Defiance comes with a price

Only a certain amount of time could pass before a change had been noticed and it had come to the attention of the higher ranks that not everyone seemingly did what they were supposed to. It wasnt that he had been defying orders, nothing that could be directly proven either way. It just always seemed that whenever he had to do anything in the likes of harming a seraph, it just wasnt done. The seraph would walk unharmed for their own fortunate luck. If there was anything bad for the orders, it was defiance, even in the smallest amount. Not setting an example would only inspire more and more to follow track and suddenly all that had been worked up to it's current state of greatness would crumble. So first step was to locate the defiant daemon, find out where he or she might be spending most of their time. This one seemed to stick to himself quite a lot, which made him easy to find. Hadnt it been that he was rumoured to be a son of Bael himself, killing him would have been the first impulse. But no, this one had to set straight in a different sense, a way that would still instill horror in those that would feel the need to follow his steps. What better way than to hide the tormentor behind a pretty face?

He was sitting in the library, reading some old book which title had been worn out to the point where it couldnt be read anymore. There was just something about being surrounded by all the ancient and newer literature that was putting an ease on his mind. Truth be told, he had been wondering a lot about the purpose of killing seraphim over and over, following the word of a god that had seemed to turn his back on his own creation? It was a straining thought, purpose. He couldnt bring himself to kill anymore of those goodhearted creatures, even if it was in his blood to do so.

Outfit: Off-white dress with yellow trim and a yellow shawl to match

Haeven was not one to like hurting others, in fact she hated it, but she knew her duties, and she understood her importance in all of this. Her objective for the night was clear; Find the daemon named Bael and make him regain his focus on where his loyalty should be placed. Moving in to the library, she was being looked upon by different men, most only seeing her beauty and not the beast that was underneath. Her summoner swirls showed proudly, a dark grey with symbols of different kinds. They were far from as prominent as the once her target bore, but still rather visible. However the shawl covered them up pretty well. However there was an anomaly with her marks; They reached down her torso and even on to her legs. Something that wasn't seen often among her piers.
Her eyes moved around carefully before she spotted the male she knew she was there for. "Belial," she spoke softly, her voice gentle and almost as if she was a bit unsure of herself. Outside was her handler. The one that would be the brawn in all of this. She walked closer to the summoner, placing a hand on the book he was reading to re-direct his focus to her. "I've been asked to take you with me," she said. Even he should know what that meant. Haeven was regarded as a keepsake for the Order. A female summoner with great results in her work, and a beauty to match. Placing the book down for him, she reached out her hand to him, her own gloved and protected with a soft layer of fabric.
If he joined her, she would lead him outside where a carriage awaited them. The daemon handler nodding and getting up to steer the horses to their location once they had gotten inside. "I'm awfully sorry that it has come to this," she said softly, looking at him as he sat across from her in the carriage. The road outside a little bumpy, but it was manageable. "If you have any questions, I should be able to answer them," she said.

His words took her a bit off guard, looking at him with disbelief before he seemed to dismiss his question once more. However she had something to say about it anyways. "I guess it's healthy to have doubts, because without them you can't see the real journey that is waiting for us," she spoke quite genuine. Folding her hands in her lap, she looked at the daemon across from her. He was handsome, no doubt in that, but she had never really seen herself attracted to someone. Besides that she was rather busy. The Order took up most of her time, and she knew she was too valuable to just marry off to someone random. "But I believe that Bael has a plan for us ... That we are meant to serve him - even when we doubt him the most," she said. For a daemon she was rather soft-spoken. Perhaps it was her submissive side of being a summoner, or maybe it was something else entirely.
Looking out once more she smiled, the sun was low on the sky. "It's going to be a while before we reach our destination," she said calmly, tilting her head a little to the side as she looked at him. "Why don't you tell me something about yourself," she encouraged him, though she doubted he would trust her with much information. She looked down, hearing the horses neigh outside. Closing her eyes she removed her shawl, showing her marks more prominent, but it was mostly because she felt the relief of not having to hide them.

