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 Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 4:22 pm
Vanya inclined her head towards the other, nodding in agreement with her assessment. "Perhaps, that is not so far from the truth. As I understand, they once had a set of leaders as well, ruling as a body." She paused, thinking on how they'd been having such a pleasant conversation earlier, but...this was where conversation had led. And she would not deny the other knowledge, at least what little she had.
The Seer seemed to grow introspective for a moment before continuing. "I do not know how familiar you are with the beliefs surrounding Rais and his Council, as well as our history. While it is still hard to believe, I have had some signs thus far that support the claim that we Faun chosen as his counsel are brethren of the past reborn into new lives. I have remembered little yet of this past life, but I have had dreams and visions that support it as true. I have dreams as vivid as memory of things that I have never seen or experienced in this life. They are both strange and familiar all at the same time. I have no other theory that could explain it." She paused, frowning. "I have seen things, Celestia. Things that coincide with what I have been told of our history, as well as that of the Blood Pae'il of the distant past. The things that these leaders caused to be done...even if the price is disorder and loneliness, I think it might be best that they do not return."
Hiding any sign of the memory of the visions that sometimes haunted her dreams, the Seer turned away for a moment. "I'm sorry if that sounded cruel. I think it best, perhaps, if I rephrase that. Let us hope and pray that instead, some better form of leadership were to arise than that of the past. It was all so long ago, I'm sure that things are different now."
Feeling that it was somehow her fault for the dark shadow that had been cast over their visit, Vanya shook her head and apologized again. "I am sorry. You came here to ask about your new powers and possible training, and here we are talking about Blood Pae and events long passed. Please, did you have any further questions about your new abilities? Or even about me? Anything else new that may have happened lately?"
Okay, not exactly subtle, she realized. She was still new to this whole counseling-adviser thing. But that glowing golden thread...it was beginning to gnaw at the back of her mind. Faun weddings were a grand event, a celebration for all, with solemn traditions, yes, followed by equally as intense partying. Well, at least the Chieftain's had been and that had been the only traditional wedding she'd witnessed, so perhaps a bit more than most, but she had little to compare to. That being said, it was still an important event and blessed by the highest Faun leadership. At least, for those who went through the ceremony that resulted in such a spiritual bond being formed. She and her mate had not done so yet, but...
That aside, if Celestia had found someone here in this new land and taken such an important step in her life...then why had the Faun Seer heard nothing of it? A touch of her old intellectual curiosity had latched onto this odd mystery and she was having trouble letting go. She also wasn't sure how to approach the subject in what would seem like a socially-acceptable manner. Many already felt that her 'Sight' exposed more than they wished to show, though she never intended to intrude. She didn't want to give the impression that she was being nosy simply for her own sake. She'd also noticed the fluctuation of emotions flickering across Celestia's aura when she'd first arrived. She seemed...troubled. And wasn't that also part of the Seer's job? Being a spiritual guide and counselor to those who needed it?
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Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 9:00 pm
Celestia folded her hands in her lap as she listened to the seer's story. So, it was true then, the whisperings she had heard through corridors and passed conversations. Those of power here had been born to have it; they had been destined to lead as they once had. There was little hope then that she, too, could rise to their levels and join them in ruling. If she was destined for anything, it was to adapt to this life as a commoner, albeit with friends in high places. Vanya could be considered a friend at this point, couldn't she? The princess hoped so, and this belief helped to curve the momentary sadness she had felt at her understanding of the situation.
The seer's visible anguish as the conversation continued dissipated it entirely. She was not a cruel person, yet what she spoke of was horrific. To be kept in disorder and loneliness as she suggested... No creature deserved such a thing. What could have possibly happened in the past to justify these thoughts? If not for the darkness and the pain of the topic, the princess would have asked. It, however, did not feel an appropriate time to do so.
If she were meant to have such knowledge, or when she is meant to, she would be told then. Certainly. At least, that's what she felt to be true.
Shaking her head, she smiled lightly, moving to place a hand comfortingly on Vanya's shoulder. "I trust you have a reason for thinking so. What you believe comes from knowledge only you hold, and you are a beloved person; if there is a way to effect the ever-changing future, you are most capable to know how." Holding her hand there for a moment longer, she then returned it to her lap, laughing lightly. Again she shook her head. "No, I think I have asked enough today," she paused, smiling lightly before shaking her head again, "I recall nothing significant happening as of late. Have I forgotten to be aware of something I should know?"
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Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 10:01 pm
While the compassion shown by the princess had been most welcome and comforting, the warmth faded with her denial of anything 'significant' happening of late. Vanya may have forgotten to shield her expression as her disappointment showed before she could cover. Instead, she turned away, shaking her head slightly. "Apparently not," she murmured softly.
