Heedless of the cold, tattooed flesh glowing bronze in the morning light, the woman rested her hands upon the railing. Though clouds threatened, and frost still coated the window glass, she did not shiver during her musing. Late evenings were enjoyable, especially with such company as still lay slumbering, tangled in the sheets of her bed, but the mornings were sacrosanct. One must always greet the sun properly, even if it was loathe to peek through the scudding clouds.
Below, bundled figures scrambled about, conducting their business throughout the city, none thinking to look upward to gaze upon the living tapestry of her decorated skin, as reddish-blond locks spilled over bare shoulders, trailing downward to almost reach her waist. A plethora of beaded loops, formed of semi-precious stones, hung from her neck to dangle between her breasts, moving only as she breathed slowly. As was her wont, she would wear no more to greet the promise of a new day dawning. In a hushed whisper, with her eyes closing, she murmured into the chill of the morning air.
"Apollo Lyceius, known as a friend to my clan, please hear me. I seek this day to go forth and help others to prosper, to give healing to those in need, and soothing to those who show distress. With your blessing, I will strive to improve myself with good deeds and words.
I know you are displeased by my lack of discipline. I still struggle daily with the doubts that all of your enemies-by-nature are evil, as I have witnessed good deeds performed by the very creatures you would see wither and crumble beneath your glare. I beseech you, to look deep within their tortured souls before placing them under condemnation. Not all who must survive on the lifeblood of others are monsters, nor are their victims always unwilling.
As I again rise to bear witness to your trek across the sky, I ask your forgiveness, as I am merely flesh, and can only aspire to be worthy in your eyes. Swift and sure, flies thy arrow."
Her eyes remained closed as she lifted her face to the heavens, letting a smile creep over her lips as she basked in the feeling of peace, brought on by the dawning of a new day. Her morning's ritual completed, she lingered a moment more before turning, her footfalls doing little to disturb the silence within her room, her gaze falling upon the man, snoring softly in blissful sleep, tangled in the satin sheets.
"Rise and shine, good sir. We have a conversation to finish, over breakfast."
Below, bundled figures scrambled about, conducting their business throughout the city, none thinking to look upward to gaze upon the living tapestry of her decorated skin, as reddish-blond locks spilled over bare shoulders, trailing downward to almost reach her waist. A plethora of beaded loops, formed of semi-precious stones, hung from her neck to dangle between her breasts, moving only as she breathed slowly. As was her wont, she would wear no more to greet the promise of a new day dawning. In a hushed whisper, with her eyes closing, she murmured into the chill of the morning air.
"Apollo Lyceius, known as a friend to my clan, please hear me. I seek this day to go forth and help others to prosper, to give healing to those in need, and soothing to those who show distress. With your blessing, I will strive to improve myself with good deeds and words.
I know you are displeased by my lack of discipline. I still struggle daily with the doubts that all of your enemies-by-nature are evil, as I have witnessed good deeds performed by the very creatures you would see wither and crumble beneath your glare. I beseech you, to look deep within their tortured souls before placing them under condemnation. Not all who must survive on the lifeblood of others are monsters, nor are their victims always unwilling.
As I again rise to bear witness to your trek across the sky, I ask your forgiveness, as I am merely flesh, and can only aspire to be worthy in your eyes. Swift and sure, flies thy arrow."
Her eyes remained closed as she lifted her face to the heavens, letting a smile creep over her lips as she basked in the feeling of peace, brought on by the dawning of a new day. Her morning's ritual completed, she lingered a moment more before turning, her footfalls doing little to disturb the silence within her room, her gaze falling upon the man, snoring softly in blissful sleep, tangled in the satin sheets.
"Rise and shine, good sir. We have a conversation to finish, over breakfast."