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Of Nobles And Beasts [Red Scarlet and Thunderwitch]

R

Red-Scarlet

Supernova
Joined
Jun 21, 2015
The Lightmoore's countryside home is an impressive place. Several structures, all of which sprawl out, with attendant servants and other miscellaneous employees. Demara has seen it before, many times given its location, but she's never actually been a guest. Not until today.

She trots up to one of the gardeners. "Excuse me, ma'am," she addresses the servant. "I am here to meet with Nora Lightmoore, the lady of the house?"

"Oh!" she replies, taken slightly be surprise. "Um, let me get the majordomo."

Demara waits patiently as the gardener scurries off, admiring some of the flowers. She's nervous-this will be her first time spending longer than a few hours in buildings, and she's certainly not an expert when it comes to politics, city relations, or anything of that sort. But she knows her mission is an important one, and she will see it done right.
 
A couple of minutes later, the centaur can see a woman approaching. She's around 55 years old, slim, with her long hair, half of which is silver, tied up in the neatest ponytail. She has the sternest expression, and her walk is precise and mechanical, as if she knew the exact position her footsteps must be before she takes a step. She's wearing a simple, yet elegant gray dress, fancier than simple servants, but way less flashy than noble people. Behind her were two maidens in black and white servant dresses, a blonde and a brunette.

"Greetings" says the older woman once the trio has reached the centaur. The two maidens bow, but the woman doesn't. "I am Leticia Eaver. Majordomo of the Lightmoore household. I understand you are the envoy of the Skoan tribe, aren't you?" Leticia eyes the centaur in a flash. "Lady Nora was looking forward to meeting you. Accompany us, please."

Although it is a polite request, from the voice of the woman it sounds like an order. Leticia turns around on her heels and gestures the centaur to follow her. The two maidens step aside to give Demara plenty of space to move, and they walk side by side next to here.

The woman guides the guest to an open area, a huge garden further into the property. There is a large, elegant blanket placed on the grass as if for a picnic, a couple of cushions, a small table, an armchair, and several large umbrellas covering everything.

"Make yourself comfortable. Lady Nora will be here soon. If you need anything, Velna and Hara will be glad to assist you." When they hear their names, the brunette and the blonde maidens do a little curtsy in order. "Excuse me."

With the slightest bow of her head, Leticia turns around again and starts walking towards a tall and slender building, a shrine to the Sun Goddess that the Lightmoore had built in their property.

As they wait for instructions, the maidens eye the centaur. The blonde one, Hara, seems more curious than Velna. Maybe a bit too much, as she's soon staring at the centaur's horse half. Velna quickly nudges her so as to signal she's being rude.
 
"Yes, I am. Thank you for coming to escort me," Demara says, giving a small bow from her waist to Leticia. The bow causes the fabric of her shirt to ruffle a bit, the shirt being her only clothing besides miscellaneous bags and packs. She follows the three, admiring the architecture. And upon arriving at the blanket, she sits down, folding her four legs.

Demara's eyes focus on the shrine at first, but eventually her gaze wanders and notices Hara staring. "It's alright," she tells the maid. "I know you've probably not had the chance to interact with my kind much. Do you have any questions?" she says with a smile. "And, if I may ask myself, I'm curious as to what all you know of why I was sent. And if there's anything I should know about the lady of the house in advance."
 
"...and light my way, Fair Lady."

The young woman is finishing a prayer. She raises her arms and extends her hands upward, to the huge stained window with the image of a curvy woman with really long red hair, wearing a light, white robe.

"My apologies, lady Nora, for my intromission" Leticia speaks only when the woman, in her mid twenties, has lowered her arms. "The centaur envoy has arrived."

"Wonderful. Would you kindly dress me?"

Nora, who has just been wearing light, sheer vestments, as she believes sunlight must kiss her body to feel blessed, extends her arms. The room where she prays is large, but mostly empty. There is, however, a small wardrobe, and Leticia gets her lady's clothes from there. She carefully, gently, places the finest clothes over her master's young, very healthy body. Some minutes later, Nora Lightmoore leaves the shrine wearing long, white robes, a beautiful attire with lots of golden lace and decorations with the sun motif. Her long, wavy, red hair is ornamented with a tiara, one that only priestesses can wear.


"Questions? Well..." Hara starts. "Can you climb stairs?"

Velna nuggets her again.

