Jijo wiped the blood from his dagger on the underside of his robe, where the blood would hide behind his arm when the fabric hung loose.
Before him, the King lay dead.
It was a sad day. Jijo didn't think he'd be the one to carry out such a gruesome task from their god-king, but the Marque upon the King's soul was unmistakable. A dark splotch over the heart, visible to Ji only even through the King's robes. A distinct message from their god that the time for a new leader had come.
Ji was just a tool. He knew this; his role as the handmaiden of death was hammered to him at a young age. He was trained in marksmanship, blade mastery and all poison known to the world, and had used his skillset innumerable times already in his young life.
That didn't make it any easier to see his king gone by his own hand. Though the king had become power-hungry, he was loved by most. A man closer to their god than the rest of the land combined, in some ways; yet now dead by that god's command. Jijo whispered a prayer to the cooling body before him: an apology, and a promise. The same prayer he did after every kill. In essence, I'm sorry it ended this way, but I swear to you it was not without reason.
Jijo peered through the window at the sun, attempting to discern how much time he had spent in the king's chambers. Too much. He had only a tiny frame of time to carry out the kill and return to the temple before the Prince would find the body. With the same mouth he had just used to pray, he cursed. He did not have the luxury of the Winged to fly himself back to the temple. Nor, obviously, could he simply stroll out of the King's chambers like he had not just killed the man.
Making an impulse decision, Jijo wrapped one side of the window's curtains around his hand, before getting a running start and flinging himself out the window. He landed agilely on the roof of the next building, then began sprinting. Hard. Before the blood could even finish pooling beneath the King's corpse, Jijo was gone.
Before him, the King lay dead.
It was a sad day. Jijo didn't think he'd be the one to carry out such a gruesome task from their god-king, but the Marque upon the King's soul was unmistakable. A dark splotch over the heart, visible to Ji only even through the King's robes. A distinct message from their god that the time for a new leader had come.
Ji was just a tool. He knew this; his role as the handmaiden of death was hammered to him at a young age. He was trained in marksmanship, blade mastery and all poison known to the world, and had used his skillset innumerable times already in his young life.
That didn't make it any easier to see his king gone by his own hand. Though the king had become power-hungry, he was loved by most. A man closer to their god than the rest of the land combined, in some ways; yet now dead by that god's command. Jijo whispered a prayer to the cooling body before him: an apology, and a promise. The same prayer he did after every kill. In essence, I'm sorry it ended this way, but I swear to you it was not without reason.
Jijo peered through the window at the sun, attempting to discern how much time he had spent in the king's chambers. Too much. He had only a tiny frame of time to carry out the kill and return to the temple before the Prince would find the body. With the same mouth he had just used to pray, he cursed. He did not have the luxury of the Winged to fly himself back to the temple. Nor, obviously, could he simply stroll out of the King's chambers like he had not just killed the man.
Making an impulse decision, Jijo wrapped one side of the window's curtains around his hand, before getting a running start and flinging himself out the window. He landed agilely on the roof of the next building, then began sprinting. Hard. Before the blood could even finish pooling beneath the King's corpse, Jijo was gone.
The kingdom was well into the middle of the day- alive and full of energy. Its people wandered about the city streets and passes just like any other day; except today was about to take a turn into the unexpected. Gryph, a tall, slender bodied and rather young appearing character looked out from his balcony view down to the commoners that dappled the streets here and there, busy with their lives below. A small smile pulled at the corners of his lips; peaceful and content which was rather odd for him. He had never been one to show much outward emotion towards anything it seemed however within him he cared deeply for the well being of what would inevitably become his. These scattered groups of beings that colonized the city below were his people. He was a fine prince of the high king Rukaia- Chosen as a successor not only by his father but by the mighty god himself that watched over them each day. Ruby eyes scanned over the city one last time before male would push himself from the lining of the balcony, talons clicking against the ground as slender legs carried the young male from his room and down the hall. It was rather quiet today in the temple; normally sounds of chimes or soft voices could be heard echoing throughout the massive building but today it seemed silent. Different. Rounding into his father's hall, male rose hands to grab one another almost nervously before entering into the doorway of his king's chambers where eyes and head lowered in a subtle bow as a show of respect before speaking.
"My king. I have-" Breath refused to power words unto tongue as his crimson eyes fixed upon a figure that had fallen to the ground, a pool of blood not much old had fully formed beneath the body and trailed along the beautifully crafted temple floor. The king was dead. The boy froze; fear? Disbelief? Horror? He wasn't sure what he was feeling in fact, if he had to focus on how he felt, he felt nothing..nothing at all. Numbness overtook his senses not long before eyes narrowed, brows furrowing while he quickly bounded to his father's side where he'd crouch and grab at a feathered hand.
"Guards! Guards quickly, the king's chambers!" Voice bellowed into the hall and echoed throughout the temple in hopes to reach someone's ears. He almost felt lost now, looking into the face of his father as it stare onwards into the void, looking through him. Clouded over eyes, skin cold as ice. Hand grasped tighter on his father's own and while no answer had been given in the little time frame he had waited, he'd call again. "Please, Guards! It's the king, he's.. " He gulped, eyes watering now as pain began to take over the fear of being lost. Lump in his throat beginning to form making it hard to do anything but succumb to his feelings. "The king is dead!"
As the words echoed through the halls it didn't take long for the Guards to make their way into Rukaia's chambers, standing in the doorway as if they too had been hit with disbelief. For Gryph, it was too late to put on a strong mask now. His throat hurt, his chest hurt, and his eyes now burned as a trail of teardrops slid down his face and onto the body below him. Under his breath, he'd murmur softly for his father as if attempting to call his spirit back into the body before him but it was too far gone now. He hurt. With his free hand fingers were pressed to his beloved king's forehead where they trailed down and gently closed the eyes of the past ruler. It took everything he had to keep strong in that moment; and it was released in small shakes and heaves of his chest as he held back his full sorrow.
"Where were you- Why wasn't the king with a guard." He couldnt stop his anger from masking his sorrow now and while he was taught to keep an even head during his training, he was rather disappointed with the fact that the guardsmen usually in charge of keeping an eye on the King. Clearly, this event could have been stopped, right? This didn't have to happen.. did it?
The guards were silent a moment, exchanging looks as if thinking to one another before bowing their heads down to the prince before them, apologizing profusely while running up to Gryph's side and tending to the king's body, another guard giving a gasp as she entered the king's doorway. He'd waste no time planting himself at Gryph's side, placing gentle hands on his shoulders and arms, eyes peering into the other trying to understand. Shrugging off the other's advances, the younger male would rise back to his feet while hand unlatched from his father's own and the other wiping the feather back of his hand against his eyes- deleting the evidence of his pain.
"We're sorry, Prince! We thought.. that the adviser was with him. We had no idea; it was a mistake." They bowed again up to the Prince, eyes watching up into his with forgiveness in which he nodding, accepting and then turned gaze back to the lifeless body below. The silent guardsman besides him stayed silent, looking down at the lifeless king and then back to gryph, hands again reaching to touch the prince's shoulders and arms as if trying to offer compassion.
"I understand. Thank you for your honesty. I'll make a formal announcement as soon as I am able and I'll see to it that my king's adviser's whereabouts are found out. Please prepare my father's body for a proper ceremony.. We'll hold a passing of the spirit tomorrow."
"Yes Prince." They both sounded and with a heavy heart, the younger male turned and made his way out of the king's chambers and down the hall, the other being at his side as if attached at the hip. They'd reach his own chambers, a dark, thick, and rather heavy curtain draped before the two and upon facing it Gryph held head up high, glancing over to the one besides him before voice cooed out softly, "I wish to be alone for a while. Please." The other one's eyes widened a brief moment though they became understanding and with a nod of the head, backed away from the Prince who slipped back into his room and collapsed unto his padded bed; face down in a cushioned pillow and there, the boy began to weep. Behind the thick drapes that hung over his doorway, the male would have the peace of mind for him to be vulnerable- let his emotions pour out in waves of shudders and sniffles while his eyes poured from them the largest of crocodile tears. Curling up thin frame into somewhat of a ball, Gryph would continue to weep, taking short breaths and then releasing them and soft, sad coos into the pillow where they muffled out in a hardly audible sound.
"Why. Why did this happen. Father, who would do this? What do I do now?" He whimpered, scarlet eyes opening slightly to stare into the dark void of his pillow a moment. With no response the other shuddered again, shoulders shaking with each tiny breath and he'd whisper again. "What's going to happen to me, father? I.. I can't rule the city. I'm not finished with my training- oh what will the god think." he was silent a brief moment, eyes squinting and breath holding within lungs. But Silence was all that rang back into his ears and weeping had then began to take over his words and back into the pillow did his face bury. He felt he had lost a big chunk of who he was- not worrying if it would be him next or not and not even knowing HOW the event had even come to be; he now felt pain and only pain as if a creature had tore a hole within his heart.
This was his father, the being who had been with him since his birth; who had taught him, loved him, and given him the wonderful life that he had lived thus far. The being who, no matter what, gave his attention to his young son with nothing more short of love and acceptance in his heart and soul. Now, he was gone. Dead. Killed by the hands of another who was out there somewhere.
(Wow so sorry about how long this shit is. LOLFFF And sorry if its sucky, I'm soooo rusty right now, FORGIVE MEEEEEEEE)
"My king. I have-" Breath refused to power words unto tongue as his crimson eyes fixed upon a figure that had fallen to the ground, a pool of blood not much old had fully formed beneath the body and trailed along the beautifully crafted temple floor. The king was dead. The boy froze; fear? Disbelief? Horror? He wasn't sure what he was feeling in fact, if he had to focus on how he felt, he felt nothing..nothing at all. Numbness overtook his senses not long before eyes narrowed, brows furrowing while he quickly bounded to his father's side where he'd crouch and grab at a feathered hand.
"Guards! Guards quickly, the king's chambers!" Voice bellowed into the hall and echoed throughout the temple in hopes to reach someone's ears. He almost felt lost now, looking into the face of his father as it stare onwards into the void, looking through him. Clouded over eyes, skin cold as ice. Hand grasped tighter on his father's own and while no answer had been given in the little time frame he had waited, he'd call again. "Please, Guards! It's the king, he's.. " He gulped, eyes watering now as pain began to take over the fear of being lost. Lump in his throat beginning to form making it hard to do anything but succumb to his feelings. "The king is dead!"
As the words echoed through the halls it didn't take long for the Guards to make their way into Rukaia's chambers, standing in the doorway as if they too had been hit with disbelief. For Gryph, it was too late to put on a strong mask now. His throat hurt, his chest hurt, and his eyes now burned as a trail of teardrops slid down his face and onto the body below him. Under his breath, he'd murmur softly for his father as if attempting to call his spirit back into the body before him but it was too far gone now. He hurt. With his free hand fingers were pressed to his beloved king's forehead where they trailed down and gently closed the eyes of the past ruler. It took everything he had to keep strong in that moment; and it was released in small shakes and heaves of his chest as he held back his full sorrow.
"Where were you- Why wasn't the king with a guard." He couldnt stop his anger from masking his sorrow now and while he was taught to keep an even head during his training, he was rather disappointed with the fact that the guardsmen usually in charge of keeping an eye on the King. Clearly, this event could have been stopped, right? This didn't have to happen.. did it?
The guards were silent a moment, exchanging looks as if thinking to one another before bowing their heads down to the prince before them, apologizing profusely while running up to Gryph's side and tending to the king's body, another guard giving a gasp as she entered the king's doorway. He'd waste no time planting himself at Gryph's side, placing gentle hands on his shoulders and arms, eyes peering into the other trying to understand. Shrugging off the other's advances, the younger male would rise back to his feet while hand unlatched from his father's own and the other wiping the feather back of his hand against his eyes- deleting the evidence of his pain.
"We're sorry, Prince! We thought.. that the adviser was with him. We had no idea; it was a mistake." They bowed again up to the Prince, eyes watching up into his with forgiveness in which he nodding, accepting and then turned gaze back to the lifeless body below. The silent guardsman besides him stayed silent, looking down at the lifeless king and then back to gryph, hands again reaching to touch the prince's shoulders and arms as if trying to offer compassion.
"I understand. Thank you for your honesty. I'll make a formal announcement as soon as I am able and I'll see to it that my king's adviser's whereabouts are found out. Please prepare my father's body for a proper ceremony.. We'll hold a passing of the spirit tomorrow."
"Yes Prince." They both sounded and with a heavy heart, the younger male turned and made his way out of the king's chambers and down the hall, the other being at his side as if attached at the hip. They'd reach his own chambers, a dark, thick, and rather heavy curtain draped before the two and upon facing it Gryph held head up high, glancing over to the one besides him before voice cooed out softly, "I wish to be alone for a while. Please." The other one's eyes widened a brief moment though they became understanding and with a nod of the head, backed away from the Prince who slipped back into his room and collapsed unto his padded bed; face down in a cushioned pillow and there, the boy began to weep. Behind the thick drapes that hung over his doorway, the male would have the peace of mind for him to be vulnerable- let his emotions pour out in waves of shudders and sniffles while his eyes poured from them the largest of crocodile tears. Curling up thin frame into somewhat of a ball, Gryph would continue to weep, taking short breaths and then releasing them and soft, sad coos into the pillow where they muffled out in a hardly audible sound.
"Why. Why did this happen. Father, who would do this? What do I do now?" He whimpered, scarlet eyes opening slightly to stare into the dark void of his pillow a moment. With no response the other shuddered again, shoulders shaking with each tiny breath and he'd whisper again. "What's going to happen to me, father? I.. I can't rule the city. I'm not finished with my training- oh what will the god think." he was silent a brief moment, eyes squinting and breath holding within lungs. But Silence was all that rang back into his ears and weeping had then began to take over his words and back into the pillow did his face bury. He felt he had lost a big chunk of who he was- not worrying if it would be him next or not and not even knowing HOW the event had even come to be; he now felt pain and only pain as if a creature had tore a hole within his heart.
This was his father, the being who had been with him since his birth; who had taught him, loved him, and given him the wonderful life that he had lived thus far. The being who, no matter what, gave his attention to his young son with nothing more short of love and acceptance in his heart and soul. Now, he was gone. Dead. Killed by the hands of another who was out there somewhere.
(Wow so sorry about how long this shit is. LOLFFF And sorry if its sucky, I'm soooo rusty right now, FORGIVE MEEEEEEEE)
He's been found.
Jijo didn't hear the Prince calling for the guards. Nor did he see the quick, intense confusion between the guards before they awoke (from a rather sudden and deep sleep) and went, weapons drawn, to the Prince's side to discern the indiscernible. He simply knew, as one knew the date or the month. Jijo released a heavy sigh from within the temple's antechamber, a loud huff in the empty walls reverberating back to him. The temple had continued running its day-to-day duties until that point; when Jijo returned from the kill he, too, went back to simple tasks like maintaining the shrine. In secret, introspectively, the young assassin mourned. Outwardly, he was same as always. Such is the way of one with such a grim job in the world.
Normally, his jobs did not hold such dire consequences. He looked, briefly, to the massive double-doors within the temple that lead to the chamber of the God they all worshiped. He didn't know the God's plans. He didn't act as though he did. Just a tool. Just a tool. But as faithfully as he carried out his duties, it still weighed heavily upon his heart. He knew, of course, that the Prince was the one to find Rukaia dead on the floor of his room. He knew, too, that the Prince would try his very hardest to remain strong through it, despite the overwhelming pain. That's just how their Prince was.
He will make a fantastic leader.
Jijo took a huge breath; in, pause, pause, out. It was time he brought himself back to the palace; to the Prince, where, second only to the God himself, his duties lie. He readied himself mentally. Count: three, two, one. Enter. A small dispatch of guards burst into the temple, lowering their heads first in respect to the sages that worked here before announcing to them what had happened to the King Rukaia. On went Jijo's actor's-mask; a startled gasp, a rush to the nearest guard. "Where? How? How could such a thing happen?!" He tugged at the arm of the guard he had approached, who looked at him with sympathetic eyes. Please, don't look at me this way. I do not deserve your sympathies. Ji hopped back from the guard, apologizing for his intrusion on the guard's personal space and bowing deeply, pulling his hood over his head. "I-I must go see the Prince at once." He turned to the other sages, all of whom looked lost, forlorn, betrayed. He again covered his guilt. "Please forgive me, brothers. I will return as soon as I can."
He sprinted out of the room, the tail of his robes flapping wildly as he did so. It was not a long distance between the temple and the King's quarters. However, as little time as there was between, Ji took every moment of it to steel his resolve. When he reached the Prince's door, a guard stationed at one side, he bowed to the guard humbly before gently rapping on the Prince's door. "M-My Prince. I have heard. Please forgive my intrusion.. I just- I came here on impulse. Are you all right?" Dumb question. Of course the Prince isn't all right. He just found his father's bleeding body, soul already abandoned. "Forgive me, that was not something I should have asked." He bowed, though the door was still closed, and the only one to see him was the guard. "P-Please. Is there anything I can attend to? I feel obligated to help you in any way I can." Not a lie. He did. He felt terrible for the Prince's loss, and his guilt in the matter - though, he reminded himself, it was the will of the wrathful God, and he scorned himself internally for feeling such guilt to carry out his duties.
Jijo rested his head against the door, a soft thunk permeating the near area as he did so. He was breathing hard from the sprint to the Prince's room; he let the guard and the Prince, if he heard, believe it was due to the grief. "Th-the advisor," he finally panted out. "Where was the adviser he was supposed to be meeting with?" He filled his voice with grief and anger at the adviser's absence, though of course, he knew where the adviser was. A couple of drops of Persephone's Tears in the man's drink at lunch saw that he slept well through his appointed meeting. How unfortunate, indeed. He would wake soon, of course; if not so already, from the guards' pursuit and interrogation. Lord, let the guards be gentle on that poor man. It was not his fault. "A-And, the guards!" He shot a glance to the one posted at the door, a look half-anger and half-sympathy. He did not wish to offend the poor man, who was no doubt already reeling with his own grief, but again, the part he must play left no room for the petty self-centered desire to offend none. "Why were they not posted at the door? Th-there should always be two!" Again, his poisons were to blame for this blunder as well; a single puff of Rotbreath at the door of the guard's quarters had the entire guard out like a light until the Prince called so desperately upon them. Oh, the wonders of poison.
He sank, then, to the floor, his robes puddling around his tiny body and enveloping him in a look of overwhelming grief and sorrow, head still pressed against the door as he let out a single sob. "I'm so sorry, my lord."
Jijo didn't hear the Prince calling for the guards. Nor did he see the quick, intense confusion between the guards before they awoke (from a rather sudden and deep sleep) and went, weapons drawn, to the Prince's side to discern the indiscernible. He simply knew, as one knew the date or the month. Jijo released a heavy sigh from within the temple's antechamber, a loud huff in the empty walls reverberating back to him. The temple had continued running its day-to-day duties until that point; when Jijo returned from the kill he, too, went back to simple tasks like maintaining the shrine. In secret, introspectively, the young assassin mourned. Outwardly, he was same as always. Such is the way of one with such a grim job in the world.
Normally, his jobs did not hold such dire consequences. He looked, briefly, to the massive double-doors within the temple that lead to the chamber of the God they all worshiped. He didn't know the God's plans. He didn't act as though he did. Just a tool. Just a tool. But as faithfully as he carried out his duties, it still weighed heavily upon his heart. He knew, of course, that the Prince was the one to find Rukaia dead on the floor of his room. He knew, too, that the Prince would try his very hardest to remain strong through it, despite the overwhelming pain. That's just how their Prince was.
He will make a fantastic leader.
