Stone People

[Claire]

As soon as Claire stepped one foot into the Moon Temple, something felt like she had arrived home. When she closed her eyes she could hear the ocean under her feet and feel the familiar salt-filled breeze throughout the temple. Despite the cold, this felt like home. So much like home that it made her heart ache. When Claire opened her eyes, she looked up to the statues of the strange gods standing in a circle around her. A quiet frown came over her face as she looked at the impassive marble faces, looking from one to the other. These faces did not look like loving gods, she thought. Not like the Mother.

Claire reached her hand up to the talisman around her neck, rolling the pale blue crystal between her fingers. This was a small comfort in this strange land, with these gods of which she was so unfamiliar. In this country the gods touched every aspect of their lives and were a meddling sort- Claire wasn’t sure if she appreciated that. She took a step forward, briefly drawn to the statue of a tall and beautiful woman. Her mouth was open in a beautiful smile, her hair immaculately curled even in stone, the folds of her dress falling over her figure in beautiful repose. Claire tilted her head, smiling back up at the smiling face.

< “Let me guess, a goddess of love?” > she asked before her eyes fell to the name at her feet. Claire shook her head, sighing a little. < “Passion and lust.” > she looked back to the stone face, a small smirk coming back to her lips. < “I should have guessed, Vennessa. With a face like that, men would only make you the goddess of sex.” > she crossed around the statue, hands folding behind her back. < “But men are so very predictable, wouldn’t you agree? I just wish for once that a man could be the god of lust, it would be much more accurate.” >

Claire stopped her pacing and shook her head, laughing. It was nonsense, talking to a statue. These weren’t even her gods. They would never be her gods.

She crossed around the fountain, past the cold white statues, and to the balcony. Claire pressed her hands to the railing, letting out a breath at the view. It was almost warm here- the sun was beginning to set over the vast expanse of deep blue water, casting off light in reds and oranges and purples. Claire slid her hands over the railing before folding her arms on top of it, leaning over to rest her chin on her hands. With the smell of salt and the breeze in her hair, this did feel like home. Enough for her to look to her own goddess for answers to her questions. Claire lifted her hand to toy with the crystal around her neck again before looking down at it, the pale blue color twinkling in the light of the setting sun.

< “Why did you send me here, Mother? There are so many fated, and that girl…” > Claire’s thoughts returned to Aria at the spring and she shuddered. That strange girl who knew that name. < “I cannot believe that you would send me here for a girl like her. I need a mission, Mother. Now that I am here, what do I do now? If that girl really is the one… then what do I do now?” >

Claire lifted her talisman up to the light and sighed, tapping the crystal with a finger. < “You won’t give me any answers, will you?” >

[Deleted]

Quiet as a mouse a small but petite creature viewed the scene from above. She had pale ivory skin and rosy soft full lips but with a stubborn chin. A thin long nose sat in between large intelligent orbs framed with thick long lashes. She sat wedged comfortable between the wall and on top of the shoulders of another statue. She watched as the woman walked towards the window, leaning forward so her elbows rested on the god statues head.

”If you like crystals the one in the other rooms a doozy if you poke it”

The young woman detangled herself from the statue of knowledge and dropped down to the floor with feline grace. She had wild red hair that was currently tamed back in a low ponytail by a piece of cloth. She was wearing an oversize long sleeved male tunic, dark in color, and a pair of oversize breeches that obviously were not hers either. However they were held up by a vine that wrapped around her waste; a couple of daggers were slung into the belt along with a medium sized pouch. A gold chain hung around her neck but the large jewel that was attached to it was safely hidden within the oversized tunic. She smiled; and extended her hand.

”Sorry about earlier, how about we start over? My name is Aria what’s yours?”

Aria wiggled her bare toes on the floor, it was slightly chilly without shoes…perhaps she should dig into the coin given to her when she first appeared. However winters could be long and harsh, and game in the winter was prone to be scarce. She would need to ration her funds to make sure she was well fed through the winter….

[Claire]

Claire lifted her head when she heard the voice, then scowled at her crystal. < “I wasn’t asking for that sort of answer.” > she murmured, then turned back to the source of the voice. That young girl from the springs. Claire raised an eyebrow down at her, tilting her head to the side as she leaned her back against the balcony.