"Those kinds of questions might be rude, Hara! I implore you forgive us, lady Skoan." She says, bowing. "And we... Well we aren't told much about many things. But we sure hope it is all for the sake of everyone's prosperity. Lady Nora is..."

"Oh, she's gorgeous!" Hara interrupts. Velna looks daggers at her. "I mean... She's so...elegant and well-behaved. And... She's kind and understanding. I'm positive whatever issue you are to deal with, she'll be able to manage perfectly!"

Demara would see Nora approaching, accompanied by Leticia, who followed several feet behind her. Nora wasn't a princess, but her servants might as well consider her one.

"Greetings." Nora bows her head slightly. Her voice was soft and sweet, but firm. She would also eye the centaur, although her eyes would quickly go back to Demara's. "I am Nora Lightmoore, eldest of this House, priestes of Gwynevere, the Sun Goddess. Would you so kindly repeat your name for me?"
 
"It's much easier to handle stairs than a ladder," Demara says with a small chuckle. "But it is a difficulty. This is my first time being anywhere where I might need to try for more than a few steps, though."

With Hara's little outburst on her lady's beauty, Demara smiles. "I'm glad you think well of her. I look forward to meeting and working with her."

And finally, when Nora introduces herself, Demara stands and bows. "I am Demara Skoan, healer for the tribe and daughter of Yelgith," she says. After a moment or two of maintaining the bow to show respect, she stands back tall. "It's a pleasure to meet you, and all those who have assisted me so far, Lady Lightmoore. Your staff is polite, and clearly think highly of you. I only hope that, as I spend time here, they will come to think of me in a similar fashion."

Then adopting a more reserved tone, she adds "I am sorry that we had to meet under these circumstances. The recent skirmishes are not in anyone's best interest, but not all see it that way."
 
There is something about Demara that Nora deems... Rather adorable. The noblewoman smiles politely. After seeing that the centaur reciprocates her politeness, and she's still standing, Nora doesn't sit. She stands near the envoy, with her hands in front of her, fingers intertwined, in a relaxed pose.

"It is a great pleasure, not only to meet you, but to help alleviate our situation. And do not worry, my instructions have been to deem you a guest of honor in our house. Velna and Hara will serve you personally, as if you were part of the family already."

Velna bows politely. Hara does as well, although she seems more lively than her colleague. Leticia, standing behind, seems to divert her gaze, and her lips twist very briefly into an upset expression, as if she didn't share the maidens' enthusiasm. It lasts only a second, and of course Nora cannot see it, since her majordomo stands behind her.

"You may use my first name as well, lady Demara" Nora adds. "A little familiarity and friendliness goes a long way." When the centaur mentions the skirmishes, the priestess lowers her gaze and sighs, a little saddened. "Indeed there are those who find it exceptionally hard to change their views. That's why I want to work exceptionally hard to show them peace for everyone can be achieved." The smile returns to Nora's face. "Now, I'm afraid our home isn't fully equipped for one of your kin, but believe me we shall do our best to make you feel the most comfortable. Would you like any beverage before we go further into serious conversation?"

Hara tilts her head just a little bit, as if she were waiting for instructions to carry out immediately.
 
"Some water would be fine, though if you have any juice, that would be delightful," Demara says, somewhat to Nora and somewhat to Hara.

Hara nods. "We've a good selection, ma'am. Do you have any favorites?" she asks, eager to help.

After a moment's thought, Demara tells her "Pineapple would be best. But anything citrus." She turns back to Nora while Hara departs to get the juice. "Nora. As a priestess of your sun goddess, are you at all familiar with other faiths? My kin, while we respect the deities above, do focus most of our piety on the animus of the world. I am only somewhat familiar with your faiths and practices, but I think that would be a good place to start. I see the shrine is one of the focal points of this home-I would suppose you take your role as priestess very seriously indeed."
 
"Would you kindly get me the same, Hara?" The priestess asks the maiden before she goes to fetch the beverages.

»I am somewhat familiar, yes" Nora replies with a gentle nod. "Although I am by no means an expert. I would be delighted to learn more about your faith. I do find my service to my Lady very important. I even saw the redness of my hair as a sign that I had to follow her closely."

When she speaks about ber Goddess, Nora seems happier suddenly, and she sounds the most fascinated.

