It is time.
David is conscious, but his eyes are vacant as he walks down the hallway behind Miranda. His father is at his side, but David is unaware. Every nerve feels exposed and open as if he is walking through salt water with paper cuts across his body. Raw and over sensitive, the pain of a fading bond and a broken one warring with each other until David is no longer certain of his own sanity.
Miranda is certain. The chaos she feels is not her brother. He hasn't been for quite some time. As they pause at the huge doors, Miranda looks over at David, then exchanges a nervous glance with their father.
The large white and black marble room echoes with every tiny movement made. Torches throw dancing light and shadows across the polished surfaces. A tiny woman with hair down to her ankles lounges on a throne. Her face is impossibly perfect, showing no emotion, but the movement of white lacquered nails over the rich, black velvet of her robes betrays her anxiety.
Inclining her head, Miranda steps forward as her father grabs David's arm to halt him. Her brother looks...not even lost, simply gone. As if nothing of him remains with his own body. His spirit, which always seemed to glow has diminished to nearly nothing.
"What it is Miranda? Why have you brought him here?" The woman asks, her mouth twisted into a not so pretty scowl.
Miranda's voice is hard and firm, "Like me or not Caeglin, your Mistress owes me a boon; two actually, if you're counting and I'm here to collect. Do be a love and summon her for me." Smiling with false sweetness, Miranda crosses her arms, her gaze steady.
Caeglin starts to speak, then a silence so heavy even the torches still, spreads over the room. Almost in slow motion, Vin walks in with Orlando right beside him and everyone seems to be moving through thick, clear molasses. Vin's hand closes over Orlando's wrist, Miranda lightly chafes at her arms, and even David goes perfectly still as his eyes find Orlando and pain etches itself across his features.
Sitting up very straight, almost prim, Caeglin's mouth begins to move. Despite the motion of her lips, the voice that issues forth is not heard but felt, nearly vibrating the breastbones of those nearby. Mortals and Immortals alike, fall to their knees as soundless vibration washes over them.
What boon do you wish Daughter of Lillith?
Swallowing, Miranda looks at the High Preistess and mouthpiece of her Goddess. "I wish to have my brother healed. His memory cleaned of the dreams which are haunting his reality." Miranda fold her hands in her lap, her eyes going down to the marble that is cold and hard beneath her knees. "That is my boon Lady."
David is nearly choking behind her, but he as not been spoken to and knows that he will not be allowed to talk. Finally, he goes silent and puts his trust in his sister. She will know how to help. She always does.
Is that all you wish child?
Miranda nods, hoping the Goddess will honor her request and restore her brother. This is not her last hope for getting David back, but it is certainly her best. The silence begins to spread out and press down on those in the room, when at last, She answers.
Take him to the inner temple. Lock him in. He will remain there until sunrise tomorrow. Do so now.
As the Presence fades, David is up on his feet, scrambling across the room to Orlando and wrapping his arms around his neck. "No...no, I don't want to. I can keep you both. Right? You know I can. I just..I just need time. Just...please, I don't want to. I need you both. You can see that right? I do..I can...I...where's Karl?"
He begins to look around the room rather wildly before his father throws David over his shoulder. "Not now, son. Trust your sister and I." Nodding apologetically to Orlando, David's father carries him over to Miranda and helps her to her feet.
Caeglin had fallen sideways in her throne and had acolytes and other clergy fussing over her. One steps away and led Miranda, David and their father to the inner temple. Setting David inside, they try to back out, but David isn't about to go willingly and it takes Miranda several minutes to get him to calm down. Finally, they are able to leave, the door clicking locked behind them.
With a last glance over their shoulder, they make their way back to their rooms.
Miranda is certain. The chaos she feels is not her brother. He hasn't been for quite some time. As they pause at the huge doors, Miranda looks over at David, then exchanges a nervous glance with their father.
The large white and black marble room echoes with every tiny movement made. Torches throw dancing light and shadows across the polished surfaces. A tiny woman with hair down to her ankles lounges on a throne. Her face is impossibly perfect, showing no emotion, but the movement of white lacquered nails over the rich, black velvet of her robes betrays her anxiety.
Inclining her head, Miranda steps forward as her father grabs David's arm to halt him. Her brother looks...not even lost, simply gone. As if nothing of him remains with his own body. His spirit, which always seemed to glow has diminished to nearly nothing.
"What it is Miranda? Why have you brought him here?" The woman asks, her mouth twisted into a not so pretty scowl.
Miranda's voice is hard and firm, "Like me or not Caeglin, your Mistress owes me a boon; two actually, if you're counting and I'm here to collect. Do be a love and summon her for me." Smiling with false sweetness, Miranda crosses her arms, her gaze steady.
Caeglin starts to speak, then a silence so heavy even the torches still, spreads over the room. Almost in slow motion, Vin walks in with Orlando right beside him and everyone seems to be moving through thick, clear molasses. Vin's hand closes over Orlando's wrist, Miranda lightly chafes at her arms, and even David goes perfectly still as his eyes find Orlando and pain etches itself across his features.
Sitting up very straight, almost prim, Caeglin's mouth begins to move. Despite the motion of her lips, the voice that issues forth is not heard but felt, nearly vibrating the breastbones of those nearby. Mortals and Immortals alike, fall to their knees as soundless vibration washes over them.
What boon do you wish Daughter of Lillith?
Swallowing, Miranda looks at the High Preistess and mouthpiece of her Goddess. "I wish to have my brother healed. His memory cleaned of the dreams which are haunting his reality." Miranda fold her hands in her lap, her eyes going down to the marble that is cold and hard beneath her knees. "That is my boon Lady."
David is nearly choking behind her, but he as not been spoken to and knows that he will not be allowed to talk. Finally, he goes silent and puts his trust in his sister. She will know how to help. She always does.
Is that all you wish child?
Miranda nods, hoping the Goddess will honor her request and restore her brother. This is not her last hope for getting David back, but it is certainly her best. The silence begins to spread out and press down on those in the room, when at last, She answers.
Take him to the inner temple. Lock him in. He will remain there until sunrise tomorrow. Do so now.
As the Presence fades, David is up on his feet, scrambling across the room to Orlando and wrapping his arms around his neck. "No...no, I don't want to. I can keep you both. Right? You know I can. I just..I just need time. Just...please, I don't want to. I need you both. You can see that right? I do..I can...I...where's Karl?"
He begins to look around the room rather wildly before his father throws David over his shoulder. "Not now, son. Trust your sister and I." Nodding apologetically to Orlando, David's father carries him over to Miranda and helps her to her feet.
Caeglin had fallen sideways in her throne and had acolytes and other clergy fussing over her. One steps away and led Miranda, David and their father to the inner temple. Setting David inside, they try to back out, but David isn't about to go willingly and it takes Miranda several minutes to get him to calm down. Finally, they are able to leave, the door clicking locked behind them.
With a last glance over their shoulder, they make their way back to their rooms.