Hope is all one can have -- Samheen 23 ET

Aeris Mourir · Post by **Aeris Mourir** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 8:21 pm

Samheen 21 EMT

Aeris walked the rest of the way back to the Simbahan. She felt like the ruined rendevous was a bit more severe than simply ruined. It was like a vast explosion had happened, wiping out all of Tazlure. She liked Jin, but after tonight she wasn't completely sure that 'they' could work. She kicked a rather small rock repeatedly to the temple; so she could keep her mind off of him.

Once she got inside the magnificant metropolis of servants and priests alike, the white-haired being retreated to her room. It was the chamber with the water fall. The flicker she heard the water, a serene feeling coursed throughout her entire body. She peeled off her blood-soaked clothing and almost crawled into the her liquid bed. Exhaustion was a true understatement of what her body had undergone that evening. As she flung her mantle about herself it molded to her like the prior covering. Her feet began to turn a pale orange; what color she had on her body began to fade to the purest of whites. She felt safe within the walls of the Simbahan, safe near the water. Aeris was home.

Samheen 21 ET

The beautiful woman slept the entire day way. Her dreams sped by her subconscious as if she was spinning in a circle; everything bled into each other and distinction was useless. However, once things seemed to come into focus her feather cloak molted into flawless skin.

She hid her cloak away and got dressed. Her clothing wasn't anything special, in fact, if she had gone out onto the streets of Amun Rah, people would have seen her as a strange-looking peasant. Her bright hair was a dead give-a-way that she was not from the desert island. The maiden's hair wasn't just impressive with its sheer brilliance, but the fact that if one looked closely, the lightest hint of icy blue was evident. It was truly astounding.

Creeping out of her room, so not to make a big scene, she escaped off to the library in the Anasis Temple. She spent the evening pawing through old texts of lost past Kings, the Rafao, sorcerers and ancient rites. The almost illiterate woman asked the librarian several times how to say some words and what others meant. It fascinated her the lineage of Amun Rah; a desire to absorb as much of the knowledge as possible. Before she had left the vast library she left a note with the desk lady, asking her that the priestess receive it before the 'morrow:

Nadia,

I wish to spend the morning outside. Could it be arranged to have an escort?

Thank you,
Aeris

The inquiring woman would have been a bit more specific on what the letter actually entailed, but wandering eyes seemed to find their way to such things. She hoped that the high priestess would send someone that she could trust. However, the woman prayed that Nadia would be able to explain why they were caring for a swan in the middle of an island where such a bird was never seen.

Aeris fell asleep much more early than usual; reading or being read to at night had always made her relax. She passed out with her feet submerged in the constantly running water.

Samheen 22 TT

Since the prior day had not been strenuous on the lith body and agile mind, the swan maiden awoke still in bird body. A woman came into her room and placed a platter of food on the table near the confined water. Fruits, vegetables and breads littered the plate. She ate what she wanted and let the rest of it sit there. Aeris had 'discussed' with Nadia the day before that she wanted to be brought outside to the temple's gardens; and so her wished was granted.

The foul and her escort resided in the lush foliage the remainder of the day. Aeris soared high in the sky, doing acrobatics and spirals towards the ground. She would pull up at the last possible second delivering a gasp from her watcher. As she glided above the walls of the city she could see the distant mountains and desert. Tribes were out there; Neyla was out there. Aeris would have to ask Nadia about that, or maybe Neyla would come to her in another dream. The playful bird wasn't sure and so she sliced through the air like it was hers.

Samheen 22 ET

Tonight was going to be simply more fun for the swan maiden. She sought out the physical training facility within the temple and requested for a private tutor. Aeris had got a bit too close to the war zone at the market place and she wanted to be better equipped next time. She spent the evening practicing her novice martial arts; tumbling and springing from place to place. It was more difficult then she had expected and ended her session before grave tide ever peaked its nose up.

Samheen 22 GT

Aeris sorely went back to her room. Being beaten on for a few marks was more than she wanted. The training with her sisters never had been so severe, however, she demanded that her mentor not go easy on her since she was a female. Assailants rarely went 'easy' on their victims, and Aeris was most certainly going to attempt not to be a helpless victim.

As she declothed, once again, she sat indian style in to the pool of reassuring water. She placed her hands in her lap, finger tips brushing the liquid's miniscus. It was if the world had slowed to her speed. The water rippled, and the slashing of gravity seemed to fade.

Anasis, Mother of Mercy, Mother of Water. Where does this path take me? The path that involves Jin, even Akuta. Akuta, she sighed then. I am so lost. It is as if I am shrouded in darkness. Is the pantheon against me? I sense a grave uprising of pain and torment. Is it a sign of the stars .. the very stars I can't read? It seems that every time I jump my feet land several paces from where I expect. I'm not saying I'm unhappy .. just, scared. I'll pull through, I have my faith, and my parents at my heels. Oh, how I miss them. Sometimes I think about joining them. Nothing on this plane really makes me want to stay, the flicker she said that her mind shifted to Jin's bright smile. She didn't know if it was her own subconscious that had unlocked the image or if it was the Defender of Life. All she knew that her comment wasn't completely true. Is he the one? Is he the one who I could spend the rest of my life with? it was the need for her cloak that shattered her concentration. For some reason the meditation and devotion tired her. Aeris lethargically reached for the magical robe and folded it about her. Her bones and cartilage began to pop and reknit, nothing of which hurt. Sleep stole the rest of her night, and she didn't argue.

