The night had a slight chill to it, as Aurora walks into the lounge area of the dorms.
It's late, or early depending on your point of view, as the hour is well past midnight, but still hours from dawn.

Aurora is pleased to find that the lounge is actually empty at this hour, as she goes over to the large windows to stare out at the full moon that brightens the room - enough to see by at least. It would be difficult to recognize anyone in the twilight shadows, but the anonymity suits the priestess' mood at this hour.

She remembers many a night like this back home - nights that would last most of the day actually.. the moon providing only enough light for discerning shapes, and a slight crispness to the cold air. The past few days have been trying on the young amazon - and she has been forced to question herself, and what she is becoming.

This place is NOT what it claims to be.. and some corner of her mind wonders if she will survive her time here - and not just physically - but mentally and spiritually as well. The changes in her behavior.. in her body.. in the way she even thinks - they make her question her devotion and calling to Skadhi, and perhaps her sanity as well. After all, no sane woman would ENJOY what she has gone through, would they? They certainly wouldn't wonder when it would happen again with an edge of anticipation, could they?

With such thoughts in her mind, she starts to sing softly as she stares out into the night - a song of home, of loss. The words are in her home tongue of ancient Norwegian - then again, she is singing only for herself, so maybe it is just as well that no one could understand her.

The simple notion that a woman could lose her mind at this school with four years of being unable to do anything about, maybe even longer, was a terrible path not many could walk upon and still retain their mentality and mental strength. But it’s through terrible times that one could see who it made stronger… and who it made weaker…

Taisie should know, finding herself unable to sleep this night she decides to walk around to get her energy out. Wherever her feet may lead her was one thing she could care little about. If any wandering eyes or minds that were set wanted her, they had free range of her all the time. She was not a fool to think the dorms could protect her from the miscreant that stalked the walls like predators.

Figuring herself that her want to sleep would be ignored if she tried again, the kunoichi makes her way casually to the lounge. But she momentarily stops; a deep shiver running across her spine gives her the indication a powerful person… or thing was within the dorm lounge as well. But never one to try and avoid such powers, she presses on with the faintest thought she may not be returning to her dorms. But as she progressed she realized there was a voice, in a very ancient language, one that she herself knew very little of from her ancient scrolls. The woman’s voice reached her ears more clearly until she pushed passed the door to the student lounge. Her multi-colored eyes immediately fall to the woman seemed longing for home ad maybe was trying to compensate by singing in ancient hymns to soothe her want. She immediately focused on her clothing and knew from the flowing garbs that she was in the presence of someone very spiritual. Perhaps… some form of priestess?

Taisie knew quite a bit of priestesses from Japan, her studies gave information of backgrounds of many cultures, including Norway. But even ancient people who wished to keep their culture intact wrote stories of what they believe and how to act in them incase a soul decided they were something the person could accept a faith. The kunoichi knew little except for details of the deity they called Skadhi and even that she knew little of except that she was referred to as a goddess and even a moon of Saturn, although the planet having sixty-two, was named after the deity in her honor.

Taisie remained quiet while the woman sang; actually enjoying the fact the woman’s voice was very good when it came to notes of music. Hearing few words like the deity’s name only made it more obvious the woman was inclined to that belief. She didn’t know how deep she was in her faith and beliefs, but it pretty much was like a history lesson as she caught a few words from the ancient mantra. It was only when she finished did she give a soft clap, perhaps in a praising audience fashion.

“Your voice is very nice. What language was that in? I could swear it was Norwegian, but then… I don’t know too much of the language itself.”

Aurora turns with a flash at the voice behind her, and seemingly out of nowhere there is a long spike of ice in her hand, held like a dagger. Almost immediately the priestess realizes her mistake, and with a sigh, she lets the ice-weapon disintegrate into a glistening fall of snow and ice around her.

"I..I am sorry.. I didn't think.. anyone would be awake. Did my singing disturb your rest?" she asks in a soft, lyrical murmur. Her voice is soft and sensual, yet with a deep innocence and purity as well. She smiles slightly as she then actually realizes you asked her a question.

"Very close actually. It's Norse - my village was very isolated, and still honors the old ways and have kept mostly to themselves thanks to the blessings of the Gods. Not many people would have recognized the language at all." she says with admiration for the young woman who has joined her.

"My name is Aurora Skadhisystir - Priestess of Skadhi, and Stormholder." she says as she steps away from the window so that she can better see the woman in the moonlit room.

It was amusing to think the woman would react with such a reflex that she would threaten anyone who came upon her with a readiness to stab them with a conjured icicle. Though Taisie had her own reflexes that involved neutralizing whoever decided to sneak up behind her, she always attempted to hold off on any magic unless necessary. Perhaps she should feel some pride that the woman would go to such lengths to end any peril.

“You needn’t be so jumpy until you realize the threat is imminent, Miko-sama. Such reflexes will not make people feel so welcome to listen to your village’s hymns as I have.”

She bows after the woman reaffirms she is actually a shamaness after all. Her attire spoke widely of her vocation, but even still she was mildly surprised to see a priestess at such a school. Even so, Japanese respect any form of miko they come across and to have one from another country in her presence was a delightful change of events.

“I have studied several hymns and books that refer to different languages. You shouldn’t admire my educated guess too much though, for it was only a guess. And I heard the name Skadhi in your mantra which is why my guess may have been correct. Your people do well in keeping their rituals and worship a secret for the most part for I only know there is a moon from my astrology lessons and simple tales of the goddess of winter and ice I think. I’ve always been interested in mythology, which is why I know the name to a spiritual degree. I see now I should assume it shouldn’t be placed in mythology then.”

