Persie feels himself walking on wet ground but it's translucent with everything so bright. It feels so beautifully light that he ends up in a wonderful room, filled with red flowers and blue seeds. He sits down on the ground and just enjoys it and then feels someone sitting next to him, Aiah. She lays her head on his shoulder with her hand on his thigh and he cuddles up to her as well.
Aiah: I can't believe I can finally move again…all thanks to you my love..
Persie kisses her forehead: Your love was enough to stir my confidence and heal my heart when it was broken. *holds her hand* It's nice to just be able to sit outside and not have you worry so much…Look at you. *looks at her* Your hair is pure sunlight, your skin is the lightest gold-etched marble, your eyes are the deepest and most beautiful of rubies…you are perfection always but now you are you. *he smiles deeply at her*
Aiah: Hehe to think your tongue is so skilled you can make a Goddess blush~. -she cups his cheek and rests their foreheads together- You are too good to me.
Persie smiles and nudges his nose against hers: No I'm not, I'm what you needed to get you back to you. And you are what I needed to help me know who I am…my love. *kisses her deeply*
Aiah: -she returns his kisses and runs her fingers through his hair- Mmm~ heh we should go inside my love~. -she looks into his eyes and her eyes widen- No…not yet… -she covers his eyes and sighs- No more wandering…
Persie tries to call out as he's whooshed back into dreamless sleep.
He wakes up and it's morning now: Mmmmm it's morning already? *he rolls over and Autumn is now beside him with breakfast* Mmmm? *rolls back over and screams* Autumn!!?? You scared me?? Holy shit!
Autumn: -she bows- Apologies. It was not my intention to scare you. I brought breakfast to your room for your convenience.
Persie, sits up and rubs his head and smiles sleepily: Thank you Autumn, I am starving honestly. *pets her head once* Sorry for yelling..
Autumn: I took no offense, but your apology is appreciated. Please excuse me, I have a strawberry tart in the oven for the Goddess and it must come out perfectly.
Persie: That actually sounds delicious…hopefully I can see her in a bit..*grabs the tray and starts eating* Mmmm thank you so much Autumn!
Autumn: Of course. -she bows and leaves him-
Persie, looks at the door as it closes and eats slower: Mmmmm *thinks of last night and blushes* Why did I go to her room? I'm so confused…I…think I…like her a lot…maybe even more than that…*his blush extends as he thinks about the silk robe and then eats more to try to sway his mind from more passionate thoughts* Mmm so so good.
Persie finishes his food after some time and then gets dressed for the day, coming to the throne room to see if Aiah is there.
Aiah: -she's sitting on her throne, surrounded by several stacks of paperwork, far more than she usually has-
Persie: *he comes in, his head is still down but he comes to the stairs* Ummm My Goddess?
Aiah: -she's still reading through the papers- Yes dear? Is everything alright?
Persie: Just saying Good morning. Have a good day. *he bows*
Aiah: -she blinks a few times and looks down at him- …What's the matter dear?
Persie: Nothing. I am sorry for last night honestly. I am about to go see the kids and wish them a good afternoon. *he doesn't look at her*
Aiah: My dear…you have nothing to be sorry for. You did nothing wrong..why won't you look at me?
Persie looks up at her but he looks sad and embarrassed: I don't know I felt…embarrassed. I guess? I didn't like that I just came in, I should've been more thoughtful and cautious.
Aiah: Heh come here dearest.
Persie: …What?...
Aiah: Come up here.
Persie: *looks up at her and then comes up the stairs slowly* Mmmm…?
Aiah: -she kneels down and hugs him softly- I don't mind your visits, don't be sorry.
Persie, puts his head in her neck* I…thank you. I would like to talk to you more if possible. *hugs her back* I don't know how I end up in certain areas, I don't mean to wander so much. I just get…curious but I did want to thank you.
Aiah: -she pulls back enough to look at him- How about this, while you aren't doing your work with Aralan or busy with your studies, I will allow you to explore and wander the Sanctuary. The deeper parts that only I and my children may go. Hehe you can try to find all the little pieces of my collections. Will that help satiate that wandering spirit of yours?
Persie's face lights up: Really? I would love to! I've wanted to walk around for quite some time and it's just nice to see different things that I know you may have. As I'm here, I want to learn more about what you've seen either through your books or through how you work. I've always wanted to know how things play out for you. I'm just a mortal so it's nice to talk to a goddess every so often to get a different perspective on existence.
Aiah: -she giggles quietly- Then you may wander. The temple will open itself to new places daily for you. And whatever you may find I will answer any questions. Heh I've allowed Ra and Adrian to play this game as well and it has led to very lengthy bedtime stories.