"Our Lady Sun blesses everything she touches with her light, from our bodies to our souls. Thus, it is our duty to protect, to keep it sacred. Unlike some radicalized unfortunately think, it is not a mission of conquest, but one of caring. But as I said, I'd like to hear more about what your kin believes."
 
Demara smiles and returns to her seated position. "Sit next to me, please?" she asks. Once Nora has found a good spot, she continues. "There are many kinds of anima across the world. There is not one great world spirit-rather, there's the collection of all those that have come before. From the people to the plants and even some genius loci... Wherever you are, if you know how to listen, you can hear them. Even here, in your home."

She closes her eyes, breathing steadily and deeply, which does interesting things to her chest underneath the tunic. "Listen closely, if you can. Try to hear the spirits."

A few moments pass, and Demara's smile returns. "It seems like the anima that stay here are the pious ones. The ones who wish to bathe in the Goddess's light. You might not have intended for them to congregate here," she says, "but they have found a home in yours all the same." She opens her eyes. "Did you hear them?"

Leticia has stayed vigilant, but Velna closed her eyes along with Demara. It doesn't seem she was struck with any particular revelations, though.
 
Nora seems excited to discuss faiths. She sits near Demara and listens to her. The centaur looks so... Peaceful when she closes her eyes and breathes slowly.

The priestess closes her eyes and tries to feel what Demara is describing. Nora has spent long meditating and praying, so she can concentrate on searching for those... Anima. After a while, she does feel something. She didn't know what to expect, and she hears... Whispers. Like someone who's trying to comfort her. She doesn't understand their words, but she feels them like sunlight coming from the grass and from the air.

"I... I kind of did" She says, opening her eyes and looking at Demara's. She smiles very widely, showing the beauty that Hara mentioned. "This is so fascinating. Tell me more!"

Velna looks around a bit, as if trying to hear something inaudible for her. Leticia is serious as usual, but she tries not to look ar the centaur. Hara is approaching after a minute, carrying a tray with a bit crystal jug and a couple of cups. She'd put it on the table, serve pineapple juice in the cups, and hand one to Nora and one to Demara.

"Here you go! A pleasure to serve you, My Lady!" Hara's words were directed at both women.
 
"It will take time. Especially anywhere besides here-the anima that reside in this place are the ones who had faith in the sun as you do. Elsewhere," Demara says, "your own faith will make it harder to commune. I wouldn't want you to turn away from that which drives you, of course. Especially since you seem to me pious, but not a zealot."

With Hara's return, Demara takes a glass and takes a few sips. "Ooh, tangy. That's delicious juice right there. I've found that citrus, especially pineapple, can help a little with my healing magic. More on the sensations than the actual potency, that is."

Glancing over to the shrine, the centaur says "I've shown you mine. Now, educate me on yours, if you would? I have heard that there is a link between the goddess of the sun and those of the harvest, as the sun helps the plants grow."
 
"My faith is of utmost importance to me, but... I won't be blind to what others live or suffer. Although some have considered me to be exactly that. A zealot."

Nora drinks with her guest.

"Yes. Should you need anything else, any other fruit, food, or beverage, Hara or Velna will help you with it. Thank you." She says as she gestures towards the maidens and thanks them. Both bow again. "Healing magic? Sensations? Oh, I can... Well, as a priestess I can channel some of my Lady's divine energy... But not in a whim. Only when she truly wills to share it. I'd like to know more about your healing magic! Do you also ask the anima for their essence?"

The priestess puts a finger on her own lips.

"I apologize, I tend to be curious about matters I consider fascinating, and your culture definitely is! But... yes. My Lady Gwynevere provides the fields and forests with life. Everything she touches with her loving light is to thrive. The Goddess of Harvest is said to... administrate such life according to what she has been prayed to. My Lady is fair and merciful. Everything and everyone has a new chance every day. Every first light is a new blessing to grow together. However... Some believe her command is not to build bonds together, but to claim everywhere the sun shines as property. I, as a priestess, do not condone such approach to my Lady's teachings. I believe some of such people have damaged a section of where your kin lives, correct? I assure you we will work hard to prevent any other attack."
 
Demara nods. "I am what my kin call a Dviling. Blessed with the upper body of a woman and the lower body of a stallion, my seed contains potent healing capabilities. Beyond that," she continues, not really paying attention to any response elicited from her first sentence at the moment, "I've also studied underneath Kenting, our shaman. He has helped hone some of the magic I was gifted with."

