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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 2, 2011 12:18:17 GMT -5
As much as I dreaded the prospect of introducing Remy to Master Auberon, I knew it had to be done or someone would do it for me.
"I feel...as if I have gained some perspective on the matter," I said, inclining my head to her. "I have nothing else to discuss, I don't think, so unless Remy has something more to say we should...leave you to your duties, I suppose."
I took Remy's hand in mine, turning to whisper in his ear. "Remy, should we pay her, or...make another offering before the effigy?"
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 2, 2011 12:33:25 GMT -5
I shook my head. "I have nothing to say, Clymanthe, but thank you so much for your time."
I was surprised yet again when Adelaide took my hand. It seemed she was becoming more used to touching me, or more affectionate. Whichever it was, I wasn't going to complain about it. Not when I enjoyed it so much. Her breath on my ear was warm and sweet, and I smiled and shook my head. "No, Peaches, we don't need to pay her. But Naamah always loves sweets, so maybe we can find something else to offer. There are usually fruit sellers around the temples for just such occasions."
Standing, I assisted Adelaide up so that she would not become tangled in her robes once more, and leaned over to kiss Clymanthe on the lips lightly, as one servant of Naamah to another. I winked at her as we both felt the usual spark. "It was lovely to see you again, Clymanthe," I said in quiet tones.
"It was lovely to see you as well, joyful one," she responded. "And an honor to meet you as well, Adelaide," she then said to my beautiful companion. I think she knew better than to kiss Adelaide on the lips, and so she settled for a soft kiss on the cheek. "I do hope to see you both again." There was a sincere note in her voice, and I smiled to hear it.
"I will come visit more often, and be sure to bring Adelaide with me whenever she is not immersed in her studies," I promised. "If she is amenable, of course," I hastily added, not wanting to force her into anything she may not want to do.
We left Clymanthe in the room and made our way back to the temple proper. I had not let go of Adelaide's hand, as she seemed content to keep her hand within mine, at least for the moment. "What say you, Peaches?" I asked easily.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 2, 2011 16:26:45 GMT -5
I considered his words, the feel of Clymanthe's kiss, as chaste as it was, still lingering upon my cheek.
"I want...to make another offering," I said softly, gesturing that he should wait for me. "I'll be but a moment."
I went before the effigy again, averting my eyes as was my habit, paying a price of a couple gold coins for a handful of incense. This ritual, it seemed, was common between the two temples.
Lady, I will try not to hate my flesh. I prayed, using the sleeve of my robe to wipe my eyes in case any tears welled up. I didn't want to have to explain to Remy why I had been crying.
Having finished my prayer, I returned to the spot where I had left Remy. "I'm finished now," I told him. "Do...do the Servants of Naamah have a very...intimate...relationship with Her Order?" Remy seemed to know Clymanthe very well, but I wondered if it was the same for other adepts. "I understand about priestly oaths, so I won't yell at you if there are things you cannot say." I said.
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 2, 2011 16:46:42 GMT -5
I smiled down to Adelaide as she came back toward me, having made the offering. As she asked her question, I shrugged. "Every relationship is intensely different and personal, so as to the general nature of it, it varies. My personal relationship, however, has not been very intimate," I said. "I do appreciate you not yelling at me, though," I added with a good-natured grin. "It's always so much nicer when you're the sweet, beautiful girl I adore so." I took her hand in mine and kissed the back of it softly before letting go once more.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 2, 2011 17:38:16 GMT -5
"Oh, well, I suppose that makes sense," I said. "Sometimes, adepts from Mandrake and Valerian visit the temple. I think they...come to dedicate themselves to Lord Kushiel." I shrugged. "Hopefully someone will tell me all about it before I'm ordained." I grinned. "In any case, I don't think our Order is so tightly bound to anyone, but it's strange how some seem to...come together..."
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 2, 2011 17:52:46 GMT -5
Her grin was infectious and I couldn't help but give her one in answer. "I am sure that all will be revealed before you are ordained, Peaches," I said happily. "Do you worry much about your ordination?" I asked curiously. "I hope you don't mind my asking, I'm simply curious to know more about you."
