Khemrys (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
homeless_pard) wrote2021-12-23 11:30 pm
homeless_pard) wrote2021-12-23 11:30 pm
Entry tags:
On faith
Who: Khemrys, Beryl, the shop in general
When: Prior to the vlogger encounter!
What: Some...misunderstanding.
Khemrys was singing to herself as she laid out the cards on a new display; ingredients and usage information. The shop had not been open more than a week so far and yet it was something of a success. It was rather startling to realize that stillwork might be more than merely useful here. As everyone put it, it was a 'commodity' and a 'valuable one'. Far from common knowledge.
She'd bring resources and renown to her sworn liege and that settled something deep within her honestly.
"Ah, joint cream," Requiem noted from behind her. He'd stepped from the stillroom as dawn was approaching, stretching. "A good choice."
"There are elders in the area," she smiled at her friend.
"True, but not just elders, they have daughters..." he sighed.
Khemrys sighed, hand pausing in stacking the small jars, "have aught been improper with you?!"
"No, I think they're interested in you actually," he admitted.
"I?" What?
"The Lady who would open a place with such honest mixes is one worth knowing," he teased, lifting his hood as dawn stained the front windows.
"I do not mix alone," she pointed out.
"They seek a wise woman," he snickered gently, touching her shoulder before heading up to the apartment. There were two floors above the shop, and all set as living space. A guest room was well sealed against the sun for just such times yes, and appropriately tucked safely above the main space.
"...ah?" she blinked, not truly grasping the statement but her friend could be close mouthed when he chose. The display was finished after a moment then she retreated to the counter to sip her morning tea. Beryl started at what she called a 'reasonable hour' for business, but as she was also a healer the door opened at dawn and did not close until well past nightfall honestly. She manned the counter for her morning guests, oft such were seeking treatment or medical aid rather than frivolous things before their own employment, then she gave rein to her Manager and worked the greenhouse and stillroom.
It was a...relaxing pattern thus far, though only having been a week. Relaxing was a kindness honestly, between learning to 'date' Jason, and the increased attention she had been drawing from Jean Claude's infrequent guests at the Circus and the odd dynamic that was the Pard house...
...well, a simple place of safety was a boon. It felt much as the shifter hospital did honestly. Straightforward. Clean.
Kind.
It was as she'd hoped her own territory to feel honestly. Quite satisfying to achieve such. Things were quite long enough to finish her morning draught then an elderly Chinese woman came in. She'd learned to tell when her amulet translated words rather than a person speaking words she knew, but it aided in this. The woman was too old, now, to travel to her 'apothecary' and such had been taken over by a nephew she did not approve of besides. Testing this new place amused the woman, and some time discussing needs and testing the woman's pulse allowed her to blend a medicine for the aches the woman had, as well as the tiring exhaustion that grew each ay she supervised her 'shop' down the road.
Jason had informed her such was called a bodega, but the woman called it a grocery and thanked her for her blend, intending to return in a few days to tell her if it worked well or if she should stop attempting to play with medicines. The granny reminded her of Dame Cassis, strict and opinionated, but loyal, and so she was not at all loathe to smile and wish her safe returns in a few days. Also, as Beryl might inform her, such elders were oft consulted for needs and might send custom their way.
Then a far younger woman entered, sipping her own thermos of tea judging by the scent of dark leaves and fruit that swelled when she did so. "Good morn, lady," she smiled.
"Morning!" the girl grinned. "My mom sent me here, she was wondering if you could help, I work long hours, and you helped with her back..."
"If the lady will sit and tell me the issues in detail?" she invited, gesturing to the stool before the counter.
"Of course!"
Ah, an unfortunate trait in the girl's bloodline, and she could guess who the woman's mother had been. An exhausted woman so tired of pain...but yes. "This, Lady, and this..." she noted after blending and writing out neat, careful instructions. "One a daily tea, for mornings, do not miss a day. The other applied as a poultice at times when there is swelling in the legs after work, instructions within the bag." Since she had learned not all knew what a poultice was here in this world.
"You..."
"Will keep record of you lady, so I might blend at need when you have exhausted these two blends."
