Jijo dipped his head lightly as the King spoke of Mina's new task to root out the corruption in the palace. He felt himself swell a bit with pride; though Mina was only newly his charge, he couldn't help but feel that she was going great places with this gift of hers. Maybe she would come to see that this Sight was not a burden after all. And he knew that she could use it well - she used her unconventional Sight to navigate the palace to get here in the first place, without anyone knowing. That was no easy task - this he knew from experience as well: from Rukaia's assassination. Yes, he knew that she would manage this task flawlessly. Subtlety was her strong suit.
Ji watched sympathetically now as his news of a second facet to the God settled over the King. He seemed to darken visibly, and looked scared, almost. Ji's heart sank seeing this; this was part of the reason, he knew, that Wrath did not want too many knowing of Him. There was nothing he could say to make this news easier on Gryph, so he sat in silence as the cloud of dread settled over the king for what seemed like a few very long minutes before it lessened. Ji realized his feathers had begun to fluff up in anxiety, and he quickly smoothed them back down awkwardly.
He held by a sigh of relief when the king finally spoke again. As the king promised his secret would be safe, he dipped his head in gratitude and respect, clasping his hands in front of him together in a humble and grateful gesture. "Thank you.. Nobody is supposed to know of Wrath but those He has charged directly, and while He Himself entrusted me with your safety and comfort, I do not even know if I was supposed to ever tell you this. However, I deeply respect you and all you stand for, and a wise King does much better for his people. And, while I respected you before, Mina's description of your soul changed something further within me, and I feel you are better with this knowledge, no matter how grim or unreal it may be."
He then tilted his head as the king spoke of his worries for Mina, and nodded understandingly. "I myself don't know how it will go. Since she is blind, she cannot see Him the way I do.. For some reasons, I am grateful of this, but I also get the feeling He will find another way to show her His avatar. But.." He paused, a small smile playing across his lips as he thought of his headstrong apprentice, "I think she will handle it well. Maybe much better than I did, when I first saw Him. I was entirely unprepared." He smirked sadly, remembering all too well what had happened to him when he was given his ability to see Marques. "Since Mina is strong in heart and mind, and already has her Gift prior to meeting Him, I can't help but feel she will be okay. Even so.. I was rendered blind for two days after my first meeting with Him. I have no idea how such a meeting will affect Mina physically, or if it even will." He grimaced and sighed. "If worse comes to worst, I may be attending your father's ceremony alone while Mina rests in her room. I hope you understand." He bowed his head apologetically.
He wondered if the king was going to seek out the book he mentioned earlier, and a shudder ran through his entire being. It was the most graphic, disturbing thing he'd laid eyes on - and as an assassin, he'd seen quite a lot. He couldn't help but fear that if the King read the book, he would be much more affected by its contents than Ji was. "My lord.. Please keep in mind.. Even if you do seek out Divine Wrath and read it, always remember that while its contents may be.. terrifying, to say the least, that your god Xhen is also very real, and as good as Wrath is vengeful. Xhen is not my God in the way He is yours - I have never seen him. But remember your own meeting with Him if you read it.. Remember the way He looked and felt to you, and let it make things easier on you and lessen the weight on your mind and heart. I did not have this experience to weigh against what I read, so perhaps knowing what you do of Xehn will make it less painful. .. That is, of course, if you choose to read it."
Ji watched sympathetically now as his news of a second facet to the God settled over the King. He seemed to darken visibly, and looked scared, almost. Ji's heart sank seeing this; this was part of the reason, he knew, that Wrath did not want too many knowing of Him. There was nothing he could say to make this news easier on Gryph, so he sat in silence as the cloud of dread settled over the king for what seemed like a few very long minutes before it lessened. Ji realized his feathers had begun to fluff up in anxiety, and he quickly smoothed them back down awkwardly.
He held by a sigh of relief when the king finally spoke again. As the king promised his secret would be safe, he dipped his head in gratitude and respect, clasping his hands in front of him together in a humble and grateful gesture. "Thank you.. Nobody is supposed to know of Wrath but those He has charged directly, and while He Himself entrusted me with your safety and comfort, I do not even know if I was supposed to ever tell you this. However, I deeply respect you and all you stand for, and a wise King does much better for his people. And, while I respected you before, Mina's description of your soul changed something further within me, and I feel you are better with this knowledge, no matter how grim or unreal it may be."
He then tilted his head as the king spoke of his worries for Mina, and nodded understandingly. "I myself don't know how it will go. Since she is blind, she cannot see Him the way I do.. For some reasons, I am grateful of this, but I also get the feeling He will find another way to show her His avatar. But.." He paused, a small smile playing across his lips as he thought of his headstrong apprentice, "I think she will handle it well. Maybe much better than I did, when I first saw Him. I was entirely unprepared." He smirked sadly, remembering all too well what had happened to him when he was given his ability to see Marques. "Since Mina is strong in heart and mind, and already has her Gift prior to meeting Him, I can't help but feel she will be okay. Even so.. I was rendered blind for two days after my first meeting with Him. I have no idea how such a meeting will affect Mina physically, or if it even will." He grimaced and sighed. "If worse comes to worst, I may be attending your father's ceremony alone while Mina rests in her room. I hope you understand." He bowed his head apologetically.
He wondered if the king was going to seek out the book he mentioned earlier, and a shudder ran through his entire being. It was the most graphic, disturbing thing he'd laid eyes on - and as an assassin, he'd seen quite a lot. He couldn't help but fear that if the King read the book, he would be much more affected by its contents than Ji was. "My lord.. Please keep in mind.. Even if you do seek out Divine Wrath and read it, always remember that while its contents may be.. terrifying, to say the least, that your god Xhen is also very real, and as good as Wrath is vengeful. Xhen is not my God in the way He is yours - I have never seen him. But remember your own meeting with Him if you read it.. Remember the way He looked and felt to you, and let it make things easier on you and lessen the weight on your mind and heart. I did not have this experience to weigh against what I read, so perhaps knowing what you do of Xehn will make it less painful. .. That is, of course, if you choose to read it."
Gryph's ruby eyes would fix on Jijo as pointed ears took in the other's voice, giving him his full attention and replying with a nod. It was rough to think that Mina may not be able to attend his father's ceremony though it was for the greater good, he supposed. The meeting of her own god, the possible clarity that may be given about her ability to see souls where the lack of actual eyesight rest. A soft nod and a gentle hum was given now before the king shifted himself, one leg resting over the other and a slight jump within him was given though barely noticeable as Jijo spoke of seeking out the Divine Wrath. The words took him off guard a moment though he would relax a few moments after, mind thinking hard and remembering what he could of his own god, Xhen. The giant, majestic being he had the honour of seeing a few days prior; his bright colours and warm radiance. He'd be sure to keep this in his mind and try to remember- after all Xhen was like nothing he had ever seen before. He could picture within his own mind a very clear, almost real picture of this mighty deity as he thought and with eyes now shielded behind lids it was almost as if the being itself was before him now and he could feel his warmth embrace his body. Almost lost in the surreal moment the King had forgotten where he was and a gentle hand lifted in reality and rest on the air before him though within his mind, it rested against the giant snout of his merciful god. Scarlet eyes peeked open, the warmth quickly escaping and the bright light dimming to the dim lighted room he sat in while hand still placed in the air which he quickly withdrew feeling an overwhelming sense of sheepishness. One hand placing and folding over the hand that had reached out as if to keep it in line and eyes darted off to the side. Well that was kind of awkward!
Before him, Egret would give a soft clucking noise as if giggling at his King. Upon his lips tugged a playful smirk while two-toned eyes watched him with curiosity- what was it that Gryph had seen? He was used to his childhood companion doing some odd things in the confides of his own peace though this was slightly different; like he had actually seen something. Clucking would come to a halt though as Gryph's eyes quickly met with his own where he puffed out cheeks as if pouting internally, taking the king's silent gesture as a slight scolding before crossing his feathered arms against chest and releasing a flustered sigh.
The King's eyes would now wander from Egret to Jijo before lips parted and words would make their way into the air around them. "If in fact I do seek out this telling, I promise that I will keep my god within my thoughts. I have faith in him; I entrust him with my entire being and will call upon him without a doubt. His image.. it's very real within my mind.." Voice trailed off as he gave a quick look down at his hand before returning attention to Jijo.
"I trust his warmth and light to protect me from any darkness I may uncover in my readings- If I choose to do so." Egret's eyes rested in a slight glare as they watched the king as if he was already scolding him for thinking of meddling in something like this to which Gryph ignored as best as he could. He knew the other wouldn't be thrilled with this choice, but he also knew that his companion wouldn't understand. His mind was made up and this would make him wiser and allow him the knowledge to fill a big chunk in his mind where the knowledge of evil was bare. His kingdom needed him to do this. After silence had fallen the King would outstretch left hand and ring at a small bell that rested on the edge of the table where it was lifted up and shaken gently from side to side; a loud chime echoing throughout his chamber and then out into the hallway, signalling that he had finished his meal. After placing it back down, King Gryph would lift himself to stand on his feet, talons clicking against the palace floor as he shifted his position a bit, stretching himself out. With the sun fully set and a warm dinner within his gut, the King's agenda had been marked off leaving only a few items left; his nightly prep and slumber.
"Thank you, Jijo, for accompanying me this evening for dinner and for taking time to converse with me on my concerns. It's a pleasure to have you at my meals." He'd dip his head towards the other, showing respect and appreciation for his keeper before trying out that smile thing again. Lips tugged at the corners and awkwardly, he had attempted to give the other a warm, appreciative smile that in reality, looked more like a nervous smirk. "Now if you'll excuse me, I must attend to my nightly routine before sleep.. Do let me know when you and Mina decide to leave tomorrow please. If for some reason you cannot find me feel free to relay that you are 'going out' to one of my trusted guards." Soft bobs of his head in agreement of his own words were given before some chirps from outside of the thick drapes to his chambers were sounded to which Gryph cooed back, granting permission to some plump birds who quickly worked to clear the table of any unfinished food and the eatery onto a small cart they had toted behind. They worked with perfection, even cleaning off the glass table with a moistened towel and sweeping up around where the dinner was had and within moments, they were gone out of the King's room and back into their kitchen to finish their duties.
"Ah and one more thing- if you haven't had so done yet, you may ask one of my maids to have a room within the hall cleared out for you to call your own. I apologize for not having gotten to that sooner.." A soft sight would be given from ash lips. Being a King was tough work with all these promises and running around! "..And in the off chance that you haven't done so, I offer my chamber to you again tonight. I know that it's not exactly a bed, but the sofa's are pretty comfortable." A soft chuckle was given and another small bow towards his friend before body would turn and make it's way towards the end of his room, turning the corner and disappearing into his bathing room.
The tan and white bird would squawk, feathers fluffing up and a few strays floating down onto the floor as he jumped from his seat, toes hitting the ground while small legs supported his frame. Two toned eyes watched his king a moment as he spoke to Jijo then watched back to the sage only to swap attention back to the King. Tiny scratches against the tile was given as the small bird scuttled his way after Gryph where he'd pause half way to turn around and give a deep bow to Jijo as if to express his own thanks and appreciation to the other, meeting him with a full and happy smile that seemingly beamed brighter than the gentle light from the torches within the room before turning back around and following after his King where he'd aid the other in his nightly routine.
