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Post by Josette Bradamante on Jan 11, 2011 23:21:35 GMT -5
“I’m too busy enjoying myself to think about love yet,” I said with a grin and wink as we entered the temple. My features smoothed into a smile as I looked around.
“Oh my, it’s beautiful.”
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 12, 2011 10:08:34 GMT -5
She couldn't have been much older than I was, and even if she was I still understood her point of view. It seemed like you were expected to be anxious to find a permanent life for yourself, but that wasn't me at all. "Oh, I enjoy being free, but if I do find love I don't think it has to be a fetter either," I said, then looked around the Temple and was a little breathless. Everything was absolutely beautiful, and almost unbelievable in scope. "Wow," I agreed after a moment when I managed the air to speak, my eyes moving over everything as I slowly stepped forward and did one slow spin to get a look at every inch I could, a smile coming to my face. "Even as wonderful as the outside is I didn't expect the inside to be so beautiful."
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Jan 12, 2011 23:52:03 GMT -5
“Neither did I,” I told her. “The main temple at home is amazing, but this….this is… I don’t know the words for it.”
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 13, 2011 8:46:48 GMT -5
The fact that she was amazed made me even more amazed and I looked back at her with a smile as the other people present continued with their private or public devotions. The people who must be priests and priestesses circulated freely and seemed happy enough with their station, and there was no sense of anything but peace, happiness and devotion. "What's the main temple like then?"
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Jan 13, 2011 19:20:08 GMT -5
“It’s less…. Ornate, I guess would be the word. Or perhaps I just spent so much time there it all became too familiar to me for me to think of it as ornate,” I answered, chuckling.
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 14, 2011 16:52:24 GMT -5
"It might just be that you're used to it- I mean, the main temple should be at least as beautiful as the annex in the City, right?" I suggested with a smile, even though I knew that wasn't always the case. "Or maybe the one in Namarre is just differently built, things in cities always seem to have extra finery added for the sake of being more of a spectacle." It really was peaceful here in some way, not at all as loud or overwhelming as I'd expected, though maybe that was the trickle of l'Envers blood talking.
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Jan 15, 2011 0:57:38 GMT -5
“You know, that’s quite true,” I agreed. “Everything here does seem to be done up mostly just for the sake of being done up.”
Chuckling, I looked around until I spotted what was obviously an acolyte; not that it was hard, she was watching us as if waiting for us to get over our awe. I asked if she would show us to where we could give offerings and with a tranquil nod she turned and began to lead us to the right.
“Have you been to any of the temples in the provinces?” I asked Noemi as we walked.
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 15, 2011 9:29:29 GMT -5
The acolyte that Josette spoke to was at least as lovely as everything else here, but that seemed to be the way of this land and I smiled as I walked with my new friend toward the area where people were supposed to leave whatever offerings they'd brought. "Not here, no- at least not that I remember," I said in reply to her question. "But I went to see the Temple of Asherat once in Serenissima. It's lovely, but not like this at all. There's something solemn and sad about it." It was really only the tip of the iceberg of describing that place but it was as though the air here smoothed over the more poignant portions of that memory.
It wasn't a far walk to the alcove where the acolyte stopped and I gave them another smile before looking at Josette again. "Does this mean we're ready, then?"
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Jan 15, 2011 12:24:36 GMT -5
"I believe so," I said as I smiled my thanks at the girl who had led us here.
I took a deep breath before stepping into the next room, trying to prepare myself for what might come over me.
even so, I wasn't ready for the wave of awe, longing, and comfort that washed over me, bringing tears to my eyes. The statue of Naamah was beautiful beyond words, the light streaming in through the opening in the ceiling seeming to wrap her in a golden mist. I missed home, the temple where I had spent time, my parents, our lands, and at the same time I felt a warm peace fill me.
"Forgive me," I said softly to Noemi as I wiped the tears from my eyes.
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 15, 2011 12:46:54 GMT -5
It was startling, the effect that stepping into the room of the sanctuary that bore the statue of Namaah. Everything was a distinct golden hue, colored by the sunlight and filled with a sense of radiant, peaceful acceptance. "Wow," was all I could say, my tone one of awe and amazement as I moved in a little further, letting the atmosphere of the place sink into me and making another slow circle to take it all in.
Once I was done looking around I glanced at Josette and gave her a smile of understanding, then reached out a hand and put it on her arm in a friendly fashion. "I don't think there's anything you need to be forgiven for," I told her. "It means a lot to you to be here, doesn't it? That can't be a bad thing."
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Jan 15, 2011 22:22:22 GMT -5
“It does mean a lot,” I said, my voice soft with emotion. “I have always felt close to Naamah, and I spent a year at the temple in Namarre growing up. It feels like home here.”
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 15, 2011 23:08:03 GMT -5
"It makes sense that you'd be so affected then," I said with a gentle smile. "I didn't spend a year in the presence of Namaah's Temple and I can feel the peace and love in this place. It must be even stronger for you." I really didn't see anything wrong with people expressing themselves, even the reactions were strong ones, so I wasn't really uncomfortable with her tears. I could tell they were more happy at the familiarity of the Temple itself than sad over some event.
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Jan 15, 2011 23:12:58 GMT -5
“Thank you,” I said, grateful for her easy acceptance of my reaction. “Would you like to make your offering first or shall I?”