Jijo took a huge breath; in, pause, pause, out. It was time he brought himself back to the palace; to the Prince, where, second only to the God himself, his duties lie. He readied himself mentally. Count: three, two, one. Enter. A small dispatch of guards burst into the temple, lowering their heads first in respect to the sages that worked here before announcing to them what had happened to the King Rukaia. On went Jijo's actor's-mask; a startled gasp, a rush to the nearest guard. "Where? How? How could such a thing happen?!" He tugged at the arm of the guard he had approached, who looked at him with sympathetic eyes. Please, don't look at me this way. I do not deserve your sympathies. Ji hopped back from the guard, apologizing for his intrusion on the guard's personal space and bowing deeply, pulling his hood over his head. "I-I must go see the Prince at once." He turned to the other sages, all of whom looked lost, forlorn, betrayed. He again covered his guilt. "Please forgive me, brothers. I will return as soon as I can."
He sprinted out of the room, the tail of his robes flapping wildly as he did so. It was not a long distance between the temple and the King's quarters. However, as little time as there was between, Ji took every moment of it to steel his resolve. When he reached the Prince's door, a guard stationed at one side, he bowed to the guard humbly before gently rapping on the Prince's door. "M-My Prince. I have heard. Please forgive my intrusion.. I just- I came here on impulse. Are you all right?" Dumb question. Of course the Prince isn't all right. He just found his father's bleeding body, soul already abandoned. "Forgive me, that was not something I should have asked." He bowed, though the door was still closed, and the only one to see him was the guard. "P-Please. Is there anything I can attend to? I feel obligated to help you in any way I can." Not a lie. He did. He felt terrible for the Prince's loss, and his guilt in the matter - though, he reminded himself, it was the will of the wrathful God, and he scorned himself internally for feeling such guilt to carry out his duties.
Jijo rested his head against the door, a soft thunk permeating the near area as he did so. He was breathing hard from the sprint to the Prince's room; he let the guard and the Prince, if he heard, believe it was due to the grief. "Th-the advisor," he finally panted out. "Where was the adviser he was supposed to be meeting with?" He filled his voice with grief and anger at the adviser's absence, though of course, he knew where the adviser was. A couple of drops of Persephone's Tears in the man's drink at lunch saw that he slept well through his appointed meeting. How unfortunate, indeed. He would wake soon, of course; if not so already, from the guards' pursuit and interrogation. Lord, let the guards be gentle on that poor man. It was not his fault. "A-And, the guards!" He shot a glance to the one posted at the door, a look half-anger and half-sympathy. He did not wish to offend the poor man, who was no doubt already reeling with his own grief, but again, the part he must play left no room for the petty self-centered desire to offend none. "Why were they not posted at the door? Th-there should always be two!" Again, his poisons were to blame for this blunder as well; a single puff of Rotbreath at the door of the guard's quarters had the entire guard out like a light until the Prince called so desperately upon them. Oh, the wonders of poison.
He sank, then, to the floor, his robes puddling around his tiny body and enveloping him in a look of overwhelming grief and sorrow, head still pressed against the door as he let out a single sob. "I'm so sorry, my lord."
The voices within the hall where guards gathered below had no effect as they tunneled into one pointed ear and out the other. It meant nothing- their words. Not at this moment However through soft shudders as the other had began to calm slightly, gathering his wits about him there was a voice that broke through to his sense, causing him to stiffen slightly. It was a familiar voice he must have heard before sometime though with clouded thoughts it was hard to pinpoint who exactly, it was. His own guard, stationed out front kept silent, it seemed to be a notable trait about him but he knew the prince. He knew that beyond the drapes the other was mourning the loss of his father in his own way and as Jijo approached had given just the saddest of looks- horror and confusing mixed into one crazy concoction that seemingly mixed within his gaze all the while, Gryph situated himself within his room atop plush bed. Backs of hands had rubbed against cheeks enough to give them a slight rosey warmth but cleared away the pain that drenched them. Deep breath and out with one last shudder. He had to be strong for his people and as the other's voice beckoned, he stood himself to his toes, spurs bobbing slightly with each step the prince took towards a small nightstand. It held upon it a bowl of fresh water and a woven towel that the Prince had lifted delicately and dipped a bit in, then pressed to his face only to repeat it a few more times. The cool waters refreshed his stinging eyes and raw cheeks and in turn he felt his voice gain strength.
"Sage; is that you? Please, enter my chambers.. I'll explain everything within the confines of my room." His voice was strong now and unwavering- a bit of a miracle considering the state he was in. While he'd wait for the other, the male would towel his soft face again and again almost as if to make it seem the other had caught him simply face-washing and not sobbing his ruby eyes out.
With the Prince's words, The guard would nod to the sage besides him and extend a hand, pulling at the corners of the drapes that hung before Gryph's chambers and nodded softly to Jijo. While a Sage had more authority than a petty guard, in this instance the city couldn't be too caution and as much as he had wished it was himself to comfort and be with the prince, he'd have to wait and allow the other one through. Silent, he stood on, watching before him now while ears adverted their attention away from any future conversations the two may have now together.
"This morning upon entering my father's chambers I found his body; cold and lifeless." He paused, hands placing the towel down onto the stand besides the bowl before turning his body to face the other, eyes slowly opening to fix his stare onto the other, crimson orbs meeting the newcomer's. "While his advisor was no where to be found I have ordered the guards to track down his whereabouts. What I plan to have done with him heavily relies on his cooperation, you see, but rest assured.." Another pause and he took a few steps towards his balcony, pacing slightly before eyes broke from their lock, glancing at the city. They'd know soon enough- after all..He had to make the public announcement to his people shortly. "Rest assured that I will be fair in my rulings.. My father's death is shocking to say in the least. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Sage, I plan to make a formal, public announcement of his death a bit later today so that my people know that their king is no more, however I'm unsure if maybe I have angered the might god in some way-" Trailing off slightly as he thought a bit now, reflecting back on any possible actions that might have yielded such consequences and while finding none, felt confused. The poor prince had nearly began to blame himself for this.
"Thank you by the way, for coming here." Words fell a bit informal suddenly as his attention turned back to the other almost through him. His face was near emotionless and unreadable though half the time, that's how he looked regardless of the situation. Quiet, collective, thinking, observing. He'd allow the other time to speak if he so chose before continuing on with anything he had to say.
"While I know that the possibilities of me angering the god is quite low, I feel that I must visit his temple and ask for forgiveness and pray for my father's soul's safe passage to the other side to join amongst the other kings. I wanted to ask if you would make the trip with me." With what was going on the reality of it stuck to him a bit harder as he thought; it could have been him and it could be him. He could be next and he would have to give up certain privacies until he knew he'd be safe. That meant he couldn't travel alone- no. And it'd be less suspicious to go with a sage to the temple or even a sage and a guard rather than going with a fleet of guards. A slight nod was given as if finalizing his own question, eyes blinking at the other before him. "Of course, I'm only asking. You are free to decline my asking however, my reasons for so is simple. Further thinking on the situation has made me slightly weary. We know nothing of the killer or their motives and for all we know my father's death may not be the last. The killer could very well have been a Stray who wants my family gone completely which would mean my life could be in danger as well. I ask for your company to the temple as not to arouse suspicion of my people. They will know of my king's death in due time but I feel I should pray before I make the announcement. Pray for his soul." Voice ended with a warm tone as he reflected fondly on his father's soul which he believed was still awaiting at the gate to the other side and that his praying to the god would grant it a safe passing. (Poor oblivious Gryph.)
"Sage; is that you? Please, enter my chambers.. I'll explain everything within the confines of my room." His voice was strong now and unwavering- a bit of a miracle considering the state he was in. While he'd wait for the other, the male would towel his soft face again and again almost as if to make it seem the other had caught him simply face-washing and not sobbing his ruby eyes out.
With the Prince's words, The guard would nod to the sage besides him and extend a hand, pulling at the corners of the drapes that hung before Gryph's chambers and nodded softly to Jijo. While a Sage had more authority than a petty guard, in this instance the city couldn't be too caution and as much as he had wished it was himself to comfort and be with the prince, he'd have to wait and allow the other one through. Silent, he stood on, watching before him now while ears adverted their attention away from any future conversations the two may have now together.
"This morning upon entering my father's chambers I found his body; cold and lifeless." He paused, hands placing the towel down onto the stand besides the bowl before turning his body to face the other, eyes slowly opening to fix his stare onto the other, crimson orbs meeting the newcomer's. "While his advisor was no where to be found I have ordered the guards to track down his whereabouts. What I plan to have done with him heavily relies on his cooperation, you see, but rest assured.." Another pause and he took a few steps towards his balcony, pacing slightly before eyes broke from their lock, glancing at the city. They'd know soon enough- after all..He had to make the public announcement to his people shortly. "Rest assured that I will be fair in my rulings.. My father's death is shocking to say in the least. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Sage, I plan to make a formal, public announcement of his death a bit later today so that my people know that their king is no more, however I'm unsure if maybe I have angered the might god in some way-" Trailing off slightly as he thought a bit now, reflecting back on any possible actions that might have yielded such consequences and while finding none, felt confused. The poor prince had nearly began to blame himself for this.
"Thank you by the way, for coming here." Words fell a bit informal suddenly as his attention turned back to the other almost through him. His face was near emotionless and unreadable though half the time, that's how he looked regardless of the situation. Quiet, collective, thinking, observing. He'd allow the other time to speak if he so chose before continuing on with anything he had to say.
"While I know that the possibilities of me angering the god is quite low, I feel that I must visit his temple and ask for forgiveness and pray for my father's soul's safe passage to the other side to join amongst the other kings. I wanted to ask if you would make the trip with me." With what was going on the reality of it stuck to him a bit harder as he thought; it could have been him and it could be him. He could be next and he would have to give up certain privacies until he knew he'd be safe. That meant he couldn't travel alone- no. And it'd be less suspicious to go with a sage to the temple or even a sage and a guard rather than going with a fleet of guards. A slight nod was given as if finalizing his own question, eyes blinking at the other before him. "Of course, I'm only asking. You are free to decline my asking however, my reasons for so is simple. Further thinking on the situation has made me slightly weary. We know nothing of the killer or their motives and for all we know my father's death may not be the last. The killer could very well have been a Stray who wants my family gone completely which would mean my life could be in danger as well. I ask for your company to the temple as not to arouse suspicion of my people. They will know of my king's death in due time but I feel I should pray before I make the announcement. Pray for his soul." Voice ended with a warm tone as he reflected fondly on his father's soul which he believed was still awaiting at the gate to the other side and that his praying to the god would grant it a safe passing. (Poor oblivious Gryph.)
Jijo startled slightly as the Prince allowed him passage into his chambers. As strong as the Prince was, he knew he was struggling. Any son who had just lost his father would not be so quick to recollect himself. Ahh, such is the Prince, though; ever-thoughtful, ever-strong. Maybe the God's reasons behind the assassination of Rukaia was simply because he was eager to see one so capable take the throne. The thought made him smile, though weakly. Ji entered the Prince's room and bowed deeply, stooping to one knee in respect, eyes averted to the floor. He listened intently to the Prince's words; for one, because it is his Prince speaking, and he must. Two, to make sure he left no evidence that the Prince had picked up on. Upon the Prince's noting of the poor adviser, Ji's ear-tufts drooped ever-so-slightly out of fear for the poor man. Not his fault. Not his fault. He chanted the words in his head, hoping that somehow this sentiment would reach the Prince, though he knew logically that Gryph was no heartless ruler; mercy would be given to the poor man.
When Gryph asked an escort to the temple, requesting a chance to pray for his father's soul, Ji's eyes snapped up, eager to make contact with Gryph's. "I would be honored to escort you, my lord." His eyes drifted off to the side, thinking through his next words carefully; how to provide comfort without providing guilt? "My Prince, I am ... touched. To hear so much concern for you over your father's soul. I want you to know that, based on my communication with our Lord, that he is - and will be - safe. As are you, Prince." He ducked his head during the last statement, the slightest twinge of guilt pushing through. He prayed his hood covered his eyes. "While I suppose many Strays would indeed seek favor from our Lord in their own twisted ways with the cleansing of the royal blood, I fear this was the work of a professional. Who, indeed, could have known both the adviser and the guard would be lax on their duties? Who could have come and gone so quickly, in broad daylight?" He sighed, ears drooping once again. "Based on this evidence, I'm inclined to believe it was the work of a professional. Though, why it happened... Why such a thing would be commanded, I have no clue."
This was all truth. Though it was him who committed the assassination, he truly did not know the motives behind the God's command; just that he was given it, and needed carry it through. But the abundance of half-truths he provided to the Prince made him feel dirty; while usually a kill was over with once the blades were sheathed and the bottles corked, this one dragged on, for it was no random thug or beggar dead this time. It was their cultural leader. How long must he deceive his own Prince - soon to be King?
Indeed, it felt so very wrong, down to the core. He was serving the God himself. Why should he hide these things? Of course, he knew the answer. The people would be afraid. To learn the God they worship so dearly as He guards their livelihood has such a wrathful side to him.. To learn that their God is not just one of Mercy, but of Justice.. It would wrack the entire country in a fear that He did not deserve, for while His way was Fairness, people saw what they wanted to see - and they would see the negatives far before the positives. Not to mention my life would be forfeit. These words rang in his mind, and even as he thought them, he knew he would gladly give his life serving the Lord's will. Such is the duality of man's nature.
Snapping back to the present, Ji nodded a firm reply to the Prince's wishes. Yes, of course he would support the Prince in all his endeavors - even a prayer to the very God who hurt him so, even in the name of greater good. "We should get moving, then, my Prince. The people are quick to hear and spread rumor, and I fear the guard may have a loose tongue. I-I do not mean to rush your grieving, my lord, of course." He ducked his head again. "There's no way to assuage the sorrow you must feel for your father's passing, and I do not mean to sound insensitive. It is just... We cannot let the people hear from anyone other than you on this matter, lest they think you secretive on your first day of rule. We must make haste where we can.. If possible, of course, my lord." Another head duck. Despite his strong opinions and connection to the God, he was still a simple and humble sage, and owed the Prince all respect. He would not feel at all offended if the Prince ignored his advice altogether, but felt it necessary to provide it nonetheless as part of his service to him.
When Gryph asked an escort to the temple, requesting a chance to pray for his father's soul, Ji's eyes snapped up, eager to make contact with Gryph's. "I would be honored to escort you, my lord." His eyes drifted off to the side, thinking through his next words carefully; how to provide comfort without providing guilt? "My Prince, I am ... touched. To hear so much concern for you over your father's soul. I want you to know that, based on my communication with our Lord, that he is - and will be - safe. As are you, Prince." He ducked his head during the last statement, the slightest twinge of guilt pushing through. He prayed his hood covered his eyes. "While I suppose many Strays would indeed seek favor from our Lord in their own twisted ways with the cleansing of the royal blood, I fear this was the work of a professional. Who, indeed, could have known both the adviser and the guard would be lax on their duties? Who could have come and gone so quickly, in broad daylight?" He sighed, ears drooping once again. "Based on this evidence, I'm inclined to believe it was the work of a professional. Though, why it happened... Why such a thing would be commanded, I have no clue."
This was all truth. Though it was him who committed the assassination, he truly did not know the motives behind the God's command; just that he was given it, and needed carry it through. But the abundance of half-truths he provided to the Prince made him feel dirty; while usually a kill was over with once the blades were sheathed and the bottles corked, this one dragged on, for it was no random thug or beggar dead this time. It was their cultural leader. How long must he deceive his own Prince - soon to be King?
Indeed, it felt so very wrong, down to the core. He was serving the God himself. Why should he hide these things? Of course, he knew the answer. The people would be afraid. To learn the God they worship so dearly as He guards their livelihood has such a wrathful side to him.. To learn that their God is not just one of Mercy, but of Justice.. It would wrack the entire country in a fear that He did not deserve, for while His way was Fairness, people saw what they wanted to see - and they would see the negatives far before the positives. Not to mention my life would be forfeit. These words rang in his mind, and even as he thought them, he knew he would gladly give his life serving the Lord's will. Such is the duality of man's nature.
Snapping back to the present, Ji nodded a firm reply to the Prince's wishes. Yes, of course he would support the Prince in all his endeavors - even a prayer to the very God who hurt him so, even in the name of greater good. "We should get moving, then, my Prince. The people are quick to hear and spread rumor, and I fear the guard may have a loose tongue. I-I do not mean to rush your grieving, my lord, of course." He ducked his head again. "There's no way to assuage the sorrow you must feel for your father's passing, and I do not mean to sound insensitive. It is just... We cannot let the people hear from anyone other than you on this matter, lest they think you secretive on your first day of rule. We must make haste where we can.. If possible, of course, my lord." Another head duck. Despite his strong opinions and connection to the God, he was still a simple and humble sage, and owed the Prince all respect. He would not feel at all offended if the Prince ignored his advice altogether, but felt it necessary to provide it nonetheless as part of his service to him.
Gryph's red gaze softened whilst they set upon the shorter figure as the other had agreed to travel to the high temple and pray to the god alongside him. It was about as much emotion as the other had shown openly aside from the tone in his voice and with a slight nod, in understanding as the other accepted, those same eyes narrowed while words continued to skip off Jijo's lips. A hand raised, finger resting against his chin and eyes trailing down as the Prince stood, thinking; contemplating; thinking everything though. Another nod was given.
"Ah- Yes. That is true; I understand what you mean. In all truth, Jijo, I didn't stay as long as I should have with my father's body nor gathered much evidence on his murder however from what I can recall it was fairly quick, maybe as painless as it could have been." A stab at his heart, he could feel it while he thought back to his king's lifeless body, the pool of blood beneath it upon the tiled floor. With a deep inhale, Gryph would blink slowly and crimson pools remained fixed upon the ground while words began to sound once more in a steady exhale. "You're right, Sage. If it had been a Stray there would have been a sign. More of a scene and more than likely, they would not have left without finishing the job entirely." Turning his head back to the other a wave of his feathered hand was given; a slight gesture towards himself to emphasize on his 'finishing the job' statement.
Slender and tall male had taken a few steps, those dangerous spurs bobbing slightly, talons making a haunting, trailing glide against the tile beneath them as he had began to think more; face as emotionless and unreadable beyond the showing of him lost in his own thoughts though as the smaller one had spoke of his rule, it almost snapped him back into reality, emotion only showing within those eyes and a slight and subtle shake of his head. Without much warning, he'd advance till he was besides the other and gently placed a hand atop Jijo shoulder while head held high and eyes looked onwards. "Yes indeed, let us be on our way then. I'll call for my trusted guard to follow- just the three of us shouldn't raise any suspicion." And with those words trailing off the Prince walked onwards, through his draped over door way where he'd hold it open long enough for the other to follow through and nodded to his loyal guard standing on duty by his door.
"Come, Egret. Let us be on our way to the high temple. I've decided to pray for my father's soul." The guard nodded in agreement a few times, almost eager to travel alongside the Prince as if it hadn't been an everyday thing for him and walked ahead, leading the two down the steps in the hall and out towards the entrance of the temple which now belonged to Gryph himself. Beyond the temple lay a street to the city and beyond that, was a trail that led straigh through to the temple of the god. He walked swiftly, only using his eyes and very subtle movements of his head to look around him while he followed behind his guard. They could make it there before mid day and back before the sun began to fall behind the mountain at this pace, allowing him the opportune time to release the news of the kind- that is if his people within the temple could hold their tongues long enough.