Before him, Egret would give a soft clucking noise as if giggling at his King. Upon his lips tugged a playful smirk while two-toned eyes watched him with curiosity- what was it that Gryph had seen? He was used to his childhood companion doing some odd things in the confides of his own peace though this was slightly different; like he had actually seen something. Clucking would come to a halt though as Gryph's eyes quickly met with his own where he puffed out cheeks as if pouting internally, taking the king's silent gesture as a slight scolding before crossing his feathered arms against chest and releasing a flustered sigh.
The King's eyes would now wander from Egret to Jijo before lips parted and words would make their way into the air around them. "If in fact I do seek out this telling, I promise that I will keep my god within my thoughts. I have faith in him; I entrust him with my entire being and will call upon him without a doubt. His image.. it's very real within my mind.." Voice trailed off as he gave a quick look down at his hand before returning attention to Jijo.
"I trust his warmth and light to protect me from any darkness I may uncover in my readings- If I choose to do so." Egret's eyes rested in a slight glare as they watched the king as if he was already scolding him for thinking of meddling in something like this to which Gryph ignored as best as he could. He knew the other wouldn't be thrilled with this choice, but he also knew that his companion wouldn't understand. His mind was made up and this would make him wiser and allow him the knowledge to fill a big chunk in his mind where the knowledge of evil was bare. His kingdom needed him to do this. After silence had fallen the King would outstretch left hand and ring at a small bell that rested on the edge of the table where it was lifted up and shaken gently from side to side; a loud chime echoing throughout his chamber and then out into the hallway, signalling that he had finished his meal. After placing it back down, King Gryph would lift himself to stand on his feet, talons clicking against the palace floor as he shifted his position a bit, stretching himself out. With the sun fully set and a warm dinner within his gut, the King's agenda had been marked off leaving only a few items left; his nightly prep and slumber.
"Thank you, Jijo, for accompanying me this evening for dinner and for taking time to converse with me on my concerns. It's a pleasure to have you at my meals." He'd dip his head towards the other, showing respect and appreciation for his keeper before trying out that smile thing again. Lips tugged at the corners and awkwardly, he had attempted to give the other a warm, appreciative smile that in reality, looked more like a nervous smirk. "Now if you'll excuse me, I must attend to my nightly routine before sleep.. Do let me know when you and Mina decide to leave tomorrow please. If for some reason you cannot find me feel free to relay that you are 'going out' to one of my trusted guards." Soft bobs of his head in agreement of his own words were given before some chirps from outside of the thick drapes to his chambers were sounded to which Gryph cooed back, granting permission to some plump birds who quickly worked to clear the table of any unfinished food and the eatery onto a small cart they had toted behind. They worked with perfection, even cleaning off the glass table with a moistened towel and sweeping up around where the dinner was had and within moments, they were gone out of the King's room and back into their kitchen to finish their duties.
"Ah and one more thing- if you haven't had so done yet, you may ask one of my maids to have a room within the hall cleared out for you to call your own. I apologize for not having gotten to that sooner.." A soft sight would be given from ash lips. Being a King was tough work with all these promises and running around! "..And in the off chance that you haven't done so, I offer my chamber to you again tonight. I know that it's not exactly a bed, but the sofa's are pretty comfortable." A soft chuckle was given and another small bow towards his friend before body would turn and make it's way towards the end of his room, turning the corner and disappearing into his bathing room.
The tan and white bird would squawk, feathers fluffing up and a few strays floating down onto the floor as he jumped from his seat, toes hitting the ground while small legs supported his frame. Two toned eyes watched his king a moment as he spoke to Jijo then watched back to the sage only to swap attention back to the King. Tiny scratches against the tile was given as the small bird scuttled his way after Gryph where he'd pause half way to turn around and give a deep bow to Jijo as if to express his own thanks and appreciation to the other, meeting him with a full and happy smile that seemingly beamed brighter than the gentle light from the torches within the room before turning back around and following after his King where he'd aid the other in his nightly routine.
Jijo smiled warmly at his King, admiring his bravery and genuineness concerning his God. His smile faded, though, as he thought of the account of the traitor and its graphic details. His ears drooped, and it took him a moment to recollect himself. "Just please try to prepare yourself," he murmured solemnly. He would be greatly upset with himself if the King were mentally or emotionally scarred from the book's contents.
He continued to dwell on this, his brain barely registering as Gryph spoke to him of the morning and getting himself a room. He started, perked his ears back up, and blushed lightly at his airheadedness. "O-of course. Yes, um. For now I'll stay in Mina's room, thank you, my lord. I'm accustomed to sharing my quarters with as many as seven others, and it feels a bit odd to have a place to myself." He smiled, remembering his time at the public temple, as though it were ages ago, though it had been less than a week. Realizing this, he suddenly felt bone-weary, and stood to leave as soon as the King had said all he needed to say. "I will send a messenger to you in the morning when Mina and I leave for the temple. It will likely be before the dawn, to attract as little attention as possible." He bowed deeply, his robes cloaking him as he did so, then turned and headed down the hallway to Mina's room, nervous yet excited.
--MORNING--
Mina woke to Jijo prodding her none-too-gently on the shoulder, making her roll away from him and in turn fall off the bed. Great way to start the day. She rose from the floor tangled in her bedsheets, and struggled for what felt like endless minutes to free herself of the 1200-thread-count deathtrap as Jijo cackled into his hand on the other side of the room.
"I've already sent a messenger to the King that we're leaving.. I yelled at you for ten minutes and you didn't respond. I thought you slipped into vegetation," Ji cooed teasingly, remaking the bed that Mina had freshly ravaged. He was so used to maintenance at the temple, he hadn't even realized he was doing it until it was done. Ehh, awkward. At least Mina couldn't see him do it, or his following embarrassment.
Jijo peered out the window, judging the time. It was still no later than 4am, and considering how long it took him to wake Mina, their time may be limited with Wrath. He sighed, shaking his head in a mixture of anxiety and dread. This was his God, but he was still rather unpleasant to speak to in person. He was sure, though, that the god would also want Mina to train a bit more before meeting him face-to-face.
"Mina," he said suddenly, startling her in her silence. "We're going to work on your stealth today. As in, right now, on the way to the temple." He spoke abruptly to give a sense of urgency, and make her realize this was one of the - if not first and foremost - most important parts of assassination arts. Mina tensed as she picked up on this, and nodded. Ji added a single terse sentence: "I do not want to see a single second or shadow of you until you're at the door to the temple. I'll be looking. Learn fast." He then took his leave through the window, climbing the sill and then leaping to the nearest roof in the darkness and taking off to the north to get a vantage point to watch for his apprentice.
Mina stood in shocked silence for a few moments before her brain got to work. Jijo was the keenest bird she'd ever met, and he expected her to avoid his sight all the way to the temple her first time alone? How the heck was she going to manage that? She stared blindly out the window Ji just jumped out of, watching his life-orb bounce off into the distance before disappearing completely from her Sight. It was as if he knew her "range" and purposely stayed outside of it, because as soon as she started moving, his dark-yet-bright orb would immediately move out of her vision. This meant that he was definitely watching, but also that he didn't want Mina to have the advantage of knowing where he was at all times. She was going in, literally and figuratively, completely blind.
She didn't have the agility or know-how to jump windows yet, so Mina took the long way: through the palace. Using her Vision to locate guards and therefore avoid them wasn't enough. She realized that her talons clicked loudly on the palace floors, and had to work to adjust the way she walked so that the tips of her toes did not come into contact at all with the floor. This made walking at all extremely awkward at first, though as she got used to adjusting her center of balance in this way, she found it much easier to avoid unwanted attention. It also seemingly made her physically lighter on her feet, allowing her to bounce from foot to foot and move more quickly. However, because her talons no longer made noise, she could not maneuver based on echolocation as she usually did - using the reverberations her talons made to "see" walls and other things. Experimentally, she clicked her tongue against her beak and found it to be much quieter than her talons and yet still as effective for sensing objects in her way. Using these two spur-of-the-moment techniques, Mina hop-sprinted out of the palace and through the dead-quiet town streets, stilling her own breathing to perfect silence.
Jijo didn't see her until she reached the temple doors. He was deeply impressed and proud. With no instruction at all, she had mastered her own version of stealth in less than an hour. Ahh, this must truly be the gift of Wrath. He approached the temple himself now, lightly hopping from roof to roof to the ground in front of Mina, proudly ruffling her hair as he came to her. "Exceptional. Truly amazing. You're the best," he cooed. "Did you bring your dagger?"
Mina tilted her head slightly, confused, as she procured the blade he had given her. "Of course. I slept with the thing on accident. Why, though? We're not going to ki--"
"Sshhh!" Ji silenced her, awkwardly fumbling for a moment. He wasn't used to hearing the word 'kill' out loud, still; just hearing it made him feel vulnerable and exposed to the entire kingdom. "Quiet about that, if you please.." He murmured awkwardly. "No, we .. no, it's not for that," he cleared his throat. "I will show you inside."
He lead her inside, where a single handmaiden of the temple kept watch. She smiled upon seeing Jijo, and waved to him in a friendly manner before politely excusing herself - it was common decency to leave the temple's main chambers when one comes to consult with Xhen (or Wrath, in his case). Ji smiled and thanked her for her faith and watchfulness before approaching the altar, a stone representation of Xhen. He looked at it warily; this part always wigged him out a bit.
He drew his own dagger now, and brought it across his palm, blood welling to the surface quickly. He no longer felt the pain of this gesture - he had cut along his palm so many times now that it had lost feeling. He knew it wouldn't be the same for Mina, though. "You, now, Mina," he said gruffly, suddenly tense with nerves. Mina nodded stiffly, picking up his serious vibe, before expertly drawing her own blade across her hand. He heard her inhale sharply from the pain and winced empathetically; this poor child had a lot to become callous of. Now he reached for her hand as it bled, and simultaneously with his own let the blood drip onto the stone altar.
The altar writhed and sizzled. The magnificent representation of Xhen turned into a sliming, oozing, black representation of Wrath. The entirety of the room around them seemed to darken and the air thickened. Again, Ji heard Mina inhale; he knew she couldn't see the changes occurring here but probably felt the entire aura of the place shift. He placed a hand on her shoulder reassuringly as the change continued to unfold before them, until the stone altar slithered to life and Wrath Himself wrapped his slippery body around the altar's base.
You bring me the new one. His deep voice slithered into Jijo's mind and wrapped it in a mucous discomfort. Ji bowed immediately, bringing Mina with him; they kneeled and bowed so hard their foreheads nearly touched the floor.
Jijo, you have done well. I have watched your training and your interactions with the King. Wrath smiled a toothy, disgusting grin at Jijo, making his skin crawl. Wrath then turned to Mina, slithering his way around the altar's base to come front and center with her.
Little one, I'm glad you've made your way here. I've been waiting. Mina gasped as she got her first taste of the god's "voice." It made her feel as though she were trapped in a warm, viscous fluid akin to blood. Her blind eyes stared at the floor in an attempt to solidify something, anything, and hold herself together. Ji, sensing again her discomfort though not being able to hear Wrath anymore, grabbed her hand and held it tight.
