrounding it. A fresh piece of parchment lay hidden inside, making her purse her lips. She’d been hoping, selfishly, for another free day - just the night prior Calliope had chanced upon the trail of what looked like a prominent trafficker in the city. It churned her insides to think that anyone with such a profession would have information she’d need, but missing people often found themselves being exchanged under dirty hands. The note was surprisingly short, written in Tedrin’s signature blue ink. Nothing today, but big news tomorrow. Take time to prepare as you usually would. Calliope made a pleased hum as the note burned to ashes in her hands. Preparations were simple, and a particularly beautiful weapon had already been beckoning for her on the way here. Perhaps she could alleviate the burden of the cash in her pocket after all.

***

Calliope lounged on a midnight-blue couch in her living room, scribbling notes onto a fresh map of Lorien she’d picked up that evening. Her search for the trafficker had been largely a bust, but that was to be expected. There were far too many people bustling about on a warm weekend night for her to be able to zero in on a criminal’s scent. Anything further would have to wait until later in the week. The sound of the clock on the wall striking two nearly made her jump out of her skin. “Tsch.” Calliope rolled her eyes. Now was probably a good time to call it a night. She stood, folding up the map and blowing out the candle on the side table. Two thuds against her front door froze Calliope in her tracks. She waited, unsure if it was just a drunken passerby banging on random doors as they stumbled home. Although, it didn’t quite sound like it, considering said drunken fools were typically loud, and this person was otherwise quiet. Another bang on the door. Shadows worked their way up Calliope’s body. She walked towards the nearest stash of weapons in the living room, her eyes never leaving the door. Of course it couldn’t be this simple. Thirty seconds passed in silence, only interrupted by the distant hum of the last wave of bar patrons traveling home. Calliope backed up the stairs, armed with a blade and a few throwing knives. Hopefully she wouldn’t have to soil the nice floorboards with some idiot’s blood - either way, she’d make Tedrin deal with it in the morning considering this home was his idea. The door opened forcefully, swinging the full semicircle trajectory its hinges allowed. Calliope flattened herself against the wall, sinking deeper into the shadows and waiting for a moment to strike. At least, until the intruder took two steps inside and the moonlight illuminated him from behind. Calliope’s shadows melted from her figure, the dagger already stowed away. “Tedrin? What are you doing here?” She’d already started treating the place as hers, she realized, as she trotted down the steps and snapped her fingers to light a few candles. It felt comforting that she felt the need to make the place presentable for her guest. Tedrin closed the door behind him, smiling sheepishly at Calliope. “Ah, hello. I knocked.” “…Right. Although it seems like you have a key.” We’ll have to chat about that tomorrow. “I figured I’d knock first, not just barge in on you.” He hadn’t moved since closing the door, his feet planted in place next to one another. It could have been the dim lighting, but to Calliope it seemed almost as if his eyes were somewhat glazed over. Tedrin also looked somewhat older than he had when she’d first arrived - her eyes were drawn to the beginnings of fine lines around the corners of his eyes and mouth. Every passing moment in silence made Calliope itch to draw her weapon again. Against her better instincts she refrained from doing so. Tedrin finally cleared his throat. “I was around. Wanted to check in on you, see how you’re doing.” He took a step forward. Calliope was not naïve, but she also could not afford to offend her temporary employer in the event her instincts had veered off course. She raised her eyebrows, giving a quick toothless grin, and headed for the stairs. “Things are great, thanks for asking. I was actually about to head to bed.” She turned to face him again, now halfway up the steps. “We can talk more tomorrow-” “Hold on a moment, please. Come back down.” Calliope slowly descended the steps after a moment of pause. Tedrin approached, and it was only then that she caught the faintest scent of liquor on his breath. Something strong, maybe even a bit medicinal. “What is it?” Don’t mess this up. Maybe he just doesn’t know boundaries…? “I’ve been thinking, is all.” Another step. “How often does Eves come around?” Calliope took the opportunity to make some distance. She feigned thought, pacing around to the other side of the room and leaning against the wall. “It depends on how busy they are. Do you need me to call out to them? They can always hear me.” She hoped it didn’t sound too much like the threat she meant it to be. Tedrin seemed to consider this, but his eyes narrowed. Once again he took it upon himself to invade her personal space. “Do you and Eves really…?” Calliope allowed herself to glare at him. “That’s an inappropriate question. May I get some rest? We can discuss whatever you want in the morning.” She moved once more for the stairs, but a hand lightly grasped her elbow. “Calliope,” Tedrin crooned, “I can’t say I know too much of Eves, but regardless of what your arrangement is, I wonder if we couldn’t come to one ourselves.” “Excuse me?” Her hand found its way to her dagger’s hilt. “Oh, don’t play coy with me. It’s strictly professional for you, isn’t it?” Tedrin moved his hand to Calliope’s