Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
|
Post by Émile d’Ames on Feb 13, 2009 0:18:20 GMT -5
I raised Sarielle's hand to my lips, at once relieved that I did not have to go through this alone. "You have my thanks," I said softly, taking note of her blush and wondering what had caused it. "I may yet have need of that salve." I could not help but wonder what it would feel like to have her touch me in that way--not out of lust, but for the purposes of healing. Strange, that I had reacted so strongly to the Princesa's kiss but wanted--even needed--this woman's touch.
God's help me! We barely knew each other!
I let go of her hand and began to walk up the path to the temple proper. It was quiet, as it had been when I had made my first trip here. Surprisingly, I didn't mind the quiet, although I suppose any other man would be disconcerted. We Cassilines are used to silence, silence and solitude.
I thought that perhaps I should say something to Sarielle, but it seemed blasphemous to violate that silence. There would be plenty of time for talking inside, or after the fact.
The door to the temple opened slightly as I approached, as if they were expecting me. I suppose someone must have seen us outside, or heard our voices. The gods knew I was loud enough...
It was the same boy from before who opened the door, regarding me with his icy blue eyes, his hair surrounding his face like a flaming corona. "Be welcome, Lord Cassiline, Lady Shahrizai" he said softly, holding the door open so that I could step over the threshold.
"I will find someone to attend to your needs," he promised, leaving to go fetch one of the bronze-masked priests. I had decided to take the initiative in this case, quickly stripping off my vambraces, sword, and daggers. It was not that I did not trust the priests and their attendants, but I always fretted whenever I was separated from my arms. I touched each piece with the tenderness of a lover's caress. "These daggers are my soul," I said softly, laying the blades on the bench with my sword, which I did not know as intimately as the twin blades I used all the time.
I had not had cause to kill many men.
|
|
|
Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Feb 13, 2009 12:41:28 GMT -5
I felt his kiss, warm and tender against my hand, a smile coming across my lips as I nodded in understanding. He dropped my hand and made his way to the temple. I followed in his wake, an eerie sense of calm washing over me. It could have been being in the Temple as I stepped over the threshold as he had done, or it could have been Emile himself. In watching him, learning about him, I learned more about myself in turn. It was odd how I felt comfortable with him, and in such a short time.
The boy addressed us, and I nodded in acknowledgement, wishing to keep my silence, and watched as Emile stripped himself of his arms and armour, placing them delicately down as he murmured something quietly that even I could not catch. It may have been something sacred, and I was sure this whole ritual for him was very sacred, as it would be for others, no doubt, but there was still somewhat more about watching him go through this. I stood behind him, off to the side, not wishing to break his revery. The silence was so actue you could hear every breath, and the soft shuffle of fabric and footsteps approaching in the distance. I closed my eyes softly before opening them again. It was time.
|
|
Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
|
Post by Émile d’Ames on Feb 14, 2009 13:25:26 GMT -5
I could feel Sarielle's presence behind me, and I turned, a small smile on my face. "I always worry overmuch about my armaments," I explained, indicating the vambraces, sword and dagger. "I do not know if the priests will let you come with me, but perhaps you could watch these? I would feel more at ease knowing that they are safe."
A black shape demanded my attention, and I turned to see one of the dark-robed priests, mask firmly in place, standing as silent as stone. I warmly clasped Sarielle's hand, squeezing it once. "It is best not to keep Kushiel waiting." I turned around, giving the priest my formal Cassiline bow. I was here to make my confession, but I could at least go with a little dignity.
"I am ready," I said, nodding towards the door which led, I knew, to the baths. "Lead on, m'lord--or lady..." I couldn't tell what sex the figure was, the robes hid the identities of Kushiel's servants well.
The priest--or priestess--nodded and proceeded to lead me to the bath wherein I would be purified. On a previous visit, the water had been warm, but now it was near scalding. I would be lucky if it didn't turn me pink from head to toe!