At the high temple
Guard stopped ahead of the two and turned around, bowing towards his prince and his companion while motioning towards the temple as if signalling 'we're here' to them. A soft nod was given to the guard and then a deep inhale, filling his chest before feet carried him up the steps and in through the temple's entrance. It was a smaller temple, roof held up by thick grey pillars made of the strongest of stones. He would advance with Jijo, leaving his guard at the entrance and they'd come upon the God's alter. Swiftly, the Prince would introduce himself in his own language and give a deep bow, stooping down to his knee much like the other had done upon entering his chambers.
"Oh mighty god, I've come to pray for my father's soul's passing to the other side. Please hear my words and send him protection on his journey to the beyond." Words began to mumble under his breath to his god in another language, one he was taught to study since he was just a youngling and as he had finished, eyes looked up, body still holding his bowing posture. From the alter, a bright spark emitted, and it began to glow. It sent a rush of energy that traveled through the other's entire body as eyes fixed upon it, courageous and un-afraid; ready to see his god first hand. He had been trained for this very moment and he was ready. The alter's glow began to grow and from it, took shape where it transformed into the god's figure- majestic and terrifying all the same. It made him feel so small as it curled around the alter and looked down at both Jijo and Gryph, a rather menacing and slightly maniacal cackle rumbling through it's throat and out through the slits in it's nose. Mouth gaped open and while it didn't form words with it's lips, it sent a message to the prince that only he could hear before speaking aloud so that both the Sage and Prince himself could hear him, though spoke in his native tongue.
"Gryph, Prince of the land and great son of the high King, Rukaia. I am granting you my blessing and hereby transfer to you the King's power; crowning you the new face of rule for your kingdom. Within you I place my trust, my power, and my honour to see to your people in every way you so choose. Your actions and your rule have consequences and this is a heavy burden to carry; but fear not young one. I've watched over you for many a year, you were born for this. Do you accept, Prince?"
"I do." Gryph's voice was strong, unwavering as he faced his god. Eyes held a determined look within them and he braced himself for what was yet to come.
A heavy exhale through the god's slitted nostrils and he nodded his head, another cackle to sound as if he had been slightly amused. He'd turn his head towards Jijo as if silently speaking to him as well and following a moment after, opened maw and blew a bright, golden glow at the prince which soon enveloped his body. The prince would stand from within the glow, closing his eyes. He could feel the God's power transferring into his body, coursing into each vein and through into his heart. It was such a rush of a feeling, he hadn't realized his body being lifted slightly into the air as the glow continued its business. It was rather exhilarating and he couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. In that moment nothing had felt so perfect, so great, and he had almost felt as if a part of him had been restored that he had lost this morning. After a few moments, the ritual was over, the glow dispersing in a quick burst that sent a waive of light through the temple and left his body glowing slightly. As he was gently set back upon his own two feet, smiling still, the soft golden glow had faded and with a deep chuckle, the god had leaned massive head, planting them face to face and through his rumblings began to speak again.
"You have been transferred all of your father's powers, which were transferred to him through his father before him. Gryph- King; your rule begins now. Remember, I've placed my trust in you."
God would cackle a bit through his nostrils once more and give a snort before spreading large wings, giving a screech that echoed about before flying up and circling into his alter where he'd disappear in a bright flash of light, leaving only a glowing statue that began to fade back into a solid stone sculpture. Gryph was speechless.
"Ah- Yes. That is true; I understand what you mean. In all truth, Jijo, I didn't stay as long as I should have with my father's body nor gathered much evidence on his murder however from what I can recall it was fairly quick, maybe as painless as it could have been." A stab at his heart, he could feel it while he thought back to his king's lifeless body, the pool of blood beneath it upon the tiled floor. With a deep inhale, Gryph would blink slowly and crimson pools remained fixed upon the ground while words began to sound once more in a steady exhale. "You're right, Sage. If it had been a Stray there would have been a sign. More of a scene and more than likely, they would not have left without finishing the job entirely." Turning his head back to the other a wave of his feathered hand was given; a slight gesture towards himself to emphasize on his 'finishing the job' statement.
Slender and tall male had taken a few steps, those dangerous spurs bobbing slightly, talons making a haunting, trailing glide against the tile beneath them as he had began to think more; face as emotionless and unreadable beyond the showing of him lost in his own thoughts though as the smaller one had spoke of his rule, it almost snapped him back into reality, emotion only showing within those eyes and a slight and subtle shake of his head. Without much warning, he'd advance till he was besides the other and gently placed a hand atop Jijo shoulder while head held high and eyes looked onwards. "Yes indeed, let us be on our way then. I'll call for my trusted guard to follow- just the three of us shouldn't raise any suspicion." And with those words trailing off the Prince walked onwards, through his draped over door way where he'd hold it open long enough for the other to follow through and nodded to his loyal guard standing on duty by his door.
"Come, Egret. Let us be on our way to the high temple. I've decided to pray for my father's soul." The guard nodded in agreement a few times, almost eager to travel alongside the Prince as if it hadn't been an everyday thing for him and walked ahead, leading the two down the steps in the hall and out towards the entrance of the temple which now belonged to Gryph himself. Beyond the temple lay a street to the city and beyond that, was a trail that led straigh through to the temple of the god. He walked swiftly, only using his eyes and very subtle movements of his head to look around him while he followed behind his guard. They could make it there before mid day and back before the sun began to fall behind the mountain at this pace, allowing him the opportune time to release the news of the kind- that is if his people within the temple could hold their tongues long enough.
At the high temple
Guard stopped ahead of the two and turned around, bowing towards his prince and his companion while motioning towards the temple as if signalling 'we're here' to them. A soft nod was given to the guard and then a deep inhale, filling his chest before feet carried him up the steps and in through the temple's entrance. It was a smaller temple, roof held up by thick grey pillars made of the strongest of stones. He would advance with Jijo, leaving his guard at the entrance and they'd come upon the God's alter. Swiftly, the Prince would introduce himself in his own language and give a deep bow, stooping down to his knee much like the other had done upon entering his chambers.
"Oh mighty god, I've come to pray for my father's soul's passing to the other side. Please hear my words and send him protection on his journey to the beyond." Words began to mumble under his breath to his god in another language, one he was taught to study since he was just a youngling and as he had finished, eyes looked up, body still holding his bowing posture. From the alter, a bright spark emitted, and it began to glow. It sent a rush of energy that traveled through the other's entire body as eyes fixed upon it, courageous and un-afraid; ready to see his god first hand. He had been trained for this very moment and he was ready. The alter's glow began to grow and from it, took shape where it transformed into the god's figure- majestic and terrifying all the same. It made him feel so small as it curled around the alter and looked down at both Jijo and Gryph, a rather menacing and slightly maniacal cackle rumbling through it's throat and out through the slits in it's nose. Mouth gaped open and while it didn't form words with it's lips, it sent a message to the prince that only he could hear before speaking aloud so that both the Sage and Prince himself could hear him, though spoke in his native tongue.
"Gryph, Prince of the land and great son of the high King, Rukaia. I am granting you my blessing and hereby transfer to you the King's power; crowning you the new face of rule for your kingdom. Within you I place my trust, my power, and my honour to see to your people in every way you so choose. Your actions and your rule have consequences and this is a heavy burden to carry; but fear not young one. I've watched over you for many a year, you were born for this. Do you accept, Prince?"
"I do." Gryph's voice was strong, unwavering as he faced his god. Eyes held a determined look within them and he braced himself for what was yet to come.
A heavy exhale through the god's slitted nostrils and he nodded his head, another cackle to sound as if he had been slightly amused. He'd turn his head towards Jijo as if silently speaking to him as well and following a moment after, opened maw and blew a bright, golden glow at the prince which soon enveloped his body. The prince would stand from within the glow, closing his eyes. He could feel the God's power transferring into his body, coursing into each vein and through into his heart. It was such a rush of a feeling, he hadn't realized his body being lifted slightly into the air as the glow continued its business. It was rather exhilarating and he couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. In that moment nothing had felt so perfect, so great, and he had almost felt as if a part of him had been restored that he had lost this morning. After a few moments, the ritual was over, the glow dispersing in a quick burst that sent a waive of light through the temple and left his body glowing slightly. As he was gently set back upon his own two feet, smiling still, the soft golden glow had faded and with a deep chuckle, the god had leaned massive head, planting them face to face and through his rumblings began to speak again.
"You have been transferred all of your father's powers, which were transferred to him through his father before him. Gryph- King; your rule begins now. Remember, I've placed my trust in you."
God would cackle a bit through his nostrils once more and give a snort before spreading large wings, giving a screech that echoed about before flying up and circling into his alter where he'd disappear in a bright flash of light, leaving only a glowing statue that began to fade back into a solid stone sculpture. Gryph was speechless.
Jijo had remained silent from the moment they left the Prince's bedchambers.
He was deep in thought; prayer, even. He had heard the words the Prince said - that he had not looked too hard for evidence at the time - and it gave him pause. Of course, he was gifted his knowledge from the God himself, and he would not so easily make a mistake or leave evidence. Still, it was nerve-wracking - this was the King's death, of course, so more investigation would go into it than your standard death on the streets. He let out a quick puff of air, making a nervous cluck-cluck sound with his tongue as he walked, subconsciously. He let the Prince believe it was anxiety to commune with the God.
Jijo thanked Egret, the guard, sincerely as they left him at the temple entrance. He had a fondness for this particular guard; he was kind, though mute; loyal, unwaveringly so. He had practically raised the Prince himself, as was his duty when the King was on business, and so for that and much more Jijo had him to thank. He did not envy the poor guard the guilt he must be feeling over the King's death, and prayed fleetingly it would pass; that Egret would know it was not his fault.
Inside, a couple of shrine-maidens tutted quietly while glancing at the Prince. This made Jijo extremely nervous; the temple had been told what happened, and while the sages here were kind and obviously loyal, they were loose-tongued; had they already spread the news about the King's death? With a fleeting hand gesture, Jijo motioned to one of the clucking maidens. Once he had her attention, he sent her an obvious message with his piercingly yellow eyes. Do. Not. Speak. Though a humble sage he was, he had an air about him that often worried and intimidated the other temple-dwellers, and he used that to his advantage here; please, Lord, let them keep their beaks tied shut and their tongues glued to the roofs of their mouths. Just for a few more hours.
At the altar, Jijo quickly followed suit behind his Prince's actions. A deep bow, resting on the knee. Head down. Eyes down. For the love of all things holy and unholy alike, do not stare the God in the eye. Then again, maybe that's just a rank thing, the thought to himself with a half-smirk. I honestly have no idea what happens if you do look Him in the eye... Ah, I am obedient to a fault! I have not even asked!
He glanced up, though, despite his best efforts, as the God materialized before them. It was rare - even for the ones who tended the shrine - for He Himself to appear before them. Of course, it was expected on this day; it's not every day the King is killed and re-crowned. He himself, soldier of Wrath that he was, had only communed directly with Him on a few occasions in his life, and once was just for the bestowing of his Marque Vision in the dead of night. Nobody knew of that time.
The sight of his God sent a massive chill through his entire being; shorter feathers stood on end and longer ones fluffed up in mixed excitement and anxiety. It made his robes poof outwards slightly, which would have been funny if the situation itself wasn't so grim. He remained silent as the God spoke to the Prince, and watched with bated breath as the coronation (of sorts) took place - the golden stream of power from Him to the Prince. This was a once-in-a-lifetime thing to behold - Kingly assassinations barred - and he let out an awed 'bkark!' when the Prince was lifted from his feet with the power. A similar situation had happened for himself, but much less awe-inspiring. Because his power was with Wrath, instead of a golden stream of holiness, instead Jijo was very nearly 'doused' in a black, slimy substance that penetrated him to his core and rendered him blind for two days as his new Vision set in. It was a very trying time, to say the least; painful, for one, and extremely difficult to hide his blindness from his shrinemates. He had retired to his room for two days, blaming it on "studies".
This was, obviously, completely different. Beautiful. Glorious. Majestic, in every way. A Prince becoming King, in front of his eyes. Inadvertently - almost unnoticed - a tear formed and swiveled its way through the down on his face. He wiped it quickly with the back of his robes, blushing though he knew nobody was paying attention to him. He clucked again, awkwardly, to himself.
Then the God spoke to him, and only him. He shot his eyes up momentarily, before once again forcing himself to steel his gaze to the polished floors.
You've done well, soldier. A deep, menacing, and cold voice filled his mind - in many ways, extremely different from the one He used out loud and he would bet very different from the voice the Prince heard. Only Jijo knew this side of Him, a fact he prided himself in. The old King rests well, now. You did well to end him 'fore the corruption reached even his own family. The God sent him an image directly to his mind; one of the King using the Prince for dark, selfish, unspeakable reasons. Jijo shuddered at the very thought. This image steeled his resolve, and he quietly thanked the God for his reassurance. Remember well that while your work goes... Unappreciated... by the general people, so long as you do not stray from what I tell you or show you through my Marques, you will always have my blessing. Mourn not for the lost King but for the new one; he will surely need your help in these first weeks. See to him, soldier. That is your only command from me. Then the dark, hollow voice faded, leaving him feeling empty inside in a way impossible to describe.
After his parting words, the God vanished, leaving the standard altar in his place. Jijo let out a heavy sigh, but kept his head low as he rose back to his feet. He turned sharply and bowed before the new King. "My lord.. Congratulations on your coronation, however grim the circumstances. Our God has ordered me to see to you as you see fit." He shuffled awkwardly, wringing his taloned hands together in slight anxiety. "I-I believe he wanted me to leave the Temple." He choked on the words ever-so-slightly; the temple was where he was raised, but the God left nothing unclear to him in His voice. In a way, he was relieved; it would be easier to carry his duties out away from the tuttering maids, though he knew not where he would be now. Realizing this, he startled, a few feathers fluffing out here and there and making him look rather silly. "Th-that is to say, my lord, I do not intend to intrude upon your palace or grounds without explicit permission!" He clucked and blushed, pulling his hood a bit further forward to cover his face. "Our Lord only ordered me to see to you. How that is best done is entirely, I believe, up to you, my King."
He was deep in thought; prayer, even. He had heard the words the Prince said - that he had not looked too hard for evidence at the time - and it gave him pause. Of course, he was gifted his knowledge from the God himself, and he would not so easily make a mistake or leave evidence. Still, it was nerve-wracking - this was the King's death, of course, so more investigation would go into it than your standard death on the streets. He let out a quick puff of air, making a nervous cluck-cluck sound with his tongue as he walked, subconsciously. He let the Prince believe it was anxiety to commune with the God.
Jijo thanked Egret, the guard, sincerely as they left him at the temple entrance. He had a fondness for this particular guard; he was kind, though mute; loyal, unwaveringly so. He had practically raised the Prince himself, as was his duty when the King was on business, and so for that and much more Jijo had him to thank. He did not envy the poor guard the guilt he must be feeling over the King's death, and prayed fleetingly it would pass; that Egret would know it was not his fault.
Inside, a couple of shrine-maidens tutted quietly while glancing at the Prince. This made Jijo extremely nervous; the temple had been told what happened, and while the sages here were kind and obviously loyal, they were loose-tongued; had they already spread the news about the King's death? With a fleeting hand gesture, Jijo motioned to one of the clucking maidens. Once he had her attention, he sent her an obvious message with his piercingly yellow eyes. Do. Not. Speak. Though a humble sage he was, he had an air about him that often worried and intimidated the other temple-dwellers, and he used that to his advantage here; please, Lord, let them keep their beaks tied shut and their tongues glued to the roofs of their mouths. Just for a few more hours.
At the altar, Jijo quickly followed suit behind his Prince's actions. A deep bow, resting on the knee. Head down. Eyes down. For the love of all things holy and unholy alike, do not stare the God in the eye. Then again, maybe that's just a rank thing, the thought to himself with a half-smirk. I honestly have no idea what happens if you do look Him in the eye... Ah, I am obedient to a fault! I have not even asked!
He glanced up, though, despite his best efforts, as the God materialized before them. It was rare - even for the ones who tended the shrine - for He Himself to appear before them. Of course, it was expected on this day; it's not every day the King is killed and re-crowned. He himself, soldier of Wrath that he was, had only communed directly with Him on a few occasions in his life, and once was just for the bestowing of his Marque Vision in the dead of night. Nobody knew of that time.
The sight of his God sent a massive chill through his entire being; shorter feathers stood on end and longer ones fluffed up in mixed excitement and anxiety. It made his robes poof outwards slightly, which would have been funny if the situation itself wasn't so grim. He remained silent as the God spoke to the Prince, and watched with bated breath as the coronation (of sorts) took place - the golden stream of power from Him to the Prince. This was a once-in-a-lifetime thing to behold - Kingly assassinations barred - and he let out an awed 'bkark!' when the Prince was lifted from his feet with the power. A similar situation had happened for himself, but much less awe-inspiring. Because his power was with Wrath, instead of a golden stream of holiness, instead Jijo was very nearly 'doused' in a black, slimy substance that penetrated him to his core and rendered him blind for two days as his new Vision set in. It was a very trying time, to say the least; painful, for one, and extremely difficult to hide his blindness from his shrinemates. He had retired to his room for two days, blaming it on "studies".
This was, obviously, completely different. Beautiful. Glorious. Majestic, in every way. A Prince becoming King, in front of his eyes. Inadvertently - almost unnoticed - a tear formed and swiveled its way through the down on his face. He wiped it quickly with the back of his robes, blushing though he knew nobody was paying attention to him. He clucked again, awkwardly, to himself.
Then the God spoke to him, and only him. He shot his eyes up momentarily, before once again forcing himself to steel his gaze to the polished floors.
You've done well, soldier. A deep, menacing, and cold voice filled his mind - in many ways, extremely different from the one He used out loud and he would bet very different from the voice the Prince heard. Only Jijo knew this side of Him, a fact he prided himself in. The old King rests well, now. You did well to end him 'fore the corruption reached even his own family. The God sent him an image directly to his mind; one of the King using the Prince for dark, selfish, unspeakable reasons. Jijo shuddered at the very thought. This image steeled his resolve, and he quietly thanked the God for his reassurance. Remember well that while your work goes... Unappreciated... by the general people, so long as you do not stray from what I tell you or show you through my Marques, you will always have my blessing. Mourn not for the lost King but for the new one; he will surely need your help in these first weeks. See to him, soldier. That is your only command from me. Then the dark, hollow voice faded, leaving him feeling empty inside in a way impossible to describe.
After his parting words, the God vanished, leaving the standard altar in his place. Jijo let out a heavy sigh, but kept his head low as he rose back to his feet. He turned sharply and bowed before the new King. "My lord.. Congratulations on your coronation, however grim the circumstances. Our God has ordered me to see to you as you see fit." He shuffled awkwardly, wringing his taloned hands together in slight anxiety. "I-I believe he wanted me to leave the Temple." He choked on the words ever-so-slightly; the temple was where he was raised, but the God left nothing unclear to him in His voice. In a way, he was relieved; it would be easier to carry his duties out away from the tuttering maids, though he knew not where he would be now. Realizing this, he startled, a few feathers fluffing out here and there and making him look rather silly. "Th-that is to say, my lord, I do not intend to intrude upon your palace or grounds without explicit permission!" He clucked and blushed, pulling his hood a bit further forward to cover his face. "Our Lord only ordered me to see to you. How that is best done is entirely, I believe, up to you, my King."
The prince- no king! Gave a soft look towards the other, golden glow completely fading from his body now though his figure stood just as tall and proud, proper even, as it had always. This time, the King was the one to give a subtle bow to the Sage, smile had faced some to a more neutral position as he rose, eyes giving a slow blink.
"Thank you, Jijo, for coming here with me. Your loyalty; your compassion has provided me with great comfort." He paused a moment, listening as the other had spoke of the God and his given wishes, nodding in understanding before straightening his posture while red eyes locked with the golden ones before him.