You have had it rough in life thus far, no? Wrath smirked almost derisively at the young bird, dripping with sarcasm. While Mina had had it rough, his voice implied otherwise. That is nothing. Mina shivered head to toe then, utterly terrified yet awed by this massive God before her.
You lack the sense of sight. It is for this reason I cannot give you the initiation I gave to Jijo. Blindness. Though his was caused by acid, extremely painful, and was only temporary... Obviously. It sounds cruel, but it was not pointless. It taught him much. His place, both in the world and as my disciple. The knowledge of right and wrong in this kingdom. He was physically blind but saw instead many things the general flock of this world would never come to know even existed. He saw all the things this world must endure when justice is not met. He saw the reason I exist. Mina blinked, still staring at the floor of the temple. She couldn't comprehend what He was telling her.
You would not understand yet. Wrath sneered, then his voice softened. But you will. Instead of his Blindness, you will be granted Sight. That's right - vision. But while you will see the world as others do, too you will see their sins. You will see everything they have ever done, etched into their very being, and everything that has happened as a result of their actions. You will see justice, and the lack thereof, in the opposite way Jijo did. Mina furrowed her brow in confusion. She was going to see? That didn't sound terrible at all! Though the part about sin sounded a bit concerning.
Open your eyes, Mina. Truly open them. And feel pain. His voice slithered out of her mind then.
Jijo could see the stone altar return to its previous state, clean of the blood they had offered it. But what he saw more clearly, more obviously, more terrifying, was Mina curled in a tiny ball on the temple floor. She opened her mouth to scream, but no noise escaped. Ji watched sadly as she writhed in the pain of initiation, able to offer no comfort. She wheezed, coughed, cried soundlessly.. and her eyes gained color. Her irises became a scary shade of green - more striking than anything he had seen. Unnatural. More than that, he could see that the color itself shifted and slithered like Wrath himself, never settling in her eyes. It was extremely terrifying to see. Eventually, Mina stopped writhing and instead lay too silently on the floor, staring right into Jijo's eyes.
"I see you." She murmured in a whisper. "I see everything you've done and everything you will ever do." She coughed again, burying her forehead into the temple ground for a moment to recollect herself. Slowly, painfully, she brought herself back to her knees. She stared now at the floor from this distance, inspecting its every facet and color and inlaid detail. "So this is seeing.." She cooed raggedly, still in much pain but in too much awe to heed it much attention.
Jijo stared at her in silence, amazed and terrified. Wrath had given her sight. At what cost? She said that she saw "everything he'd done and will do." It sounded a lot like his initiation, but more personal to whoever she laid eyes on instead of everything, everyone, all the time, as it was for him. Still, the idea of her seeing everything he'd done made him shudder. But, this was all part of Wrath's plans, and that gave him an odd comfort. All this pain was for a reason, and Mina was seeing that now more than ever. Seeing the reason Wrath existed at all. She looked more mature already, and Ji was scared he was going to lose the Mina he'd come to enjoy the company of so quickly.
Until she muttered, "You're uglier than I imagined."
Jijo realized everything was going to be alright.
He continued to dwell on this, his brain barely registering as Gryph spoke to him of the morning and getting himself a room. He started, perked his ears back up, and blushed lightly at his airheadedness. "O-of course. Yes, um. For now I'll stay in Mina's room, thank you, my lord. I'm accustomed to sharing my quarters with as many as seven others, and it feels a bit odd to have a place to myself." He smiled, remembering his time at the public temple, as though it were ages ago, though it had been less than a week. Realizing this, he suddenly felt bone-weary, and stood to leave as soon as the King had said all he needed to say. "I will send a messenger to you in the morning when Mina and I leave for the temple. It will likely be before the dawn, to attract as little attention as possible." He bowed deeply, his robes cloaking him as he did so, then turned and headed down the hallway to Mina's room, nervous yet excited.
--MORNING--
Mina woke to Jijo prodding her none-too-gently on the shoulder, making her roll away from him and in turn fall off the bed. Great way to start the day. She rose from the floor tangled in her bedsheets, and struggled for what felt like endless minutes to free herself of the 1200-thread-count deathtrap as Jijo cackled into his hand on the other side of the room.
"I've already sent a messenger to the King that we're leaving.. I yelled at you for ten minutes and you didn't respond. I thought you slipped into vegetation," Ji cooed teasingly, remaking the bed that Mina had freshly ravaged. He was so used to maintenance at the temple, he hadn't even realized he was doing it until it was done. Ehh, awkward. At least Mina couldn't see him do it, or his following embarrassment.
Jijo peered out the window, judging the time. It was still no later than 4am, and considering how long it took him to wake Mina, their time may be limited with Wrath. He sighed, shaking his head in a mixture of anxiety and dread. This was his God, but he was still rather unpleasant to speak to in person. He was sure, though, that the god would also want Mina to train a bit more before meeting him face-to-face.
"Mina," he said suddenly, startling her in her silence. "We're going to work on your stealth today. As in, right now, on the way to the temple." He spoke abruptly to give a sense of urgency, and make her realize this was one of the - if not first and foremost - most important parts of assassination arts. Mina tensed as she picked up on this, and nodded. Ji added a single terse sentence: "I do not want to see a single second or shadow of you until you're at the door to the temple. I'll be looking. Learn fast." He then took his leave through the window, climbing the sill and then leaping to the nearest roof in the darkness and taking off to the north to get a vantage point to watch for his apprentice.
Mina stood in shocked silence for a few moments before her brain got to work. Jijo was the keenest bird she'd ever met, and he expected her to avoid his sight all the way to the temple her first time alone? How the heck was she going to manage that? She stared blindly out the window Ji just jumped out of, watching his life-orb bounce off into the distance before disappearing completely from her Sight. It was as if he knew her "range" and purposely stayed outside of it, because as soon as she started moving, his dark-yet-bright orb would immediately move out of her vision. This meant that he was definitely watching, but also that he didn't want Mina to have the advantage of knowing where he was at all times. She was going in, literally and figuratively, completely blind.
She didn't have the agility or know-how to jump windows yet, so Mina took the long way: through the palace. Using her Vision to locate guards and therefore avoid them wasn't enough. She realized that her talons clicked loudly on the palace floors, and had to work to adjust the way she walked so that the tips of her toes did not come into contact at all with the floor. This made walking at all extremely awkward at first, though as she got used to adjusting her center of balance in this way, she found it much easier to avoid unwanted attention. It also seemingly made her physically lighter on her feet, allowing her to bounce from foot to foot and move more quickly. However, because her talons no longer made noise, she could not maneuver based on echolocation as she usually did - using the reverberations her talons made to "see" walls and other things. Experimentally, she clicked her tongue against her beak and found it to be much quieter than her talons and yet still as effective for sensing objects in her way. Using these two spur-of-the-moment techniques, Mina hop-sprinted out of the palace and through the dead-quiet town streets, stilling her own breathing to perfect silence.
Jijo didn't see her until she reached the temple doors. He was deeply impressed and proud. With no instruction at all, she had mastered her own version of stealth in less than an hour. Ahh, this must truly be the gift of Wrath. He approached the temple himself now, lightly hopping from roof to roof to the ground in front of Mina, proudly ruffling her hair as he came to her. "Exceptional. Truly amazing. You're the best," he cooed. "Did you bring your dagger?"
Mina tilted her head slightly, confused, as she procured the blade he had given her. "Of course. I slept with the thing on accident. Why, though? We're not going to ki--"
"Sshhh!" Ji silenced her, awkwardly fumbling for a moment. He wasn't used to hearing the word 'kill' out loud, still; just hearing it made him feel vulnerable and exposed to the entire kingdom. "Quiet about that, if you please.." He murmured awkwardly. "No, we .. no, it's not for that," he cleared his throat. "I will show you inside."
He lead her inside, where a single handmaiden of the temple kept watch. She smiled upon seeing Jijo, and waved to him in a friendly manner before politely excusing herself - it was common decency to leave the temple's main chambers when one comes to consult with Xhen (or Wrath, in his case). Ji smiled and thanked her for her faith and watchfulness before approaching the altar, a stone representation of Xhen. He looked at it warily; this part always wigged him out a bit.
He drew his own dagger now, and brought it across his palm, blood welling to the surface quickly. He no longer felt the pain of this gesture - he had cut along his palm so many times now that it had lost feeling. He knew it wouldn't be the same for Mina, though. "You, now, Mina," he said gruffly, suddenly tense with nerves. Mina nodded stiffly, picking up his serious vibe, before expertly drawing her own blade across her hand. He heard her inhale sharply from the pain and winced empathetically; this poor child had a lot to become callous of. Now he reached for her hand as it bled, and simultaneously with his own let the blood drip onto the stone altar.
The altar writhed and sizzled. The magnificent representation of Xhen turned into a sliming, oozing, black representation of Wrath. The entirety of the room around them seemed to darken and the air thickened. Again, Ji heard Mina inhale; he knew she couldn't see the changes occurring here but probably felt the entire aura of the place shift. He placed a hand on her shoulder reassuringly as the change continued to unfold before them, until the stone altar slithered to life and Wrath Himself wrapped his slippery body around the altar's base.
You bring me the new one. His deep voice slithered into Jijo's mind and wrapped it in a mucous discomfort. Ji bowed immediately, bringing Mina with him; they kneeled and bowed so hard their foreheads nearly touched the floor.
Jijo, you have done well. I have watched your training and your interactions with the King. Wrath smiled a toothy, disgusting grin at Jijo, making his skin crawl. Wrath then turned to Mina, slithering his way around the altar's base to come front and center with her.
Little one, I'm glad you've made your way here. I've been waiting. Mina gasped as she got her first taste of the god's "voice." It made her feel as though she were trapped in a warm, viscous fluid akin to blood. Her blind eyes stared at the floor in an attempt to solidify something, anything, and hold herself together. Ji, sensing again her discomfort though not being able to hear Wrath anymore, grabbed her hand and held it tight.
You have had it rough in life thus far, no? Wrath smirked almost derisively at the young bird, dripping with sarcasm. While Mina had had it rough, his voice implied otherwise. That is nothing. Mina shivered head to toe then, utterly terrified yet awed by this massive God before her.
You lack the sense of sight. It is for this reason I cannot give you the initiation I gave to Jijo. Blindness. Though his was caused by acid, extremely painful, and was only temporary... Obviously. It sounds cruel, but it was not pointless. It taught him much. His place, both in the world and as my disciple. The knowledge of right and wrong in this kingdom. He was physically blind but saw instead many things the general flock of this world would never come to know even existed. He saw all the things this world must endure when justice is not met. He saw the reason I exist. Mina blinked, still staring at the floor of the temple. She couldn't comprehend what He was telling her.
You would not understand yet. Wrath sneered, then his voice softened. But you will. Instead of his Blindness, you will be granted Sight. That's right - vision. But while you will see the world as others do, too you will see their sins. You will see everything they have ever done, etched into their very being, and everything that has happened as a result of their actions. You will see justice, and the lack thereof, in the opposite way Jijo did. Mina furrowed her brow in confusion. She was going to see? That didn't sound terrible at all! Though the part about sin sounded a bit concerning.