“You already know what the people of your country call me. With that voice in your head.” Claire shook her head, waving her hand idly. “That is not of importance.” she pushed herself off the balcony and took Aria’s hand, pulling it up to look over it. She was a skinny girl, clearly not well kept despite her appearance of good health. She shook Aria’s hand anyway, her hand rough as she squeezed it.

“Aria.” she murmured. releasing her hand. She looked down to the girl’s feet. “<For the love of all the gods-> -where are your shoes, child.” she frowned, truly hoping this girl wasn’t the one she was looking for. But she did have that mark. Claire could barely fight off her scowl from returning.

“Do you make a habit of spying, girl?” she asked, nodding back to the temple. “Or do you prefer the company of statues to men?”

The crystal around her neck felt strangely warm and she lifted a hand to touch it, a thoughtful frown tugging at her lips. “...show me this crystal.”

[Deleted]

Aria could only grin when she mentioned the voice; really she realized exactly how crazy she sounded. She raised an eyebrow as the woman grabbed her hand to inspect it once more. She allowed it and the woman would find Arias own palms bore calluses to; ones that indicated she used a sword and often. When she mentioned Arias shoes she chuckled and looked down at her wiggling toes.

”I haven’t got any yet; us fated are brought into this world with nothing but what’s on our backs …worry not about my feet they’re so callused by years of owning no shoes and they are kept warm by my gift.”

A chuckle escaped her throat at the mention of spying, she shrugged her shoulders giving her a mischievous grin.

”Yes to both….however I was here before you came. I like to think in high places; that and its hysterical to answer people talking to the statues. Here there’s no one to throw their shoes at me when I do!...though it might be appreciated if they had for once.”

She nodded and motioned for her to fallow her when she asked to see the crystal….she wanted to poke it again anyways.

”So, Claire…who is this mother you referred to last time? I’m curious because it seems I should have known about her judging by your reaction at the springs.”

[Claire]

Claire pushed herself forward, arms still crossed, and followed the girl. “So your country is not fond of shoes either, I see.” she scratched her jaw, sighing. This place was cold. So cold compared to home. This girl would get sick and die if she wasn’t careful. A thought crept in her head- what if the Mother had lead her to this girl? And her duty was to take care of her? The thought made her cringe. Surely she had a more important duty than babysit a child with voices in her head and bare feet.

Claire walked back into the temple, her boots clicking against the stone floor. She looked back up at the marble statues and the fountain, already missing the tranquility of the sunset ocean view. She looked back to Aria when she spoke again.

“ <The Mother of All.> Goddess of all, Mother to all of mankind. The creator.” Claire smiled a little, tilting her head towards Mylee. “But you do not believe in her here. But she sent me to this land, so her influence is felt even here.” she looked back to Aria, arching an eyebrow down at her. “Will you call me a heretic?”

[Deleted]

'Why did my feet bring me to this place?' Jeon thought to himself. He had just arrived in the capital after a two days journey on horse back and the first thing he can even think of doing is going to the temple? Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes he sensed his surrounding. Soft chimes danced in his ears. The salty sea feathered his nose and the wind chilled his skin. He held his hand up to his chest. The thudding of his heart reminded him of his anxiety of coming to the capital. Memories of his childhood flashed through his mind. He had been here before. It was all the same.

As he walked up the giant steps toward the jade doors he caught the whispering of voices. There were two women discussing within the temples chambers. 'Mother?' He continued his climb and came to the opening. He saw the backs of the women walking further in past the large statues. He wouldn't have thought much of this interaction, but something caught his eye. Upon the arm of the shorter women was an aura of magic. His curiosity peeked instantly. Any anxiety he was experiencing went away. Glancing at the statue of Saden, the God of Knowledge, he laughed to himself. 'Why do you curse me with curiosity my Lord?'

