OOM All Skate Skellig Dream Magic Weirdness -Part Eight

[brave_kreyu]

They spent yesterday helping curtail an outbreak of the White Death and doing a bit of shopping. Luckily, or not, depending on your point of view, they ALSO found out that today is the day the former slaves they plan on helping go before the judge.

That means this morning has involved a lot of preparation on Kreyu's part, because if she is appearing in an Official capacity, she must look just so. She is very grateful that Skellig is willing to help her make the small braids and decorate them with beads that match the dress.

"You can see part of why I don't do this very often," she quips.

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[brave_kreyu]

Neferet manages to make her way to the door before her mother. "Hello, Skellig," she says as she hauls the door open. She knew it was him BEFORE she opened the door, clearly.

"Neferet, the door is much too heavy for you," Iset tells her with a slightly exasperated sigh. "Please, come in," she says, smiling at her savior. "You must be thirsty, with the sun so bright today."

[27_53]

Skellig already has a hand on the door to 'assist' in opening it (and closing it behind him once he has entered) so that Neferet does not have to strain too much to manage.

"The sun is bright, as is the mood," he says cheerfully. "I wished to come check on you, see how you both were feeling?"

There are also Other Reasons he is here, but he'll get to those in a moment. He can sense that they are both fine, recovering well from their illness.

[brave_kreyu]

"We are well, impossibly well," Iset confesses, flushing slightly. She might have some FEELINGS toward Skellig. (So kind, so good with children!)

She pours Skellig a mug of water, offers it. Neferet, heedless of propriety, throws her arms around whatever bits of Skellig she can reach. "The shadows are all moving today," she whispers. "Bending toward the center of the city."

[27_53]

"I am glad to hear it," he says, taking the mug of water with a grateful nod of his head, before he looks down at Neferet, who has latched herself onto his legs. "And you are right, little one. They are all moving. You can sense all of that?"

He sips from the water, tilts his head curiously as he asks.

"What else can you sense, with the shadows? Can you tell why they are bending towards the center?"

[brave_kreyu]

Neferet shakes her head. "Too far away to see," she tells him, pouting a little.

Iset smiles at him. "Sometimes, the gods have blessed me with moments where I perceive things others do not, but only rarely. I, I am glad you are able to understand her, when I can not."

He is handsome too, Iset is realizing, now that she's seeing him when she isn't dying from the White Death. If her cheeks are a little more flushed as she fetches some olives, perhaps no one will notice.

"Why are you red, Mamma?" Neferet asks, all innocent curiosity.

"Never you mind that, Neferet," Iset huffs. "I was planning on cooking one of my specialties tonight, if you'd care to stay?" she asks Skellig.

[27_53]

With his focus on the child, Skellig does not initially pick up on on the flush in Iset's cheeks, or her slight waver as her nerves wash over her words as she smiles at him. And then it clicks, when she invites him to stay for dinner.

And with his skin as fair as it is, even with the sun having done its best efforts (and Kreyu's enchantment on the amulet to help him blend in a bit more) he flushes slightly as well.

"I could not impose," he says, apologetically. "I have already promised my wife that I would make it home tonight, after having worked so many hours the last few days to rid this area of illness."

(He can feel her energy shift as he mentions my wife, but at least it was early in the conversation, he would have felt awful if he had lead her on unintentionally!)

In an effort to brighten things: "Besides, I wished to tell you both why the shadows are bending," he says. "Which may cause you to change your plans for the evening meal, as I suspect there will be much to do in the city in celebration."

Neferet squints her eyes at him, clearly she is trying to figure out what sort of secret Skellig is hiding from them!

"The Great Lady Kreyu has made her appearance," he says, as he crouches down to her level. "That is why the shadows are bending, because the pull to her is so vast. I would take you both to see her, it is quite crowded already, but I do not doubt my abilities to get us close enough for an moment during her audience."