Samheen 23 ET

Aeris awoke a few burns before the Desert King sent the sun away. She kicked around on the top of the water simply swimming and floating about. The acolyte waited for her skin to take precedence over the bountiful feathers, pushing them off. It didn't take long and they slid away like butter on a heated pan. She came out of life's necter perfectly wet. Her body began to instantly dry and she grabbed a nearby towel so her skin wouldn't absorb much of it. She strolled to where she a dress was laid out and put it on. It appeared to be an article of clothing only a noble would have. It was still rather common, being that of a sky blue, v-neck, and the sleeves pertruding to her wrists. It wasn't a constricting dress in the least.

The swan maiden set out to find Nadia.

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 3:24 pm

At the library Aeris found many intriguing details, including a recounting of Nadia's life so far. It spoke of her being a slave like any other left in the care of the orphanage. She had withstood atleast one abusive owner that the biographer knew of, as well as an attempt to "steal her chastity" by a travelling rogue. Through all of this, however, she glowed, and when she could afford it, she bought herself out of slavery and then began her journey through the clergy of Anasis where she now found herself at the pinacle with only her goddess and god above her, and with Ionis at her side. Her life betrayed her age, that she had to be atleast thirty five yahren, though the author said no one was sure her actual age -- perhaps not even Nadia knew it. As Aeris could plainly see, she did not look as if she were that old.

The swanmaiden's escort turned out to be handsome young trainee in the clergy of Uphuron. All of the acolytes of Anasis were busy with the injured from the riot, and none could be spared to watch the young swan, plus, being that he was martially trained, it made sense that he would watch her. He did appear somewhat tired, however. Though, he didn't quite understand what his job was until he saw the spectacular acuracy with which Aeris dove and turned, it was then he realized he wasn't just babysitting Nadia's pet. He clapped a few times for her, and as she came down for her final landing, he knelt down, his knee touching the ground. "Anasis should envy your agility, small one." Not sure if she would allow it or not, he tentatively reached out to touch her neck. If she didn't strike out and try to bite off his hand, then he would pet her gently.

The sparring area was located in the side of the temple dedicated to Uphuron. It was a big open room with exposed rafters from which hung mini chandeliers fill of candles. Other wall sconces and stand-alone candelabras dotted the room as well, but these were all cleared from the separate fighting squares. Weapons of differing size and variation hung from the wall.

"I don't go easy on anyone, not even women. You learn that fact when you fight against some of the girls that are training to be in Uphuron's army." A familar voice, paired with a familiar face, said to Aeris before he took a defensive stance and waited for her to do her best and attack him. Her escort from her arial arobatics gave her a few pointers on how to stop a punch, but not after he landed a good one to her right side. He, of course, didn't apologize for it, but instead gave a winning grin. "Have a good night, miss." He stood at attention like a good warrior as she departed.

Soothing and ease washed over Aeris like a wave as she prayed. Even the draining feeling that accompanied the meditation was dulled by some filling of inner strength. It were as if she was the empty bucket, and something refilled her. Take comfort my child, and sleep... She awoke beyond refreshed. It was as if she had slept for days.

Out in the hallway, bedecked in the blue dress, it seemed as if the numerous victims of the riot had either been healed and sent home, died and taken away, or been tucked away else where. The aisle was nearly empty, except for one young angular girl, cut from the same cloth as Jin, who's eyes looked up as Aeris stepped out. Her deep eyes sought those of the swan. In her hand she held something shiny, an orb. "Here. I said before I'd give it back to you. If I didn't know better, I'd think you were avoiding me." Akuta held a small hand out, her thin wrist looking as if it might snap under the weight of the empty glass ball. "Where are you going?"

Aeris Mourir · Post by **Aeris Mourir** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 6:16 pm

As she closed the chamber's door behind her, the angel didn't realize the second presense until she had completely turned around. Aeris' eyes didn't grow any larger and her breath didn't hasten. She was relativly calm, most likly from her exuberant sleep. The swan maiden smiled, but it never reached her eyes.

"Akuta, my dear, I would never avoid you ... I have been quite busy for the past few days," taking the orb from the tiny person. She went back into her room and placed the molded object on a soft surface. The lady quickly returned back to her outside post, standing in front of Akuta.

"I am looking for Nadia ... happen to know where she is?" she questioned before she had taken a few steps in the direction of the priestess's chamber. "Walk with me?"

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 1:56 pm

"Last I knew, she was in her chamber." Akuta said, keeping a firm position on her spot until invited to walk with the woman. "I'm sorry about the other night, Lady Aeris." She did not make eye contact this time, this time she didn't even attempt it.

The empty hallways allowed them to move at as quick or slow a pace as they wanted, all entirely dependant on the swanmaiden, for definately it wouldn't be Akuta who decided such a thing, especially now. She looked like a kicked puppy, but that didn't compare to the look on Nepmar's face right before he had been beaten within an inch of his life, nor of Jin's look of extreme regret at having done so.

Akuta wasn't really sure what else to say, so she left it at that, and allowed for Aeris to speak. The acolyte moved with silent grace thanks to her robes and slippered feet.

Aeris Mourir · Post by **Aeris Mourir** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 7:21 pm

The woman's pace was slow, meticulous, carefully placed. It was if they were walking on parchment thin ice, however, the swan could fly if it came to such a situation. Between her methodical feet and the non-lack of silence, her thoughts caught the best of her.

It wasn't just her contemplations that came crashing down, it was her imagination that spiral out of control. Issues of being beaten and raped coursed through her mind ... any and every event that she could possibly concoct. The chaotic twilight became an abrupt stop when she realized that Akuta probably enjoyed it all.

If a swan maiden in all of their peaceful ways could possibly get furious, Aeris was definitely it. The flicker the apprentice conceived that the child like to destroy families and potential relationships between her brother and others, was the flicker she wanted the entire story. There was a reason why the acolyte did the things she did. Aeris was going to find the truth, whatever it was.

"We need to talk for a moment," as they passed an empty room, Aeris turned into it. If the acolyte followed her, then the maiden would start the interrogation.

