[Leocor]

He needed change. The darkness of his cell as a slave was not what he was made for, he wanted to be a part of the people, the land and save it from itself, he needed to protect them all, the children of the corrupted landmasses were within his reach and he wanted to do what he could for them, reach out and help them - even if turned away. He partially knew how this worked.

Priests and priestess were his ticket out of slavery they were the ones who turned heathens to actual members, and Leocor was no heathen. He had simply gotten in the way of the white seour, a day he regretted terribly, but there was nothing to be done about it, it was too late to turn back time and even if he could he wouldn't have changed. It was his bidding to protect the children from her wrath and taking the blame instead of them, the most horrifying part being how she manipulated the children, that was almost a crime. God or not.

He worried about the way things were turning out in this pack, for he had never seen anything like it. He had been accepted on the premise that he was loyal and devote to his country and he was! But seeing children manipulated to doing cruel things in order to appear "strong" was more than he could take in his noble heart. That wasn't what he signed up for, that wasn't what he believed in and he could hardly think of the horrid things the white seour was teaching these children. He had left his cell and scurried around the edge of the slave area, wandering - not lost, but searching.

"Hello?" His calling was low, calm and nothing like the ordinary slave. His fur still white and beaming, groomed and kept he was out of place of the rest, devote and in order unlike the remains. He didn't belong as a slave, he belonged out there, protecting and serving and he needed a priest to prove that, he needed to devote himself to one and show that he was in good faith. In another life, another time he could have been the seed in spring, the beginning of new and somewhere else he would have been a respected member of the pack - loved even.

But instead his days were in Oukoku-kai - a land of gods.

[Sphinx]

"Hello?"

"Well, hi there." If the boy had expected to wait long for a reply, he would be sorely disappointed. Sphinx's response was instant, and her voice was warm, friendly, inviting... there were even notes of amusement drifting through each syllable spoken. The pretty little thing smiled to herself as she looked the younger wolf over, stifling a chuckle at her first impression of him. It had been a long time since a slave had shown a little bit of initiative... maybe this one would be interesting. He sure did look interesting, especially with that "holier than thou" gleam he had to his fur. Well, discontentment for slave life definitely wasn't a bad thing. Time to go to work. The Warden Priestess watched as Leocur moved along the edge of the slave quarters, and she motioned with a small flick of her head for him to come out. She had talked to plenty of slaves within the cliff's rocky cave, but today... today she wanted to do it in the sun.

The valley wasn't sweltering today; instead, a cool breeze rolled across Oukoku-Kai's denizens and was perfectly balanced by the "just right" warmth emitting from the sun. It was almost enough to make her feel at home again. Almost. Even the bright star's warm caress--a reminder of happier, brighter days--couldn't keep her thoughts from running rampant. The Valley would never be the same home to her as it had been before, too much had changed. Still, just knowing this wasn't enough; every fiber of her soul and faith bucked against that knowledge... but that will to fight was dying down. Maybe, just maybe, she was getting a little bit closer to accepting her new lot in life. Goddesses, the hole Aglacea left was sure taking a long time to fill though.

"My name is Sphinx." She introduced herself with an inviting smile as she moved into a sitting position, motioning for him to do the same.  There were no signs of the war going on inside of her, no break in her practiced composure, and no change in her friendly demeanor. She had been doing this for too long to let something like that show... and honestly, she still loved her job and talking to others. "I am Oukoku-Kai's Warden and I am also a priestess." She paused a few beats, checking to see how he reacted to that information, before continuing. "And who might you be?"

A few more beats, waiting for a simple reply. 

"And how did you get to where you are now?"

[Leocor]

"Well, hi there." He looked surprised at the golden-black female responding right away. She looked chipper, happy and nothing like those he had met so far of this valley. For a split second he wanted to be wary and worry if she was pretending, but immediately felt guilty. She didn't have to be like the rest of them, she could be happier and more kind, couldn't she?

She waved him over and he walked closer to her, leaving behind the slaver's quarters and into the sunlight to sit opposed to her and he glanced left and right from them, wondering if anyone would mind him being here. Did she have the authority to let him leave? He decided it was best to trust in this female, and he relaxed a little and offered her a gentle smile. He was still properly raised after all.