"Are you sure this is safe?" I inquired, but was answered only with a gesture that indicated that I was to stand in the water. This is a penance, Emile, not a pleasant stroll. I gritted my teeth and tried to think of the coldest thing possible while the water was poured over my head. 'Twas not so hot as to cause me injury, but it was hot enough that standing in it was uncomfortable. I confess that I was relieved when I allowed to put my clothes back on and all but herded into the Temple proper.
My body knew this place already, but it still seemed like I was viewing it anew. The presence of the effigy of Kushiel banished all of the bravado that I had felt in the presence of Sarielle. I felt like a child again, small and frightened and defiant to the end. I approached the effigy, making my obeisance and depositing my offerings--a small bag of coins and a handful of incense which made my head swim with its scent.
It was unexpected, how calm I was as they stripped me naked. I would have nothing to hide me from that soul-piercing gaze, no protection--not even the comfort of my sword and daggers, not that they would have been much use. I felt a hand carefully trace my shoulder blade. I knew what they were thinking: Such a waste, this body that has been given to Cassiel's service.
Or, mayhap it was that I was echoing my own thoughts...
Their hands were gentle as they guided me to my knees, and I did not resist when they lashed my wrists to the post. I took a deep breath as the chastiser circled around to present the flogger. It looked clean, new even, and it also looked like it would hurt.
I bit the inside of my cheek and nodded.
One never knows when the first blow is going to come, and I stifled an anguished cry as the lash kissed my skin. A second blow, much harder than the first, made my body bend at an unnatural angle, my cries echoing on the walls. I knew I was supposed to make my confession, but I could not seem to form words. No, there was only the pain. What was wrong with the chastiser, that he should hit me so hard?
A third blow. Gods above! Was he trying to snap my spine in two? This time, I managed to form a coherent sentence. "My lord Kushiel, I do not know what to do!" I cried, hot tears spilling down my cheeks. "I am alone, and the road is hard!" I had to fight the urge to turn and berate the chastiser. "I do not know how to love as Elua commanded." I admitted, feeling the guilt wash away with my blood and tears.
"Mighty Kushiel, punisher of souls! I wish atimes that I was not a Cassiline!"
Silence. It seemed as if the room had chilled, and then I felt a torrent of pain as the salt water touched my open wounds. "Be free of it..." came the sibilant voice.
That was the last I heard, for I am ashamed to say that I fainted.
When I awoke, I was no longer lashed to the post. My head was cradled in someone's lap. A bronze mask swimming in a sea of red...
"My lord Kushiel?" I asked, still groggy from my ordeal. My back was a labyrinth of pain, and I had no doubt that I was staining everything with my blood.
"No, Cassiel's servant," it was a woman's voice--a priestess. She pressed something to my lips. "Drink."
I obeyed, feeling the red wine heat my insides. "I did not fare well," I admitted, smiling shakily.
"The chastiser did not exercise restraint," she responded as she carefully eased my head off her lap. My bones loudly protested, but she managed to get me upright, supporting me while I fought to get my colt legs under control. Someone, I noted, had removed my clothes from the temple proper. I could not have managed to dress myself in this state anyways.
Slowly, we made our way to the purification baths, where I was helped into my clothes, all modesty shoved aside. I wanted nothing more than to be able to carry arms again. I wondered if I should see a chiurgeon. What would Sarielle think if she saw me like this?
Well, I was about to find out. I was amazed at how strong the priestess was, allowing me to use her shoulder as support while I shuffled along, every bone and muscle of my body screaming in protest. I probably looked as if I had just been spit out of Hell.
At least the Queen would never know...