Once in the room, Aeris closed the door and had the girl sit down. The woman paced; back and forth, back and forth. "I am going to ask you several questions and I want to you be honest. I am willing to be your friend, if you are truthful. If not, there's the door, you are more than free to leave ... it is your choice, Akua."

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 4:49 pm

Akuta didn't have the option of flying, but right at that moment, as Aeris brought her into an empty room, she was wishing she did. The acolyte sat down on a small stool and watched as the swan paced infront of her.

She had seen this routine before. Jin had 'questioned' her similarly, trying to place a fear in her stomach which just wasn't there. Instead she crossed her arms defiantly -- defensively. "Questions I can handle, I'm not sure if you can handle the answers." Her dark eyes seemed ever darker, as if they were entirely pupil, sucking in the entirety of the brown carmel that was there before.

"I don't think you want to be my friend, Aeris. You want to be with my brother. You think that by fixing me, you'll fix him, and that he'll never do what you saw him do last night again -- that he'll never need to." She glanced around the room, leaned in close, and dropped her voice to a whisper. "I've got a secret for you: you're not going to fix this, you're not going to fix me, and he will never stop protecting me." Akuta straightened up, and looked at Aeris.

"Now, what was that about questions?"

Aeris Mourir · Post by **Aeris Mourir** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 10:34 pm

Aeris stopped dead in her tracks. She couldn't grasp what she had just heard. The words that poured from the girl's mouth was like venom seeping from the fangs of a vile snake. Her verbose nature finally registered within the maidens mind and it was harsh and defiant and hurtful.

She wanted to defend herself, wanted to deny that she wanted to be with Jin, but it would have been a lie. However, she could have argued that by 'fixing' Akuta wouldn't have guaranteed anything concrete.

"Akuta, you were wrong. I did want to genuinely be your friend, but I don't think I can trust you, and trust is something I value in a friendship ... it builds an unbreak-" she abruptly stopped talking.

"Look, I am not even going to about to lecture, it won't do any good, besides, it's not why we are here. I want to know why you ruin families. Why do you lead these men on to think that they can really have you all to themselves? And most importantly, why do you toy with your brother?"

Resistance was putting Aeris to the ultimate test. She wanted to beat Akuta to an ounce of her life, for what she was doing to innocent people .. what she did to her brother's mind, however it never showed. All the acolyte would see is a pale woman with nearly perfect posture, with black eyes peering back.

How can she carelessly do this? How could anyone be capable of twisting people against each other? Is this a battle worth fighting? Aeris had too many questions .. and not enough answers. Maybe Nadia would know some of the conclusions to the spiralling cataclysm.

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 6:05 pm

"I don't lead them on." She punctuated the statement with a quick, harsh, laugh. "They get me, there are no pretenses that they will keep me forever. I'm not the only bad one here, Aeris. They are cheating on their wives, leaving their children." A child like Akuta had once been. "I don't force them, I just provide options." She insisted with sincerity, but there was a lingering wicked smile just below the surface, attempting to push through her dark eyes.

"As far as Jin.." She shrugged. "I didn't do that on purpose, not in the beginning, but when I get tired of one of them, I let on that I've been with a man, and he usually takes care of it for me, and the man never thinks that I had anything to do with it. Then I get to keep my contacts, and they continue to do things for me -- make me beautiful things. To pine after me."

Her brow raised a bit as she waited for more questions. "I told you you couldn't handle the answers." Aeris might have resolve, but it wasn't what it could be, and the anger that coursed through her veins was already making for her limbs to shake and quiver with the strong emotion. "You don't want him anymore, do you? Are you scared of him? Scared of those strong arms that before you wanted to wrap around you?" She rose from her seat, and as she did, somehow raised everything around her, as if everything moved with her. The world shifted under the presense of such a methodical young girl. So young. "Let him go."

Aeris Mourir · Post by **Aeris Mourir** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 2:19 am

It wasn't that the prestine angel couldn't handle the answers, it was the fact that she simply didn't like or approve of them. Underlying all the harsh real-life altering circumstances, the younging avoided the only answer the maiden desired.

"Child, you ignored my questions. All you have done is simply state the obvious. I want to know why you do it all, not that you do. So, enlighten me, please." she said with a coy smile of her own.

Aeris wasn't about to fight with the demonic being that stood so cautiously in front of her. The anger was at a brink within the woman's body, but she caught her breath and steadied her arms. She let the powerful clearity of Anasis course through her form giving her a calm stature. Aeris placed her flawless hands on her hips.

"What have you, child?" Aeris wasn't as dumb as some animal, which tended to be vastly smarter than any human. Was the swan intelligent because of her animal instincts or because she was just cultured? It was something she would have to look into at a later time.

For now, the beginning of her night was about a losing battle. However, the acolyte's answer rewound in her mind, playing over and over. She kept referencing Jin for some reason. Was Akuta trying to keep her brother from ever being with just one person? Was the child-whore being more difficult in other people's lives than she had to be? Aeris was sick of it.

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 3:01 pm

"I do it because I can, Aeris -- because they all want me. I'm a child that looks so much more childlike than I am. How old do you think I am?" She crossed her arms, and she did look ever so young. Early teen yahren was putting it nicely, but she could pass for 12. Akuta waited for Aeris to think on it, for her to come to her conclusion, but spoke before the swan had the chance to answer. "They want this," she said and she motioned downward, her long arms dropping to her unaccentuated hips. "But with that, they want that thing in my eyes that says that I'm not actually a child, that thing that says I know exactly what I'm doing when I do it."

