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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Apr 27, 2011 21:49:25 GMT -5
We finished our tea and honey cakes and set our sights on Naamah's temple.
I stepped out of the carriage and glanced around. Compared to Kushiel's temple, the grounds around Naamah's temple was a veritable marketplace. People thronged the carts of merchants selling doves--offerings of some sort, I supposed, though I knew Blessed Elua disdained blood sacrifices.
"This place is so...busy..." I remarked to Remy, noticing how passers-by inclined their heads in respect to us--or was it just Remy they acknowledged? It was clear that this was, for lack of a better term, more his territory than mine.
"Where do we go from here?" I asked him, turning to gaze up at the temple proper. "This place is so...big..."
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 1, 2011 15:34:22 GMT -5
I nodded in return to those who nodded to us before I smiled down to Adelaide and answered her statements and question. "Big and busy it is indeed, Peaches," I said quietly. I hadn't been to a temple of Naamah in some time, and it felt good to be within the vicinity of one yet again. I gestured to the doves and whispered, "Those are for when the adepts come to be initiated in as adepts. It's a beautiful ceremony; the adept chooses a dove and, at the appropriate times, releases it into the temple proper, and if it flies out the top of the temple, which is open, that's seen as a good sign." I stayed quiet after that and simply let her absorb everything around us as we walked.
"We step into here and remove our shoes," I murmured to her as we moved into the temple where a young woman in robes smiled charmingly to us.
"Would you like to make an offering, love?" I asked her softly as we neared the effigy of Naamah, beautiful and serene.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 1, 2011 16:31:01 GMT -5
I found myself only half listening as Remy explained the purpose of the doves, it never actually occurred to me that we would actually need to go inside the building until I was standing on the threshold.
"Shoes, yes," I said, casting my eyes about like a bird who was leaving its nest for the first time even as I removed my shoes, placing them neatly beside each other with the others that were piled there.
It was much warmer here than in Kushiel's temple, not merely a matter of temperature, but in atmosphere. It felt strange to me, but safe.
Fortunately, Remy seemed to know where to go, which was a relief. I did not want to go stumbling about and possibly see something I ought not to see, which was not a concern at Kushiel's temple, apart from when one of our own was to be ordained. I was not allowed to attend those rites.
My breath caught in my throat as I beheld the effigy for the first time. Habit made me avert my eyes, but it was difficult not to look at such a vision of beauty. It was strange, to say the least, to see a female face staring back at me when I was accustomed to the stern visage of Lord Kushiel.
"A-An offering?" Once again too distracted by the environment to pay attention to what Remy was saying. I probably sounded like a simpleton. ""Wh-What sort of offering?"
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 1, 2011 16:51:01 GMT -5
I noticed that Adelaide was trying to not look at Naamah, although it was permitted and even encouraged. I could understand though, with her having been raised in the temple of Kushiel, how an old habit might be hard to break.
"You can look at her, love; she's too beautiful not to look at, like a certain acolyte I know." Winking at her, I produced a honey cake I'd saved from the café and, breaking it in half, handed half to her. "This sort of offering," I went on before she could get mad at me for the compliment I'd paid her. "Naamah loves sweets. Simply walk up with me and kneel down, set the offering on the raised ground in front of you, and pray. Pray for whatever you like; guidance, answers, thanks to Naamah for something... She hears all, and will act as she sees fit, in her divine, passionate grace."
So having said, I moved forward and knelt down, placing my half of the honey cake where I'd shown Adelaide, and bowed my head to quietly pray to myself.
Naamah, thank you for leading me to Adelaide. Although in the short time we've known each other we've already had many trials, I'm certain it will only make our relationship stronger. Open her mind and heart to your grace and wisdom, let her be free and sure in her explorations and joyful in the knowledge it brings. My thanks to you, beautiful lady, for your inspiration and love.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 1, 2011 17:05:23 GMT -5
It was impossible not to blush in response to his kind words. "I hardly think I compare to a goddess," I murmured, but I did steal a glance at her, she whom all adepts serve, through my lashes.
I wordlessly took half of Remy's cake, feeling a pang of guilt that I had selfishly eaten all of mine. I would have to remember for the next time.
When I went to kneel, however, my luck ran out.
