Tell him something that’ll make him happy!  Tell him you like him, but don’t let him have too much.<br/><br/>The golden-crowned head tipped slightly to the right as Raker’s words filled her head.  Such an oily voice whispering things right into the middle of her broken-and-mended brain but she liked the words, she liked the way he encouraged her to<i>do</i>things, to<i>say</i>things.  Soft lips curled into a gentle smile as she took another bite of her delectable delight and then another.  His questions hung in the air around them.  She liked making him wait for her answers.  She liked that he was so attentive on his knees before her.  “You do make me feel safe, John.  I know you’ll always take care of me, that you’ll always love me.”  Such wide angelic eyes making her the epitome of innocence.<br/><br/>Do something more.  Your words are not enough.<br/><br/>A seductive whisper slithered through her mind, a voice normally hidden behind Raker’s louder one.  A voice she rarely was able to hear, let alone devote attention to.  This voice liked the sight of the devoted man kneeling before the small angel doll.  This voice sensed that John desired the girl.<br/><br/>The fork was set down, resting on the edge of the snowy white plate.  That hand reached out to wrap around his wrist, pulling that cherry-holding hand closer to her as she leaned forward.  Sweet lips parted to admit the small red tidbit into her mouth, just barely brushing his fingers as they closed around the fruit before pulling back.  Back straight as she enjoyed the small sweetness he offered her, her eyes not so angelic now as they shone with something different.  Something darkly seductive.  Something devilish.<br/><br/>Something that whispered that she was a good girl before it faded back to where it came from, behind Raker, content once more to remain in the background of the chaotic mindscape.<br/><br/>Yet with a simple blink, the angel was back.<br/><br/>“Will you continue to take care of me after?” she questioned him earnestly.  “You and Kell and the doctor have known and loved me the longest.  I have always thought fondly of our times together.”<br/><br/>As they visited, the doll continued to eat, small bites and tastes of all the goodie Irma had provided.  A small angel who ate like a bird.  Soon enough, she was full and pushed the plates away.  Even her yawn was beautiful, one hand covering her mouth before she laughed, a delicate peal of bells that was just for this man.  She laughed most for him, their interactions simple and reverent.<br/><br/>“I would like to rest now.”  The implication in her words was quite clear; it was time for her companion to take his leave.  Up to her feet to escort him to the door but this time it was her turn to leave her mark on him.  Rising to her toes, she awarded him with the best of marks, the stamp of her lips on his upturned cheek.  Temporary farewells now given, she closed the door quietly on his departing back.<br/><br/>Free now from the watchful eyes of her male guardians, the bright toy clasped her hands to her chest and smiled.  For so long she had been waiting for this day, waiting for Jarek to free her from her rusted cage and place her in this gilded one.  His Oracle, his special one, the one who would bring all the people into the light.<br/><br/>But for now, it was imperative that she rest.  Tomorrow would be a day preparing for the ritual.  Clothes were shed to reveal more porcelain skin only to be replaced by a diaphanous gown of white in which to sleep.  Angel wings that floated delicately around her slender body as she slipped between luxurious sheets and under warm blankets.  Golden tresses spilled onto the pillows as she arranged herself amongst the pile of plush pillows.  Even in sleep, she was a vision of beauty.<br/><br/>It was the return of Irma the next morning that brought her back to awareness as the woman delivered food to break her fast.  “Good morning, Charlotte.  The doctor says you must eat quickly so you can be bathed and cleansed for tomorrow.  He says you must be sure your mind, body, and soul are as clean and pure as they can be.  It’s the only way we can be sure you’re prepared to bring us into the light with you.”  Irma smiled and gestured to the tray of food that was filling the room with such wonderful smells.<br/><br/>Obedience to others was how Charlotte had lived for so long that she slipped from under the sheets and padded her way to the table.  Seating herself, she waited until Irma had removed the covers from the dishes and tucked into the meal provided.  As before, she did not eat much, only taking one or two bites of each option before once more pushing the tray away.<br/><br/>Irma did not press the matter as she removed the tray from the table.  “You’re to spend the rest of the day in quiet contemplation.  Read books, meditate.  No one will be permitted to see you until much later.  When the doctor comes to you, you must be clean and ready to accept him.”  Instructions given, the older woman exited, the door closing behind her.<br/><br/>She needed to have words to share with the people.  Written words that she could turn into spoken words.  Words to add to what Raker told her, to what Kell whispered in her ear, his breath warm on the soft pink shell.  Words that Jarek wanted her to say to bring his people into the light.<br/><br/>She would open her arms to the people and they, in turn, would open their arms to her.<br/><br/>She would let the light hit her chest and they, in turn, would let the light hit theirs.<br/><br/>Folding her tiny body into the corner nearest to the window, legs hugged to chest, she rested her cheek on her knee and let the words in her head begin to wash over her.<br/><br/>Hours passed, hours of which she was unaware, hours marked only by the movement of the sun across the sky.  Hours marked by the rhythmic tapping of fingers on thigh, over and over until the tips were numb.<br/><br/>Reds and oranges and golds painted the sky when the little doll unfolded, her limbs stiff.  It was time to cleanse her body.<br/><br/>Water so hot it almost scalded the pale skin cleansed it and absolved her soul of all past sins.  No longer was she porcelain as she stood before the mirror.  A most becoming flush had colored her skin and accentuated her delicate beauty.  They would love her.<br/><br/>Such a pretty doll.  They will love you.  Let the light hit your chest.<br/><br/>Leaving the steam-filled room behind, the angel doll went to find the special gown that had been chosen for her.  It was in the closet, where she knew it would be.  Simple.  White.  Pure.  Thin straps that perched on delicate shoulders.  Thin fabric that showed the outline of her body when lit by the sun.  Tresses of molten gold falling in loose ringlets down her back.<br/><br/>An angel awaiting her Ovrem men and their followers.