"With the wake of a new King, the old Adviser will be given a new duty, in her place my own adviser will be appointed. I'll be needing a new chamber keeper as well; someone to keep me company-" He snickered slightly as if trying to lighten the mood some. Today, despite how it started, had turned for the better and with his interaction with the God, and away from most of his people's prying eyes, he felt almost relaxed, probably still coming down from his euphoria of being gifted his late king's power. "Of course, I know you'd never ask but I would like to extend my offering to -you-; would you take the honour of becoming my new chamber keeper? If the mighty god has asked of you to tend to my wishes I feel that would best be done with you living in my palace." A few nods of his head were given as he thought upon the idea, extending a feathered hand out towards the other. Gryph would continue his gaze down upon Jijo, stern and unwavering. He would understand if the other was too pressured to accept, though he felt a trust in him somehow as the other hadn't given him reason to not trust him as of yet.
"While I do have the power to tell you otherwise, and I understand this power and rule, I will not force you to live in my temple.. no that is not how a king should be.. but I am humbly asking as a friend, if you would." The gaze of his softened and if the other would had given a soft kiss to his king's hand in acceptance of the offer, Gryph would pull away after with a gentle smile, nodding out towards the God's Temple's entrance. If the other had refused his offer, The king would understand. It was a heavy responsibility and left much room for fault if something were to happen to the king himself. While he wouldn't hold the position of the adviser, he would be given most of the same rights and treated as an equal to whomever the king had appointed as such.
"We should get back. I'll order the announcement of a gathering upon entering the city and from there, I'll ready myself for my people." He waved a feathered hand, gesturing for them to travel through the entrance and down the stairs to meet with his guard who had guided them along their journey here. The King hadn't paid much mind to the shrine maidens as he went about everything. Not that he didn't care, but more so that he was on a schedule; that he wasn't paying anyone any attention when it was devoted fully towards his God in respect and as they left, he may have exchanged looks with a few of them if only for a second or so.
"Thank you, guard. We'll be on our way now; please lead us home." He'd coo before the smaller one had began to trek them back to the city. The King was silent all the way through, taking quick glances at their surroundings and down to Jijo before back up in front of them; head held high, chest and shoulders solid and firm, spine elongated making him appear a bit taller- while he was quite so to begin with already. He held the position so naturally- proudly. He left as a Prince and would return as a brand new King.
At the city
The group would enter the city and as they'd advance towards the new King's Temple he would give a slight nod to the guards who stood before it, sending one off to fetch a messenger before entering and climbing up the steps into his own champers. The others would be motioned to follow him inside where he could speak privately though wasted no time shuffling through some hanging robes that trailed along a closet like room to the left of his chambers. Hands grabbed at some red and orange robe, a beautiful and intricate design of gold weaved into the red material. It was his mark; his symbol that would now become the symbol of his people.
His guard watched him and gave a quick turn as his king began to undress from his current attire, eyes watching the door inventively while ears listened for words.
"This is it.." Gryph would whisper, slipping out of his poncho, letting it fall upon the ground in a messy pile and then slipping into his new robe, the tassels draping behind him in an elegant curve while in the front, a long piece of material draped, covering between his legs. It was much more formal than his usual attire and he was sure it'd attract a lot of attention with just setting foot outside his own chambers. Talons clicked against the ground while Gryph carried himself to a box next to his bed, taking from it an pair of golden earrings which he clipped one on each pointed ear. Turning back to Jijo, he almost gave a questionable look. Deep inside, he had never been more nervous in his entire life- damn near scared. He was still but a boy to most, given such a big task and so much pressure rested upon his shoulders now. His first public announcement as King.
Not long after, a small peep could be heard from the other side of his draped door way. With a coo towards his guard, the drapes were peeled back and a short bird had scuttled his way in, bowing to the King and everyone within the room. "My lord!" He panted slightly, jumping back up to his own two feet, though kept his eyes from looking directly in those of his king. "I was given word that you needed me? What is it that I can do for you?" Of course this energetic being before them was unaware of Gryph's new position but rather, highly curious to why the 'Prince' would be needing a messenger.
"Give word to the people of the city that there is to be an announcement. Tell them to promptly meet at the gathering area and to dress formally- it's a ceremony." Words were stern as the king loomed over the smaller one who nodded his head about 20 times .
"Yes yes of course, my lord! Anything! You can count on me!"
He gave a bow and with a hop and a skip, the other was out the door quickly, tooting on a loud horn that echoed slightly through his palace and along through the city he continued, calling out loudly as the king had ordered. He disappeared into the city to fulfill his duty.
"Jijo, Egret- you may go get ready as you need and then meet me at the gathering area." The king would motion for the door, giving them a chance to do what the had to before the ceremony. Egret was hesitant, looking back to his king with a sort of worried look, even after the king had exchanged with him a reassuring one. An audible huff was given and the small guard had made his way beyond the chambers to go get dressed him his best, not wanting to leave his king for too long.
"Thank you, Jijo, for coming here with me. Your loyalty; your compassion has provided me with great comfort." He paused a moment, listening as the other had spoke of the God and his given wishes, nodding in understanding before straightening his posture while red eyes locked with the golden ones before him.
"With the wake of a new King, the old Adviser will be given a new duty, in her place my own adviser will be appointed. I'll be needing a new chamber keeper as well; someone to keep me company-" He snickered slightly as if trying to lighten the mood some. Today, despite how it started, had turned for the better and with his interaction with the God, and away from most of his people's prying eyes, he felt almost relaxed, probably still coming down from his euphoria of being gifted his late king's power. "Of course, I know you'd never ask but I would like to extend my offering to -you-; would you take the honour of becoming my new chamber keeper? If the mighty god has asked of you to tend to my wishes I feel that would best be done with you living in my palace." A few nods of his head were given as he thought upon the idea, extending a feathered hand out towards the other. Gryph would continue his gaze down upon Jijo, stern and unwavering. He would understand if the other was too pressured to accept, though he felt a trust in him somehow as the other hadn't given him reason to not trust him as of yet.
"While I do have the power to tell you otherwise, and I understand this power and rule, I will not force you to live in my temple.. no that is not how a king should be.. but I am humbly asking as a friend, if you would." The gaze of his softened and if the other would had given a soft kiss to his king's hand in acceptance of the offer, Gryph would pull away after with a gentle smile, nodding out towards the God's Temple's entrance. If the other had refused his offer, The king would understand. It was a heavy responsibility and left much room for fault if something were to happen to the king himself. While he wouldn't hold the position of the adviser, he would be given most of the same rights and treated as an equal to whomever the king had appointed as such.
"We should get back. I'll order the announcement of a gathering upon entering the city and from there, I'll ready myself for my people." He waved a feathered hand, gesturing for them to travel through the entrance and down the stairs to meet with his guard who had guided them along their journey here. The King hadn't paid much mind to the shrine maidens as he went about everything. Not that he didn't care, but more so that he was on a schedule; that he wasn't paying anyone any attention when it was devoted fully towards his God in respect and as they left, he may have exchanged looks with a few of them if only for a second or so.
"Thank you, guard. We'll be on our way now; please lead us home." He'd coo before the smaller one had began to trek them back to the city. The King was silent all the way through, taking quick glances at their surroundings and down to Jijo before back up in front of them; head held high, chest and shoulders solid and firm, spine elongated making him appear a bit taller- while he was quite so to begin with already. He held the position so naturally- proudly. He left as a Prince and would return as a brand new King.
At the city
The group would enter the city and as they'd advance towards the new King's Temple he would give a slight nod to the guards who stood before it, sending one off to fetch a messenger before entering and climbing up the steps into his own champers. The others would be motioned to follow him inside where he could speak privately though wasted no time shuffling through some hanging robes that trailed along a closet like room to the left of his chambers. Hands grabbed at some red and orange robe, a beautiful and intricate design of gold weaved into the red material. It was his mark; his symbol that would now become the symbol of his people.
His guard watched him and gave a quick turn as his king began to undress from his current attire, eyes watching the door inventively while ears listened for words.
"This is it.." Gryph would whisper, slipping out of his poncho, letting it fall upon the ground in a messy pile and then slipping into his new robe, the tassels draping behind him in an elegant curve while in the front, a long piece of material draped, covering between his legs. It was much more formal than his usual attire and he was sure it'd attract a lot of attention with just setting foot outside his own chambers. Talons clicked against the ground while Gryph carried himself to a box next to his bed, taking from it an pair of golden earrings which he clipped one on each pointed ear. Turning back to Jijo, he almost gave a questionable look. Deep inside, he had never been more nervous in his entire life- damn near scared. He was still but a boy to most, given such a big task and so much pressure rested upon his shoulders now. His first public announcement as King.
Not long after, a small peep could be heard from the other side of his draped door way. With a coo towards his guard, the drapes were peeled back and a short bird had scuttled his way in, bowing to the King and everyone within the room. "My lord!" He panted slightly, jumping back up to his own two feet, though kept his eyes from looking directly in those of his king. "I was given word that you needed me? What is it that I can do for you?" Of course this energetic being before them was unaware of Gryph's new position but rather, highly curious to why the 'Prince' would be needing a messenger.
"Give word to the people of the city that there is to be an announcement. Tell them to promptly meet at the gathering area and to dress formally- it's a ceremony." Words were stern as the king loomed over the smaller one who nodded his head about 20 times .
"Yes yes of course, my lord! Anything! You can count on me!"
He gave a bow and with a hop and a skip, the other was out the door quickly, tooting on a loud horn that echoed slightly through his palace and along through the city he continued, calling out loudly as the king had ordered. He disappeared into the city to fulfill his duty.
"Jijo, Egret- you may go get ready as you need and then meet me at the gathering area." The king would motion for the door, giving them a chance to do what the had to before the ceremony. Egret was hesitant, looking back to his king with a sort of worried look, even after the king had exchanged with him a reassuring one. An audible huff was given and the small guard had made his way beyond the chambers to go get dressed him his best, not wanting to leave his king for too long.
Jijo blinked with surprise as his new King complimented his compassion and loyalty. Inwardly, he grimaced; he wished he could divulge his secrets to the King, but he knew the consequences would be dire, and it would be a direct betrayal of the one whom he truly served. He was grateful, though. Truly, sincerely, he thought himself doing nothing more than what was asked, but it seemed the King thought otherwise.
When the King offered him such a high position, he balked. What had he done to deserve such high praise? An embarrassed but happy blush reddened the entirety of his face, and he bowed as deeply as he could, arms in front of him clasped in a prayer-like gesture to show his deepest thanks. "I-I do not deserve such an honor, my King." He stuttered quietly, eyes lowered to the floor. He bit his lip; truly, no matter his God's plans, he was not expecting this! This was, of course, not to say he was unhappy. No; he had never felt better, save for the first time he ever laid eyes on a Marque, his God's direct gift to him and him only. Hesitantly, though just out of cowardice that he could not live up to the King's expectations, he grasped his King's hand and kissed it as though it were something fragile. Suddenly filled with resolve, his voice became steady, confident. "I will do everything in my power to serve you, King Gryph - as your keeper and your friend."
--
Jijo followed silently behind the King the entire trip to the city. Paranoid as he was, he kept eyes and ears open for sound of gossip, but nothing seemed to be out of place. Women tutted as they passed, though only about the privelege of seeing their Prince (King, now! King! he chastised them mentally, though, of course, they did not know). Children flapped around in the streets and play-fought, the occasional feather flitting away from its owner and into the crowds. One feather landed on Jijo's face as he trotted pensively behind the King, forcing a sneeze much louder than one would think possible from his tiny body. Oops.
Once back at the castle, Jijo kept a respectable distance from the King. He hadn't even let it sink in yet - his title as chamberkeeper. He stood awkwardly in the doorway of the King's room, nervously shuffling about in place, eliciting a tiny click-click from his talons. He respectfully averted his eyes as the King donned his ceremonial gear, though raised them to meet the King's when he felt his gaze. He found anxiety there. Not fear, but close; and who could blame him? Jijo's ears drooped slightly in sympathy. He knew this day was a whirlwind of emotion for his friend. He reached to place a hand on the King's shoulder before withdrawing it quickly, embarrassed that he nearly forgot his place. "I-it is no secret you are well-loved in this land, my King. Do not fret so much about what to say or how to say it. They believe in you; it is obvious on their faces and their hearts."
As the tiny messenger bobbed about the room, Jijo covered his mouth with a taloned claw, stifling a girlish giggle. What an energetic little man. He couldn't blame the messenger for his excessive bows and enthusiasm, though; truly, he felt this messenger more accurately showed how eager he himself was to serve. It was still adorable, though; save for the ringing in his ears the tooting of the horn left long after he had bee-bopped out the door.
As the King dismissed him and Egret to prepare for the ceremony, Jijo once again shuffled awkwardly. "My lord," he muttered after clearing his throat. "I-I'm afraid these robes are all I possess in earthly material, and they are by no means worthy of standing beside such radiant raiment as yours. I-it might be best for your image for me to .. stand off to the side somewhere, to not sully such a momentous occasion." He clucked once, nervously, then bowed deeply once more in apology. "S-so then, I am ready for the announcement whenever you are, my King."
When the King offered him such a high position, he balked. What had he done to deserve such high praise? An embarrassed but happy blush reddened the entirety of his face, and he bowed as deeply as he could, arms in front of him clasped in a prayer-like gesture to show his deepest thanks. "I-I do not deserve such an honor, my King." He stuttered quietly, eyes lowered to the floor. He bit his lip; truly, no matter his God's plans, he was not expecting this! This was, of course, not to say he was unhappy. No; he had never felt better, save for the first time he ever laid eyes on a Marque, his God's direct gift to him and him only. Hesitantly, though just out of cowardice that he could not live up to the King's expectations, he grasped his King's hand and kissed it as though it were something fragile. Suddenly filled with resolve, his voice became steady, confident. "I will do everything in my power to serve you, King Gryph - as your keeper and your friend."
--
Jijo followed silently behind the King the entire trip to the city. Paranoid as he was, he kept eyes and ears open for sound of gossip, but nothing seemed to be out of place. Women tutted as they passed, though only about the privelege of seeing their Prince (King, now! King! he chastised them mentally, though, of course, they did not know). Children flapped around in the streets and play-fought, the occasional feather flitting away from its owner and into the crowds. One feather landed on Jijo's face as he trotted pensively behind the King, forcing a sneeze much louder than one would think possible from his tiny body. Oops.
Once back at the castle, Jijo kept a respectable distance from the King. He hadn't even let it sink in yet - his title as chamberkeeper. He stood awkwardly in the doorway of the King's room, nervously shuffling about in place, eliciting a tiny click-click from his talons. He respectfully averted his eyes as the King donned his ceremonial gear, though raised them to meet the King's when he felt his gaze. He found anxiety there. Not fear, but close; and who could blame him? Jijo's ears drooped slightly in sympathy. He knew this day was a whirlwind of emotion for his friend. He reached to place a hand on the King's shoulder before withdrawing it quickly, embarrassed that he nearly forgot his place. "I-it is no secret you are well-loved in this land, my King. Do not fret so much about what to say or how to say it. They believe in you; it is obvious on their faces and their hearts."
As the tiny messenger bobbed about the room, Jijo covered his mouth with a taloned claw, stifling a girlish giggle. What an energetic little man. He couldn't blame the messenger for his excessive bows and enthusiasm, though; truly, he felt this messenger more accurately showed how eager he himself was to serve. It was still adorable, though; save for the ringing in his ears the tooting of the horn left long after he had bee-bopped out the door.
As the King dismissed him and Egret to prepare for the ceremony, Jijo once again shuffled awkwardly. "My lord," he muttered after clearing his throat. "I-I'm afraid these robes are all I possess in earthly material, and they are by no means worthy of standing beside such radiant raiment as yours. I-it might be best for your image for me to .. stand off to the side somewhere, to not sully such a momentous occasion." He clucked once, nervously, then bowed deeply once more in apology. "S-so then, I am ready for the announcement whenever you are, my King."
The king would give a slight twitch as he had felt his shoulder being touched ever so delicately but removed quickly. He wasn't used to such advances before and it admittedly gave a warmth that spread across his own cheeks, tinting them delicately with a rosey hue. Clearing his own throat if just a bit, trying not to make the other any more nervous then he had already been, he would give a gentle nod, taking his companion's encouraging words to heard and agreeing. He had met his people many times before as Prince; they had all treated him fairly well- but what about as King? What would they think of such young blood taking command of the throne? Ruling their city? He had hoped they'd understand the God's decision in granting him his kingship.
While the other spoke of his empty collection of clothes, the king had to silently remind himself that not many were lucky enough to have a wardrobe filled with handmade outfits weaved with gold-dipped threads and dyed with the strongest, most vibrant of dyes. He felt rather sad for the other- this ceremony was a special one with the late king's death and funeral plans and the announcement of a new king, there'd also be the ceremony of his bestowing new appointed staff in his palace and surely, one needed to look their finest. Not saying the little Jijo didn't look great in his robes but the king would honour him with an article of clothing to use for the ceremony.
"Hold on, I think I have something more of your size." He'd coo, clicking his way rather swiftly back towards his closet area and rummaging though hanging clothes until he pulled out a dark purple and turquoise robe, the hemming of which dipped in gold with carefully woven threads of gold not too far above each hemming. Along the bottom and chest of the robe were flashy gems; an outfit fit for a king. A deep inhale was given, scarlet eyes staring down at the outfit in his hands and then towards Jijo, body advancing to him and arms outstretching towards the other once he was planted in front of him.
"You're welcome to wear these- it's a special day today filled with honour. You deserve to wear something more fitting." He'd trail off a bit, if the other had accepted the clothes the king would respectfully give the other privacy and turn away, turning back as the other would finish only to continue, "They belonged to my father when he was around my age.. Admittedly, those threads are a bit small on me know. He must have been shorter than I at this age." He clucked slightly, reminiscing on the story his father had share with him upon gifting his son with such a grand robe.
If the other had refused, Gryph would give a slight nod, though maybe slightly hurt at the rebuffing of his offering of such a highly crafted item, he would respect the other's wishes. Eyes would stare into the others as if searching for something and as they broke from their lock, lips would tell the quick tale of how he had acquired the robe.
Regardless of whatever the outcome, Gryph's attention was diverted to his doorway where a handsomely dressed Egret stood, giving a chirp to his King excitedly who's gaze softened. The smaller male boasted a dark red robe that was fixed with precious gems of yellows and oranges made specifically for when Gryph was appointed the new king. Even if Egret was not chosen to be Gryph's Adviser, he would stand tall and proud to have been by the other's side throughout his whole life; growing besides him and watching out for him. And of course, he would respect any decision the other may choose.
Giving one last look around, the King would give a hurried nod and speak quickly "Well then, let us not waste another moment. Off to the gathering." He'd give a swift motion to his guard who lead them out through the palace entrance and up onto a cart manned by a few guards. They'd bow to the King as he approached, two if them hoisting Gryph up into the cart who in turn, offered his feathered hands to his companions, allowing them to sit besides him if they had wished, calling out for the guards to take them to the gathering. Egret, wanting greatly to be by his king's side, would instead fight the silly obsession and instead aide the other guards in transporting the king, and Jijo if he had chosen to sit in the cart as well.