Being a bit shorter than Aeris, Akuta had to look up to her, and in many senses she did look up to the swan, especially for what she stood for. "Do not cast such an ugly light on something you don't understand. Don't ask me questions that you know I can't answer. I'm no reader of minds, I don't understand the God's great plans. I can't pick people's lives apart, not even my own, to figure out exactly why I do what I do. But what I do works for me. It gets me everything I need, and many things I just want. Call it greed, call it need, call it whatever you want, but I'm not going to stop. Not you, and not Jin are going to prevent me from living this life. One of these times, one of them will want to marry me, and they will leave their wife for me, and I will never have need or want for anything ever again."

Nepmar was almost that one, and infact, though Akuta would like to say she planned the last great event, that wasn't true. She played the part once she saw the wheels turning, but it wasn't purposeful, she really did enjoy his company, and his beautiful treasures that his wife just couldn't understand. His barren wife who bore him no children. "Now, don't you need to meet with Nadia?" She looked toward the door. "I have victims of the riot to tend to. Perhaps I'll find my next prey among the wounded..." She walked out the door and down the hallway, not waiting for Aeris this time.

Aeris Mourir · Post by **Aeris Mourir** » Thu Oct 06, 2005 9:09 pm

Aeris simply nodded. She didn't quite understand and she couldn't quite wrap her mind around the situation, but somewhere deep inside the swan she knew that Akuta craved attention. Maybe it was a deeper connection than simple physical contact. Maybe it was someone to simply kiss. Maybe she was jealous of her brother, watching him swoon lady after lady.

"Lady Akuta," she said. "I would never intrued on your personal matters unless I was scared for you. You aren't scared, I can clearly see that," however the maiden didn't believe it. "However, the people who do care about you, won't be pushed around, I know I won't. Even though you are the way you are, it is -who- you are. No one can change that besides you. I came into this conversation a little more angry than I should have, however, I am coming out of it a little bit more enlightened. Do what you want, live your life." Aeris wanted to add something about Jin, but didn't. No matter how much she tried, she wasn't going to be able to be apart of their family.

The woman wanted to give the acolyte a hug, but dared not to. It wasn't the right time for a motherly hug. "Yes, you are right, Nadia..." Aeris smiled at Akuta's parting voice, also giving her a slight puff from her chest. Her head started to shake from left to right, will that girl ever learn? "Good hunting," was all the apprentice could say before her friend had escaped.

Aeris got to the chamber door. She peered across the room, scanning for anthing special. The barrier clicked closed and the swan maiden was on her way to the High Priestess of Amun Rah.

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 3:19 pm

Nadia sat at her desk shuffling through parchment rolls as Aeris entered. She didn't do anything to immediately greet her, instead she looked up, and then back down to her work. After a few flickers of moving things around she found what she was looking for and quickly signed it. "Good evening, Aeris." The high priestess said as she set down her final paper and then rose her graceful form from behind the black desk.

Clothed in her luxurious blue robes she was the figure of elegance. Her neck seemed so long and perfectly formed as it came out of the soft blue mass that hung off her lithe shoulders. That and her hands were the only skin that showed. With a subtle movement she removed the facial covering that hung over her nose down to her chin. It was a thin fabric, barely doing anything to hide her face, but she always felt impeded by such things. "I had a meeting, wanted to look my best, and my most Amon Subhayan." Nadia smiled and motioned to the couch they had shared before.

Her little orbs of light followed her as they always did. Their gentle glow illuminating both her and where she moved. "You wanted to see me?" She sat down after Aeris did - a show of respect toward the young woman. "But before we get to that, I wanted to thank you, again, for your participation the other evening at the Market. You really helped us all, Aeris. Ionis would like to extend an in invitation to you and a guest to the palace for a dinner with him, so he can thank you in person."

Aeris Mourir · Post by **Aeris Mourir** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 6:44 pm

The journey to the priestess' office was more than easy. No other people or distractions detoured her from her path. Akuta's words lingered in her mind, and it was a heavy weight if nothing else. Would Aeris simply give up the caring man if that's what everyone else seemed to want? Would her new found confidence in the young woman turn back into disgust? Aeris didn't know, only time would tell.

As the maiden entered her chamber she shuffled through stacks of parchment. Aeris stood in the door way for a flicker or two and then entered. She shut the door behind her and watched Nadia seemed apparently extremely busy. The apprentice didn't want to interrupt the stressful trance, so she took a seat near by and just looked around.

Her scanning was broken by Nadia's voice. "Oh- good evening my lady," she replied. "It's an exquisite dress," Aeris added as the priestess reasoned with her mind. How Aeris wanted such a gorgeous article of clothing, maybe she would just indulge herself one night. A night with Jin, she hoped in the least.

After Nadia had finished speaking, the swan maiden didn't reply right away. A few flickers pasted and thoughts seemed to be more than visual behind her calculating eyes. "It's ironic ... I have never fought for anything so important in my entire life, and there I was, fighting for someone I had never met, nor didn't even know. All I knew that if we didn't succeed times were going to get much worse. Maybe I wasn't really even fighting for myself, but those that couldn't. The childr-" her mind cut to Akuta's face. Why was such a child drawn to the acts she performed? "It's something I don't mind doing, but if I could meet our leader, maybe I can put a little more faith behind what I do," she accepted the dinner plans.

She suddenly looked at Nadia, more than a simple friendly glance. "I'm special, aren't I? I don't mean, in the 'Eyes of Anasis,' but with our ancestors. At the market, there was a dense fog, a wind, that seemed to take precedence over me and anyone else in the crowd," her memories overrode her current image of the priestess.

The eyes of the mass of people seemed to peer through her with ease. Jin's orbs grew to such a magnitude Aeris wouldn't be surprised if she never saw the acolyte's brother again. The swan maiden, to what Alaha declared, was an otherworldly creation. She consider ripping her wings off, anything to be normal, but she realized that she enjoyed being unique .. something that had taken yahren. She shook her head and the imagery was gone.

