Our Goddess Incarnate

Chapter 2: Weary

Miza watched her Den, faction, and her brother from atop the dais in the main dining hall of The Academy.

Miza may be a princess in the imperial family, but this was her home. Mavrick was ever the pacifist and refused his claim to run a faction and have his chevalier. He entered Miza's faction simply to have the protection a royal needed. She watched as he and Lihte whispered on the lower dais, heads bent together in their own private world. She could feel a faint giddy feeling, a sensation of carefreeness and confusion swirling at her nape. That was a shadow of the emotion from the twin's connection. She would have to discuss this with them both. It was clear to Miza that their relationship was moving from faction members to more.

Miza's attention was drawn to Alex's arrival at the dining hall after xyr errand. Xe took xyr seat, and Justin stood.

"Academy!" he said without shouting, silencing the room. He nodded and retook his seat, and all eyes of the academy focused on their Mistress.

Contrary to her father, Miza followed closely the paths of her ancestors. She was drawn to the elements and land from a young age and their history. She shared a connection to the divine plane that had not been seen for hundreds of years.

Several generations ago, her grandfather had subdued the old religion as it did not coincide with his plans for the future of Lestiania. The Academy, which was housed at the Provincial Palace, had been transformed from a place of integration between the veils and a college to house Lestainia's finest thinkers who wanted to expand their knowledge to bridge the gap between the two realms, to a house where murderers and thieves often met to discuss their dealings.

No longer was The Academy an exclusive educational institution that sponsored some of the greatest minds in the studies of the natural world and stewardship operating in obscurity. Outside of the people of Lestania, few were aware that this place had ever existed. There were no more whispers of grand salons shrouded in mystery and held a lavish retreat for a king. In the human realm, it was just a lost part of history.

Three hundred years of work towards the integration was ruined by one selfish man and his heirs as the royal family separated itself from The Circle of their Great Mother's celestial love and the divine destiny set before them. After millennia, they were utterly cut off to the point that high priestesses and priests were elected officials and seen as more of a novelty for homage to the past, like most of the festivals. Miza was determined to retain some of the harmonies of nature that were long lost to her people and even longer lost to humankind. She was the Mistress of this place. She would see that it came to be.

She sat with her back straight and ankles crossed, as her feet didn't quite reach the floor. Giving the people of the academy a sweeping glance, she raised her hands in line with her shoulders, palm up, and spoke their morning prayer.

"The sky has light. We have last the night. As we break our fast, let us thank The Mother for her labor. Let's thank those who use her born fruits to revitalize us. Let us give our thanks for this day."

As she spoke the last few words, she raised her hands to the sky in offering and watched as those around her did the same, murmuring, "We give our thanks." As the room settled to silence, she lowered her hands, signaling the end of the devotional.

She smiled as laughter and conversation began to ring throughout the hall again. Mavrick settled himself to her left as Valon, to her right, dove into his French toast and stuffed tomatoes.

"Sister, you watch me." Mavrick inquired.

"Yes, brother. But I can't help but note your actions." She teased. " You've learned some defensive arts and have spent many of your free hours in the company of young Lihte. He-" She distractedly responded as she felt Alex's gentle nudge on her awareness.