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 2, 2011 17:57:51 GMT -5
"I worry about it all the time," I replied. "Well, I'm sure...the ceremony is nice, but it...is sounds like a lot of responsibility, and..." I wondered how much I should reveal to him, figuring a moment later that if the priests wished to keep such things a secret the acolytes would not be whispering them in the halls.
"I have heard it said that...when one goes behind the mask, they become Lord Kushiel," I said softly. "Sometimes I wonder if...if it's more than just symbolic. Do you understand, Remy?"
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 2, 2011 18:07:39 GMT -5
I thought about it for a moment and nodded. "I understand at least as best I can, considering I am a servant of Naamah and not Kushiel. But I am sure that, no matter who you are when you're behind the mask, when it comes off you will still be my sweet, funny, sometimes-prickly friend Adelaide," I teased her lightly with a grin on my face.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 2, 2011 18:39:26 GMT -5
I grinned back. "I hope so too, Remy. I don't think the Order would exist if the priests and priestesses were never themselves, but sometimes..." and here I lowered my voice again. "When Papa goes behind the mask, I...I don't recognize him at all, and it scares me, and I think: 'Will I scare someone I love too, someday?'"
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 2, 2011 18:45:15 GMT -5
I gazed down at her, seeing genuine worry on her face as she spoke. "Well, Peaches," I said quietly, "If we get far enough to where we feel that way about each other, I can promise you won't scare me, even if you are behind a mask."
Smiling to lighten the mood, I stepped over to my boots as we were now in the antechamber and pulled them on, waiting for Adelaide to do the same before we stepped out into the bright noontime sunlight.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 2, 2011 18:56:33 GMT -5
I stepped into my shoes, unsure how to respond to that comment. "I wouldn't want to frighten you, Remy," I said, and I meant every word. "But I suppose the purpose of the mask is to make it seem as if Lord Kushiel Himself is the one meting out punishment, so perhaps my fear is well-placed." I tried to smile. "Best to not think on it until the time comes, there's hardly any point to driving myself mad over it."
We emerged into the sunlight and I had to blink a few times to adjust to the brightness. "What time of day is it?' I wondered. It seemed as if we had been in Naamah's temple for hours.
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 2, 2011 19:01:25 GMT -5
I smiled down to her once more and nodded. "May as well simply enjoy the days as they come, Peaches."
I glanced around and noticed that the shadows under things weren't leaning any which way. "It looks to be noon exactly," I said as I pointed to a nearby fountain, trickling merrily. "See the shadow? It does not cant to one way or another, it simply settles under the fountain itself, which means the sun is directly overhead."
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 2, 2011 19:13:08 GMT -5
"Truly?" I gazed at the fountain. "It seems as if we were in there for quite some time. I suppose that means we were well occupied, or I was, at least."
I began to move without knowing precisely where it was I wanted to go. "Have you ever...felt the need to visit any of the other temples?" I asked. "I am sometimes sent on errands to Eisheth's temple, and I went to pray at the memorial service for the Queen, but the other temples might as well be across the sea, apart from today's visit, of course."
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 2, 2011 19:43:05 GMT -5
I chuckled. "I can agree with that sentiment; before I met you, the only temple I had ever been in was Naamah's. I've never been to any others. Would you like to go visit any of them?" I offered as I held out my arm for her, walking slowly beside her so that my long strides did not overpower her smaller ones.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 2, 2011 19:58:24 GMT -5
"Oh, but, we...at least I...don't have any sort of offering to...offer..." I finished lamely. "I wouldn't want to visit to just...gawk at the effigies..." All of a sudden I found myself envious of the nobles, who probably had ducats aplenty to spend on offerings.
"Hmm," I pursed my lips, trying to think of something that we could do to pass the time. This was one of the few days I was not stuck inside the temple, for Elua's sake!