At the gathering
As the guards halted and helped their king from his cart, the City people directed their gaze towards him and his two companions. Everyone had gathered, eagerly awaiting what the young Gryph was planning on announcing and without making them wait any longer, he would advance, making his way through a crowd of his people who all bowed in his wake after moving aside, clearing space. Egret followed on his heels, though as the king took steps towards a tall platform, he would branch off and fall into line, looking up at the majestic being that stood before him. Gryph would take a deep breath, all eyes on him all at once- it almost gave him a wave of anxiety. Never once had so many eyes looked upon him; never so curiously and questioning either. He had faith in Jijo's words however, that seemingly met his ears once more and reminded him that he was loved and respected among his people. Taking a few more steps forwards he'd give everyone a soft gesture with his hand, a wave of his winged arm as if to quiet the soft chatters below and when he received their full attention, he'd stand tall and speak deeply, clear for all to understand.
"Loyal people of the kingdom; Come forth and hear my words as something quite terrible has happened within my palace walls." He'd pause, allowing the others some time to register his words before continuing. "Our King has taken the last of his breaths this mid day. My father's soul has left us with just a body and I've come to make a formal announcement for all of those today. I have been to the high temple and prayed for his soul's safe passage. While we're unaware of the nature of his death, I promise you that I will find what happened as promptly as possible." He'd offer his people a nod as they gathered around. Many of them, oddly enough, had let out a silent sigh of.. was that relief? Some shed tears, others held onto their companions besides them as they felt the young prince's heartache for themselves. Keeping strong, and swallowing back a hard lump in his throat he could nearly feel a weakness in his knees though continued on- pushing past for the sake of his people.
"We all feel sadness today, but with sadness, I hope that I can also bring you peace, and happiness for while I was praying for my father's soul, the mighty god bestowed upon me the King's power and granted me his blessing. I stand before you now not as your prince, but as your new King. And I intend to lead you, my people, to the best of my abilities. My father was a strong, noble man and through my training I assure you I will do all I can for my people."
Of course, young Gryph had no idea of how the king had used and abused his power outside the palace walls. How he had begun to indulge in the dark arts to get what he wanted; to take what he wanted when he knew rightly, a king should never want. He was kept away, innocent and shielded from such corruption for the most part. And atop not knowing the true corruption of his father in power, he hand't understood the odd 'relieved sighs' some in the crowed were given. Pushing all that aside, the king would give a gentle nod to his people, allowing them to silence once more.
"As king, I am granted the power to choose those who I want to live within the palace. While I wish to keep all of my fathers appointed staff, they will be moved to a nice home of their own as a show of respect for serving my father." inwardly, the king would acknowledge those at the gathering who had served under his father with them nodding up towards him.
"I, King Gryph, appoint my lifelong guard Egret to be my adviser. He has served me well in my training and today, he is honoured the highest of honours under a king." He'd motion to his friend who'd happily skip up the steps and rest besides the king, bowing down as low as he could before him while Grpyh placed a gentle hand upon his head, closing eyes momentarily while keeping this stance for another moment. Upon releasing hand over the others head, Egret rose to his feet and pushed back behind the king slightly, standing proud and tall.
"I also appoint the sage known as Jijo, to be my Chamber keeper." He'd call upon the other to come forth, and would mock the same motion he had given to Egret with a gentle, feathered hand atop head. He'd then continue on, calling out for a small handful of others where he'd touch at their heads in blessing and acceptance before finishing his announcement with the details of his father's funeral.
"Thus ending the new chosen staff of my palace, I will leave you, my fair people; my glorious and beautiful kingdom, with the news of my father's funeral. Your late king will be cremated and in two days time his ashes will be dispersed by his palace-mates and myself right before sundown. I ask all of you to attend and see our late king's body off into the other side and pay your respects. With that, nothing further for today. Thank you, everyone, for gathering here today; have a pleasant rest of the night." He'd end the ceremony with a deep nod to the crowd, looking back at his new housemates proudly, catching each in the eye before taking his step down off the platform, down the stairs and out through the crowed while they gave a final bow for the day, guards lifting him up into his cart again where he'd wait along for Egret and Jijo.
While the other spoke of his empty collection of clothes, the king had to silently remind himself that not many were lucky enough to have a wardrobe filled with handmade outfits weaved with gold-dipped threads and dyed with the strongest, most vibrant of dyes. He felt rather sad for the other- this ceremony was a special one with the late king's death and funeral plans and the announcement of a new king, there'd also be the ceremony of his bestowing new appointed staff in his palace and surely, one needed to look their finest. Not saying the little Jijo didn't look great in his robes but the king would honour him with an article of clothing to use for the ceremony.
"Hold on, I think I have something more of your size." He'd coo, clicking his way rather swiftly back towards his closet area and rummaging though hanging clothes until he pulled out a dark purple and turquoise robe, the hemming of which dipped in gold with carefully woven threads of gold not too far above each hemming. Along the bottom and chest of the robe were flashy gems; an outfit fit for a king. A deep inhale was given, scarlet eyes staring down at the outfit in his hands and then towards Jijo, body advancing to him and arms outstretching towards the other once he was planted in front of him.
"You're welcome to wear these- it's a special day today filled with honour. You deserve to wear something more fitting." He'd trail off a bit, if the other had accepted the clothes the king would respectfully give the other privacy and turn away, turning back as the other would finish only to continue, "They belonged to my father when he was around my age.. Admittedly, those threads are a bit small on me know. He must have been shorter than I at this age." He clucked slightly, reminiscing on the story his father had share with him upon gifting his son with such a grand robe.
If the other had refused, Gryph would give a slight nod, though maybe slightly hurt at the rebuffing of his offering of such a highly crafted item, he would respect the other's wishes. Eyes would stare into the others as if searching for something and as they broke from their lock, lips would tell the quick tale of how he had acquired the robe.
Regardless of whatever the outcome, Gryph's attention was diverted to his doorway where a handsomely dressed Egret stood, giving a chirp to his King excitedly who's gaze softened. The smaller male boasted a dark red robe that was fixed with precious gems of yellows and oranges made specifically for when Gryph was appointed the new king. Even if Egret was not chosen to be Gryph's Adviser, he would stand tall and proud to have been by the other's side throughout his whole life; growing besides him and watching out for him. And of course, he would respect any decision the other may choose.
Giving one last look around, the King would give a hurried nod and speak quickly "Well then, let us not waste another moment. Off to the gathering." He'd give a swift motion to his guard who lead them out through the palace entrance and up onto a cart manned by a few guards. They'd bow to the King as he approached, two if them hoisting Gryph up into the cart who in turn, offered his feathered hands to his companions, allowing them to sit besides him if they had wished, calling out for the guards to take them to the gathering. Egret, wanting greatly to be by his king's side, would instead fight the silly obsession and instead aide the other guards in transporting the king, and Jijo if he had chosen to sit in the cart as well.
At the gathering
As the guards halted and helped their king from his cart, the City people directed their gaze towards him and his two companions. Everyone had gathered, eagerly awaiting what the young Gryph was planning on announcing and without making them wait any longer, he would advance, making his way through a crowd of his people who all bowed in his wake after moving aside, clearing space. Egret followed on his heels, though as the king took steps towards a tall platform, he would branch off and fall into line, looking up at the majestic being that stood before him. Gryph would take a deep breath, all eyes on him all at once- it almost gave him a wave of anxiety. Never once had so many eyes looked upon him; never so curiously and questioning either. He had faith in Jijo's words however, that seemingly met his ears once more and reminded him that he was loved and respected among his people. Taking a few more steps forwards he'd give everyone a soft gesture with his hand, a wave of his winged arm as if to quiet the soft chatters below and when he received their full attention, he'd stand tall and speak deeply, clear for all to understand.
"Loyal people of the kingdom; Come forth and hear my words as something quite terrible has happened within my palace walls." He'd pause, allowing the others some time to register his words before continuing. "Our King has taken the last of his breaths this mid day. My father's soul has left us with just a body and I've come to make a formal announcement for all of those today. I have been to the high temple and prayed for his soul's safe passage. While we're unaware of the nature of his death, I promise you that I will find what happened as promptly as possible." He'd offer his people a nod as they gathered around. Many of them, oddly enough, had let out a silent sigh of.. was that relief? Some shed tears, others held onto their companions besides them as they felt the young prince's heartache for themselves. Keeping strong, and swallowing back a hard lump in his throat he could nearly feel a weakness in his knees though continued on- pushing past for the sake of his people.
"We all feel sadness today, but with sadness, I hope that I can also bring you peace, and happiness for while I was praying for my father's soul, the mighty god bestowed upon me the King's power and granted me his blessing. I stand before you now not as your prince, but as your new King. And I intend to lead you, my people, to the best of my abilities. My father was a strong, noble man and through my training I assure you I will do all I can for my people."
Of course, young Gryph had no idea of how the king had used and abused his power outside the palace walls. How he had begun to indulge in the dark arts to get what he wanted; to take what he wanted when he knew rightly, a king should never want. He was kept away, innocent and shielded from such corruption for the most part. And atop not knowing the true corruption of his father in power, he hand't understood the odd 'relieved sighs' some in the crowed were given. Pushing all that aside, the king would give a gentle nod to his people, allowing them to silence once more.
"As king, I am granted the power to choose those who I want to live within the palace. While I wish to keep all of my fathers appointed staff, they will be moved to a nice home of their own as a show of respect for serving my father." inwardly, the king would acknowledge those at the gathering who had served under his father with them nodding up towards him.
"I, King Gryph, appoint my lifelong guard Egret to be my adviser. He has served me well in my training and today, he is honoured the highest of honours under a king." He'd motion to his friend who'd happily skip up the steps and rest besides the king, bowing down as low as he could before him while Grpyh placed a gentle hand upon his head, closing eyes momentarily while keeping this stance for another moment. Upon releasing hand over the others head, Egret rose to his feet and pushed back behind the king slightly, standing proud and tall.
"I also appoint the sage known as Jijo, to be my Chamber keeper." He'd call upon the other to come forth, and would mock the same motion he had given to Egret with a gentle, feathered hand atop head. He'd then continue on, calling out for a small handful of others where he'd touch at their heads in blessing and acceptance before finishing his announcement with the details of his father's funeral.
"Thus ending the new chosen staff of my palace, I will leave you, my fair people; my glorious and beautiful kingdom, with the news of my father's funeral. Your late king will be cremated and in two days time his ashes will be dispersed by his palace-mates and myself right before sundown. I ask all of you to attend and see our late king's body off into the other side and pay your respects. With that, nothing further for today. Thank you, everyone, for gathering here today; have a pleasant rest of the night." He'd end the ceremony with a deep nod to the crowd, looking back at his new housemates proudly, catching each in the eye before taking his step down off the platform, down the stairs and out through the crowed while they gave a final bow for the day, guards lifting him up into his cart again where he'd wait along for Egret and Jijo.
Jijo startled when his friend, his King, pulled forth a magnificent robe. Gingerly, as if the very fabric would crumble beneath his unworthy fingers, he reached for it and rubbed some of the fine linen between his claws. It was pure silk, from what he could tell; not the rough, itchy burlap he wore day-to-day. The gems fastened to the robe glistened in every direction and bounced off sunlight as it approached. It was utterly unbelievable. He looked up to Gryph, bashful and surprised at his offering. He took the robe gratefully, bowing as deeply as he could without letting the extravagant robes touch the floor. He barely registered the words as his King noted it was his late father's. It took a few seconds.
Tick. Tick. Tick.
The late father's! He felt bile rise from his stomach to his throat, and it took a moment of pure concentration to keep it down. Guilt, such guilt! Again he reminded himself of the God's words; that this was right, but even so, it was his friend's father. He could hear the fondness in the new King's voice as he spoke of him, and his ears drooped in mixed sympathy and guilt. However, he knew how much it meant to offer such wonderous cloth to him; especially that of sentimental value, now. He bowed again. "Thank you so much, my lord. I would honored to wear this to the ceremony. I will wear it proudly in your father's memory." It didn't take long to slip out of the ragged old robes he usually wore and into the fine silk he had been given, though after it was on he felt immensely heavy. All the jewels and embroidery added a significant weight to the piece that had him joking to himself how hard it'd be to kill in such finery.
--
After much reluctance on his part due to humbleness, Jijo decided to accompany Gryph in his cart. He felt awkward about impeding upon the new King's space, but knew as well that it could be both comforting to the young royal and it would be disrespectful to refuse. Egret had duties as a guard, and so he would not quickly leave Gryph alone.
When Egret branched off at the announcement platform, Jijo followed. He knew better than, even with his new position as chamber keeper, to stand so terribly close to the King. Still, he placed himself as close to the platform as possible, hoping to provide Gryph some minor comfort with his presence nearby during his speech.
He was startled by the amount of relieved sighs during the announcement. He, of course, knew of the King's corruption, but he did not know how much it affected the common people. His resolve strengthened then; surely he could not feel so much guilt over a deed he did for so many people. The God did not make mistakes, of course, but it always helped to see for oneself the fruit that such actions bore. Still, he sighed; the new King knew none of this, and was probably very confused and hurt by the reactions amongst the crowd. He made a mental note to address this later, once all the excitement died down and the time presented itself - he would rather be the one to tell Gryph of his father's deeds than Gryph himself stumbling upon the forbidden tomes and ingredients he used in his dark arts. He shook his head at the thought; no, that was unacceptable. Surely part of his task from the God to see over the King involved this, too.
When the new council was announced, Ji snapped back to reality. He beamed with pride for Egret when he was announced the new adviser; he shot the mute guard-- no, adviser! a look of joy and camaraderie. Congratulations, friend. Then, though he knew his new position, he startled as his name was called. He stumbled awkwardly for a moment before regaining his composure and accepting the King's blessing, moving to stand beside Egret. Again, a wave of guilt consumed him; surely he would not be given such high honors if Gryph knew he was the sole reason the past King was gone. His ears drooped heavily at the thought, and he let his gaze drop to the ground, feeling unworthy to stand on this stage.
-- Mina --
Mina hated gatherings. Souls, everywhere, dripped and beamed and crowded through her blind eyes and into her very being, exhausting her from within. On top of this, she hated royal gatherings. Congregations of inky darkness, of corruption and deceit, of waggling tongues making false promises in the hopes of more gold. It was disgusting.
Still, she had to be here. It was not every day the Prince ordered a gathering - no, if anyone, it was the King, and even then it was extremely rare. So she sat, away from the crowd, under the shade of a building near the square. She let her blind eyes wander aimlessly from soul to soul; an ink here, a fuzzy gray there. She entertained herself mindlessly with imaginings of what these people did to taint their souls so until the Prince spoke.
She wasn't sure what it was, but something dragged her eyes from their meandering and pinned them to the source of the Prince's voice. She had never seen his soul before, nor heard his confident voice. But something called to her then; the moment he began speaking, Mina's eyes tunneled through the crowds to his stage, beholding something she couldn't quite comprehend. Everything in Mina's "vision" was greyscale. One either dripped a black, lightless ooze or emitted a hazy gray fog or, very rarely, beamed outwards in a refreshing light. But this - the Prince's soul - held to it a concept Mina had never seen before. She could not describe it, even to herself - for how does one who has never seen color begin to decipher its meaning? But there it was - though she lacked the words, one who knew color would identify it as such: a blazing red, with orange swirling throughout the orb of his life-force. Gold beamed outwards from its core, giving even the inkiest of souls in the crowd a bit of a brighter hue. How utterly perplexing.
On top of this, another oddity stuck out from the stage. Or slightly below it, if her judgment was correct. A soul seeming, at first, to be tainted; covered in the black she had come to know and loathe. But there were cracks. This in itself was odd, as the substance she had come to think of as "ink" was by definition liquid, drippy and sticky. Cracks meant solid - a shell, perhaps? This particular soul was dark, but cracked - seams split all across it as though it were to split open.. Or perhaps it already had, and it was trying to heal itself. Beams of pure white light shot forth from the cracks, dazzling her even more. What's more, he seemed to be very trusted to the soul with color - the Prince - as stated by his promotion to chamberkeeper. What on earth was going on with these two?
She had to know. She waited hours after the announcement was over and the crowd had dispersed. Cliques of black souls mingled about, discussing what the death of the King - a very, very dark black, she remembered - meant for them. She scoffed as she passed these people; they would get their just desserts. Using her acute "sight" to navigate the emptiest alleys, and her hearing and smell to determine her location, Mina navigated to the royal castle. Perhaps being so young contributed to her need to impulsively sneak into the most highly-guarded structure in the land, and she knew this was definitely the most stupid thing she'd ever attempted, but there was no alternative. What was that soul? What was the other, with its cracks and flaws?
Mina managed to evade most of the guard on the exterior of the castle using her Sight. No souls meant it was clear, and it seemed the majority of the guard was stationed in the front and side entrances. As luck would have it, her lack of sight tuned all her other senses to a point, and she was able to locate and squeeze her tiny body through a narrow canal that entered itself into the castle's kitchen.
From there it was a breeze. Check for souls, smell the air for the scent of pure silk - only the King and his comrade with the weird shell wore such finery this day, and it had a very distinct air to it. Using these two things alone, Mina successfully planted herself just outside the King's chambers.
Well, that's fine and all, but now what? Surely the King and his sidekick would throw her out on sight. What even was she going to say? A lowly peasant pre-teen chicklet has managed to slip past all their defenses - blind, and what was she to say? "Hi, your Majesty! I happened to notice your soul looks really weird and I wanted to ask what the heck is up with that?!" She sighed. Obviously, she had not thought this through as much as she had thought. But before she could even consider turning tail and fleeing back the way she came, the door to the chambers opened, and the black-shelled soul greeted her. Oh no.
Tick. Tick. Tick.
The late father's! He felt bile rise from his stomach to his throat, and it took a moment of pure concentration to keep it down. Guilt, such guilt! Again he reminded himself of the God's words; that this was right, but even so, it was his friend's father. He could hear the fondness in the new King's voice as he spoke of him, and his ears drooped in mixed sympathy and guilt. However, he knew how much it meant to offer such wonderous cloth to him; especially that of sentimental value, now. He bowed again. "Thank you so much, my lord. I would honored to wear this to the ceremony. I will wear it proudly in your father's memory." It didn't take long to slip out of the ragged old robes he usually wore and into the fine silk he had been given, though after it was on he felt immensely heavy. All the jewels and embroidery added a significant weight to the piece that had him joking to himself how hard it'd be to kill in such finery.
--
After much reluctance on his part due to humbleness, Jijo decided to accompany Gryph in his cart. He felt awkward about impeding upon the new King's space, but knew as well that it could be both comforting to the young royal and it would be disrespectful to refuse. Egret had duties as a guard, and so he would not quickly leave Gryph alone.
When Egret branched off at the announcement platform, Jijo followed. He knew better than, even with his new position as chamber keeper, to stand so terribly close to the King. Still, he placed himself as close to the platform as possible, hoping to provide Gryph some minor comfort with his presence nearby during his speech.
He was startled by the amount of relieved sighs during the announcement. He, of course, knew of the King's corruption, but he did not know how much it affected the common people. His resolve strengthened then; surely he could not feel so much guilt over a deed he did for so many people. The God did not make mistakes, of course, but it always helped to see for oneself the fruit that such actions bore. Still, he sighed; the new King knew none of this, and was probably very confused and hurt by the reactions amongst the crowd. He made a mental note to address this later, once all the excitement died down and the time presented itself - he would rather be the one to tell Gryph of his father's deeds than Gryph himself stumbling upon the forbidden tomes and ingredients he used in his dark arts. He shook his head at the thought; no, that was unacceptable. Surely part of his task from the God to see over the King involved this, too.
