Over twenty years ago.
“That is disgusting, Rissa! Get that thing away from me!â€
Josette shrieked as she bolted behind a tree, her already pale face now turned ghostly white with fear. Her fingers gripped so tightly to the bark that her fingernails were turning white, as if the maple tree would stand as her valiant protector against the dreadful thing in the center of her family’s garden. When the young noble child heard nothing but the distant chirping of birds, she peeked back around at her friend.
Rissalyn remained still where she stood, her violet eyes made bigger behind the thick glasses she wore as she stared at the caterpillar that was wrapped around her index finger. The bug was colored in bright stripes of green, gold, and black; it was thick enough to completely engulf at least three of her fingers at once, but the girl holding it did not care. She seemed fascinated by the freakish thing.
After a moment of making certain that her friend was not being devoured by the disgusting monstrosity, Josette released her hold on the hapless tree. She collected herself and arranged her black curly locks behind her shoulders and straightened her dress. After all, she was two years senior of her friend, and if Rissa was not going to be frightened by some measly caterpillar, then neither was she. She took delicate steps around the tree, her back straight and her expression poised.
“I think it’s trying to nibble at my fingertip!†Rissa giggled as she jutted her finger just ilms away from her friend’s nose. All Josette saw was its gigantic black eyes and equally massive pincers for a mouth that somehow grew threefold in size. She could swear that it was standing on its hindlegs to try and leap onto her face.
“Eeeeeeeek!†The older child screeched, flailing her hands frantically as she made her hasty retreat. It was only when her backtracking brought her back squarely against to the tree that Josette saw her friend kneeling on the ground, gingerly scooping up the caterpillar that had been knocked off its perch in her panicked thrashing.
“It won’t hurt you, Josette.†Rissalyn murmured as she cradled the bug in her cupped hands. Josette marveled at how the girl seemed to treat such a hideous thing with so much care. But when the older child saw the look of worry in her friend’s face, she too approached, now suddenly concerned that she might have hurt the critter. Not that Josette ever cared for bugs, but it was clear that Rissa did, and Josette cared for Rissa.
“Did I hurt it?†Josette asked as she peered at the contents of her friend’s hand. She clasped her own hands behind her back and rocked back and forth, her lower lip protruding out guiltily. “I did not mean to hit it out of your hand…â€
Rissalyn shook her head but did not take her eyes off the strangely colored thing, whispering something under her breath. Josette did not quite know what her friend said, but she held her own breath as her lavender eyes squinted, peering at the creature. She too was somehow willing it to be unhurt.
When the caterpillar squirmed again, both the girls squeaked with joy, bouncing on the balls of their feet. “Did you want to hold it?†Rissa held out her cupped hands to the older child.
“Aah! No! I don’t want to hurt it again.†Josette laughed nervously. “Besides, just because I no longer believe it will eat both of us doesn’t mean I am going to take it home.â€
Rissa gave her a small smile and that knowing look of hers, before turning to a lush plant nearby. She set it atop one of its largest thickest leaves with care. “The larva spends all of its time eating. It needs a lot of sustenance to undergo the transformation in the suns to come.â€
Josette leaned in close to her friend, both the girl’s violet-hued eyes studying the wriggling thing. “When will it turn into a beautiful butterfly?†she whispered as if to speak louder would disturb the process.
“A fortnight, usually.†Rissa pushed her glasses higher onto the bridge of her nose. “But I find this stage the most fascinating. It grows and grows, and splits its own skin and sheds it several times over.â€
The older child made a face as she stood, staring at the girl next to her. They were best friends, and some would even mistake the two for sisters for all the similar features they shared… but sometimes Josette was truly reminded of how different a temperament each of them had. While she herself enjoyed the finer prettier things, Rissa always seemed to be fascinated by the not-so-pretty things, things that crawled and slithered. But when Josette took the time to listen and watch her, she always discovered that she too could find something special about them, through her friend’s eyes.
Josette smiled to herself, silently relieved that even though Rissa’s mother had left without word or warning, she had not lost her best friend in the world. She did notice that Rissa’s laughter had grown quieter and she fell into sullen moods more often, but when they played together it was as if nothing had changed.
“So… will I be seeing your brother at the Cathedral?†Josette changed the subject, and inwardly frowned at how her voice always rose an octave when Lewan was the topic of the discussion.
