The Temple of Nyx
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Jade on 24-08-2009, 03:28:35</h2>
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				Title: <strong>The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jade</strong> on <strong>24-08-2009, 03:28:35</strong>
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				<div align="center"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><strong>The Temple of Nyx</strong><br><em>jadenscam, Etheya, Enmuro, and Cedrick</em></span></div><br><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><br>Light footsteps echoed through the cavern’s tunnels, a dim light radiating from the crystals that grew naturally within the mountain. Though there were no clocks to mark the passage of time, Nyx’s followers knew when night approached. They felt it in deep within their bodies, gifted with the beauty of their goddess. Earlier, when the night was still young, the women had bathed in the mountain’s spring water, purified by a mixture of crushed sage, lavender, juniper, and eucalyptus oil.<br><br>Two women led the group of priestesses that moved towards the altar room; seemingly complete opposites of each other. Though similar in height, one had long raven hair and pale ice eyes while the other sported ivory locks and deep sapphire eyes. Cyrene and Ariana were the two high priestesses of the Temple of Nyx, the only two women that could safely accept the legendary prophesies of their goddess.<br><br>The tunnel ended at the mouth of the altar room where strong moonlight poured in from the open top. It was located near the top of the mountain, hidden to mortal eyes. The women paused at the entrance to remove their shoes and clothing before stepping into the sacred space. Sixteen women bathed in the bright moonlight, their pale creamy skin seemingly glowing.<br><br>It was a circular room carved into the mountain. The stone walls were decorated with intricate designs, hand painted by the first followers of Nyx. At the center of the room, a large silver basin sat atop the stone altar surrounded by wild crystal growths. Inside the basin, which was almost an arm span wide, sat a pool of still, spring water. The liquid reflected the beautiful, star-filled night sky, with the large moon at the center. The two high priestesses stood across from each other while the other priestesses formed a wide circle around them.<br><br>The greeting ritual began with them chanting softly, their melodic voices in practiced unison speaking words that were engraved into their souls. </span>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Etheya</strong> on <strong>24-08-2009, 09:06:03</strong>
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				<span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font">The crescendo of voices came to an abrupt halt and the only thing that could be heard was the soft breathing of the altar room's occupants. A low hum began from somewhere within the cave's walls and that hum soon had the entire room vibrating with the energy of the goddess.<br><br>Ariana reveled in the warmth that bathed her from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. She closed her eyes and let the vibrations fill her entire being. The other priestesses began humming in unison as Ariana and Cyrene's voices rose above the rest. Their clear voices rang out and twisted together in harmony, calling to their protector, provider, and mother. As the humming quieted down to a slow tremor, the other priestesses bowed low and backed out of the altar room, leaving Cyrene and Ariana behind. If any others had stayed, they would have been driven to madness from the presence of the goddess.<br><br>When the last priestess left the room, Cyrene and Ariana inclined their head with respect. They stood back straight and opened their eyes that were now void of any color. Their eyes were now as inky black as the night sky and if anyone dared to come near them, one would be able to see what resembled stars in the darkness. A crystalline voice filled their minds; one that was serene and ethereal. As the voice spoke, the water in the basin rippled even without any physical disturbance.<br><br>"I greet thee, daughters. Blessed be," her melodic voice spoke.<br><br>"Blessed be," the two chimed in reply.<br><br>"My daughters, the night sky sees the approach of two Apollo followers." They felt her silvery words, delicate and elegant, reverberate through their bodies only to disappear quickly with a fading whisper, "Be prepared..."<br><br>As the presence of Nyx dimished, Ariana and Cyrene both closed their eyes and reopened them to reveal their natural eye colors once more.<br><br>"Blessed be," whispered the high priestesses before exiting the room to slip back into their chitons.</span>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cedrick</strong> on <strong>24-08-2009, 15:43:26</strong>
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				The sun was bright and cheerful like Diconix who walked along the dirt path in a type of dancing gate. There was a slight breeze that tousled his golden hair making it seem it was dancing as well. It was a glorious day. Few clouds to hide the sun shine and their destination warmed his heart. They would be there by late afternoon before dark.<br><br>His white cloak sparkled, having been put on fresh knowing they would arrive soon. A golden broach fastened it to his left shoulder leaving his right bare. Sun kissed skin from his time out doors as a High Priest to Apollo offset his dancing blue eyes. On his back he carried his Lire for music.<br><br>The fate of the city of Thrace was in question. Its king turning to the Temple of Apollo for help. There the elders decided to consult Nyx for all indications were it would require both day and night deities to save Thrace. Diconix had grown up near the city and knew the area well along with the threat. All at the Temple agreed he seemed the most like the god in his music and general happiness. So he was selected to lead the party to talk to the followers of Nyx which couldn't have made him happier.<br><br>"Just think my friend. By tonight we will be entertained by the most beautiful women in the world." He told his quiet companion. Oh sure his friend had been sent for the very reason Diconix had just mentioned, to keep him out of trouble. However they had worked together before and had an easy relationship. Each listened to the other, most of the time.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Enmuro</strong> on <strong>24-08-2009, 21:48:44</strong>