[brave_kreyu]

"Truly?" Iset asks, surprised.

"Please, Mamma. I would like to see the Winged Goddess." Neferet deploys her best puppy-dog eyes.

"They don't call her that in most of the city, sweetheart," Iset tells her daughter. "Our temple here isn't....official." She glances at Skellig, at a loss as to how to explain things further to Neferet.

"Would we be welcome? I, the gods do not come to us in the flesh in our homeland. I would not know how to behave."

[27_53]

Nodding gently, he does his best to project an energy of reassurance and acceptance.

"She welcomes all who would act virtuously in her name, all those who would ask for protection and her guidance," he says. "I have seen the wards carved upon the doors here, even if your temple is not 'official', it is still a place of reverence and respect, and I feel that is what matters most."

A glance to Neferet. "And I have it on rather good authority that she is fond of all types of offerings, no matter the value. Perhaps there is another stone from your collection, that you might wish to present to her if we get close enough?"

Inwardly, he is smirking because he knows that they will be getting close enough, even if he has to use some tricks up his sleeve to do so.

To Iset: "As far as behavior, I do not feel as if she requires anything specific? Today I believe she just wishes to allow herself to be seen, as it has been some time." He does not wish to discuss the slaves in front of Neferet.

[brave_kreyu]

"Oh, I have the perfect stone!" Neferet lets go of his leg to go and rummage in a tiny basket.

Iset seems relieved at his explanation. She pats her hair as if to smooth it into place. "Then yes, we would go and see her. Thank her for her mercy, her kindness, delivered through you."

Neferet crows in triumph as she comes up with a piece of rutilated quartz, polished smooth by the sea. The 'gold' of the inclusions makes a kind of star shape. "See, isn't it pretty?" she asks, presenting it for Skellig's inspection.

[27_53]

"That is beautiful," Skellig says eagerly as he inspects the stone, turning it over in his fingertips before he hands it back to her. "She will be most delighted by such a gift."

He looks at her seriously for a moment. "Now remember, what we said about speaking of shadows," he cautions her. "Most of the attention on today will be on Great lady Kreyu, but you must still be careful of when you choose to speak of such things, okay?"

[brave_kreyu]

Neferet nods, a serious expression on her face. "I remember."

Skellig can HEAR the crowd long before he sees them. The murmurs of excitement, awe, and hope. And, of course, those more practically minded souls who have moved their stalls or are otherwise taking the opportunity to flog their merchandise to a captive audience.

The Great Lady has settled in a park like space within the city, filled with fountains and plenty of shade. Skellig can feel the faint hum of Karma against his skin, so it appears that the area is ALSO a karmic zone, albeit a weak one.

Neferet's legs are getting tired, and she's FAR too short to see over the crowd.

[27_53]

The Karma within the space is a welcome feeling and it works to ground him somewhat, gives him something to focus on to quiet the absolute bedlam of heartbeats and voices that are echoing through his mind right now. He can hear HER heartbeat, clear and true above the din.

He can also sense that Neferet is getting tired, and she is at risk of getting lost among this large amount of people as everyone is milling about the space. Some are fetching food and drink, others gathering trinkets and charms, others lining up in some semblance of order for just a chance to have a blessing from the Goddess herself!

"C'mere, little one," Skellig says to her, reaching down and extending his hands to her - asking silently for permission to lift her up. When she nods eagerly, he swings her up and settles her on his shoulders, so that she can better see. (Neferet may sense the rustle of his wing feathers, with them as close to her as they are.) "We will still have to wait our turn, but we would make our way to see her in time. Are you hungry? Would you like a snack while we wait? A drink?"

The offer is extended to both of them, and they are nearer the stalls than Kreyu now anyways, so the opportunity is there.

[brave_kreyu]

Neferet is gleeful as he hoists her up on his shoulders. She doesn't pat his wings, but she is a little smug that she has a SECRET and its so cool.

