Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 21, 2011 13:15:48 GMT -5
So I'd been to a fete at the palace, and had mingled (once again) with greatness and power. Of course, it was heady – as a Bryony adept, my pride was to say that I'd consorted with princes, both foreign and D'Angeline. My pride was to say I'd nigh been asked in marriage – though it was a guess which I'd never had confirmed – by a dashing and naive young Crown Prince.
Ah, well. While there was certainly something to stroke my ego in the evening I'd spent at the palace, I had to remind myself that though Naamah still touched me, I was Anael's now. I was Anael's, and we were in a time of war – I could feel it in the whispers on Night's Doorstep, I could see it in the occasional tears of one who'd just lost someone dear.
I was out in the murkiest and poorest area of Night's Doorstep, to assess what needs there were – the temple had some resources, and it was time, perhaps, that we start thinking of using them to assuage hunger. For now, I was to observe and report, and so I walked calmly, trying to tell myself that this was the path I'd chosen – one that was dirty and smelly, but one that fit my heart, too.
There would be other moments when I could hide in the glitter and scandal of nobility – but I was a commoner. I was educated, I was pious, I was god-touched as any priest or servant of Naamah was, and that allowed me to sift from one world to the other, but that did not release me from duty.
A child, he must have been no more than eight years of age, sat on the sidewalk, crying, and I knelt, stirred to compassion, to speak to the boy.
“What is it, love?” I asked softly.
“We have no bread,” he said, “and I'm hungry.”
“Take me to your mother, then, sweetling,” I said again.
And he looked up at me, and slipping his tiny hand in my outstretched palm, we started to walk.
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Post by Béatrice nó Faure on Jul 23, 2011 5:43:57 GMT -5
It had felt strange, to finally settle in the City of Elua after three years of wandering. I had seen many things, some beautiful, some bad. Despite the opulence of the city though, poverty was one of those unfortunate things that seemed to be present, wherever I might go.
Night's Doorstep seemed the embodiment of destitution, especially now that the war loomed like a shadow. Fathers, brothers had had to leave their families, leaving wives and children to struggle in their absence. Some didn't even have parents, and for these poor souls I felt a certain affinity. I visited sometimes, making sure the children had something to eat and to help out for a time with day to day activities.
Today I was with a woman close to giving birth, trying to keep track of her tribe of hungry children and soothing her before her pains started in earnest. It reminded me of the busy village atmosphere back in Landras.
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 23, 2011 11:28:35 GMT -5
The path smelled of an odd mix of urine and baked bread – the latter, I imagined, must have been brown and nigh black, for there was something acrid to the scent of it that was heavy.
There were rags drying out the window, and the door was pushed with a little creak. On the doorstep,there were other little ones about – some younger, one older, a strapping boy of twelve, who gave me a cross look.
“What do you want?” He said, as if I'd brought in the devil himself.
“It's well, sweetling,” I said kindly. “My name is Shona – I serve Anael. Is your mother inside?”
“Aye,” he replied, “with one of you's people, 'sept she don't wear brown like you.”
“A priestess,” I said, “what color did she wear?”
He told me, then, and I was glad to know that Elua himself had sent someone to help her.
“It's well,” I said again, trying to be reassuring. “Anael and Elua will see to it that it is.”
He didn't look so confident, and gave me another cross look, but he let me in.
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Post by Béatrice nó Faure on Jul 23, 2011 21:18:27 GMT -5
"Who is there, Noe?" I called as I heard the door rasp open. The eldest lad walked in with a disgruntled look on his face, followed by a woman dressed in brown robes. One of Anael's own nurturers.
"It's all right, Noe," I smiled at him. "There's an apple or two in Bonasse's pack. Take them and share with your brothers and sisters. He's just outside and you can give him a pat." To the woman, I gave a nod. "Greetings, sister."
Then, building up the fire a little more to make the room warmer. "She should be due any time now."
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 24, 2011 1:48:19 GMT -5
“The gods have guided my steps here, as yours, then,” I said softly in responding greeting. I went to give the woman my hand, and smiled reassuringly. “My name is Shona. I serve Anael,” I told her, though I knew my sister in the room would hear too.
I'd have expected a priestess of Eisheth to be here, though we were both able, I supposed. If we were to assist in this birth - a miracle, if one I could not seem to wish on myself, I prayed my sister had experience. I'd birthed calves before, but never a human child.
“I was thinking of sending the children to the temple of Anael – the garden would do them good, and Sister Renee would like as much welcome them with snacks.”
She always made too much – I suspected it was her excuse to feed the homeless, and I had no problems with that, but perhaps the high priesthood. It was not mine to be bothered with such things, though.
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Post by Béatrice nó Faure on Jul 24, 2011 6:43:54 GMT -5
The woman opened her mouth to protest, but I nodded at Shona's suggestion.