The girl stared a moment then set money on the counter, nodding, "I'll do what you say, Lady."
"My wish to your health," she smiled, nodding as the girl hopped up, leaving. She honestly didn't think more of it but...
...later in the day though, well, Beryl called her from the back, only to meet a woman in a full, proper dress and a heavy moon pendant upon her chest. "Yes?"
"Greetings of the Goddess to you sister."
Khemrys blinked, then swept a curtsy gracefully, "and unto you, lady. To which Goddess do you swear to?"
The woman seemed delighted by the respect, but puzzled by the question, "The Goddess, the Moon Goddess that makes us all sisters..."
Khemrys glanced at Beryl, a touch lost..."are you a Dame then, Lady?" Sworn to an abbey or temple?
"No, I am a sister," the woman smiled, reaching forward to take Khemrys's hands. "And she speaks through you so clearly. You aided one of our so easily..."
Khemrys stared at her trapped hands a moment then noted a touch numbly, "I'd ask the Lady not mistake knowledge for divine grace..."
"How else would you be so knowledgeable?!"
"Many years of training," she noted a touch wryly. Mayhap Jason had been an influence on her. "Dame Rimia drilled me long and harshly betimes to assure my medicinals wouldst be safe kind upon a body. I'd ask you not belittle such a time and task from one I cared for."
"No, no! Never! Wisdom is always given to us to be the elders among us!"
Ah? "May I have use of my hands once more lady?"
"Of course!" the woman smiled, releasing her. "I've come to ask you join our circle!"
Circle? Khemrys settled her hands SAFELY below the counter and tried to understand, "I"ve much to occupy me," she noted simply.
"But the coven needs such as you to guide us!"
Coven? Oh. Oh dear. Jason had told her of the witches that had caused him harm, and she hoped the woman could not scent blood as her nails bit into her palm below the polished boards between them. "I Walk under Gunnora's grace," she noted softly. "Not the aegis of her daughter, nor her lord." Both triune moon aspects.
"She goes by many names! We knew you were touched by her!"
"No." She sighed, closing her eyes a moment then lifted a hand, finger pointing to draw the woman's attention, "Listen well, lady of the Moon." Please. PLEASE LISTEN. "Gunnora is of harvest. Sun, meals, and childbirth. Plenty, grace, and healing. Conversely she also holds over starvation, barreness, retribution upon those who trespass upon her sanctity." It was best to understand what Powers one dwelt amongst in her world, yes.
"Her Lord is Mattil, the triune aspect of moonlight. He holds sway over Honorable bonds, quests that must be followed far past the light of day, and fidelity. Conversely upon debauchery, deeds dishonorable and hidden from sight, and the sovereign call upon bastards and beasts."
"But the Moon is a woman's power..." the woman spluttered.
"A moment," Khemrys begged softly. "Please. Gunnora and Mattil bore a daughter. She holds a higher ability than her lord, hence she is not split into merely three aspects, but their daughter followed her father's path. Not in strength but in separation. Ayyuna is a triune Power. Maiden, Matron, Crone. Each has two faces. The Maiden is also a Warrior. The Matron is also a Queen. And the Crone is also a Hag. Many are drawn to her, for many reasons, but her mother saw me safe and well tended. Is such clear?"
The woman bit her lips a moment, considering, "your...Ayyuna sounds like our Goddess, but we know her as greater than you. Where are you from?"
"Have you met her?" Khemrys asked seriously, ignoring the question as to her provenance. She'd learned to do such honestly, a secret her coming it seemed. "Has she walked beside you in your deepest need, and sheltered you when you needs must rest?"
"She sees us all...have you met your Gunnora?" if anything the woman sounded defensive now.
"Yes." Khemrys noted calm and implacable. "She offered me the feasting of the board and grace under a roof she claimed in my journey." There was no arguing that tone as she drew the amber piece from beneath her shirt. The simple carving, of wheat sheaves bound by a grape vine, glowed softly, bouncing light from the other chain she wore about her neck. That held a key for Jason, to the apartment above, she'd just not been able to gift it to him yet as he had been busy with guests of Jean Claude's since the shop opening. "By her grace I abide. My respects to your Power but we are not of a path."