Persie blushes: Heh that's beautiful…but I am not one of your children nor a child. I would like stories though. *cups her cheek* Thank you for letting me in…*he lets go* Well Ima go see the kids before I head off to see my friend, i'll probably be gone for the day.
Aiah: –she sits back in her throne- Enjoy your time dearest.
Persie nods and sits off to find Ra and Addy who are working on some spells to prepare for school: Hi you two!
Ra: Hey Persie! Did you get some good sleep?
Adrian: Hi Persie! We missed you the last couple days!
Persie: Aww thanks guys! I really have been so so busy, but today I get to just chill. I wanted to just drop in and tell you that you guys are great and I can't wait to see how you grow up. *he smiles at both of them*
Adrian: -he smiles brightly and runs over to him and gives him a big tight hug- You're so awesome, thanks for being our friend!
Ra comes over to and hugs him as well. Persie hugs both of them and stays for a second just to feel that hug.
Persie: Thank you, both of you. I'll be back later in the evening. I'm going to be at my friend's house to tell him everything that happened. *he pats their backs and they let him go*
Adrian: Aww okay…Do you wanna have a movie night with us tonight when you get back?
Ra: Yes!!!! Let's watch "Ugly Golems"! *she claps her hands excitedly*
Persie: "Ugly Golems"? Sounds interesting…sure I don't mind. *his phone buzzes and he checks it* Oh that's him, I gotta get going.
Persie waves to them as he exits to go to the front. He gets to the door and heads to the carriage, hopping in and being taken to Ajii's dorm.
Persie hops out and says goodbye to Clover: See you later!
He runs up to Ajii's dorm and does a rhythmic beat and says: Yo yo Bitch boiiii!
A nightmare mage comes out and says: Yo shut the fuck up some of us are tryin' to sleep!!
Persie, laughs but stays as chill as possible: My bad yo.
Aiji: -he yanks the door open- You dick, now my neighbors are pissed. Get in here dork.
Persie: *comes in the room* What's up my good bitch? How are you?
Aiji: -he laughs- I'd be better if you weren't pissing off the whole dorm floor with your improvised drum solos.
Persie: My bad my bad, I was just excited to tell you the news! Hehehehe Can I get an amateur drumroll please?
Aiji: -he rolls his eyes but gives him a drum roll with his hands on the arm of his couch- And for today's royal announcement~.
Persie: I got Parliament with the help of Aiah's binding decree to finally start on Aralan and Sifinica's restoration! Ha suck it Prime Minister Vesta! *he bounces up and down and has a cheeky smirk on his face* Hehe I showed them for real. The one interesting part though…was Metatron. He is interesting in a bad way but he actually sided with me and said he would pay for everything, that the rest of Parliament has to deal with the actual starting of construction. But Metatron seemed to want to invite me for tea…I just…that guy is weird as fuck..
Aiji: One; Congratulations! You are seriously making such a big difference I'm so proud of you -he gives him a big tight hug- And two; -he pulls back and looks at him- For the love of everything that exists in this world do not ever go to tea with that man he likes pretty boys. Secretly. And makes sure the ones he takes can never talk about it. He's giga weird.
Persie: No, I figured, I got the biggest ewwww response. But I'm so excited! We did it and Mr. Morozov helped a lot, he really set the tone that Aralan NEEDS help not just wants help. They took a vote and two-thirds of the room were like yes. I think it's also because he said "It would be better than living in Dzular" and no parliament that actually wants to be seen as benevolent, especially mages want to be compared to Dzular, that's like someone slapping your favorite child. Hahahah.
Aiji: -he laughs- Yeah you're not wrong. Keep an eye on Mr. Morozov though okay? You put him in the public eye and some mages and families can get a little..butt hurt when they don't get their way.
Persie: I will try my best, although when I'm gone, it won't be as easy so maybe…I could probably ask the goddess and she can spare someone to just watch and check on him secretly? Possibly. I know she was very happy with the results…but also oh man hearing her voice ring out from the scroll was insane. Like in one of those fantasy genres we used to watch, it was wild but super cool. *he smiles thinking about that type of aura*
Aiji: -he smirks- I'm sure~. Heh anyways, seriously dude I'm proud of you. Can't wait to help when I volunteer over there.
Persie: Oh man you'll help a lot. Thank you for being my coach also now…I can finally enjoy this summer. I haven't been able to as much. Oooh, didn't Lucid City open up a theme park, "Lumos Magica". We can go today if you want!!
Aiji: -he grins widely at him- Lucky for you I have a season fast pass! Let's do it!
