Chapter II
Year 4357, Month of Sigilind (8), Day 07.
16:11
Lorika's words broke Emile out of whatever trance they were in, "I need to take my meds, may I be excused, your highness?" Emile said, playing with their fingers.
"Yes, of course you can. You do seem to be having a...reaction." Lorika said with a string of desire in her tone.
Emile quickly left after clumsily grabbing their bag and taking the manilla folders they needed, and which ones were to be left for Lorika and Asha to go through, Emile practically barreled through the hallways, desperate to make it to their quarters in order to hide from the overwhelming feeling of embarrassment.
Emile opened the door to their quarters and quickly took their meds. Emile felt flustered and couldn't help but shake the feeling of déjà vu that followed Emile with this feeling. Well, it wasn't so much the feeling, but the person who brought it on. But that didn't make sense, did it? How could Lorika, someone Emile merely tolerated bring such a great feeling to them, and why did it have a slight hint of...desire?
Emile quickly rushed into their bedroom and changed into their nice silk pajamas, then flopped on their bed facing the ceiling. When had Emile felt this towards Lorika before? Then it hit them like a bullet. The feeling Emile had was that of when you finally remember something you'd forgotten, something you could now remember clear as day, something you couldn't believe you had forgotten.
It was a cool autumn day in the month of Hava. Emile remembered being even more exhausted than usual, the Head Maiden of the academy, Esther, had mandated that all girls of the academy fasted during the months of the evil gods (Anti-Gods or Anti's as they were called). Emile squatted down and picked up another piece of trash, two rules Esther was a stickler about; 'A lady should never bend her rump to be presented to the world', and 'trash is impure, and therefore shall be kept of these holy streets'. Ironic, because it was her generation that industrialized everything and made excess trash and landfills a global problem. Emile hated the old hag, they could definitely run this academy better than she ever had.
Emile continued to walk down the streets, picking up trash and putting it into a cloth bag Emile carried over their shoulder. Their black veil, held on their head by an elastic white band flung around in the wind as they walked, as did the conservative black dress Emile wore. Emile sighed and watched as a multitude of trash came flying down the sidewalks towards Emile, which they quickly picked up. Emile would be happy if they didn't know there would be more. Apparently, some ambassador was coming to the city to preach about politics, something that Esther told the girls not to worry about; that was something meant for men.
Emile sighed and continued down the sidewalk, going towards the town square to pick up the trash as it flew by, and to eventually be able to pick all the trash up after the assembly. Emile continued down the path, going closer and closer to the town square. Emile wasn't supposed to be going there, it would taint their mind or whatever Esther had spouted about, but it would make Emile's work ten times easier, plus what could some outsider have to say that would change Emile's mindset? Emile approached the crowd, the crowd that murmured jokes about the woman standing on the pedestal in the town square.
The woman was captivating to Emile, long white hair tied in a high ponytail, face-framing bangs, and what appeared to be a short haircut in the front of her layered hair. She had sand-colored skin that was as clear as could be, compared to the acne that a lot of girls in the academy had. She had bright red eyes, a black shadow cast over the top half, and contrasting white pupils. She looked right out of Kah-O'an mythology. She wore a tailored suit, it fit her body perfectly, a shape Emile hadn't seen other than in the mirror due to the conservative nature of the town. It made heat rush to Emile's face and legs, Emile was absolutely infatuated, this woman exuded confidence and authority, something Emile had never seen a woman do over men.
The woman spoke of the Goddess of Victory; NIKE. The woman spoke of Her philosophy, and the path of NIKE; to do what you want, as long as you follow Her apostles, and Herself, as well as succeed in what you do, to never fail, because you will come out victorious. Emile felt their heart jump in their chest as the woman said that the final apostle was in this town, waiting to be free to be victorious. Emile felt a connection to this woman, and to this speech, Emile had a gut feeling; this was what Emile was meant to do.