The woman gaped a bit, seemingly entranced by the warm, golden glow and the flashes of purple that made up the small amethyst chips that depicted the grapes themselves..."by her grace...please! Please join us! You could only aid our circle!"
"Such is not for me." No.
The woman drew a deep breath, apparently thinking things over, "you are a gift to us, Lady."
"...I am a Stillmistress, nothing more."
"You're a GIFT. Let no one tell you otherwise!" the woman seemed quite fervent so she nodded? "And we WILL protect you from this world!"
Uh? "I am well warded, Lady." How not? She knew more of wards and bonds than any in this world in fact! Or so it seemed. "Cleave well unto those who look to you and bear your own roles with grace."
"I will! I am!" the woman promised. "You'll see! You'll be proud of me. Of us!"
No, that was not at all what she intended. "I am fair grateful to know others follow Powers in this world," she allowed at last. "Might I offer you a tea or tisane?" When in doubt, Beryl had said, divert to the sales?
"Anything you reccomend to myself or our sisters!"
"Your kith and kine," she corrected gently. Her own people were through her lords and friends yes. "Perhaps a blend for clarity and ease," she mused, already reaching to blend such. Mayhap it would lend the woman...closure?
Sadly the sinking feeling in her chest lent itself to the idea there were many weeks ahead of this...nonsense. Much akin to the Dames, thinking their Cup and Flame was the only true path a woman may wish to follow. "I assure, no matter the path one may follow, Lady," she smiled gently, "the blends I mix will never enforce a different one. They are all clean and to aid another. You need not fear I'd wish to suborn any that enter here."
"I'd never think such! You...you burn so cleanly for those who can see..." the woman gushed, hugging the bag to her chest. "Truly you are blessed by Her!"
...yes. Yes. Sure. "My thanks for the business," she smiled. No doubt Jason would help her see the humor in this at their meal tonight should he make it. They held at least one 'date night' a week no matter responsibilities when they were able.
She dearly hoped he made this one, the High Lord's guests could be damaging and demanding...
...but selfishly she rather thought she could use the perspective of his laugh in this.
When: Prior to the vlogger encounter!
What: Some...misunderstanding.
Khemrys was singing to herself as she laid out the cards on a new display; ingredients and usage information. The shop had not been open more than a week so far and yet it was something of a success. It was rather startling to realize that stillwork might be more than merely useful here. As everyone put it, it was a 'commodity' and a 'valuable one'. Far from common knowledge.
She'd bring resources and renown to her sworn liege and that settled something deep within her honestly.
"Ah, joint cream," Requiem noted from behind her. He'd stepped from the stillroom as dawn was approaching, stretching. "A good choice."
"There are elders in the area," she smiled at her friend.
"True, but not just elders, they have daughters..." he sighed.
Khemrys sighed, hand pausing in stacking the small jars, "have aught been improper with you?!"
"No, I think they're interested in you actually," he admitted.
"I?" What?
"The Lady who would open a place with such honest mixes is one worth knowing," he teased, lifting his hood as dawn stained the front windows.
"I do not mix alone," she pointed out.
"They seek a wise woman," he snickered gently, touching her shoulder before heading up to the apartment. There were two floors above the shop, and all set as living space. A guest room was well sealed against the sun for just such times yes, and appropriately tucked safely above the main space.
"...ah?" she blinked, not truly grasping the statement but her friend could be close mouthed when he chose. The display was finished after a moment then she retreated to the counter to sip her morning tea. Beryl started at what she called a 'reasonable hour' for business, but as she was also a healer the door opened at dawn and did not close until well past nightfall honestly. She manned the counter for her morning guests, oft such were seeking treatment or medical aid rather than frivolous things before their own employment, then she gave rein to her Manager and worked the greenhouse and stillroom.
It was a...relaxing pattern thus far, though only having been a week. Relaxing was a kindness honestly, between learning to 'date' Jason, and the increased attention she had been drawing from Jean Claude's infrequent guests at the Circus and the odd dynamic that was the Pard house...