Rissalyn was still bent low, her eyes at level with the caterpillar. But even though Josette would not see her face, the new bleakness to the young girl’s voice was obvious. “I don’t think so. Since Lewan was sent to squire for Ser Ruisair, I don’t see him often.â€
“Oh,†Josette sighed, her shoulders sagging with disappointment. “So it’s just you and your father at home?â€
Rissalyn nodded without turning around. “Father has been especially busy with the work of the Church.†There was a small pause, and when she continued her tone had turned monotonous, as if to recite someone else’s words. “The work of The Inquisition to stem the tide of heretics never ends.â€
“I am certain your father is doing all he can to protect us.†The older girl bounded forward toward her friend again, leaning in to draw Rissa’s gaze. “As is your brother!â€
A soft sigh escaped Rissa’s lips. “Father hopes that if Ser Ruisair is sent to fight against a dragon and Lewan is instrumental in helping him, that he may someday be considered to join the order of the Temple Knights.â€
Josette shuddered. “A dragon. How frightful.â€
To that, Rissalyn straightened as she turned to the older girl. “I have never seen one. I would like to. I wonder if it is as beautiful as a butterfly?â€
“Don’t you say such things, Rissa!†Josette leaned in quickly, her eyes suddenly scanning the garden around them. She knew her younger friend may not have yet learned to fear the Inquisition, but as the elder of the two, Josette knew better. Even the daughter of an Inquisitor would need to exercise caution, and this knowledge she would bestow onto her friend. She gripped Rissa’s shoulders, meeting her straight in the eyes.
“A man must gaze not upon the eyes of the dragon. A man must hearken not the words of a dragon. A man must lay his hands not upon the flesh or blood of a dragon.†Her tones were hushed but sober. The words flowed easily from rote memory. “The archbishop, his Holiness, declares thus, and thus is it law. Do you understand? No such foolish talk of seeing a dragon, or admiring anything of dragonkin.â€
Rissa’s deep violet gaze regarded her a moment longer, almost quizzically, before she nodded. It was only then that Josette exhaled.
“Good then.†The elder girl released the younger’s shoulders and patted down her own skirt. “Now what shall we do?â€
Rissa’s eyes widened and she smiled brightly. “Oh! I saved the last three skins of the caterpillar after it split and shed! Do you want to see them?!â€
Josette’s face slowly twisted into one of disgust.
“Ew! Rissa!!â€
Now.
Isene Daumois watched patiently as the Midlander woman took account of the boxes and crates that had been laid carefully in the main room. With but a wave of a finger from the Elezen, the men who brought in the special cargo shuffled out, their eyes never quite meeting the two females within.
The Hyur said nothing as she ran her white gloved fingers over the reinforced edges of the thick steel box, her thumb coming to rest against the lock in front of it. Her violet gaze behind the glasses narrowed slightly, and she made no movement to open the box for a moment.
“They belonged to the dragon named Kavir, Miss Reeves.†Isene cleared her throat. “The delivery of the requested parts were swift and seen with utmost care.â€
Josette Reeves turned to face the Wildwood and gave her a succinct nod. “Send my gratitude to the Marquis, Miss Daumois. These components will greatly benefit my research.†Isene gave a pleased dip of her head, knowing that aside from the Seven Greater Celestial Wyrms, the remains of a named dragon was the best any of them could ever hope for. A part of her had doubted whether even such would be obtainable at all. And yet somehow the Marquis had managed it, all for the greater cause.
“The Marquis would appreciate an update in the very near future,†the Elezen added, her hands folding in front of her in a demure position. It was anything but; rarely did she feel any true deference to a non-Elezen, even when the Hyur in question was higher ranked in nobility. She practiced the formality with perfection however, such reverence was expected amongst the social hierarchy after all, but the Four Houses had set an undisputable example of Elezen superiority in her mind. “Can I relay any significant findings?â€
The Midlander just canted her head. “I shall reserve them for when I speak with him.â€
Isene narrowed her eyes slightly, a hint of annoyance etching lines at the corner of her eyes. While she was curious as to the details, Josette Reeves seemed disinclined to share any progress of her experimentation except to the Marquis himself. She had wondered how a Midlander of a minor noble house even came by such a knowledge, but having been recommended by Lord Jeaumis and Lord Garamond, Isene was in no position to question the woman.
“Now, if you will excuse me.†Josette turned and scanned the rest of the contents arranged in her work room, no longer paying any attention to the Elezen. “The potency of a dragon’s remains is directly analogous to its lifespan and rawness of the materials. They have been preserved well, but any further delay would be a waste of time.â€
“Very well then,†Isene sniffed at the dismissal and turned. “I shall leave you to your work, Miss Reeves.†She paused at the archway of the thick double doors. “I trust you will take the appropriate precautions in dealing with such dangerous materials?â€
The Midlander spared her a glance from the corner of her eye and Isene thought she spotted a small curl of her lips.