I sucked in a breath as the door to the reception area was opened. "Lady Shahrizai," said the priestess. "I am afraid the Queen's Cassiline has met with some misfortune."
|
|
|
Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Feb 14, 2009 18:03:20 GMT -5
I nodded as he passed through the doors with the acolyte, and sat beside his things. I could feel a knot settling in my stomach, heavy and foreboding. I had never worried here, never in Kushiel's Temple. There was never a fear, or a thought of dread, so why now? Why did I worry for Emile? He was a Cassiline, in the Queen's service, and he had done this plenty of times, so it seems. So why now would I be worrying? Why did something just... not seem right.
I ran my fingers through my hair, attempting to settle my thoughts on somewhat else, I closed my eyes and succumbed to the silence. I could have sworn, though, that I had heard a mans voice cry out in anguish once... and then again... but it must have been my mind. These walls were practically sound proof, there would be no sound entering and none escaping the chambers of penance. But then why did that knot tighten.
After a while I raised to my feet. I was feeling unrest. Terribly. It shouldn't take this long. Something was amiss and I could feel it. Then in the distance I heard steps... and shuffling.. something was not right. I turned my gaze to the door, waiting to see who might be coming. I stood in front of the door, my heart pounding when the door opened, and my breath caught in my throat. Emile, draping himself over the shoulder of a priest or priestess of Kushiel, looking quite in pain, unable to walk on his own. I tried not to show my distress as I walked over to them both, meeting them halfway.
"Emile.... Emile..." I whispered softly, my hands going straight to his cheeks, cradling his head. I could smell the scent of incense lingering on him, mixed with the strong metallic smell of blood. I took in a deep breath, centering myself. This was a holy place, and I would not raise my ire, even if something was amiss. I heard the words of the priestess, her voice soft and appologetic.
"What do you mean by misfortune, priestess. What misfortune could he have faced in the competent hands of the chastiser?" I asked, wording myself carefully. This was Emile... a kind man.. a Cassiline... the Queen's Cassiline at that. I turned my attention back to Emile, looking into his eyes. There seemed to be some peace there, which was good. I let my shoulders drop a little, but was still very worried about his condition. I ran a hand gently through his wet hair, a spattering of blood on his ear. "Are you alright, Emile?" I asked gently, my voice tender.
|
|
Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
|
Post by Émile d’Ames on Feb 14, 2009 18:34:57 GMT -5
"The chastiser has a strong arm," I remarked, only managing a parody of a smile. "I think mayhap he wanted to show me what Hell was like, so I would not want to go there."
"The chastiser will be punished for his lack of restraint," the priestess' voice was grave. Ah yes, I was not just any Cassiline, I warded the Queen. It was almost as if the nation itself were in jeopardy, since I was compromised by my injuries, but I knew that that was not strictly true. Her majesty had guards aplenty...
Ah, but none who can fight like a Cassiline, Emile.
I shifted most of my weight over to my other leg. "I feel as if I burn all over," I remarked, the slightest shift of my body making me grimace in pain. I was amazed that I could manage to form coherent sentences. "It is nothing that will not heal...in time. Ah, gods! It feels like I have been through twenty sparring matches with my brethren! Sarielle, tell me that you have brought some salve with you..."
|
|
|
Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Feb 14, 2009 18:51:21 GMT -5
"Thank you, priestess," I mumured, removing my hands from Emile's face and bowing to her. "I have no doubt that he would not be."
I turned back to Emile, blushing a little, my concern seemed to be a bit over the top, and he was in pain, no doubt, but he seemed to be taking it well... though I knew a great deal of it was due to male bravado. I sighed, spreading my hands. "I am sorry, Emile. Had I known that a visit to the Temple was on the list for today, I would have. Unfortunately, my horde of soothing medicines rests at my home." I had this sudden urge, to just want to remove him from all pain. To kiss him, to soothe him. It made me ache to see him so... why in Kushiel's name!? I shook my head for a moment, taking him in. "What you need is... well... the clothes are definitely not helping if you have been whipped so. Plus you have need of a soothing balm. And some rest." He looked wary. And I raised an eyebrow. There was somewhat more that happened that he was not discussing, but I did not press it. I moved closer to him, using tones low enough that others might not hear. "Emile, I am not sure... is it wise for you to return to the Palace as such? I understand if.... you do not wish to come with me but... I must make sure you are some place you will be taken care of." It sounded odd even to me, my want to make sure of him, to be sure he was well, and none of it having to do with him being the Queen's protection. What could he wish to pay penance for? What could he have done that warranted this?