When the new council was announced, Ji snapped back to reality. He beamed with pride for Egret when he was announced the new adviser; he shot the mute guard-- no, adviser! a look of joy and camaraderie. Congratulations, friend. Then, though he knew his new position, he startled as his name was called. He stumbled awkwardly for a moment before regaining his composure and accepting the King's blessing, moving to stand beside Egret. Again, a wave of guilt consumed him; surely he would not be given such high honors if Gryph knew he was the sole reason the past King was gone. His ears drooped heavily at the thought, and he let his gaze drop to the ground, feeling unworthy to stand on this stage.
-- Mina --
Mina hated gatherings. Souls, everywhere, dripped and beamed and crowded through her blind eyes and into her very being, exhausting her from within. On top of this, she hated royal gatherings. Congregations of inky darkness, of corruption and deceit, of waggling tongues making false promises in the hopes of more gold. It was disgusting.
Still, she had to be here. It was not every day the Prince ordered a gathering - no, if anyone, it was the King, and even then it was extremely rare. So she sat, away from the crowd, under the shade of a building near the square. She let her blind eyes wander aimlessly from soul to soul; an ink here, a fuzzy gray there. She entertained herself mindlessly with imaginings of what these people did to taint their souls so until the Prince spoke.
She wasn't sure what it was, but something dragged her eyes from their meandering and pinned them to the source of the Prince's voice. She had never seen his soul before, nor heard his confident voice. But something called to her then; the moment he began speaking, Mina's eyes tunneled through the crowds to his stage, beholding something she couldn't quite comprehend. Everything in Mina's "vision" was greyscale. One either dripped a black, lightless ooze or emitted a hazy gray fog or, very rarely, beamed outwards in a refreshing light. But this - the Prince's soul - held to it a concept Mina had never seen before. She could not describe it, even to herself - for how does one who has never seen color begin to decipher its meaning? But there it was - though she lacked the words, one who knew color would identify it as such: a blazing red, with orange swirling throughout the orb of his life-force. Gold beamed outwards from its core, giving even the inkiest of souls in the crowd a bit of a brighter hue. How utterly perplexing.
On top of this, another oddity stuck out from the stage. Or slightly below it, if her judgment was correct. A soul seeming, at first, to be tainted; covered in the black she had come to know and loathe. But there were cracks. This in itself was odd, as the substance she had come to think of as "ink" was by definition liquid, drippy and sticky. Cracks meant solid - a shell, perhaps? This particular soul was dark, but cracked - seams split all across it as though it were to split open.. Or perhaps it already had, and it was trying to heal itself. Beams of pure white light shot forth from the cracks, dazzling her even more. What's more, he seemed to be very trusted to the soul with color - the Prince - as stated by his promotion to chamberkeeper. What on earth was going on with these two?
She had to know. She waited hours after the announcement was over and the crowd had dispersed. Cliques of black souls mingled about, discussing what the death of the King - a very, very dark black, she remembered - meant for them. She scoffed as she passed these people; they would get their just desserts. Using her acute "sight" to navigate the emptiest alleys, and her hearing and smell to determine her location, Mina navigated to the royal castle. Perhaps being so young contributed to her need to impulsively sneak into the most highly-guarded structure in the land, and she knew this was definitely the most stupid thing she'd ever attempted, but there was no alternative. What was that soul? What was the other, with its cracks and flaws?
Mina managed to evade most of the guard on the exterior of the castle using her Sight. No souls meant it was clear, and it seemed the majority of the guard was stationed in the front and side entrances. As luck would have it, her lack of sight tuned all her other senses to a point, and she was able to locate and squeeze her tiny body through a narrow canal that entered itself into the castle's kitchen.
From there it was a breeze. Check for souls, smell the air for the scent of pure silk - only the King and his comrade with the weird shell wore such finery this day, and it had a very distinct air to it. Using these two things alone, Mina successfully planted herself just outside the King's chambers.
Well, that's fine and all, but now what? Surely the King and his sidekick would throw her out on sight. What even was she going to say? A lowly peasant pre-teen chicklet has managed to slip past all their defenses - blind, and what was she to say? "Hi, your Majesty! I happened to notice your soul looks really weird and I wanted to ask what the heck is up with that?!" She sighed. Obviously, she had not thought this through as much as she had thought. But before she could even consider turning tail and fleeing back the way she came, the door to the chambers opened, and the black-shelled soul greeted her. Oh no.
Gryph and Egret walked into the room of the new king, followed closely by the new Chamber Keeper and there, Gryph wasted no time stripping himself of his robe which slipped off each shoulder before nearly floating into a pile on the ground where Egret gave a slight, inwardly blush at the Prince's haste. The king didn't mind wearing such formal attire though what he had his mind set on now was rest; recuperating after this rather eventful day for him after all, the boy wasn't used to so much use of courage and balancing his feelings after such a traumatizing event. No, he still needed his time to mourn over his poor father's demise.
The smaller bird turned himself away, making a noise as if clearing his throat as eyes looked onwards, ears listening for any odd sounds from outside the chambers while king tick tocked his way to his bed where his signature poncho had been tossed a few hours before. Rather gracefully and with a fluid motion he'd slip it over his head and there it flowed downwards, covering his chest, shoulders, and draped behind his backside, fanning out slightly. Scarlet eyes softened as if he couldn't have been happier to be in his relax-wear again before a small coo was given. Rather ungracefully, the king let his body ragdoll a moment, flopping atop the many pillows and plush blanket that clumg to his bed and with a few wriggles of his slender body, he had poised himself comfortably, lips parting in a long, silent yawn while eyes drowsily blinked, almost reluctant to open again.
His adviser would continue to wear the ceremony garments until the end of the day; a sign of respect for the newly crowned king and as he took a peek behind, seeing his king decent again, he'd tap his way to the piled up robe, lifting it up off the ground and racing over to the closet area, hanging it back up in its place among the rest of the quite impressive wardrobe. Giving a click, Egret looked back at his king who now seemingly flopped atop pillowy bed and stood, slightly confused. What now?
Not too long after the king had nestled into his bed, pointed ears caught a sound beyond his door and while Jijo had peered through it, his interest and curiosity pushed aside sleepiness if but for the moment.
"Jijo- is there something going on?" Voice was a questioning tone, though stern and slightly slurred as words poured from his tired body, tired tongue lulling slightly, and out into the ears around him. Was there trouble? Was it a guard with news on his father? Blood-red gaze changed attention to his adviser who positioned himself not too far between Gryph and the door in case Jijo had spotted trouble; ready to defend his king with his life if he had to which made the king give a sheepish smirk. Elbows pushed into the bedding while slim and rather tones stomach curled in, putting hims body in an upright sitting position where younger male would pull legs closer to his body and rather than looking like an elegant and proud king he looked very similar to a tuckered out youngling who had just woke from a nap- so informal yet something about it made the atmosphere easy and calm. Kind of nice. He'd await for the reply of his Chamber Keeper, listening closely though almost dreading having to get up off his bed. It was really kicking in now, the sleepiness. The poor thing.
The smaller bird turned himself away, making a noise as if clearing his throat as eyes looked onwards, ears listening for any odd sounds from outside the chambers while king tick tocked his way to his bed where his signature poncho had been tossed a few hours before. Rather gracefully and with a fluid motion he'd slip it over his head and there it flowed downwards, covering his chest, shoulders, and draped behind his backside, fanning out slightly. Scarlet eyes softened as if he couldn't have been happier to be in his relax-wear again before a small coo was given. Rather ungracefully, the king let his body ragdoll a moment, flopping atop the many pillows and plush blanket that clumg to his bed and with a few wriggles of his slender body, he had poised himself comfortably, lips parting in a long, silent yawn while eyes drowsily blinked, almost reluctant to open again.
His adviser would continue to wear the ceremony garments until the end of the day; a sign of respect for the newly crowned king and as he took a peek behind, seeing his king decent again, he'd tap his way to the piled up robe, lifting it up off the ground and racing over to the closet area, hanging it back up in its place among the rest of the quite impressive wardrobe. Giving a click, Egret looked back at his king who now seemingly flopped atop pillowy bed and stood, slightly confused. What now?
Not too long after the king had nestled into his bed, pointed ears caught a sound beyond his door and while Jijo had peered through it, his interest and curiosity pushed aside sleepiness if but for the moment.
"Jijo- is there something going on?" Voice was a questioning tone, though stern and slightly slurred as words poured from his tired body, tired tongue lulling slightly, and out into the ears around him. Was there trouble? Was it a guard with news on his father? Blood-red gaze changed attention to his adviser who positioned himself not too far between Gryph and the door in case Jijo had spotted trouble; ready to defend his king with his life if he had to which made the king give a sheepish smirk. Elbows pushed into the bedding while slim and rather tones stomach curled in, putting hims body in an upright sitting position where younger male would pull legs closer to his body and rather than looking like an elegant and proud king he looked very similar to a tuckered out youngling who had just woke from a nap- so informal yet something about it made the atmosphere easy and calm. Kind of nice. He'd await for the reply of his Chamber Keeper, listening closely though almost dreading having to get up off his bed. It was really kicking in now, the sleepiness. The poor thing.
Jijo opened his mouth, then shut it again, then opened it once more. What on earth was a little girl doing here? How did she get here, past all the security?
He let out a gasp, quickly whirling his gaze 180 degrees to eye the King. No marque! He sighed heavily, relief apparent even to someone who didn't know his abilities. No marque meant the King was not in danger from this girl - he didn't feel an evilness from her, but one couldn't be too sure.
Short as he was, this girl was even smaller, and so Jijo crouched slightly to get a good look at her. He said nothing to her, yet. "My lord, there's a little girl here." The girl puffed her cheeks out stubbornly, like she didn't enjoy being referred to that way. "I.. I'm not sure why. She doesn't seem to be .. hostile..?" He quirked his head, eyeing the child. She was blind, he could tell that much. Again, he wondered how she got here. Should he throw her out? Have her detained? Let her inside to speak and figure out what in Wrath was going on? He decided on the latter, though reluctantly. He knew his King was tired, and it was not fully his decision to make; however, he swore to himself there that he would keep an extremely close eye on her while she was here, and deal with the consequences of her arrival later. He had a gut feeling about her; he just didn't know what, or why.
--Mina--
Mina shouldered her way past Jijo, a bit rudely. She was put out from being referred to as a child by this odd soul; she had "seen" more things than he could possibly imagine! She crossed her arms, the rough, ragged fabric of her beggars' clothes making an uncomfortable scritch as she did so. She stared at Jijo, doing her very best to make him uncomfortable under her blind stare (and succeeding).
Then, she turned her attention to the King. Her voice came out soft, light; she was indeed still a child, despite her attitude about it. Though her voice was innocent, her words were grating and offensive to anyone in their right mind around the King.
"You're the new head guy, then?" She pinned her blank eyes on the fiery orb she'd recognized as His. Truthfully, she wasn't this abrasive normally - it was a facade to hide how scared of being thrown out - or worse - she was. "You seem... different," she clucked, squinting her eyes at him as though that would make his life orb less colorful and more what she was used to. It is only then that she noticed the third soul here, Egret. She turned to face him at breakneck speed; was he weird too? No. But blindingly white. A good soul. How rare. How.. refreshing.
Seeing Egret's normal soul and good heart put her a little more at ease, and she at last curtsied as best she could. "I apologize for my rudeness, lords." She bowed her head and shuffled about on tiny talons. "As you can tell, I am blind. But when I heard you speak I noticed something odd about you - and this one-" she jabbed a finger at Jijo, not hiding her disdain for him (and eliciting from him a hurt face in response) "- and I had to come see for myself.. Well, not see. But.. you know." She bowed her head sheepishly at the King.
The contrast in how she treated the King and Jijo was surely the most obvious thing about her, aside from her blindness. Even she didn't know why she felt so strongly towards them in such different ways, but she couldn't much change it either. Something about the way Jijo's soul clashed with her own made her want to reach out and pluck a feather or two from him, someplace where it'd hurt. Whereas the way the King's interacted with her made her want to pluck a feather and store it in a shrine somewhere. No, that's creepy, Mina. Snap out of it.
He let out a gasp, quickly whirling his gaze 180 degrees to eye the King. No marque! He sighed heavily, relief apparent even to someone who didn't know his abilities. No marque meant the King was not in danger from this girl - he didn't feel an evilness from her, but one couldn't be too sure.
Short as he was, this girl was even smaller, and so Jijo crouched slightly to get a good look at her. He said nothing to her, yet. "My lord, there's a little girl here." The girl puffed her cheeks out stubbornly, like she didn't enjoy being referred to that way. "I.. I'm not sure why. She doesn't seem to be .. hostile..?" He quirked his head, eyeing the child. She was blind, he could tell that much. Again, he wondered how she got here. Should he throw her out? Have her detained? Let her inside to speak and figure out what in Wrath was going on? He decided on the latter, though reluctantly. He knew his King was tired, and it was not fully his decision to make; however, he swore to himself there that he would keep an extremely close eye on her while she was here, and deal with the consequences of her arrival later. He had a gut feeling about her; he just didn't know what, or why.
--Mina--
Mina shouldered her way past Jijo, a bit rudely. She was put out from being referred to as a child by this odd soul; she had "seen" more things than he could possibly imagine! She crossed her arms, the rough, ragged fabric of her beggars' clothes making an uncomfortable scritch as she did so. She stared at Jijo, doing her very best to make him uncomfortable under her blind stare (and succeeding).
Then, she turned her attention to the King. Her voice came out soft, light; she was indeed still a child, despite her attitude about it. Though her voice was innocent, her words were grating and offensive to anyone in their right mind around the King.
"You're the new head guy, then?" She pinned her blank eyes on the fiery orb she'd recognized as His. Truthfully, she wasn't this abrasive normally - it was a facade to hide how scared of being thrown out - or worse - she was. "You seem... different," she clucked, squinting her eyes at him as though that would make his life orb less colorful and more what she was used to. It is only then that she noticed the third soul here, Egret. She turned to face him at breakneck speed; was he weird too? No. But blindingly white. A good soul. How rare. How.. refreshing.
Seeing Egret's normal soul and good heart put her a little more at ease, and she at last curtsied as best she could. "I apologize for my rudeness, lords." She bowed her head and shuffled about on tiny talons. "As you can tell, I am blind. But when I heard you speak I noticed something odd about you - and this one-" she jabbed a finger at Jijo, not hiding her disdain for him (and eliciting from him a hurt face in response) "- and I had to come see for myself.. Well, not see. But.. you know." She bowed her head sheepishly at the King.
The contrast in how she treated the King and Jijo was surely the most obvious thing about her, aside from her blindness. Even she didn't know why she felt so strongly towards them in such different ways, but she couldn't much change it either. Something about the way Jijo's soul clashed with her own made her want to reach out and pluck a feather or two from him, someplace where it'd hurt. Whereas the way the King's interacted with her made her want to pluck a feather and store it in a shrine somewhere. No, that's creepy, Mina. Snap out of it.
The King gave a narrowed look as if trying to see past little Jijo, concerned more now with the blatant sigh given by the other. Curious- and confusing. Was Jijo worried about the king?
"A little girl..?" Voice trailed a bit and while his companion had made mention of the in-hostile look about her, he'd relax only slightly, trusting his judgment.
Eyes then fell upon the rather brash behavior of the girl in how she had pushed passed Jijo and into his chambers where is eyes scanned over her quickly, taking note of everything he could. Something was off about her and as soon as he had the chance to pinpoint it she had spoken and rather informally too causing the king to make a face for a moment. She was small, and a spitfire no doubt about that. Almost amusing to himself though it had gotten his adviser's feathers ruffled. Granted, Gryph was slightly confused as to Jijo's letting the girl in though with the way she had pushed passed he figured she would have came in on her own figuring it best the invite to prevent his guard from being overly cautious; after all, Jijo was the keeper of his chamber now.
"Yeah, I'm the 'head guy'." Voice lowered as the king kept a watchful eye on her; curious and curiouser. She looked of a beggar- nothing much to look at yet interesting all the same. If she was so clearly blind, how in heavens was it that she seemed to be looking directly at him before he had been given a chance to speak? It send a chill through his body, making him slightly uncomfortable even after her apologizing and making up for such rudeness with a curtsy. Pointed ears picked apart her sentence and intrigued, he leaned in as she spoke of how she had noticed something.. odd? About the young king. Had Egret had a voice, he would have scoffed, taking offense in place of his king while the girl spoke though his feelings of offense were cut short while the king turned head, questioning eyes watching his other companion, a hand raising to Egret in hopes to silence his flustered warbles before body pushed legs off the bed, talons kissing the beautiful tile below where they carried atop them his body and stood a few arms lengths away from Jijo, Egret at his side like always.
"How do you mean odd..?" His tone was silent, words not more than a hush- figuring the girl had picked up on his nervousness at the ceremony.
Gryph's usual expressionless face now held a look of hurt as he exchanged looks with Jijo and the young girl before speaking out. While he took no offense to her words or actions against himself, he did however, take slight offense at the way his keeper was being treated and with that the boy confronted the girl.
"Do you have a problem with whom I've appointed as my royal Chamber Keeper you'd like to voice?" Body stood straight up, tall, and rather intimidating despite the fact the girl could not see- surely she could feel his rather dominating presense before her. This was his friend, his trusted companion and how rude of her to act so accusingly towards him. And out of place, at least from the King's perspective of things. Or course, he believed in words before violence and kept true to that belief along side the fact this was just a child; a mere beggar who hadn't been raised with mannerisms such as his.
"A little girl..?" Voice trailed a bit and while his companion had made mention of the in-hostile look about her, he'd relax only slightly, trusting his judgment.
Eyes then fell upon the rather brash behavior of the girl in how she had pushed passed Jijo and into his chambers where is eyes scanned over her quickly, taking note of everything he could. Something was off about her and as soon as he had the chance to pinpoint it she had spoken and rather informally too causing the king to make a face for a moment. She was small, and a spitfire no doubt about that. Almost amusing to himself though it had gotten his adviser's feathers ruffled. Granted, Gryph was slightly confused as to Jijo's letting the girl in though with the way she had pushed passed he figured she would have came in on her own figuring it best the invite to prevent his guard from being overly cautious; after all, Jijo was the keeper of his chamber now.
"Yeah, I'm the 'head guy'." Voice lowered as the king kept a watchful eye on her; curious and curiouser. She looked of a beggar- nothing much to look at yet interesting all the same. If she was so clearly blind, how in heavens was it that she seemed to be looking directly at him before he had been given a chance to speak? It send a chill through his body, making him slightly uncomfortable even after her apologizing and making up for such rudeness with a curtsy. Pointed ears picked apart her sentence and intrigued, he leaned in as she spoke of how she had noticed something.. odd? About the young king. Had Egret had a voice, he would have scoffed, taking offense in place of his king while the girl spoke though his feelings of offense were cut short while the king turned head, questioning eyes watching his other companion, a hand raising to Egret in hopes to silence his flustered warbles before body pushed legs off the bed, talons kissing the beautiful tile below where they carried atop them his body and stood a few arms lengths away from Jijo, Egret at his side like always.
"How do you mean odd..?" His tone was silent, words not more than a hush- figuring the girl had picked up on his nervousness at the ceremony.
Gryph's usual expressionless face now held a look of hurt as he exchanged looks with Jijo and the young girl before speaking out. While he took no offense to her words or actions against himself, he did however, take slight offense at the way his keeper was being treated and with that the boy confronted the girl.
"Do you have a problem with whom I've appointed as my royal Chamber Keeper you'd like to voice?" Body stood straight up, tall, and rather intimidating despite the fact the girl could not see- surely she could feel his rather dominating presense before her. This was his friend, his trusted companion and how rude of her to act so accusingly towards him. And out of place, at least from the King's perspective of things. Or course, he believed in words before violence and kept true to that belief along side the fact this was just a child; a mere beggar who hadn't been raised with mannerisms such as his.
