Maea
And time it waits for no one
It heals them when you die
It heals them when you die
The Temple was much the same as it always had been. When the region of the Hollowed Grounds lay shimmering under an oppressive summer sun , the thick stone walls of the ancient building kept the air within cool and comfortable. The grand hall had been a place of worship and gathering for as long as Maea could remember. The infirmary wing branched off from here, and a grand noticeboard near the exit hung covered with missives and messages dating back years. A stone throw away across the square, the Atheneum with its library towered like a monumental twin to the great keep; for centuries, this had been the center of the region. The heart and soul of an entire world, in truth, because for three hundred years and more, the Old Gods' barrier had kept anyone from coming or going. Effectively a cage to trap the rebellious new goddes known only as The Voice, the people of the region had been caught in the trap as well; a grim sacrifice for the greater good, meant to slowly die out so that the threat could never rise again.
Stepping into the Temple, Maea's gaze traveled up to the vaulted ceiling. It was early in the day and bright sunlight flowed in through stained glass windows. Breaking across the floor and over statuary depicting the Gods and their Heralds, the very air seemed to glow, and in the stillness she was able to hear her own heart beating. She was reminded of the first time her prayers had been answered. Right there, where a section of altar lay strewn with hand-made lanterns and children's toys, she had met Ludo, and her life had changed forever.
Today was as a mirror image of that time. LongNight versus Longheat, dark versus light, she had been a small and desperate thing with failing eyes and poor health, and desire burning hot in her chest. Now, stronger than ever and remade into the child of a very different Goddess, Maea barely recognized herself. Too many things had happened to her, she had seen and done much, and yet...
Here she was, still. Back in the same spot, older and harder yet only half as brave or bold as she had been.
Slipping into a pew, the albino woman slumped down on the seat and leaned a horned head against the backrest. Leaving her thoughts to roam in deep contemplation, she didn't know how much time had passed until a commotion by the Infirmary wing made her look up. A soft frown darkened her fair brow at the interruption, and she twisted to catch a glimpse of what the ruccus was about.
Stepping into the Temple, Maea's gaze traveled up to the vaulted ceiling. It was early in the day and bright sunlight flowed in through stained glass windows. Breaking across the floor and over statuary depicting the Gods and their Heralds, the very air seemed to glow, and in the stillness she was able to hear her own heart beating. She was reminded of the first time her prayers had been answered. Right there, where a section of altar lay strewn with hand-made lanterns and children's toys, she had met Ludo, and her life had changed forever.
Today was as a mirror image of that time. LongNight versus Longheat, dark versus light, she had been a small and desperate thing with failing eyes and poor health, and desire burning hot in her chest. Now, stronger than ever and remade into the child of a very different Goddess, Maea barely recognized herself. Too many things had happened to her, she had seen and done much, and yet...
Here she was, still. Back in the same spot, older and harder yet only half as brave or bold as she had been.
Slipping into a pew, the albino woman slumped down on the seat and leaned a horned head against the backrest. Leaving her thoughts to roam in deep contemplation, she didn't know how much time had passed until a commotion by the Infirmary wing made her look up. A soft frown darkened her fair brow at the interruption, and she twisted to catch a glimpse of what the ruccus was about.
And soon you are forgotten
A whisper within a sigh
A whisper within a sigh