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				Coming to a rock strewn section of the path Aestos stepped cautiously over the rubble. He was less concerned with spraining an ankle than the possibility of not being able to finish the trip and letting Diconix receive all the glory that was to come. While the two had a decent working relationship Aetos still harbored an innate jealousy of the other man. 'Nix was everything that Aestos could only pretend at and his eventual ascension into the ranks of the elders was never in doubt, Aestos' was.<br><br>The older priest gave a mild laugh, amused at his comrade's focus."I often wonder if there isn't some bit of Apollo's brother in you. Were Greece on the brink of ruin I think you could still tune your lyre and concoct new songs meant to rob women of their sense. I'm sorry to disappoint but I doubt we will be there long enough for any entertaining to happen." Aestos pressed on, tightening the wooden locust clasp on his red exomis as he did. They would be moving faster in order to reach the temple before another day passed.<br><br>Night fell and the priests might have stopped if not for moonlight gracing the path with an eery glow. When they caught sight of the looming mountain ahead of them Aestos hurried on. Dark clouds were beginning to draw around the moon and ominous sounds of thunder cracked distantly in the heavens. Soon they arrived at the edge of a cave into the mountain and Aestos motioned Diconix in. Soon a heavy rainstorm began to beat down on the earth outside, washing over the path in shadowy rivers. In his haste to get in Aestos hadn't even checked if this cave was the entrance into the temple. "Hello?, We are priests of Apollo seeking the Temple of Nyx." He called back into the shadows of the caves dark interior, hopeful that someone was there.&nbsp; <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jade</strong> on <strong>24-08-2009, 23:47:51</strong>
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				<span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font">With their goddess’s warning, the two women prepared to greet the approaching priests. The other priestesses moved to prepare guest rooms for the men, placing out fruits and wine. They often were visited by messengers of other deities that sought answers from Nyx's prophecies. Though Apollo was the god of light and sun, which is all that chases the night away, it did not change their duty.<br><br>The two high priestesses carried a light created by the glowing crystals, which cast a pale blue light on their skin, and traveled down the mountain towards one of the lower cave entrances. Just as they reached the entrance, two men hurried in seeking shelter from the heavy rain.<br><br>Cyrene was the first to step out fully from the shadows. They wore white linen chitons, held up at the shoulder with silver hoops. The loose fabric was tightened with a rope that criss-crossed around their small waists. It ended at their ankles, revealing delicate feet wrapped in brown leather sandals.<br><br>“Greetings, priests of Apollo. We heard of your arrival and welcome you to our temple.” Her pale eyes traveled up and down both men, taking in the sight that stood before her. Just as the priestesses portrayed traits of their goddess, the men were gifted with the sun-kissed glow of Apollo. She smiled politely, “My name is Cyrene and this is Ariana. We are the high priestesses of Nyx.<br><br>“Unfortunately, it seems that Zeus is unhappy tonight to have brought us this weather. If it is a prophecy that you seek, then we shall have to wait until the storm passes. Until then, let us show you our hospitality and we shall listen to your story.” <br></span>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Etheya</strong> on <strong>25-08-2009, 03:26:29</strong>
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				<span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font">Ariana timidly peered at the two travelers, nibbling on her lower lip in a gesture of a nervous habit. Unlike her darker haired counterpart, meeting strangers was always a nerve wracking experience. Even with years of greeting travelers on behalf of the goddess, the amount of suffering under the cruel hands of others as a child did not make for much self assurance. If that wasn't enough to make her feel uncomfortable, Nyx' last words had sent a foreboding feeling to settle in her stomach. However, she mentally scolded herself and let a small smile grace her features. She cleared her throat before she spoke again.<br><br>"Please. Come join us in sharing a meal." Ariana turned carefully to lead them towards the inner chamber. She easily maneuvered her way through the dimly lit darkness, making sure to lift the hem of her chiton to keep it out of the way where small puddles formed from the storm. After some time, they stepped through the entrance where they were met by the bustle of the others preparing to break their fast.