She saw Aislin gracefully tread the cobblestone pathway leading to the prison, a fairly large basket cradled in her arms. The woman had found her place among the Scions…in quite a peculiar way. She was dearly loved, intelligent, but insisted on being treated as a servant, rather than an equal. It was almost as if she could not comprehend being treated any other way, as she seemingly was raised in bondage, even among her own family. As Aislin neared her, a smile spread across the young woman’s face, and she bowed low, submissively. Anna met her friend and fellow Scion with an embrace instead of a bow, lightly disturbed by the girl’s eager servitude. Annaliese did not hold herself upon a pedestal, and she did not want to be treated as such.
“Greetings Hegemon Annaliese. This one hopes the evening goes well for you,” Aislin spoke softly, clutching the basket of goods like an infant. Annaliese felt honored with her new title, having been bestowed it only a day before. As Hegemon, she was put in charge of bringing new initiates to the Order, and looking after them. Her fingers clutched at the Orb of Darkness that hung from her neck, the key shaped amulet cool to the touch.
“Hello there. I am well, thank you, Aislin…are you off to see our Lord?” Anna said, brushing a few strands of scarlet hair from her amber eyes.
“I have prepared some delicacies for the Master. Hopefully they will take his mind off this ridiculous trial that draws ever closer. Would you like a taste?” Aislin asked sincerely, her blue-grey eyes brightening.
“No, thank you so much, Aislin…”Annaliese replied softly. The matter was dizzying, and for all she herself had heard, she found herself confused, and afraid of the repercussions this night might bring. The trial did weigh heavily on all their minds, and Anna did what she could to gather some that would testify on Lord Keruptis’ behalf. She and Aislin befriended a gentleman of a rogue just a few nights ago in the Blue Recluse, and they convinced him to testify for their Master. Though Willaim seemed to have a weakness for the women of the Scions of Darkness, and more of an interest in their demonic counterparts, his sincerity in wanting to help seemed legitimate. Still, Anna felt so helpless. All she could do was see to the initiates of the order, and comfort those that were in need.
“Will you be accompanying us, milady?” Aislin questioned, pulling Annaliese from her thoughts. She stared at Aislin for a moment, as if confused by the question.
“Oh…no. I was just passing through really. Take care of our Lord, Aislin. I have other matters to attend to.”
Aislin bowed deeply before Annaliese once more, then made her way into the prison, where she petitioned a guard for access to their Dark Lord.
She began to think of her dear friend Thais as she walked to the bridge. The woman would be testifying against her former love, and Annaliese could not even begin think of how torn she must feel. She considered going to Thais now, pleading with her to have mercy on a man’s heart that yearned for something he was not meant to feel, but it was too late for that. Thais was hurt by him, betrayed too much. And some things could never be healed…
Her attention was drawn by the call of a raven near her, which sat on a lonely branch overlooking the water. It stared at the Scion with great, reflective brown eyes, its ebony feathers catching the moon’s light. After a moment of silence, the bird cawed once more while fluttering its wings, and soared into the night, leaving a trail of obsidian feathers in its wake. All they could all do was wait…
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