...well, a simple place of safety was a boon. It felt much as the shifter hospital did honestly. Straightforward. Clean.
Kind.
It was as she'd hoped her own territory to feel honestly. Quite satisfying to achieve such. Things were quite long enough to finish her morning draught then an elderly Chinese woman came in. She'd learned to tell when her amulet translated words rather than a person speaking words she knew, but it aided in this. The woman was too old, now, to travel to her 'apothecary' and such had been taken over by a nephew she did not approve of besides. Testing this new place amused the woman, and some time discussing needs and testing the woman's pulse allowed her to blend a medicine for the aches the woman had, as well as the tiring exhaustion that grew each ay she supervised her 'shop' down the road.
Jason had informed her such was called a bodega, but the woman called it a grocery and thanked her for her blend, intending to return in a few days to tell her if it worked well or if she should stop attempting to play with medicines. The granny reminded her of Dame Cassis, strict and opinionated, but loyal, and so she was not at all loathe to smile and wish her safe returns in a few days. Also, as Beryl might inform her, such elders were oft consulted for needs and might send custom their way.
Then a far younger woman entered, sipping her own thermos of tea judging by the scent of dark leaves and fruit that swelled when she did so. "Good morn, lady," she smiled.
"Morning!" the girl grinned. "My mom sent me here, she was wondering if you could help, I work long hours, and you helped with her back..."
"If the lady will sit and tell me the issues in detail?" she invited, gesturing to the stool before the counter.
"Of course!"
Ah, an unfortunate trait in the girl's bloodline, and she could guess who the woman's mother had been. An exhausted woman so tired of pain...but yes. "This, Lady, and this..." she noted after blending and writing out neat, careful instructions. "One a daily tea, for mornings, do not miss a day. The other applied as a poultice at times when there is swelling in the legs after work, instructions within the bag." Since she had learned not all knew what a poultice was here in this world.
"You..."
"Will keep record of you lady, so I might blend at need when you have exhausted these two blends."
The girl stared a moment then set money on the counter, nodding, "I'll do what you say, Lady."
"My wish to your health," she smiled, nodding as the girl hopped up, leaving. She honestly didn't think more of it but...
...later in the day though, well, Beryl called her from the back, only to meet a woman in a full, proper dress and a heavy moon pendant upon her chest. "Yes?"
"Greetings of the Goddess to you sister."
Khemrys blinked, then swept a curtsy gracefully, "and unto you, lady. To which Goddess do you swear to?"
The woman seemed delighted by the respect, but puzzled by the question, "The Goddess, the Moon Goddess that makes us all sisters..."
Khemrys glanced at Beryl, a touch lost..."are you a Dame then, Lady?" Sworn to an abbey or temple?
"No, I am a sister," the woman smiled, reaching forward to take Khemrys's hands. "And she speaks through you so clearly. You aided one of our so easily..."
Khemrys stared at her trapped hands a moment then noted a touch numbly, "I'd ask the Lady not mistake knowledge for divine grace..."
"How else would you be so knowledgeable?!"
"Many years of training," she noted a touch wryly. Mayhap Jason had been an influence on her. "Dame Rimia drilled me long and harshly betimes to assure my medicinals wouldst be safe kind upon a body. I'd ask you not belittle such a time and task from one I cared for."
"No, no! Never! Wisdom is always given to us to be the elders among us!"
Ah? "May I have use of my hands once more lady?"
"Of course!" the woman smiled, releasing her. "I've come to ask you join our circle!"
Circle? Khemrys settled her hands SAFELY below the counter and tried to understand, "I"ve much to occupy me," she noted simply.
"But the coven needs such as you to guide us!"
Coven? Oh. Oh dear. Jason had told her of the witches that had caused him harm, and she hoped the woman could not scent blood as her nails bit into her palm below the polished boards between them. "I Walk under Gunnora's grace," she noted softly. "Not the aegis of her daughter, nor her lord." Both triune moon aspects.
"She goes by many names! We knew you were touched by her!"