For all her responsibilities and all those she helped from day to day, Vanya had only a few she considered 'friends' among the Faun in the Tree. Those she felt she could relax and be herself around, those who she didn't feel might be constantly judging her, gauging whether or not she was fit to be the Seer. Perhaps she wasn't completely to that point with Celestia yet, but...she'd had hope that the other might consider her a friend one day, if not already.
So then, why would she lie?
The Seer was starting to put a few things together, however. The reluctance to speak of the topic or even admit it. The absence of any ceremony. How she'd 'seen' no other new soulbound Faun around the Tree...aside from Celestia.
Either Celestia had found a way to have a soul-binding done away from the heirarchy and the Tree because they didn't approve of her choice of Faun...which she would have also heard of....or...
...her bonded wasn't a Faun at all.
Was that why she was afraid to speak of it? Understandable in hindsight, especially given some recent events...but Vanya couldn't help the lingering hurt. She shouldn't take it so personally; she just...didn't have many she considered friends. Being lied to, if only out of fear, still hurt.
It wasn't as if Vanya could just 'see' what the other was thinking. Well...actually that wasn't quite true. It wasn't the same as her 'seeing auras', which was more guesswork and practice interpreting something that still lay somewhat beyond her experience, though she was learning. It wasn't something she couldn't turn off. She could do a 'reading' on someone, but that was normally done with permission only and usually done to help give advice to those who sought it. She could see scenes, powerful memories or thoughts or just ideas on the Faun's mind, but sometimes they still remained quite chaotic and mixed up. The only time she did so without previous permission were special circumstances when there was no other choice. Like interrogations for potentially dangerous individuals.
She would never do so to a friend without permission, or even just a potential friend.
But that didn't mean she couldn't say something.
"I am sorry," she apologized again, still turned away sadly. "I...didn't want to pry. I was...just worried," she admitted. "It's difficult when everyone thinks you're constantly trying to poke about in their heads. It's not like that. I just...sense different things, as others see and hear them. When you came to see me today, you seemed...upset," she finished for lack of a better word. "I noticed something else different about you; as I said, I didn't recognize you at first. It wasn't just because I'm still learning to read auras. It's because yours had changed."
Her head shifted slightly, as if she were looking to the side at Celestia. "You see, there was something wholly new there. Something that wasn't there the last time we spoke. And it's rare, because I've only seen it once before. I saw it the moment it formed at the end of the ceremony, a golden thread, uniting the hearts of our Chieftain and his wife on their wedding day." Her attention was shifted definitively towards Celestia now. "Just like the one twined around your heart."
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Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 11:34 pm
The smile dropped slightly as she saw Vanya's expression change; had the princess done something wrong? Said something to offend her? Different ideas fluttered rapidly through her mind as she tried to figure out why her friend was upset. Had something happened that she should have been aware of, only to be forgotten?
Her worries quieted as she listened instead to the confession. She had... changed...? What could have..? Her eyes widened and her expression went blank as something dawned on her. The only thing that had happened was the Valentine's dance. Could she... even though she had powers, were they so great... could she really know about her marriage?
Even after everything she was going through to hide it.
But, as the seer continued, Celestia's heart dropped. She knew. She knew, and had said nothing of it. Why leave her alone in her naivety? How long had she known and mentioned nothing? Her voice quivered lightly as she replied. "I hadn't a choice in the matter..." There were tears in her eyes. "...that wretched God betrothed us in the maze; not a soul could have escaped from his bow."
Her voice quieted as she tried to calm herself, placing her hands on her lap again and waiting a few moments. At this point, it would serve her no good to continue to hide anything from her. If Vanya intended to turn her over to the council, so be it, but it would be with a full understanding. "He is an angel by the name Aquos, and he is among the first pae I met on this island. To my understanding, he hasn't a direct relative..." she paused, looking away, "...His only mentions of family are that of a naiad, whom he considers a sister, and her child. They haven't contact since the young one's birth." She returned her eyes to the seer. "It appears that I am now the only he can truly call family, and I..." again she paused, shaking her head. "...it would be too cruel to force him again into solitude. Even if it is false, it provides him with a comfort."
Sighing, she tried to calm her voice for her ending note. "That is all. Nothing less, nothing more. Take from me what I have here, if you must, but I haven't more to hide from you. Just... But I do beg of you... Please do not tell another soul..." Tears that Celesta had held back fell a few at a time down her cheek, her arms quickly reaching up to wipe them off. "Not even my sister is aware... Only the lady Belvah, and now you, know. I... I just want to live here with my family..."