"There was a brushfire," she says in response to the attack. "Normally, something that could be written off as an accident, or as natural happenstance-and not something that would bother us overly, as we are nomadic. But it was near holy ground, and we would not be so careless as to let anything like that happen. Combine that with strange visitors to the nearest village shortly before then... I understand why some of my own retaliated. The temple... Temple of Isaac, I believe it was? That was attacked. I don't know how badly anyone was hurt."
 
"Dviling..." Nora repeats, just to make sure she's pronouncing it correctly. She's intrigued by Demara's description. Her seed? The priestess starts to wonder how that works, and if Demara has to...

But she quickly shakes those thoughts. She deems them impolite to even have at that moment. Despite her curiosity, her gaze is still placed on the centaur's face and eyes. However, Hara does indeed look at Demara's lower half, especially after she mentions it's the lower part of a stallion. She tries to be discreet, and gets another, slightly harder nudge from Velna. Leticia lets out a little sigh when she sees the behavior of the maidens.

"If you excuse me, Lady Nora, I need to oversee the household and resume my duties."

"I understand, you are dismissed." Nora replies quickly, briefly looking at her as the majordomo bows. Leticia seems not to like the presence of the centaur, although she doesn't show it very evidently. The noblewoman continues: "Yes, the Temple of Isaac. There were no casualties, as I believe that wasn't the intention of your people. But there were a dozen people injured. Broken bones, burns from the lamps that fell. But their complaints were more about... Morale. They considered it an attack on them as humans, rather than an attack on a building. And thus, the cycle will repeat, unless we intervene. We ought to show my people... And your people... That neither side wants to damage the other, despite our differences. But we need to stand firm and bring those who desire ruin and senseless conquest to justice."

She sighs, a little disappointed.

"Unfortunately, those who attacked your holy grounds have not been caught. Although they do come from our lines originally, they have cut ties with us and follow their own twisted belief in our Fair Lady. I deeply apologize, lady Demara."
 
"It isn't your fault. You yourself have no need for apology," Demara replies. "But it's appreciated all the same. I doubt anyone will convince that group of their foolishness, but if we can turn common thought against them, that should make it possible to track them down and stop them. On my end, if we can show that it was truly a renegade part of your kin that attacked, I believe that should be sufficient to keep any of mine from launching attacks."

She stands and reaches into her pack, and withdraws a small jar and a few prepared bandages. "If you'd like, send these to the Temple of Isaac. The salve helps with pain and healing, speeding and enhancing the body's natural response, and the bandages are prepared to work similarly, with a stronger focus on numbing pain. A gesture of goodwill."

Hara's eyes linger perhaps just a moment too long on Demara's stallion half, but all she sees is ordinary horse. Anything more exciting isn't out at the moment.
 
"We will definitely work with the guards and expand our search to find the true criminals."

Nora is very pleased and grateful when she receives the gifts. She takes them very carefully, as if they were the most fragile treasure, and hold them dearly and securely against her chest.

"I truly appreciate it, lady Demara. May Our Lady bless you and your folk for your kindness, even in trouble times." The priestess bows her head politely. "I will send a horse to the Temple as soon as possible. Velna."

"Yes, my lady."

"Take this to Iradne. Explain what it is for, and tell her to deliver it to the Temple of Isaac at once."

"Of course, my lady."

As the maiden takes the salve and the bandages, Nora thinks of something. She looks at her maiden walk away for a moment.

"Was that made with your healing seed?" She asks in her most polite tone, as she doesn't want to sound rude. She is very curious about the salve, and its making, and its uses to help people.
 
"Primarily, yes," Demara answers. "There are a few herbs blended in, but given the relative availabilities, it simply wouldn't make sense to waste many plants that others can use for healing."

Her eyes glance over to the sun, winding its way down the sky. "Is there any chance we could continue this over some food, Nora? I packed some rations for myself, but I decided to skip them and just hurry here. And juice, delicious as it is, is only so filling."

Hara approaches with a nod. "I can go ahead and have the cooks prepare whatever you would like," she says.

"I'm happy to have whatever they'd like to prepare. I trust in all of your skills," Demara says. "Just... Something solid, please. Not soup."
 
"I see. You're very knowledgeable about herbs, I feel. That's amazing."

Nora nods when the centaur asks for food, and once again when Hara offers to bring it.

