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.

Comments

[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."

[27_53]

"You must listen to your mother," Skellig tells her, lifting her down as they reach the door of the home - and while Iset works to open it, then carry inside their dinner, he pauses on the step with Neferet. "She may not be as strong in Sight as you are, little one, but she is still smart and will guide you well."

He takes her hand, leads her inside.

"And that includes if you must nap before dinner," he adds, smirking at the scowl that earns him - though another yawn threatens behind it, so he knows he is not 'wrong'.

[brave_kreyu]

"Just a short nap, sweetheart," Iset tells her. Neferet gives Skellig a hug of thanks before she goes down for her nap.

"Thank you," Iset says, voice soft. "I would have never dared such a thing, alone." She glances at the position of the sun. "I should not keep you from your wife. I hope you get to enjoy some time with her, after how busy you have been the last few days."


When Skellig gets back, there is a kind of triage going on with the crowd. Various priests, civil servants and volunteers seeing whose needs are actually urgent and politely but firmly turning others away. With his abilities, it will be child's play for him to slip back in, people watch.

[27_53]

Skellig does not even have to use any true amount of skill to work his way into the crowd - it has thinned slightly, due to the efforts of the priests and volunteers - and he settles comfortably beside one of the fountains to do just that, people watch and listen to the conversations going on around him.

"She gave us her blessing!" One man whispers excitedly to the woman who walks beside him. "For a prosperous livelihood as we begin our marriage!" She is clearly just as delighted as he is.

Another older gentleman with a staff shuffles by, assisted by one of the priests, making their way towards the 'priority' line that has been assembled.

He can sense from the Karma in the space (it has been spread out among many of these members of the public, tiny sparkles of it everywhere) that she is going to be quite tired by the time she returns to the lair, so he is already mentally preparing what he would gather for dinner (and perhaps even the next several days, so they will not have to leave their sanctuary) from the stalls before he takes his leave.

Eventually, before the sun dips much lower upon the horizon, he rises from his 'perch' and begins to do just that - a variety of fruits and vegetables (the selection is a bit sparse, given the thick crowds of the day) from one stall, several skewers of roasted meats from another (they are wrapped tightly in paper and then in linen, to keep them from dripping as he places them into his bag), a loaf of bread (because neither of them are going to have any desire to bake tonight) and some other various sundries are gathered.

At some point, his attention drifts back towards the center of the square, where the chattering is getting louder among the crowd.

[brave_kreyu]

The folks who are chattering are the critical cases and those closest to them. Everyone else, except for Skellig who they somehow fail to notice, is being cleared out. Some of them are not THRILLED about that, but they don't dare kick up TOO much of a fuss.

The merchants who capitalized on her sudden appearance have done VERY well for themselves. Well enough that they are inclined to share their good fortune when Skellig is shopping for his wife. With the staples that they have on hand in the Lair, they shouldn't need to leave to get food for several days!

Kreyu spends longer with these critical cases, will spend more of her energy.

When she finally meets him at the Lair, her Karma reserves are the barest shadow of their usual selves and she's allowing herself to droop a bit from weariness.

[27_53]

By the time she arrives back, he has already put away the shopping, poured each of them a glass of wine (he may be on his second at this point) fetched a robe for her to change into and laid it upon the end of the bed - which he has already tidied up twice, fiddling with the cushions until they were just the way he wanted them to be.

He also has already started with some minor prep work for dinner - slicing up some vegetables and some of the bread to be set out onto a platter, along with dipping oils and olives and some cheeses and nuts. (That way she can pick at whatever she feels like eating, and it is not complicated.) It is out and ready at the table, along with a handful of wildflowers that he most definitely picked himself on the last stretch of his 'hike' after landing near the lair's entrance, set into a jar of water.

His senses pick up on her energy (and the lack of it) as she enters the lair itself, and once she makes it into their space, he is already near the doorway, hands extended to her.

"Let's start by getting that dress of you, my love," he says gently - and in a totally innocent tone.

[brave_kreyu]

She smiles so very bright when she sees him, sees what he has prepared. "You spoil me," she says. But she's clearly quite pleased. "But I find I am quite ready to be spoiled."

She laughs, low, as she takes his extended hands. "I always forget, how much it takes out of me." His lightening effect on the dress has definitely worn off when she comes to him for assistance with it.

[27_53]

Skellig notices how much heavier the dress is, and scowls slightly at it.

"I will have to work to strengthen that spell," he mutters to himself as he allows her hands simply to rest in his for a moment, a brief exchange of his Light energy (it is well-topped up, after all of the positive interactions he was nearby today) to lend itself in restoring at least a small portion of her Karma reserves.

And then once he is satisfied (for now) she is not about to fall down on him, he kneels again before her as he works to shift the dress up and over her figure, careful not to disturb any of the fine beadwork as he frees it from her body, lifting it carefully over her head with only the slightest flourish.

"There." He lightly places it on the end of the bed, beside the robe (finely spun silk, much smoother than the lining of that dress, and MUCH lighter) he had selected. "I have wine and some snacks for us on the table, though if you would like to simply rest upon the bed for awhile, I could begin reheating the lamb while you allow your body to relax?"

[brave_kreyu]

"You have done wonders already, love," she tells him when he scowls at the dress. Her physical energy is clearly replenished by his touch, and she feels much perkier after.

"This kind of kneeling before me I don't mind," she quips. She moves to kiss him, soft. "You are a miracle, Skellig. I will have the wine and snacks with you. I entirely forgot to eat or drink anything after we left here today."

[27_53]

To his credit, Skellig does not squawk in protest when she shares that information with him - just leans in to meet her for that kiss, tender and easy - she is home now, with him, and he will take care of her needs. But she does get an eyebrow raised as he pulls back, fetches that robe, helps her into it.

"I at least remembered to eat and drink while I was out there," he says, chiding lightly (though there is no heat behind it) as he moves towards the table, slides her cup of wine closer to 'her' chair which he pulls out for her to have a seat. "Those merchants who chose to shift the focus of their efforts to the square did quite well for themselves, today."

[brave_kreyu]

"I had intended to, but with so many people needing my attention, my own needs slipped my mind." The robe is a lovely green, so very soft, and she sighs in pleasure as he helps it slide over her body. She smiles her thanks as she takes the wine, sips.

"I am sure they did," she replies, laughter in her eyes. "That merchant with the good luck charms that startled you so the first time we visited sent a great many young folks scampering for more charms, even unbaked clay."
She is considerate enough to wait until he doesn't have anything in his mouth before she quips. "I think I must have laid hands on every phallus in his stock."

[27_53]

"Him," Skellig sighs heavily, shaking his head, amused. "He was sold out by the time our spot in line snaked around to his stall, and was desperate for anything that he might have been able to find for you to bless."

And then the second part of her comment hits - thankfully AFTER he has swallowed down a mouthful of wine, though he still is taken aback and has to clear his throat slightly at the image in his mind.

"Not that I ever have a reason for concern," he says. "But I am grateful that the only actual phallus you have most likely laid your hands on today is mine."

He says most likely because...while he does not think she would have touched another (certainly NOT in the manner she touched him this morning in the pre-dawn hours!) there may have been a legitimate, medical reason...