The comment made her chuckle lightly, even though he was trying to be bitter or rather serious about it. To her it was actually rather comical; Did he really think they were privileged enough to know their god's plan? She shook her head, covering her mouth as she kept her chuckle until it turned in to a light giggle. In a way she felt rather relaxed, but it was mostly because she was trying not to think about what she was going to do later. "I guess you are right," she said, trying to contain her giggle and not alert her handler too much. She sighed shaking her head a little.
Even though he was trying to hide it, she knew he was looking at her marks. Not that she minded, perhaps because he bore marks very similar to hers. His question made her shrug as she slowly removed her gloves, revealing how far down her marks truly went on her arms. "Like ... What is the other districts like?" she asked with a smile on her face. She had been kept at the temple most of her life, and when she was allowed out, it was always on a set route. "Oh I hope I get to be out until the stars start to show," she said, her eyes a little sad as she looked out at the setting sun. They would probably be done before it was completely set behind the horizon. "Or maybe just anything that comes to mind? Like what was that book you were reading?" She felt like she could go on forever with loads of different questions.

Her eyes seemed to glimmer slightly as he started to explain the different districts, listening rather intently even if it was just brief descriptions. To her it was like being allowed of the outside. A glimpse of adventure. While to many others, roaming freely was just a part of their lives, hers were much different. Confined to only a few places. Even the library had seemed new and exciting. Then he asked of her confinement, looking down with a sad smile on her lips. "Most of the time, yes - But sometimes Groff takes me to the Woods of Ash," she said, looking back at Baal with a more genuine look in her eyes. "But when they find me a suitable mate, I can go live with him and I won't have to stay at the temple," she said, excitement in her eyes. To many, marriage was viewed as being tied down, but to her it meant a chance at freedom.
Looking outside once more she sighed to herself. It was like she couldn't wait. "I know you might struggle with everything; You wonder what it's all worth, why we do what we do," she spoke from her heart, it was so obvious. "But know that there's an answer ... That the reason that all of this is happening to you right now is for a reason, that you'll come out stronger on the other side," she said.

Haeven nodded, knowing that they weren't in need of any new summoners right now. "I know ... But the day will come sooner than I realise," she said with a smile on her face, folding her fingers once more in her lap.
She could understand him being apprehensive, but did he really see her as bad or did he understand her? "Because we want to help you back to us," she said, because that was what she truly believed she was doing. She didn't like hurting anyone, but she had also been told that this was a necessary evil. "I'll try not to be so hard on you ... But I can't just fake it either; Groff will know and it would make it worse on you," not to mention her own torture if she disobeyed. Reaching forward she placed a hand on his crossed arms. "I know you'll hate me after this, and that's alright," most people did anyways, so it wasn't that big of a deal. Even though she knew her reputation of being cold hearted and uncaring, she was actually quite the opposite.
She leaned back, looking up at the roof of the carriage. "Have you ever been with a woman?" She suddenly asked. There was so much innocence in that question, but she was trying to know more about him, even if he didn't want to share. "I mean ... I haven't been with anyone, but I've heard of the stories ... And I'm fairly sure that I won't get the chance to be with anyone for a while," she chuckled. She shook her head. Maybe that question was over the line. "I know, I know ... We summoners are to protect our virtue ..." she sighed, chuckling a bit to herself.
The cart jumped a bit, the road a bit more unstable and she tried not falling over in her seat. "Getting closer," she mumbled under her breath.

"I'm much more curious as to if it lives up to the rumors," she said, narrowing her eyes at him. Not because she suspected he was offering himself up, more the fact that he seemed more relaxed. "I guess I won't have a chance to know beforehand, and some of the other daemons either describe it as the best thing in the world, or a pass time," she explained. She only heard the whispers in the temple because she was sneaky enough to hide away. Most of the other daemons seemed to keep their distance to her, either that or they would try and seduce her with no luck.
"I guess you find me childish ... Not knowing of the world and what it entails," she chuckled, not because she actually found it a bad thing. "But in my defence, I am only reaching my 90th birthday this year," she giggled. She was still fairly young compared to those around her. In recent years not many daemons had been born, at least not on purpose.
They turned a corner before the carriage came to a halt. She suddenly looked more serious, but it was mostly the way of hiding emotions that most daemons used. "Whatever you do ... Don't try and fight Groff," she spoke in a low voice. She had seen daemons who tried to fight him be torn apart on the spot. The carriage door swung open, and Haeven gathered her skirt before stepping out. They had reached a nice forrest, a place where the blocks at some time would be build. She looked at the brute of a daemon. Despite only being half bred, he was incredibly strong. Haeven walked over to the horses, giving them a few pats and strokes against their long backs.
"We should get started," Groff muttered. He had a terrible mutter, but the summorness had learned to decipher it pretty well. Walking over to her, he was rather rough in handling her, undoing her corset, making her look down. Poor Baal was probably very confused right now, but she couldn't explain anything to him. Once her dress was off she stood merely in a chemise and a pair of light pantaloons. Groff whispered something in her ear, making shivers appear on her arms as she slowly turned around to look at Baal. "Come to me," she spoke, her voice soft and alluring, reaching her hand out to Baal as if she was about to offer her womanhood to him, however if he did, Groff would grab her arm, holding it firmly between his hands before snapping it like a twig. Haeven barely winced, because the pain didn't befall her, it was Baal who would feel the burning sensation and watch his arm snap in half without them even touching him.