<br><br>The floor was made of polished marble and the columns of smooth alabaster. Since the room was an enclosed area of the cave with no source of natural light, the walls were lined with the luminescent stones that lit the entire space. There were silk cushions placed strategically in different areas to provide a comfortable place to rest and a low table towards the center of the room that was set to accommodate the priestesses and their two guests. Usually it would have been set with enough of the finest foods for only the two high priestesses but tonight it was nearly threefold. Warm bread, ripened fruits, fresh vegetables, and other dishes made by the lower priestesses covered every inch of the surface.<br><br>As Ariana motioned for the group to take their seats and get comfortable, two of the younger girls came to wash the hands and feet of the two priests and to relieve them of their traveling bags. When all were settled, she began to pour a rich, full-bodied red wine into their respective goblets.</span>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cedrick</strong> on <strong>25-08-2009, 06:21:50</strong>
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				With practice eye, Diconix appraised the two women. How they smiled, walked, talked, and held themselves. Of the two Ariana appeared to be more shy then he expected. The table serving was magnificent and welcomed after their hurried journey. The lighting took a bit to get used to, being so use to the brightness of the sun.<br><br>Without appearing to do so, Diconix moved in a way that would put him between the women as well as his friends on the opposite side, thus forming couples around the table. With a smile he settled on the pillow looking around. The pale light made his blue eyes sparkle as from some inner glow though they were just reflecting the steady light. It made both women appear more pale but even more attractive. He caught the look from Aestos and ignored it.<br><br>"Ahh, the fruit from Bacchus." He grinned as he accepted the wine. "Thank you for your warm welcome. I must say both of you are quite beautiful. Second only to the goddess you serve."<br><br>He raised his goblet to his friend. "Wise Aestos you knew already. No wonder you hurried us here so." He gave the man another grin. "If nothing else, your beauty, ladies, has made this journey worthwhile."
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Enmuro</strong> on <strong>25-08-2009, 23:31:45</strong>
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				The marbled inner chamber was opulence beyond what he had been expecting. Even the finest refectory at the temple of Apollo might have been considered plain and ordinary in comparison to this cooly illuminated chamber buried beneath the earth. For a time Aestos let his eyes adjust to take in the activity of the room. As usual that left Diconix to artfully maintain the conversation, another one of his gifts. From their place of honor in the room Aestos gathered that these two priestesses held no small share of reverence in the eyes of the temple. It was curious to him, that ones who appeared so young had such influence.<br><br>He appreciatively took the proffered goblet of wine from Ariana and sipped at it. The acrid taste of fresh wine running over his parched lips lured him into drinking even more deeply of the divine potion. When his companion drew him at last into the conversation the reserved priest felt unusually at ease.&nbsp; "I would agree with you Diconix. Only once before have I been so near a priestess of Nyx, and now I see that memory as an ugly thing made bland by fresh experience." He nodded his head in a respectful motion to both women. <br><br>"As to the matter before us," Aestos gave a cough and a meaningful glance over at his far too relaxed friend "we come seeking guidance on how Thrace might be spared. For, through our Gods own intervention, we have been given forewarning of an approaching crisis. However, our oracles revealed that the nature of the disaster would only be made known by sending emissaries here to the Temple of Nyx. That is why we are here and seek your goddess's aid." Aestos tried his best to maintain his concentration on the first priestess who had greeted them, Cyrene, but was finding it harder with the drink to stay focused. His eyes drifted over to wonder what other sights beside this room the temple held.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jade</strong> on <strong>26-08-2009, 01:50:28</strong>
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				<span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font">Cyrene watched the two men with careful eyes, observing them while they spoke. The first was Diconix, a charismatic man that exuded over confidence and probably liked the sound of his own voice too much. She struggled to keep the frown off her face as he blatantly flirted with them, not liking how eager he was to charm them with his words.<br><br>Aestos on the other hand seemed to be the more composed of the two. Unlike his partner, his gaze was appreciative of the beauty that the temple had to offer, never overstepping the line of professionalism. She instantly liked him better. Besides the fact that they were <em>not</em> here to tend to their visitors’ passions, romance between Nyx’s priestesses and Apollo’s priests was strictly forbidden.<br><br>She listened quietly to the story they carried, knowing that this would be a tricky job. There were many possible outcomes that could change by the smallest of decisions. Oracles were not the ones to decide fate, it was ultimately the people that brought it upon themselves. The art of prophecies was to find exactly what they needed to hear to steer them in the right direction.<br><br>“This shall… take some time,” Cyrene started carefully, “we will do what we can after the meal, but the stars are hidden from us tonight and our Sight is not at its strongest. Until then, tell us what is your personal opinion of Thrace and your king?” They could always find out the truth on their own, but the truth was not always the same as what the people saw.<br><br>With a pleasant smile, she leaned over to refill their goblets with the wine that had been brewed with herbs that helped calm and relax the body for a deep sleep. They only used it on visitors to loosen the tongue and render them harmless after the meal. There had been rather unpleasant incidents over the years when overeager visitors attempted to take advantage of the priestesses when they should’ve been sleeping.<br><br>&nbsp;“You must be hungry and weary from your journey. Please, eat well before retiring for the night.”</span>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Etheya</strong> on <strong>26-08-2009, 06:28:57</strong>