|
|
Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
|
Post by Émile d’Ames on Feb 14, 2009 23:46:13 GMT -5
"I do not want the Queen to see me like this." I replied automatically. What would she think if she saw her protector in such a weakened state? I tried to take a step forward, but pain flared in my lower back and I had to lean on the priestess again. "I would rather go with you, Sarielle. Is there a way we could summon a carriage? I fear I cannot walk far." I would have even tolerated a horse, such was the state I was in.
And, gods help me, I hated looking so weak in front of her! I was a Cassiline, and Camael's scion too! My father had always told me that a warrior was supposed to appear strong no matter how feeble he was feeling.
I found myself thanking whichever gods would hear me that he was not here to see me now.
Are you sure it is wise to go with her, Emile? Perhaps it was not the best decision, but I did not think she would try to take advantage of my weakened state to seduce me, or would she? Unfortunately, the gods had not blessed me with the ability to read minds.
"Perhaps we could pay a visit to Eisheth's Sanctuary?" I proposed. I had little to do with her Temple--the Cassilines tended to associate it with "womanish" concerns, certainly not a place that a celibate male warrior would frequent. But, to be fair, Eisheth's Temples had a reputation as places of healing and rest.
I had paid for my sins, and more. Surely they would treat me.
|
|
|
Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Feb 15, 2009 9:21:39 GMT -5
I did not quite understand why he feared the Queen seeing him in such a manner. It was nothing to be ashamed of, nothing that proved any sort of weakness or incompetence, but I figured now and here were not the time and place to ask why. Now was just the time to understand, and aid how I could.
I felt a leap of joy, oddly, when he said he would come with me, imbuing trust in me, but then a moment later, it seemed that he thought better of it, requesting to be taken to Eisheth's Temple instead. My heart sank, and I tossed a glare at the priestess. Sighing inwardly, I stepped to Emile's side, nudging his arm with my shoulder, offering him aid.
"Yes, Emile. We can go to Eisheth's Temple, if it is what you prefer. We can either amble over there or I am sure Kushiel's Temple may have some mode of transportation they would be more than happy to lend us that we can use if you feel you cannot make the trek, or wish not to make the trek in broad day light. Then I can have a messenger travel to my townhome to get my carriage to take you discretely wherever you need to go, or if you wish to stay in their care, and for me to depart..." I shrugged gently, awaiting his answer as I looked up to his profile. So much strength there, but so many other emotions played on his features. Why was there so much turmoil in him?
|
|
Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
|
Post by Émile d’Ames on Feb 17, 2009 1:02:47 GMT -5
I gratefully took ahold of Sarielle's shoulder, carefully spreading my weight so that I wouldn't send her to the ground. She was shorter than me, and I had no idea as to whether she could support me. Fortunately, I did not have my heavy armor on, so I was a bit lighter.
"Sarielle, I fear I cannot go...very far," I replied, turning to the priestess. "If it's not too much trouble, could you send for a carriage, my lady?" "Of course, Lord Cassiline," she replied smoothly, disappearing into the temple proper, probably to seek out a messenger. "Could you help me to the bench, please, Sarielle?" I asked, taking a jerky step forward. It was torture, being able to see my weapons and not having access to them. "Did any ill befall my armor?" This was a trait I had inherited from my father--an incessant concern over the well-being of my blades. You would never find a hint of rust, a suggestion of dullness, in my father's armaments. My back still burned in a thousand places, and for a moment, I entertained the thought that any punishment I could face in Hell would not be as severe as the lashing I'd just been given.