Haeven felt bad, mostly because she could see herself in Baal. It was different when she was used on other daemons, but her own kind was a soft spot for her, and Groff was awfully aware. "She's quite useful," the brute said in a cold voice. Haeven looked away, but Groff grabbed her throat, strangling her harshly, and Baal would feel that same restraint in his neck. "Now it is easy, especially when I'm in control of her, the link she has made with you will hold until I tell her otherwise," Groff said, giving a yank to the young woman's body, that would send Baal flying across the meadow.
Haeven's hazel eyes looked almost empty, clearly controlled by the brute. It was just how summoners were handled. "Now the Order does not wish to kill you, which I think is just a waste of time," Groff spoke calmly, letting Haeven down on her feet as he opened a small pouch on his belt. It was a small knife, grabbing the girl's wrist, piercing her arm and slowly sawing at the muscle beneath. It wasn't like Haeven couldn't feel the pain, it was more as if it was dulled when it was transferred to Baal. "Tell us why you feel the need to betray your own kind," he demanded as he kept sawing at the delicate muscle.

Groff scoffed in a huffing breath, cutting along the muscle now. "Of course you have lost your way ... Why else would you be here," he said in a dismissive voice. He didn't even feel like he was getting his money's worth in all of this.
Haeven looked at Baal, feeling like Groff was already stepping over the line. They had only been sent to scare him a little, rough him up, but it seemed like the brute had different things in mind. Haeven whimpered, and the brute noticed, raising an eyebrow at her. "Would you rather feel the pain?" He asked in a cold tone. Despite how he was acting he did care somewhat for the young daemon, but his orders came higher than his emotions. Haeven didn't answer, making the brute scoff as he drew the knife in further, piercing the skin on the other side of her arm.
Her hazel eyes looked to Baal, and that was when she felt the knife be twisted, the serrated end of it tearing at muscles and nerves. There was no blood to be found dripping from her wounds, as everything seemed to go to Baal in an instant. She would heal rather faster, the bone in her arm already pretty much healed. However her healing would not mend Baal's injuries.
"Why did you betray your brothers and sisters?" Groff demanded to know, knowing he couldn't let the daemon bleed out, even though he really wanted to.

Haeven could hear his plea, but this was what she was made to do - at least if you asked those in control of her. "You did betray them! For every life spared our enemies grow stronger!" Groff barked, removing the knife for her arm, making the young daemon hug her arm to her. Despite it not hurting as much, it took a lot of focus to keep the pain targeted on Baal. She felt a little dizzy, the stench of blood making her feel like it was enough. "I can't much more," she pleaded with her handler, making the brute scoff in dismissal. "I'll tell you when you're done," he said calmly before looking at Baal once more.
"You have doubted your creator, your leaders and you say you haven't betrayed your kind," he said. Shaking his head he stepped closer, stepping on Baal's arm that was broken, applying enough pressure for the bone to dig into his sore flesh. Haeven felt her eyes water, but she couldn't show this now, stepping closer as Groff dug his heel into the dirt. She placed a hand on the brute's arm, looking at him with a pleading look. He scoffed ashe stepped off of the daemon's arm.
"Belial," Haeven said in a careful voice, looking at what she knew was her fault. She had hurt so many. Been the voodoo doll of so many terrible deaths and tortures. "I can't heal you ... but I can make you feel numb," she whispered. Perhaps numbness was better than pain? Groff seemed to hear, snaring as he grabbed the young daemon by the neck, lifting her up as she whined. "You'll do no such thing," he said, forcing her to look at Baal. "This is your destiny if you keep trying to ask more questions,," he warned her in a low murmur. Haeven swallowed, looking down in defeat. "Belial you have been ordered to be confined to the temple for the next few years; clearly freedom has had a negative effect on you," Groff said.