"My name is Sphinx." He bowed his head with a noble dip "Pleasure to meet you my lady. I am Leocor, a humble slave of the white house." He technically belonged to miss Gigantea, something she often seemed to forget about, she often sent him out on mundane little tasks and then forgot about it, only to be gleefully surprised when he returned with whatever she had asked for. She was alright though, didn't complain about her, she had been sweet (Leocor was too kind to think of it as too sweet), and never been cruel to him, for that he was grateful.

The officers were tough on him, harder and then there were the white seour. The reason he was a slave. He would return to her later in his grand tale of slavery.

"I am Oukoku-Kai's Warden and I am also a priestess." The warden? He didn't react right away, and didn't exactly know how to process this information. He was glad he had found a priestess who could get him started on his journey back to the ranks, back to serving the people of Oukoku-kai, but surprised that the warden was - this. Gentle, kind and a beautiful lady. It didn't exactly add up to him, but he decided to not press the matter or even ask about it. For all he knew she was just another pawn in the game playing her part - doing her job.

"And how did you get to where you are now?" He opened his mouth lightly "I" He paused and thought it over, unsure exactly how he would tell this tale and decided to be as objective as possible. "I opposed the white seour.. I didn't know she was the seour, I thought. I thought she was going to hurt two children." He bowed his head lightly and wondered to this day if he had done the right thing - always thinking he had. "I wanted to protect them from her wrath." And I took the beating for it.

[Sphinx]

When the boy looked both ways after joining her, no doubt worried about whether or not she was actually allowed to take him outside the quarters, the pretty little priestess felt a small, happy laugh bubble up inside of her. It was so very easy to underestimate her. She couldn't blame him though; he had no idea who she was. The pretty little social butterfly, trained in combat by and mated to the Yellow Seour himself, trained in the priesthood by the most holy High Priest to step on the Valley's lands, and trained the darker, whiter-minded arts of life by Aglacea... the Gigantea that had come before Ana. All of it was bundled behind a disarming, genuine smile. Sphinx wasn't here to trick him, but she understood why he would--and most certainly should--be wary; the rest of the valley could be cruel, harsh, even the officers under her command. She had to admit, while she wasn't in love with most of their tactics... they did help her break down a lot of walls when she was able to speak to the slaves.


To each their own, I guess.

"Pleasure to meet you my lady. I am Leocor, a humble slave of the white house."

"Oh?" What a coincidence. The girl's smile widened, and she nodded thoughtfully."Welcome to our house then, Leocor. I am false-bonded to our savior, Lady Gigantea herself." False-bonded to Ana... a step down from the true-bond that she had had with Grendel, the White Rosa before Scheherazade. She stifled the thought of Grendel as soon as it came, quelling the sadness that swelled with the thought right along with it. She didn't have time for that. She had a job to do. There was a denizen that needed her help... needed her knowledge and holy blessing to raise from his current status and into the land of the righteous. He seemed like a good kid. He deserved her best. Reminiscing about Grendel wouldn't let her give him that.

"I... I opposed the white seour.. I didn't know she was the seour, I thought. I thought she was going to hurt two children. I wanted to protect them from her wrath."

Shit.

The briefest look up surprise flickered across Sphinx's face, but the Warden priestess covered it up as quickly as she could manage. Was he planted here? A tool of Ana and Thetis's to assess her self-doubt and wavering faith? The social butterfly looked at him thoughtfully, and decided that she didn't think that was the case. He just... well, he just seemed like a good guy who got mixed up in the wrong moment. And now, he was reminiscent of a patient that was unknowingly triggering his psychologist. It wasn't his fault. He couldn't have know. Sphinx's doubt in the Seour was real... and hearing his admission to her actions just shook her foundations even more. Still, that doubt was a feeling that gripped her heart like ice and made her feel like she was drowning. It wasn't who she was. There had been a day where there was no one in the valley more devout than her--save perhaps her own mate--but now, ever since Ana and Thetis and Tibet and Canaan and

"Thank you for being honest with me, Leocor. It can be harder to recognize the innate holiness of the Seours, especially as a newcomer into this blessed land. The Rosas are easier to recognize... their very essence is power and righteousness." Sphinx cut her own spiral of thoughts off with words. She wouldn't let herself be swept away again. Not now. "You made a mistake, but one that was necessary to reach the heights that the deities have planned for you; the Rosas saw this as an important part of your journey. I believe that this hardship will teach you many important lessons... and when you come out on the other side, you will be better for it."