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Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2013 4:19 pm
Some reactions remained natural and Vanya's eyebrows lifted at the response she received. She'd admit, she'd felt a bit hurt at being lied to and maybe she'd been a bit more blunt with the fauny princess than she'd needed to be, just because she wanted some answers...
...but she hadn't meant to make her cry.
She'd suspected some sort of intrigue, but nothing like what she heard, however. It was a bit much to take in at once, and at first, Vanya wasn't sure how to react. Do what feels natural, she chided herself silently and after a moment, it was the Seer's turn to reach for Celestia's shoulder. She didn't stop with just a touch, wrapping one arm around her shoulders (mindful of her wings and ignoring the passing momentary fascination with the soft feathers that brushed against her skin) and wiggling over to sit beside the distraught princess. The invitation was open to lean on her for support, but she wouldn't force. Vanya, herself, was still somewhat new to being open to more physical contact like this, and she had no idea how the princess would react. Nevertheless, as the princess' control seemed to slip while talking about only wanting to remain with her family, Vanya felt a pang of guilt for pushing her to such a state. "Shhh...it's okay," she soothed, murmuring calming words and giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. First, she concerned herself with calming the other; she could work through all this new information slowly afterwards.
When Celestia seemed a bit more composed, Vanya shook her head slightly and muttered, "I've never heard of such a thing. I did not even know it was possible." A Faun, soul-bound...to an Angel? And unwillingly from the sound of it. "I did not know one's soul could be bound against their will," she admitted, somehow putting the concept to words caused a chill to travel up her spine. No wonder Celestia hadn't wanted to speak of it. Her emotional conflict made perfect sense at this point.
She reached up, lifting her friend's chin gently. "Please, Celestia, do not cause yourself further tears. Laisidhiel is your home and this does not change that, nor will it. However, I do think you were wise to keep this situation quiet. I would continue to do so. Perhaps, between the two of us, we can find some solution to your distress." She patted the other's hand, silently surprised at the admission that the Chieftain's wife knew of this as well. How? And if she were the only other one to know...did that mean she hadn't told Rais yet? She was keeping secrets from the Chief? The thoughts were making Vanya feel uneasy, especially realizing that without making the conscious decision...she planned to do the same. At least until she could help Celestia figure this out; she would keep her secret.
The horror of imagining herself bound to someone she barely knew and didn't love...well, it wasn't an easy decision, as her loyalty still lay with the Faun and the Chieftain, but... Her knowledge was to aid in the protection of Laisidhiel and her Faun. Celestia had been wrapped up in a bad situation, but it wasn't something she'd sought out of her own choice. She was still relatively new to the Isle, she hadn't even been exposed to their history, how could she possibly have known? Vanya hadn't even been aware that such a thing was possible!
She meant no ill will against the Tree or its residents, and Vanya would not see her punished as if she had.
She fixated on the information about the Angel again. "Celestia," she started, shaking her head. "I can appreciate your motives, but... Companionship is a comfort for solitude as well, but does not require binding one's soul to another. It can be hard to be selfish, but that's exactly what you have to do in a situation like this. You have to question whether sacrificing your own happiness is worth comforting another, when you could do the same without going so far? Do you owe your happiness to some Pae you barely know?"
Sighing softly, the Seer shook her head. "I am only familiar with Faun marriages and soul binding. I do not know how this 'God' does it, or how it works at all." Still holding Celestia's hand, Vanya questioned, "Is there any way to annul or escape from such a thing?"
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Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 8:27 am
At the feel of her touch, Celestia instinctively felt herself lean against her friend, her hands quickly continuing to wipe off the slow tears that found themselves on her cheek. She hated crying, even more so in the presence of others. There had only been one instance in her memory of her crying in front of someone else, in front of Aquos mere minutes after they had been bound. It left her completely vulnerable to the other's intentions. While this helped her to release the pain from her chest, it also left her exposed to further wounding. This is why she rarely did such a thing.
The princess was relieved that the seer was the one to embrace her in this state. If for a moment, she could truly clear her mind of her troubles and just relax, trusting no ill would come of it.
It was a wonderful feeling.
But, tears can only last so long, and soon enough, Celestia's hands brushed the last of them away. She slowly took her weight off of Vanya, a little embarrassed by her emotional moment, but not regretting having it. Even a princess cannot always be calm and composed at all times. She shook her head with the seer's, looking down and shrugging lightly. "The marriages of our land are far different... I... No pae could have expected such an event to happen..." She paused, placing her hand against her chest where she had seen the light binding them form and fade. "He pierced each of us with an arrow, and, following that, this string you mentioned visibly grew between us before fading. Each of these arrows appear to have a similar sort of power..." like the arrow that had changed her sister and Sir JustMo.