Perhaps it was too stupid to even start believing she could do something to help the situation, but she had been trying to do something. Groff had caught her, and she knew what that meant once they returned to the temple. Chores and hard labor was ahead for her, and maybe it was for the better before she started to think like Baal did. She watched as the summoner got to his feet, although she could tell he was a bit unstable on his legs. She shook her head as he spoke of death. "You don't get to decide your fate, summoner," Groff barked in anger, kicking the daemon backwards, wether he fell or not mattered little. He placed Haeven back on her feet, but instead of doing anything rash, he seemed to calm down, grabbing her throat once more, however this time it was with a clear intent. He knew that her and Baal were still linked, and this would surely shut him up for a few weeks. He squeezed, making a clicking sound appear at the throat and squeezing the vocal chords until they strained enough for him to speak.
Once that was done he had a smirk on his face, because now he at least didn't have to listen to him complain as they hauled him back to the temple. Heaven heaved for air, her vision blurry as she had already taken more than she could handle for the day. She fell to her knees, her small body shaking as she was trying to recover as fast as possible, but it would take a few days before she would be truly useful again. Part of her hated not being useful, it made her scared that the Order would deem her unnecessary.

Groff seemed satisfied for now, gathering Haeven's otherwise beautiful dress from the ground and throwing it in to the carriage before lifting the daemoness in. The dark-haired young woman was clearly exhausted, and as the summoner followed suit and went in to the carriage as well, he nodded approvingly. Baal's torment was far from over, but he couldn't use Haeven for a good while now.
The ride back felt terrible for the female summoner, feeling the extent of the torture more clearly, but she was afraid to look at Baal. She knew that she was responsible, even if he didn't believe it. Even though the road was bumpy, she managed to stay awake, laying on the seat as her body was trying to recuperate with the amount of pressure it had been under.

Days turned in to weeks and Haeven had come to herself mostly again. People were whispering in the hallways of the temple, saying that the reason she was so battered was because she was losing her powers. Somehow she was starting to believe it, scared of what might await her. She was cleaning up one of the altars, spreading a fresh new offering for Bael, wearing a much more simple dress, one that hid her marks rather well. Her hair she had tied up in a knot at the back of her skull, keeping it away from her face as she was leaned over a large ceremonial bowl filled with old blood. It was starting to reek, so she was removing it and cleaning it out.
She had far from forgotten about Baal, actually she had kept a good eye on him. Somehow she had managed to sneak in a book for him, the one he had been reading at the library when she picked him up, but she didn't know if he understood who it was from. She was still much to scared to approach him, and seeing as his voice had been broken, she had tried not to aggravate and ruin his healing process.

Haeven was fairly strong, at least as strong as her fellow summoners, but most of her strength was usually used when she was out training with Groff. She was passing one of the altar rooms as she spotted him. A knot tying in her stomach as she looked down in shame, however she needed to get something from the room. Walking in she remained mostly silent, going over to a wall where a metal knife hung; she would need it to scrape off the blood gunks at the bottom of her bowl. "Greetings," she spoke softly, trying to remain calm and collected. Her hazel eyes looked to his green, that was if he even looked in her general direction.
She frowned at herself and her actions once more. "Sorry ... I just needed this," she said, holding up the knife carefully. The knife was dull, it couldn't cut the flesh, not even that of a human, but it was a great cleaning tool, especially for wax that the candles often spilled everywhere. She fiddled with it for a moment, seeing the pile he was sorting. "The offerings are getting smaller and smaller," she said with a small frown, squatting down and touching a few of the trinkets left as offerings for the temple and Bael alike. "When I was just a little girl they used to have at least ten daemons sorting out the offerings," she sighed. She was saddened by it, mostly because she was a genuine believer. However living at the temple she had nothing to offer except her work. But she wanted to do more, she wanted to give back to this place that had been her home for so many years now.