#(though still [squishes verchiel and chambersite in my big meaty fists!!!!!])

[secondsonaym]

The Vessel Project - Lord Verchiel Knows Best - [Kallamar 1]

(read on Ao3 here)

⚠ Major warning for child abuse [Physical and verbal]

------------------------

Ah… My turn already? I would have thought Heket would go on for several more pages… But very well.

When Shamura had asked us to help them with detailing the past eight years, I was… Reluctant, to say the least. 

After all, once we secure the status of the Old Faith and unite the sects, we’re going to scrub all traces of those damn birds out of the Old Lands. 

I’ll finally be free of that damn bastard’s face…

Ah… My apologies. Shamura has requested we not complain about our experiences for more than necessary. This log is supposed to be as ‘objective’ as possible, as they put it.

So let me tell you how… Objectively horrible Verchiel was. Not that I knew it at the time.

---------------------------

“Not a word. ” Lord Verchiel spat as we sank down into the darkness. Xe had readied a portal as soon as we stepped outside, which was shortly after Phanuel and Heket had reached the bottom of the steps.

Even without Xer prompt, I wouldn’t have spoken. It was clear Xe was in a bad mood, so why risk making it worse? No doubt, anything I would have said would have just made Xem even angrier.

Michael must have made Verchiel very angry, if he had actually made Xem strike him with Xer talons. Xe hated fighting, and hated getting dirty. 

“Now I must throw this robe out!” Xe wailed as we finally stepped into the calm of Anchordeep. “Blood is so hard to wash, and this material is delicate! ”

Thanks to some ancient charm, one that had been in place before Lord Verchiel’s time, Xe could move and breathe just fine under the water. Most of Anchordeep’s inhabitants were aquatic in some form or another, but a few air-breathers had joined the population in recent generations.

“Opal,” Xe said, turning to me, “You don’t think I’m letting Anchordeep fall to ruin , do you?”

“O-Of course not!” I said. Was that what Michael had said? How insulting! “You take good care of the land, and everyone loves you for it.”

Lord Verchiel turned and let out a sigh. The blood on Xer talons was already starting to disperse into the water, adding a gross metallic smell to it.

It was hard seeing Lord Verchiel like this. Xe tried so hard, with Xer limited energy, only for the other bishops to throw it back into Xer face. 

“I know I shouldn’t let Michael’s words get to me,” Xe said. “But he is so irritating. Like a grandfather who has lost touch with the world.”

Xe began to walk again, and I hurried after Xem. We were nearing the temple grounds, which was easy to see even late at night. Various statues of crystal stood around the temple walls, so brilliant they reflected even the smallest bit of light.

“Grandfather?” I echoed. “He doesn’t seem much older than… Than the other bishops.” I knew better than to imply Lord Verchiel was past Xer prime. It was impolite, after all.

“Hah.” Lord Verchiel snorted. “Though we all took on the crowns at similar ages in our lives, Michael has been the bearer of the Red Crown for much longer than the rest of us. Even the bishops before us said he had been around for who knows how long.”

“It feels odd to think that there were bishops before you.” 

“Well, of course. We’ve been around for centuries. You mortals couldn’t possibly comprehend the full scope of our reigns. With any luck, however, I will be in charge for many centuries to come, so there is no need to worry about all that.”

��Of course, My Lord.”

Soon enough, we had reached the temple. It was a large twisting spire made up of carefully grown coral, with countless embeds of pearls and other small gemstones. Even in the middle of the night, fluorescent lamps shone so that several of the gems could reflect the light, giving the temple an ethereal shine about it.

“Ugh, I can’t believe that Raziel! Keeping me up past my bedtime like that. The vessel project is certainly the first interesting idea she’s had in a while, but her consideration for other people’s schedules is abysmal!” Lord Verchiel spat as Xe signaled to one of the guards to open the door.

“Well, now you can get to bed as soon as possible.” I said, doing my best to lift Xer spirits. “No more interruptions until tomorrow!”

“Yes, yes, you are quite right. I will look forward to going back to my usual routine.” Xe agreed, stepping through the doorway. “Plenty of rest, like I deserve, and no need to worry about anything~”

At this, I couldn’t help but slow my pace a little, confused. Usually routine? But, now that the other bishops were aware of my existence, wouldn’t it be important that I begin training for my role? I wasn’t sure about the others, but certainly Raziel wouldn’t be above assassination or similar underhandedness…

“W-What about my training?” I asked, causing Lord Verchiel to glance back at me. 