"I am here to help lead you in the beginning of that journey. After many teachings, you will be able to once again join the ranks of our holy brethren." His case was special, but she didn't quite mention that just yet. As a house slave, he would have to be taught, thoroughly... and then she would have to seek permission from his head of household to allow his ascension. If she knew anything about the White Rose and her Seour, well, it was that they did not like to let go of their toys. Goddesses, what is wrong with me? "What do you already know about Oukoku-Kai and our culture... and what questions do you have?"

[Leocor]

"Oh?" He nodded to confirm the information and didn't provide further comment on the subject, but she seemed surprised somehow. She smiled at him and he smiled sheepishly back, he was feeling good about her, she was kind and noble in her demeanor and it brought some ease to his heart. Not everyone was bad after all and he was glad he had decided to trust her now. "Welcome to our house then, Leocor. I am false-bonded to our savior, Lady Gigantea herself." He felt slightly surprised at this but didn't let it show. Miss Gigantea hadn't been cruel to him or ever taken her rage out on him, he had no reason to pick a beef with the queen (carefully selected words).

He had never seen of her cruelty or games, didn't understand she thought her subjects as toys, shine bright and you caught her attention - dim in brightness and you will be discarded, used, broken and destroyed in the after math... All of this was something he had yet to learn and so he thought his master to be a sweet lady. Had he known of the project of the children, known of the orders she had previously given he would grow pale and maybe even deny that she could be this way, but somewhat believable. There was something about that smile...

"A true pleasure then!" He exclaimed, nobility born in his blood as he once again bowed his head to her. It seemed like his meeting with the white seour was no indication of what the white was capable of. He was glad.

Upon the mention of his story he noticed something. A changed look in her eyes, something on her face changing to that of surprise, but it was so brief he almost missed it and for a moment he wanted to ask about it, wanted to ask what of this story made her look this way, did she too sense the injustice? Had he not been proper in his nobility? He decided that these questions could cause more harm then he wanted and he kept his mouth shut. "Thank you for being honest with me, Leocor. It can be harder to recognize the innate holiness of the Seours, especially as a newcomer into this blessed land. The Rosas are easier to recognize... their very essence is power and righteousness."

He nodded eagerly "Indeed m'lady! Miss Gigantea has been very kind to me, the white seour has been. Harsh." cruel.

"You made a mistake, but one that was necessary to reach the heights that the deities have planned for you; the Rosas saw this as an important part of your journey. I believe that this hardship will teach you many important lessons... and when you come out on the other side, you will be better for it." He listened carefully to her words and the first part kept coming back to him. You made a mistake.

Mistake

To protect the children were a mistake? He felt saddened and confused by this and almost wanted to ask questions but instead he brightened up at the next part. This was a part of a plan, this would make him stronger and better in the other end, this was part of his destiny and journey. He looked her directly in the eye with a hopeful and bright expression that only innocence and naivety could buy. "Really miss Sphinx? You really think so?" God I hope so.

"I am here to help lead you in the beginning of that journey. After many teachings, you will be able to once again join the ranks of our holy brethren." He smiled brighter and his expression got softer, appreciation shining through. She was here to help him and he felt that to his bone. He placed a careful paw on to hers, a light touch of his gratitude and he kept the eye contact with her "Thank you." Thank you for helping me, for believing in me, for being there.

"What do you already know about Oukoku-Kai and our culture... and what questions do you have?" He gently removed his paw again if she had not already pulled her own away and he looked thoughtfully at her, thinking of the information he had and the things he wanted to know. He tried to understand to the best of his ability, to understand this harsh world he had been hurled into. He had many questions, but was unsure if there were any wrong questions to ask, ones that could land him in deeper trouble than he already was in. He decided to trust Sphinx that she would warn him of this, that he could freely ask her anything.

"I know of our Rosas. Red, white and yellow. I know that they are the gods of this land." Gods.. It was a powerful word, one he only used in public for his own protection. "I know we prepare ourselves for Ragnarok, the end of the world the epic battle. And that priests and priestesses like you spread the word of our Rosas. Yet I still have many questions." He looked nervous now but collected himself. He was a brave man and courage was needed after all.