She nodded, placing her hands on her lap. "You understand why I avoid the subject? Nothing good will come of others knowing, and they needn't know so long as it remains a title as nothing more." Already, though, the princess was becoming conflicted with her thoughts towards him. Their marriage was just as much a comfort to her as to him, even if she only felt the affection of a friend towards him. It left her content. She felt herself smile as her friend offered to keep her secret hidden, just as her other had done so. "I almost feel pitied by both of you, Lady Belvah and yourself, each of such a high position, yet willing to hide such an important event from the chieftain. I..." she paused, shaking her head, "...I haven't a way to repay you except in thanks, and to express that, should the topic ever come up explicitly, please expose my situation rather that worsen your own."
Looking up at the seer she shrugged. "If I am meant to remain here with my people, I believe Laisidhiel will have it so."
How many days had she dwelled on the idea of separating from her husband? If there was a way? If she could do it? While it might simply be her old-fashioned ideals coming forward, it was hard to imagine a divorce. It was something that, even under poor circumstances, she had a hard time condoning. After a moment thoguht, Celestia realized that she was unsure of how to go about that, even if she wanted it. She shook her head, shrugging. "I am unaware of such a thing..."
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Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 2:51 pm
Saying nothing more about the emotional display, Vanya kept in physical contact nonetheless to show that comfort was still offered if needed, her hand resting over the other's. Few had seen her tears either, though Takis had likely seen the fair share. There had been some when she had first given up her sight, of course, when the truth of the matter had really hit home and she felt lost in the darkness. More in the days that followed, after the visions began growing in frequency and intensity. But all things level in time and such ups and downs seemed to have stabilized. She had Takis to trust with her tears, however. Celestia needed to know she had someone as well.
"I appreciate your concern for us," she answered, patting her friend's hand. "But, please, don't worry. We've made our own decisions and we will deal with the consequences of doing so." It felt strange to be speaking for Belvah like this, and at the back of her mind, Vanya wondered if she'd need to have a word with the Chieftain's wife, and how in Laisidhiel she'd ever broach the topic. "Please, do not think of it as pity, but compassion. I do have reasons for what I do," she continued with a smile. "If needed, I'll defend my actions." While she'd seen enough first-hand to fear the Chief's anger when it was finally riled, she felt she had footing to hold her ground on this one if all else failed and she was forced to do so. Well, she thought she did anyway. Maybe. Besides, she'd taken this position because she was told that she could help her people. Wasn't that what she was trying to do here? Help a Faun in need? What could he do? Dismiss her? It'd be the likely punishment for keeping secrets from the rest of the Council, she knew, but...what else could she do? Betray a friend in need? Especially if there might be some way to help without everything getting blown out of proportion? Ah, stuck between a rock and a hard place. But, she'd made her choice; she'd live with the consequences.
"Perhaps our traditions are not as different as you might think," she offered. "Yes, the ceremony may be a bit different, at least how we do things in Laisidhiel, but when it comes down to it, is a marriage not based on love? A solemn vow between two souls who love and respect one another to cherish and protect each other for all their days? The vows may be different, but what is important is the same. With all respect, Celestia, I don't believe what you have is a marriage. A marriage is not built on a base of pity at the sacrifice of one's own happiness, nor is it something one is forced into unwillingly. Personally, I would not treat it with the same respect a proper union of souls deserves and I would seek a way out of such a fraud." Vanya's words may have come across a bit harsh, but they weren't directed towards Celestia. After studying others for so long, the Seer had only begun getting in touch with her own feelings, much thanks in part to her mate on that one; but oh, what strong feelings she had discovered she had. Especially on certain, personal matters. "I cannot tell you what to do, I can only offer my viewpoint on the matter," she continued in a kinder tone. "However, as this does not hold the sacred nature of a true soul-bonding, I would like to think that there is a way to break such a thing. I have nothing to offer yet, but I do have some sources with which I can inquire."
As this was a matter of some spiritual nature, she would inquire first with the spirits on the other side. Their helpfulness could vary, depending on who or what she made contact with, but perhaps if her personal guide could assist...? Then, there was the matter of that young demi-goddess in the forest to the south. She could not assume that she would know the 'God' in question, but if anyone had any information on these deities that Vanya could easily speak to, it might be her. She at least was easier to find than the Lady Artemis, who seemed elusive as a spirit herself if she did not wish to be found.