"Sister Shona is right, that would probably be best. Fret not, Ines. It will only be until after you give birth, which won't be long now, and they will be well cared for. But for the moment rest, and trust in blessed Elua."
"Oh alrigh," she said reluctantly. I gave her a confident smile and began to let some aromatic scents burn to help relax her.
"It should be an easy birth," I said aside to Shona. "The babe seems to be the right way around in the womb and I've made sure everything is as sterile as possible. When the pains start it'll probably be best that she's in a sitting position, perhaps even standing for when the babe comes in earnest. Then we'll need to have a warm bath ready for them both afterwards," I wasn't sure how much experience she'd had with deliveries, but it helped me somewhat to remember what must be done by saying it all aloud. "Oh, and I'm Bea by the way. Beatrice."
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 24, 2011 15:36:07 GMT -5
I nodded, noting to myself what Beatrice had to say, and felt relieved that she had experience in such things, and experience that went beyond the stable.
“I will go speak to Noe,” I said with a reassuring smile. “He is hold enough to herd his brothers in that direction.” To Ines, I said, kindly, “Do not fear, Sister Renee is quite fond of children, in all earnest.”
And truly, she was – I suspected she might have had a connection with Heliotrope in the past, though it was hard to tell at this particular juncture. She certainly had the full figure to fit the stereotype.
Having said this, I poked my head out, and beckoned Noe, whose manner was just as sour, or was, until I told him about the treasures in the temple's kitchen, and the games he and his siblings might enjoy in the garden.
“There,” I said, as I returned, “It's us women, now. It will be well.”
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Post by Béatrice nó Faure on Jul 25, 2011 4:35:22 GMT -5
"Why wouldn't it be?" Ines said tartly to Shona. "I've seven healthy bairns, you've seen em. One more's nothing."
I merely gave Ines a beatific smile. She was one of those women, the sort to scream curses and abuse at anyone within reach during delivery. Well and good, she had a stubborn personality and didn't seem to tire easily. "Of course," I soothed. "No one is doubting your capabilities. Relax and breathe. This babe will be out in no time."
Then, with another smile this time for Shona, I drew her aside a little further. "You wouldn't happen to have anything hard or wooden? Sometimes they like to bite into something to deal with the pain although I wouldn't trust anything in here at the moment."
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 25, 2011 11:20:19 GMT -5
Of course one more was nothing. Then again, how would I know? The whole process was a miracle, but a painful one, one I could hardly fathom.
I said nothing, kept my features even, a memento of my time at Bryony – a bluffing face, then. Pulled aside by Beatrice, I found myself fumbling in my satchel – something I'd resumed carrying, a memory of my good old days of wandering Night's Doorstep and rolling dice with nobles and sailors alike. I tried not to think of the one who'd kept my garter as a token.
“Here,” I said as I finally found something to hand her over. “I think this might do, if you intend to make her bite into something.”
It was a polished piece of wood which I carried about as some do a worry stone. Of course, after today, it would be ruined, but no matter.
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Post by Béatrice nó Faure on Jul 26, 2011 5:52:56 GMT -5
"Thank you," I took the wooden item from her, then frowned. It looked like it might be a talisman of some sort.
"Are you sure? If it's a memento I can take a minute to slip out and find something else."
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 26, 2011 9:51:15 GMT -5
I shook my head, smiling patiently. “Leave it, it's well,” I said, and looking at Ines, I added, “For the child's prosperity, that it would have a long, fruitful life. Take it.”
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Post by Béatrice nó Faure on Jul 27, 2011 8:10:40 GMT -5
Assured that she was fine with parting with it, I smiled and nodded, then offered it to Ines.
"If you feel the urge to - " I started, but then she gave a little cry.
The babe was on its way.
All in all it was quick and well done withlittle fuss. There were a few screams and cussing but within four hours a little girl, another beautiful angel had entered the world.
"Congratulations," Cutting the cord, I cradled the baby and gently cleaned off the blood with a damp cloth from the bath, then handed the girl to her mother. Ines looked up at us both with an exhausted sort of smile and gave a slight nod, a sort of thank you. I grinned back at her as we began to clean everything else and prepare her for the night. She would be fine, with a little rest, and I would come to check on her in the morning.
"Thank you Sister Shona, for all your help today." I said gratefully.
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 28, 2011 11:22:26 GMT -5
Once all had been handled, cleaned and all those menial things that need to be taken care of, and that make life easier in the details, I'd found myself rather closer to the younger cleric in mind. I'd learned a few tricks during the night, and having tucked in Ines and promised to send Noe home on the morrow to assist her, and the children a few days hence, so that she would have a reprieve, I found myself falling in step with Sister Beatrice.
“But of course,” I replied with a tired, but happy smile. “Serving with you is a pleasure, Sister.”
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Post by Béatrice nó Faure on Jul 28, 2011 23:30:16 GMT -5
I beamed at her as I untied Bonasse from the pole, gave him an affectionate pat on the nose and began to lead him as we walked.
