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Post by kajeayn on Oct 13, 2020 13:24:14 GMT -6
Moth to Flame
Winter 1702; Morning; Within Oralee Sanctum, the Palace. |
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Post by kajeayn on Oct 13, 2020 13:28:53 GMT -6
J E S S I A H
post 1 | wc 534
Light fell in golden streams, pooling at their feet, gently touching their cheek as they raised their head, long ears flicking forward as they watched small flickers, dust motes dancing in the light beams, tracing their paths as they fell.
Around them, the soft murmur of voices echoed, distant and muffled behind closed doors. The front room they had stepped into was empty, but warm and bright, the sounds of nearby equines promising they were not quite alone.
The chevaliers who had eyed them on their way in also promised this.
It was a rare moment to breathe in peace, and they savored it, knowing it would be but a moment before they were approached by a sanctum attendant. They didn’t mind, in fact a secret part of them looked forward to it, but Oralee was not… like other Sanctums.
It was beautiful, certainly, but beautiful in a way that felt like the rest of the Palace. Out of reach for someone like them, beautiful like the sun or stars, shining with a cold, faraway light. Uncaring for the eyes of slaves that looked up at them, wondering.
Lavish decor and the glimmer of golden things was a comfort, by now, reminding them of their new home. In that way Oralee at least was more familiar than Vatros, the only other Sanctum they had known. Brontide had never allowed them to join him on visits to others- they were no place for a slave. They had seen no reason to join him, anyway. All the Sanctums were dedicated to a god who didn’t care for them.
Even now, the feeling of Ignacio’s eye on them made their coat prickle uncomfortably.
They were not here for him. They’d given up searching for him a long time ago. They also weren’t foolish enough to believe the equines here would truly care about them, but they would make polite enough company. They hoped to borrow a simple book to wile away the time, while Aleksei was working at the Palace. Their presence at his side was unneeded, here- so they reminded themselves, even when they felt uneasy. Aleksei could handle himself, anyway.
So they kept reminding themselves.
Their hooves made no sound, sinking into plush carpet as they treaded lightly, uneasy on hallowed ground, eyes roving the entering room. A single Attendant was at a desk of sorts, currently busily going through some papers, but glanced up with a friendly enough smile when they noticed them gazing at them.
“Welcome to Oralee Sanctum. How may we help you?”
They hesitated, standing awkwardly near the desk, the bit in their mouth gaining weight as the Attendant’s eyes lingered on their brand as they stepped into a careful sign.
“Can you sign?” They asked with a gesture of their head, a small angle of their ears. The attendant just looked at them, blinking, then smiled, a little strained.
“Oh, my apologies, I don’t sign, I’ll… just get Flamen Eunoia. Please wait here.” They stood, head bobbing in a respectful nod- unnecessary, but appreciated- and trotted through a side door, disappearing.
Left officially alone, they settled back to wait, ears swivelling as they listened for the sign of any approach.
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Post by Luneby on Oct 13, 2020 13:40:42 GMT -6
 E U O N I A"Renunciation, total and sweet."
Light pooled abundantly through the large stained-glass window. A flight of doves glimmered between metal stems, shining their soft colors across the room. Euonia was working, seated in a large armchair, eyes locked on a heavy paper pile on her massive desk. The office was silent – the Phoenix who was its keeper slept; head tucked under her wing. The room was packed with large bookshelves, crumbling under heavy, ancient tomes and various glittering trinkets. A heavy wooden door kept this place sealed away from the rest of the Sanctum, both sight and sound. A knock against the door pulled Euonia out of her paperwork. Mint green teke removed the reading glasses from her nose before she answered. “You may come in.” she answered calmly. A confused Attendant made their way inside, giving her a puzzled glance before bowing deeply. “ Your Holiness, the Sanctum has a … guest that most of us cannot deal with.” They said, meekly. Euonia raised an eyebrow, unphased by the declaration. “How come?”The Attendant cleared their throat. “ Well … They appear to be mute, and I don’t think anyone can sign besides yourself.” Euonia nodded, making a note to herself that sign language should be taught to at least some of the Attendants here – not being able to guide every single visitor was truly unacceptable. “ They um…. Also happen to be a slave.” The Flamen’s ears twitched upon this revelation. A mute slave? Now, that sounded awfully familiar. Her heart inexplicably started drumming inside her chest. “ Very well, I will take care of them. Thank you for letting me know, you may go.” She said softly, while the Attendant fled after bowing silently. Could it really be… ? Her gaze met Caladriel’s. The bird had been silently watching the conversation. She shook her feathers and started to sing. The shadow of a smile grew on the mare’s lips as she slowly made her way out of her office. Covered in gold, precious silk and candles, she met the slave near Oralee’s wide doors. Her heart fluttered upon seeing the tall frame she well knew. It had been so long – becoming a Flamen meant she had to sacrifice her usual visits to Vatros, which she sorely missed. She had missed them, two. While she could not give away their connection, a soft smile still made its way on her face as her gaze met the equine’s gentle eyes. “ Welcome to Oralee Sanctum, I am Flamen Euonia. Can you please follow me?” her large wings swept open in a welcoming gesture, almost brushing against the mule.