“Hm? Oh, yes, yes, that, well obviously I won’t be managing that.” Xe said with a wave of Xer wing. “Chosen disciple or not, I am very busy with managing the order as a whole, Opal. Surely you didn’t think I would be training you personally ?”

“Ah… Well…” 

Lord Verchiel let out a laugh. It was slightly melodic, but fragile, like the tinkling of glass chimes. I had always liked Xer laugh. 

“No, no, my dear, one of the acolytes will help you. Chambersite, maybe, he’s quite skilled with combat. You’ll pick things up from him in no time.”

“Oh… Chambersite?” I mumbled before I could stop myself.

Chambersite was one of the more involved members of the order, a middle-aged eel who was always at Lord Verchiel’s beck and call. He was alright, I guess, but… Well, let’s just say in the brief moments we had spoken before Lord Verchiel and I had left for Raziel’s temple, Chambersite had made it quite clear he did not approve of Lord Verchiel’s decision. 

“A little runt like you’s got no business being in such a position.” He had grunted at me when Lord Verchiel was distracted with something else. “Xe should’ve chosen somebody who’ll actually know what they’re doin’.”

“Is something wrong with my choice, Opal?” Lord Verchiel asked, bringing me back to attention. When I locked eyes with Xem, I went rigid, feeling the steely looking Xe was giving down to my very core. 

Had Xe noticed my color change? I tried my best to control it, but it was still hard at times, and flashes of color still passed along my skin when I was particularly stressed. My whole family could read me like an open book because of this, and it was hard to mask how I really felt.

But it had been these same color shifts that Lord Verchiel had taken notice of, had complimented me for. I certainly wasn’t the first squid with these abilities, but Lord Verchiel had called mine ‘unique’, of all things.

“I have an eye for these things, dear.” Xe had said. “I know quality when I see it. I know best.”

Right, why was I worrying so much? 

Lord Verchiel knew best. 

Chambersite was perfectly fine.

“N-No, not at all.” I stammered, shaking my head. “I think Chambersite will be an excellent teacher.”

“Good, good. Now, I am off to my personal chambers. I trust you know your way to your own quarters?” Xe asked.

“Y-Yes, Lord Verchiel. I wish you a good night. And… Um…”

“Spit it out, Opal.” Xe said, a clear note of impatience entering Xer tone.

“I just… Wanted to thank you. For the opportunity. It’s an honor.”

“The least I could do to express my gratitude to my followers.” Xe said with a smile before turning and continuing to walk. “Sweet dreams, little Opal.”

I watched Xem go, vanishing down one of the decorated archways. After a few more moments of staring, I made my way to the hall that led to the acolytes’ living quarters, to find the room that had been given to me when I had first been brought here.

Unlike the outside, there were no lamps in the halls, meaning I would have to be careful as I navigated the area. I gently placed a tentacle on the wall as I walked, keeping myself steady as I moved in the darkness. 

Reaching my room wasn’t particularly difficult, as it was near the end of the hallway, but I paused with my hand on the door, thinking for a moment.

The other children I had met had been quite… Different. 

Heket was so nice and bubbly; Leshy was quiet, but observant; Shamura was… passionate, about their devotion to Raziel. And Narinder…

I recalled how the cat had started crying after we spoke about sacrifice. I hadn’t said anything at the time, but I did find it rather upsetting. I just wanted to share how the Pestilence sect handled sacrifice, not to make him upset…

Then again, why did I care? He was an enemy now. If it came to it, I would have to… Kill him…

Kill… Him…

Why did that idea stir something in me? Why did my stomach twist and my legs went weak at the thought of facing him--or anyone , really, in battle?

…

I was probably tired, that’s all. It was late, and I really needed to sleep.

So without any further delay, I stepped into my room, changed into my evening robes, and settled into my hammock. Almost instantly, exhaustion swept over me, and I closed my eyes.

It was tomorrow when things would change… 

Unfortunately, for the worse.

----------

I woke the next morning to a heavy banging on my door, which startled me out of my hammock and onto the hard tile floor. Just who was that, and why were they so loud??

My question was answered as the door swung open, and Chambersite’s leering face looked down at me. 

“What are ya doin’ on the floor?” He snapped. “Get up and get dressed, it’s time to get to work!”

“Y-Yes sir.” I managed, hurrying to my dresser as he closed the door to wait for me outside. Oh, I must have overslept! As Lord Verchiel always said, maintaining a proper schedule was important.

