The Society of the Ethereal Medallion

Not So Lady Like After All

"Protathlilís," a still voice whispered. "Protathlilís..."

The sun was brilliantly gleaming. The sand was soft beneath my bare feet as I walked along the shore. My hair fell in long curls like a waterfall behind my back; a white train of fabric dragged against the ground behind me. There was a distant hum; when I looked up, airships flew across the sky. It should have frightened me; I should have been scared. I felt at peace. Somehow I knew deep in my spirit that they weren't going to hurt me. I felt like I was home. This place felt familiar. 

I couldn't be dreaming, could I? What is this place? Where am I?

"Welcome, Protathlilís." 

I jumped at the woman's voice, and when I turned, it was like I was looking in a mirror. This woman was the spitting image of me; she had the same almond-shaped eyes, blue irises, dark brown hair, and full lips. Her gown was golden, while mine was white. Wisps of her hair fell out of a chignon, and on top of her head sat a golden crown.

I bowed humbly; I was compelled to. When I rose, I asked, "Who are you?"

"My name is unimportant to you right now. Please...come."

I obeyed willingly, following her in a trance. 

She was a hypnotizing angel. The back of her bodice revealed her elegant back with a line of pearls going down her spine. 

"Where are we going?"

"To the Pythia."

Then, the dream (for that is what it indeed was) transitioned; we were at the top of a cliff with mountains and olive trees surrounding us. Their smell was intoxicating; I wanted to bottle up the pure scent and carry it with me always. The first structure I saw was the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. It was said to have held the Tholos, a circular building with a conical roof supported by outer columns. My heart pulled me towards the building; my "guide" kept going straight. I reluctantly peeled my gaze away from the ancient structure and kept following her.

"This is the Sacred Way." 

The pathway was lined with treasuries beyond anything I could have imagined, with votive monuments that I desperately wanted to touch. 

"You must make an offering if you wish to see the oracle." She stopped in front of me, posing as an obstacle.

"But- I don't have anything of worth."

"The crown." 

My hand shot up towards my head and touched the headdress she gestured to. There was a golden statue, I could see my reflection, and sure enough, a crown sat upon my head. I took it off and set it with the other treasures others had left before me. 

"Apollo is pleased with your sacrifice. Come."

We continued in our journey, and there, on a large terrace, sat the Temple of Apollo, supported by a polygonal wall. 

That's how I knew it was a dream; everything was bright and new, as if it had just been created only a day before. This was unreal.

"Delphi." My guide kneeled at her feet, she had been waiting for us.

Two priests stood behind her left and right, clothed in white togas draped across their bodies, revealing their broad shoulders. They were old with long grey beards and short curly hair.