A New Arrangement

Leaving the Talvit estate, Secesssus makes his way toward the church of Luciel. At the entrance of this newly repaired church stands one of the new sights. A familiar fallen angel that looks quite different thanks to the new clothes he has to wear to reflect his new status.

"You should ask for some new clothes, Argillis. I could barely recognize you." Secessus says in a playful tone.

"Don't tell me about it. What I wouldn't give to burn this filthy thing." Argillis replies, half-joking and half being serious.

Leading the shade demon toward his appointment, the 2 individuals make a bit of small talk. Their conversation doesn't last long, as they quickly arrive at their destination.

"Is my lordship aware of this conversation?" Argillis asks simply to make sure.

"He is."

"Good luck then."

The emerald-eyed demon enters the meeting room. Immediately, his eyes land on the individual seated at the other side of this table, with a sort of runic enchantment upon it.

"You've arrived. Welcome." Treyah Tuldani, the treant says toward Secessus. He looks less refined these days. Probably because of the large amount of stress that his body has sustained.

"I have."

"I was rather surprised when you asked for a meeting. Most of the time I had to be the initiator. Anyway, what did you come here for?"

"I want to know how to travel to Genesias or other realms."

"Can I know the reason?"

"I don't see myself living here forever. This is not where I belong." Secessus says in a confident tone.

"Are you sure about that? You've adapted quite well from what I've seen."

"To be honest, I don't know. I have changed. I am aware of that, still, there has always been this uneasiness screaming in my head. A small voice that says I don't belong here."

"Wouldn't it be wiser to ignore this voice? You have a lot of influence here and people who care about you. Those things are not a given."

"Maybe, but what if this other place is what I've been looking for? A place where I can live like myself without being influenced by the fear of death."

"I cannot change your mind. That much is clear, however, I still want to tell you something. Do not carry too much hope, as you've already said you have changed. Fitting in anywhere else could be a challenge."

Secessus does not reply to Treyah's words. His contemplation is the only thing that accompanies this silence.

"About your inquiry, there has only been one way since Luciel's fall that one can traverse to Genesias. It is risky and has proven fatal for almost all those who tried it. But given the reason for their death, you would probably be fine."

"Care to elaborate?"

"Of course, the first thing you should know, and what you've probably already realized, is that Luciel has not yet perished. She's in a comatose state below the church. The members of the council of sight siphon her divine power so that we can use it when necessary. The green stone that the imp found was one of the sealing stones, they're used to make sure she's kept dormant. This information is of course kept secret to prevent fanatic ideals such as Anima's."

"And Hudan had one in his laboratory, which I guess is a major red flag?" Secessus asks, slightly intrigued by Hudan's motivation.

"Hudan was… Well, is, I guess, obsessed with interplanar travel. He was the one to invent this method of using Luciel's power. However, he started to cross some boundaries. I ordered him to stop, but it seems he has ignored my warnings."

"He seemed familiar with Anima. Was letting him go such a wise Idea? He might have struck a deal with her."

"No doubt about it. He most definitely betrayed us and joined hand with the wraith queen." Treyah Tuldani responds, showing his certainty.

"Then why did you let him leave?"

"Hudan does what's most beneficial to him, and like it or not, he tends to have good insight. Him betraying Anima meant that it was no longer beneficial and that he had more faith in something else. Besides… I've been thinking during this siege. Perhaps, it is my fault that this happened." The first sight continues to speak, sounding vulnerable and weak.

"After all, it's the church's ideology that led to this conflict. We are a bunch of weaklings that tried to preach unity to races that are inherently violent and only listen to strength. Forcibly trying to make them submit to this new vision of ours. It was foolish and has always been. We were never meant to be treated as living individuals, we are soldiers made of vengeance. During this journey, we even lost our own vision as we tried to gain enough strength to stop Anima."

Treyah Tuldani does not immediately continue his speech. Taking a quick sip from the tea-looking drink before his eyes, one can clearly see his deteriorated state.

"I have decided to no longer reinforce this ideal. Let the city do what it wants, there is no point trying to force it. It's also why I'm worried about your decision. Your soul is different, but your blood is that of a demon. I wonder how much you will be influenced by it."

"…"

Secessus grabs the pipe given to him by Ergillaz. He slowly inhales and exhales, the heavy narcotics within it.

"I guess we shall see, won't we?" The shade demon simply replies his demeanor completely relaxed.

"Indeed, it would be hypocritical of me to deny you this chance. Especially after your contribution against the invaders."

Treyah Tuldani stands up as this discussion seems to reach its conclusion. He has other matters to attend to, after all.

"Contact me when you wish to depart, and I will prepare the gate. Good luck and may you be well."

The first sight has now left the room. Stepping out of earshot.

"You as well." The shade demon says softly underneath his breath so that no one can hear.