Jeon calmly and quietly continued to walk into the temple to hear more of the conversation. He hid behind the large statue of Saden. “Will you call me a heretic?” Before approaching he wanted to know if his approach would cause any disturbances. He had a history of causing trouble with his curiosity. His father wouldn't allow him to have any pets for that reason. The magic aura that he had originally noticed coming from the small woman's arm was just a small part of the radiant glow that appeared now. 'What is this magic? I have never seen anything like it.' While leaning in to have a closer look his footing gave way and with a loud thud he landed head first onto the floor. His vision blurred and he could feel blood oozing from his nose.

[Deleted]

”Hm? Oh no…I’m just strange, that and for the longest of times I couldn’t afford any”

At least she realized she was strange, and was comfortable enough in her own skin to embrace it fully. Aria listened with an intrigued expression when Claire spoke of this mother. She looked over at Grandpa Lee Lee’s statue…wondering what he thought of all of this…before turning back to Claire when she asked if Aria thought she was a heretic.

”It’s not my place to judge; One of my nearest and dearest friend always thought the gods were just overpowered creatures that people looked for guidance. Personally I think people can believe what they want to believe, and it pays not to be ignorant or disrespectful of their beliefs. So I would genuinely like to learn more”

There was no mocking or amused glint in Arias eyes when she gave a response. Her response was genuine and serious. Suddenly there conversation was interrupted when a man fell out behind the statue….apparently she wasn’t the only one who used her father as a good hiding place. Aria stopped and padded over to the male; grabbing him from the back collar of his shirt and pulling him to his feet with surprising strength.

”You know its rude to spy”

Now her eyes were dancing with mirth, mostly at the pure hypocritical nature of the words she had just spoken.

[Claire]

Claire frowned again. Aw hell. Maybe she was here to take care of this girl. She couldn’t very well let her run around without shoes. She groaned, rubbing the side of her head. “I will take comfort that you will not burn me at the sta-” there was the sound of a slam and Claire spun on her heel, looking back behind her in the direction of the noise.

Aria was lifting up the young man off the floor, his nose dripping with blood. She walked over quickly, helping the young mage to his feet. “Did you trip?” she asked, placing her hands on the young man’s face and tilting his head back so the blood from his nose didn’t drip more.

“Pinch your nose, boy.” Claire chided, but it was clear that she was actually concerned. She looked over to Aria, perplexed and shaking her head. “Your country is strange. Why are you all so silent in your temples?” she released Jeon’s face.

[Deleted]

'Well, that didn't go as planned?' With his vision still blurred he felt himself suddenly being jerked up by his collar. He let out a choking noise before letting his feet support his body. ”You know its rude to spy” “Pinch your nose, boy.” Now both of the women were talking to him. His mind swayed in temporary confusion. The other women grabbed his nose and tilted his head back. 'How did I get myself into this mess?' He thought: one tiny beast of a women holding him by the collar in open jubilation at finding him while the other tending to his wounds with firm hands. "Spying?" he muttered with his head tilted back. He forcefully replaced the ladies hand with his own. He was now an awkward mess, slightly bent forward while tilting his head back. "I am no spy, but a vanguard for knowledge." He said this while pointing his other hand at the statue of Saden.

He took a step back and recollected himself. His vision cleared and he could see clearly the two women. He had to hold in laughter the stark contrast between their height. Determined to deter the conversation and find out more about the small women and her aura he looked at both of them in the eye, while still holding onto his nose and said "I am Jeon Ambrosius of Darlarus,"it would take a saint to take any serious tone from his now nasally voice. He awkwardly bowed, realizing his shin had nicked part of the statue on his fall. "Why are you two ladies here today at the Moon Temple? It appears that neither of you are from this land."

[Deleted]

Aria chuckled as Claire took the boy…man? into her care. He seemed in capable hands so Aria released him. Although grandpa had taught her some healing at the moment it was lost to her…. Highly inconvenient. Aria watched as the man took over in pinching off his bloody nose; she looked over at her father’s statue as he pointed to it. Her nose scrunching up cutely when Claire asked why they were always so silent in their temples.

”Cause they have listening spells in these damn things”

She pointed at the Saden satue.

”YOU HEAR THAT I KNOW YOUR GAMES!”