"The white seour. She made the two children I protected attack me." He pointed to the missing tip of his ear to show her what he meant and gulped lightly. Then collected himself and got a little harsher look, not directed at Sphinx but the reminder of the look in the eyes of the children, the almost manipulated way they just turned and bid her doing. "Why?" Why the children? Why the innocent? "I need to understand the - Idea behind it. To move on." To not worry for the children, to protect them again.

[Sphinx]

Leocor was so eager, so noble... Sphinx couldn't help but feel bad that one of the poor soul's first encounters had been the White Seour. The boy would have fared so much better meeting the Red Rosa or anyone under her command; honestly, even Foetida and her followers would have treated him better. He might've still gotten some bumps and bruises, but he might've been honored for his bravery and skill. There were no morals in the White Order--her order. Win, no matter the cost. It was the creed of Gigantea, and a lesson that Leocor would have to learn. The pretty little priestess wasn't so sure he would ever be able to truly follow Scheherazade though, not with that heavy moral compass he seemed to be carrying in his heart. He was too good, too kind for Oukoku-Kai. If he wasn't careful, the valley would find a way to crush him because of it.

And yet... there were plenty of bleeding heart types that thrived in the valley, even if it was rare. She was still alive. Virra had made it too. Tibet, Darken. It could be done. It was just hard.

"Indeed m'lady! Miss Gigantea has been very kind to me, the white seour has been. Harsh."

This time, Sphinx stayed silent, only nodding in empathetic understanding of the sweet boy's situation. She knew much about Thetis--had watched the girl grow up alongside her own pups. She was moody, volatile... powerful due to the White Rose's influence. There was really nothing for her to say. Hearing the word kind being applied to Ana almost made her smile though; if only he knew. The current Gigantea was white through and through, even if Leocor did not yet realize, and that benevolent queen facade of hers would only last until he placed his paw one inch outside of the space she designed for him. The warden priestess prayed silently that the white seour's wrath was the only one he had to face... She wasn't sure he would survive a similar encounter with the White Rose's anger directed at him.

"Really miss Sphinx? You really think so?"

No.

"Yes," The response came quickly, and held no waver of doubt in its syllable. If he hadn't surprised her before, her face might have given her away... but the social butterfly was steeled now. In the zone. If she wanted to get him out of here.... if she wanted him to bask in the true light of the Rosas, well, she couldn't go around stating things bordering on blasphemy. "But it was necessary. The Goddesses must have seen it as an important step on your path to righteousness."

His soft 'thank you', filled with a sincerity that touched her heart, was matched with a warm smile of her own. She wanted him to be saved, and she really hoped that he could understand that. She could see his potential, and she just knew he could be something great for the valley if he was given the chance. He would get there, and all she had to do was her job. The sweet moment was broken the second that he lifted his paw however, and Sphinx swore internally when she realized she wouldn't be able to move her own out of the way in time. Her skin crawled instantly when she felt the weight of his pads against her skin, and when she felt the warmth that traded between them. With bile rising in her throat, the girl forced a shaky smile as she pulled her paw away with a soft 'sorry'. Usually so good with words, it was all her flustered mind could manage at the moment. It wasn't him, and it didn't matter that he was a slave. Anyone but Achilles and the Rosas would have gotten the same reaction. She didn't like being touched unless it was her choice.

Way to make things awkward, Sphinx. The priestess tried to cover up the situation by nodding encouragingly at his current understanding of the Valley's culture. It was very basic, sure, and she would most certainly have to supplement it before he was allowed to leave the slaves' ranks... but for now it would do. "Good. That is a very good foundation. There is still a lot more to learn, but I will get to what more you need to know after your questions are addressed."

"The white seour. She made the two children I protected attack me. Why? I need to understand the - Idea behind it. To move on."