The woman was soon booed, called a blasphemous Anti-God worshiper, a disgrace of Themusiru's creation, for Themusiru created mankind so Sigilind; her daughter, would have friends, it was soon after that Themusiru became one with the universe once more, leaving Sigilind to create her own pantheon. Emile looked up at the woman who stood her ground, until the crowds dispersed when she finally made her way down the steps from the podium. Emile thought about how much it would've costed to let this woman stay on the stage for so long, talking about a religion that no one would follow, Emile felt admiration towards this woman, the fact that she had decided to put up with all that, all for one person she didn't even know was listening. Emile followed her in curiosity, and looked around the corner to where the woman stood before a wall.
"Did you hear the commotion they made, I'm sure that no apostle of ours would be here, and even if they were they wouldn't be listening," The woman said, speaking in the direction of...nothing. Emile had been told by Esther that if someone talked to air they were either speaking to an angel...or a demon, "I wish to leave, I've merely made a fool of my message." She said, running a hand through her bangs.
Emile felt heat flush their face as they looked at the woman, she was so unnaturally beautiful. Emile walked forwards, clearing their voice, "Excuse me?"
The woman's head whipped around, almost as though she was on guard, and then her gaze softened when she saw it was merely a young nun, "Yes, how may I help you?"
Emile held eye contact with the woman, "Are you, by chance, talking to an angel, or are you being tempted by a demon?" Emile asked, trying to feel authoritative, since Emile felt warm and a slight tingling sensation at the thought of being under someone else's authority, something Emile knew was a sign they were meant to be in charge.
The woman's face glazed over with seriousness again, and she turned away, looking at Emile through the side of her eye, "You don't amuse me, sister," The woman said, "I don't think you should be partaking in such a devilish thing such as sarcasm."
Emile squinted their eyes, "You can't just make up words and tell me I'm being tempted by the devil." Emile said, not knowing what sarcasm was.
The woman did a double take, "You...don't know what sarcasm is? So you genuinely think I'm speaking to someone?" The woman's eyes suddenly sparkled with interest, "I don't know whether or not it's an angel I'm speaking to, it could be a demon, why don't you bring me to your Academy and you can cleanse my soul in case?" The woman said, intrigued.
Emile perked up proudly, feeling a sense of triumph when thinking about leading a cleansing, "Of course, I'll lead you there now."
Emile learned the woman's name was Lorika, and that she was talking to NIKE; the Goddess of Victory. Emile introduced themself and found interest in Lorika. She seemed confident and charming, all traits evil women possessed in the scriptures of Sigilind. And yet, Emile found themself enticed by her, they found themself feeling things they had never felt before, Emile even found themself trying to match her charm. The woman seemed amused but equally as intrigued with Emile as they were with her, a spark in her eyes seemingly saying she had possibly found what she was looking for.
By the time they reached the academy, Emile was ready to pack their things and leave, but any action that could be taken from that impulse was halted by the wrinkled skin of Maiden Esther. She looked at Emile and immediately ticked her tongue, not even paying attention to the stranger.
"Emile, what have I told you about having your hair showing?" Esther walked forward and pulled Emile to be blocked by her body from Lorika's sight, she removed the cap from Emile's head and repositioned her hair so that only the long back of it could be visible at certain angles, due to the curved nature of the back of the cap. The cap was placed on Emile's head once more, Emile's forehead completely exposed. Emile felt blush rush to their cheeks as the maiden moved aside and Lorika saw them in this state, something that Emile usually wouldn't care about.
Lorika gave a sympathetic smile as she spoke to Esther about why she was there. Emile turned away so that the long ends of the curved cap would cover Emile's face from Lorika. As Esther grabbed Emile to have them assist in the ritual her face seemed to drop when she saw the look on Emile's face, the embarrassment of being humiliated. Emile didn't understand why it was such a big deal to her, what she had done for Emile's life was force her into the small box of what she considered an ideal woman to be.
And yet, she seemed almost protective, trying to keep Emile from Lorika at every given opportunity. Emile did everything in their power to have as much of an impact as they could on the ritual. The worry on Esther's face only grew more apparent as she watched Emile trying to make their way into things. It was when Esther pulled Emile aside and told them that they were to stay in their bedroom for the duration of Lorika's stay that Emile had had enough.