"I think that, as much as Rais might wish that these Deity just leave us be, gathering information about them and their abilities may need to become a priority. Especially if they are to become so involved in our lives, whether we like it or not. Some have seemed nothing but benign, if not respectful of us. However, these latest tales from the party..." Vanya paused to shake her head. That night that Mo had returned from the party...the Seer had been disturbed late that night by the frustration and fury radiating from the pacing Chieftain alone in his chambers. In agreement with a prompt from Laisidhiel herself, Vanya had brought him a cup of tea to soothe his nerves, intent on leaving it without a word to return to her own quarters. Instead, she'd been surprised when asked to stay, even if she'd ended up only serving as a sounding board for the Chief's frustrated rants over recent matters. Still, as little as she felt she'd actively contributed to helping him calm that night, it was somewhat privately reassuring to realize that he'd grown to trust her enough by this point to prefer her company over her absence. It had not been so when she'd first taken her position.
Patting Celestia's hand reassuringly, Vanya leaned forward. "You let me look into this for now and I'll see what I can find out. Don't worry, I'll be discrete," she smiled. "I have excellent sources." A small chuckle at this. How many others talked to the spirits but she? How many could? Besides, the rest of her inquiries didn't require names, not for general information. "Keep this quiet for now. Until we know more, at least. Rais doesn't need to know until something is decided for sure." He didn't need another reason to blow up right now; he'd had enough as of late. "We'll keep this between us girls 'til we get it all worked out, okay? Men just don't know how to deal with these things, you know." Her attempt at humor was weak, and she knew what she was saying bordered on insolence, but if it helped Celestia relax...
"I'll see what I can find out about this, and we'll talk again soon, okay? My door is always open, of course."
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Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 9:30 pm
Nodding and sighing, having fully calmed down, Celestia talked with an air more like her, more refined, steady. "I will need time to think the situation over, or..." she paused, realizing that was all she had been doing in the time following the event, "...more time, I suppose. It was, and continues to remain, a significant concern immediately following. Yet... As time passes, its importance lessens as it grows, particularly since I haven't a solution to it."
They way they spoke of it made it appear such a horrific problem. But, wasn't that how she thought of it? A problem, one that needed immediate and swift fixing? Everything was so confusing... Why wasn't life as simple as it had been in Esquaria, where she simply ruled and hadn't worries of political or spiritual sort?
Shaking the troubling thoughts from her head, she placed her own hand on top of Vanya's hands, sandwiching them together. The princess smiled, deciding to not worry her friend anymore with her silly concerns and troubles. The hole was already deep enough, and the seer likely had much to think about this night.
Laughing lightly at the joke, Celestia nodded, squeezing her hands once. "As you suggest, I, too, agree that it is best if the information remain secret." Though the princess was unaware of the dealings with the council and the tensions that were already present there, she did not want to bring her friends trouble after all of this. "If word reaches you about this, please, tell me of it." Letting go of her hands and standing up, she brushed her face to be rid of the small tear stains on her cheeks, attempting to reclaim herself before leaving the room.
"Similarly, my alcove remains always open for visitors seeking tea, treats, or a friend." Waving lightly, she turned to leave "Until we speak next, Vanya, May it be sooner rather than later," she ended before walking through the door to the tree's corridors once more.
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Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2013 8:38 pm
Unable to shake an uneasy feeling, the Seer simply nodded, agreeing that discretion would be the better part to valor in this situation. "Of course. Please, take care," she said, rising and taking the other's hands as she prepared to go. Then she paused, seized by an odd concern that took the form of a feeling like butterflies in her stomach.
If she knew, then...who's to say others with strong spiritual powers wouldn't find out? And who did she know as the most spiritually powerful Faun, aside from her own growing powers, whose exact limits she still wasn't sure of?
Alarm showing in a brief widening of her eyes, Vanya reached out to grab Celestia's wrist as she turned to go. She immediately pulled her into a tight hug. Yes, she was growing more comfortable with such things, but this was a bit far even for her. But she had her reasons. Her voice fell to a whisper in the other's ear, though she seemed to just be saying goodbye.
"If you can, avoid contact with the Earthmother. If I can see your bond, she may be able to as well. And I have no idea how she might react to this. Just...be careful, alright? She's not been around the Tree much lately for some reason, but...nonetheless. Just...until we can get this sorted out, okay?" Then she pulled back with a smile as if nothing were wrong, though inside she felt sick. It felt wrong to be warning someone against Earthmother. But then again, keeping secrets from the Inner Circle felt wrong as well...but at the same time, right, because she was trying to help someone get out of a bad situation. She shouldn't be punished for something that happened to her that wasn't her fault.
She kept her smile on as she heard her friend leave. Only when she was gone did the Seer let out a long sigh. What had she gotten herself into now?
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