Jijo clucked in surprise as the King defended him before this odd child. His eyes watered lightly; he did not deserve such praise. I'm the entire reason you're in this mess so young! He shouted these words in his head alone. He shook his head, reaching out slightly to gesture that it was fine. "No, my lord, it's okay. She looks..." He tilted his head, turning a sympathetic gaze to the girl. She obviously had it rough, and he was no stranger to that. "She looks... tired." Spiritually so. Physically, of course, she was able and exceptional - not anyone could sneak past the guards so easily. He didn't know how to express this in words, for it was just a sensation he knew all too well from his battles with faith in their Wrathful deity. Maybe she was going through something similar, and something about him just threw her off. He had no real idea to go on, but it was just his nature to trust in others until given reason to not. "I was but a simple sage in the temple twenty-four hours ago, my lord. This form of treatment is not unusual to me." He gave a soft smile then, directed more at the girl than at the King, but meaningful towards both. To the King, he showed he was sincere; he was used to this, and the original offense he felt was long gone. To the girl, he showed that he understood - or at least was trying to.
--Mina--
Mina hated the black-shell. He was pitying her - what, for her caste? Because she's poor and blind and young? Her cheeks puffed out in indignation again, her blind eyes staring daggers at the weird sage. She could only hope he felt as awkward as she was trying to make him feel, literally staring into his soul with unadulterated hatred. Don't pity me, dirtbag! You know nothing of my struggles!
When the King approached her, though, her brash appearance fell short. It crumbled and left a frail child where it once was, and she looked up at the King with much kinder eyes than Jijo received. Why are these two so drastically different and yet such good friends? She couldn't figure it out. As far as she was concerned, the black-shell could be thrown out the window and she'd be perfectly okay with that. Of course, the irony of the fact that she was the intruder here was not lost on her.
She bowed her head in respect to the King. "Of course I meant you no offense in your choice of counsel, my lord." She answered to this first, as how to describe the King as 'odd' proved extremely difficult. Though his soul struck out to her as colorful, fiery perhaps, she had no way of knowing these words. He had not seen them before. All the greyscale souls she'd seen in her life did not give her the knowledge she needed to answer this question.
Her ears dropped completely at this. She wanted to answer him, of course - if she couldn't describe the oddness, how was she going to get answers from him on what the heck it was about? "You are... That is.." She stuttered, mumbled and tripped over her own voice and words. At long last, she came to a very rudimentary way to describe what she saw in him. As she spoke, she stared even harder into that soul of his, as if needing to be reassured that what she was saying was the best choice of words. Her voice softened, though her stare remained steely.
"You seem.. warm. There is something that lurks within you utterly baffles me; it reminds me of the warmth of a fire, without the burns." As she spoke, her hands drifted in front of her as if to attempt to describe his soul with imagery. She swirled her hand about, lilting it here and there to show its fluidity and fire-like substance. Though she had originally planned to keep her "vision" to herself, she felt hiding any knowledge of her abilities would be treason to this King she felt so kindly towards.
"I do not see as you do. This is obvious. But I see within; I see life forces. I see their taint, their goodness, their strength. I can tell when it is thrumming strong with the adrenaline life provides, and I can see, consequently," her hands made a gesture as though she were snuffing out a candle, "when it is about to flicker and fade away. Your soul, your.. life force.. It carries a characteristic of like I have never seen.. This is why I sought you out." Then her gaze turned icy, pinning itself to Jijo in hatred. "His, too. But it is not the same. His seems hardened. Black. Only on the outside, though. And while every soul I see seems to act as water, his acts as a shell. It is cracked and torn, and from within the seams of black, light shines through. Utterly perplexing." She then wrinkles her nose, making a face. "And ugly."
--Jijo--
What? She saw... souls? No, forget that - he saw weird things, too, by all accounts. What she just said was much more alarming. Black soul? Ugly? The hurt showed plain on his face. He did not disbelieve her. As he thought before, he too saw things most did not. Which is why he felt so stricken. She saw things. And what she saw in him was hard, black, broken and ugly. But with light inside? He didn't know how to feel. His face contorted in confusion, pain, and downright depression as he picked through her words.
But the King felt as fire? Warm, she said. This made sense; he felt this way as well, as he was sure most of the kingdom did. But she was obviously trying to describe something she had no concept of, which made him scratch his head with both hands in confusion. This girl was seriously something else. He glanced at his King, wondering what he made of this, but said nothing; he felt if he opened his mouth now, his knowledge of the Wrath and His marques would come spilling out, and that was something he could not afford to leak. Indeed, the things this child said were already more than he could handle... Where did she get such a power? Who - or what - could give such a small child such authority over the innermost workings of a person.. and what did it mean for his charge as an assassin?
--Mina--
Mina hated the black-shell. He was pitying her - what, for her caste? Because she's poor and blind and young? Her cheeks puffed out in indignation again, her blind eyes staring daggers at the weird sage. She could only hope he felt as awkward as she was trying to make him feel, literally staring into his soul with unadulterated hatred. Don't pity me, dirtbag! You know nothing of my struggles!
When the King approached her, though, her brash appearance fell short. It crumbled and left a frail child where it once was, and she looked up at the King with much kinder eyes than Jijo received. Why are these two so drastically different and yet such good friends? She couldn't figure it out. As far as she was concerned, the black-shell could be thrown out the window and she'd be perfectly okay with that. Of course, the irony of the fact that she was the intruder here was not lost on her.
She bowed her head in respect to the King. "Of course I meant you no offense in your choice of counsel, my lord." She answered to this first, as how to describe the King as 'odd' proved extremely difficult. Though his soul struck out to her as colorful, fiery perhaps, she had no way of knowing these words. He had not seen them before. All the greyscale souls she'd seen in her life did not give her the knowledge she needed to answer this question.
Her ears dropped completely at this. She wanted to answer him, of course - if she couldn't describe the oddness, how was she going to get answers from him on what the heck it was about? "You are... That is.." She stuttered, mumbled and tripped over her own voice and words. At long last, she came to a very rudimentary way to describe what she saw in him. As she spoke, she stared even harder into that soul of his, as if needing to be reassured that what she was saying was the best choice of words. Her voice softened, though her stare remained steely.
"You seem.. warm. There is something that lurks within you utterly baffles me; it reminds me of the warmth of a fire, without the burns." As she spoke, her hands drifted in front of her as if to attempt to describe his soul with imagery. She swirled her hand about, lilting it here and there to show its fluidity and fire-like substance. Though she had originally planned to keep her "vision" to herself, she felt hiding any knowledge of her abilities would be treason to this King she felt so kindly towards.
"I do not see as you do. This is obvious. But I see within; I see life forces. I see their taint, their goodness, their strength. I can tell when it is thrumming strong with the adrenaline life provides, and I can see, consequently," her hands made a gesture as though she were snuffing out a candle, "when it is about to flicker and fade away. Your soul, your.. life force.. It carries a characteristic of like I have never seen.. This is why I sought you out." Then her gaze turned icy, pinning itself to Jijo in hatred. "His, too. But it is not the same. His seems hardened. Black. Only on the outside, though. And while every soul I see seems to act as water, his acts as a shell. It is cracked and torn, and from within the seams of black, light shines through. Utterly perplexing." She then wrinkles her nose, making a face. "And ugly."
--Jijo--
What? She saw... souls? No, forget that - he saw weird things, too, by all accounts. What she just said was much more alarming. Black soul? Ugly? The hurt showed plain on his face. He did not disbelieve her. As he thought before, he too saw things most did not. Which is why he felt so stricken. She saw things. And what she saw in him was hard, black, broken and ugly. But with light inside? He didn't know how to feel. His face contorted in confusion, pain, and downright depression as he picked through her words.
But the King felt as fire? Warm, she said. This made sense; he felt this way as well, as he was sure most of the kingdom did. But she was obviously trying to describe something she had no concept of, which made him scratch his head with both hands in confusion. This girl was seriously something else. He glanced at his King, wondering what he made of this, but said nothing; he felt if he opened his mouth now, his knowledge of the Wrath and His marques would come spilling out, and that was something he could not afford to leak. Indeed, the things this child said were already more than he could handle... Where did she get such a power? Who - or what - could give such a small child such authority over the innermost workings of a person.. and what did it mean for his charge as an assassin?
The king was no doubt almost lost as the other spoke of soul seeing. He was appreciative of her apologizing and deep bows towards him though he had become lost. He himself hadn't been blessed with powers such as those and knew nothing of witchcraft, spells, or otherwise things mages were capable of doing. No, his youth was spent within the walls of the palace with nothing less than training day in and day out to be the best suitor for his late king's throne. To be the prince the god's would honour their trust to. He had heard no such word of such things before and it.. shocked him to say the least. As the girl spoke of his soul, the warmth and how she had shaped it, using her hands blindly before her though fluidly like she had seen them clear as day while describing it; obviously having a difficult time doing so. Confusion. Gryph tilted his head some, nodding to Jijo as he reassured him there was no offense taken from the girl, he could still see the hurt on his companions face. He was rather good at reading emotions, being an observer himself all his years; he had gained the skill of that but this before him was..
Thoughts were halted as a gentle hand was touched against his shoulder, the shorter yet older companion, Egret, looking up at his King with a curious look and Gryph would withdraw rather aggressively. He didn't mean it, but push a lion into a corner and he'll swipe at you. Eyes stared wide down at the girl now as she started to talk of Jijo's soul, mentioning to him how it was dark, black, hardened light trapped within a shell trying to shine through what little cracks there were and ending on the notion of it being ugly. What was this? Her lack of sight had given her the ability to see into the souls? Or was this more. The way the female had spoke of his own soul lead him to believe it was a 'good' soul though very different from anything and as she spoke of Jijo's, scrunching her nose as if disgusted he'd tilt his head. What did this mean? Nothing but confusion clouded his judgment now and he took a small step back, trying to wrangle thoughts into words, obviously overwhelmed. The soft and questioning cooing came from the white adviser's lips and he nudged an elbow against Jijo in hopes to get his attention before giving a nod towards the king as it asking 'what to do'
Gathering his bearings Gryph would clear his throat, brow quirking while scarlet eyes peered into Jijo's and then back at the girl. Clearly, he had not mistaken the little keeper's change in attitude; his sadness and pain upon his face and within the atmosphere around him. Now however, his interests were spiked. He needed to know what this dark soul of his meant, especially since he had just invited the other to live with him. Did he make a dire mistake?
"Ahem- and what of this.. dark, black soul? What does it mean? My soul- what does it mean?" The newly crowned king chose his words carefully, trying not to ask too many questions of the girl and after awaiting a response, he'd direct gaze to Jijo.
"Are these tricks of the dark arts and witchcraft presented before me? Where in the heavens had you learns such a thing?" Voice was low, questioning, and rather hurried along his breath. He was weary of the dark arts; the thought along giving him a slight surge of fright, the legs he stood upon a bit shaky, though that could be blamed upon the exhaustion the other was feeling from the long day be had.
"I require answers to my questions- promptly." He'd not wait for either to explain to him anything, demanding answers to his questions with great haste; no doubt, his fear of the unknown showing through his hurried demeanor.
Egret would pull his hand back into his own space while the king had refused his gentle touch, though he didn't take offense and instead, he'd stand silently by his king's side, noting the fearful aura given off and the slight shakes that traveled up and down his slender body. He could feel his king's fear and wanted nothing more than to help in any way he could figuring retrieving a throw from the plush bed Gryph's body no doubt yearned for would help ease his mind if in just the slightest bit. Quickly, while his king exchanged words with the other two birds, Egret would grab at a throw and return to drape it over the king's shoulders gently, pulling it out in front of him, stretching it a bit and then falling back to his side letting the throw caress the king's slender frame delicately. The weight of the throw around him would help him feel secure; at least he'd hoped anyways.
Thoughts were halted as a gentle hand was touched against his shoulder, the shorter yet older companion, Egret, looking up at his King with a curious look and Gryph would withdraw rather aggressively. He didn't mean it, but push a lion into a corner and he'll swipe at you. Eyes stared wide down at the girl now as she started to talk of Jijo's soul, mentioning to him how it was dark, black, hardened light trapped within a shell trying to shine through what little cracks there were and ending on the notion of it being ugly. What was this? Her lack of sight had given her the ability to see into the souls? Or was this more. The way the female had spoke of his own soul lead him to believe it was a 'good' soul though very different from anything and as she spoke of Jijo's, scrunching her nose as if disgusted he'd tilt his head. What did this mean? Nothing but confusion clouded his judgment now and he took a small step back, trying to wrangle thoughts into words, obviously overwhelmed. The soft and questioning cooing came from the white adviser's lips and he nudged an elbow against Jijo in hopes to get his attention before giving a nod towards the king as it asking 'what to do'
Gathering his bearings Gryph would clear his throat, brow quirking while scarlet eyes peered into Jijo's and then back at the girl. Clearly, he had not mistaken the little keeper's change in attitude; his sadness and pain upon his face and within the atmosphere around him. Now however, his interests were spiked. He needed to know what this dark soul of his meant, especially since he had just invited the other to live with him. Did he make a dire mistake?
"Ahem- and what of this.. dark, black soul? What does it mean? My soul- what does it mean?" The newly crowned king chose his words carefully, trying not to ask too many questions of the girl and after awaiting a response, he'd direct gaze to Jijo.
"Are these tricks of the dark arts and witchcraft presented before me? Where in the heavens had you learns such a thing?" Voice was low, questioning, and rather hurried along his breath. He was weary of the dark arts; the thought along giving him a slight surge of fright, the legs he stood upon a bit shaky, though that could be blamed upon the exhaustion the other was feeling from the long day be had.
"I require answers to my questions- promptly." He'd not wait for either to explain to him anything, demanding answers to his questions with great haste; no doubt, his fear of the unknown showing through his hurried demeanor.
Egret would pull his hand back into his own space while the king had refused his gentle touch, though he didn't take offense and instead, he'd stand silently by his king's side, noting the fearful aura given off and the slight shakes that traveled up and down his slender body. He could feel his king's fear and wanted nothing more than to help in any way he could figuring retrieving a throw from the plush bed Gryph's body no doubt yearned for would help ease his mind if in just the slightest bit. Quickly, while his king exchanged words with the other two birds, Egret would grab at a throw and return to drape it over the king's shoulders gently, pulling it out in front of him, stretching it a bit and then falling back to his side letting the throw caress the king's slender frame delicately. The weight of the throw around him would help him feel secure; at least he'd hoped anyways.
Jijo bit his lip 'til it drew blood. This was bad. Very, very bad. He gulped, swallowing down bile that had begun to rise from his stomach. The King was doubting him now due to this girl's words, and even he barely knew what they meant. But he knew this was no dark art - the strongest ritual out there could not provide so much strength to allow one to judge the very existence of a person as she does. He cleared his throat, attempting to remove the last remnants of the foul bile before speaking. "M-My lord. This is no dark art. As a sage from the temple, I can definitely say this." He looked into the King's eyes, showing his sincerity in them and hoping his King would believe him. "Trust me, my King, I take no pleasure in being called ugly at my very core," his words sounded hurt even to him, then, "but even so, I cannot let her be accused of such. I have seen dark arts in action, and nothing even the most powerful mage could do would give this much power." Then, as the next words flowed from his mouth, realization dawned on him and he began to feel sick. "It's as though, rather, it is a gift from our God." As soon as he finished this sentence, he turned and retched, convulsing from the extreme desire to empty his stomach to the floor. He kept it in, thank the God, but it did not taste any less foul. He knew, now, that he had to divulge even the tiniest bit of his abilities if he were to stay alongside his King, and the thought of the rejection and hate that would come next is what brought on such a strong visceral reaction.
"My lord.. I say this which such confidence because.." He gulped, eyes watering both from the bile burning his throat and from the words he was about to say. "..Because I see as well. N-Not as she does, my lord.. Quite different. I see... Marques. That is what I have come to know them as. It.. looks like a bruise, but much darker, and ..." He swallowed again. God, this was hard. "...and it tells me when people die. It is a power given to me by our God himself, and he bade me keep it secret my whole life." That was all he could say. He could not tell the King that they died at his hand when he saw a Marque. That seeing these bruises meant that he himself must draw blade across them. This was all he could say, for now.
--Mina--
Mine blinked her large, white eyes in astonishment at the King. He had suddenly grown short of temper, and while this is to be expected when talking about such weird things, it still stung her a little. She was but a child, after all. Her eyes grew moist, but she blinked it back before answering his question about the soul's appearance and what it meant. She answered honestly as she could, again feeling otherwise would be treason. "My King.. when a soul is black, typically it means that they are tainted. They have .. done bad things. Usually, though, it ... drips. From the soul. Like.." She searched for the proper term, again settling on her usual. "It drips like ink from a quill. Thick, oily. But this is not the case with... him." She glanced at Jijo's soul, then back to the fiery King's. "His is hardened.. Almost as though his sins are old, or not what you and I would consider sin. It has become brittle, like whatever light is within wants out, but the broken shell is still too strong to allow it passage." She eyed Jijo again now, peering into his very being and reaffirming her words. Indeed, she didn't know it until she said it, but that seemed most likely correct. It was like he had committed atrocities, but for the greater good, and as such it was represented in a most bizarre fashion in her eyes. Still, she couldn't describe her disdain for the young man, and so she stated as such out loud. "I don't know why I hate him, but I do." Blunt, to the point.
Then, as Jijo confessed his own form of Sight, she balked. Marques? Symbols of when someone is about to die? Suddenly, her hatred for the man lessened, if only slightly. Perhaps this is what the shell is.. Not sin, but trauma. Or perhaps both? She squinted at him in confusion...
Until he said it was a gift from the God himself. Then, she laughs out loud. A shrill bark of a laugh. "A gift directly from the God? Are you unhinged?" She wiped at an eye as though it was such a great joke that she cried. "Why would the God give you, such a dark soul, anything special? And why something so morbid? For that matter, why would I get something like that? Don't you think I'd much prefer to just see like normal people instead of seeing how ugly they all are?" Her voice went from sarcastic and joking to cold and frantic quickly; her pain over her Sight turned itself inside out for the entire room to see. That poor third soul in the room must be having a fit by now. "Don't you think.. That maybe I'd like to know what it's like to be lied to and not know it? To be blissfully unaware for once? To be a child!?" She screeched the last word. "What cruel God would do that?! Why?!" The last word she spoke broke into a sob. "How could you call such a thing a gift...?"
"My lord.. I say this which such confidence because.." He gulped, eyes watering both from the bile burning his throat and from the words he was about to say. "..Because I see as well. N-Not as she does, my lord.. Quite different. I see... Marques. That is what I have come to know them as. It.. looks like a bruise, but much darker, and ..." He swallowed again. God, this was hard. "...and it tells me when people die. It is a power given to me by our God himself, and he bade me keep it secret my whole life." That was all he could say. He could not tell the King that they died at his hand when he saw a Marque. That seeing these bruises meant that he himself must draw blade across them. This was all he could say, for now.
--Mina--
Mine blinked her large, white eyes in astonishment at the King. He had suddenly grown short of temper, and while this is to be expected when talking about such weird things, it still stung her a little. She was but a child, after all. Her eyes grew moist, but she blinked it back before answering his question about the soul's appearance and what it meant. She answered honestly as she could, again feeling otherwise would be treason. "My King.. when a soul is black, typically it means that they are tainted. They have .. done bad things. Usually, though, it ... drips. From the soul. Like.." She searched for the proper term, again settling on her usual. "It drips like ink from a quill. Thick, oily. But this is not the case with... him." She glanced at Jijo's soul, then back to the fiery King's. "His is hardened.. Almost as though his sins are old, or not what you and I would consider sin. It has become brittle, like whatever light is within wants out, but the broken shell is still too strong to allow it passage." She eyed Jijo again now, peering into his very being and reaffirming her words. Indeed, she didn't know it until she said it, but that seemed most likely correct. It was like he had committed atrocities, but for the greater good, and as such it was represented in a most bizarre fashion in her eyes. Still, she couldn't describe her disdain for the young man, and so she stated as such out loud. "I don't know why I hate him, but I do." Blunt, to the point.