"What does it all mean?" she questioned, knowing Nadia, the right hand of their Goddess, would calm her uneasy mind.

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 5:35 pm

"Oh.. thank you." Nadia smiled. She hadn't had such a compliment in a long time, and as she thought it over, most people were no longer amazed by the robes of the clergy in the Amon Subhayan - having seen them their entire lives. That Aeris was impressed was a refreshing change to say the least, and very much the ego-boost as well. Not that Nadia was wholly caught up in her looks, but every woman likes to look her best, she was no exception.

"Good, I'm glad you will be able to attend. Ionis will be most glad at your acceptance." Nadia smiled, and they took the seat on the small couch. "Tea?" It was a staple in the High Priestess' life, soothing and warm in her cool underground office. She poured them each a cup of the steaming beverage that had already been waiting for the woman when she took her break from the strenuous paperwork.

"I was told of the fog you summoned, yes. And, since then, I've been reading on it, at length." She looked over to her desk which was a mess of books, papers and parchment rolls. "And I know that you've no idea how you did it, which makes it all the more curious."

"You prayed - to Anasis, that much is clear, and you asked her for help, and she granted it, through giving you some sort of... burst." Nadia took a sip of the strong drink and swallowed, all while pondering, giving them a moment of silence before she continued. "You took something from the people, from the earth, a divine energy. In tales, it has been called The Fog of Souls.

"It can be harnessed, refined. Like any energy it needs to be practiced with, but I know nothing of this magick." Nadia frowned a bit, wishing she could tell the swanmaiden more about it, wishing she could help her on this journey were she to take the path. "From what I've read, it involves the Ancestors, calling them forth, and binding them to you, a bit different from what you did. Or.. maybe you just did something utterly different from anything." The High Priestess shrugged. "Only you know what happened inside you when the fog appeared.

"Have you other questions for me, child?" Nadia asked.

Aeris Mourir · Post by **Aeris Mourir** » Fri Oct 14, 2005 6:22 pm

"Oh, yes, please," the woman replied to the notion of tea. Aeris was beginning to enjoy the piping hot liquid more and more. She seemed to only have it when visiting Nadia, but it was just enough not to lose it's edge.

As the cooling concoction hit her tongue, it seemed to warm her body. The comforting blanket didn't cease just there, it slid down to her bones and caressed her soul. It was truly a relaxing beverage.

"That doesn't make any sense," she stated bluntly. "I am not exactly from here. I mean my dad was, but my mother was from somewhere completely different. I was born and came of age here, that is all. My ancestors didn't die here, nor did my people fight any great battle for the salvation of Tazlure. It doesn't make sense," Aeris repeated.

"Then again, life isn't supposed to make much sense, now is it?" Her voice spoke of something more innocent than her mind conceived. She thought of Jin and how much him and Akuta didn't seem realistic. "I see a look of doubt on your face. It doesn't matter if you have no knowledge of another account, it seems to be something that isn't too popular," a burdened smile littering her face. It was the best empathic gesture she could muster, and it was severely weak.

"We know what we are dealing with ... or at least it has a name," I guess. Nadia wasn't even sure if it was the same magic that was described in the parchment she had tornadoed through. "It looks like I'm going to have to do this part on my own," she added.

"However, there is something you might be able to help me with. Akuta. Do you know anything of her past? The thoughts that fuel her mind?" Aeris asked desperately, but without appearing so.

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 4:11 pm

"You are from here, for you are from your father. It is through him that your bond to Amun Rah comes, and it is through him that you are a part of this land, and always will be. And when you pass onto the next realm, to be with Anasis and Uphuron in their great palace, then you will too leave your mark for any others who search it out." Nadia smiled her serene smile, the one that made others feel at ease, no matter the situation, and Aeris began to feel a different warmth suffuse her body.

"You have a strong spirit, my child, and your father must have had great men in his heritage. Perhaps it would be wise of you to research it. Speak to the Rafao during dinner, maybe he will open his personal library for your use, otherwise, it will be only what I have to offer, and the city library at your disposal. That is the best I can tell you for now. Know that you don't need to go alone, I just don't have any knowledge of my own of this path, so I'll be learning along with you."

As Aeris pressed the conversation forward, stretching away from the topic at hand, Nadia frowned. "Akuta. Yes, I know much of her past, why do you ask?" The woman immediately made the connection between Akuta and Jin, and then Jin to Aeris, and her frown deepened. "The young girl has lead a troubled and difficult life, and I've tried to give her a new start here at the Simbahan. From how you ask, I'm guessing that this new start isn't working out?" Even if Aeris was trying to mask the desperation, it was still in her voice, and Nadia recognized it. "Has she done something? Made for Jin to do something?" The woman shook her head. "I knew it was only a matter of time.

"I didn't want to say anything when I found out that Jin and you were - getting to know one another, but he's had a difficult life, one he was cast into by the gods, and one which Akuta has not made easier." She sighed. "He's done many things in his life, many which I'm sure he'd take back of he had the choice, but not if it meant that Akuta was without anything. If that was the payment then he'd keep each and every single one of the things he's ever done - for her. I've no doubt he'd do the same for you, that's just the sort of man he is. He cares for his own, but not for himself. Don't believe his front, that's all I can tell you."

Nadia rose from her seat. "And I'm sorry to cut this short, but I really have much business to attend to. With Isis leaving to the Citadel, Ionis has much he wants to do in her absense." She motioned Aeris to the door, and her little orbs of light followed her. "Speak to him about this, you may be surprised at what he'll tell you. Once you crack his suave layer, there is much depth.. perhaps even more than I realize." She finally gave another serene smile. "I have faith that you'll find what you're looking for if you go to the right source, in all things, Aeris."