Open your eyes, Mina. Truly open them. And feel pain. His voice slithered out of her mind then.
Jijo could see the stone altar return to its previous state, clean of the blood they had offered it. But what he saw more clearly, more obviously, more terrifying, was Mina curled in a tiny ball on the temple floor. She opened her mouth to scream, but no noise escaped. Ji watched sadly as she writhed in the pain of initiation, able to offer no comfort. She wheezed, coughed, cried soundlessly.. and her eyes gained color. Her irises became a scary shade of green - more striking than anything he had seen. Unnatural. More than that, he could see that the color itself shifted and slithered like Wrath himself, never settling in her eyes. It was extremely terrifying to see. Eventually, Mina stopped writhing and instead lay too silently on the floor, staring right into Jijo's eyes.
"I see you." She murmured in a whisper. "I see everything you've done and everything you will ever do." She coughed again, burying her forehead into the temple ground for a moment to recollect herself. Slowly, painfully, she brought herself back to her knees. She stared now at the floor from this distance, inspecting its every facet and color and inlaid detail. "So this is seeing.." She cooed raggedly, still in much pain but in too much awe to heed it much attention.
Jijo stared at her in silence, amazed and terrified. Wrath had given her sight. At what cost? She said that she saw "everything he'd done and will do." It sounded a lot like his initiation, but more personal to whoever she laid eyes on instead of everything, everyone, all the time, as it was for him. Still, the idea of her seeing everything he'd done made him shudder. But, this was all part of Wrath's plans, and that gave him an odd comfort. All this pain was for a reason, and Mina was seeing that now more than ever. Seeing the reason Wrath existed at all. She looked more mature already, and Ji was scared he was going to lose the Mina he'd come to enjoy the company of so quickly.
Until she muttered, "You're uglier than I imagined."
Jijo realized everything was going to be alright.
As the two birds rounded their way into the bathing area of the large room, small tan hands worked at the faucet of the bath, allowing steaming water to pour out and collect within the tub that was lined with small crystal-like sand that mixed and dissolved into a beautiful aroma as the water had washed over it. While the water filled about half way, the taller, younger bird would strip himself of his garments and place them upon a small counter before tick-tocking his way next to the smaller one who would dip a finger within the water quickly, testing the temperature before turning head to glance up at his King and offer a soft smile and a gentle chirp as if to say it was perfect. The King would reply to the other with a soft nod before long leg stretched over and dipped into the warm water where body soon followed fluidly, sinking into the fresh water as far as his chin and allowed scarlet eyes to relax against lids while the wonderful, relaxing smell of lavender and passion fruit filled his senses and painted a picture within his mind of a peaceful solitude- a tranquility that belonged to him. Egret would offer a few clucks in a giggle as the king had wasted no time to settle into his bath, tapping his way towards a small closet and picking out a few towels and placing them on the small counter next to the King's poncho before skipping back next to his companion with one of the small towelettes, offering it out to him with a gentle coo.
Gryph's eye cracked open at the sound of the other watching him a moment before shifting to look towards the side of the bath, gesturing the older one on where to place it before closing again to return his attention back within his mind. Egret followed his asking before backing away and giving a deep deep bow to the other all the while his happy smile never ceasing. Though as the King opened an eye again to see if the other had scampered out, his forehead was met with a small hand that quickly ruffled his hair with a dampness, causing it to stick up and spike every which way and made him spit air from his lips, splashing against the tub water before the boy sat up straight, eyes glaring back at the loudly clucking Egret who sped off out of the bathing room and into the chamber before Gryph could do much about it. He couldn't help but furrow a brown while the corner of his lip had tugged into a smirk, shaking his head lightly before sinking himself back within the bath water only this time, lungs would fill gently with precious air right before the water rushed over lips, nose, and eyes- body now fully embraced by the warm water.
He could see it now even more vividly than before.. a tranquil, beautiful clouded place of serenity that was softly encased with a golden glow. He could feel the very real soft breeze of this place and the smell of it somehow lingered up into his senses despite him not breathing in real life. Curiosity kept him on his mental journey as he would turn around to see before him a very real vision of his God. Xhen in all his beautiful essence stood wrapped around a pillar of some sort and stared back into the blood-red eyes of the young King. Upon his face, the God had held a warm smile and beckoned Gryph towards him which caused him to walk towards this giant being, a hand lifting up as he got closer before placing upon the snout of the god a moment. However, it was quickly withdrawn as he dropped himself to his knees and bowed deeply to the mighty deity. He could hear his own voice within his mind
"Forgive me, oh holy Xhen.. I didn't mean to invade your space. It's just.." His voice was soft as eyes looked from the ground now up into the face of his master. "You were so real within my mind tonight. I had to know just how real." The god didn't speak. Instead his massive head would turn away from the boy, attention being directed elsewhere which confused the mortal, causing him to direct his attention as well. Eyes squinted, getting a better look at what it was before he'd gasp and jump to his feet. He could feel his heart racing within his chest all the while turning back to face his God, asking for an answer but in turn only being met with a statue where the mighty beast had once been. Panicked now, the King would turn tail and run in the opposite direction as this mucky, disgusting black slime began to race towards him, coating the once beautiful clouded area with a thick tar, blacker than any black he had ever seen. In the real world, the King would wince while in his mind, the tar had leaped from the ground and grabbed onto his feathered arm where it jerked him back and pulled him against the ground with a thud. It sprouted appendages that exploded outwards from this slimy body as more and more began to pin him into the ground and rush over his body. It felt hot and cold all the same, burning him and freezing his pampered skin with a needle piercing pain and after it had it's way immobilizing him, the tar would bubble and pop a moment, still and silent. He felt paralyzed. Only his eyes could shift about where they'd lock on giant mucky, tar entity while entire body filled with confused fear. The entity wasted no time in towering over the young King as a solid, dripping form with glowing eyes and a glowing devilish grin and within an instant, the body would revert to a liquid that fell over his face to seal red eyes shut behind lids and began filling in through his nose and mouth, suffocating him and leaving him gasping for breath though with no hope. Within him, the tar would fill his lungs and caused his chest to inflate, tightening as there was no longer room to spare for any more of this gunk to fill in. All the while in reality, he could feel everything. It felt so real and he couldn't for the life of him, open his eyes. If only he could open them in reality, he would wake from this nightmare but something was keeping him from it..
Body fought back at the tar with regurgitating and heaving though to no avail. The more he fought back, the rougher the black tar rebutted. He felt himself give in; he felt his body slowly begin to succumb to defeat. That is until he could feel a warmth within his chest and an eye managed to pull open, looking up at the sky above where he could see his God, Xhen, staring down at him without emotion. Eyes locked with his deity, he could feel himself glowing and within his body the tar began to burn away and bubble; weaken. Within his mind King Gryph shifted and pushed from the ground where he'd tear the arms of the tar beast from his body and stand on his knees before bending forwards and hurling through his mouth the disgusting black liquid that now seemed lighter and more water-like than it had before. It was almost as bad going out as it had been going in though after a few more heaves the boy's lungs filled deeply with fresh oxygen, replenishing his body with life. He wasted no time giving a hate-filled warble at the now retreating tar that hissed back at him. Pulling himself to his feet, he felt empowered. He felt a sudden wave of control flow through his body and glow around him and as eyes looked down towards spurred feet he could see the bits of tar left behind that scurried away like inchworms. He'd end their sad lives with a quick step of a foot before attention turned to Xhen who appeared before him, a smile bigger than anything he had seen from any being before beamed back at him all the while his vision starting to fade to nothingness. The beast's chuckle was the only thing he could feel at this point and breaking this trance, the voice of his mighty god reminding him to breathe.
Scarlet eyes shot open and Gryph gave a muffled choke noise under the waters of the bath, releasing what tiny bit of air that still filled his lungs that bubbled to the surface not too long before he'd shoot upright, giving a soft cough and a gentle gasp. Hand pulled to face and wiped away stray droplets from his eyes before he'd look around almost confused. How long had he been under there..? A few clears of his throat were given as hands worked in some soap quickly, washing himself off and finishing up his nightly bath while mind stayed blank for the most part. Unfeeling. He could feel within his chest and throat the very real sting with each breath that the tar substance within his mind had caused and it was almost unsettling to him. With a quick rinse, Gryph would unhook the drain and pat himself down with a clean towel before draping it around his waist while feet dragged his body to the edge of his bed. Gently, The king would crawl up onto it and curl into a small ball atop the blankets..
---- Morning ----
Gryph's tired, blood red gaze met the sun's gentle rays that beckoned and as he shifted within his bed he noted how sore his body felt. Right down to the bone. Last night was so vivid in his mind that upon thinking back to it, he couldn't help but jump at the sudden touch to his shoulder given by a gentle hand which caused him to withdraw and stare back into two-toned eyes his were so familiar with. Fear and confusion mixed withing his own and by the sudden look the other gave him, Gryph could tell his companion had picked up on his emotions. Concern. Egret gave a questioning coo while tilting head to the side, eagerly wanting to know what was going on though Gryph shook his head and placed a hand on his forehead while free arm pushed him up to a sitting position.
"Rest easy my friend, you only startled me is all." His voice was monotone and unfeeling which only caused further concern to his adviser though Egret wouldn't question. Instead he hopped towards the closet and fetched the King his threads for the day- Ceremonial robes and jeweled items to mark the day as important. He was to rest what was left of his mortal kin- His father's ashes would be released over the edge of their kingdom where all the other Kings had gone as well.
The King was useless at this point, his head aching and body hurting something fierce which seemed to frustrate the smaller bird who began to dress the King himself, guiding his Majesty to stand up and grabbing at each arm to slid through the armholes and pulling the robe down over the rest of his bare body then pulling his lower half down to more his level to hook in a pair of golden bands and fasten a red jeweled, golden band around the King's neck before stepping back and giving a huff, pointing out towards the entrance of the chamber where Gryph mindlessly stepped towards. As he emerged with his companion hot on his heels, the amount of birds that flocked within the gathering area of the castle made his heart race and he almost felt.. anxiety tugging at him. He could feel his heart frantically racing about, as if trying to escape its cage causing him to feel faint for a moment. What was going on..? Was this all because of what he saw- what he felt last night? Taking his hand, Egret chirped up at his King and lead him down the stairs and towards the exit of the building and while walking through the mass of his people, Gryph couldn't help but feel as if all of their eyes were on him- burning him though as they passed his people instead bent to their knees and deeply bowed towards him; their respect for him seemingly growing stronger today than it had shown the day of his father's death. It felt.. empowering as though this simple, respectful gesture of his people suddenly reassured the young King that there was no reason to fret about his people. Anxiety began to subside and be replaced with a sense of pride.
A gentle nod was given to each group of his followers now as he passed them now leading the way before Egret. Body standing straight, proud, and tall now and with a deep breath in, he would lead the two down the steps of the entrance and into the cobblestone pathway where the two would trek towards where the late King's funeral service would be held. It was quite a distance, though they made it together fairly quickly. The ares was already decked out for the day; his father's banners, paintings, and scripts strung about on a table as well as a small, folded cloth where his father's urn was to be placed later that night.