"We could always...stroll around..." I suggested. "I'm not ready to return to the temple, not until at least sunset, anyways."
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 2, 2011 19:59:56 GMT -5
"I am content to follow your lead, Adelaide," I said with a smile. "It's nice to be able to spend time with you again, and I've been let off from my duties, and I'm loathe to waste the day as well. Have you anything you've wanted to see?"
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 2, 2011 20:11:09 GMT -5
"No one has ever asked me that before," I replied, suddenly at a loss. "I've always wondered why Azza's priests also wear masks. I wonder if it is a mark of humility? It sounds...paradoxical..." I knew his temple was off in the distance, somewhere. "The other gods seem...uncomplicated...by comparison."
I then realized what I had said and blushed. "Excuse me, I am certain the other gods have their nuances, else Cereus House would be the only House in the Night Court. What is an assignation at Cereus House like, anyways?"
How is he supposed to know, Adelaide? Remy was an Orchis adept, after all. "Sorry," I apologized. "'Tis difficult to imagine that adepts are so...divisive..."
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 2, 2011 20:22:37 GMT -5
I laughed happily. "There's no need to apologize for your thoughts with me, Peaches. I like how your mind works. And it's true, the other gods do seem rather uncomplicated. Then again, I suppose it's all about perception, and who you serve."
I thought a bit about an assignation at Cereus House. "Well, I've personally never been to the House for an assignation, considering I am an adept, and I've never met anyone who has been there. But I'd imagine it's a bit more... serious," I said with a grin. "I think there's less levity, and more of an appreciation for the fragile beauty of everything. But that is only my guess, uneducated as it is."
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 2, 2011 20:47:18 GMT -5
"Oh," I started to giggle in spite of myself. "I thought that was where patrons paid for a...dalliance with old matrons..." I turned away from the temple, as if Naamah herself would hear and become offended. "That sounds like Lady Elise, her skin is like old parchment, but even Papa is afraid of her." I wondered fleetingly just how much I knew about my elders.
Suddenly feeling guilty, I examined my shoes. "I shouldn't be saying such things," I said. "Especially after paying Naamah a visit."
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 2, 2011 21:07:03 GMT -5
I blinked, and then burst out laughing. "Adelaide, have I ever mentioned that I love the way you think?" I asked her, my eyes welling with tears of mirth.
"You know," I said as I regained control of myself, "I think Naamah would be laughing as well. In my opinion, she's very easygoing and playful. Then again, I am of Orchis House and it seems to be the general consensus there. What is Kushiel like to you? To me, he's stern but compassionate in it."
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 2, 2011 22:03:58 GMT -5
I stroked my chin thoughtfully. "Lord Kushiel, well, He...they tell me He...saved my life..." I watched the water trickle from a nearby fountain as I spoke.
"I was a child at the time, and so I do not recall exactly what happened, but I...fell out of an apple tree one day. Apparently I told the priest that the 'man with bronze wings' broke my fall." I blushed. "It sounds so...strange to hear it from my own lips." I wouldn't blame him if he thought me mad, or at least a little daft.
"Apart from that, he is...not a gentle god." I had experienced that side of him, the side that frightened me. "But...he is fair, I think, compassionate, loving, but in his own way." I paused, wondering if I was making any sense. "There is a moment, after a flogging, when I feel...forgiven...as if...the moment before I give into despair, 'tis as if someone reaches out and gently strokes my hair."
"It is...difficult to put into words." I admitted.
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 3, 2011 7:54:30 GMT -5
I reached out and stroked her hair as she spoke, only once or twice before taking my hand away. "Well then I must be eternally grateful to Kushiel," I said quietly, "Because if he saved my friend, then I have much to thank him for."