Aeris Mourir · Post by **Aeris Mourir** » Wed Oct 19, 2005 1:36 pm

"I had never thought about it like that, I guess the Gods really do have a plan for me. It amazes me that out of everyone in Amun Rah, I am the gifted one, the one who the aether grasps for, the one with the powers to simply help. It will be both a blessing and a curse..." she never finished her sentence.

It wasn't the fact that she couldn't fathom the words, it was the tranquility that fused throughout her body. She recognized it, the peaceful warmth, since she had done almost the same thing to Jin. However, what she had done to the young lad was nothing compared to what Nadia was capable of. Aeris wanted to be that good, some day. "Use the Rafao's private study? I- he just might, depending on how much he feels he's debited to me ... which I hope he doesn't feel that way. I never do things so people owe me, I do them because it helps the people."

As the conversation shifted, and Jin came up, Aeris didn't bust out with the blacksmith brutilization. The maiden figured that Nadia could have guessed the situation, if need be, since she knew much about the acolyte's past. She left out the blood soaked Jin, and even the fact that she clean him up; even if just a little. "Jin isn't all he makes himself to appear, I at least know that much. He's extremely protective, which one doesn't see behind the suave, fortified wall. I just need to talk to him, like you said," the apprentice repeated.

"Oh, very well then. Thank you for the talk ... it opened my eyes a bit. I will do what you advised. And, thank you, again," was all she replied with before she was out the door.

So, Akuta has been doing this or twisting people to her liking for quite some time. Nadia gave her a second chance and yet the naive girl throws the chance like a piece of trash. What happened in her past to force her to such an existence? Where does Jin fit in, within the past of their family? I am never going to find out who this man is if I don't start trying. The source ... the source is Jin. No one knows the true story besides him. I wonder if he would tell me?

The woman returned to her room and snatched her sandy-colored cloak. She made her way through the Simbahan to the temple's outside gardens. Aeris walked down the path into the city and strolled through the market place. If Jin was out there, he would find her.

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Sat Oct 22, 2005 4:39 pm

The streets had mostly been cleaned of the turmoil of the Riots. The fires had been extinguished and the bodies had been removed and brought to the Simbahan for proper funeral rites according to the wishes of their family members. There had been a good many bodies. There would be more. People, the injured, were still in the Simbahan's deep chasm of a hospital. It was another underground wing to the temple of Anasis where the acolytes tried to save their lives. Not many had made it out of the wing on their own feet.

No one on the streets seemed phased by it, however. Tourists still mingled among those who lived in the great desert city. Some were swathed in fashions of Abu`Sahir to settle in, others wore their clothes from home - and died a thousand deaths with every step. It was cooling off, however, as the night-time air began to move into the city, bringing with it the deathly cold. Those who had never experienced the harsh nights in the desert didn't realize how soon it would be before they could stand it no longer, but for now, the continued to poke at the wares, passing the time before heading back to their rented estates or inns.

Most of the people were of the upper class, and Jin slide between them like a seasoned pro. He had been experienced with these sorts of people since he was quite young, and then became extremely experienced once he reached fourteen, and started growing into the handsome man he had now become. He was dressed in his best - black pants and shined black shoes. Over his shoulders he had a red jacket - not bright like the hunting coats of King's Court, but rather a deep muted crimson. Beneath that was a simple white shirt, not too oppulent, he didn't want to stand out too much. His goatee was freshly shaved and his hair was nicely trimmed, and he walked with his suave edge.

He spoke only to the women, only to the women who had no escort aside from perhaps a maid at their skirt-hem. He preferred if they had no escort at all, but, that was sometimes more difficult. Jin's skin looked so dark and exotic next to the white. His big brown eyes and dignified profile implored the women to come to him, and he usually didn't have to do much of his own hunting. It was even the case with Aeris tonight, Aeris, who he had no idea was looking for him as he took up the hand of a brunette and graciously kissed it. "Jin, welcome to Amun Rah, may I show you around?" She was perhaps twenty-seven yahren. Married, but her husband was busy with business. Terebithia, that was her name, was quite lonesome, and this absolutely gorgeous foreigner would fit nicely into her plans for the evening. Plans which included an empty house and a bottle of Kislovan wine.

Aeris found him then, as he lifted from her tanned hand. She was from the Mouth, it was obvious from her complexion and her outfit - which was wider at the skirt than any other skirt ought to be, and of similarly hued reds and golds. Where Jin had accented with tans and browns to bring in his homeland, she had aimed for things that shimmered. Her bodice was impossibly tight and pushed her assets to full attention. Jin paid them no mind as he gave her his fullest attention to her large greentinted brown eyes. Every woman loved his eye contact, as if he couldn't tear his vision away from her.

"From where do you hail, and why would anyone let a beauty such as yourself go out at night all alone?" He glanced to her hand where she still wore her handfasting ring. The suave slave hadn't seen Aeris, atleast not yet. "May I offer you my arm to escort you through the Market? I'll keep the rabble from bothering you." He gave her a smile, but it wasn't his real smile, because Aeris had seen it, and though he looked at her, it was as if he looked through her.

Aeris Mourir · Post by **Aeris Mourir** » Mon Oct 24, 2005 6:31 pm

Two lithe hands pawed through the fabrics and clothing that the stalls had to offer. She didn't think twice about explaining to the managers that their merchandise was exquisite and that she hoped to purchase many things from them. Aeris didn't buy anything that night, since she had left her more personal belongings in the Simbahan. The only object of any value was the silver swan pendant that hung between her breast.

As she scanned the surrounding area for the next jaw-dropping article, she didn't so much as noticed Jin, but knew he was hidden in the crowd. The priestess' irises jetted from face to face until it finally feel on Jins. Her eyes seemed to take in the complete picture a flicker later. Something ran through her body instantly. Fear. It was a cold chill that ran deep into the center of her core and spread outward, outward until it reached the tips of her fingers and the ends of her toes. It was a heart-breaking emotion that she couldn't seem to break. Aeris just simply stood there and peered at the man, she just might be in love, who was with another woman.