Once I had a fresh change of clothes on, I stepped outside, almost bumping right into Chambersite, who had barely stepped away from my door. He snorted as he stared down at me, but shoved something in my hands before turning around and walking down the hall.

“Eat, and let’s get to the battlegrounds.” 

I stumbled to keep pace with him for a moment before looking down at what he had given me: A small pouch of mixed fish and cauliflower. 

“Oh…” I mumbled, my beak twitching a bit. “Um, I don’t actually like--”

“Yer not gonna to get the luxury to be picky out on crusades, ya know.” He snorted, not even turning back to look at me. “‘Sides, it’s good for you.”

Good for me. Right. I couldn’t argue with that, really. I needed to be healthy and strong if I were to fight in Lord Verchiel’s name, so even if I didn’t like it, I just had to endure.

“Where is everyone else?” I couldn’t help but ask between bites that almost made me gag. “It’s so quiet…”

“That’s ‘cause it’s 5 AM.” 

5 AM? But then that would mean I had only slept for… W-Why was I up so early???

“Lord Verchiel delegated the responsibility of yer training to me.” He continued, now glancing back and taking note of my confusion. “So I decide yer schedule, and you follow along. Got it?”

Ah. Right. Lord Verchiel had said as much last night, I remembered now. Whatever Lord Verchiel said goes, and Lord Verchiel had essentially said whatever Chambersite says goes. Chambersite was my elder, after all, so what point was there in objecting to him?

I finished my food and disposed of the pouch as we passed a waste bin. We were almost to the far side of the temple’s interior, and I could see Chambersite heading to the doors that led outside.

The battlegrounds weren’t used too often, from what I could recall. Lord Verchiel didn’t have many acolytes skilled in combat, and Xe detested having to fight. 

So when we stepped onto the clear space, a circular field cleared of debris so only fine sand shifted under our feet, it felt… Strangely cold. Not cold in terms of temperature, but just that… Without regular activity, the space didn’t feel as inviting as others.

Chambersite either didn’t notice or chose to ignore my hesitance, walking to a small shed that stood next to the temple wall. He took out two long wooden poles and unceremoniously tossed one to me. 

“We’ll use these until you can handle an actual weapon.”

Though I tried my best to catch it, I hadn’t been prepared, so it flipped between my hands for a moment before hitting the ground with a sad thump. I heard Chambersite grunt something as I bent down to pick it up, but my embarrassment made it hard for me to realize what it was.

“Yer pathetic.” He scoffed as I made my way to him on the field. “But that’s what training is for.”

He gestured for me to take a few steps back, then adjusted his stance so he looked ready to fight. He looked at me expectantly, but something bothered me…

“Um… What about your jewelry?” I asked, gesturing to the various loops and chains that adorned his neck and arms. “W-Won’t they get caught on something?”

Chambersite snarled, gripping his weapon tighter.

“This jewelry came from Lord Verchiel Himself! It is a sacred gift! To take it off would be an insult to Him!”

Ah… Why didn’t I realize that? Everyone else in the temple had various forms of jewelry and piercings, so it had to have been part of the upper ranks of the order. 

“Do well enough, and you’ll get your own, eventually.” Chambersite continued, gesturing for me to make a move. “But that’s dependent on you. ”

I froze up when he said this. Me, get my own jewelry? My own adornments? Well, such a thing would have certainly been a honor, but… How come the idea of that scared me? It was a blessing from Lord Verchiel, so it was good. And yet… The idea of going around covered in shiny metal and gems did not sit well with me…

Oh, enough with the worrying! I was just nervous, that was all! Nervousness at new things was perfectly normal, and I’m sure in time, I would warm up to the idea. Besides, it wasn’t like it was going to happen any time soon.

Lord Verchiel knew best.

“C’mon, kid, let’s just get this shit over with.” Chambersite barked, pulling me from my train of thought once more. 

With a quick nod, I brandished the pole I had been given and ran towards him--like I had read about in books! Brave warriors charging headfirst into battle to slay their foes, yeah!

I was gonna smack Chambersite in his ridiculous face, and he wouldn’t be able to get upset because it was part of training and--

DONK.

The next thing I knew, I was on the ground, in a crumpled pile with my face being poked by my own weapon. Chambersite had swept his pole under my legs, sending me falling and causing me to bonk myself in the face. 

“What a great start.” He grumbled as I pulled myself up. 