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				<span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font">An expression of disdain settled over Ariana's pale features as the more flirtatious of the two priests kept spouting off compliments. There was nothing more disagreeable to her than a man who was enamored with himself and overly confident with his abilities in women. She shifted uncomfortably on her cushion and eagerly awaited for the priests to rest for the night. She noticed that Cyrene had thrown her a look that spoke volumes of the other priestess' disapproval. After all, the way Ariana was acting was far from kindly and welcoming.<br><br>As Cyrene explained in depth about their inability to commune with Nyx on a night such as this, she allowed her mind to wander. As her partner's voice droned on in the background, her deep eyes briefly glanced up and down the two priests. Ariana had enough sense to avert her eyes quickly and flush with embarrassment. She then refocused on Cyrene as she invited the men to dine on the abundant food and encouraged them to voice their personal thoughts on the troubles of Thrace.<br><br>"I am sure what they say about Thrace is not entirely true, is it not?" Arian regretted her slip and carefully chose her next words, as to not offend their guests. Nyx may have gifted Cyrene and herself with the gift of sight but tactfulness when concerning others did not come to her innately. "Many seem to have a preconceived notion of Thracians that many find unflattering." Ariana tilted her head, pushing the fringe of her bangs out of her eyes and tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear.</span>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cedrick</strong> on <strong>26-08-2009, 07:30:44</strong>
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				Diconix accepted the refilling of his more than half full goblet while eating some bread. Unlike his companion, he was more at ease at dinner parties. His blue eyes sparkled as he complimented them, watching what they ate and how much they drank. Matching them for the most part without appearing obvious. His first forays of compliments did not get the smiles he expected so it was time to change tactics. Respectfully silent as Cyrene explained they could not speak to their goddess this night. <br><br>He gave a smile. "Perhaps Zeus has sent the storm so we may get to know each other better. Our understanding is it will require both night and day to over come that which faces Thrace. Surely that would require that we be... comfortable with each other."<br><br>Diconix held up his goblet. "A drink to friendship in this hour of mutual need." His hand with the goblet constantly moving as he favored both with smiles. As many times before, it appeared he was drinking a lot when in truth of the three he had had the least. <br><br>Ariana's soft voice brought his attention to her. He gave a chuckle. "I have heard many things about Thrace my dear. Many true and many not." He glanced to Cyrene. "The King is noble and just. He has a small temple dedicated to both of our deities within the city walls."<br><br>Then he turned his blue eyes on Ariana. She was a lovely vision to him. "I am not from Thrace but Sparta myself so do not fear to offend me. My mother serves at Delphi. She spoke often of your temple here and how beautiful it is. I am glad I have had a chance to see it along with such gracious hostesses." 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Enmuro</strong> on <strong>26-08-2009, 23:01:01</strong>
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				"Our King?" The relationship between Thrace and the temples of Apollo was a close one. For that reason Aestos could only give a mute nod of approval at Diconix's capable answer. From his own experience Aestos held a far different opinion of the King, one he seldom voiced even in the company of other priests. <br><br>"It is as my friend says, although...there are some who might have reason to judge the King more harshly." Aestos looked about to go on before he thought better of it. He finished off his wine and refused another with a warm smile. "I thank you for your offer to help us priestesses, and for this welcome which is far beyond the merit of the guests."<br><br>Aestos' eyelids were beginning to droop from the effects of the wine. Stretching upward on the cushions he did his best to stay awake. The god of fortune, or perhaps of war, was with him in this. His red exomis was testament to a hardiness that time had yet to wear down. Alert again, for the moment, he nodded in agreement with his fellow priest.<br><br>"As you say Diconix, this temple is indeed worthy of the goddess it honors. Perhaps, while the skies are clouded with the God's argument, you might grace us with the story of this temple?" His clear green eyes alighted with a look of curiosity on Cyrene. He might have turned to Ariana save for how nervous she seemed to be at their presence. "It is a sign of my ignorance, but I do not know how the temple came to be, nor even how priestesses such as yourselves come to serve here."
