Promises to keep

Alone in his room, Alexis spoke a strange word and pulled out a small orb. It began to glow, floating from his hand into the air in front of him.

"What the hell were you thinking, Jessie?" Alexis roared into the orb. "Giving someone like that the Blessing, and no guidance? He's nothing more than a street thug!"

An image of a beautiful red head appeared in the orb. "He's talented. As a Guardian, my job is to offer his talent to the Gods, they give their blessing. Besides, his potential was above par for one of the outlying villages."

"Foolish girl. There are rules for a reason. If he goes against his guilds will-"

"He belongs to our guild of shadows, Alexis. We pay no mind to this sort of thing, and you know it."

Alexis stood quietly for a moment. "That may be, but I do. He almost killed an innocent young man today. While I know you have no reverence for life, We do. Warn the boy. I will not hold back a second time."

-

Leo spent several tense seconds trying to breathe.

"I will only ask this once more, child. What. Happened. To. My. Glen."

"I- A Blessed followed me here and set it ablaze. I'm sorry. I didn't know it was yours."

"Explain." the small faerie flitted off his hands and floated before him. For several minutes, Leo told her about Michael, himself and the turn of events that lead to him almost being killed. The faerie's face grew somber at his story.

"I see. Then I have an offer for you. Make a pact with me."

Leo looked confused at her words. "A... pact?"

"Yes. You know. The growth you gain. Power. Experience. Make a pact with me. I will give you my mark, and you will get the chance to be blessed."

Leo sat in silent shock. A Faerie Guardian? He had never heard of any Fae able to grant pacts like those made with the Guardians help. "But I was told I don't have any talent. No deity's guild would want me."

The small faerie looked at him seriously. "You have a choice to make. Call it fate, luck, kismet, what have you. Right now, you have the chance to become blessed. The only question is, will you take it?"

"Yes"

The faerie turned to Leo and said simply, "Then stand."

-

Leo entered his village, his clothes burned, limping from his wounds. It was close to evening, and he staggered towards the temple.

"What happened to him?" "My goodness, it's that orphan boy" "Did he set himself on fire?"

People's muttered whispers and questions occurred as Leo staggered past.

"Leo?" Alice said quietly. Small, slim, with close cut brown hair and near black eyes, she stared in shock at the wounded boy stumbling into the temple grounds. "Leo!"

She ran to him as he fell onto the ground. "Oh gods, you're badly burned. What happened? Help!"

Leo looked up at the young girls face. "Hey, Alice. Long time no see." Then he promptly blacked out.