Nobilis Custos

Faith

Aether's POV

Jala kindly picked me and flew to Master Diluc's mansion. While me and Paimon wait, he quickly comes back out with a little bag, and a troubled smile.

"I forgot to ask." he makes himself little and continues: "My prayers are long- actually is one prayer divided in 19 sections and it last hours. Are you ok still with it?"

Well, if that isn't devotion and dedication I don't know what is. I nod to him. He saved people and helped with my commissions, no matter how long they took, he never complained, nor left. Doing the same for him is the least I can do.

"Thank you!" he deeply bows once more, before slightly lifting himself up in the air and extend his hand for me. "We need to go somewhere more private."

I take his hands with a jump, my body hanging as he gently flies across the sky, searching for a suitable place for his ritual. And when he finds it, he descends slowly so that my feet reach the ground first, then he fully lands and begins to pull out stuff from the bag.

I stand aside to observe. Silently, he makes a circle with torches, that later are set on fire. The next step it seems to be his own appearence; he undresses until only a sleeveless shirt and tight pants are what remains.

I thought he was slender compared to the rest of the party, but I was wrong. He has some muscles hidden. I think between myself as I study what the owl does.

One last check and sits in front of me to explain what I need to do. I listen attentively, and for how difficult I thought this would be, I only have to play the drums with a simple tempo. He also explains that we need to be silent while he stays on the ground; the moment he stands, I play the drums and he will dance to honor his gods.

I nod, and demostrate if I can deliver what he needs. Once he's satisfied he bows to me and returns inside the circle.
I sign to Paimon to be quiet while Jala sits on his knees, joins his palms to let them touch his forehead before bowing until that forehead touches the soil. His wings are spread flat, his hands now intertwined and raised enough to be seen as he murmurs his prayers in a language I do not know, yet sounds delightful.

- Hours later -

He keeps doing that nonstop, I literally see the casted shadows moving as time pass, but I promised to help and so far I've being doing nothing.
I actually do not know how I'm managing to keep Paimon this calm through such stillness. I guess if I give her enough food and make her understand is very important for her friend, she can behaves pretty well I must say.

Once the sun begins to set and the dark hours are approaching, Jala finally raises his head and repeats his first step one last time.  
When I see him standing, I take the drums and wait for a sign. He summons two long daggers on which he tags tiny bells and let a little fuming stick go up and down the weapons.

It's impressive how despite those claws he has, he's careful but effective in tying such thin thread to sharp blades without failing once. I observe with an amazed expression on my face. I must admit, the Noble's servants are divine at crafts; Ahlstarr holds the crown, but the others are not falling behind.

"By the light of the moon and the strength of the sun, I call upon ancient powers, let protection be done." he whispers so low it would be impossible to hear if not in a sacred silence. "Wrap me in a shield of radiant light, guard me from harm day and night." he draws a circle with the fuming blades above his head, showing a maaterful control of his hands and weapons. Although I expected nothing less from who was trained by the Noble. "With these words my will is spoken, protect my spirit and keep me unbroken. Blessed be..."