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WC: 429| Post # 1
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Post by kajeayn on Oct 13, 2020 13:57:32 GMT -6
J E S S I A H
post 2 | wc 584
They waited, half expecting the Attendant to take their time- it was hardly as if anyone would be eager to attend to whatever a lone slave might need. They were at least grateful they weren’t here on an errand for Aleksei- they didn’t mind waiting for themselves, but it didn’t do to let themselves be treated as an ordinary slave when Aleksei was waiting.
They were still trying to get used to the idea of that.
A soft, distant song made their ear swivel, pointing towards it before their head turned, tilted slightly as they listened. Bird song, but more melodious, somehow. A phoenix? It would make sense for a Sanctum to host one, they supposed, listening to the muffled music that was soon accompanied by the gentle sound of soft footfalls, with a distinctive difference they recognized at once.
They knew the sound for it reminded them of Pandore- the sound of one leg slightly different from the others. Hers was more pronounced, one leg entirely replaced, but this one was more subtle.
They remembered it.
Both ears pointed up in silent surprise, blinking as Anna stepped into the room, her large wings spread wide. Their skin shivered unconsciously at the brief, almost contact, her feathers just barely missing them.
Eunoia.
Her name was different, in this place.
But they knew those kind eyes and gentle smile, beckoning them to follow and they did so without a moment’s hesitation. They’d expected a distant, but polite Flamen, one who would be kind because it was the pious thing to do. Especially here at Oralee, where nobles came calling even when the sanctum’s doors were closed to the general public.
But this was a mare they recognized. She’d been the closest thing to making Jessiah believe Ignacio might actually look out for them after all, a shining beacon in Vatros when all hope was nearly lost. She’d made time for them and Pandore, when all the attendants were stretched beyond their limits, and had required no bribery or begging or offers of work in order to give her aid.
She simply had helped, because she wanted to.
They swallowed as they followed her silently through the bright halls of Oralee, dimly noting this sanctum was even smaller then they’d expected- but there was no room for shadows or dark places, here. Candlelight and sunshine filled every corner, warm and golden, and Jessiah realized they could easily spend time here, in the sun but not. Hidden away but remaining in the light.
They stepped softly into what must be her office, their ears turning as they took in the little room, rose eyes touching briefly on the phoenix- ah, the source of the music- before landing on Anna- Euonia.
They waited until the door had shut, and the two were alone before their ears slowly focused on her.
“...I apologize for the interruption, your holiness. Thank you for seeing me.” They signed carefully, as politely as they knew how. Their eyes flickered over her face, not quite holding her gaze. The sudden gravity of the situation was beginning to dawn on them, the light in the room growing artificial and cold. A Flamen could hardly be two people at once. Which was the person they knew, really? And were they even at liberty to draw any attention to her other self?
They were a slave, after all. They didn’t dare to overstep their bounds and greet her as anything less than a Flamen of high status.
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Post by Luneby on Oct 13, 2020 14:00:55 GMT -6
E U O N I A"Renunciation, total and sweet."
The second she saw Jessiah, it felt like she was walking on butterflies – she felt light, but unstable. She walked on a rope high in the sky, but it would be so dreadfully easy to fall. She enjoyed the butterflies, for now. She felt a slight relief as she shut her office’s heavy door behind her. They were alone now – safe from stray ears. Her heart drummed faster as she stood before them, eyes sparkling. The butterflies vanished as swiftly as they came, as Jessiah started signing. “...I apologize for the interruption, your holiness. Thank you for seeing me.”
They had called her “your holiness”. They talked to her like they did not know her, like they had not shared some of their darkest hours together. It hit her that they did not, in fact, know her. They did not even know her real name. But they did know the only name that mattered – the name she only gave to people she cared about enough to share her secret with. She felt herself sinking into the ground, as the mule’s gaze fled hers. Had she scared them? The candles and golden armor weighed heavy, so heavy. Never had she been so conscious of the soreness running along her neck, her back, her legs. Her wings dropped to the ground. “ You don’t need to call me that.” She whispered, eyes dropping to the ground as she smiled meekly. “I’ve had a… promotion, recently, as you can tell. But I promise I’m still the same.”
Her mouth shut, as she started signing. They knew her for what she truly was- but she wouldn't let those words slip. Glittering teke undid, one by one, the chains that maintained her neck guard in place. Soon, she was peeling away all the golden layers and candles she had covered herself with – and left nothing but ash
“Please don’t be scared of me.”She anxiously searched their eyes – terrified she might have gone too far. Maybe she cared more about their opinion of her than they cared about hers on them. Maybe she was imagining things. She really could not tell. She changed the subject in a hurry. “I heard that you’ve had a change of life recently as well. I hope Aleksei has been treating you well – you do look a lot better. How is Pandore?” She cared less about Aleksei and Pandore than she cared about how Jessiah felt – but she was still curious. Her opinion on the Adviser wasn’t set yet since their recent encounter, but he had the reputation of being a respectful master. Jessiah looked well- better than ever, in fact. Seeing them in a luxurious attire was striking – she had last saw them bloody and weak. That alone made her feel warm.
