>>6322864>… ironic in a way. You tell her, and ask the Stilladìa what she thinks: was that out of your free will or were you a puppet even then?“After I saw you and Helias,” you reply.
The Stilladìa’s crimson eyes widen, bathing her face in their glow.
“What did Ansàrra show of—”
“It was after we went to one of the Eyes of the Sun,” you recount, slumping against the wall to rest your right hand. “The priests showed us his handiwork. I wonder if someone ever made the connection over all this time…”
“… my beloved work more subtly than I do.” She waves her pale hand, tipped by black nails. “He is certainly not as cherished as Saint Bragia.”
No, not at all—you agree. Even if the supreme care the priests took to maintain the tower spoke of a great deal of appreciation for his craft.
The memory of Soralisa’s stunned expression as she pleaded to know more stings something deep into your stomach. She was so grateful, so full of glee even at the display of might from the tower. When it almost hit Sandora’s own ship.
It seems so distant now. The day when, after the vision, you decided that you would not cover your hair anymore. The memories you saw provided you with the bravado necessary not to care.
Or the foolishness.
Wonder how it would have changed if you had kept it to yourself.
“She did not… ah…” the Stilladìa’s voice pulls you away from your reverie, “Ansàrra did not show you anything inappropriate, right?”
“No, it was just you and Helias, standing on the parapet atop the…” what was the actual name? Soralisa told you— “…the Egidarma.”
“That’s better,” she sighs. “I was worried what kind of memories Ansàrra might have shared without my written permission.” She rubs her feet against each other, nervous.
Permission is an interesting word here.
Wonder what else did you do with Ansàrra’s unwritten permission. How long are your strings, after all? Puppet that you are—
Even this decision of showing off your hair, was it something you did out of your own desire? When did you start walking on steps someone decided for you?
And is that even a bad thing? If it is to save your family, is all this something you should even worry about?
[cont.]