"Our late king would be most pleased with your work today. I am sure that his spirit is watching down on you with appreciation. On his behalf, I take it on myself to thank you for your hard work and dedication." His voice was gentle as it fell upon a small group of birds who were prepping the outdoor area for the service who squawked at the sudden sound and bowed quickly. The King would nod and offer his own respective bow slightly before wandering over to his father's things on display.
"Thank you King Gryph. We are most pleased to hear that you would think that our duties have shown well to honour your father- Our late King Rukaia. Thank you. Thank you. If anything is out of line simply let us know and we will promptly correct it!" They chirped back and gave a few more bows before watching the young one. Hand gently touched at the items on display as he walked passed, examining them thoroughly with scarlet eyes. A part of him still very much loved his father; very much missed him and wished that he had been given the chance to have more time with him. And his mother. The reality of his bloodline now only holding strong within himself caused him to feel a wave of sadness which only was felt within his own mind. Eyes watched downwards at the other who touched at the items as well, looking back at his King and giving a gentle cooing sound as if to say something, but what? Turning now, Gryph would give a small, subtle smile to the birds of the service.
"You're most welcome. I shall leave you to the rest of your duties for the day." As soon as they came, the two birds would leave and instead of walking back to the castle, they would continue past it to visit the Elder's home to see what kinds of things the architects had started, if at all.
Gryph's eye cracked open at the sound of the other watching him a moment before shifting to look towards the side of the bath, gesturing the older one on where to place it before closing again to return his attention back within his mind. Egret followed his asking before backing away and giving a deep deep bow to the other all the while his happy smile never ceasing. Though as the King opened an eye again to see if the other had scampered out, his forehead was met with a small hand that quickly ruffled his hair with a dampness, causing it to stick up and spike every which way and made him spit air from his lips, splashing against the tub water before the boy sat up straight, eyes glaring back at the loudly clucking Egret who sped off out of the bathing room and into the chamber before Gryph could do much about it. He couldn't help but furrow a brown while the corner of his lip had tugged into a smirk, shaking his head lightly before sinking himself back within the bath water only this time, lungs would fill gently with precious air right before the water rushed over lips, nose, and eyes- body now fully embraced by the warm water.
He could see it now even more vividly than before.. a tranquil, beautiful clouded place of serenity that was softly encased with a golden glow. He could feel the very real soft breeze of this place and the smell of it somehow lingered up into his senses despite him not breathing in real life. Curiosity kept him on his mental journey as he would turn around to see before him a very real vision of his God. Xhen in all his beautiful essence stood wrapped around a pillar of some sort and stared back into the blood-red eyes of the young King. Upon his face, the God had held a warm smile and beckoned Gryph towards him which caused him to walk towards this giant being, a hand lifting up as he got closer before placing upon the snout of the god a moment. However, it was quickly withdrawn as he dropped himself to his knees and bowed deeply to the mighty deity. He could hear his own voice within his mind
"Forgive me, oh holy Xhen.. I didn't mean to invade your space. It's just.." His voice was soft as eyes looked from the ground now up into the face of his master. "You were so real within my mind tonight. I had to know just how real." The god didn't speak. Instead his massive head would turn away from the boy, attention being directed elsewhere which confused the mortal, causing him to direct his attention as well. Eyes squinted, getting a better look at what it was before he'd gasp and jump to his feet. He could feel his heart racing within his chest all the while turning back to face his God, asking for an answer but in turn only being met with a statue where the mighty beast had once been. Panicked now, the King would turn tail and run in the opposite direction as this mucky, disgusting black slime began to race towards him, coating the once beautiful clouded area with a thick tar, blacker than any black he had ever seen. In the real world, the King would wince while in his mind, the tar had leaped from the ground and grabbed onto his feathered arm where it jerked him back and pulled him against the ground with a thud. It sprouted appendages that exploded outwards from this slimy body as more and more began to pin him into the ground and rush over his body. It felt hot and cold all the same, burning him and freezing his pampered skin with a needle piercing pain and after it had it's way immobilizing him, the tar would bubble and pop a moment, still and silent. He felt paralyzed. Only his eyes could shift about where they'd lock on giant mucky, tar entity while entire body filled with confused fear. The entity wasted no time in towering over the young King as a solid, dripping form with glowing eyes and a glowing devilish grin and within an instant, the body would revert to a liquid that fell over his face to seal red eyes shut behind lids and began filling in through his nose and mouth, suffocating him and leaving him gasping for breath though with no hope. Within him, the tar would fill his lungs and caused his chest to inflate, tightening as there was no longer room to spare for any more of this gunk to fill in. All the while in reality, he could feel everything. It felt so real and he couldn't for the life of him, open his eyes. If only he could open them in reality, he would wake from this nightmare but something was keeping him from it..
Body fought back at the tar with regurgitating and heaving though to no avail. The more he fought back, the rougher the black tar rebutted. He felt himself give in; he felt his body slowly begin to succumb to defeat. That is until he could feel a warmth within his chest and an eye managed to pull open, looking up at the sky above where he could see his God, Xhen, staring down at him without emotion. Eyes locked with his deity, he could feel himself glowing and within his body the tar began to burn away and bubble; weaken. Within his mind King Gryph shifted and pushed from the ground where he'd tear the arms of the tar beast from his body and stand on his knees before bending forwards and hurling through his mouth the disgusting black liquid that now seemed lighter and more water-like than it had before. It was almost as bad going out as it had been going in though after a few more heaves the boy's lungs filled deeply with fresh oxygen, replenishing his body with life. He wasted no time giving a hate-filled warble at the now retreating tar that hissed back at him. Pulling himself to his feet, he felt empowered. He felt a sudden wave of control flow through his body and glow around him and as eyes looked down towards spurred feet he could see the bits of tar left behind that scurried away like inchworms. He'd end their sad lives with a quick step of a foot before attention turned to Xhen who appeared before him, a smile bigger than anything he had seen from any being before beamed back at him all the while his vision starting to fade to nothingness. The beast's chuckle was the only thing he could feel at this point and breaking this trance, the voice of his mighty god reminding him to breathe.
Scarlet eyes shot open and Gryph gave a muffled choke noise under the waters of the bath, releasing what tiny bit of air that still filled his lungs that bubbled to the surface not too long before he'd shoot upright, giving a soft cough and a gentle gasp. Hand pulled to face and wiped away stray droplets from his eyes before he'd look around almost confused. How long had he been under there..? A few clears of his throat were given as hands worked in some soap quickly, washing himself off and finishing up his nightly bath while mind stayed blank for the most part. Unfeeling. He could feel within his chest and throat the very real sting with each breath that the tar substance within his mind had caused and it was almost unsettling to him. With a quick rinse, Gryph would unhook the drain and pat himself down with a clean towel before draping it around his waist while feet dragged his body to the edge of his bed. Gently, The king would crawl up onto it and curl into a small ball atop the blankets..
---- Morning ----
Gryph's tired, blood red gaze met the sun's gentle rays that beckoned and as he shifted within his bed he noted how sore his body felt. Right down to the bone. Last night was so vivid in his mind that upon thinking back to it, he couldn't help but jump at the sudden touch to his shoulder given by a gentle hand which caused him to withdraw and stare back into two-toned eyes his were so familiar with. Fear and confusion mixed withing his own and by the sudden look the other gave him, Gryph could tell his companion had picked up on his emotions. Concern. Egret gave a questioning coo while tilting head to the side, eagerly wanting to know what was going on though Gryph shook his head and placed a hand on his forehead while free arm pushed him up to a sitting position.
"Rest easy my friend, you only startled me is all." His voice was monotone and unfeeling which only caused further concern to his adviser though Egret wouldn't question. Instead he hopped towards the closet and fetched the King his threads for the day- Ceremonial robes and jeweled items to mark the day as important. He was to rest what was left of his mortal kin- His father's ashes would be released over the edge of their kingdom where all the other Kings had gone as well.
The King was useless at this point, his head aching and body hurting something fierce which seemed to frustrate the smaller bird who began to dress the King himself, guiding his Majesty to stand up and grabbing at each arm to slid through the armholes and pulling the robe down over the rest of his bare body then pulling his lower half down to more his level to hook in a pair of golden bands and fasten a red jeweled, golden band around the King's neck before stepping back and giving a huff, pointing out towards the entrance of the chamber where Gryph mindlessly stepped towards. As he emerged with his companion hot on his heels, the amount of birds that flocked within the gathering area of the castle made his heart race and he almost felt.. anxiety tugging at him. He could feel his heart frantically racing about, as if trying to escape its cage causing him to feel faint for a moment. What was going on..? Was this all because of what he saw- what he felt last night? Taking his hand, Egret chirped up at his King and lead him down the stairs and towards the exit of the building and while walking through the mass of his people, Gryph couldn't help but feel as if all of their eyes were on him- burning him though as they passed his people instead bent to their knees and deeply bowed towards him; their respect for him seemingly growing stronger today than it had shown the day of his father's death. It felt.. empowering as though this simple, respectful gesture of his people suddenly reassured the young King that there was no reason to fret about his people. Anxiety began to subside and be replaced with a sense of pride.
A gentle nod was given to each group of his followers now as he passed them now leading the way before Egret. Body standing straight, proud, and tall now and with a deep breath in, he would lead the two down the steps of the entrance and into the cobblestone pathway where the two would trek towards where the late King's funeral service would be held. It was quite a distance, though they made it together fairly quickly. The ares was already decked out for the day; his father's banners, paintings, and scripts strung about on a table as well as a small, folded cloth where his father's urn was to be placed later that night.
"Our late king would be most pleased with your work today. I am sure that his spirit is watching down on you with appreciation. On his behalf, I take it on myself to thank you for your hard work and dedication." His voice was gentle as it fell upon a small group of birds who were prepping the outdoor area for the service who squawked at the sudden sound and bowed quickly. The King would nod and offer his own respective bow slightly before wandering over to his father's things on display.
"Thank you King Gryph. We are most pleased to hear that you would think that our duties have shown well to honour your father- Our late King Rukaia. Thank you. Thank you. If anything is out of line simply let us know and we will promptly correct it!" They chirped back and gave a few more bows before watching the young one. Hand gently touched at the items on display as he walked passed, examining them thoroughly with scarlet eyes. A part of him still very much loved his father; very much missed him and wished that he had been given the chance to have more time with him. And his mother. The reality of his bloodline now only holding strong within himself caused him to feel a wave of sadness which only was felt within his own mind. Eyes watched downwards at the other who touched at the items as well, looking back at his King and giving a gentle cooing sound as if to say something, but what? Turning now, Gryph would give a small, subtle smile to the birds of the service.
"You're most welcome. I shall leave you to the rest of your duties for the day." As soon as they came, the two birds would leave and instead of walking back to the castle, they would continue past it to visit the Elder's home to see what kinds of things the architects had started, if at all.
"Can you walk?"
Jijo cocked his head to the side worriedly, looking Mina from head to talon to make sure she was alright. He was so much worse after his initiation; he couldn't move himself, much less crack jokes. But Mina simply shrugged, bouncing from foot to foot and looking around the temple in fervent, rapid eye-movements, taking in her new sense of sight and all it brought to her.