“Worry not, Miss Daumois. I have been looking forward to this for a long time. It will be most enlightening.â€
“That is disgusting, Rissa! Get that thing away from me!â€
Josette shrieked as she bolted behind a tree, her already pale face now turned ghostly white with fear. Her fingers gripped so tightly to the bark that her fingernails were turning white, as if the maple tree would stand as her valiant protector against the dreadful thing in the center of her family’s garden. When the young noble child heard nothing but the distant chirping of birds, she peeked back around at her friend.
Rissalyn remained still where she stood, her violet eyes made bigger behind the thick glasses she wore as she stared at the caterpillar that was wrapped around her index finger. The bug was colored in bright stripes of green, gold, and black; it was thick enough to completely engulf at least three of her fingers at once, but the girl holding it did not care. She seemed fascinated by the freakish thing.
After a moment of making certain that her friend was not being devoured by the disgusting monstrosity, Josette released her hold on the hapless tree. She collected herself and arranged her black curly locks behind her shoulders and straightened her dress. After all, she was two years senior of her friend, and if Rissa was not going to be frightened by some measly caterpillar, then neither was she. She took delicate steps around the tree, her back straight and her expression poised.
“I think it’s trying to nibble at my fingertip!†Rissa giggled as she jutted her finger just ilms away from her friend’s nose. All Josette saw was its gigantic black eyes and equally massive pincers for a mouth that somehow grew threefold in size. She could swear that it was standing on its hindlegs to try and leap onto her face.
“Eeeeeeeek!†The older child screeched, flailing her hands frantically as she made her hasty retreat. It was only when her backtracking brought her back squarely against to the tree that Josette saw her friend kneeling on the ground, gingerly scooping up the caterpillar that had been knocked off its perch in her panicked thrashing.
“It won’t hurt you, Josette.†Rissalyn murmured as she cradled the bug in her cupped hands. Josette marveled at how the girl seemed to treat such a hideous thing with so much care. But when the older child saw the look of worry in her friend’s face, she too approached, now suddenly concerned that she might have hurt the critter. Not that Josette ever cared for bugs, but it was clear that Rissa did, and Josette cared for Rissa.
“Did I hurt it?†Josette asked as she peered at the contents of her friend’s hand. She clasped her own hands behind her back and rocked back and forth, her lower lip protruding out guiltily. “I did not mean to hit it out of your hand…â€
Rissalyn shook her head but did not take her eyes off the strangely colored thing, whispering something under her breath. Josette did not quite know what her friend said, but she held her own breath as her lavender eyes squinted, peering at the creature. She too was somehow willing it to be unhurt.
When the caterpillar squirmed again, both the girls squeaked with joy, bouncing on the balls of their feet. “Did you want to hold it?†Rissa held out her cupped hands to the older child.
“Aah! No! I don’t want to hurt it again.†Josette laughed nervously. “Besides, just because I no longer believe it will eat both of us doesn’t mean I am going to take it home.â€
Rissa gave her a small smile and that knowing look of hers, before turning to a lush plant nearby. She set it atop one of its largest thickest leaves with care. “The larva spends all of its time eating. It needs a lot of sustenance to undergo the transformation in the suns to come.â€
Josette leaned in close to her friend, both the girl’s violet-hued eyes studying the wriggling thing. “When will it turn into a beautiful butterfly?†she whispered as if to speak louder would disturb the process.
“A fortnight, usually.†Rissa pushed her glasses higher onto the bridge of her nose. “But I find this stage the most fascinating. It grows and grows, and splits its own skin and sheds it several times over.â€
The older child made a face as she stood, staring at the girl next to her. They were best friends, and some would even mistake the two for sisters for all the similar features they shared… but sometimes Josette was truly reminded of how different a temperament each of them had. While she herself enjoyed the finer prettier things, Rissa always seemed to be fascinated by the not-so-pretty things, things that crawled and slithered. But when Josette took the time to listen and watch her, she always discovered that she too could find something special about them, through her friend’s eyes.
Josette smiled to herself, silently relieved that even though Rissa’s mother had left without word or warning, she had not lost her best friend in the world. She did notice that Rissa’s laughter had grown quieter and she fell into sullen moods more often, but when they played together it was as if nothing had changed.
“So… will I be seeing your brother at the Cathedral?†Josette changed the subject, and inwardly frowned at how her voice always rose an octave when Lewan was the topic of the discussion.
