A Proclamation of Ruin

Staring Portraits, Faceless Statues and a Weeping Thorn.

I fell asleep. I don't know when but I was awoken with violent shaking. Evidently more gentle than being shocked with cold water but a gentle tap would've bode well, if I was a light sleeper but I can sleep through a whole entire war when I was a kid so... That was a lie. I don't even recall anything from that war.

Uma looked annoyed at me as per usual, glaring at me with her bushy brows."Your role is to stand and be presentable. Nothing else. Do not speak unless spoken to. Do not show impertinence or disrespect in the face of Gemmas. You wear Flaris's face so do not tarnish it. The imperial family let you pass the first few days you arrived, as you are not accustomed to our war of life. But no disrespect will be left unpunished from the point of you being known as the Hero of Gemmas."

I nod. Or I think I do. Her expression is too scary for me to look past. But I feel like two days is too cruel to let me adjust. Well... I know I'm adaptable but not that adaptable.

"Before your official introduction, I will lead you to the South wing, the prayer room. You will speak to Saint Rubaine and seek her guidance and you will finally have a connection with her once you get in touch with Lustrous Julias. Get up, and follow me." She turns to her feet and doesn't bother to wait. I struggled to catch up as my clothes weren't exactly the lightest.

Every step was hefty, my breathing laboured yet Uma has already taken so many turns. I pass by numerous paintings. The same woman, the same expression occasionally a blonde turns up but now most of them are of Lady Crea. Her face looks distorted the more recent the portraits look. None of them look the same, I can only tell it's her because she wore the exact same violet ruffle collar on her neck, cuffed in white fabric. Sporting the ruby red hair and eyes quieter than night.

I can't get the essence of what she looks like. Art is supposed to make you feel something. But having all these portraits eyes on me just feels so uncomfortable. More so that all of the people in these images are dead.

Uma comes to a halt, she taps her foot once, startling me. Then shifts ever so slightly to face me. "This is where I stand last. You may enter. Do not speak to anyone, do not mind anyone, just go straight, to the very front kneel and pray."

But what should I even pray for?

Although only I know how much I wanted to ask that question I just listen to her words and push open the doors. Their kneeled uniformed backs, faces, hidden under veils. No one acknowledged me despite the clicking of my boots and the drag of my... dress. I don't know what to call this second skin. My steps echoed into the space. The sound makes me conscious of everything around me. I took in the design of the place, very white, bright and marble. Numerous statues stand tall with their heads bowed. No knee guards for a place to pray but everybody persevered. A walkway parted seemingly just for me and I followed Uma's instructions. Go straight to the very front, kneel and pray.

I do just that. The coldness of the marble floor shot from my knees to my fingertips. My entire body shivered from the temperature despite the layers of clothing I had on. I take a breath, clasp my hands together and gaze at the statue in front of me.

I am directly below their hands, their palms wide and welcoming as if asking for alms.

"Hold her hands Hero." a familiar voice says from behind. Edriane kneels by my left, clasping her hands together, her eyes clothes and her face relaxed. She was more decorated than when I first saw her. I don't know how that could happen but she had layers upon layers of jewellery on her. Her eyelids were painted red as was her nails. Rings hugged every finger all with a shiny and big stone.

I find it impressive that she feels no discomfort from all her accessories. I feel sweaty watching her. Wait. I am sweaty.

"Why...?" I ask, my voice coming out like a hushed whisper. This room feels too chapel-like and I do not want to look disrespectful.