chaele
worship like a dog
“I have not,” they answer after a moment’s hesitation, apparently realizing that his expression can only be amiable. There are some luxuries that the wild woman knows from a lifetime ago, their Torcher tongue having tasted brazed ramphire steak and rich oceanside wine. But there has never been an occasion for a heated drink like this one. Another beat passes, and they offer a tight but humble huff of a laugh. “It seems that will soon be remedied.”
Their arms have lowered to their sides, bent just enough to pretend they aren’t stiff as a board. It is easy for attentions to wander, amid the joyful exchanges and the elegant decorations and the bright, sanguine faces. So too do the motions of their mask seem to gesture to the festival at large.
“I did visit the Eye. I discovered much there, but its power is not the same. Do you not feel it? The power of revelry, and prosperity, and ignorance, and bliss. It is like a shield. Or a veil. It is in all of these lives, connected by threads of merry intention.” A sardonic smile spreads the timbre of their voice as they add, “It is sickening.”
Frosted boots move forward idly, taking the place of those who vacated the space before them. Only then does Chaele realize that they are next in line.
Their arms have lowered to their sides, bent just enough to pretend they aren’t stiff as a board. It is easy for attentions to wander, amid the joyful exchanges and the elegant decorations and the bright, sanguine faces. So too do the motions of their mask seem to gesture to the festival at large.
“I did visit the Eye. I discovered much there, but its power is not the same. Do you not feel it? The power of revelry, and prosperity, and ignorance, and bliss. It is like a shield. Or a veil. It is in all of these lives, connected by threads of merry intention.” A sardonic smile spreads the timbre of their voice as they add, “It is sickening.”
Frosted boots move forward idly, taking the place of those who vacated the space before them. Only then does Chaele realize that they are next in line.
at the shrine of my lies