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 15, 2011 23:45:46 GMT -5
Josette seemed a lot calmer and was glad of it, giving her another smile as I pushed some hair back behind my ear. "You can go ahead, I'm still working on whether or not I should ask for some luck," I said in a half-jesting tone. "And what I'll say otherwise. Besides, I think it's something that's really important to you." Not that it wasn't important to me too, which was why I was here- but I wasn't the one who had the same depth of feeling for this ritual as she did.
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Jan 15, 2011 23:55:49 GMT -5
Nodding, I smiled at her and then approached the statue. I knelt before the effigy, looking up at it and drinking in her beauty for a moment before I began to take things from my basket. I lit incense, poured my offerings of wine and honey, and then sat back on my heels, looking up at her again.
Thank you, blessed Naamah, for all that you have given me. For the freedom to love and be loved, to find pleasure in even the smallest of things. Keep all those I love safe and blessed.
Then I rose, feeling wrapped in her golden warmth, and returned to where Noemi was so that she could go next.
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 16, 2011 0:18:06 GMT -5
In the few minutes that Josette was gone I was able to collect my thoughts a bit and I gave her a slight smile as she came back to where I was standing, then made my own way over to the statue and knelt by it, lighting the incense I'd just bought and pouring the honey as seemed appropriate. Smiling cheerfully I looked up at the statue, then closed my eyes and let some of the sunlight filter over me.
Blessed Namaah, I know I'm already blessed in many ways, and I thank you for them. Let my desires follow their own path, let me be lucky in finding pleasure and joy in all things and let my heart lead me. I'm new to this land in some ways but I already knew some part of me was here all along. Help me keep my heart whole and happy, and look after those I meet and those I love.
After a moment I opened my eyes, feeling a fresh wave of peace wash over me, and then stood and walked back to where Josette was standing with a grin. She seemed a lot more at ease and I'm sure I did as well.
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Jan 16, 2011 0:41:07 GMT -5
I waited until we’d stepped out into the hall again and then said, “I don’t feel like going home yet. Would you like to go get a meal or do some shopping?”
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 16, 2011 10:02:13 GMT -5
"I don't think I'm ever one to turn away an outing," I told her with my grin still in place, glad that Josette seemed more cheerful now that she was done with her devotions and feeling a bit more light-hearted myself. Maybe I did need to explore more of these Temples and learn this part of myself at some point. More than one a day seemed a little excessive though, and somehow like it would be cheating. "Which do you want to do first?"
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Jan 17, 2011 0:10:16 GMT -5
“Hmm, how about a meal and then we will have enough energy to do lots of shopping?” I suggested.
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 17, 2011 10:17:38 GMT -5
"It sounds perfect," I said readily, pushing my hair back over my shoulders and feeling in very much in the mood to sit down with a nice cup of tea before seeing the inside of a few shops and picking up the things that most caught my eye. "I haven't been here very long, do you know anywhere that's good?"
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Jan 17, 2011 16:08:26 GMT -5
I thought for a moment. “Are you in the mood for a full meal or something lighter?”
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 17, 2011 16:52:43 GMT -5
"Anywhere that has a good cup of tea and something edible is good for me, I'm not really that picky," I said nonchalantly as I opened the door leading out of the area we were currently in. "I'm sure whatever you feel like having is fine and since I haven't really eaten that many meals here it's all new to me."
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Jan 17, 2011 22:31:26 GMT -5
"I would suggest Cachette then," I told her. "Amazing variety of teas and the food is not bad."
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 18, 2011 8:03:34 GMT -5
"If you recommend it so highly I think it sounds great," I agreed with a grin as I stepped out and into the main portion of the temple. "And I hear there's good shopping around here too. Are you looking for anything in particular or just whatever fancy strikes you?"
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Jan 18, 2011 14:16:48 GMT -5
“Whatever strikes my fancy,” I answered. “Though a new gown might be nice. You?”
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 18, 2011 14:31:38 GMT -5
"I should probably get something else d'Angeline for my closet," I said with a smile as I looked around again, letting the inside of the Temple make a permanent impression on my mind. "My sister and I tend to be a little different in terms of clothing and a lot of what I wear still has a Serenissiman. Maybe it's time for me to expand."
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Jan 18, 2011 22:32:14 GMT -5
“I certainly think you’ll be able to find something to your liking,” I said as we exited the temple. “There seems to one of everything here.”
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 18, 2011 23:09:52 GMT -5
"I've noticed that in a lot of the different areas," I said in a cheerful tone. "There's a lot in Serenissima too but the variety of things here is really nice. There's something from almost everywhere if you know the right shop to look in."
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Post by Josette Bradamante on Jan 18, 2011 23:31:44 GMT -5
“And finding the right shop is half the fun,” I said with a laugh.
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 19, 2011 16:09:23 GMT -5
"I don't know, I can generally find something interesting almost anywhere- but maybe I'm just not really ever sure what I'm looking for," I said with a chuckle of my own. "But I always prefer shopping with friends anyway, that way if I don't find anything at least I had a good time." Leaving the Temple felt a lot different than entering it had and the world seemed a little clearer, though perhaps that was all in my mind. It had been nice to go though and I could only hope my prayers were heard.
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