Coming From the Shadows Series
A Disappointing Interaction
The year is 428 B.C., the sun beat down on the bustling Agora of Athens – a cacophony of bartering merchants, the public debates and general clamour of daily life – unbeknownst to humanity, they were watched; observing from a realm beyond humanity, Elpis stood watching with a gentle smile; her hands behind her back; her long Raven-Dark hair flowed freely, like liquid night as she stood bathed within the light of the sun shining across the temple courtyard.
Her violet eyes shone with a deep compassion; she loved humanity, despite their flaws, their follies and frequent cruelty; she saw within them a spark of potential, a capacity for kindness and creation that could outweigh their darker tendencies.
Suddenly, a shadow fell upon her; the air crackled with a palpable tension; Zor’Githas, he seemed to just materialise beside her; his very presence radiated a raw power, the glowing amber in his eyes, drew her attention; they were not their usual violet, they contained sharpness and were calculating; but, they flickered with a barely suppressed rage – his previous interference had met with failure, but it had not dissuaded him from any future intentions.
Zor’Githas despised humanity; viewed them as little more than insects.
“Elpis” his voice a low rumble, it seemed to almost vibrate through the very fabric of the are “You still waste your time on these…, creatures” he shook his head, he was clearly disappointed
She looked at him carefully “They are not ‘creatures’ Githas; they are people, and are capable of great things” her expression maintained her usual serene look
“Capable of great atrocities you mean” he looked at her, countering what she just said in their defence, his amber eyes flashing to red for a moment, before returning his gaze to the human world “Look at them” he said, his tone laced with venom “They wage war upon each other; enslave their own kind, they wallow in their ignorance and superstitions, they are not worthy of your time or attention, let alone your compassion”
“They are flawed, Yes” Elpis conceded “But, they are learning; they are striving, they just need guidance, not eradication”
Zor’Githas scoffed “Guidance” he looked towards her “They reject such a thing, they cling to their petty squabbles and self-serving desires, they are a cancer upon the world, the only cure is to excise them”
“That is not our right to decide” Elpis’ eyes burned with a hint of defiance “We are to guide, not destroy”
Stepping closer to Elpis; his voice softened, though his eyes remained hard “I do not enjoy seeing you waste your energy on these insignificant beings Elpis; surely you can see the truth, they are not worth your life” a strange, almost pleading note entered his voice “You deserve better”
With a quick movement of his hand; he had shifted the scene; almost like changing a channel – it focussed on a small, dilapidated house on the outskirts of Athens; here, a man stood over his wife, his face contorted with anger – he was berating her with harsh words, accusing her of incompetence and infidelity, the woman cowered, tears wetting her face.
“Observe” Zor’Githas said, his voice laced with contempt “Here is the great potential you see in them; domestic violence, the oppression of the weak; is this really the civilisation you cherish”
Elpis watched; but she wouldn’t remain in place for long, she moved forwards quickly; she crossed from their realm to the human world without a moment of hesitation; stepping between the husband and wife, and quickly gripping the man’s outstretched wrist just as he was in mid strike towards his wife; her eyes narrowed as she looked towards him “You will stop this!” she snapped; the house seemed to shake at the anger spilling from her voice
When she let go; he stumbled back; creating distance; he recognised her as something otherworldly, something powerful; he cowed in her presence, mumbling apologies and quickly rushed to escape making mad ramblings about seeking forgiveness from the gods.
Epis shifted her attention to the wife and a smile curved her lips “He will not hurt you..”
Elpis however found herself interrupted; she was not given any gratitude; she snapped at Elpis instead, her eyes were filled with resentment “What right do you have to interfere!” she spat “He is my husband; my business, my life; not yours to meddle!”
Elpis was stunned; she looked at the woman with confused eyes “But…, he was hurting you”
“So what!” the woman screamed “He’s still my husband; you outsiders, you always think you know what is best; leave!” she screamed “Leave us alone!” and with that, she turned from Elpis, retreating back into the darkness of the house
Elpis stood in a stunned silence, the weight of the woman’s words pressed down on her, a cold and heavy burden, she had intervened to help and been met with rejection and resentment.
As Zor’Githas crossed into the human world; he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, his eyes gleaming with a triumphant light “Elpis” he said, his voice soft, it was devoid of malice, almost gentle “Even when you offer respite; they choose their own chains; they reject your kindness, your compassion” Elpis looked towards him “They are not worth saving”
As they returned to their own realm; overlooking the city once again, the noise and confusion of the Agora seemed amplified now; each argument Elpis observed, each act of selfishness a stinging indictment of humanity.
Elpis’ expression was saddened – her violet eyes were clouded with doubts, pain from the woman’s rejection burned fresh “But…, there are others” she whispered, her tone seemed defeated “There are those who are kind, who are just; that strive to make a better world”
“A few sparks in an ocean of darkness” Zor’Githas countered “Is that enough to justify your love, your devotion; it is enough to ignore the suffering they inflict upon each other, the destruction and cruelty they wreak upon their world” he paused, looking at Elpis with a strange mix of longing and frustration “I do not want to see you hurt Elpis; I do not want to see you waste yourself on…, these creatures; you have so much more to offer, do not let them drain you dry”
Elpis looked down at the bustling city; the scene below both familiar, yet alien – the vibrant life she had admired now seemed chaotic and cruel, the spark of hope that had been there, that had burned within her for so long, it was flickering, threatened by the cold wind of doubt “I…, I don’t know” she admitted, her voice a mere whisper
Zor’Githas placed a hand on her arm; his touch surprising gentle “Come with me Elpis” he said “Let me show you the true extent of their depravity, let me free you from the burdens of your misguided affection”
Elpis looked towards him; her violet eyes filled with confusion and pain, she saw within his amber eyes, not just a contempt for humanity, but there seemed to be a deep, possessive devotion to her, she knew that he believe he acted out of love, trying to protect her from the inevitable disappointment of humanity.
But…, in his desire to protect, would he also extinguish the very spark that defined her.
From the temple’s balcony, the two were observed by Gallus; his distrust of Zor’Githas only grew from the observation, he could see he was purposely trying to break Elpis away from humanity.
Written By: Westley H.
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