My robes are cumbersome at the best of times, important times are no exception, and so it was with considerable embarrassment that I found my forehead pressed against the step, the remains of the honey cake having scattered from the force of the fall.
"Ow," was all I said, blushing hotly as I resisted flailing about and instead focused on righting myself with some semblance of dignity and grace.
"Remy, I-I think I need a towel..."
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 1, 2011 17:13:41 GMT -5
I glanced over at her words to see her rear-end in the air, and I smiled to see that there was no blood. Reaching over, I helped her up easily into a kneeling position and wiped the remains of the honey cake from her forehead with my thumbs. The majority of it was squashed against the raised floor and I had a feeling that Naamah would appreciate it no matter what.
"It's fine, Peaches, your head is clean and we can find a towel in a bit if you're feeling a bit sticky," I said with an affectionate smile as I licked my thumbs clean. "Would you like to finish your prayer? I'm willing to bet Naamah likes you already simply for your bravery in venturing to a temple not your own. Especially in the company of an adept," I winked as I touched her nose affectionately.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 1, 2011 17:23:58 GMT -5
I had a feeling the blush was not going to leave my cheeks until I was safely locked away in my room, but I managed to clasp my hands and bow my head.
Lady, I'm sorry I upset the offerings just now. I humbly beg Your forgiveness and hope You are not the sort to bear a grudge. I thank You for sending me Remy to act as a guide today, or was that Lord Kushiel's doing? ...Please convey my utmost devotion and love to Him as well. It seemed fitting to acknowledge Lord Kushiel as well, even though I was visiting another temple.
I opened my eyes and glanced over at Remy, not wishing to disturb him if he had decided to say something more to his goddess.
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 1, 2011 17:39:06 GMT -5
When Adelaide glanced at me, I smiled to her and stood, reaching out a hand to help her up.
"Would you like to speak to a priestess?" I asked her softly.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 1, 2011 17:50:35 GMT -5
I took his offered hand and rose, automatically reaching down to brush myself off. "I don't want to impose if they are busy with other things..." I whispered. It was quiet enough here, but the temple still seemed like a hive of activity. I watched, curiously, as a man approached another in scarlet robes, words were exchanged, and then the couple proceeded to exit the room, heading for parts unknown.
"Remy," I whispered in his ear, lest I should break some sort of protocol if I spoke aloud. "What is Naamah's blessing?"
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 1, 2011 18:04:57 GMT -5
I couldn't help but grin as I saw what she witnessed. "Naamah's blessing, love, is when one comes to the temple and seeks out a priest to have carnal relations with them in order to experience more fully the depth of Naamah's limitless love and compassion. It's certainly not mandatory when one speaks with a priest, though," I said quickly. "And Naamah's priests and priestesses are never too busy.
As if on cue, a beautiful young woman with long, straight black hair and sharp grey eyes approached us with a sweet smile on her face. "Hello, my lord adept, my lady acolyte," she said quietly. "Have you need of aught today?"
She must have seen us watching the other priest and talking. I glanced down to Adelaide and then smiled back up to the young priestess, remembering her distantly from my initiation. "It's wonderful to see you again, Clymanthe," I said, naming her. "Do you remember me? I'm Rémy, of Orchis House. You were present for my initiation."
Clymanthe's eyes lit up. "Oh yes, joyful one, I remember you very well! I hope all is well in Naamah's blessed service?" she asked me kindly.
"It is indeed," I nodded with mirth in my eyes. Gesturing to Adelaide, I rested my arms around her shoulders and squeezed affectionately. "This is my very good friend Adelaide, an acolyte of Kushiel's temple. Peaches, this is Clymanthe. She was the priestess present for my initiation into adepthood, and I trust her implicitly."
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 1, 2011 19:16:23 GMT -5
My cheeks burned as Remy dispelled the mystery of the meaning of the phrase, which I should have known, knowing Naamah's sphere of influence, but I had already promised Remy that I would not pass judgement on such things, so I held my tongue.
Then, as if conjured by our words, a scarlet-robed priestess appeared before us. Remy seemed to know her, adept business, I assumed. I tensed a little when Remy's arm slid around me, but still managed to bob a curtsey in greeting. "Pleased to meet you, Lady Clymanthe," I said, trying with all my willpower not to imagine the sorts of services she performed out of sight of the supplicants to this place. I knew how Papa would react to any suggestion of the sort, but I was not him, and he was not here.