Persie: Hell yeah! *he jumps up* Getting on all the rides and eating food. Come on, let's go!
Persie and Ajii head to Lumos Magica, A starlight, galaxy theme park with many different attractions of various thrills and food from all parts of the world. They get on about everything twice and the Silk Twirl almost makes them both vomit because they ate right before getting on. At the park, they have so much fun, and run around like children again, spending all of the afternoon there. At the end of the day, they take a picture and get it framed for each one to have, both having a big smile on their faces. Ajii then goes to drop Persie back off at the Ivory Sanctuary.
Persie: Thanks for the day! I had an absolute blast!! *he reaches over and daps him and goes up to the door, waving as he ascends the steps*
Aiji: Be good! I'll text you later. -he waves to him and drives off-
Clover: -she opens the door for him and bows- Welcome home Persius.
Persie comes in and smiles at Clover: Thank you Clover! How are you? How is everyone?
Clover: I am well, and the royal family is in good spirits. The Prince and Princess have convinced the Goddess to give them a light show in their playroom.
Persie: Oh a light show? Sounds like fun. Can I go ahead and head on in there?
Clover: Of course. I will take you. -she turns and takes him to their playroom. When she opens the door for him, most of the room is completely dark except for the ceiling, which is lit up by a brilliant moving galaxy. Adrian and Ra are laying on the ground on either side of Aiah who is laying with them, her hands extended up towards the ceiling with her hands glowing with soft gold aura, controlling the galaxy above them-
Persie looks at them with a look of awe and also astonishment at the light show: a goddess' power is always something amazing. *he lays down too and looks at the light show as well* mmmm. *smiling about the day but also just enjoying the low intensity of the room*
Aiah: -she glances up at him and lets a shooting star fall towards him and it softly touches down on his forehead, slowly letting a warm and safe feeling wash over him-
Persie: *looks over at her, and they both are staring at each other for a little while and Persie smiles and shoots a blue comet through her stars as it lands on a little planet* now we will meet in the stars too…
Aiah: -she blushes softly and giggles quietly, continuing the light show for a short while before she ends it with a brilliant meteor shower, the children oohing and ahhing in delight-
Persie: *he continues looking on as the meteor shower ends, taking it all in and then sits up* Wow, that was wonderfully beautiful. Thanks for letting me sit in on it as well.
Aiah: -she sits up and smiles at him- Thank you dear.
Adrian: -he sits up and hugs her- Thank you Mother…I love that show. Thanks for doing it for us.
Aiah: -she holds him close and smiles warmly- Of course my precious treasure.
Ra: It was wonderful. We haven't had a show in so long. So thank you for taking the time out for us.
Aiah: -she picks her up and adds her to the hug, nuzzling her forehead- I'm sorry for the delay, sunspot. I'm happy I had the strength to show you something amazing again.
Ra snuggles up to Aiah, putting her arms around her as Persie watches and smiles.
Persie's thoughts are filled with much joy right now, although there's this sense of loneliness…I wish I had…family…I love my best friend and I'm grateful for the older people in my life but that seems like a really nice…hug. Persie holds his knees together while sitting, thinking quietly as they share a family moment. Maybe one day, I'll have a family like that…
Adrian: -he looks over at him and smiles- Persie~, come get a hug too! Family hug!
Persie looks up: Really?
Aiah: -she smiles softly at him- Of course dear.
Persie scoots over and wraps his arms around both kids and then gets close to Aiah to try and hug her too: Mmmm *he smiles deeply* This feels nice.
Ra: You are family Persie.
Adrian: -he wraps one of his arms around him- She's right Persie!
Persie tries not to tear up: Thank you…for including me. *puts his head on Aiah's chest* mmmmm *he hears her heart beat and it's just so warm, like the warmest hug without burning* It's nice…
Aiah: -she gives them all a big squeeze and then gently sets everyone down- It's time for me to retire for the night, but please, all of you may continue to have fun. I know you had plans with the little ones. Good night my darlings.
Adrian: Good night Mother~. Thanks again for the light show.
Ra: Thank you again Mom. *she smiles deeply at her, and then turns to Persie* Movie night!!! We were going to watch "Ugly Dolls" , remember?
Persie, chuckles: I remember. *he looks at Aiah and gets up for a second* Ummm Goddess, can we talk in the hall for a second? *turns to the kids* I'll be back in one second, I just need to talk to your mother about something.
Adrian: Okay, we'll get everything set up while you're gone!
