Sceleratis Cardinalis Aduentu

Waiting For the Night

Adaira awoke early the next morning and rolled over, outstretching her arm into the rays of sunshine coming in through the window.

She turned her hand over in the rays of light, examining where the cardinal's lips had touched her skin. Bringing her hand close to her chest, she cradled it, closing her eyes and remembering the night prior.

Her heart skipped at the memory of walking through the dark halls on the his arm, drafts of air pulling the sweet smell of his skin to her nose. A wave of longing washed over her as she mentally replayed their final scene: his hands cradling hers, his lips, warm on her skin, and then, what felt like a sudden departure.

A door slammed out in the hallway and jolted Adaira from her thoughts. She blinked and looked at the ceiling, knowing that she should be getting up and ready for the day.

"Shiny," Adaira said to herself dryly.

She gave pause to her thoughts and sat up in the bed, pushing her covers aside, figuring that the best course of action would be to occupy her thoughts with Sanctum duties instead of dwelling on unsure feelings.

-x-x-x-

A short time later, Adaira quietly entered the library that loomed in the middle of the Sanctum's complex. She skirted around tables and headed toward a row of massive shelves that stood underneath a wall of stained glass windows.

She had been asked by the High Priestess to gather some of the unholy scripture required for the Equinox Ritual and deliver it to her before the party. It was apparent that the pressure was on for everyone to make this Mabon exceptional, as the Priestess was not often apt to preparing this much in advance.

Adaira approached one of the oak bookshelves and selected a large, leather-bound tome. She carried it to a podium under the light of the windows and hefted open the cover. Running slender fingers across the ancient Latin, she began to pour over the scripture, translating softly under her breath as she went.

Just as she came across an illustration depicting a ceremonial Mabon bonfire, a voice behind her spoke out.

"Good Afternoon, Sister."

Adaira broke from her concentration and turned toward the voice's owner. Cardinal Copia stood before her, dressed this time in a black cassock and biretta.

He nodded his head to her in a curt greeting.

"Your Unholiness," Adaira said, giving a deep curtsy.

"I was hoping you could point me to some scripture...the Rites of Autumn and the like," he said, walking over and standing next to her, looking over her shoulder at the open tome on the podium.

"Oh, I'm not entirely sure," Adaira hesitated, heart beginning to race at his proximity.

The cardinal reached out and turned a few pages absently, his arm brushing against hers.

"I'm actually here to collect such scripture myself. The High Priestess wanted to make sure she's fully prepared for Mabon, and this is the first tome I've managed to get," Adaira continued, moving her arm away.

He turned the pages back to their original place and turned toward her, his eyes dancing over her face.

"I'm sorry I could not be of more help, your Unholiness," Adaira stammered.

"It is of no issue," the cardinal said, turning his attention to his hands as he adjusted his leather gloves.

She fumbled with the corners of the parchment, watching him nervously.

"I shall leave you to your work, then," he finally said, gesturing to the book.

He slowly started for the exit but stopped and turned back to face Adaira.

"I shall see you tonight?"

Adaira blushed.

"...you shall."

He paused a moment before giving her a small bow and turning to leave. Adaira watched as he walked away and waited until he was out of sight to return to her work.