"That is... tricky, considering I wasn't there for this particular scenario." Sphinx narrowed her eyes thoughtfully at the inquiry, mind running through all of the possibilities for Thetis's actions. There were countless reasons out there, many nonsensical, when it came to that girl. Still, if Sphinx was to get him out of here and prepare him for the Valley outside... she needed to give him a good reason, one that would help him make better decisions in the future."The white seour may have been trying to teach the children a lesson; if you protected them, you could have been unintentionally inhibiting their own learning about the valley. In Oukoku-Kai, many lessons are taught through teeth and through battle; it may seem harsh when applied to children, but please consider that this is something they will have to do for the rest of their lives. We are forever preparing for the holy war, the Ragnarok, and every one of us must know how to fight for our Rosas and be led by them. It is important that even our youngest members learn this early."

"The White Seour is a vassal of the white rose's, and one day... she might be leading us into battle." An absolutely terrifying thought. Sphinx prayed for Ana's longevity in that moment, silently hoping to never see the day where her Seour stepped into power ahead of her. "It is likely that the children will be following her lead one day. You might have been their first experience showing their dedication to the Rosas, and for that... you should be proud. They have been elevated in the eyes of our lords, thanks to you, Leocor." All apart of the grand ol' plan, of course.

"One thing that you have to know about the Rosas and their vassals is this: their ways are higher than our ways, and their thoughts are higher than our thoughts." It was something she had to tell herself often, but also something that had helped keep her alive in the valley. "They may command us to do things that we do not want to do... may ask us to surrender things that we do not want to give. It does not matter; they are our goddesses. They know more than we can hope to, and the things they demand are what bring us closer to salvation."

ooc; sorry for the length of this post u_u

[Leocor]

"Yes, But it was necessary. The Goddesses must have seen it as an important step on your path to righteousness." He disagreed, but didn't dare say it. She was strong in her faith and to question the rosas now would be a foolish move of him, even the noble knight of honesty and righteousness knew that. He hated himself for being silent, for not saying what was on his mind, but he was not ready to lose his life over it, for the simple fact that he thought gods to be queens. Somehow that wasn't enough for them.

He made due with this happiness and did not doubt her words. He thought she meant it. Upon touching her paw and her retreat he shamed himself "Forgive me, I should know better than to touch without asking! My heart got away with me." Foolish noble heart - could cost him his life in this world, in this dry desert of lies and poison where he didn't belong and never had belonged. He was dancing with death too often in this place.

"Good. That is a very good foundation. There is still a lot more to learn, but I will get to what more you need to know after your questions are addressed." He nodded eagerly, an though his intentions were not to learn the religion or words of gods, he was eager to learn anyway. The sooner he learned the sooner he could join the people, those in need of his assistance and he had already sworn to free every slave he could upon doing so, to bond them and free them of their shackles. In now world should anyone live in slavery.

"That is... tricky, considering I wasn't there for this particular scenario." He wondered if it was tricky because her heart was pure.

"The white seour may have been trying to teach the children a lesson; if you protected them, you could have been unintentionally inhibiting their own learning about the valley. In Oukoku-Kai, many lessons are taught through teeth and through battle; it may seem harsh when applied to children, but please consider that this is something they will have to do for the rest of their lives. We are forever preparing for the holy war, the Ragnarok, and every one of us must know how to fight for our Rosas and be led by them. It is important that even our youngest members learn this early." Speechless.

"The White Seour is a vassal of the white rose's, and one day... she might be leading us into battle. It is likely that the children will be following her lead one day. You might have been their first experience showing their dedication to the Rosas, and for that... you should be proud. They have been elevated in the eyes of our lords, thanks to you, Leocor." He didn't know what was worse, the fact she seemed to believe every word or the fact that he felt a sting of pride upon being told to feel it. Teaching children of war and fighting was dreadful no matter how you put it. Their innocence were to be preserved, saved and helped throughout their years, save the lessons for adulthood. It broke his heart that Oukoku-kai seemed to disagree and readied their children for war.

"One thing that you have to know about the Rosas and their vassals is this: their ways are higher than our ways, and their thoughts are higher than our thoughts. They may command us to do things that we do not want to do... may ask us to surrender things that we do not want to give. It does not matter; they are our goddesses. They know more than we can hope to, and the things they demand are what bring us closer to salvation." Submit. The officer had told him the same and he had concluded the same as he did now. He could do it, for the people of Oukoku-kai, for their salvation and their needs he could submit even to the white seour. "How do I submit to them?" Get me out of here Spinx.