"Oh, she's so sparkly!" Neferet gasps, seeing Kreyu. Iset claps a hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh at Neferet's comment.

"A snack would be lovely, thank you. I'm sure we will be here waiting a while," Iset replies. "She is winged, truly winged. I had thought it a metaphor...."

[27_53]

"She is quite sparkly, indeed." Skellig laughs softly at the comment. "It helps make her easier to see, for all those who would wish to catch a glimpse of her."

Even with the shade and the fountains, there are still reflections of light cast about, some in places that don't quite make logical sense - but she is a Goddess, and logic does not apply in the same manner, here!

They approach some of the merchant stalls that are open for business and bustling, some selling a variety of fresh fruits, others with savory and sweet flatbreads and tarts, some with skewers of roasted meats available. And there are others with wine, juices, beer - a true melting pot in celebration of the Goddess' arrival today!

"Whatever you would like," he says. "The Great Lady ensures that the Wise are well-kept."

That is one way to say we both have more gold and silver than we could ever spend, so have at it without having to be so direct. And this way, hopefully Iset will not worry about the cost.

[brave_kreyu]

The merchant that that was selling charms that so surprised Skellig the first time he and Kreyu entered the city is ALSO among the throng. He is, tragically, out of charms featuring a winged phallus, which he is arguing with someone about at this very moment. "I don't CARE if they're not finished yet, this is the opportunity of a lifetime! Bring them here as long as they're baked enough to hold together!"

Iset's smile at his offer is faintly wistful. "Your wife is a very lucky woman, to have such a kind husband. I should like to meet her, someday." They pick out fruit juices cut with citrus so they are not achingly sweet and small skewers of lamb, a rarity in their diet. The line, such as it is, moves slowly, but it DOES move. Kreyu never spends very long with any one individual, but she promises the sick they will be seen to in her temple, reassures the nervous, graciously accepts thanks. A priest hovers in her general vicinity, taking notes of who needs what, which problems need to be resolved by who. She offers many well wishes to infants held in their parent's arms, offers a gentle touch to their head. There is no power in it, no spell she could cast to protect them, but the first year of life is the most treacherous time.

[27_53]

"My wife would like that," Skellig comments. "And we have yet to bear any children of our own, so she would be glad to meet this little one as well," he adds, glancing up at Neferet - who is gleefully chewing into her lamb skewer.

He resists the laugh that threatens as the charms merchant sends a batch of youth scattering, presumably in the direction of the workshop, to gather whatever they can. "Just bring the clay, if you must! We will have her bless that!" He hollers after them.

As they approach nearer the front of the line (there are still over a dozen people ahead of them), Skellig takes the time to point out more of the sparkles that are reflecting off of the nearest surfaces to Neferet, keeping her entertained as they wait - after all, she is only a child, and they have been waiting awhile. But his eyes are on Kreyu - he is certain that she will be able to sense that he is growing nearer to her, as the line slowly moves.

[brave_kreyu]

She senses him quite clearly, his dragon. Kreyu keeps meeting his eyes from time to time, as often as she can afford to. He knows her well enough to read the spark of amusement, of pleasure, in her eyes at the company he's keeping.

As they near the front of the line, Skellig sets Neferet down. When it is finally their turn, Neferet just STARES at Kreyu for a moment in awe. Perhaps she is seeing Kreyu's dragon shape in her shadow. Then she proffers the stone, excited. "I have a present for you, Great Lady!" she says, proffering the stone.

Kreyu's smile is warm, pleased. "And a fine present it is, little one. Thank you."

For all that she has been mentally rehearsing what she planned to say for a while now, Iset's words are stuttering, stumbling things when she comes face to face with Kreyu. "Thank you, Great Lady. For sending one of your Wise to heal us."

[27_53]

Once he has set Neferet down, and once they have reached the front of the line, Skellig does kneel down upon one knee in a sign of respect and reverence - after all, this is HIS teacher than he is meeting (and for all they know, possibly for the first time in HIS lifetime) - as Neferet hands up the stone.