Emile did go to their room, but meeting Lorika and having this sort of interaction, the things Lorika told them about how she had her own country, how Emile could have the life of their dreams, made Emile feel empowered. Emile no longer had to feel trapped in this one town, where everyone knew each other and would return Emile to the academy had they ever tried to leave, Emile now had a way out, and they intended to take this opportunity. Emile's bedroom was not entirely theirs, bunk beds lined the walls, so twelve girls could live there, and a small closet with all the girls' clothes for the day was filled and organized from youngest to oldest before any of them could awake. Under each bunk bed, all the girls had half a space to hold personal belongings. Emile immediately took their personal belongings out from under their bed and took one of the bags from the closet, not caring if it belonged to another girl, they filled it with the things they needed; their encyclopedia of plants and potions and remedies they could make with them. Some other miscellaneous items Emile used to make said remedies were packed as well, as well as bandages to cover Emile's eyes, which Emile wrote off as a skin condition some people were grossed out by.
Emile grabbed their cap and repositioned it so their hair was visible and exited their room, they walked by and listened as Esther proclaimed NIKE was a demon tempting Lorika down the path of Dahmah, the Goddess of evil and corruption, and needed to find her way in Sigilind's light. Lorika was faking her interaction with Esther, something that made Emile feel even better about themself since someone of such importance and authority was going out of her way to spend time with them. Emile listened to the ritual and heard Lorika ask Esther something that made Emile's stomach fill with butterflies.
"Head Maiden, may I ask you something?" Lorika asked. Esther turned her head and nodded, "I haven't seen sister Emile in a bit, may I speak with them?"
Esther's eyes widened, "No, Emile has had a long day, she is resting."
"Really? They seemed very energetic before they left, are you sure that I cannot see them? Just for a moment?" Lorika asked, clearly questioning Esther's authority, something that didn't happen much in this town.
"Yes, now I believe it is time for you to leave, do not listen to that horrid demon, follow the ways of Sigilind and it will leave, but while it is still here you should not enter this holy space again," Esther said frantically.
"Is that so? But I could've sworn you said that holy spaces repel demons, and if I visited an Academy of Sigilind I would rid myself of the demon faster?" Lorika said, reaching out, "Are you sure you do not need to rest, Head Maiden?"
The Head Maiden was quick to usher Lorika out from the door, and rushed to Emile's room, just as Emile turned away so she couldn't recognize it was them. Emile immediately made their way out the door and tracked Lorika down, something that wasn't that hard since she was leaning on a pillar that was on the outside of the stairs.
"Emile, I had a feeling you'd follow me out, I did not expect so soon, however," Lorika said, a smile spreading across her face.
Emile nodded, "I'd like to follow you." Emile said, holding a hand to their chest.
Lorika seemed surprised, "That's quite a hasty decision to make, you met me about an hour and a half ago, and you already want to leave with me?"
Emile nodded, "With the way my life is going I have one of two choices, submit my life to the Academy and spend my life as a nun, or be married off to someone. I cannot leave this town because I'll only be brought back by one of the people of this town or the surrounding towns who know me. I'd like to be able to genuinely live a life worth living."
Lorika stood up from where she was leaning and examined Emile, "Are you sure? I can always return the next few days and speak with you more so you can make your decision more concrete."
"Nope. I'm sure of my decision." Emile said confidently.
Lorika frowned, I think we should wait a couple of days before I take you with me, I'm in no hurry." Emile tried to protest, but Lorika was set on her decision, and Emile reluctantly agreed.
Over the next three days, Emile and Lorika talked even more as Emile did their daily chores and tasks, soon it was the day before Lorika had to leave, and Emile and Lorika had decided that that night Emile would go with Lorika, rather than back to the academy.
Emile followed Lorika back to her hotel room, Lorika graciously allowed Emile to have the bed, saying that she'd sleep on the couch instead. Emile walked into the bathroom to shower after Lorika explained how the faucets worked to them. Emile closed the door and reached behind themself to unzip their dress, only to find it jammed about halfway down their back. They tried rezipping it and then trying to unzip it again, but it failed. No matter what Emile did it would not unzip. Emile tried pulling it over their head, but to no avail, Emile came to the horrible realization that they would have to ask for help from Lorika, so they opened the door and asked if Lorika could help them unzip their dress.