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 1, 2011 19:27:48 GMT -5
I saw Clymanthe incline her head pleasantly at Adelaide. "And you, Adelaide, acolyte of Kushiel. Be welcome in Naamah's love. Was there anything you desired to speak of today?" She asked us both. I simply turned to Adelaide and smiled. Bending down, I whispered into her ear, "Love, would you like to talk to Clymanthe? She's really very sweet and would not tease you for anything you may wish to know. If you like, I can come with you or stay here in the temple proper if you wish to converse with her more privately and you don't want to be embarrassed by my presence. As I said before, love, Naamah's blessing is by consent only; nothing will ever be forced upon you here."
I hoped Adelaide would take the offer to speak with Clymanthe, whether I was present or not. It would do her a bit of good to glean some knowledge of my lifestyle and my ways. Mayhap she would see me as more than a simple whore. I frowned a bit at that last thought, but kept my counsel to myself as I smoothed my features and smiled down to her once more, awaiting her answer.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 1, 2011 19:49:01 GMT -5
I took his hand and gave it a squeeze. "Come with me, please." I said, the dutiful daughter in me balking at the very suggestion that I might speak with her alone. If anyone at the temple were to hear of it...
But of course they wouldn't, would they? It wasn't as if they had eyes and ears in every corner of the City, on the watch for wayward acolytes, and I knew that priests--priests of Kushiel, at least--were not ones for gossip. I still was not completely sure what it was that I wanted to speak with her about--my kiss with Remy? It seemed silly to discuss it when she probably handled more important matters.
"Well, that is, if you have time to spare, lady," I amended quickly, not wanting to impose upon her.
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 1, 2011 20:03:00 GMT -5
I couldn't help the grin that lit my face as she sought my hand out for affection, squeezing it. "Of course I'll come with you, Peaches," I murmured against her ear.
Clymanthe saw the exchange and smiled. "I always have time to spare, Adelaide. Won't you please follow me?" And, without further ado, she led us from the temple proper and down a hallway until she came to a very plain wooden door and, opening it, gestured us inside. Within was a sitting area, almost like a smaller version of the salon at Orchis House, with two seats and, across from them and on the other side of a rectangular table, a comfortable couch. I led the way in and moved toward the couch, gesturing for Adelaide to sit before I sat and made myself comfortable at her left side. I leaned back against the back of the couch, it not being very deep, and rested my left ankle onto my right knee as my right arm rested along the back of the couch. If Adelaide were to lean back, she would be resting against my side. But I knew better than to think my adorable acolyte would give in to affection that easily. It was as endearing as it was frustrating.
Clymanthe sat down across from us, more to Adelaide's side than mine, and smiled once more at us. "What is it that you wished to discuss? Keep in mind, nothing is not allowed and all is kept within these walls."
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 1, 2011 20:27:11 GMT -5
I perched on the couch beside Remy, all of my attention focused on Clymanthe. "I do not know where to begin," I said, blushing. "I hardly ever discuss such things with my own superiors, much less someone from a different Order." Well, so far so good, I hadn't tripped over my words or said anything awkward...yet...
I took a deep breath. "I am but six and ten and I know nothing of...Naamah's gifts..." I admitted. "My Papa...does not think it proper that I should engage in such things, especially not with adepts...or anyone..." I did not mind that Remy heard such things, as he had heard some variation on this theme before.
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 1, 2011 20:36:06 GMT -5
I listened to Adelaide speak as I lounged against the back of the couch, having heard all of this before in one tirade of hers or another. I smiled indulgently as she spoke, and Clymanthe nodded and smiled as well.
"And what are your feelings on it, Adelaide?" She asked calmly. "Do you feel the same way, or are you of the opinion that you should be able to experience what you wish at your leisure?"
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 1, 2011 20:49:58 GMT -5
"I don't know what I want," I admitted, looking down at my feet. "I want to...be like any other D'Angeline, I suppose, but Papa says I have a duty to the Order of Kushiel, and Lord Kushiel's service, which involves a lot of work and study." I sighed, stealing a glance at Remy.