Aria turned back to the man, acting as though her little outburst never happened. She responded to his bow with a well-poised and practiced curtsy. Despite her men’s attire it was perfectly evident she had been schooled in such a response. It was interesting….red hair…middle name so close to Ambrosia….hopefully the two weren’t alike. She inclined her head ever so slightly, and she noticed his nose was not the only thing that bled. She clucked her tongue and shook her head. Aria straightened and pulled a clear vial with a light shimmering blue liquid from her pouch attached to her waist.

”My name is Aria it is a pleasure to meet you; despite the entrance….here take a drop of this it will take care of any wounds…including any head trauma….now just a drop I prefer to save the rest for when I need it”

[Claire]

Claire’s eyebrows raised sharply at the overlong introduction. Huh. Must be upper class. He certainly seemed delicate enough. “The view.” she answered plainly, nodding in return to his clumsy bow. Maybe he knocked his head harder than she thought. “Claire.”

She grimaced openly at Aria yelling at the statue, shaking her head and closing her eyes. She really didn’t know this girl at all. She was demented. Mother give her strength to wrangle this child. She waved her hand dismissively and looked back to Aria, taking a step back away from the two of them.

“That crystal, remember?” Claire prompted before turning on her heel and walking towards the other chamber that she had not entered before on her initial walk. The people of this country were openly friendly in a strange way- and while that was a relief it was still very strange to get used to. Better than being stared at and ignored, she supposed.

[Deleted]

Aria's sudden outbust surprised Jeon and he stared in disbelief. "Pleasure to meet you Aria and Claire." He smiled brightly and genuinely. He took the vial that had been handed to him by Miss Aria and looked at it in curiosity. What were its properties? Should he just trust this lady he had met right now. Well, he had nothing to lose. He popped it open and put one drop onto his tongue. There was a tingling sensation throughout his body. His nose stopped bleeding, his headache went away and the pain from his shin dissipated. Oh beautiful, alchemy at its best. "Thank you," he said and gave a small head bow.

“That crystal, remember?” Before any more developments Claire turned and walked away. 'What an abrupt woman.' he thought to himself. "Oh, and what of a crystal?" his feet quickly followed her. His curiosity peaking. He handed Aria her vial after stopping it with the top and kept walking. He laughed to himself a little bit. These events were much different than his intended visit. He was enjoying himself. He hadn't had much time for enjoyment in the past two years.

[Deleted]

Aria just smiled as he downed the vial, taking it back and placing it back in her pouch. Lunar drops certainly did the trick. Frankly the effects wouldn’t be as strong as a full blown flower petal would….but they would cause him to certainly feel funny, and loopy none the less. Ratty always seemed to function fine enough…..crazy as hell…but fine none the less. Plus if he was going to be eaves dropping….she rather him not have his wits about him while he did so.

”You’re welcome, they’re lunar drops. You may feel funny but any issues you have should be cured.”

When her attention was directed towards the crystal Aria led the way forward. When they reach the office of the room Aria knocked on the door.

”Oh miss adddviiiisooorr, you got visitors”

Her voice had almost a sing song quality, but she waited to see if there was an answer before seeing whether or not the door was locked or unlocked.

[Deleted]

”You’re welcome, they’re lunar drops. You may feel honey butt many tissues you gave should bee lured.”

"What did you say?" Jeon asked. His whole body began to warm up and his body felt like it was floating. He looked down at his hands and stared the blood pulsing through his veins. "I kill bunny...uuuuuuuuggghhh...," he was in a stupor. What was going on? He feet kept walking forward without him telling them too and he found himself crashing into the taller girl. "Berry..." he was so confused in this moment. "Ib is feel vibe?"

In Jeon's confusion he accidentally started to cast a spell. The wind in the room began to pick up. It started swirling faster and was gaining a lot of speed. "Hahahahahahahahaha...butt! butt...NE!!!!! NOOOOO!!!!!" The wind began to wave the hanging curtains and ruffle the hairs upon their heads. Jeon became even more confused. Why was everything moving? Eventually Jeon's cloak flew off his body and he tripped over himself and fell to the floor. The wind continued to pick up speed, knocking down vases and potted plants. Jeon just lay there motionless.