He senses the anxiety from Iset, but there is no need for him to soothe it - Kreyu will do that easily enough herself.

"I am grateful that I was able to hear the call so easily," he says to Kreyu. "My thanks to you, Great Lady, for all of your teachings and guidance." He bows his head slightly, but lifts his eyes to meet hers, a private smile. "I shall endeavor to remain a faithful member of the Wise, so long as I am able to do so."

[brave_kreyu]

"You are welcome," she says to Iset, her tone soothing. "The Wise are taught knowledge and compassion both, for one is incomplete without the other. I am pleased to see evidence of that in the flesh."

Her gaze turns to Skellig. He's definitely going to hear about his kneeling later, but she's not angry. "You have heard me clearly almost since you came into this world, my Wise one." Only Skellig will understand precisely what she means by that, hear the intimacy in that 'my'. She places two fingers on his forehead, a gesture of blessing that he has seen many times as he has stood in line. But this feels more personal, more intimate, than the crowd around them would ever understand. (Because he has had his hands on every part of her? Her hands on every part of him?) "My blessing to you, and to the good you would do in my name."

[27_53]

Skellig senses the underlying meaning, and he nods gently after she has 'blessed' him - he can feel the faint ripple of Karma that passes to him after she touches his skin with her fingertips. "I thank you, Great Lady Kreyu."

He rises again to his feet, then reaches for Neferet's hand as they would take their leave - after all, there are still a great number of people gathered in the square, and many hours to go within the day that she would endeavor to see to as many of them as possible.

"How was that? I think she loved that stone you picked out, what do you think?" he asks Neferet, as he reaches down to pick her up again, place her back on his shoulders - swinging her slightly exaggerated just because it is fun - as they begin to work their way back to the edges of the 'park', where the crowd is slightly thinner.

[brave_kreyu]

Neferet is very pleased that the Great Lady liked her stone! Iset is pleased that she got to thank the Great Lady, but she's a bit overwhelmed from meeting her.

Iset picks up dinner for her and Neferet on the way home, Skellig still their escort. "Does your wife have wings like you?" Neferet asks, whispering in his ear.

[27_53]

While not wanting to give too much away to Iset as they walk, Skellig glances up at Neferet, nodding faintly.

"Yes."

And he brings one wing up higher slightly as they walk, to allow the feathers of it - even though they cannot be seen - to rest against the little girl's back, feathers still able to be felt as they travel down the streets and alleys back towards their home. The 'unofficial' temple has been decorated in their absence, they will find - it is not lavish or extravagant, but it does not need to be to celebrate the Winged Goddess' return.

[brave_kreyu]

Neferet giggles at his answer and the feel of his feathers, delighted. "I knew it!"

Iset glances at Neferet, amused. "You are getting wiser already."

Neferet hums happily for a moment. "Her shadow is HUGE," she whispers to Skellig. "It filled the whole square." She thinks for a moment. "Maybe that's why she doesn't have a husband even though she's pretty and nice. They would get squished." Neferet helpfully makes a 'squish' noise to emphasize her point.

[27_53]

Skellig cannot help but laugh at her comment - and the accompanying SQUISH sound effect.

"I suspect she has learned in all her years to be very careful about that," he points out. "She likely has undergone much training and studied many teachings to be able to control her gifts."

He lowers his voice. "Much like you will one day, once you are a bit older. Perhaps one day, you will become one of the Wise as well and find yourself working under her guidance?"

[brave_kreyu]

"I like helping people," Neferet says. "I would like to be Wise, when I am bigger." Neferet yawns, clearly quite tired out by the events of the day. She scowls after her yawn, annoyed.

Iset reaches up, touches Neferet's shoulder. "You are still small, my heart, and your body needs more rest while you are growing. One day, you will not get so weary."