"Remy has been the only boy I've known who hasn't teased me about it," I continued. "But...I'm not sure if I'm ready for...such things..."
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 1, 2011 21:37:15 GMT -5
I saw Adelaide's head turn as she glanced fleetingly at me, and I reached out with my right hand and gently, carefully twirled a lock of her hair about my finger, where it shone like spun yellow silk. As she spoke of not being ready, I glanced at Clymanthe.
She glanced over to me before looking back to Adelaide and asked seriously, "And do you feel pressured at all, by Remy or anyone else?"
I found I was holding my breath at her answer, my fingers stilled in her hair. Naamah, I swear to you, if she says yes by me, I will stand up and walk out of this room....
I may have stolen a kiss and told her of my affection for her, but I would be damned if I had ever pushed her in to something she hadn't expressly indicated that she wanted. I took that very seriously, as an adept as well as a man.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 1, 2011 21:55:41 GMT -5
I shook my head. "Not by Remy, but the other acolytes, they..." I went back to looking at my feet. "They tell me that...that no one will have me because I'm...flat..." Perhaps without consciously directing my hand, I placed it against my chest. "Or...they say that I'm so clumsy I might...bite someone's tongue off..." I sniffed, but I wasn't going to cry in front of this near-stranger.
"Papa tells me I shouldn't worry, but they don't say those things when he's around!" I continued. "Remy is different, though. He has been kind to me."
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 1, 2011 22:17:22 GMT -5
I frowned as she spoke. Clymanthe shook her head to me, and I could tell she saw the protective anger in my eyes. All the same, my hand pressed lightly against Adelaide's upper back, my palm flat against it and rubbing in light circles as I tried to soothe her. That had cost her a lot to say aloud. Didn't those idiots see how beautiful she was? How intelligent and funny she was? I shook my head and gritted my teeth. But then, she said I'd been kind to her, and I couldn't help but smile a bit as I relaxed.
Clymanthe nodded to Adelaide, and she smiled warmly at my adorable acolyte. "I am honored that you chose to share that with me, Adelaide. I can see that it was difficult for you to say. Young men can be very harsh, especially if their own bodies are changing as well, and the things they sometimes say can be very heartless and painful indeed." She looked at me once more and asked Adelaide, "What does Rémy say of you? Has he told you how he feels about you at all?"
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 1, 2011 22:32:53 GMT -5
I tried to piece together something that I could tell the priestess in Remy's presence.
"Well, Remy has been very...flattering..." I said at last. "We were...before Naamah, and he said that She was impossible not to look at because She was so beautiful...like me..." I blushed anew, wondering if I'd just implicated Remy in an act of blasphemy. "I'm certain he didn't mean to compare me to the goddess!" I added hastily. "But...it was very...kind of him...to say such a thing."
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 1, 2011 22:46:15 GMT -5
Clymanthe chuckled to herself. "Our Rémy would never blaspheme the goddess herself, and I am very sure that he was paying you quite a large compliment. You are quite beautiful, you know," the priestess pointed out, and I grinned smugly. "I'm sure that Rémy simply meant to say, in the nicest way possible, that you remind him very much of the goddess Naamah with your sweetness and beauty. And such things are not blasphemous, they are simply very sweet compliments, made all the sweeter if he meant them."
"Which he did," I supplied, leaning forward slightly so that Adelaide would look at me. "I meant every word, Adelaide, and I hope you never doubt that I think you're beautiful."
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 1, 2011 23:02:29 GMT -5
I felt my cheeks burn again and I wondered if I was actually feverish. "Remy, you make me feel like an old matron with such compliments!" I replied, the scent of apples saturating the air, the product of my utter embarrassment. "If Papa ever hears you saying such things..." I shuddered at the very thought of his reaction.
"I mean...thank you for the compliments, Remy. They are very sweet, and I am honoured that you think so highly of me." I said slowly. "But...I don't want to lose you as a friend..."
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 1, 2011 23:09:32 GMT -5
I laughed. "I apologize for making you feel like an old matron, and you're welcome, and I'm not going anywhere," I said easily as I sat back once more, my fingers yet again twining a lock of her hair.
"Adelaide," Clymanthe asked, "Why are you so very worried about your Papa hearing and knowing things like this? is he not a priest of Kushiel?"