Oh, what I would give for some relief from this pain!
|
|
|
Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Feb 17, 2009 14:29:02 GMT -5
I felt him ease his weight onto me. He was heavy, not terribly heavy but for a woman my size his weight was noticeable. But I was strong of will, and held him, supporting him as best as I could as I helped him slowly to the bench.
"Your arms are fine, I promise. Nothing bad happened to them while you were being masacred," I muttered softly as I helped ease him down to the bench, sitting beside him so he could continue to lean on me. Even in the state he was in he still had the coherency to think about his armour... coherency or insanity, I was not sure. Then again, it was probably just the Cassiline way to worry so. I sighed heavilly. I did not think he would be able to carry them the way he was right now, not the long sword anyways, but I was uncertain of whether I was allowed to carry it for him. "How are you going to... carry all of your arms Emile? Is there any way that I might be able to help?" I asked softly.
|
|
Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
|
Post by Émile d’Ames on Feb 18, 2009 11:53:21 GMT -5
"Well, mayhap one of us should pick them up," I suggested. "That seems like the simplest way to go about it. I do not remember there being a prohibition against carrying a Cassiline's arms for him. So long as they are sheathed, they will pose no danger to anyone."
In my mind, I could hear the steady clip-clop of horses drawing a carriage, and it took me a moment to realize that I was not simply imagining the noise.
"Sarielle, I think mayhap Kushiel's priesthood has the fastest runners I've ever heard of," I remarked, nodding at the door that would lead us up the path and to the road. "Did you not just hear a carriage, or am I delusional and in need of a long rest?" How were we going to carry my arms? Sarielle was already supporting me, and my back still burned from the lash.
|
|
|
Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Feb 18, 2009 12:10:06 GMT -5
I looked over at his arms. I wasn't sure how heavy they were. I spotted a male acolyte, not too slight in frame, tending something in the distance and thought maybe he might be able to aid us.
Listening closely, too, I heard the clip-clop of horse's hooves on stone, and heard as they came to a stop.
"Yes, I do believe the carriage has arrived. As for your arms," I said, looking up into Emile's face. I could see the pain in his eyes. "I could probably manage a few of the smaller items as I help you to the carriage, but mayhap we should ask the acolyte for assistance?" I asked, nodding my head in his general direction. "At least until we get you into the carriage, and then mayhap when we reach Eisheth's Temple, I can summon someone to assist us?" I took in a deep breath, awaiting his move to rise to his feet.
|
|
Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
|
Post by Émile d’Ames on Feb 26, 2009 1:02:11 GMT -5
I suddenly felt weary, and I quickly suppressed the fear that I was going to collapse with exhaustion with every step I took. "Sarielle...how far is your dwelling?" I asked, inhaling sharply as my wounds sent needle sharp pain into my back. "I do not know if I can make it to Eisheth's Temple, I want to...sleep..." Perhaps I was delirious, or maybe it was simply how I chose to cope with the pain. I suddenly wanted nothing more than to curl up in a nice warm bed and sleep for a decade or so.
No, Emile! Stay awake! I bit the inside of my cheek until I was convinced that I would not suddenly keel over, and called to the acolyte, who didn't seem to walk so much as drift over to where we were. "Please, sir," I said softly. "Could you help me carry my arms to the carriage?"
The young man nodded, his dusky hair falling in his face as he bent to pick up what remained of my arms, holding the pieces as if they weighed little more than a small bag of gold coins. Despite my drowsiness, I could not help but smile--this one was strong, and he would have a wicked arm in a few more years--the perfect chastiser. Impulsively, I reached for my daggers, they felt unusually heavy, but I felt as if I had recovered a piece of my soul.
