Thread: Darkness Has Its Teachings (Athene & Alvis Alendran)

Rowena Serenity. A calm, peaceful aura. Over the years, Gaul had been covered in a more positive sea of sensations and emotions. Of course, that wasn't to say life was perfect. There were the occasional struggles between people who resided there, be it married people, druids, or any of the ruling individuals. All in all though, everyone had otherwise bee able to live their lives out the way they wanted to. All was as it should be. All was well. And yet, nineteen-year-old Rowena had been feeling almost the exact opposite despite the atmosphere suggesting otherwise. Thankfully, the king, his council, and a hand-picked group of druids would be gathering soon. Due to her own status as this particular village's Seer, Rowena was invited to come attend these meetings. It was no secret to all who lived in Gaul that Scathach had no doubt blessed Rowena, for her gift of sight had been something she'd possessed even as a child. Her head turned as a slight breeze danced along her skin. Rowena shivered, pulling her cloak tighter over her dress. One hand kept the crimson fabric in place while her right trailed down and patted her side. Attached with some hemp was a small bag. Inside was not gold or coins like one may assume, but a set of Ogham Runes which Rowena used to help dictate her prophecies. Only when she felt satisfied that she had everything, Rowena strode out of her small house and briskly walked towards the large manor. Upon entering, she noted almost everyone who usually came to these meetings had already arrived. Apologies everyone, m'lord. I hope I didn't make you all wait. A pale, elderly hand belonging to none other than the king wove through the air. Nonsense, Rowena. You're as essential to these gatherings as anyone else here. Fret not about it. A small smile crossed her face as Rowena bowed her head. Thank you, Lord Bssil. Soon, anyone that had yet to enter walked in. Seats were taken and finally, the king cleared his throat, directing his attention immediately to Rowena. Before we go on with any other discussions, you've been hinting to me the past few days you've had some ... visions? Rowena nodded, I have, m'lord. And they've only become more vivid over the past days. This is no doubt Scathach giving me this to help warn us at least I'm certain that's what it's meant for. What have you been seeing? Ships. But they're not like anything we've ever seen. They're shaped like a serpent. The men within them are ... cruel. Savage, but very cunning. They bleed, and yet seem to not care about dying. On the contrary, they appear to almost embrace Death, it would seem. Hushed whispers began resounding throughout the room. As quickly as they started, the commotion ended almost immediately after the king gave all of the men and women a stern glare one meant for them to hush and not panic. Have you seen these ships come here? Rowena moved her head from side to side, No. Still, Scathach doesn't show me these things simply because. That's why I've been afraid for our village and people. You haven't read the runes today yet, have you? After seeing Rowena give another negative nod, Bssil offered the young woman his own affirmative one. See what they say now. One swift tug detached the bag from her side. After shaking it thoroughly several times, Rowena proceeded to open the bag and reach into it. Her head lifted up, making sure she didn't risk peeking inside and risk ruining the reading. Rowena's fingertips lightly brushed along the wooden runes, all while being careful not to feel the symbols carved on them. Finally, as if an invisible hand made her halt, she wrapped her hand around one and pulled it out. Upon laying it down, everyone would see it to be the Straif rune. And what of it? one of the druids challenged. We've seen that one before. Yes. But it's also when a difficult harvest is coming, or the gods are angry. Neither of these have been an issue as of late. Any festivals that we celebrate have already passed or are too far into the future to be represented by this. So what else could be possibly bringing forth trials and tribulations - or even Fate - to us? No one had an argument for this, and it seemed enough people were starting to see her point. However .... Until we have a more definite sign, my young Rowena, I'm not going to get anyone ready. But m'lord! Rowena began to protest. I will not make my people panic over nothing. The words stung, as if Bssil had actually slapped her. Rowena flt her fists clench in frustration a emotion she didn't usually give in to. This very moment, however, was a rare exception. They had listened and heeded her visions before. Why was now so different? It made as much sense to her as all the signs seemed to with the king and his council and druids. ... Very well. Then that is your verdict. I , however, am not going to simply ignore Scathach. I've no reason to, after all. Without offering anyone a chance to argue or stop her, Rowena hastily got up to her feet and exited the chamber. If they weren't going to listen, so be it. But if this was indeed meant to suggest these ships would be coming right here to this very particular part of Gaul, then Rowena refused to easily be caught in the midst of what would likely be a massacre. To help avoid this, she began hurrying back to her house. Rowena wasn't going to completely abandon her hometown however, hide away for a few days, yes. Most definitely. It was a smart and sound enough plan.