Rissalyn was still bent low, her eyes at level with the caterpillar. But even though Josette would not see her face, the new bleakness to the young girl’s voice was obvious. “I don’t think so. Since Lewan was sent to squire for Ser Ruisair, I don’t see him often.â€
“Oh,†Josette sighed, her shoulders sagging with disappointment. “So it’s just you and your father at home?â€
Rissalyn nodded without turning around. “Father has been especially busy with the work of the Church.†There was a small pause, and when she continued her tone had turned monotonous, as if to recite someone else’s words. “The work of The Inquisition to stem the tide of heretics never ends.â€
“I am certain your father is doing all he can to protect us.†The older girl bounded forward toward her friend again, leaning in to draw Rissa’s gaze. “As is your brother!â€
A soft sigh escaped Rissa’s lips. “Father hopes that if Ser Ruisair is sent to fight against a dragon and Lewan is instrumental in helping him, that he may someday be considered to join the order of the Temple Knights.â€
Josette shuddered. “A dragon. How frightful.â€
To that, Rissalyn straightened as she turned to the older girl. “I have never seen one. I would like to. I wonder if it is as beautiful as a butterfly?â€
“Don’t you say such things, Rissa!†Josette leaned in quickly, her eyes suddenly scanning the garden around them. She knew her younger friend may not have yet learned to fear the Inquisition, but as the elder of the two, Josette knew better. Even the daughter of an Inquisitor would need to exercise caution, and this knowledge she would bestow onto her friend. She gripped Rissa’s shoulders, meeting her straight in the eyes.
“A man must gaze not upon the eyes of the dragon. A man must hearken not the words of a dragon. A man must lay his hands not upon the flesh or blood of a dragon.†Her tones were hushed but sober. The words flowed easily from rote memory. “The archbishop, his Holiness, declares thus, and thus is it law. Do you understand? No such foolish talk of seeing a dragon, or admiring anything of dragonkin.â€
Rissa’s deep violet gaze regarded her a moment longer, almost quizzically, before she nodded. It was only then that Josette exhaled.
“Good then.†The elder girl released the younger’s shoulders and patted down her own skirt. “Now what shall we do?â€
Rissa’s eyes widened and she smiled brightly. “Oh! I saved the last three skins of the caterpillar after it split and shed! Do you want to see them?!â€
Josette’s face slowly twisted into one of disgust.
“Ew! Rissa!!â€
Now.
Isene Daumois watched patiently as the Midlander woman took account of the boxes and crates that had been laid carefully in the main room. With but a wave of a finger from the Elezen, the men who brought in the special cargo shuffled out, their eyes never quite meeting the two females within.
The Hyur said nothing as she ran her white gloved fingers over the reinforced edges of the thick steel box, her thumb coming to rest against the lock in front of it. Her violet gaze behind the glasses narrowed slightly, and she made no movement to open the box for a moment.
“They belonged to the dragon named Kavir, Miss Reeves.†Isene cleared her throat. “The delivery of the requested parts were swift and seen with utmost care.â€
Josette Reeves turned to face the Wildwood and gave her a succinct nod. “Send my gratitude to the Marquis, Miss Daumois. These components will greatly benefit my research.†Isene gave a pleased dip of her head, knowing that aside from the Seven Greater Celestial Wyrms, the remains of a named dragon was the best any of them could ever hope for. A part of her had doubted whether even such would be obtainable at all. And yet somehow the Marquis had managed it, all for the greater cause.
“The Marquis would appreciate an update in the very near future,†the Elezen added, her hands folding in front of her in a demure position. It was anything but; rarely did she feel any true deference to a non-Elezen, even when the Hyur in question was higher ranked in nobility. She practiced the formality with perfection however, such reverence was expected amongst the social hierarchy after all, but the Four Houses had set an undisputable example of Elezen superiority in her mind. “Can I relay any significant findings?â€
The Midlander just canted her head. “I shall reserve them for when I speak with him.â€
Isene narrowed her eyes slightly, a hint of annoyance etching lines at the corner of her eyes. While she was curious as to the details, Josette Reeves seemed disinclined to share any progress of her experimentation except to the Marquis himself. She had wondered how a Midlander of a minor noble house even came by such a knowledge, but having been recommended by Lord Jeaumis and Lord Garamond, Isene was in no position to question the woman.
“Now, if you will excuse me.†Josette turned and scanned the rest of the contents arranged in her work room, no longer paying any attention to the Elezen. “The potency of a dragon’s remains is directly analogous to its lifespan and rawness of the materials. They have been preserved well, but any further delay would be a waste of time.â€
“Very well then,†Isene sniffed at the dismissal and turned. “I shall leave you to your work, Miss Reeves.†She paused at the archway of the thick double doors. “I trust you will take the appropriate precautions in dealing with such dangerous materials?â€
The Midlander spared her a glance from the corner of her eye and Isene thought she spotted a small curl of her lips.
“Worry not, Miss Daumois. I have been looking forward to this for a long time. It will be most enlightening.â€