"We can still make it to Rukaia's ash ceremony if we move quickly." Jijo continued to watch warily as Mina bounced around the temple antechamber, buzzing about like a hyperactive bee. He knew this euphoric sensation she was feeling wouldn't last, however, as soon as she started seeing actual people instead of just architecture. Wrath's pain centered around others, and sitting here in an empty temple did not set a good example for the coming times, if he knew anything at all.
"Cool! Let's go, old man! I bet I can move so much faster now that I can see!" She turned and gave him a huge smile, her swimming green eyes unnerving him greatly. He shook his head, moving beside her quickly and quietly and calming her with a hand to her shoulder. "Don't get hasty. Once you're out in town seeing people, it will not be so easy."
Mina sighed, ears drooping a little at the thought. "Yeah, I know.. All the more reason to go now before the city center gets active." Jijo agreed with her on this, and so they exited the temple, seeing a somewhat frazzled handmaiden return to her duties; did she see the initiation? he shuddered at the thought.
Once outside, Ji took precautionary measures in Mina's safety by demanding to hold her hand; she refused vehemently for some time but eventually humored him, but not without her fair share of "perverted old bird" jokes with him at the butt. They had not encountered anyone else yet, but the thought of Mina experiencing her new initiation gift for the first real time made him anxious, and he clung to Mina's hand tightly.
"Ow, you old fart. You're hurting me," Mina whined, tugging her hand from his grasp. Ji started to apologize when a group of middle-aged birds crossed their path; Mina only had time to glance at them before her mind was assaulted with images of the birds' entires lives; flashes of light and dark and blood and water and fire that sent her careening to the ground, puling her ears against her head like that would stop the attack. Ji cringed, wanting so badly to reach out and comfort but knowing touching her would only make her more insane; her senses were so overwhelmed that adding to it would spell very bad reactions. So instead he stood there, watching sadly on as Mina curled herself into a ball on the ground in the middle of the street, looking apologetically at the birds who had caused her this pain. "She will be fine," he cooed, more to himself than to the other birds. "She will be fine."
Eventually, Mina's cries and trembles faded away and she lay still on the ground, the slight rise and fall of her chest her only sign of life. Handling her so gently as to not move a single feather out of place, Ji carefully brought Mina back to her feet and wiped the tears of pain from her cheeks. "It's okay, chick, it's okay. It'll pass."
Mina squeezed her eyes shut now, refusing to look anywhere at all for fear of the unbearable pain seeing other birds caused her. However, her ability to sense the souls of the passing had been exchanged for her new Sight, and Ji quickly learned that he was correct in wanting to hold her hand. It was the only way to help her navigate, as otherwise she began tripping over pebbles and streetstones, more a result of her recent episode than of her lack of sight. Jijo noticed one of the earlier birds lingering around a corner as they passed, and he paused, bringing Mina to a halt with him.
"Okay, Mina, I need you to do something for me." He cooed softly to her, petting the sides of her face as he spoke to comfort her. "I need you to open your eyes and look at the man behind me. You saw him earlier - you very well now know his name, date of birth and blood type. I need you to look at him again so I can see something." He petted her a couple more times, coaxing open her nervous eyes to look behind him at the bird. Her pupils widened for a moment, then returned to their normal state; no episode. Jijo let out a huge sigh of relief, petting her again and closing her eyes back. "Good, good.. Once you see someone, seeing them again won't trigger an episode. This is very good information. I assume you didn't have an episode at all with me either because I was there or because I am Wrath's disciple as well, I do not know for sure. But this means that after you look at Egret and Gryph for the first time, you won't have to worry about keeping your eyes closed in their presence." He smiled at her, hoping she felt the same relief he did at this, before startling slightly at an idea.
"Come, come, chick. Here." He pulled a corner of his old, tattered robe in front of him and pulled a strip from it, ripping it with unexpected loudness. He used this strip to tie a blindfold for Mina, a single purple band across her pale face. It looked eerie, but at the same time far less disconcerting than her constantly swimming, murky-green eyes. He saw Mina's face relax, as she let her eyes open behind the blindfold and welcomed the darkness of it.
"Thank you," she murmured softly, fiddling with her clothes. She sounded like someone totally different. Ji pat her head, mixed emotions whirling about inside him about this whole ordeal, and then took her hand again and lead her back to the ceremony with relative ease.
Ji and Mina quietly approached the ceremony, trying not to make a fuss about their late arrival. Birds milled about as far as he could see, and he was very grateful that Mina had cover from seeing them; it very well could have killed her, if her reaction to seeing just a handful of people was any indication. They slowly made their way to the front, attempting to locate Gryph among the people; a bright blotch of red and gold in the sea of grays and greens that commoners typically wore. Once located, Ji would lead Mina near to him before pulling her aside. "I'm going to remove the blindfold," Ji murmured to her, and once again began petting her face when he noticed her tense up at the idea. "It's okay, chick. It's okay. I'm only going to make it so you see our King. He would be extremely worried if you showed up wearing a blindfold.. Why would a blind girl need eye coverings? He needs to see that you are okay -" again, Mina tensed - " and you ARE okay. You are a very strong bird. The strongest I've met in a long, long, long time," he cooed. "He knows you underwent initiation, but it would be much better for him to see for himself that you made it back in one piece. He, too, is afraid. He didn't know about Wrath, and will hopefully never meet him face to face. He is scared for you, so I need you to look him in the eye for me, okay?" Mina gave a terrified nod. Ji smiled and patted her once more. "You are a very brave girl indeed." He tilted his head and let out a small chuckle. "It won't hurt that our King is a relatively attractive one. Come, let's remove your blind." He swiftly untied the strip of cloth from her head before covering her eyes with his hand. "Keep your eyes closed for now, but do not strain them. I will tell you when we are in front of the King. Then you may open your eyes." She twitched nervously, and Ji sighed sympathetically. "You should know better than anyone else, Mina.." He cooed. "Seeing him will not hurt you. He will likely give you nothing but warm fuzzies and sunshine, based on what you told me of his soul." Mina cracked a smile then, and they proceeded forward. Jijo held Mina's hand as she walked directly behind him to avoid bumping into anyone or anything.
"Your majesty, we're back," Ji called lightly to Gryph as they finally came to him. "I'm sorry if we're very late.. I'm honestly surprised we made it at all." He smiled and bowed lightly, before bringing Mina out from behind him. "Mina is very fragile right now, but she will be fine.. Isn't that right, chick?"
Mina opened her neon eyes then and saw her king, and it didn't hurt. It was as Ji had said; she felt warmth instead. She saw his past, his present, his morals and nobility and everything good about him and felt only a twinge here and there from memories of Rukaia. She stared at him in awe, now, her unsettling eyes taking him in wordlessly. She bowed politely, never removing her gaze from him - she didn't want to look away both for fear of seeing someone far less pleasant to her new sense and just because he felt so warm. "I'm okay," she murmured, quieter than a breath, dipping her head embarrassedly.
Jijo cocked his head to the side worriedly, looking Mina from head to talon to make sure she was alright. He was so much worse after his initiation; he couldn't move himself, much less crack jokes. But Mina simply shrugged, bouncing from foot to foot and looking around the temple in fervent, rapid eye-movements, taking in her new sense of sight and all it brought to her.
"We can still make it to Rukaia's ash ceremony if we move quickly." Jijo continued to watch warily as Mina bounced around the temple antechamber, buzzing about like a hyperactive bee. He knew this euphoric sensation she was feeling wouldn't last, however, as soon as she started seeing actual people instead of just architecture. Wrath's pain centered around others, and sitting here in an empty temple did not set a good example for the coming times, if he knew anything at all.
"Cool! Let's go, old man! I bet I can move so much faster now that I can see!" She turned and gave him a huge smile, her swimming green eyes unnerving him greatly. He shook his head, moving beside her quickly and quietly and calming her with a hand to her shoulder. "Don't get hasty. Once you're out in town seeing people, it will not be so easy."
Mina sighed, ears drooping a little at the thought. "Yeah, I know.. All the more reason to go now before the city center gets active." Jijo agreed with her on this, and so they exited the temple, seeing a somewhat frazzled handmaiden return to her duties; did she see the initiation? he shuddered at the thought.
Once outside, Ji took precautionary measures in Mina's safety by demanding to hold her hand; she refused vehemently for some time but eventually humored him, but not without her fair share of "perverted old bird" jokes with him at the butt. They had not encountered anyone else yet, but the thought of Mina experiencing her new initiation gift for the first real time made him anxious, and he clung to Mina's hand tightly.
"Ow, you old fart. You're hurting me," Mina whined, tugging her hand from his grasp. Ji started to apologize when a group of middle-aged birds crossed their path; Mina only had time to glance at them before her mind was assaulted with images of the birds' entires lives; flashes of light and dark and blood and water and fire that sent her careening to the ground, puling her ears against her head like that would stop the attack. Ji cringed, wanting so badly to reach out and comfort but knowing touching her would only make her more insane; her senses were so overwhelmed that adding to it would spell very bad reactions. So instead he stood there, watching sadly on as Mina curled herself into a ball on the ground in the middle of the street, looking apologetically at the birds who had caused her this pain. "She will be fine," he cooed, more to himself than to the other birds. "She will be fine."
Eventually, Mina's cries and trembles faded away and she lay still on the ground, the slight rise and fall of her chest her only sign of life. Handling her so gently as to not move a single feather out of place, Ji carefully brought Mina back to her feet and wiped the tears of pain from her cheeks. "It's okay, chick, it's okay. It'll pass."
Mina squeezed her eyes shut now, refusing to look anywhere at all for fear of the unbearable pain seeing other birds caused her. However, her ability to sense the souls of the passing had been exchanged for her new Sight, and Ji quickly learned that he was correct in wanting to hold her hand. It was the only way to help her navigate, as otherwise she began tripping over pebbles and streetstones, more a result of her recent episode than of her lack of sight. Jijo noticed one of the earlier birds lingering around a corner as they passed, and he paused, bringing Mina to a halt with him.
"Okay, Mina, I need you to do something for me." He cooed softly to her, petting the sides of her face as he spoke to comfort her. "I need you to open your eyes and look at the man behind me. You saw him earlier - you very well now know his name, date of birth and blood type. I need you to look at him again so I can see something." He petted her a couple more times, coaxing open her nervous eyes to look behind him at the bird. Her pupils widened for a moment, then returned to their normal state; no episode. Jijo let out a huge sigh of relief, petting her again and closing her eyes back. "Good, good.. Once you see someone, seeing them again won't trigger an episode. This is very good information. I assume you didn't have an episode at all with me either because I was there or because I am Wrath's disciple as well, I do not know for sure. But this means that after you look at Egret and Gryph for the first time, you won't have to worry about keeping your eyes closed in their presence." He smiled at her, hoping she felt the same relief he did at this, before startling slightly at an idea.
"Come, come, chick. Here." He pulled a corner of his old, tattered robe in front of him and pulled a strip from it, ripping it with unexpected loudness. He used this strip to tie a blindfold for Mina, a single purple band across her pale face. It looked eerie, but at the same time far less disconcerting than her constantly swimming, murky-green eyes. He saw Mina's face relax, as she let her eyes open behind the blindfold and welcomed the darkness of it.