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jade</strong> on <strong>08-09-2009, 04:35:02</strong>
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				<span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font">"Very few have asked to hear our tale. Most that venture this far want only answers and leave immediately after finding it, so it is refreshing to be the one with a tale to tell," she smiled before continuing.<br><br>"The temple has been around for centuries. The surrounding city-states rarely travel here for they believe we are cursed. High priestesses such as Ariana and myself were chosen because we were both born with the Sight. It is this gift that allows us to speak with our goddess and receive her prophecies without losing our minds, but it is also because of this gift that has cost us our birthplace and loved ones." Her eyes flicker over to Ariana, who flinched at the memory of her past.<br><br>"Our power must be used. If not practiced, it could build up and become something negative or attract unpleasant creatures. Crops were ruined and houses were destroyed. Misfortune fell upon the people around us and they wondered what they had done to anger the gods. My family turned on me and I was forced to flee my hometown but fortunately, Nyx had found me in time." Cyrene glanced down at her hands, temporarily affected by her own dark past but recovered quickly. She cleared her throat before continuing. "It is said that the first pair she chose were being chased by an angry mob, ready to kill them if caught. Our goddess appeared before them to save them and grant them her protection, but a fool too eager to swing his sword raised his weapon against them and incurred our goddess's wrath.<br><br>"While the chosen priestesses had escaped safely, the villagers did not. The fool to have raised his weapon was found dead the next day, eyes as black as the darkest shadows and bleeding black liquid from his orifices. The deaths continued, targeting only those that took part in the hunt. Anyone that dared to step out into the nighttime was found the next day mauled beyond recognition by her creatures of the shadows.<br><br>"To repent, the villagers and their later generations worked for decades to build this temple. Word spread and more women were offered to the temple to appease Nyx or seek her protection during the night." </span>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cedrick</strong> on <strong>09-09-2009, 04:15:05</strong>
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				He sat listening to her enthralled at her story, her soft voice, and her beauty as she told it. Being a diplomat he kept most of his thoughts that the goddess they served was harsh on her followers. In comparison Apollo loved music, parties, and laughter. His followers were not shunned but adored in a way. Welcomed just about anywhere they traveled. It is one of the reasons that had drawn him to this calling.<br><br>Diconix cast glances to Ariana noting her reaction. "Surely if your story was known, women of such beauty as yourselves would be welcomed rather than cursed. It would let you use your gift often and so avoid the unpleasantness otherwise." He said and then wondered if he had gone too far in his observation. The story appeared to effect both deeply with a sense of loss.<br><br>"Do you have a rule that disallows you to tell your story outside this temple? Could others, us perhaps, tell your story so you would be welcomed and sought for?" he bowed his head slightly. "Forgive me if I sound foolish for I do not know the laws under which you live. I do not seek to offend your goddess or you only to understand for the god I serve is one of knowledge."<br><br>He smiled at Ariana. "And I only seek to serve such lovely women however I may and can. It is said your goddess and our god need to work together so let me, us, help you where we can."