"Sarielle, do you think....you could handle...my sword?" I inquired, glancing at it. It was a heavy weapon, and the acolyte's hands were full as it was, but I did not have to lean on her for support so much.
|
|
|
Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Feb 26, 2009 2:28:27 GMT -5
We got to our feet, and I felt little of his weight on my shoulder, as it seemed he was trying to support himself more than rest his weight on me. I moved very slightly, picking up his sword. Of a surety it was heavy, but not so heavy that I could not make it to the carriage that waited just outside.
"My townhome," I said softly, shifting mildly so that he could place more weight on my shoulders if he needed, my arms craddling his sword with care, "is not as close as Eisheth's Temple, that being just a short carriage ride up the hill, but it is not far either. We can go there instead, if you wish. I would be happy to accommodate you, as would my household." I moved forward with him slowly. "And yes, your sword is fine. Are you... alright? Emile? You can lean more on me if you like." This next part I whispered, so only he could hear: "You do not need to prove your strength to me, Protector of Queens, let me prove that I can help you with your burden." I looked into his face with a soft smile, then to the acolyte. "Please, take his arms to the carriage, we will be right along."
I looked again to Emile. "So, my townhome, or Eisheth's Temple. Tell me now so I might let the driver know."
|
|
Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
|
Post by Émile d’Ames on Feb 26, 2009 22:49:47 GMT -5
"Your townhome," I replied, leaning against her while simultaneously trying not to. As much as I probably would have benefited from the gentle touch of one of Eisheth's servants, I had already trusted Sarielle with my arms. I could trust her with the care of my body, or so I hoped.
As we left the Temple, I turned my head towards the road. Fortunately, my vision was normal, even if my thoughts were still clouded, and I could not help worrying that someone would see me in this state. What would everyone say if they saw the Queen's Cassiline leaning on a noblewoman like some invalid! It was weakness! It bordered on impropriety...
...and, frankly, I couldn't have cared if the Prefect himself was breathing down my neck at that moment.
I focused on the carriage before me, sleek and black like the belly of some great beast, and I quickened my pace, wanting to hide in its dark interior before anybody looked in our direction. The horses seemed serene, at least, although I imagined that they were sweltering from the heat due to their dark coats. They must have been dispatched quickly, and I hoped that someone would give them some water after they carried us to our destination.
I released my hold on Sarielle's arm to half crawl, half climb into the carriage, immediately maneuvering my body into a corner, my feet planted firmly on the ground as I tried to keep my back away from the seat, praying that I would not pitch forward when the carriage began to move.
"I think mayhap I will fall asleep on the way," I remarked, staring at the carriage's dark interior, thinking that it was strange how the sunlight seemed to be absorbed by the black and crimson of the vehicle. I shut my eyes, letting my head loll to the side. "I must seem so pathetic at the moment..."
|
|
|
Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Feb 27, 2009 12:17:55 GMT -5
The moment he said my townhouse, it felt as though a great weight had been lifted from my shoulders, even as he let more of his weight rest there. We hobbled out the front door, and to the carriage in much of a hurry, but I understood his concern, even though I thought that people would understand, regardless. I suppose some would not. I watched as he went inside the door. I walked to the driver and explained who I was. He knew where to go.
Once inside, I watched as he sat, trying not to lean against the back of the seat. I held his arm, in case the carriage should jostle him over much as unsteady as he was.
"You may lean on me if it is comfortable," I offered as the carriage began to move. The driver took heed, bringing his horses slowly to a trot. "And you are not pathetic, Emile. You are far stronger than most to seek penance from a God as harsh. Many cannot, and will not. You are not pathetic." I caressed the hair on his head soothingly as I looked out the window. It would be a few minutes yet, but we would be there soon. "If you are ashamed of it, then..." I faltered. Now was not the time, so I bit my tongue and hoped he had not heard me.
|
|
Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
|
Post by Émile d’Ames on Feb 27, 2009 23:12:35 GMT -5
I slowly relaxed as the carriage began moving, keeping my feet planted firmly on the ground, just in case. She had very gentle hands, and I had to fight the urge to fall into that deep slumber that my body was craving.