"Just today we've gotten some quality fish, and our cooks do magic with them! Hara, have them prepare it."

"Yes, my lady"

"Have them use our freshest ingredients for it. Mushrooms, potatoes, spices from the east... And a dessert for both, please. Just no soup."

"Of course, my lady!" She bows briefly and smiles at both women, then she walks quickly to one of the nearby buildings, leaving Nora and Demara alone.

"I do want to apologize, for we are still learning about your kin's ways of life. For instance, if you sit at a table or if you prefer to lie on the floor. We have also arranged a guest room for you, on the ground floor, of course, but we aren't sure about the amenities you'd like there." Nora's tone was servicial, but polite. Sweet and friendly, but curious.
 
Demara's stomach lets out a little rumble. "That will be a good meal, I'm sure. Generally, we do not sit and eat for any meal save for supper. There's always places to go, so a light breakfast and lunch on the move is standard fare. Then, come evening, we take the time for a larger meal that will see us through the next day. For eating with you and yours, I can simply sit in front of the table," she says. "I'll be high enough on my haunches to eat without an issue. For my sleeping chambers, blankets. Something nice and soft to lay down on."

She stands, and offers her hand to help Nora up. "If you'd like, you can mount me and I'll take us both to the dining room. So long as you tell me where to go, of course," she says. "Is it the same building Hara went to, or is that just where the food is prepared?"
 
Nora takes Demara's hand and stands up.

"Mount you? I... I'd gladly do it." The noble priestess eyes the centaur's body. She definitely looks strong enough to carry her, although... "I'm not sure. Isn't it disrespectful towards your people? If there's no problem, I will... And yes, it is the same building, although it's the south entrance instead of the east one."

She points at the correct door. It'd be the first time she'd ride a... a centaur.
 
"It's disrespectful to assume we should be mounted. We are people, not animals," she replies. "But offered freely, there's no offense. Here," she adds, and lifts Nora to place her on her equine back. Despite her gentle appearance, the noblewoman can feel the strength in Demara's arms, the centaur easily able to carry her to mounting. "Make yourself at home."

With Nora astride, she trots to the southern door. Focused as she is on the direction, she doesn't notice Hara peeking from a window, mouth agape at Nora's new perch. Another of the house's staff opens the door for the two, informing them "The chefs have just begun their work. If you'd like, there is fruit, bread, nuts, and cheese available."

"I shouldn't spoil my appetite, but," Demara says, "I could use a snack to get me by. Some fruit and cheese, please."

When the two reach the dining table, they can see one of the chairs near the head has been removed. Demara kneels into that spot, allowing Nora to dismount.
 
"Ah, well, then... Eep!!"

She squeals a little as she's interrupted by the centaur lifting her and placing her on her back. Of course, Nora has ridden horses before, but this is so different. She panics for a second. There are obviously no reins. Where should she put her hands? On Demara's shoulders? On her waist? Her sides? Obviously not her hair. Should she hug her? Would it be considered rude to even touch her back? Her human back, that is. No, she told herself, she was overthinking it!

Right before Demara starts trotting, Nora grabs onto the centaur's human waist firmly, but not pressing too much. Riding on Demara feels weirdly nice. The priestess knows she's not on a mount, it's more like a friend carrying another on their shoulders. Yes!

When they got to the dining table, Nora dismounts carefully, and arranges her hair a bit.

"That was interesting! I appreciate you, huh... Carrying me like that!" Nora is glad, and she has a warm smile on her face, as she enjoyed the brief ride. "You are... Stronger than you seem, as well."

Soon after that, another servant brings a large plate full of cheese and an sliced apples, pears and other fruits. Nora, after sitting close to Demara, eats a bit of fruit.
 
Demara scarfs down a good chunk of the fruit, followed by a wedge of cheese. "I did not bring it with, but my bow's draw weight is more than twice that of what most human bowmen can handle. Centaurs are, in general, much stronger than even similarly-sized humanoids. All the more reason to work to stop any senseless violence."

Before long, the main course is brought out. Seared fish, prepared on a bed of vegetables and with spices to enhance the natural flavors. As Nora tucks in, Demara takes a moment to look at the silverware in front of her. "I confess, I'm used to less... Formal meals. Is there a reason for more than one fork?" she asks, her hand hesitating over which one to use. "It smells heavenly, but I feel it'd be rude to simply grab the whole thing with my hands," she adds with a small laugh.
 
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