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 1, 2011 23:27:37 GMT -5
I looked up at her. "He is, and quite a respected priest, but he is also a father and he...worries..." I had to stop myself from fidgeting a bit. "He says 'tis for my own good..." I didn't know what else to tell her, truthfully, and what else could I say to Remy that he hadn't already heard before?
"Sometimes, I don't...know what I should think..." I admitted.
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 2, 2011 8:49:52 GMT -5
Clymanthe nodded. "Many fathers, it seems they have a double standard when it comes to their daughters," she said fondly. "My own papa is much the same way, but the one constant about him is that he has always supported me, no matter what my choices. I have been allowed to seek my own way, and make my own mistakes. And I am a priestess as well, so it didn't turn out too badly." She smiled at that. "The most important thing, Adelaide, is to listen to yourself as well," she said more seriously now, turning her grey eyes fully on Adelaide. "Your papa loves you and yes, his opinion is important, but in the end it is your life you live, and no one else's. You must choose the things which make you happy, not only what makes him happy. If Rémy makes you happy, then spend time with him. Introduce him to your papa."
At this, she held up her hand, because Adelaide opened her mouth to speak. "I know, your papa is likely an extremely protective man, and you are worried about what he will say, and that he will no longer allow you to see Rémy. But this is precisely why it must happen; I doubt your papa would want to find out from anyone else but you how you are feeling and who you are spending time with. I highly doubt he will forbid it once he sees how happy you are with Rémy."
I glanced up at Clymanthe as she said her last words, surprised. Leaning forward, I put my foot on the floor and rested my elbows on my knees to gaze at Adelaide. "But Peaches, you have to make sure you're actually happy with me first. I seem to frustrate you quite often simply for stating my thoughts." I grinned at her and reached my hand over to rub her back lightly once more.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 2, 2011 10:48:07 GMT -5
I glanced at him, suddenly very confused. "Why wouldn't I be happy with you, Remy? You're my friend, that's not going to change no matter what Papa says." I returned my attention to Clymanthe. "Papa...isn't a bad man, he's just...a man," I explained, grinning as if that explained everything. "He can't bind me to a stake for making friends, anyways...at least, I think that's how it works."
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 2, 2011 10:58:38 GMT -5
I opened my mouth, but there was nothing I could say to that, and so I simply closed it again and leaned back once more, my ankle moving back up to rest upon my knee and my right arm resting once again across the back of the couch. The fact that I hoped we would be more than friends one day had no place in this conversation, and so I kept my counsel silent on that.
Clymanthe laughed at me and nodded to Adelaide. "That is how it works, he cannot bind you to a stake for making friends." In one glance, Clymanthe had me figured out. She turned to Adelaide once more and said, "And what if, one day, you and Remy end up more than friends? And not in a carnal sense so much as in an emotional sense?"
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 2, 2011 11:43:20 GMT -5
I considered her question and its implications. "Well, if he...grows accustomed to our friendship, perhaps he will be more amenable to a...more emotional relationship." I glanced at Remy, but my words were for Clymanthe. "But first, Papa must become accustomed to him."
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 2, 2011 11:56:19 GMT -5
Clymanthe nodded once more. "But first," she said, "Your papa has to meet him. And so that, I believe, must be the next step. It may not have to happen today or tomorrow, but it should be what happens next to progress in your relationship, no matter what level it may be at."
She smiled at me, then. "Rémy, is there anything you wish to say?" she inquired. I shook my head. "No, my lady," I murmured quietly. "I could not agree with you more, and I am content to rest here as long as is needful for the conversation to play itself out." My answering smile was genuine, but my eyes sparkled with mirth. She knew me, as one child of Naamah knows another, and she knew my wants and desires toward Adelaide. But she also knew, I thought, that I would not ever be one to pressure Adelaide until she had shown her readiness, her willingness. And so, for the time being, I was simply content to wait it out.
Clymanthe nodded to me before turning to Adelaide yet again. "Do you feel a bit better about everything, my dear? I have no pressing arrangements today; I would be content to talk with you for as long as you wish," she said quietly. "I also do not want you to feel as if you must stay here for a long time now that you've gotten here. You are welcome for as long or as short a visit as you please and, in the future, I do hope that if you come to visit us again you remember that Naamah's servants are never too busy."
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