I brushed the sand off my front and rubbed at where I had hit myself. It didn’t hurt too much, thankfully, but it was still embarrassing to have done that. Ripples of pink and red flashed across my face, displaying the shame I was trying to keep quiet for all to see.

“C’mon, back to it.” He ordered, readying his stance again. “Crusaders don’t get time to cry.”

Had I looked ready to? Oh dear… 

“Um… Do you think you could actually… Show me some moves?” I suggested between slow breaths--A technique one of my dads had taught me for whenever I felt overwhelmed. “It would help if I knew what to actually do, rather than charge straight ahead…”

“You learn by doing. ” Was all Chambersite growled in response, before gesturing again for me to move.

Well, I couldn’t see any issues with that, really. If I kept at it, I would learn where I was making mistakes, and then correct myself.

As worried as I had been when starting this training, it started to ease up a little bit. Sure, Chambersite was a bit rough around the edges, and probably wasn’t very happy he hadn’t been the one chosen, but he was taking the time to teach me. That was actually pretty nice of him.

We continued to train, with me charging at him from various angles and him continuously parrying my strikes, sending me tumbling over. It wasn’t long before my robes were a mess of sand and shell fragments, and I could feel a distinct soreness in my arms.

I didn’t really know how long we had been going on like this, but after I had fallen for the some-dozenth time, I found it hard to get up again.

“Again.” Chambersite ordered, as he had taken to between the bouts. He hadn’t been hit once, and stood as imposing as ever.

“I… I’m starting to get tired, Chambersite, sir.” I mumbled, only managing to bring myself to my knees. “Could we take a break?”

“No.” He answered simply. “There’s no breaks when yer fighting for real.”

Well, of course, I knew that, and he was right, but… This wasn’t real. So couldn’t I catch my breath for just a little bit?

“I don’t think a little rest would hurt…” I said, but the shift in his eyes made me regret speaking.

“You think you know better than me, then?” He growled, taking a stomping step closer to me.

“N-No!” I insisted, shaking my head. “I’m tired, is all!”

“You keep going anyway.” He said as he stood over me. Without warning, he grabbed my arm, and tried to pull me up to my feet.

It hurt. His grip was hard and rigid, and he pulled me in a manner that was far from careful. It let out a yelp from the pain, and buckled back down to the ground. Chambersite didn’t let go, however, and stood over me while I tried to pull my arm away.

“Get. Up.”

“I can’t.”

“You’re just not trying hard enough. GET UP.”

I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to get up, especially with Chambersite so angry now. But if I stayed on the ground, he would surely get even angrier. Oh no… Oh no, oh no, oh no…

“What’s going on out here?”

That voice--Lord Verchiel!

I raised my head, seeing Lord Verchiel poking Xer head out of the doorway and looking at us with a curious expression. After a moment, Xe stepped fully outside, Xer robes of the day a luminous shade of blue-green. 

“Apologies, My Lord.” Chambersite sighed, letting go of my arm. “Just havin’ some difficulties with trainin’.”

“On the first day?” Lord Verchiel asked in a disbelieving tone, widened eyes flicking to me. “Opal, dear, what’s the matter? Why are you making things so difficult for Chambersite?”

“I… Um… Well…” I stammered, trying to get the words out, but Lord Verchiel’s gaze made them catch in my throat. 

Part of me had hoped Xe would say something to Chambersite--That he was being to harsh or rough or that he shouldn’t have grabbed me like that. But Xe didn’t. So I was at a loss.

“He says he’s tired.” Chambersite then explained, making me shrink into my shoulders.

“Then why not let him rest?” Lord Verchiel asked, now looking to Chambersite. “Hard work is one thing, Chambersite, but surely you don’t intend to shatter my little Opal, do you?”

At these words, my heart soared. So Xe wasn't just going to let Chambersite get away with it! Truly, Lord Verchiel was a benevolent bishop, caring for all who served under Xem. Why did I ever have any doubts? It disgusted me to realize I had even considered Lord Verchiel would just sit by and let something like this happen.

Chambersite was quiet for a moment, glancing down at me. Lord Verchiel’s words seem to have gotten to him, because his jaw was visibly tight now.

“He won’t get better unless he keeps at it, My Lord.”

“It’s not a race.”

“But, My Lord, the other bishops’ll surely--”

“Don’t! Remind me! Of the other bishops on temple grounds. I admire your dedication to pleasing me, Chambersite, but a stone is polished with patience. He is a little gem to be buffed steadily, not a disgusting geode you smash with the first hammer you have available.”

