23 December 2012
The helm had become a part of Dionys body by now. The High Sisters' ceremonial armor was made of celestril, a metal from the Mountain of Celes that weighed nothing and could shield against anything forged in the Cloudrealm but were as brittle as glass against Furian weapons , but the elegant surface hid a combat armor made of heavy blood iron metal, crafted by the finest Sivashrin blacksmiths, when their kingdom ruled all of Furia. If an assassin came with steel swords against the Cloud Mother, they would see their blade shatter against the blood iron, as they had believed the celestril would against their steel. This was a well guarded secret, known only by the Cloud Mother and the High Sisters, since the smiths that made them had passed away centuries ago.
On the other side of the Mother's throne stood Mion, as beautiful as the armor she wore. As High Sisters they shared everything in life - and death. She had served the Mother for a hundred years before Dionys pledged her oath and was the wisest of the two.
One day every week, the day of Seeking, The Mother would hear the voices of the people so that the goddess Aiel might hear them better and aid their ordeals. The Mother wore the formal Dress of Receiving, an elaborate suit which required the High Sisters to help her dress for three hours in the morning.
Dionys had once listened to every Seeker but Mion had taught her to shut the voices out so as not to distract herself from guarding the Mother's throne. But something in this conversation got her attention.
She moved her head to examine the farmer, a male, and noticed that the Mother was smiling at her, seemingly knowing that Dionys would take notice to the subject.
"…and they're attacking us every time we have gathered our crops," the farmer said. "Their leader is ruthless and have cut down several of us out of pure viciousness. That is why I come to you, beloved Mother. I know we are asking much, but we implore you to listen to Aiel's words and send us help if that is her will."
Dionys had to focus so she wouldn't step out of line. She knew what this meant.
"Thank you," the Cloud Mother answered, "now go home and announce that Aiel has already heard your songs. Before the next week of harvest, the bandits will be a forgotten memory."
Dionys could see the farmer, and even Mion, looking at the Mother with surprise. It was highly unordinary for Aiel to speak her will to the Mother before a plea had been heard. But Dionys had seen the premonition in her dreams and no doubt the Mother had experienced it as well; This was the origin of the dream.
The farmer said his thanks and minced out of the hall.
The Mother leaned to Dionys and divulged, "I think you understand that you are the only one I trust in handling this matter."
Dionys restrained herself and bowed.
"Yes, Mother. I will take a unit of Sisters with me and travel to the village."
She left to assemble a group, and when she had closed the door behind her, Mion kneeled in front of the throne.
"Mother, what is the meaning of this? Dionys can not leave your side. The oath! Why are you forcing her to break it?"
The Cloud Mother smiled and caressed Mions chin.
"My child, she will protect me more by handling these bandits, do not doubt it. Secunde has agreed to stand as High Sister until Dionys returns."
She motioned into a dark corner of the room and Secunde Matriarch emerged solemnly, clad in the High Sisters armor, and climbed the stairs to take her place at the Mother's side.
"I am sorry, Mother. It is not my place to doubt your wisdom," Mion said and moved back in line before the next Seeker came to address the Goddess.
Mion's faith was strong but through that day she never once stopped thinking of her younger Sister, and what might happen to her.
Dionys - The High Sister (part 3) • Opuss № I