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Post by Anacrasia Shahrizai on Aug 6, 2009 21:13:37 GMT -5
It was the week of my natale. I was gaining thirty-third year. Old to be married and having children, which is part of the reason why I didn't want to wait until Jareth and I had officially tied the knot this winter. No, this was Jareth's natale gift to me, this and the engagement ring that now lay about my finger, fresh for the jeweler's case.
We walked hand in hand into Eisheth's sanctuary, and I looked at him with a smile. "Thank you for coming with me love," I said, my voice soft.
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on Aug 10, 2009 14:55:11 GMT -5
I was not really sure of the protocol so to be completely honest with myself I was winging it. That was not unlike trying to fill my role as Duc and for about the millionth time I missed my father who was always there to guide me. I prayed that someday I might be half the man and father that he was. I was rather certain though that Ana would help keep me from making too large a misstep through the process and at her words I looked to her and smiled though I am sure a bit of my nervousness showed “Your welcome love, but I have to admit that I am a bit sketchy on how I can be the most helpful to you in this” that was a not so veiled way of saying I was utterly clueless when it came to the male role in this particular temple. But gods help me it felt right and I did not feel like an utter fool even though there were several large birds or insects doing rounds in my stomach.
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Post by Anacrasia Shahrizai on Aug 10, 2009 15:59:52 GMT -5
"You just have to hold my hand," I said with a smile, squeezing the aforementioned appendage. Truthfully, he was not the only nervous one. This was a big step for me. I was determined though. Once I made my mind up about something, it was hard to dissuade me.
A priestess stepped out to greet us, her face lined with time. I curtsied, and she bowed her head. "Where might I light my candle my lady?" I inquired respectfully.
She smiled and led us deeper into the sanctuary. It felt peaceful here, both like and unlike Kushiel's temple. "At Her feet child," the priestess said softly, and then left us.
I looked up at the carving of Eisheth's face, and drew in a deep breath.
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on Aug 11, 2009 10:52:17 GMT -5
I took her hand and gave it a soft squeeze of reassurance as the priestess appeared and lead us deeper into the temple and instructed us as to what to do. There was a sense of serenity here and I felt it wash over me as I looked up at the face of the effigy of Eisheth. I gave Ana’s hand another squeeze and then moved over to the side and procure one of the white candles as well as a smoldering taper to light it with and offered the items to my beloved.
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Post by Anacrasia Shahrizai on Aug 12, 2009 17:06:06 GMT -5
I let my breath out as Jareth returned with a candle, and knelt at the base of the statue. Carefully I placed it in one of the many holders circling Eisheth's feet, choosing a space clear of other candles. Then I took the lit taper in my left hand, and Jareth's hand with my right. Touching the taper to the wick of the candle my love had chosen, I watched it light and burn.
"Compassionate Eisheth," I began, whispering. "I pray that you open my womb, and bless us with children. I pray they be healthy and strong, brave and intelligent." I glanced at Jareth and smiled. "And I pray that they find the happiness and love that I have."
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on Aug 14, 2009 12:43:36 GMT -5
I watched Ana and listened and offered her a smile when she glanced in my direction. Despite the fact that we were doing this together and of our own choosing it felt a little like I was intruding on one of her private moments. I suspected that it would take me a while to get used to being in regular company with a woman as it was a major change in my life. None the less it was one I was sure I was ready for and I was confident in our mutual decision. When Ana was done with her prayer I offered her my hand to help her rise. At this point there really was little need for words.
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Post by Anacrasia Shahrizai on Aug 14, 2009 17:04:58 GMT -5
I rose, but didn't move away from the burning candle. I took his other hand with mine, now that it was free. "Do you wish to add any other words my love?"
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on Aug 17, 2009 9:15:31 GMT -5
I considered a moment and let my gaze drift upwards “The one thing I would pray for is that they have a life free of drama and difficulty. Such things are great fodder for epics but not so good of fodder for life.” I smiled “So I reckon I pray that they live a life of mild boredom.”
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Post by Anacrasia Shahrizai on Aug 17, 2009 11:28:36 GMT -5
I smiled. His wish was a good one, and something I wouldn't have thought of myself. "Please hear our prayer Eisheth." Leaning in, I kissed him to seal our words.
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on Aug 17, 2009 12:44:11 GMT -5
I returned her kiss and then tilted my head at her “Is that it?”
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Post by Anacrasia Shahrizai on Aug 17, 2009 23:56:39 GMT -5
"Just one more thing love," I told him with a smile.
I had spotted a discrete statue in the corner, two cupped hands not unlike those one might find on the bedside table of a Servant of Naamah. Idly I wondered whether the Servants had borrowed the idea from the temple, or the other way around. I suppose it didn't truly matter. I placed a purse in those stone hands, and returned to Jareth. "Now I'm ready. Take me home," I told him with a tender smile. It was done. I was ready to conceive Jareth's child.
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on Aug 18, 2009 9:18:34 GMT -5
I smiled and offered her my arm “I suspect I can manage that.” I glanced up toward the ceiling with a small smile on my face. What thoughts were going through my mind I really could not say only that I was content.
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