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Enmuro</strong> on <strong>12-09-2009, 03:43:14</strong>
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				Aestos remains silent while the priestesses answer Diconix's wise question about their story. Most of the priests Aestos knew had no concept of sacrifice or been reviled by those around them. Priests saw themselves as being raised up by the people they served. Yet here were women, no less holy, who helped the same villagers who would might have trampled them underfoot. His opinion of the priestesses raised a notch.<br><br>"We would be more than happy to assist your temple in any way, should you want us. It is the least we can do." Aestos was starting to feel ill at ease with just how comfortable his companion was becoming. While Aestos did not have their host's divine gift for prophecy he could foresee trouble with Diconix being so close to to the cloistered women.<br><br>"Priestess Cyrene, Priestess Ariana. When we arrived I thought I saw a statue to your goddess just outside the temple entrance. We were too much in a hurry to pay our respects but I was wondering if you might lead us back there so we could honor your goddess. Of course that is only under the condition that you stay inside or carry your skiadeion while we offer a prayer of thanks to Nyx for gracing us with such hospitality." He leaves off the convenient effects that a cold shower will have on the two men. Even he was beginning to feel a growing feeling of warmth from being so near the matchless women.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Etheya</strong> on <strong>14-09-2009, 05:26:30</strong>
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				<span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font">Ariana set the half eaten fig down on the table in front of her before wiping her hands on a small cloth that a young girl offered. She smiled briefly at the priestess in training before facing the two priests and with a small sigh, placed her hands on her lap.<br><br>"Very few know of our tale. It has become a sort of taboo topic amongst the people of the towns. Generations, over time, quickly forget about the stories of past priestesses because none speak of it. People turn quickly to violence when something unexplainable happens." She paused, unable to meet the gaze of her fellow priestess. Both had suffered much more in their childhood than most would ever experience in a life time and the cost was, at times, too great to bear. Ariana soundlessly reached over the table, taking Cyrene's hand into her own and gave a small squeeze, to put her own mind at ease. "No matter, there's no point in dwelling on the past."<br><br>She swiftly refocused back on the topic at hand as Aestos suggested that the two visitors pay tribute to the goddess. A small but genuine smile lit her face and she uncrossed her legs, pushing herself up. "Very well then," she said as she gracefully stood to lead the group. The tunnels were difficult to navigate to outsiders but the two priestesses were very familiar within the passages.</span>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cedrick</strong> on <strong>14-09-2009, 08:35:27</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				With a smile, Diconix was only too happy to follow the swaying hips of the beautiful Ariana through the corridors. He noted the sub branches, small nooks and private rooms. "Not too many travel this way I see. Allows for much privacy." He commented to both women. His mind enjoying the company of both as well as thinking how he could help them. He would have to take it up with Aestos if it was allowed that they spread the women's story to lessen the effects of the curse upon them. Just because Apollo would say yes didn't mean Nyx would and it was dangerous for men to interfere with the will of gods.<br><br>Still when they reached the statue and event convinced Diconix he had both gods blessing to make their temples closer together. He did not know Aestos was trying to give themselves a cold shower. Instead, amazingly, it stopped raining when they stepped out to pay homage to the goddess. Zeus, who was not opposed to the games men and women play, appeared not want to dampen the warmth of feeling.<br><br>Once back in the cavern after paying homage it began to rain as hard as ever. Diconix glanced at Aestos but favored Ariana with his warmest smile. "It would seem your goddess approves of our stay with you as does the Father of the gods."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Enmuro</strong> on <strong>16-09-2009, 06:39:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The renewed storm gently shuts out the night and once again leaves the priest with a feeling of being cut off. Aestos mutely listens as the rain drops beat on the slick rocks outside. What are the gods playing at? Distracted, Aestos misses what Diconix says but nods in agreement when he is prompted. "Yes, it is quite so."<br><br>Leaning against the wall of the cave he feigns a yawn. With weary eyes he looks over to his friend and nods back down toward the lower reaches of the temple. "Diconix, do you mind going on ahead with Ariana? Perhaps you could continue discussing this matter of closer relations between our temples while I have a word alone with Priestess Cyrene. There are a few details about our mission I would like to talk over with her." One of those details was going to be guest quarters. He might have even suggested locks but ... no. He trusted his comrade would keep better sense than he would at the Temple of Dionysus. Aestos just prayed to Apollo the same could be said for himself. <br><br>Without meaning to his eyes drift back over to Cyrene. Set against the backdrop of the cave she was at once beautiful and dark in his eyes. Not unlike the Goddess Nyx herself he imagined. Only this was a woman, a priestess rather he corrected himself quickly. A priestess who held the fate of Thrace in her hands.