OVA's Lore: Areallya S1.3

One of the most anticipated times of the year for many artist is fast approaching! This year, I'd like to focus on the trend, OCtober. I don't know if this is something already official. Much of the work I do is centered around original characters, and I'd like to get back to what I do best. There will be a lot more original character work, both lore and art, from now through October!

Areallya III

Areallya spent the night in observation. She rose the next morning in a familiar plain room. After a night’s rest, she felt much better. 

“It’s good to see you recover so quickly,” Detective Swesta announced herself once Areallya opened the door.

“... I’m sorry I’ve been so much trouble for you,” Areallya said in almost a whisper after the silence. The expectations for her were great, and now years of hard work… down the drain… Right? 

“Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself,” Swesta placed a hand on the girl’s shoulder. 

“It’s my job to get you through this, so that’s what we’re gonna do,” she smiled reassuringly. Areallya tried to return the grin as she followed the detective from the recovery center. The two made their way through Calpheon’s busy streets. Areallya quietly followed the detective’s lead as they weaved through people and wagons. Their path led them into the Holy District, a section housing the city’s most renowned priests and church figures within its grand buildings. They ascended one of the many concrete staircases. Swesta pushed through a pair of large, heavy double doors. Crossing the threshold inside, the air became still. Candles lit the dim interior rooms and halls with warm hues.

“What are we doing here, Ms. Swesta?” Areallya spoke in a whisper and kept close to the detective. 

“There’s someone here I believe can help you,” she replied in a similar whisper. Another pair of impressive doors stood closed near the back of the building. They parted as Swesta approached. 

“And what brings you all the way here?” A man’s voice came from inside the sun-lit room. Swesta stepped into the room smiling.

“It’s good to see you too, Igor,” she replied to the man. They exchanged a couple pleasantries before the conversation turned to the reason for Swesta’s visit. 

“Areallya, you can come in as well.” The teen took a few steps into the room, squinting as her eyes adjusted. The sizable room carried books of every kind. Large shelves lined the walls in between long windows with drawn-back curtains. Books scattered the floor in stacks. In one corner, a desk protruded from the mess, however it too held stacks of scribbled-on paper. A man stood behind the desk with Swesta. He appeared to be around the detective’s age with a tall thin frame and short straw blonde hair. Rectangular cut glasses sat on his nose and a couple week’s worth of scruff grew across his cheeks. Despite the rugged appearance he wore the official robes of the church. Areallya bowed to show her respect.

“It is nice to meet you,” she introduced herself.

“This is Igor. Before Keel and I were detectives, the three of us ran field operations,” Swesta explained.

“Then I got old and decided to retire,” the man chimed in with a smile. 

“Don’t say that! If you’re old then I’m old too,” she pushed Igor lightly. 

“If you’re comfortable, would you mind showing Igor your eye?” Areallya nodded and pulled the hair from her face. Igor placed a hand against his chin inquisitively. 

“Hmm… That is a nasty looking one,” the man concluded. He came from around the table to take a closer look. 

“The Crow King, yes?” Igor made his guess seeing the white singed symbol inside the girl’s pupil. Swesta nodded. 

“It’s unfortunate this has to happen to someone so young,” he sympathized with Areallya. Sadly, Igor understood why such an entity would target the girl. Even now, raw untamed magical energy poured from her. While many consider such talent a blessing, it comes with dangers. 

“It won’t be easy, breaking a curse like this,” Igor stated.

“You will have to confront him yourself.” Areallya cringed. The memory of a cold eye staring at her sent chills down her spine. She clenched her fists. Despite her fears, she wanted to rid herself of this curse.

“Where should I start?” Areallya asked.

“That’s the spirit!” The librarian encouraged her. Swesta smiled knowing she’d made the right decision.