Sharp clicking resonated in the alabaster halls of the Sunspear. All around were displays of the Council's affluence, evident in the glimmering walls and glowing sconces. Adornments between each set of windows held the crests of each Elder, navy canvas embossed with glittering silver thread. Light slants over the floor, illuminating her with every few steps only to plunge her again in the scant light. The strobing did nothing to detract from the serious set of the woman's jaw as she strode forward towards the ornate oaken doors. Another crest here, this one symbolizing the Oracles and their collaboration with their Guardians. She couldn't help but grimace at the sight. It was almost too much, given the circumstances. Such a hallowed right, something that should be cherished... And here she was, about to spit on tradition. And straight to the Elder's faces, no less.
It had come as a shock to her that they'd been willing to answer her appeal at all. It was no secret of her reputation among the Council as a marked woman. True enough, she felt that curse even now perched atop her shoulders. The weight was unbearable. No more would she suffer the decisions of others. Instead, she would plea for herself and her autonomy.
Silently, the doors began to swing open. Before her she could see more marble floors, the spire of the spear itself reaching so high it was out of view of her vantage point. Atop that reaching arm would be a moon door, open to the heavens shining above. The walls to the left and right were a collection of intricate stained glass depictions of the rite of the Guardians and Oracles, detailed out, with the final one at the head of the space allegedly a likeness of the first to Council members to engage in this bonding act. Despite all of this, her hazel eyes did not waiver from the dais upon which sat a round table with multiple chairs. About half were full, which was a better turnout than she could have hoped for. They had been conducting meetings most of the afternoon, so her request to be seen had fallen later into the evening.
"Enter, child. The hour is late, but we will yet hear your words."
Only then did Vivianne move her feet into the room. Her hair was a wild arrangement of curls pulled away from her face, the tips touching the middle of her back. Her attire was a simple riding garb, breeches and a white tunic. At her waist was cinched a bodice, matching the tan leather of her boots. In the glow of the moon from above her, harsh shadows turned her typically serene expression into a severe one. Once reaching the center of the room, her pace stops and she lets her hands fall softly at her sides. On the outside she may have been the picture of relaxation, but her emotions were crashing against ribs made of stone.
Without much preamble, she began her plea. "I thank you, Elders, for hearing me so advanced into the evening. I promise my request will be quick." Only a moments pause as she braced herself for the uproar that would likely follow her next words. "I wish to break from guardianship. I wish to solo practice as an Oracle within the Council."
Though there were only a few of them present, they had no issues making their outrage known. Harsh words tumbled from their lips, some even standing, as they bickered amongst themselves and in her direction. She simply shut her ears to the nonsense. This was her final time losing another of her guardians. She would not go through this again, and whether or not they allowed her to continue on without a guardian, she would refuse the rite as many times as it took.
Her cursed reputation wasn't based on rumors. Typically when an Oracle is given a Guardian, they form a close bond. The guardian will quite literally lay down themselves to protect the oracle, and the oracle will do everything in their power to protect their guardian. Since the Council's founding, that is how it has always been among the Temporals and Aetheri. Vivianne was no exception, and received her first guardian at the ripe age of 15. She had been around her age, with a kind smile and was eager to prove herself. That enthusiasm lasted about a month, upon which Vivianne and the girl had found themselves in an impossible situation while out purifying leylines. Shades had attacked... droves of them... and Tenari hadn't stood a chance. Thus, the Council had petitioned her a new guardian. This time, a male, who was around 17. He was one of the star recruits and was well-known among his brothers and sisters. His time as her guardian lasted 2 years, but even then, Orison fell as well. Again and again, Vivianne lost her guardians. Again and again, it was to strange circumstances. Everyone pointed at her mother as the cause, her defecting from the Council to join Malus and their ilk.
Her last guardian, though... He lasted longer than the others. Kailen had been eager to dispel the reputation that haunted Vivianne. He'd promised her companionship, swore she would not need another guardian again. Over time, her icy demeanor warmed, and they became like brother and sister. Slow to anger and skilled with a sword, Kail had become her first true companion since her string of misfortunes. It seemed like finally her life would turn around and this dark cloud following her would dissipate. They would bicker like siblings, pranking each other and even sharing secrets. Their bond was steadfast, and he had weaseled his way into her heart without her even realizing.
