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Post by Storyteller on Dec 20, 2020 2:36:31 GMT
After my lovely visit with Jevunlok, I spend some time exploring the ship. I want to see the Sacrifice, so I wander toward the prow.
(I assume the Sacrifice is guarded?)
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Post by Diocles on Dec 20, 2020 5:17:14 GMT
As you approach the hold where he is kept, you see a tall, strong, and beautiful Zenji sailor guarding the door.
"Mairwyn of Ravenwood," he calls to you, "I know you are the prince's honored guest, but I have strict orders from the captain to keep all away from this area."
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Post by Storyteller on Dec 20, 2020 6:01:51 GMT
"Surely," I say, pointing out the obvious, as I gesture to my feminine body, "that applies only to men? I am a female, and of no danger to the Sacrifice..."
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Post by Diocles on Dec 20, 2020 6:03:11 GMT
The guard chuckles. "Yes, I guess not. Captain made that rule not thinking we'd have a female on board." He steps aside and gestures to the door. "The sacrifice is inside, wrapped in incense as always."
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Post by Storyteller on Dec 20, 2020 6:05:13 GMT
"Thank you." I sweep a low curtsy, then slip past him, eager to see the Sacrifice.
"Greetings," I say softly, pushing the door open.
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Post by Diocles on Dec 20, 2020 6:11:08 GMT
The air of the room is heavy with the smoke of incense, and a navy blue curtain of sparkling waves and stars separates the entryway of the room from the rest of the chamber. You push aside the curtain at its slit and peek your head in, and you see a large, soft bed with a lantern hanging above it, sending splashes of stars of fire wheeling around the room. On a hanger against the wall hangs a ceremonial white gown and a crown of laurel and liles. On the bed sleeps a Zenji youth, tall, slim, and chiseled. Your breath catches, for he is the most beautiful youth you have ever seen, even more beautiful than your cousins. His long black eyelashes rest on his cheek; his bare chest rises and falls peacefully.
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Post by Storyteller on Dec 20, 2020 6:12:57 GMT
A shiver overcomes me. Is this what it is like to look upon my own face?
Tears start to my eyes, and I cannot help myself. I reach out to touch that soft, dark skin.
"Angel?" I breathe. Surely this beauty is too great to be real!
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Post by Diocles on Dec 20, 2020 6:14:12 GMT
The youth stirs, and his dark, luminous eyes flutter open. He leans up on his elbows and smiles at you. "Aren't angels often depicted as being pale or gleaming white? As you can see, I am no angel."
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Post by Storyteller on Dec 20, 2020 6:15:25 GMT
"You are too beautiful to be anything else," I say. "So if you are no angel, then are you an emissary of Galadrin himself? A signal grace to the Zenji people?"
I cannot look away from his glowing eyes.
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Post by Diocles on Dec 20, 2020 6:16:34 GMT
He laughs and sits all the way up, gazing at your face, hair, and limbs. "I'd say you're the angel. You certainly are paler than any girl I've ever seen." He touches your hand in wonder, as if you're not real. "I'm Iri, the sacrifice for the Ithacul."
[INT check]
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Post by Storyteller on Dec 20, 2020 6:18:16 GMT
(rolled a 15. Made it!)
"Iri," I say, testing the name in my mouth. It delights my lips as his face does my eyes.
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Post by Diocles on Dec 20, 2020 6:19:41 GMT
The incense in the air has a calming effect, perhaps even stupefying if you stay too long. Dobutless the Zenji want to make sure their sacrifice goes to his fate without panic, if it comes to that.
"And you are?"
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Post by Storyteller on Dec 20, 2020 6:20:27 GMT
"I am Mairwyn of Ravenwood," I answer. I lift his hand to my lips and kiss it.
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Post by Diocles on Dec 20, 2020 6:21:34 GMT
His eyes regard you curiously. "Mairwyn, what are you doing on board the Skylark?" He looks you over and takes a guess based on your apparel. "You are a... guest of the prince?"
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Post by Storyteller on Dec 20, 2020 6:22:58 GMT
"Yes," I answer. "His Highness took me and my cousins aboard to protect us. The city was rioting." I glance around the room, feeling the calm of the incense, but not caring. I do not want this interview to end!
Can I see the sky from here? Is it possible that Iri does not know the sun did not rise?
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