Save my soul before it's tainted.

[Sphinx]

Leocor apologized for touching her. He listened to her words. He looked every part the strong, willing soldier. He could have been a model Oukoku-Kai denizen, had he not ran into the White Seour before really getting to learn the religion. Sphinx's heart hurt for him and his situation. There was so much more out there for him, so much that their precious home could offer, but instead it might have all been painted over by the White Seour's rash actions and possessive attitude.

Anger, hurt, emptiness, doubt. It was all there in full ever since Grendel had left, but lately it had been directed at a small handful of disappointing individuals. 

Careful, baby girl. Blasphemy won't help you, and it won't save him.

"How do I submit to them?"

His willingness to try, despite all he had been through, was moving. She nodded softly, approval written on every line of her face, before shooting off a silent prayer for his sake. 

Protect this one dear Gigantea, Chinensis, and Foetida. Though he be of the lowest in the Valley, guide him to new heights with your righteous. Let him not fall prey to the Red Dragon, O holy Rosas, but keep him steadfast in mind, body, and soul.

"Learning the religion is the key. The other priests and I will do our best to ensure you understand our religion, our culture, and our laws. After that, it is up to you to study and meditate on them. Know the words, but allow them into your heart as much as into your mind. When you and I--or one of the other priests--feel you are ready, we will take you to see Tibet, our current High Priest. He will determine if your lessons are complete, and if you have been redeemed and made righteous in the eyes of the holy rosas. If he believes it to be so, you will be able to join us, as a true citizen of the valley." Sphinx paused for a second. As a house slave, there was another step that he would potentially have to complete... one that involved a lot more than convincing a sweet little hellhound that the culture was understood. Tibet would not be Leocor's wall. "For most slaves, that would be it--besides continuing to seek to impress a potential bonder--but because you are a slave of the White Rosa and her Seour, we will also need to get approval from one of them for you to be released."

That part would be much trickier, and the Warden Priestess felt a slow wave of dread well up inside of her each time the thought arose. Gigantea and her Seour both loved their toys, and getting them to part with one they particularly enjoyed--or hated--would be quite the feat. If the White Rose was as kind to Leocor as he stated, it might be easier to get the go-ahead from her. Easier... but by no means a walk in the park.

"Before we get started on our religion lessons, I'm going to tell you what all of our Goddesses and their Seours look like. That way, in the future, you will have no doubt in your mind that their word is higher than law." Sphinx watched him then with a soft, worried smile. She hoped just this little bit of information would keep him safe."You have met both Gigantea and her Seour, so I will not explain them... The Red Rosa, or you could address her more formally as Rosa Chinensis, is about my height, has white fur with grey-brown along her back and speckled paws. She has blue eyes, and a scar on her right eye."

Or at least, that was accurate... before the war. Sphinx had not seen the Red Rosa since.

"Currently, the Rosa Chinensis has no Seour. The Yellow Rosa, formally Rosa Foetida, is slightly taller than me, and has a while pelt with black markings. The markings along her eyes are like tear-streaks, and she has speckles along her belly. Her eyes are bright green." Sphinx paused again, making sure he had enough time to generate a mental picture. When she started again, there was a new, sudden shyness to her voice."The Yellow Seour is taller than I, with broad shoulders and a strong jaw. His name is Achilles, though 'Yellow Seour' would be the most proper way for you to address him unless you are given permission otherwise. He has golden fur, dark brown legs and underbelly, and blue eyes."

Achilles would like Leocor... she just knew it. They had similar noble hearts, and Goddesses knew that both the slave and her mate had clashed with the White Order. 

"Each Rosa embodies specific natures and strengths, and because of such, many wolves choose to follow a particular path and Rosa. Do not be mistaken however, all of us would give our lives for any of the Rosa, and we obey them all... It is just very common to follow and favor one of the Rosa's teachings. Gigantea, our White Rosa, is known for her cunning nature and willingness to do whatever is necessary to succeed. Rosa Chinensis, our Lady Red, is a pillar of wisdom and intellect, she also tends to represent peace... the glue that holds the trinity together. Finally, we have Foetida, the Yellow Rose and our War Chief. Her strength, determination, and battle prowess is incomparable.