"I do not think even Mighty Kushiel could hit that hard," I remarked dryly, feeling my eyelids droop as I spoke. No! Now was not the time for sleeping! I shifted a little so that I could turn towards her. "I thought I saw him there--in the Temple--but it turned out that it was one of his priestesses." I shook my head. "I feel like I have just spent an entire day battling Skadic warriors..." I had not personally battled one of the Skaldi, but I had heard tales, like most small boys. "I miss the training grounds," I admitted, smiling fondly at the memories. "At least there I had some control over the wounds I received..."
|
|
|
Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Feb 28, 2009 16:38:07 GMT -5
I sighed softly as I watched him, still trying to hold together some semblance of pride, even if it was silly. Maybe it was just something he needed to do for himself. Still keeping my grip on him, gentle but firm in case he should sag, judging by the way he fought pending sleep, I looked out the window. We were drawing closer to my home, out of the Temple District now and entring into the residential sector. I looked back to Emile. His words made me frown angrilly.
"I have not heard of someone mistreated so. Not in a temple. It is sacrilege! I can't think on what would possess a servant of Kushiel, a chastiser, to whip you so hard. Maybe he thought, you being a Cassiline and the Protector of the Queen, that you were more doughty than other people, than mere nobles and peers. Maybe... but it still doesn't excuse it, and I am sure that he will be punished properly, and then some, for his dishonour to his Temple and to the Queen and to our forefathers." I let out a ragged breath. "But you will be okay. I know it. You have not been beaten wihtin an inch of your life, and you will be fine, albeit very sore. And not to worry. I will give you a comfortable bed and discretion. That at least I can promise."
|
|
Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
|
Post by Émile d’Ames on Feb 28, 2009 20:54:48 GMT -5
I managed to smile in spite of myself. "Now I have made you angry, I apologize." It was natural for her to express some disgust at what she perceived to be a sacrilege, and I suppose it was, but she was starting to remind me of the Prefect... "Mayhap the chastiser thought I had...broken my vows," I offered, feeling as if a knife had stabbed me in the gut at the thought. After all, I had entered the temple with a woman of House Shahrizai, and even priests were not immune to rumor and speculation.
I shifted in my seat, turning so that I could glance out the window. "I used to like to think that I could handle something like this, mayhap I only wanted to prove that I wasn't a weakling..." I bit the inside of my cheek with such ferocity that I tasted blood. "Ah, there I go, thinking out loud..." I chuckled nervously. The pain was a dull ache now, but I still could not bring myself to sit back against my seat.
|
|
|
Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Mar 1, 2009 13:57:40 GMT -5
We were getting closer and would be at my home in about a minute. I looked to Emile, listening.
"I am not angry, do not apologize, it is not your fault. I am just disappointed in the chastizer. But for whatever reason he thought he was in the right. For me, I wonder why people do what they do... so I suppose it is a great deal of frustration. And nothing is wrong with thinking aloud. And... and I don't think you are a weakling," I said softly, my gaze falling upon him. The carriage finally rolled up my drive, jostling a little from the left to the right as it pulled up in front of my modest home. It wasn't large, by any means, but it wasn't anything to sniff at either.
"We're here," I announced.
|
|
Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
|
Post by Émile d’Ames on Mar 1, 2009 16:49:22 GMT -5
I turned to glance out the door of the carriage. Perhaps I would have been awed if I had not lived in the palace for so long. This house was certainly larger than my parents' estate in Kusheth, but almost every building paled in comparison to the palace's grandeur.
"It looks like it suits you," I observed, smiling. "But I think the interior will tell me more about its owner." I made an effort to try and stand, only to howl in pain as my wounds savagely protested my actions. "Damn it all to Hell and back!" I cursed, pushing with one hand against the seat as I leaned on Sarielle for support. It was an awkward position, but at the time I did not notice how close I was to her bosom, so determined was I to leave the carriage without relying on her to help me.
|
|