"No." She sighed, closing her eyes a moment then lifted a hand, finger pointing to draw the woman's attention, "Listen well, lady of the Moon." Please. PLEASE LISTEN. "Gunnora is of harvest. Sun, meals, and childbirth. Plenty, grace, and healing. Conversely she also holds over starvation, barreness, retribution upon those who trespass upon her sanctity." It was best to understand what Powers one dwelt amongst in her world, yes.
"Her Lord is Mattil, the triune aspect of moonlight. He holds sway over Honorable bonds, quests that must be followed far past the light of day, and fidelity. Conversely upon debauchery, deeds dishonorable and hidden from sight, and the sovereign call upon bastards and beasts."
"But the Moon is a woman's power..." the woman spluttered.
"A moment," Khemrys begged softly. "Please. Gunnora and Mattil bore a daughter. She holds a higher ability than her lord, hence she is not split into merely three aspects, but their daughter followed her father's path. Not in strength but in separation. Ayyuna is a triune Power. Maiden, Matron, Crone. Each has two faces. The Maiden is also a Warrior. The Matron is also a Queen. And the Crone is also a Hag. Many are drawn to her, for many reasons, but her mother saw me safe and well tended. Is such clear?"
The woman bit her lips a moment, considering, "your...Ayyuna sounds like our Goddess, but we know her as greater than you. Where are you from?"
"Have you met her?" Khemrys asked seriously, ignoring the question as to her provenance. She'd learned to do such honestly, a secret her coming it seemed. "Has she walked beside you in your deepest need, and sheltered you when you needs must rest?"
"She sees us all...have you met your Gunnora?" if anything the woman sounded defensive now.
"Yes." Khemrys noted calm and implacable. "She offered me the feasting of the board and grace under a roof she claimed in my journey." There was no arguing that tone as she drew the amber piece from beneath her shirt. The simple carving, of wheat sheaves bound by a grape vine, glowed softly, bouncing light from the other chain she wore about her neck. That held a key for Jason, to the apartment above, she'd just not been able to gift it to him yet as he had been busy with guests of Jean Claude's since the shop opening. "By her grace I abide. My respects to your Power but we are not of a path."
The woman gaped a bit, seemingly entranced by the warm, golden glow and the flashes of purple that made up the small amethyst chips that depicted the grapes themselves..."by her grace...please! Please join us! You could only aid our circle!"
"Such is not for me." No.
The woman drew a deep breath, apparently thinking things over, "you are a gift to us, Lady."
"...I am a Stillmistress, nothing more."
"You're a GIFT. Let no one tell you otherwise!" the woman seemed quite fervent so she nodded? "And we WILL protect you from this world!"
Uh? "I am well warded, Lady." How not? She knew more of wards and bonds than any in this world in fact! Or so it seemed. "Cleave well unto those who look to you and bear your own roles with grace."
"I will! I am!" the woman promised. "You'll see! You'll be proud of me. Of us!"
No, that was not at all what she intended. "I am fair grateful to know others follow Powers in this world," she allowed at last. "Might I offer you a tea or tisane?" When in doubt, Beryl had said, divert to the sales?
"Anything you reccomend to myself or our sisters!"
"Your kith and kine," she corrected gently. Her own people were through her lords and friends yes. "Perhaps a blend for clarity and ease," she mused, already reaching to blend such. Mayhap it would lend the woman...closure?
Sadly the sinking feeling in her chest lent itself to the idea there were many weeks ahead of this...nonsense. Much akin to the Dames, thinking their Cup and Flame was the only true path a woman may wish to follow. "I assure, no matter the path one may follow, Lady," she smiled gently, "the blends I mix will never enforce a different one. They are all clean and to aid another. You need not fear I'd wish to suborn any that enter here."
"I'd never think such! You...you burn so cleanly for those who can see..." the woman gushed, hugging the bag to her chest. "Truly you are blessed by Her!"
...yes. Yes. Sure. "My thanks for the business," she smiled. No doubt Jason would help her see the humor in this at their meal tonight should he make it. They held at least one 'date night' a week no matter responsibilities when they were able.
She dearly hoped he made this one, the High Lord's guests could be damaging and demanding...
...but selfishly she rather thought she could use the perspective of his laugh in this.