shoulder, leering over her, giving it a squeeze. “I’ll compensate you, if that’s how you operate.” Any other person, any other situation, and Calliope would have incapacitated him long before it had escalated to this point. But she froze, her hand still around her dagger’s hilt. This was wrong, and something that Eves would never allow or approve of. But… We no longer have eyes in the court - the king now conspires with Greylin. Eves needed her - they trusted her to help them against their gravest enemy. And that tiny, selfish part buried within her wondered if this opportunity was the one desperate shot she needed right now. No. Absolutely not. Eves will kill him, and then probably kill me. Calliope was not a prostitute. “Get off of me,” she nearly growled, drawing her dagger and brandishing it. Tedrin tutted - not the response she’d expected. He wrapped his free hand around hers, forcing the dagger downwards. “If you stop me, I’ll have Brentiss send Greylin for Eves.” Calliope paused, her rage swiftly replaced with fear. A wicked smirk grew on Tedrin’s face. “I know for a fact he’d take any reason to harm them, and it looks like you know it too.” Please stop. Please go away and leave me alone. I’ll forget about this, I swear. I need to show Eves I can do this. Please, I can’t let them down. “This doesn’t have to be a fight. I wager you’ll enjoy-” The candles snuffed out, cloaking the room in near-complete darkness. Tedrin’s words hung on his lips as he turned to inspect them, his hands still clutching tightly to Calliope. She noticed his breath leave his nose in an icy cloud and nearly cried with relief. A raging, ghostly cloud of shadows flashed in front of Calliope, grabbing tightly onto Tedrin. Eves’ body materialized as they slammed him against the nearest wall, one cruel hand wrapped tightly around his neck, the other splayed across his stomach. “Putrid, vile mortal,” they hissed, withdrawing his choking body from the wall only to slam it once more, “You dare disrespect me?” Blood had splattered onto their arms and the flowing, white buttoned shirt they wore tucked into black pants. Tedrin gasped for air, his words practically a squeak. “Brentiss will…” Eves’ wicked laughter filled the room. Calliope had not yet moved, fearful of this side of her deity. “You believe Greylin to be his dog. How mistaken you are to think you have the privilege to take that which is mine.” Tedrin sputtered as the hand around his neck tightened. “You,” he feebly gripped Eves’ arm, “Can’t-” Eves tutted. They roughly threw his half-limp body onto the stairs, leaning over him with an elbow pressed on their bent knee. Tedrin twitched and moaned, too fearful to move, his eyes that of a wounded animal. “Shall I cut out your blasphemous tongue? Render you impotent?” Tedrin said nothing, though Calliope would have been surprised if he’d been able to speak. Eves glared at his broken figure through narrowed eyes. “No, I suppose not. Your pitiful life is not worth the headache.” They leaned their face down to Tedrin’s, so close that Calliope nearly worried they might kiss him. A savage hand, the nails practically claws, tightly gripped a fistful of black hair. Golden eyes traveled the length of Tedrin’s face, coming to rest on his mouth. “Even now,” they murmured, “I feel your desire for me.” The god chuckled - an angry, smug sound. Their mouth moved towards his ear. Tedrin’s entire body trembled, and Calliope struggled to hear Eves’ words. The hand gripping his hair tensed, snapping some of the strands. “I can feel your desire for her.” Calliope’s breath left her mouth in small, quick clouds. She fought against the constant tremors in her hands. Eves had become deathly still. “Squeal to your uncle if you wish, pig, but do you really trust that Greylin will save you? I have spent thousands of years inhabiting this plane with him, yet you expect your word will fell me?” They barked out a laugh, grinning. Two beats passed. With a scoff, Eves stood, discarding a tuft of hair from their spotless hands with disgust. Their shirt was once again a bright, clean white. They appeared in front of Calliope, their face half-faded into the room’s shadow. Sharp, black lines of makeup ran along their upper eyelids, extending a few centimeters beyond the bounds of their lash line. “Darling.” Hands caressed her face. Thumbs lightly stroked her bottom lip. “Are you all right?” It was all Calliope could do not to sigh with relief that they hadn’t misinterpreted the situation. She buried her face into their chest, her arms pressing tightly around their torso. “I’m okay,” she spoke into their clothing before freeing her face to look at them, “Thank you. Gods, I love you, Eves.” A knowing smile bloomed on Eves’ face. “I will always heed your calls, my love. Now tell me,” their tone turned sour, “Did he dare lay a finger on you?” “No.” None of it mattered anymore, and she didn’t really care to see Eves murder Tedrin. All Calliope wanted was to get out of this godsdamned city and never set foot inside its grounds again. “Good.” They turned their head, making sure Tedrin had not moved. He seemed to still be alive, but judging by the rise and fall of his chest Calliope guessed he’d passed out. Eves slowly, lovingly, brought their lips to hers, and she sunk into their grasp. She savored the feel of them for the few brief moments before they pulled away, leaving a palpable emptiness in their absence. They didn’t bother asking before whisking her away. They’d saved her once again from that dreadful hell of a city. She would repay them. She would fight for Eves until her dying breath. It was all a desperate Lover could do.