Aiah: -she nods and gets up, going out into the hall-
Persie also goes into the hallway, it's so quiet at night but he goes over to the side away from the door: Hey Goddess, I just wanted to tell you thank you for being here for me and sponsoring me. It's been an interesting summer that I'll never forget. So…*he looks up at her, his eyes shine even in the darkness* Thank you for being such a great host and an amazing goddess. I am glad you are our reigning deity. *he bows super deeply*
Ra and Addy get done setting up, but are now slightly eavesdropping on them by trying to use a spell to heighten their hearing.
Ra, whispering to Adrian: What are they saying?
Adrian: -he presses his ear more to the door- I think…he's saying thank you for Mother being so nice.
Aiah: -she gently lifts his head- You don't have to thank me for that dearest. I know great potential when I see it…I know you will do amazing things, Persius. I am the one who should be thanking you. You've helped my people in such an amazing way and you've brought smiles to my children's faces. I can't wait to see how much more amazing you become. -she gently kisses his forehead and stands up- Enjoy your evening my dear.
Persius, grabs her hand and kind of stays still but his face is full blush: Ummmm…I…I…*kisses her hand gently and lets her go* Thank you for the evening and please get some rest. I'll see you in the morning. *he bows again and goes back to the room*
Ra and Adrian scramble to make it seem like they were just chilling the whole time as Persie comes in and sits down on one of the very comfy recliners.
Persie, sighs a bit but tries to seem happy: Alright! Now we got snacks?
Adrian: Yeah of course! -he and Ra pull out goodie bags that have a bunch of snacks inside that they've made small-
Persie grabs one: Thank you! *he starts enlarging them and it's cupcakes and cookies and some gelato that was kept cold by a freezing spell, he starts eating* Mmmmm that's so good. These are delicious.
Persius and the kids watch the movie as Ra begins falling asleep towards the end, Persie magehands a blanket over her and now it's just Persie and Adrian up. The movie is almost done, but they both are enjoying it and then Adrian whispers to Persie to get his attention.
Adrian: Hey Persie…do you like…Like like Mother?
Persie, gets startled but smiles shyly: Ummmm heh. Why do you ask?
Adrian: I dunno~...you just…smile a lot around her and blush a lot and kiss…I just thought maybe you like liked her…
Persie: well…Should I say something? Admitting means I can't ignore it but denying it..might not be the best either? Yes…I do. I have for some time.
Adrian: -he looks up at him starry eyed- Wooow~...That's so sweet and romantic~!...I think Mother likes you too. She smiles a lot around you.
Persie: Oh I don't know…she's been around for a long time…a long long time as well.
Adrian: I think I'm right. She usually only smiles around us and my big brother.
Persie: Maybe…she sees me as another kid?
Adrian: -he shakes his head- No, it's different. It's kinda like..h-how I smile a-at..Ra.
Persie smiles and then looks over to Ra, who is fast asleep: I know what you mean…I guess I've been nervous to admit it. I don't know what that means. Plus I won't be staying here and she can have really anyone. She's beautiful and knows so much and…I…have so much to learn!
Adrian: Then you gotta learn fast and then sweep her off her feet!
Persie: Haha I don't really know how to sweep her…she's a goddess…but I am different than most around here.
Adrian: She likes different, she likes things that are one of a kind. Hehe You should see her collections!
Persie: I should sometime…maybe I will soon. *the movie ends* Well we should be heading to bed. *he gets up* Shall I get her to bed? Which bed also?
Adrian: -he hops down from his chair- Can you bring her to my room?
Persie picks Ra up carefully and takes her to Adrian's room and puts her in his bed.
Persie: Alright, good night Adrian. Get some rest!
Adrian: -he gets in bed carefully and snuggles close to Ra- Good night Persie, have good dreams.
Persie leaves them and turns off the light, going back to his room which is on the opposite side. He goes through the temple quietly, it's so quiet that you can hear only his footsteps. It's quite dark too with only the moonlight peaking through to guide him. He gets back to his room and finds a small gift from Aiah. He takes it and brings it inside and it is a necklace of the star she shot over to him when she made that light show. A card comes with it as well and reads:
To Dearest Persie,
Let this necklace be a reminder that your light shines the brightest and that you will forever be a reminder that there is light in darkness. Let this necklace be a reminder never to lose your spark, lest you end up colorless with no definition. Get some rest dear. I'll see you tomorrow.
Goddess Aiah.
Persie takes the necklace out and gasps at the intricate beauty of it all. The multi-colored gem that sits in the middle of a star pattern is absolutely radiant, a faint glow coming off to also act as an illumination device to light the way forward. He puts it on immediately, tilting it up to still look at it.
Persie: It's…beautiful. Thank you Aiah. *he says to himself as he lays down and falls asleep with it in his hand still*