"Thank you," she murmured softly, fiddling with her clothes. She sounded like someone totally different. Ji pat her head, mixed emotions whirling about inside him about this whole ordeal, and then took her hand again and lead her back to the ceremony with relative ease.
Ji and Mina quietly approached the ceremony, trying not to make a fuss about their late arrival. Birds milled about as far as he could see, and he was very grateful that Mina had cover from seeing them; it very well could have killed her, if her reaction to seeing just a handful of people was any indication. They slowly made their way to the front, attempting to locate Gryph among the people; a bright blotch of red and gold in the sea of grays and greens that commoners typically wore. Once located, Ji would lead Mina near to him before pulling her aside. "I'm going to remove the blindfold," Ji murmured to her, and once again began petting her face when he noticed her tense up at the idea. "It's okay, chick. It's okay. I'm only going to make it so you see our King. He would be extremely worried if you showed up wearing a blindfold.. Why would a blind girl need eye coverings? He needs to see that you are okay -" again, Mina tensed - " and you ARE okay. You are a very strong bird. The strongest I've met in a long, long, long time," he cooed. "He knows you underwent initiation, but it would be much better for him to see for himself that you made it back in one piece. He, too, is afraid. He didn't know about Wrath, and will hopefully never meet him face to face. He is scared for you, so I need you to look him in the eye for me, okay?" Mina gave a terrified nod. Ji smiled and patted her once more. "You are a very brave girl indeed." He tilted his head and let out a small chuckle. "It won't hurt that our King is a relatively attractive one. Come, let's remove your blind." He swiftly untied the strip of cloth from her head before covering her eyes with his hand. "Keep your eyes closed for now, but do not strain them. I will tell you when we are in front of the King. Then you may open your eyes." She twitched nervously, and Ji sighed sympathetically. "You should know better than anyone else, Mina.." He cooed. "Seeing him will not hurt you. He will likely give you nothing but warm fuzzies and sunshine, based on what you told me of his soul." Mina cracked a smile then, and they proceeded forward. Jijo held Mina's hand as she walked directly behind him to avoid bumping into anyone or anything.
"Your majesty, we're back," Ji called lightly to Gryph as they finally came to him. "I'm sorry if we're very late.. I'm honestly surprised we made it at all." He smiled and bowed lightly, before bringing Mina out from behind him. "Mina is very fragile right now, but she will be fine.. Isn't that right, chick?"
Mina opened her neon eyes then and saw her king, and it didn't hurt. It was as Ji had said; she felt warmth instead. She saw his past, his present, his morals and nobility and everything good about him and felt only a twinge here and there from memories of Rukaia. She stared at him in awe, now, her unsettling eyes taking him in wordlessly. She bowed politely, never removing her gaze from him - she didn't want to look away both for fear of seeing someone far less pleasant to her new sense and just because he felt so warm. "I'm okay," she murmured, quieter than a breath, dipping her head embarrassedly.
At the Ceremony, Gryph sat upon a higher seat, watching the city wander in and settle into their own seats while Egret strayed a few feet away and meddled with the set up making sure everything was at its perfection. Once the last of the attendees had finished sitting the King would give a small chirp towards his loyal companion who immediately jumped in place and skipped to his side offering a hand to help his King from his seat; not that a small thing such as himself was a big help but he'd try. Hand rested in the other's delicately before legs hoisted the tall, young King to his feet. Chest puffed out under his long flowing robe and he stood proudly, eyes scanning the faces of the gathering. Words would be spilled from the King's lips about his father- how he was once a noble man. How he cared for his family and how he thanked their late king for his reign. Continued on with his speech, he would add specific instances of his father's good deeds and invite others within the crowd to share a good memory they had of Rukaia. There were a few birds who spoke up and it both pained and warmed him. So many birds yet only a handful had good things to say. Gryph couldn't help but feel a slight sadness though not for himself or for his father, but for them. His people.. Those who had to endure the ugly that came with the last Reign.
After moments the story telling was over and the King would invite his people to say their final good-byes to their late king. Allowing individuals or small groups up to speak silently to the urn and possessions that sat upon a long table. Eyes watched them closely; observing and trying to read their emotions by subtle queues on their faces as they silently whispered to the urn. With a lazy blink, he would direct his attention elsewhere while a deep inhale filled his chest as he stood a few feet from the urn though as he heard his name called by a familiar voice he would give a startled blink and turn his head towards the sound- Jijo and Mina had come at last and he could feel within his chest, his heart racing. Relief? Perhaps- as the king looked over Mina the corner of his lip had tugged in a smile though as she opened her eyes and watched into his own the King froze in place; remained silent. While she saw in him what she needed to see, he fixated on that swirling green, smoke like pattern in her eyes. A very different look to them then when he had seen her the previous night. Was this Wrath's doing? Ruby gaze glanced up to meet with Jijo's yellow before he'd give the two birds a soft bob of his head to respectfully acknowledge their greeting and raise a hand gently as if to silence Jijo's apologizing.
"My friend, there's no need to apologize.. I am very pleased to see you here today all things considered. Thank you. And Mina.." His voice would trail while eyes softened upon the smaller girl. "It brings me great relief to know that you are alright. I'm sure Jijo mentioned my concerns towards your safety but I felt that if something had happened to you, the blame would be partially my own. I'm glad that you're safe." He wouldn't comment on her new appearance though he could feel something when he looked into her eyes. He felt like he was being watched. With a gentle yet fluid motion the King would dip himself lowly to one knee and wrap his feathered arms around the small girl where he'd hold her for a few moments in a warm and welcomed embrace pressing his robed chest against her and daring to give just a tiny nudge against her forehead with his own before pulling away to stand back upon his two spurred feet. It felt silly what he just did and his stomach stung with a tightness while cheeks warmed ever so slightly. It felt good though- giving hugs..
Egret who stood a few feet away gave a small warbling noise in distress before bounding his way to his Kings side and looking over Jijo and Mina before giving a small whistle. He seemed highly interested in the new appearance of Mina though without a voice he childishly resorted to a variety of quick clucks and small tugs to Gryph's robes and when his continuous questioning yielded no answer from the younger male he'd puff his cheeks real big and flop himself upon rump on the ground besides him, frustrated with his lacking ability on top of the lack of answer for why Mina had looked the way she did. It was hard not to notice though he would mean no offense. Two toned eyes couldn't help but stare, however, he'd redirect his gaze in the off chance she'd notice his eyes upon her.
As the last of the birds paid their respects one last time to the urn and possessions, the King would excuse himself from the group and take his place in front of the urn where he shared his final thoughts with his father's ashes. Voice silent though lips twitching ever so slightly as he mouthed his final goodbyes privately and once finished hands would grasp the iron prision that held all that remained of the late King. Talons tick-tocked and scraped against the packed soil as body was carried to the edge of the cliff. Beyond this edge lay a vast ocean of clouds as far as the eye could see. Golden and tickled a touch of pink from the setting sun, they swirled and danced with one another.
"Farewell, King Rukaia. May your spirit rest easy while your body joins with those mighty Kings before yours. Let it join with those lost in battle or natural causes. May your ashes reunite with fallen family and meet with previous fathers alike. One day, we will meet again, my King.. My father." Voice started with a pounding loudness as if calling for his father's spirit and eventually ended in a soft whisper meant only for Rukaia's hearing. Not giving much of a moment to pass the King would pull the top from the urn and place it into Egret's hand as he stood beside and with a quick yet fluid turn of the wrist the ashes were poured over the edge of the kingdom where a rushing breeze swept them up and carried them off a ways. They circled and slithered before a few ups and downs on airwaves until finally the wind carried them as far as they needed to. Here, they would flutter down and make their way under the blanket of clouds to the land of the unknown where they would rest forever like many before. Gryph stood watching while a tightness grew in his throat and made it hard for him to swallow while blood-red gaze glistened over and shined in the setting sunlight. He'd wait a moment before turning to grab at the urn's lid where he'd put it in place and set the empty urn and possessions of his father near an etched stone. A forever mark of a once respected king. The kingdoms people were given their dismissal and took their leave from the ceremony after giving their deepest of bows in respect to their young King and stayed silent their journey back to the commons.
Silence remained even while Egret looked up to his King who now took a few steps towards Jijo stopping just a small bit in front of him. Within his eyes showed great pain that his face could not- his chest a fluttering mess and his throat feeling as though it were about to cave in on itself under such a tightness. He'd waste no time landing knees against the hard earth below while black tipped, feathered arms grasped tightly around his keeper. His slim body trembled ever so slightly as it fought back the rest of his many emotions all the while arms keeping a tight grasp on his friend. Egret focused on something else, allowing the King to do what he had to without the worry of wandering eyes; even if they belonged to his closest companion.
"Thank you, Jijo.. " His voice but a miserable croak sounded to the other softly and shakily riding on stuttered breaths. This was difficult for him as it would be any bird who had lost the last of his family. After all, the King was still a kid.
After moments the story telling was over and the King would invite his people to say their final good-byes to their late king. Allowing individuals or small groups up to speak silently to the urn and possessions that sat upon a long table. Eyes watched them closely; observing and trying to read their emotions by subtle queues on their faces as they silently whispered to the urn. With a lazy blink, he would direct his attention elsewhere while a deep inhale filled his chest as he stood a few feet from the urn though as he heard his name called by a familiar voice he would give a startled blink and turn his head towards the sound- Jijo and Mina had come at last and he could feel within his chest, his heart racing. Relief? Perhaps- as the king looked over Mina the corner of his lip had tugged in a smile though as she opened her eyes and watched into his own the King froze in place; remained silent. While she saw in him what she needed to see, he fixated on that swirling green, smoke like pattern in her eyes. A very different look to them then when he had seen her the previous night. Was this Wrath's doing? Ruby gaze glanced up to meet with Jijo's yellow before he'd give the two birds a soft bob of his head to respectfully acknowledge their greeting and raise a hand gently as if to silence Jijo's apologizing.
"My friend, there's no need to apologize.. I am very pleased to see you here today all things considered. Thank you. And Mina.." His voice would trail while eyes softened upon the smaller girl. "It brings me great relief to know that you are alright. I'm sure Jijo mentioned my concerns towards your safety but I felt that if something had happened to you, the blame would be partially my own. I'm glad that you're safe." He wouldn't comment on her new appearance though he could feel something when he looked into her eyes. He felt like he was being watched. With a gentle yet fluid motion the King would dip himself lowly to one knee and wrap his feathered arms around the small girl where he'd hold her for a few moments in a warm and welcomed embrace pressing his robed chest against her and daring to give just a tiny nudge against her forehead with his own before pulling away to stand back upon his two spurred feet. It felt silly what he just did and his stomach stung with a tightness while cheeks warmed ever so slightly. It felt good though- giving hugs..