His death had hurt the most. It broke her, truly. Hard to believe that had only been three short weeks ago. They had the misfortune of running into Malus members while out on mission, and he had been overwhelmed. If not for his sacrifice, they would have gotten their hands on Vivianne as well. The smile he had tossed her before charging the group had been enough to split her soul in half. Never again, she'd decided. No more blood on her hands. He would be her last, and she would accept no other. While the shouting raged around her, the woman stood resolute and waited for the quiet to once again overtake the room.
It had come as a shock to her that they'd been willing to answer her appeal at all. It was no secret of her reputation among the Council as a marked woman. True enough, she felt that curse even now perched atop her shoulders. The weight was unbearable. No more would she suffer the decisions of others. Instead, she would plea for herself and her autonomy.
Silently, the doors began to swing open. Before her she could see more marble floors, the spire of the spear itself reaching so high it was out of view of her vantage point. Atop that reaching arm would be a moon door, open to the heavens shining above. The walls to the left and right were a collection of intricate stained glass depictions of the rite of the Guardians and Oracles, detailed out, with the final one at the head of the space allegedly a likeness of the first to Council members to engage in this bonding act. Despite all of this, her hazel eyes did not waiver from the dais upon which sat a round table with multiple chairs. About half were full, which was a better turnout than she could have hoped for. They had been conducting meetings most of the afternoon, so her request to be seen had fallen later into the evening.
"Enter, child. The hour is late, but we will yet hear your words."
Only then did Vivianne move her feet into the room. Her hair was a wild arrangement of curls pulled away from her face, the tips touching the middle of her back. Her attire was a simple riding garb, breeches and a white tunic. At her waist was cinched a bodice, matching the tan leather of her boots. In the glow of the moon from above her, harsh shadows turned her typically serene expression into a severe one. Once reaching the center of the room, her pace stops and she lets her hands fall softly at her sides. On the outside she may have been the picture of relaxation, but her emotions were crashing against ribs made of stone.
Without much preamble, she began her plea. "I thank you, Elders, for hearing me so advanced into the evening. I promise my request will be quick." Only a moments pause as she braced herself for the uproar that would likely follow her next words. "I wish to break from guardianship. I wish to solo practice as an Oracle within the Council."
Though there were only a few of them present, they had no issues making their outrage known. Harsh words tumbled from their lips, some even standing, as they bickered amongst themselves and in her direction. She simply shut her ears to the nonsense. This was her final time losing another of her guardians. She would not go through this again, and whether or not they allowed her to continue on without a guardian, she would refuse the rite as many times as it took.
Her cursed reputation wasn't based on rumors. Typically when an Oracle is given a Guardian, they form a close bond. The guardian will quite literally lay down themselves to protect the oracle, and the oracle will do everything in their power to protect their guardian. Since the Council's founding, that is how it has always been among the Temporals and Aetheri. Vivianne was no exception, and received her first guardian at the ripe age of 15. She had been around her age, with a kind smile and was eager to prove herself. That enthusiasm lasted about a month, upon which Vivianne and the girl had found themselves in an impossible situation while out purifying leylines. Shades had attacked... droves of them... and Tenari hadn't stood a chance. Thus, the Council had petitioned her a new guardian. This time, a male, who was around 17. He was one of the star recruits and was well-known among his brothers and sisters. His time as her guardian lasted 2 years, but even then, Orison fell as well. Again and again, Vivianne lost her guardians. Again and again, it was to strange circumstances. Everyone pointed at her mother as the cause, her defecting from the Council to join Malus and their ilk.
Her last guardian, though... He lasted longer than the others. Kailen had been eager to dispel the reputation that haunted Vivianne. He'd promised her companionship, swore she would not need another guardian again. Over time, her icy demeanor warmed, and they became like brother and sister. Slow to anger and skilled with a sword, Kail had become her first true companion since her string of misfortunes. It seemed like finally her life would turn around and this dark cloud following her would dissipate. They would bicker like siblings, pranking each other and even sharing secrets. Their bond was steadfast, and he had weaseled his way into her heart without her even realizing.
His death had hurt the most. It broke her, truly. Hard to believe that had only been three short weeks ago. They had the misfortune of running into Malus members while out on mission, and he had been overwhelmed. If not for his sacrifice, they would have gotten their hands on Vivianne as well. The smile he had tossed her before charging the group had been enough to split her soul in half. Never again, she'd decided. No more blood on her hands. He would be her last, and she would accept no other. While the shouting raged around her, the woman stood resolute and waited for the quiet to once again overtake the room.