***
WC: 462| Post # 2
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Post by kajeayn on Nov 2, 2020 14:04:00 GMT -6
J E S S I A H
post 3 | wc 690
Her eyes dropped, her smile turning timid, and for a moment their chest ached. This was the Anna they knew- the one who lowered her lashes demurely, wings fluttering nervously at her sides. Not quite shy, but a little uncomfortable in her own skin, at least in their eyes.
They knew the feeling well, at least.
Standing here in an opulent office, dressed in fine fur and gold, they barely knew who they resembled, these days. A tool in a new casing. Still them, somehow.
They tilted their head slightly at her words, watching her as she removed her layers. Chain by chain, they came undone, and they barely resisted the urge to help, to lift the heavy pauldrons from her back, to snuff out the candles that burned between her wings.
When she looked up at them, stripped down to ash, they found themselves smiling softly.
Removed of all the glittering, heavy things, she resembled their Anna once again.
As beautiful as the last they had seen her.
“Congratulations,” They signed after a long pause, realizing they had probably been staring a little too long to be strictly polite. They fought to hold her gaze- a lifetime of conditioning warring with Anna’s gentle plea.
Please don’t be scared of me.
“I’m happy for you,” They added, still smiling softly, eyes gentle as they looked at her. “You deserve it.” They told her honestly.
The only flamen they had met before her was Ulysses, and only in passing- the stallion had been harried, strained far beyond anyone should ever be, and they merely saw him in glimpses. Their heart had gone out to him- he had been doing his best, with what little he had to work with.
In truth, they’d used to be afraid of flamens. Their closeness with Ignacio intimidated them- could the fire god see them, through a flamen’s eyes? What secrets did the smouldering sun whisper in their ear?
Seeing Ulysses, harried and exhausted, had quieted some of those fears, but watching Anna remove her armor had buried the last of them.
She was just Anna, even with a new, intimidating title.
So, so far out of their reach.
She always had been.
“He treats me kindly,” They answered honestly, a little surprised at their own reply. Their ears twitched nervously, tiny smile turning a little bashful as they ducked their head. “I’m lucky to have him.” It was true- they were beyond lucky that Aleksei had plucked them and Pandore out of the gutter. They both would have died, they were sure of it, but even beyond saving them, Aleksei had been kind.
Admitting it still felt like a betrayal, but they were happy. Surprisingly so.
“She’s much better, thank you.” They answered, and their face softened, something fond in their face even as they dropped their gaze shyly. Anna remembering and asking after Pandore sent a spike of warmth through their chest- Anna had been vital in keeping Pandore alive, and largely because she simply cared.
It was embarrassing, how much it meant to them, that Anna cared about Pandore.
Not many people had. Even fewer cared for Pandore and Jessiah both.
But Anna had.
They let their gaze drift around the luxurious office, lingering curiously on the phoenix on its perch only a moment before looking up at the books crammed into the shelves. It did remind them of her- she’d managed to put her touch in this room, and the thought made them smile softly.
“You look well,” They told her in a shy sign, feeling clumsy as they tried to keep the conversation going. They’d been getting better, slowly and awkwardly, at signing- both in their own understanding of the language, and of their use of it. “How is... the new position treating you?”
Free of the burden of trying to speak, it was easier to communicate- but it was a muscle that had never been used, easily exhausted. A life of being told to be silent, and now they were encouraged to speak up- and more than that, they found themselves wanting to. They wanted to hear her voice again.
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Post by Luneby on Nov 30, 2020 16:11:31 GMT -6
E U O N I A"Renunciation, total and sweet."
She could barely hold back a sigh of relief. Jessiah’s smile alone had torn one of the many paper walls that kept them apart. They had dropped the formalities and the disguise – she could just be Anna once again. Her wings slowly dropped to the ground as she relaxed, beaming as watched the mule talk. Free of the heavy gear she wore all day, she felt a little more like herself. She was genuinely happy about the good news. She was glad that Pandore had survived – her heart would always go out to the mare who had been with Rosedale to the very end, and she would always want her safe. She was even happier than Aleksei had proven himself to be a kind and fair master, who visibly deserved Jessiah more than Brontide ever did. It was telling of his character, supporting him now felt a little easier. “Aleksei is lucky to have you.” She smiled. “ I’m very happy for both you and Pandore. You both deserve to be respected, and to be heard.” Caladriel was watching Jessiah curiously, cooing as she titled her head. The bird would usually get jealous from someone else getting so much attention from Euonia. And yet, something about the quiet stranger kept the bird at ease. “ It’s been… Busy. And yet, I don’t feel like I do much.” The mare muses, eyes drifting towards her office’s stained-glass window. “ At least I have a voice here. People come here to listen to me. I just hope it makes a difference.” The concept of people crowding to listen to her speak baffled her to this day. Her words were only ever read in the past – what was it that drew people here? Her eyes locked with Jessiah’s once more. She watched them silently for a moment. “I only took up this position because I want to make a difference.”
Looking at them standing before her, she knew she had made the right choice.
***
WC: 328| Post # 3
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