The Ancients World

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~~~(POV: Saliandra Orvello)~~~

~~~(Location: Desert, The Continent Of Alforza)~~~

~~~(Time: 10:21 PM)~~~

The question I just asked is causing a look of pain and sorrow on Xilo. From her reaction, I don't think she's allowed to have a partner she'd called a boyfriend or husband. The culture of Des'merta is a mystery to me. While we've learned something, most of it remains unknown.

Cera might want to be here for this. Taking off as he did was uncharacteristic, but I won't bother him since he needs his space. In truth, I think it's good that he did this.

I need to get better at getting along with Xilo when we're alone. There will be times in the future Cera might do this again, and not having a foundation to talk on with Xilo would be bad. I'm still waiting for her response.

"That's a question I had not realized would hurt me so much. Being a priestess for the Des'merta has its many advantages. That doesn't mean it's perfect."

I'll be honest. It's nice to hear the Des'merta culture has something even Xilo doesn't agree with. That's a petty thing to think. I can't help it, though. I won't insult her to her face, but I'll do it in my mind. It does make this easier.

I don't think I hate her anymore. But that doesn't mean we're friends by any means. Xilo is someone we have to get used to hanging around with. We still have plenty of ground to cover until we reach wherever they're taking us.

We haven't even learned the name of where we're going. Only that it's a city underground. Appartently, there are more than one that holds countless Des'merta.

"What's not perfect about the Des'merta culture? Y'know, minus the drugging and rape of Cera."

That's what it is in the end. Xilo did it because her culture demanded it. It's something she agrees with and accepts. I'd love to know about something she doesn't agree with. Something she actually thinks is wrong with her culture.

Given how she was a slave in her young life, I don't know how she could be okay with doing what she did to Cera and me. However, that was around 430 years ago for her. That's a long time. She's obviously gotten over it.

A long inhale comes from the dark-skinned beauty across from me. I do feel like I have to compete with Xilo. Just a little. She's as beautiful as I am, if not more.

"You may enjoy it too much when I say this. There are many things I don't agree with in the Des'merta culture. You resent me for what I did, and I get that. It's my responsibility to Cera and you. It was the only way to make you Des'merta."

She's picked up on the vibe I'm giving off. I take a breath and get it under control. I'm not that rash, emotional, and overreacting person anymore. I've changed that part of me. For the benefit of myself and Cera.

Our relationship has improved dramatically ever since I stopped being jealous, insecure, and intimidated by other women and the interactions he has with them.

"I won't argue with you, Xilo. It's a part of the culture you're in. I'm allowed to feel uncomfortable around you. But I don't hate you. Not like I did yesterday. After getting to know more about you, I understand you better."

It's a step in a direction that could lead to something other than what I'm feeling right now. I don't hate her, but I can't say I don't resent her. There is a difference between the two of them.

"Enough of this subject. Tell me about why you can't be with a man or woman other than making him or her a Des'merta?"

It's clear to me there is some rule that says she can't. She hasn't outright confirmed it, but you don't have that look on her face unless there is something you don't like and can't change it.

Changing the subject so fast has its benefits too. For me as well as for her. I don't have to keep thinking about it. And she doesn't have to keep defending herself.

"I was hoping not to talk about it. It's something that I don't share with people. But I know that there is a bridge that will never be repaired between us. Perhaps some of my suffering might satisfy you."

I'm about to counter that I'm not that type of person. But I see the funny smirk on her face, and that's when I realized she made fun of me a little right there.

Thanks for making me feel and look like a sadist. But now that I think about it, I like inflicting pain and watching pain against those I believe deserve it. I don't know if that's a pure sadist, but it's someone that does enjoy the suffering of others.

"Just get on with it."

I'm tired of going in circles here. She still hasn't told me the things she disagrees with in her own culture.

"You wanted to know why I'm not able to have a boyfriend, husband, or partner. The simple answer is I'm infertile. And infertile women of the Des'merta aren't allowed to marry or partner with anyone. It's also forbidden for me to interfere in other's marriages."

From the sounds of it, the Des'merta have an open relationship policy in their culture.

"Does that mean married couples sleep with each other and whoever they want at the same time?"

I'm curious cause that's not something that existed where Cera, and I come from. The vows and laws of marriage and partnering are important. Infidelity and adultery are looked down upon.

"I'm guessing that where you come from, people don't live that way. The Des'merta don't restrict themselves to one partner. However, if both parties agree. They can have a relationship where it's just the two of them. It's not uncommon for that to happen."

I would think fights and arguments would break out in such a society. But I don't know what it's like to be a real Des'merta. To be raised in their ways. Growing up being taught this is different than not.

I'm about to ask something that will hurt Xilo, and while I know, I shouldn't enjoy it. I can't help but think she deserves it a bit.

"Was the reason you couldn't be with the man you loved from your infertility? Or was it because he had a mortal life, and yours was endless?"

A sigh escapes the woman across from me. She didn't expect to talk about this today, and I can see it's having an effect on her. She even looks like she's holding in the pain, holding just a little bit of tears in.

I'm even feeling a little bad because of that. Cera did say that I'm too nice sometimes.

"Yes, he said that he didn't care that I was infertile or that I was immortal. He still wanted to be with me. It broke my heart to send him away, and it broke it more watching him grow old with another woman. Time not affecting you can be a curse as much as a blessing."

Thinking about it like that, I actually feel bad now. Cera is immortal due to his Angelic heritage. I'm immortal due to my Elven heritage. If one of us were mortal and could die...

That's not a thought I like... Not one bit...

And Xilo actually went through something like that... Watching it happen...

"I'm sorry."

The words come out of my lips with no control. Deep down, I'm sorry about what happened to her during her life. And I'm sorry I brought up long-buried wounds.

"It's okay. You don't need to apologize. What I did to you two was wrong in your eyes, and I deserve suffering from your point of view. This is that payment. We won't ever be even, but this might help a relationship between us. I hope you'll call me friend one day."

It's something to think about...

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A/N: Below this line, I'll be keeping Cera's player information. That way, I won't have to place it into the story above anymore. It takes about 180 words up.

[Slayer (Zern) Lvl.237][Tier-4]

[Exp: 72/100%]

[Title: The Son of Arch-Angel Michael (Hidden)]

[Stats] [Strength - 7095][Endurance - 7045][Dexterity - 7215][Speed - 8240][Focus - 19,660]

[Mana aura control: 6/100%]

[Health: 76,560,000,000/76,560,000,000] [Mana: 216,600,000,000/216,600,000,000]

[Stat Points: 440] [Armor rating: 500]

[Inventory] [Dice of Wayland (Divine)] [The Witness (Legendary Sword)] [Fenrir's Whistle (Divine)] [Camping gear] [Fishing poles 2x] [Festival Garbs 2x] [4x EXP Boosts] [Princess Saliandra's Panties (Black Lace)] [Desert Warrior Nomad Set (Rare)]

[Passive Perks]

[Inheritor of the Sword] [Son of Heaven] [Slayer of Evil] [Holy Willow Trees Savior] [Finder of Legends] [The Divine who has Legend] [Destined for Greatness] [Dungeon Diver] [An Overachiever]

[Active Skills]

[Heaven's light Lvl.74 325/7400] [Protected by Heaven Lvl.74 225/7400] [Slash Lvl.92 4600/21000] [Parry Lvl.68 85/6800] [Double Strike N/A] [Kingslayer N/A] [Raging Machine N/A] [Winged Glory] [Angelic Flight] [Divine Pressure Exertion] [Divinity Pulse] [Controlled Fun] [Aspect of Transportation (Legendary)]