Watchers Clan: 2

“Follow us this way,” A Haedian called from the shadows. They made themselves visible to the three empyrians and then proceeded further into the shadows.

“Wait, what’s going on?” Oeric called after them, feeling his frustration build again. 

Another voice that moved with them in the shadows replied, “You’ve impressed us, so we’re showing you some of our culture.”

Griffith and Aule looked at each other, surprised. They didn’t think they would win the race. Oeric wasn’t surprised, once he had his rhythm he was flying through the tunnels. He acknowledged the answer with a silent nod and followed their guide. It was a short silent flight before they reached a large space. 

“In this way,” their Haedian guide appeared out of the shadows and directed them into the room. 

When the three empyrians entered they were shocked to see the tapestries and murals covering the walls and ceiling. The stories held in the artwork made Griffith and Aule’s minds wander. Oeric was struck with the beauty of everything, but it failed to leave a lasting impression on the irritated empyrian. He couldn’t seem to appreciate their attempts at capturing the night sky when he knew what it looked like and wanted nothing more than to go back above ground. 

Oeric looked away from the paintings and found delicate fabrics laid out. He carefully reached out to touch the silks, afraid he might burn them. Griffith and Aule came to his side to see what had captured his attention. They followed his example and softly touched the smooth fabrics. Their Haedian guide noticed the group’s attention shifted to the garb. 

“You can try it on, if you’d like,” The guide mentioned. 

The three friends nodded, accepting the offer. Oeric insisted on going last because he could feel his emotions going haywire and he feared his fire would burn them. Griffith and Aule didn’t push or question their friend. 

“Will these even fit us?” Aule wondered. 

A second Haedian appeared and began fitting the massive Angora empyrian with some fabrics. The Haedian weaved the fabrics around Aule’s body and he heard clasps clicking into place. Neither Haedians answered Aule’s question, but as they worked to secure the traditional clothing Aule found it fit just fine. The two Haedian backed away and gestured to a crystal that acted like a mirror for Aule to use. 

Griffith and Oeric watched as their friend wandered in front of the reflective crystal. They thought he looked like royalty with the loose fabrics billowing around him. Aule, on the other hand, was rather uncomfortable with it all. He wasn’t used to wearing anything and in places, the fabric tickled his fur. 

“What do you think?” One of the Haedians asked. 

“It’s beautifully made,” Aule commented, deflecting his thoughts. He quickly turned everyone’s attention to Griffith, “Grif, your turn.”

Griffith nodded and stepped forward as the two Haedians flocked to his side. Their skillful hands wrapped the soft fabrics around his body. Soft silver accents looped around his neck and limbs. Griffith wanted to follow their movements as they expertly fitted the clothes to his body, but anytime he moved too much they would give him a disgruntled noise. 

“Stay still,” One softly growled. Aule and Oeric snickered quietly. 

Griffith stilled his fidgeting and tried to patiently wait for them to finish. Thankfully, it was only a few more clasps and twists before the two Haedians stepped away giving Griffith his space. He thanked them and then took his time to appreciate the fabric and the intricate detail weaved into the sleeves. 

Aule and Oeric watched as Griffith awkwardly wandered toward the mirror to inspect the look. They thought he looked regal and proud, but unlike Aule, he couldn’t hide how uncomfortable he was. His stiff movements said it all. 

“Uh, okay,” Griffith said quickly before the Haedians could ask his opinion, “Oeric your turn.”

Oeric flinched, “Maybe I could pass. You two look great.”

The two Haedians paused with the silks in their hands, “We won’t force you.”

Aule and Griffith smiled but insisted he try. Oeric glanced at everyone around him and when he didn’t feel the pressure of his anxiety, he agreed to try with a sharp nod. The Haedians smiled at him and quickly approached. Within minutes, they had him wrapped in shimmering fabrics and delicate silver jewelry. He calmly waited for them to finish their work, lifting his arm and lowering his head when they asked him. 

Shortly after, the Haedians smiled at Oeric and backed away. Oeric knew he was dressed the same as his friends so he knew he looked important with the fabrics draped around him. And much to his surprise, he felt important. He didn’t feel uncomfortable like he expected, he moved to the mirror crystal to see clearer. 

Griffith and Aule watched Oeric’s expression shift. They could tell he was impressed with the outcome, and they thought he looked like a prince. When all was said and done the three stood next to each other talking about the clothing. They relaxed and waited for further instructions. 

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