Egret who stood a few feet away gave a small warbling noise in distress before bounding his way to his Kings side and looking over Jijo and Mina before giving a small whistle. He seemed highly interested in the new appearance of Mina though without a voice he childishly resorted to a variety of quick clucks and small tugs to Gryph's robes and when his continuous questioning yielded no answer from the younger male he'd puff his cheeks real big and flop himself upon rump on the ground besides him, frustrated with his lacking ability on top of the lack of answer for why Mina had looked the way she did. It was hard not to notice though he would mean no offense. Two toned eyes couldn't help but stare, however, he'd redirect his gaze in the off chance she'd notice his eyes upon her.
As the last of the birds paid their respects one last time to the urn and possessions, the King would excuse himself from the group and take his place in front of the urn where he shared his final thoughts with his father's ashes. Voice silent though lips twitching ever so slightly as he mouthed his final goodbyes privately and once finished hands would grasp the iron prision that held all that remained of the late King. Talons tick-tocked and scraped against the packed soil as body was carried to the edge of the cliff. Beyond this edge lay a vast ocean of clouds as far as the eye could see. Golden and tickled a touch of pink from the setting sun, they swirled and danced with one another.
"Farewell, King Rukaia. May your spirit rest easy while your body joins with those mighty Kings before yours. Let it join with those lost in battle or natural causes. May your ashes reunite with fallen family and meet with previous fathers alike. One day, we will meet again, my King.. My father." Voice started with a pounding loudness as if calling for his father's spirit and eventually ended in a soft whisper meant only for Rukaia's hearing. Not giving much of a moment to pass the King would pull the top from the urn and place it into Egret's hand as he stood beside and with a quick yet fluid turn of the wrist the ashes were poured over the edge of the kingdom where a rushing breeze swept them up and carried them off a ways. They circled and slithered before a few ups and downs on airwaves until finally the wind carried them as far as they needed to. Here, they would flutter down and make their way under the blanket of clouds to the land of the unknown where they would rest forever like many before. Gryph stood watching while a tightness grew in his throat and made it hard for him to swallow while blood-red gaze glistened over and shined in the setting sunlight. He'd wait a moment before turning to grab at the urn's lid where he'd put it in place and set the empty urn and possessions of his father near an etched stone. A forever mark of a once respected king. The kingdoms people were given their dismissal and took their leave from the ceremony after giving their deepest of bows in respect to their young King and stayed silent their journey back to the commons.
Silence remained even while Egret looked up to his King who now took a few steps towards Jijo stopping just a small bit in front of him. Within his eyes showed great pain that his face could not- his chest a fluttering mess and his throat feeling as though it were about to cave in on itself under such a tightness. He'd waste no time landing knees against the hard earth below while black tipped, feathered arms grasped tightly around his keeper. His slim body trembled ever so slightly as it fought back the rest of his many emotions all the while arms keeping a tight grasp on his friend. Egret focused on something else, allowing the King to do what he had to without the worry of wandering eyes; even if they belonged to his closest companion.
"Thank you, Jijo.. " His voice but a miserable croak sounded to the other softly and shakily riding on stuttered breaths. This was difficult for him as it would be any bird who had lost the last of his family. After all, the King was still a kid.
Jijo watched the ceremonial ash dispersing in awe. He'd never seen it before, of course; it was a sight to behold as the wind swept the ashes of the corrupt into such a pure sunset. Metaphorical, really; how in the end no matter what you did or who you were in life, you would, in the end, become ash as well - noble or common, King or peasant. He couldn't help but shiver, though; as the ashes swept away into the clouds, did he see a serpent-shaped cloud swallow them up? He shook his head to rid the thoughts.
Instead, he looked down at Mina, who had somehow managed to fixate her eerie stare on the ashes and not catch the sight of any of the others here at the ceremony. She cooed continuously, softly, awed by the beauty of sunset and of the ceremony in general. Jijo subconsciously let a hand fall to her head, where he pet her affectionately as she took in her very first dusk. He was glad he was here to see it with her.
And while earlier had felt wrong to explain Mina's new appearance, he felt now he could, as soon as the King was willing to hear it. After the ceremony, however, Jijo was thrown off-guard by the King thanking him; why?
"My lord?" He whispered, unsure. He knew and understood the pain the King was going through at the loss of his father; he was still young.. Too young to lose a father, to raise a kingdom. Thousands upon thousands of metaphorical and literal children resting upon this young bird's shoulders now. Because of me, Jijo thought with a pang of sadness. He knew it had to be done, of course; it was decreed by Wrath and Rukaia was long past the bird he'd used to be. However, the pain the King felt was still entirely his fault, and this nearly brought him to his knees as well. Please do not thank me, my King. I have brought you nothing but pain as of yet..
But he would change that. He set it in his heart; carved it into his soul. He could be an assassin, a political and divine sword brought down upon those who would wrong the kingdom, the King, and his God. But so, too, could he be a friend. With this determination set upon his very being, he returned the gesture he had seen the King give Mina earlier, which stunned him and awed him - a hug. Without even thinking of the repercussions of touching the King unwarranted, he knelt to the King where he was on his knees and hugged him tight, not as a servant or a sage or a champerkeeper, but as a friend.
He let go soon enough, though, not wanting to crowd the King's space, as he knew he was unfamiliar to such touch. He stayed on his knee before him, though, head bowed in respect and understanding. "With all due respect, my King.. And to you, Egret," his eyes looked up to meet those of the King's right hand, "I believe I owe an explanation."
Mina, who looked entirely relieved the crowd was gone now, nodded in agreement, kneeling beside Jijo to the king and bowing her head as well. She said nothing, though; how to explain what had happened to her? Besides, she wasn't even aware her eyes had gained such an eerie hue to them.
"Mina has been officially recognized as a disciple of Wrath. She can see, now. As you and I do, but so much more as well." He paused, his mind going back to the sight of her crippled in pain on the ground in the streets as the full weight of Wrath's discipleship crashed down on her and rendered her helpless. His ears dropped, knowing that he could no longer blindfold his apprentice, as that would render her new Sight useless. She would have to suffer through, as much as it pained him. "She sees sin. Before, as you know, she saw the state of the soul.. A life orb representing the purity or corruption as an individual. Now she sees what they did to get those colors. You might be able to say she sees your entire past and some of your potential future." He paused again to let this sink in, before continuing in a much quieter voice, due to the pain it brought him to think about. "It is extremely painful for her to so much as look at someone else. It renders her completely helpless in her agony." His ears dropped even lower, and again he started to pet Mina's head, as if she were a fragile creature needing protection. Mina leaned into his touch gratefully, which somewhat startled him. "A-anyway.. As a result of this, I'd like to ask that we keep Mina away from too many people as much as possible. She should be fine inside the palace, but not outside it. I cannot blindfold her again because it would be against the will of Wrath. He gave this gift to her for a reason, after all." He felt Mina tense when he mentioned the lack of blindfold, and he hugged her head to his chest comfortingly. "I will, of course, take it upon myself to make sure she is okay. The sight.. and the consequential change in appearance.. will go away in some days' time. She will then go back to the sight she is used to, and the Mina you know." He smiled softly, still petting and hugging his apprentice to him; her still leaning into him. She must be too weak and scared to fight against him; must actually need this touch. The thought of that pained him.. He missed the sassy Mina already, and couldn't wait for her to come back.
"That said," he murmured, looking up to lock eyes with the King, "I believe you - no, we - have a kingdom to rebuild." He would not let the King be alone in such a monumental task; he was his friend, and would have it no other way.
(((the end for this board? I gueesssssss?)))
Instead, he looked down at Mina, who had somehow managed to fixate her eerie stare on the ashes and not catch the sight of any of the others here at the ceremony. She cooed continuously, softly, awed by the beauty of sunset and of the ceremony in general. Jijo subconsciously let a hand fall to her head, where he pet her affectionately as she took in her very first dusk. He was glad he was here to see it with her.
And while earlier had felt wrong to explain Mina's new appearance, he felt now he could, as soon as the King was willing to hear it. After the ceremony, however, Jijo was thrown off-guard by the King thanking him; why?
"My lord?" He whispered, unsure. He knew and understood the pain the King was going through at the loss of his father; he was still young.. Too young to lose a father, to raise a kingdom. Thousands upon thousands of metaphorical and literal children resting upon this young bird's shoulders now. Because of me, Jijo thought with a pang of sadness. He knew it had to be done, of course; it was decreed by Wrath and Rukaia was long past the bird he'd used to be. However, the pain the King felt was still entirely his fault, and this nearly brought him to his knees as well. Please do not thank me, my King. I have brought you nothing but pain as of yet..
But he would change that. He set it in his heart; carved it into his soul. He could be an assassin, a political and divine sword brought down upon those who would wrong the kingdom, the King, and his God. But so, too, could he be a friend. With this determination set upon his very being, he returned the gesture he had seen the King give Mina earlier, which stunned him and awed him - a hug. Without even thinking of the repercussions of touching the King unwarranted, he knelt to the King where he was on his knees and hugged him tight, not as a servant or a sage or a champerkeeper, but as a friend.
He let go soon enough, though, not wanting to crowd the King's space, as he knew he was unfamiliar to such touch. He stayed on his knee before him, though, head bowed in respect and understanding. "With all due respect, my King.. And to you, Egret," his eyes looked up to meet those of the King's right hand, "I believe I owe an explanation."
Mina, who looked entirely relieved the crowd was gone now, nodded in agreement, kneeling beside Jijo to the king and bowing her head as well. She said nothing, though; how to explain what had happened to her? Besides, she wasn't even aware her eyes had gained such an eerie hue to them.
"Mina has been officially recognized as a disciple of Wrath. She can see, now. As you and I do, but so much more as well." He paused, his mind going back to the sight of her crippled in pain on the ground in the streets as the full weight of Wrath's discipleship crashed down on her and rendered her helpless. His ears dropped, knowing that he could no longer blindfold his apprentice, as that would render her new Sight useless. She would have to suffer through, as much as it pained him. "She sees sin. Before, as you know, she saw the state of the soul.. A life orb representing the purity or corruption as an individual. Now she sees what they did to get those colors. You might be able to say she sees your entire past and some of your potential future." He paused again to let this sink in, before continuing in a much quieter voice, due to the pain it brought him to think about. "It is extremely painful for her to so much as look at someone else. It renders her completely helpless in her agony." His ears dropped even lower, and again he started to pet Mina's head, as if she were a fragile creature needing protection. Mina leaned into his touch gratefully, which somewhat startled him. "A-anyway.. As a result of this, I'd like to ask that we keep Mina away from too many people as much as possible. She should be fine inside the palace, but not outside it. I cannot blindfold her again because it would be against the will of Wrath. He gave this gift to her for a reason, after all." He felt Mina tense when he mentioned the lack of blindfold, and he hugged her head to his chest comfortingly. "I will, of course, take it upon myself to make sure she is okay. The sight.. and the consequential change in appearance.. will go away in some days' time. She will then go back to the sight she is used to, and the Mina you know." He smiled softly, still petting and hugging his apprentice to him; her still leaning into him. She must be too weak and scared to fight against him; must actually need this touch. The thought of that pained him.. He missed the sassy Mina already, and couldn't wait for her to come back.
"That said," he murmured, looking up to lock eyes with the King, "I believe you - no, we - have a kingdom to rebuild." He would not let the King be alone in such a monumental task; he was his friend, and would have it no other way.
(((the end for this board? I gueesssssss?)))
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