"Yeah, I don't know what you did to it, it's messed up," Lorika said, "I'm going to have to cut it, but I don't have any dresses," Lorika said, grabbing a pair of scissors.
"I can wear anything, I'll be fine," Emile said, turning away when Lorika cut the fabric beside the zipper.
"Can I ask you something?" Lorika said as she had Emile stand up to cut the waistline so Emile could get out of it, Emile nodded, "Why do you wear so many bandages, are you hurt?" Lorika asked as she finished cutting the dress.
"It's to cover my skin condition," Emile said, "A lot of people here are grossed out by any abnormalities."
"Really?" Lorika asked, the feeling of her hand on the back of Emile's shoulder sliding their sleeve down their arm causing them to flinch, "Oh shit, I'm sorry, it was instinct." She said sincerely.
"No, it's fine, I'm just not used to being touched," Emile said, warmth rushing to their face and inner thighs as Lorika helped Emile out of their dress, leaving Emile in their underwear and bandages that covered most of their body.
"What type of skin condition do you have?" Lorika asked suddenly as she was gathering the clothes
"Oh, just one that causes some growths on my skin, not a big deal," Emile said, still blushing, which was weird since Emile had been in this state in front of the other girls of the congregation before.
Lorika was silent for a moment as she moved behind Emile, who sat in a short sofa chair, "Can I see them?" Lorika said, which caused Emile to blush a bright orange. Emile sat forward, covering their face with their hand.
Emile slowly undid the bandages around their neck until the eye that was firmly plastered on the right side of it was visible, Emile moved their hair so they could see her reaction, blushing too much to face her dead on.
"Fascinating, can you see through these eyes?" Lorika said, but before Emile could answer they saw Lorika hold two unfocused fingers up, "How many fingers am I holding up?" Lorika asked.
"Two," Emile said.
"Mhm..I see, and how good is your eyesight?"
Emile looked back, the heat in their face now having left a reasonable amount behind itself, "In the eyes on my back and neck I can see, but it's blurry and unfocused, but I can still make normal things out. On my chest, over my sternum is a large eye, larger than the others, and I can see better with it than my actual eyes." Emile explained.
Lorika looked at Emile, placing her hands on the short back of the chair and leaning her head forward and around to look at Emile, she smiled, and whispered into Emile's ear, "You're quite interesting, Emile, I'd love to learn more about your condition so I can learn how to assist in...relieving some stress that may be caused by your ailment." Lorika said, her hands now on Emile's shoulders once more.
But before she could go further with her advances she pulled away and grabbed some pajamas for Emile to change into, they hadn't even noticed the wine glass in her hand. Emile blushed and showered. The rest of that night Lorika did many similar things, causing that feeling Emile had had earlier that day.
Emile sighed and got out of their bed, they needed something to soothe themself. Emile ransacked their cupboards to try and find any alcohol they might have lying around. They did not find any, and they were not in the mood to go out and buy some. Though, they did find a few packs of cigarettes, something they hadn't smoked in a few months ever since their pain medicine was enhanced.
Emile opened the large window in their living room and lit a cigarette. They inhaled and exhaled a few puffs before their PortComm rang. Emile sighed and put their cigarette out on the stone ledge that was below the window and went into their room where they had left the now ringing PortComm.
Emile looked at the contact, it was Ciel. Emile accepted the call and greeted Ciel with a meager, "Yeah?"
Ciel spoke on the other end, clearly focused on something, "I saw your message, you said you needed to schedule a therapy appointment."
Emile rubbed their head, "Oh, I forgot I sent you that," Emile said, somewhere in Emile's frenzy of arousal to how Lorika had interacted with them they had sent Ciel a message saying they needed a therapy appointment.
Ciel spoke on the other line, Emile could here the clicking of a keyboard on the other end, "I unfortunately don't have any appointments I could dismiss or move around today, but I could schedule you in for tomorrow at around three, do you think you could coordinate your lunch break for that?" Ciel asked, the clicking stopping.
Emile sighed, "Yeah that should be good, and my next doctor's appointment is still next week on my day off right?" Emile said.
"Yep! I'll see you tomorrow then!"