Visiting Darius (for on_holy_ground)
The Church of St. Julien le Pauvre, it is said, was one of the oldest churches of Paris, and - since its magical relocation - undoubtedly the most ancient one of New York.
In spite of that there was afternoon, the cavernous nave of St. Julien was empty and deserted, the only hint of life the faint smell of incense from mass that morning, and there were also a couple of half-burned candles next to the altar.
Réka sensed the uneasiness behind the cold, professional demeanor of her bodyguards as they entered the church. She was not surprised by this. Haag’s men were responsible for her security - no, his children’s security, she corrected herself - so they insisted on returning to North Star before dark. Nevertheless, Réka was not in hurry. Her weekly visits to New York were the only occasions when she could get away from Haag’s Big Brother House.
And there were other, serious reasons why Réka wanted to talk to Darius. The scan was performed last week revealed she was bearing twins. In opposition to Hsu, Réka had quite ambiguous feelings on it. Especially so, since she had been aware of the twins days before the scan was performed. Réka could not explain how, still some mental connection of sort formed between children and mother. They were talking to her, radiating feelings and shadowy pictures into her mind. The scan did not reveal yet, but Réka knew she was expecting a boy and a girl - Daniel and Darina. It was something she could not discuss with Hsu. So, she visited the only immortal she was allowed to talk to: Darius.
She walked along the pews to reach the altar, fingers touched the carved back boards lightly, enjoying its warm sensation. Reaching the altar, Réka picked up a candle, lit it and placed into a candlestick, then took a seat, waiting for the priest patiently.
In spite of that there was afternoon, the cavernous nave of St. Julien was empty and deserted, the only hint of life the faint smell of incense from mass that morning, and there were also a couple of half-burned candles next to the altar.
Réka sensed the uneasiness behind the cold, professional demeanor of her bodyguards as they entered the church. She was not surprised by this. Haag’s men were responsible for her security - no, his children’s security, she corrected herself - so they insisted on returning to North Star before dark. Nevertheless, Réka was not in hurry. Her weekly visits to New York were the only occasions when she could get away from Haag’s Big Brother House.
And there were other, serious reasons why Réka wanted to talk to Darius. The scan was performed last week revealed she was bearing twins. In opposition to Hsu, Réka had quite ambiguous feelings on it. Especially so, since she had been aware of the twins days before the scan was performed. Réka could not explain how, still some mental connection of sort formed between children and mother. They were talking to her, radiating feelings and shadowy pictures into her mind. The scan did not reveal yet, but Réka knew she was expecting a boy and a girl - Daniel and Darina. It was something she could not discuss with Hsu. So, she visited the only immortal she was allowed to talk to: Darius.
She walked along the pews to reach the altar, fingers touched the carved back boards lightly, enjoying its warm sensation. Reaching the altar, Réka picked up a candle, lit it and placed into a candlestick, then took a seat, waiting for the priest patiently.