"As is working with you. Do you often come and minister here at Night's Doorstep?"
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Jul 28, 2011 23:54:52 GMT -5
“I go where the temple sends me,” I replied, smiling a little. “It varies, I suppose. Yet Night's Doorstep is very much my home – I feel... drawn, if you get my meaning.”
I gave her a small smile, not quite mysterious, but almost.
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Post by Béatrice nó Faure on Jul 31, 2011 6:31:24 GMT -5
I nodded, though I was not entirely sure what she meant. I didn't want to sound like a complete bumpkin though, so I couched the question in chatter.
"Night's Doorstep reminds me of home in Landras, the palace and other such places I find rather intimidating and... closed in. Did you grow up here, in the city?"
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 1, 2011 23:08:40 GMT -5
“Aye,” I replied, and pointed to Mont-Nuit. “Up there, as a matter of fact. My family lives just outside the city walls, but of course, I saw them only little.”
I grinned, and because it was my favorite game, I said, “Feel free to guess which house had the honor of my presence all this time. Though they might insist I was a scourge.”
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Post by Béatrice nó Faure on Aug 3, 2011 6:09:08 GMT -5
Oh a former adept? It was not unusual for them to enter into the service of the priesthoods. I smiled at her challenge.
"Ohh, let me think." I was only familiar with the canons of each house. She seemed a bright, happy sort. Definitely not shy like an Alyssum or austere like Cereus. "Orchis?" I pitched.
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 3, 2011 13:55:22 GMT -5
“Would that you'd been correct, but alas, it is not,” I replied, winking, “though you do have already a hint in your possession, sister.”
I grinned a little wider, then, and slipped my hands in the pockets of my robes, whistling a light hymn.
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Post by Béatrice nó Faure on Aug 5, 2011 4:29:08 GMT -5
A clue? I blinked, she'd given no such indication but then I smiled wider.
"Ahh! Guessing and betting. But of course; Bryony!"
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 5, 2011 10:44:19 GMT -5
Beatrice was the first to have plucked it out so neatly – Jules had too, to be fair, but he had the benefit of being Orchis himself, and therefore had prior knowledge that helped him. The same went for Pierre.
I grinned, and nodded. “Well done,” I said, “you've found the clue in the question itself, which is how it should be.”
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Post by Béatrice nó Faure on Aug 6, 2011 5:56:42 GMT -5
I chuckled and clasped my hands behind my back, a light spring in my step as we continued walking. "I wouldn't have picked for one though, if you hadn't said that," I said honestly, then a little jokingly. "You didn't strike me as a charming swindler."
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 6, 2011 8:46:48 GMT -5
I grinned. “Ah, but don't all charming swindlers appear to be only charming, and not swindling? T'would be poor craft indeed, otherwise...”
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Post by Béatrice nó Faure on Aug 7, 2011 0:40:17 GMT -5
"True," I nodded. "But you I wouldn't have even suspected. It's a wonder Bryony let you go when you could probably give a lord a run for his money and have him begging you to do it again."
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 8, 2011 23:56:05 GMT -5
“If I'd been ruthless enough to do it,” I replied with an easy shrug. “Bryony will always have a piece of me, but my heart belongs to Anael.”
I smiled a bit, looked up to Mont-Nuit, and I let myself think of my friend Fisher, of the adepts I'd loved, too.
“But thank you for the compliment, Sister.”
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Post by Béatrice nó Faure on Aug 9, 2011 7:31:11 GMT -5
"Anael chooses the nurturers for his own," I quoted Brother Ludovic, my gaze following Shona's to the walls of Mont Nuit. "Do you miss it there?"
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 10, 2011 15:01:51 GMT -5
“It is an odd sentiment,” I replied thoughtfully. “I miss my friends, and there was levity in my life as an adept. But...” I shook my head, then, thinking quietly, “I think I prefer lucidity, though it may be painful at times.”
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Post by Béatrice nó Faure on Aug 10, 2011 21:31:48 GMT -5
Wise words. "It is best to walk the line between both. Everything in fair measure." I was sure that as Anael's priestess she would find that perfect balance.
I gave her a bright smile then. "How long since Anael claimed you and you bade farewell to Naamah's service?"
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 10, 2011 22:27:07 GMT -5
“I left Bryony a year ago,” I replied, and fell silent, trying to find a truthful answer to the first part of her question. “As for my lord Anael, he does not claim, but waits patiently for eyes to open. I think He was patient with me... for quite some time.”
Years.
Even if I prayed to him, even as I served Naamah.
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Post by Béatrice nó Faure on Aug 10, 2011 22:42:02 GMT -5
I liked the way she described him, and it seemed to make a little more sense that she had become one of his. It was not something one immediately remembered about Bryony, but we forget sometimes that betting requires patience too.
"He would be patient with those he knows will be patient in return," I humming a little, I looked over at her again. "Does that mean you've only recently taken your priestess' vows too?"
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