THE VEINS OF MY CITY
Natalya is the closest thing to a motherly figure that Virgil has right now; the melanistic woman being one she trusts closely, dearly. Alas, she fears what she will say when Virgil unearths all that has been going wrong in her life. As matriarch, it is supposed to be her job to slave to tradition, to uphold all their family holds sacred. And yet she finds that she has violated this, and all she can do is confess her sins to an Oracle, and hope for forgiveness. She inhales deeply, calming her nerves as she reclines onto her haunches. Her summons comes at a not-too-hot time of day, knowing that by now her Aunt will be well into her pregnancy and that she ought not to push the woman too far. She shuffles her paws nervously, uncertainly. If anything she hopes she will not throw away her Aunt?s love; it is something she cannot stand to think of now, not after all that has occurred. |
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The kiss is reassuring, despite the woman?s evident nerves. She responds with a reverent kiss on her Aunt?s cheek; Virgil may be at the head of the family, but that does not mean she holds no respect for her elders, or that she holds no respect for her family?s Oracles. Despite her sins, she cares deeply for tradition. She simply finds herself in darkness for now, her heart shrouded and pained. ?I need to speak with you about a few things. First, I seek to betroth my children off. I will need your approval for this, of course. I was hoping to marry Gaia off to one of Viridiana?s children; she?s the leader of Covari, which has gathered quite the empire of alliances. I know you will need to meet the options first, but I simply wish to know your thoughts on this,? she says. A betrothal has been offered nonetheless, but Virgil still seeks advice. ?Secondly, and I know you probably already do this, I?d like to request you mentor Gaia. She has so much potential, and I?d like to make her Princess when she turns a year old,? she informs her Aunt. There is more news, but she pauses so they can discuss the things that will not anger her melanistic Aunt first. They will move onto Virgil?s heavy heart, and her heavy sins later. |
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She nods her head to her Aunt?s question, smiling at her approval. At least she has done something right, and she is happy to hear that Natalya has already been tutoring Gaia. ?I would like to make Gaia the Princess on her birthday. She seems ready for it,? Virgil notes. It is then that Natalya questions, however, if there is anything else that the golden Empress wishes to speak of. Heavy lids close, ready for the worse, ready for trials to strip her name, banishments from ever seeing her children again. ?I slept with Syrinx, the former alpha of Amenti,? she informs her aunt. ?I think I may be with his children,? she breathes. ?There is not excuse, but there are explanations. I never had the chance to introduce her to you properly, but I was in love with Raisa, the woman whom I crossed lands to give birth next to. We raised our children together as if we were their only parents. And she?she just left. She left the children the bore, the children I love as my own, in the hands of someone else. And she left without saying goodbye,? she says. There is such a broken tone to her voice. |
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