Chambersite did not speak for a long while again, and then offered his hand to me. After a pause, being confused by this gesture, I took it, and he helped me to my feet properly this time.

“Forgive me, My Lord.” He said in a low voice.

“Now, I think I will take Opal with me for a bit to have lunch. You, meanwhile, can take some time to visit with Lazuli and see how her current sculpture is coming along. Is that alright?” Lord Verchiel asked.

“Of course, My Lord.”

“Come along, Opal!” Lord Verchiel said, turning around so fast Xer tailfeathers almost smacked me and Chambersite. I wasted no time hurrying after Xem, but when I turned to close the door behind us, I couldn’t help but lock eyes with Chambersite as he remained where he was on the field.

His eyes were cold and hard, staring at me intently with a rage I had never seen before.

“I do hope Chambersite wasn’t too harsh.” Lord Verchiel called, prompting me to finally close the door and rush to catch up with Xem. “He can be quite a mean individual if not kept in line.”

“Um, well, it was rough, but… I think I still learned a lot.” I admitted, rubbing at my still-sore arm. “I can’t wait to get better.”

“In time, in time.” Lord Verchiel said. “But that aside, there is another reason I wanted to get you alone. It’s about your family. I meant to mention it yesterday, but then the summons for Raziel threw everything out of order, and I forgot!”

Huh? My family?

“A-Are they alright?” I couldn’t help but ask. 

My family--My three moms, two dads, and literal dozens of siblings--they were all important to me. I had been staying at the temple for some time now, but every few weeks I had been allowed to go and visit them for a while. The last time I had seen them had been the day before yesterday, and everything had seemed fine then, so… Had something come up?

“Yes, yes, they’re all okay.” Xe said with a wave of Xer wing. “But I’m afraid that, if you are to start your training full-swing, then I can no longer allow you to visit them. You need to stay here, in the temple.”

What? Stay… In the temple? 

“But… Wh… Why?” I said, voice trembling with surprise. My stomach started twisting, but at the time I had chalked it up to not liking the disgusting breakfast Chambersite had given me.

“You need to stay focused, my dear.” Xe explained simply. “We can’t have you getting soft by taking breaks just to see somebody. I’m not saying you can’t contact them at all, no-no, weren’t you also sending them letters? It’s just that we cannot spend time and resources escorting you to and fro so much anymore.”

“Oh…” 

Just as quickly as my heart had soared at Lord Verchiel's rescue, it began to plummet at this news. My family had been so proud of me, being selected as Lord Verchiel's disciple. They had become the talk of my hometown, and business at the restaurant had been picking up, all because they could claim that Lord Verchiel's disciple came from their family. I was so happy to see things improve, little by little, each time I went to visit. And now...

“Opal, dear, whatever is the matter?” Xe asked, turning back to look at me with a slight frown. “Surely you would have expected something like this, yes?”

“I mean… I suppose… Especially since I live here now, but… But… I don’t know…”

Tears started to well in my eyes, and before I could stop myself, a few light sobs escaped me. Oh, how embarrassing it was, to be crying in front of My Lord! Especially since, like Xe had said, it was an improper use of resources, anyway. I shouldn’t be so selfish!

So then… Why did this hurt so?

“I’m… I’m sa-sad, though.” I explained. “I do-don’t know w-w-why. I understand why it… It can’t… But I’m.. I’m still--”

“My dear…” Lord Verchiel now turned around completely, kneeling so that Xe was eye-level with me. It was such a kind gesture, considering Xer status… 

Xe gently took my face in the tips of Xer wings, lifting my head up so I could see Xer kind smile.

“What do we always say in times like this?”

“Lord Verchiel… Knows best.” I managed between hiccups. 

“That’s right. The harsh training, the distance from your family--It may be painful now, but trust me… This will be better for you in the long run. Now, how about we go get something to eat, hm?”

I nodded, and Lord Verchiel stood up, turning and leading me off down the hall. I resumed walking as well, silently rubbing at my tears with the sleeve of my robe.

My family would be fine. I just couldn't see them in person anymore. But it was all for the sake of my training, so as not to be a burden on the temple.

As I followed after Xem, I repeated that phrase in my head so I would be sure not to forget it.

Lord Verchiel knows best.

Lord Verchiel knows best.

Lord Verchiel knows best.