We walked a bit before I spoke again. "When I was flogged, I didn't feel anything in my hair, but it was as if I felt a pressure on my shoulder when it was all done, and I knew none of the individuals in the room were touching me, as they were all busy doing something, rather it be pouring that salt water on me or dressing me. It was after I saw your face," I said. "When I knew you'd seen me, I just felt... dismal," I said softly. "Like I had let you down, or as if you were ashamed to know me." I shrugged and squinted up before I tossed her a grin, hiding any pain like I usually did, under my humor. "But, luckily for me," I said as I glossed it over smoothly, "You have decided to give me another chance."
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 3, 2011 12:13:12 GMT -5
I did not interrupt as he gave me the account of what had occurred before the effigy. "At times, it seems that Lord Kushiel has a strange sense of humour," I said finally, grinning. "But...I was not ashamed of you, Remy, I was...surprised...and..." and here I blushed. "I am still trying to become accustomed to...nudity..."
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 3, 2011 12:21:27 GMT -5
I grinned and I could not suppress the question before it came out. "Well, did you at least like what you saw?" I asked and partially braced for a blow, simply because I knew the question would rile her a bit.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 3, 2011 12:27:11 GMT -5
"Remy!" I exclaimed, fighting the urge to smack him. "How can you say such a thing?!"
I turned away from him, my cheeks burning like hot coals. I noticed some people were giving us puzzled looks, which only intensified my embarrassment.
"That is not a question to ask a young lady!" I continued, doing my best to act offended. "If Papa were here, he'd flog you for it, you know!? Ugh, you are impossible!"
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 3, 2011 12:28:21 GMT -5
I laughed and gently tugged on a lock of her hair.
"Ah, Peaches, but he's not here, and so I believe I am safe for now from the flogging. And it's a simple yes or no question, Adelaide," I pointed out, still chuckling. "So? Yes or no?"
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 3, 2011 12:33:05 GMT -5
I slapped him.
All things considered, it probably wasn't the best course of action, but I couldn't take it back once it had been done.
I turned away from him and began to walk, not stopping until I had reached the other end of the square. Naamah's temple suddenly didn't seem so large.
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 3, 2011 12:43:21 GMT -5
She slapped me.
I couldn't believe it, she'd actually struck me like she'd so often threatened. I didn't know whether to laugh or be angry, so I simply settled for striding after her.
"Adelaide," I snapped out, my long strides overtaking her short ones. There were benefits to long legs. I caught up with her and spun her around before holding my hands up in the air lest she think I'd ever hurt her.
"Now, I'll be the first to say I deserved that, because my question was out of bounds. But the next time you walk away from me as if I'm nothing, Adelaide, I will not come after you. I'm tired of running after you, and tired of begging your forgiveness for my very nature. I'm an adept, for Naamah's sake. I flirt. I play. I tease. I joke. You know this. I'm trying to hold it back but I cannot repress myself completely or else I would not be who I am. Either you can tolerate it a little bit, or you can't. And if you can't, then a relationship of any kind won't work. The question I asked was by no means lewd, and I only required a one word answer. A young lady you may be, but you will one day see that many times a day as penitents come through the temple. You may as well get used to it."
Having nothing else to say, I simply stopped and stared at her, breathing hard. My cheek stung and burned like fire, and I was sure it was red in the imprint of her small hand.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on May 3, 2011 13:52:29 GMT -5
When he turned me around, I didn't move to push him away, just glared at him as he went on yet another tirade. Why did adepts have to be so dramatic all the time?
"I am trying to become accustomed to it!" I snapped. "I just...you didn't have to say such things! I'm not one of your patrons! You can just...just...go suck on an egg!"
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on May 3, 2011 14:14:38 GMT -5
"I may not have had to say anything, but that doesn't mean I'm not allowed to joke with you, Adelaide! And believe me, no one knows better than I do that you are not one of my patrons, no matter how much I wish you would be!"
And, with that, I began to become sincerely angry. Things had been going so well, and now this had to happen yet again. Gods bedamned, couldn't we just have a pleasant day for once?
I sighed and moved away from her once more as she had done me, finding an empty bench and sitting down on it. My elbows rested on my knees and my fingers moved to my hair, fisting in it as my eyes closed. My head was aching.
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