Her onyx eyes stared at them and a soulless smile played across his lips. The once over-whelming fear seemed to disipate like salt in boiling water. Aeris had seen a true smile of the young lad and it was warming, comforting, the one he gave now held little more than a pleasant hello. Her mind shifted to when she had first seen the flawless beam and then to the other night. How he just sat there, shocked. She had witnessed many sides of the slave, including this one.

Aeris didn't go running to the man of her dreams. She didn't call out his name, or even attempt to distract him. The woman felt that if she could almost feel his presense within the crowd, there was a connection between them that didn't need to be coaxed, just felt. Aeris continued to browse, letting the culture of the desert city fill her memory.

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 5:39 pm

"World's Mouth, mio bello." Terebithia purred. "And I'd love to borrow more than your arm, but that will do for now." Her accent was thick, not just of her homelands language, but also of wanting Jin's firm slavery-worked body.

He did indeed offer his arm, and everything was just going swimmingly. It couldn't have been more perfect, and he couldn't have found a more alluring dusky skinned foreigner tonight in the market. His body was warm against hers as her arm pressed against his - her hand wrapping around it and holding affectionately as she drew it against her body.

But then an odd tension began to build in his body, nerves which had never been there before when he was seducing a woman. He felt his skin crawl and goosebumps raise and then as though he was being watched. With a paranoid edge he looked over his shoulder quickly. "Is there something wrong?" Terebithia asked. The slave shook his head and plastered on his smile again, just shrugging.

"Ever feel like you're being watched?"

"Always." She cooed in return with a sultury look.

Stupid question... "Of course, a beauty such as yourself must be hounded." He lifted his free hand and rubbed her hand briefly. "Perhaps I'm just unused to their jealous gazes." He swallowed and looked around, and it was then that the entirety of his facade came crashing down around him.

Aeris had certainly seen him with this lusty little beast, and now she was just standing there, and he felt like he might vomit. "Pardon me, flower, but I've just spotted the woman I'm in love with... and you are better off with other company this evening." He nodded his head to anoter well dressed young man who didn't compare in beauty to Jin, "Perhaps he could entertain you." The slave removed his arm from hers, and swiftly stepped through the crowd.

"It is absolutely what you think it is, I won't lie and say it's not." He stared at the swanmaiden, but kept a distance of about four feet. He had, of course, seen what she did to Alaha(ha-ha-ha). "All I can do is beg that you'll give me a chance to explain." Jin looked down at the ground then. "I know that there seems like no way to explain this, but I swear, Aeris, I love you in a way I've never felt before, and I don't want to lose you. Not over this."

Aeris Mourir · Post by **Aeris Mourir** » Tue Nov 01, 2005 10:03 pm

The pious woman looked up then, her angelic hair cascading down the sides of her face like a majestic painting. (OOC: No idea where that came from.) Emotions swelled within her breast, the sense of a ball slamming against the walls of her heart. Panic, fear, love, pain, hurt seemed to consume Aeris and then spit her back out. She wasn't sure what to say to the hesistant man, but if she didn't say at least something he might simply walk away.

"Jin," she said. It wasn't so much the glitter of pressure that passed behind her eyes, it was the way he had approached her. He was scared of her. The maiden wasn't positive if it had been because of Alaha, or her dormant powers and magnificant wings. As they stood there and flickers passed she felt like more and more like a freak, but one that was loved. Loved enough to give up the beauty of a foreigner, and come to her. Jin didn't seem like one to cater to the needs of a woman who would draw eyes to herself, unattentionally. However, Jin, she thought, liked to have everyone look upon him with courting a gorgeous lass. Aeris just looked at him, while he couldn't even look into her black irises.

The female bent her arm as an invitation so he would take those last few steps so she would be able to slip her arm onto his. After he had, she tugged his appendage ever so slightly, signaling to walk. "Jin, I know this is how you have fun, it's what you do. You do not need to apologize or even to explain. I didn't come out here to reprimand you or even exchange violent words. I came out here to simply spend time with you. We are never going to get to know each other if you don't take the time to talk about ourselves," she said, almost seeming a little bit sagely.

As they walked her blue dress swept the streets of Abu`Sahir. She had no weapons on her, save her being. There was a slit up the side of the dress incase she needed to be dexterous at all, and she was knowledgable about the flowing sands martial art form. The pale skinned humanoid looked foward, almost callously, and spoke. "There is one way you can make this night up to me," she paused for but a flicker, "tell me all about Akuta and where you exactly fit in."

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Wed Nov 02, 2005 2:14 pm

"No, Aeris.. you've got it wrong. This isn't how I have fun." There was a lingering darkness in his eyes. One that was there behind his apology, something akin to the look in them when he had beaten Nepmar within an inch of his life.

He did not close the distance between them, and it was quite plain that the fear in his eyes had nothing to do with what she had done to Alaha, but rather something within himself that he was so afraid of. "I don't want to hurt you Aeris, with my life, with the things I've done." He did look up at her then. "The way you looked at me the other night." Jin's throat tightened and he had to look back down at his hands once again. "I don't think I'll ever shake that feeling of you looking at me as I almost killed a man."

"Akuta?" The insecurity and lingering doubts about he and Aeris vanished from his mind as the swan brought up his devilish little sister. "If we are going to tell those tales, then it's best we find somewhere to sit for a while. They are long and... difficult to tell." His brown eyes looked into her ebony pupils.