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jade</strong> on <strong>13-11-2009, 10:30:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font">[[If you guys are still up for it. sorry for the massive delay]]<br><br>She smiled at the two priests. “You are too kind, Diconix, Aestos. A good word from widely welcomed priests such as yourselves would be greatly appreciated. It is unfortunate that we cannot see our own fate, but I believe we will be fine as we are.”<br><br>Cyrene watched as someone fooled with the weather, feeling not Zeus but perhaps something darker in the skies. “Zeus is perhaps the father of the Olympians, but you are in Nyx’s temple now and your words travel to higher powers. Chaos is the father of all-- best not to speak too highly of the wrong deity.” <br><br>“Now, let us move away from the storm. Ariana can show you to your quarters--,” she had started back just as the skies darken again and something snuck into her mind. It was a familiar process, the feeling of the ground falling away from her and taking her to another time and place. Everything swirled around her for a moment before settling into shaky images of hot, entangled bodies, a bright flash of platinum blonde hair over dark, sun-kissed skin, and the silent screams of a burning city. Cyrene wavers as her senses returned to her and Ariana reached over to steady her sister priestess. She felt her cheeks flush with heat from the lingering images in her mind.<br><br>Ariana was fully aware of what had happened, familiar with the coming of visions, and sent her a questioning gaze. She had just seen a possible outcome of the near future and the fate of Thrace was somehow involved. Cyrene gripped the other girl’s arm and whispered sharply so only she could hear, “Be wary of him.”<br><br>The desire that she’d felt from the vision was still fresh in her body, and she shivered as she attempted to regain her composure. She couldn’t tell who it was that was bedding the priestess but could only guess that it was Diconix from his obvious advances. To top it all off, though they were not celibate, it was forbidden for them to bed followers of the day.<br><br>She did not wish to alarm their guests but the burning city bothered her. Perhaps that would be the fate of Thrace, but it was too early to tell. “Yes, I have a couple of things to discuss with you as well. Let us speak of matters in a more comfortable situation.”<br><br>The group moved back into the temple and soon after took different paths. She led him to a smaller room, similar to the dining hall, furnished with soft pillows and fur rugs. There was a low table in the center set with wine and fruit. “Please, make yourself comfortable.” Cyrene poured them both a goblet of wine before settling down on the plush pillows and watched him through her pale eyes. “Now, what was it that you wanted to discuss?</span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Temple of Nyx</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cedrick</strong> on <strong>14-11-2009, 08:32:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Though it was Cyrene that warned him about speaking highly of the wrong deity Diconix watched Ariana. He found her shyness and uncertainty attractive though all his advances seemed not to have effected her in the least. Ever being the diplomat he let the Priestess comment pass while quietly asking Apollo for protection. Nyx predated the Olympians, this was true, but she had not stayed with the Titans and so avoided their fate when defeated by Zeus. The story of Zeus defeating his father Chromos was well known.<br><br>So instead he gave her a slight bow as if accepting her superior advice. She was suggesting the lovely Ariana show them to quarters when she seemed to have a dizzy spell. Diconix moved to catch her if she fell but she remained standing and was aided by the other priestess. He cast a glance at Aestos as if to warn some of the gods were playing with the mortals this night. Perhaps the threat to Thrace was much more then any had imagined. A contest between the gods much as ancient Troy had been? Was it a pitting of Apollo and Nyx against… who?<br><br>The moment passed quickly and Cyrene appeared to have recovered though apparently plans had changed. Instead of being shown to quarters they were taken to a smaller room similar to where they had dined and were invited to sit around another table with refreshments.&nbsp; So disturbing was the events that Diconix didn’t even watched their swaying hips this time. Aestos had wanted to speak with Cyrene it seemed alone. A good plan dividing the priestess between them. He didn’t know what his friend had in mind but it was he was honor bound to aid him.<br><br>“Oh excuse me.” Dionix yawned into the back of his hand. “Your excellent repass and the long walk has taken their toll on me I’m afraid. You mentioned Ariana showing us to our quarters?” He favored her with a pleasant look. “I will leave Aestos to talk with you until he joins me later.” Diconix gave the girl a smile and a question with his eyes.<br><br><br>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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