Then, as Jijo confessed his own form of Sight, she balked. Marques? Symbols of when someone is about to die? Suddenly, her hatred for the man lessened, if only slightly. Perhaps this is what the shell is.. Not sin, but trauma. Or perhaps both? She squinted at him in confusion...
Until he said it was a gift from the God himself. Then, she laughs out loud. A shrill bark of a laugh. "A gift directly from the God? Are you unhinged?" She wiped at an eye as though it was such a great joke that she cried. "Why would the God give you, such a dark soul, anything special? And why something so morbid? For that matter, why would I get something like that? Don't you think I'd much prefer to just see like normal people instead of seeing how ugly they all are?" Her voice went from sarcastic and joking to cold and frantic quickly; her pain over her Sight turned itself inside out for the entire room to see. That poor third soul in the room must be having a fit by now. "Don't you think.. That maybe I'd like to know what it's like to be lied to and not know it? To be blissfully unaware for once? To be a child!?" She screeched the last word. "What cruel God would do that?! Why?!" The last word she spoke broke into a sob. "How could you call such a thing a gift...?"
As Jijo spoke, the King had frozen in his place and everything within the room seemed to lull together into a mush before his eyes. Words now almost in-audible and hard to make out before blood-red pools narrowed in on his smaller friend. He was shocked and while a thought crept over his own mind the boy would speak out to his companion about this 'gift'
"Forgive me; I know not of the powers nor limits of dark arts and spells.." Voice was apologetic if only slightly while it trailed off some. Was that slight embarrassment?
"Gift.. Our god has given gifts to my fathers- my people?" He was trying his hardest to wrap his mind around all this new information as with his little adviser. Neither of the males knew anything of the sort though Egret couldn't voice how he felt and stood in silence, equally confused however while little talons fiddled with one another where he stood. The king would shake his head slightly, eyes still fixed on Jijo. So he could see when others were going to die- how interesting. How weird. Pointed ears gave a twitch and throat choked down a hard lump. Feathered chest heaved forth and back while breath filled the lungs of the King as he had attempted to calm and assess the problem better and with a clearer mindset.
"You can see when another's going to die? Can you see how? Does anyone else know of this gift? Do you see one on me?" Rather paranoid and a bit irrational the king would open the throw that draped over his shoulders, exposing himself for the other to eye over his being- forgetting the earlier morning Jijo's mention of being sure the King would be safe and that it was his father who was indeed the one target of the unknown killer.
He began to listen to Mina's explanation of a dark soul and while exchanging looks between her and his keeper, Egret would lean in with a tilted head. He could feel great sympathy for the girl with no vision; cursed to see only the good and bad in people and not know blissful ignorance. However, it was slightly incomparable, he could still feel a sadness within him and let out a gentle coo in her direction, attempting his best to convey his empathy while Gryph's kingly stare softened upon the girl. He felt a pity within his heart as well for her as she now began to sob before them. A few steps forwards and a nervous glance back to Jijo, the king would place a gentle hand upon the girl's head, running delicate fingers over the strands of the girl's messy hair, pulling back to make the same motion a few more times.
Obviously, this little girl was carrying a heavy burden on her shoulders and in a way, though very differently, Gryph himself could relate. His voice was soft, gentle, like that you's use to a frightened child as he spoke
"I'm very sorry for this that's happened to you, you're so young yet faced with such a terrible thing as this." While he couldn't find it in himself understand to the fullest, he tried his best with his words and actions and before too long the King had positioned himself into a kneeling down position now eye level with the girl. Of course, she couldn't see, but he had hoped his voice now before her and more towards her level gave her some sort of comfort- as if equaling himself so they were on the same level of a sort.
"While I'm unfamiliar with the way the God works towards commoners, I couldn't imaging him being so wrathful in his ways; cursing you the way he has and I offer you my sincerest apology on his behalf." While a wing was waved towards his adviser, the quiet little bird who almost seemed to melt at the compassion the king was showing this little girl, the deep voice would speak again
"While it's not the same, my lifelong friend has not the ability of speech- he conveys emotion with his actions and sounds but no voice like you or I. It must be hard for you." A subtle nod would be given and soft eyes would look into Mina's milky gaze, seeing into her and gently, a smile had dared to tug at his ash lips. Gryph didn't not believe Jijo, but it was hard to grasp the concept and at the moment, he had wanted to sooth the sobbing girl before him to the best of his abilities. He'd confront his keeper soon enough when the time was right.
"Forgive me; I know not of the powers nor limits of dark arts and spells.." Voice was apologetic if only slightly while it trailed off some. Was that slight embarrassment?
"Gift.. Our god has given gifts to my fathers- my people?" He was trying his hardest to wrap his mind around all this new information as with his little adviser. Neither of the males knew anything of the sort though Egret couldn't voice how he felt and stood in silence, equally confused however while little talons fiddled with one another where he stood. The king would shake his head slightly, eyes still fixed on Jijo. So he could see when others were going to die- how interesting. How weird. Pointed ears gave a twitch and throat choked down a hard lump. Feathered chest heaved forth and back while breath filled the lungs of the King as he had attempted to calm and assess the problem better and with a clearer mindset.
"You can see when another's going to die? Can you see how? Does anyone else know of this gift? Do you see one on me?" Rather paranoid and a bit irrational the king would open the throw that draped over his shoulders, exposing himself for the other to eye over his being- forgetting the earlier morning Jijo's mention of being sure the King would be safe and that it was his father who was indeed the one target of the unknown killer.
He began to listen to Mina's explanation of a dark soul and while exchanging looks between her and his keeper, Egret would lean in with a tilted head. He could feel great sympathy for the girl with no vision; cursed to see only the good and bad in people and not know blissful ignorance. However, it was slightly incomparable, he could still feel a sadness within him and let out a gentle coo in her direction, attempting his best to convey his empathy while Gryph's kingly stare softened upon the girl. He felt a pity within his heart as well for her as she now began to sob before them. A few steps forwards and a nervous glance back to Jijo, the king would place a gentle hand upon the girl's head, running delicate fingers over the strands of the girl's messy hair, pulling back to make the same motion a few more times.
Obviously, this little girl was carrying a heavy burden on her shoulders and in a way, though very differently, Gryph himself could relate. His voice was soft, gentle, like that you's use to a frightened child as he spoke
"I'm very sorry for this that's happened to you, you're so young yet faced with such a terrible thing as this." While he couldn't find it in himself understand to the fullest, he tried his best with his words and actions and before too long the King had positioned himself into a kneeling down position now eye level with the girl. Of course, she couldn't see, but he had hoped his voice now before her and more towards her level gave her some sort of comfort- as if equaling himself so they were on the same level of a sort.
"While I'm unfamiliar with the way the God works towards commoners, I couldn't imaging him being so wrathful in his ways; cursing you the way he has and I offer you my sincerest apology on his behalf." While a wing was waved towards his adviser, the quiet little bird who almost seemed to melt at the compassion the king was showing this little girl, the deep voice would speak again
"While it's not the same, my lifelong friend has not the ability of speech- he conveys emotion with his actions and sounds but no voice like you or I. It must be hard for you." A subtle nod would be given and soft eyes would look into Mina's milky gaze, seeing into her and gently, a smile had dared to tug at his ash lips. Gryph didn't not believe Jijo, but it was hard to grasp the concept and at the moment, he had wanted to sooth the sobbing girl before him to the best of his abilities. He'd confront his keeper soon enough when the time was right.
Jijo bit his lip again, drawing more blood. He felt bad for the girl - she did not have the privilege of being raised in a temple and being able to commune with their God. Their God was one of justice, which meant not everything was good all the time. He knew this too well; he went through this as a child, but had the God himself there to guide and teach. Instead, she was alone.
It hurt to think about.
He stopped this train of thought as his King stripped down before him, making Ji cover his eyes abruptly and let out a sharp but short wail. "My lord!! Please, put your robe back on! You are not Marqued! I even made sure before the girl came in here that she was not coming for you!" He peeped through his fingers at his King; if this day wasn't so hectic he'd probably have found this funny. Instead, now he was going to have to answer to their God about his secret getting out to these two other birds, and if you think the God is Wrathful with his Marques....
It sent a shudder down his spine. Suddenly, all this day's events came crashed down upon him. It started with the King's assassination, something that was supposed to be run-of-the-mill, more or less. But now.. Now he stood vulnerable in the new King's chambers, feeling more naked than a bird completely plucked of its feathers. The very air began to scratch against his skin, like tiny little pinpricks. God, why had he revealed such a secret so quickly?! Because this girl.. this random girl.. called him a dark soul? That must be it. Normally this never would have happened.
His anger sharpened itself towards the girl; his eyes tunnel-visioned onto her and it took a few very long moments and heavy breaths to reel in his misplaced blame. He needed to remove himself from this situation as quickly as possible, lest he betray the last of his secrets. He needed to get to the temple and pray. He needed help.
With this realization, Jijo turned sharply and stormed out of the King's chambers, simply throwing a "I need to pray" behind his shoulder as he went. As he ran through the palace corridors, he stopped briefly to pick up his own equipment - his normal dusk-colored robe and his weapons and poisons. He switched into the sage-robes as he walked, using only his sense of direction to steer him out to the temple, all else ignored.
--Mina--
Mina was happy to revel in the King's comfort until she felt the dark pulse behind him. The sage's soul thumped. It was a weird sensation; one she hadn't felt before. When a soul flickered out and died, usually it would attack her briefly with its final thoughts before departing to the next world - or wherever the dead go - but Jijo was still very much alive, and that scared her. His very soul flushed black, the seams where light poured through suddenly covered with the ooze of sin she was familiar with- for just a second. Then it was back to being shelled and cracked, and as soon as it seemed to recover its "normal" appearance, Jijo was storming out the door.
Mina trembled where she stood. What a scary presence that sage held; was he really so close to the God? Why would the God choose someone so terrifying to host .. a .. a "gift"? She suddenly doubted the King's words; "I couldn't imagine Him being wrathful." As of now, that's exactly what that God seemed like, and she wasn't sure she liked the idea. If Jijo was so close to the God, what could they come to expect from Him? Would He harm His own people? She knew now why the sage kept such a thing a secret, if it were true.. The stark truth of it was utterly terrifying. He's the last person I'd like to be able to see when I die.
She turned her blind gaze back to the King, pure bewilderment clear on her features. "I-is this normal for him? I know I said I don't like him... but is he gonna be okay?" She realized how childish and vulnerable she sounded, then, and immediately hardened her voice, adding an accusatory, "I mean, if he can see when people die, we don't want him angry, right?! He'll start... doing stuff!" She made a violent hacking gesture with her hand, though it was fairly obvious even she was worried about the dark-hearted sage. "You know him, right..? Can .. Can you help him? He's.. scary.."
It hurt to think about.
He stopped this train of thought as his King stripped down before him, making Ji cover his eyes abruptly and let out a sharp but short wail. "My lord!! Please, put your robe back on! You are not Marqued! I even made sure before the girl came in here that she was not coming for you!" He peeped through his fingers at his King; if this day wasn't so hectic he'd probably have found this funny. Instead, now he was going to have to answer to their God about his secret getting out to these two other birds, and if you think the God is Wrathful with his Marques....
It sent a shudder down his spine. Suddenly, all this day's events came crashed down upon him. It started with the King's assassination, something that was supposed to be run-of-the-mill, more or less. But now.. Now he stood vulnerable in the new King's chambers, feeling more naked than a bird completely plucked of its feathers. The very air began to scratch against his skin, like tiny little pinpricks. God, why had he revealed such a secret so quickly?! Because this girl.. this random girl.. called him a dark soul? That must be it. Normally this never would have happened.
His anger sharpened itself towards the girl; his eyes tunnel-visioned onto her and it took a few very long moments and heavy breaths to reel in his misplaced blame. He needed to remove himself from this situation as quickly as possible, lest he betray the last of his secrets. He needed to get to the temple and pray. He needed help.
With this realization, Jijo turned sharply and stormed out of the King's chambers, simply throwing a "I need to pray" behind his shoulder as he went. As he ran through the palace corridors, he stopped briefly to pick up his own equipment - his normal dusk-colored robe and his weapons and poisons. He switched into the sage-robes as he walked, using only his sense of direction to steer him out to the temple, all else ignored.
--Mina--
Mina was happy to revel in the King's comfort until she felt the dark pulse behind him. The sage's soul thumped. It was a weird sensation; one she hadn't felt before. When a soul flickered out and died, usually it would attack her briefly with its final thoughts before departing to the next world - or wherever the dead go - but Jijo was still very much alive, and that scared her. His very soul flushed black, the seams where light poured through suddenly covered with the ooze of sin she was familiar with- for just a second. Then it was back to being shelled and cracked, and as soon as it seemed to recover its "normal" appearance, Jijo was storming out the door.
Mina trembled where she stood. What a scary presence that sage held; was he really so close to the God? Why would the God choose someone so terrifying to host .. a .. a "gift"? She suddenly doubted the King's words; "I couldn't imagine Him being wrathful." As of now, that's exactly what that God seemed like, and she wasn't sure she liked the idea. If Jijo was so close to the God, what could they come to expect from Him? Would He harm His own people? She knew now why the sage kept such a thing a secret, if it were true.. The stark truth of it was utterly terrifying. He's the last person I'd like to be able to see when I die.
She turned her blind gaze back to the King, pure bewilderment clear on her features. "I-is this normal for him? I know I said I don't like him... but is he gonna be okay?" She realized how childish and vulnerable she sounded, then, and immediately hardened her voice, adding an accusatory, "I mean, if he can see when people die, we don't want him angry, right?! He'll start... doing stuff!" She made a violent hacking gesture with her hand, though it was fairly obvious even she was worried about the dark-hearted sage. "You know him, right..? Can .. Can you help him? He's.. scary.."
Gryph stood up fully, confused at the sudden frustrations that came over his friend leaving no time for words to be had before tongue and roll from his lips as the smaller male had stormed his way from his chambers. Oops. It almost hurt, he was confused and left feeling like he had done something.. wrong. Eyes would soften, watered over if just a bit before blinking and fixing back on the girl. She spoke now in a sense of fear, her gesture seeming violent and out of place for Jijo in the king's mind and as she had voiced her concerns he gave a gentle touch to her head, ruffling her hair slightly.
"It's alright; Jijo isn't one to be so violent from what I've come to know.. But I'll see to him, and sort this out privately." Words trailed off and the king gave a few steps towards the direction his keeper had stormed off in though he stopped short, giving a look back at his guard and the small girl.
"Egret, my trusted adviser, please give to this girl a full meal on my behalf. She made it this far without getting caught and while I'd usually frown upon that, right now I would like to offer her a meal in thanks for bringing this to my attention." He nodded, as if confirming his orders and looked back to the girl.
"You seemed hungry to me, so please, accept my humble offerings. For now though, I must see to my keeper. Thank you." Gryph would motion towards the door, signalling Egret to direct the younger female out through the chamber door where he'd click away and eventually bring the girl to the mess hall where those who lived within the palace ate their meals. After his companion would leave with the female, Gryph made his way out of his chamber fully, letting the drapes fall behind him while talons clicked; hurrying along the palace floor while he swiftly made his way in the direction of where the sages would gather. He wasn't completely sure where the sages went to pray, but that didn't stop the king from exploring. Fatigue seemingly clouding his judgment, Gryph usually wasn't one to chase after anyone. He'd let them come to him, but with Jijo.. he had to apologize. The look on the smaller one's face and his sudden change in mannerisms had made the king feel at fault and he wouldn't let the other go without knowing his sincerest apologies.
After searching a bit through the corridors that scattered the palace, hed halt himself, panting slightly from the hurried movements while eyes gave a sort of quizzical look while they scanned the area around him. Man this palace was a lot bigger than he remembered..probably due to the fact he had never really been given the permission to roam the length of the palace before.
Most of the birds who were up and about had now retreated to their sleeping quarters and all that stood now were the nightly guards that kept his home safe which left the halls eerily silent. Each talon click had echoed through and the King gave a soft coo, rethinking his decision to go chasing after his keeper.
"Jijo?" The voice of the King echoed down the hall, hoping to catch the ears of the other somewhere. Gryph waited silently while pointed ears had hoped to hear a return call and those thing pillars of his mindlessly carried him cautiously onwards for a few more feet before he'd stop, cooing again a little louder for Jijo but turned this time towards the direction he came, pondering if it'd be a better, more logical idea to turn tail and head back up through his chambers. Surely, at daybreak the smaller male would have had time to pray to their God and flatten his feathers- but still, that pang in his chest had kept him still and silent, telling him to not leave his friend like this; not to leave the situation on a bad note. Besides, going to sleep with a clouded mind lead to nightmares on most occasions.
"It's alright; Jijo isn't one to be so violent from what I've come to know.. But I'll see to him, and sort this out privately." Words trailed off and the king gave a few steps towards the direction his keeper had stormed off in though he stopped short, giving a look back at his guard and the small girl.
"Egret, my trusted adviser, please give to this girl a full meal on my behalf. She made it this far without getting caught and while I'd usually frown upon that, right now I would like to offer her a meal in thanks for bringing this to my attention." He nodded, as if confirming his orders and looked back to the girl.
"You seemed hungry to me, so please, accept my humble offerings. For now though, I must see to my keeper. Thank you." Gryph would motion towards the door, signalling Egret to direct the younger female out through the chamber door where he'd click away and eventually bring the girl to the mess hall where those who lived within the palace ate their meals. After his companion would leave with the female, Gryph made his way out of his chamber fully, letting the drapes fall behind him while talons clicked; hurrying along the palace floor while he swiftly made his way in the direction of where the sages would gather. He wasn't completely sure where the sages went to pray, but that didn't stop the king from exploring. Fatigue seemingly clouding his judgment, Gryph usually wasn't one to chase after anyone. He'd let them come to him, but with Jijo.. he had to apologize. The look on the smaller one's face and his sudden change in mannerisms had made the king feel at fault and he wouldn't let the other go without knowing his sincerest apologies.
After searching a bit through the corridors that scattered the palace, hed halt himself, panting slightly from the hurried movements while eyes gave a sort of quizzical look while they scanned the area around him. Man this palace was a lot bigger than he remembered..probably due to the fact he had never really been given the permission to roam the length of the palace before.
Most of the birds who were up and about had now retreated to their sleeping quarters and all that stood now were the nightly guards that kept his home safe which left the halls eerily silent. Each talon click had echoed through and the King gave a soft coo, rethinking his decision to go chasing after his keeper.
"Jijo?" The voice of the King echoed down the hall, hoping to catch the ears of the other somewhere. Gryph waited silently while pointed ears had hoped to hear a return call and those thing pillars of his mindlessly carried him cautiously onwards for a few more feet before he'd stop, cooing again a little louder for Jijo but turned this time towards the direction he came, pondering if it'd be a better, more logical idea to turn tail and head back up through his chambers. Surely, at daybreak the smaller male would have had time to pray to their God and flatten his feathers- but still, that pang in his chest had kept him still and silent, telling him to not leave his friend like this; not to leave the situation on a bad note. Besides, going to sleep with a clouded mind lead to nightmares on most occasions.
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