Aeris Mourir · Post by **Aeris Mourir** » Wed Nov 02, 2005 11:44 pm

"I know that you didn't see my face at the market when everyone went into dire chaos, but I looked at you the same way then too. A man who would do anything to protect the ones he loves. Jin, I know that you would do anything for your sister, including killing anyone that you thought had hurt her, but you know, as well as I do now, that she wasn't hurt, you are," she bluntly said. Aeris was sick of the slave being walked on by everyone, especially someone who supposedly cherished him.

It was obviously that the coy man wasn't about to comfort the woman by comforting himself so she took a bold move and stepped those last few paces across the dirt street. If he didn't pull away she continued. "Akuta's story is the only way you can make it," her eyes darted to the gorgeous woman and then back to him, "up to me. I have also upped the price of my... understanding," she added with a lush smile dancing across her lips. "Pick your place," Aeris demanded.

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Sun Nov 06, 2005 1:03 am

Jin watched Aeris as she took the step forward. His expression softened a bit, and he nodded to her. "I can tell you, then." He said. "I will try anyway." He sighed and made the final move, and close the final gap between them, tentatively taking Aeris's hand.

"How about the observatory? I told you I'd take you there, and now is as good a time as any." He gave her a small smile, but unlike the one for the foreign lady, this one was real, even if it was somewhat tense.

The slave lead her down the road of Foreigner's Court. Off of the main street there was a large building - one of many in the area - with an odd looking dome on the top of it. It was smooth, and some large thing stuck out of the top of the dome - a cylinder of good size. "There's a library in there, too... but it's nothing amazing." He pulled a ring of a great many keys from his pocket and grinned giving her a wink as he found the right one and stuck it into the keyhole of a large wooden door.

"The observatory." He announced, moving his hand inward for her to step in. Jin quickly followed, and once inside removed a candle from a small table near the door. He grabbed his meager flint and steel and lit it with speed. The room was illuminated and revealed a small desk littered with papers. It was the receptionists desk, a young woman often sat there with her nose buried in parchment and quills allowing for the master of the observatory's guests to enter, with appointments of course.

Jin needed no appointment. "Zarett isn't in tonight." Jin moved past the desk with a practiced routine as if he came here often, especially when no one else was in. "Not many people get to see the Rafao's observatory." The young man said proudly as he lead her through a room with a good many shelves. He looked around expecting her to be impressed by them. "Almost all on astronomy... some weather, bit of other stuff. Mostly on the heavens, though. C'mon," He started to ascend a set of wooden stairs that went in a spiral upwards into the dome.

Up and up and up they went until they reached a round room with a few chairs around the edges and more books. There was another desk in this room, but instead of notations of times and arrangements to be made, there were charts. In the center of the room was an odd piece of furniture. It was akin to a bed, but instead of being flat, one end was at an upward angle, so that a person (or people, since it could easily hold two) wouldn't quite be laying down.

"Welcome to the observatory, and unlike what Akuta claimed, I've not ever taken a woman up here." There was a defensiveness in his tone, as if he needed for her to believe it. "This place has always been mine, and I hadn't met a single person worthy enough to share it with until you. I hope you understand that." His foot shuffled on the tiled floor. Unlike many places in Amun Rah at night, the observatory was quite warm, but not hot. It was perfectly comfortable. "Would you like to sit?"

Aeris Mourir · Post by **Aeris Mourir** » Sun Nov 06, 2005 3:01 pm

As the slave took her hand a sort of ease coursed through her body. It was if Anasis herself came down from the heavens and caressed her soul with a loving embrace that only the pantheon was capable of. The feeling was as if she had climbed into an icy bed but it had soon warmed up. That tense feeling before the bed warms and after it had all the tension and tight body movements melted away. It was a good feeling. It was weekend off, good.

The woman had know before Jin spoke that they were going to the observatory. It was romantic and yet had a enough stuff in it where he could talk about Akuta and throw some other tid bits in that had nothing to do with her. It was like a nervous twitch, but Jin happened to like to talk and fiddle with objects. "The observatory is perfect," she said.

As they made their journey to the place of stars, thoughts in her mind seemed to be a raging river, it just wouldn't cease. It wasn't until the attractive man had spoke the tore her sightless gaze to his face. She wanted to lean in and kiss him, reassure him everything was going to be fine with them. The opportunity passed her by as he waved her into the dome-like building.

Aeris didn't comment on the book remark, but she did enjoy to read. She thought of what type of literature was in the Rafao's private library. What was she going to learn about her heritage, Amun Rah, and even random subjects. The thought excited her, but her heart was already pounding heavily from being with Jin.

The pale maiden went to a shelf and removed a text from it. The smell of the paper, the bind, the book relaxed her. She was always in love with the texture and aroma of the long forgotten objects. What a shame to have all these books locked up like this, she casually thought.

His deep, hypnotic voice drove her attention to him again. She placed the book back and walked towards him. She stood but a foot from him, enough not to invade his personal space, and stood there. "Even if you had it wouldn't matter, but it's nice to know you haven't," she added with a tensionful fear that tugged at her core. The swan maiden wanted Jin, in every way. He was fun, attractive, humorful, just over all a perfect candidate. This was the place where her world might come crashing down. No one is that perfect without having some serious flaw.

Aeris' eyes darted to the seat and then back to him. She wanted to give him a hug, just because she could and it would at least make her feel better, but she didn't. "Sitting would be great," the woman said before she sat down. The priestess scooted over so Jin had room to join her if he wanted.

The bird-woman didn't start out demanding that she wanted the story then and there. She desperately did, but not everything had to be right down to business. "My mother used to love the stars, talking about them endlessly," she stopped suddenly. "I've already told you that," Aeris said with an embarrassed smile on her face. It wasn't like her to repeat a story. When they were together her mind seemed to be else where, Jin distracted her, and it was going to get them in trouble some day.