As the woman stepped away to view Taisie at a better angle, she would no doubt be drawn to her heterochromatin eyes, both of which eye her curiously as she attempts to understand this ‘Stormholder’ emphasis the woman had said after her profession was made known.

“I afraid I don’t understand what you mean by Stormholder. It almost sounds like you’re referring to haven been… blessed by this goddess then?”

((OOC: Sorry for my absence - I hope you're still willing to continue))



Aurora blushes slightly, but gives a tired sort of laugh. "You must be new here, or you'd have heard the stories. Threat is always imminent here. Especially for a beautiful girl, like yourself."

"Mythology is just a name for a religion believed dead and unpracticed. I believe that my village may be the last to have kept to the old worship. We also have kept to ourselves for many centuries - so it's not surprising that it would seem myth to you. Still, you are quite knowledgeable about my faith - far more so than any other I have met since leaving my home."



Aurora gives Taisie a brilliant smile, and nods. "That is a simplistic description, but accurate enough. I am her Chosen... She came to me one night and shared herself with me." she says, drawing back her hair to clearly reveal the silvery-white snowflake over her eye. "The Storm of Winter lives inside me - snow, ice, wind - all of them are now part of me now, as is She. I have pledged myself to her since that day."

Aurora then tilts her head slightly, and shifts her hips slightly as she eyes Taisie appraisingly - uncaring at the way her robe slips from one shoulder in a gesture of innocent sensuality. "You now know all there is to know of me, and I have yet to know your name?" she teases.

“I do not wish to correct you too much, but I can assure you I know the dangers on this island. Having been dealt a sober blow myself, I do not intend to act overly cautious despite the threat all around because being over-guarding will only do myself more harm then good in the end. However… I do appreciate your flattering compliment and though it may mean slightly less as if I’m returning the favor, your attractiveness doesn’t need words to be spoken of,” she replies with a faint smile at the end.

She regards the woman’s explanation and comments with a curious tilt, seemingly entranced by the woman’s blessed symbol above her very brow. It was an interesting outline to say the least; having such a blatant mark that seemed quite unable to be a simple tattoo was enough to convince her of this woman’s truth. She didn’t really have much reason to doubt her at the moment so she accepted what she was told for now.

But her thoughts on the matter subsided as the subject turned to her and for a moment she blinks at the sudden target change. But instead of making a question of it, she slides a foot back and bows rather respectfully and politely to the priestess before lifting herself back up.

“Forgive me for my scrutinizing questions. My name is Taisie Toshibie. And since I’ve been honored by having you explain your appearance and business, I will divulge some of my own to be fair. I am from Hiroshima, Japan, and have extensive studies of the art of fighting, cupped with rules and regulations of morality and honor I have sworn myself to follow. To give you brevity on the subject, I am what is known as a kunoichi, and have read and been taught extensively to show high respect to people whom are considered spiritual guiders, especially priests and priestesses.”

((OOC: Sorry for my long absence. I've been dealing with RL distractions and writer's block a lot lately -- the former undoubtedly contributing to the latter ))

Aurora gives a soft sigh and a slight shake of her head at what she considers Taisie's naivete -- for there is no way, to her way of thinking, that being cautious on this island will cause her more harm than what lurks out there. But clearly the two young women have differing ideas of good and harm. Or perhaps Taisie just is better able to resist them.. a sobering thought given Aurora's own failures in her recent confrontations. But that serious though fades as the priestess blushes when Taisie compliments her beauty in return.

As Taisie speaks of herself, Aurora listens attentively and smiles at the young woman. "There is nothing to forgive, lovely warrior. There is nothing wrong in asking questions, when they are asked openly and politely as yours were. It is my honor to meet a fellow spiritual warrior." she says with a bow towards the young ninja. "I admit my experiences beyond my home are limited pretty much to this school, but it seems to me, that few people remember that spirit, mind and body are all one - and if any one of these is neglected, the others will suffer in turn. It is a pleasure to find that there are still those who believe in that ideal though."

((You’re fine, Aurora. Apologies are not needed. ^^ Happy to have you back.))

“If my appearance and way I see life is acceptable to you then perhaps the path I walk is a right one,” Taisie spoke softly, nodding her head to emphasize her theory on the subject. But such a serious and profound tone and conversation softened her eyes it seemed, the multi-colored surface gleamed off the lights that dimmed around them. It was rare to be in the presence of a spiritual guider; even Taisie didn’t think of herself as one who could even attempt in making an example of herself with how she was. She was selfish, prideful, and above all, cold. Despite her exclamation of having honor, she wondered if it was the right term to use.

Taking the time to bring her body sideways, she extends a hand towards the woman in a welcoming fashion, “Since I have disturbed you from your chant allow me the honor of escorting you to a place where I can repay my services of your kind words. That is of course, you do not mind my invitation…”

Aurora smiles when Taisie talks about her path being the right one, but shakes her head slightly.

"I am not the one to tell you whether the path you walk is the right one. Only YOU can decide that for yourself. What is right for one person may be very very wrong for another." she says simply, but with a voice that seems far older than the young woman it comes from.

She looks a little confused when Taisie offers her hand, and speaks of repaying her. Still she will reach out and take the other woman's hand with no hesitation. Her grip is firm and strong - the grip of a warrior like herself, rather than the soft touch she might expect from a priestess. At the first touch, Taisie will realize that Aurora's skin is very cool to the touch, but not uncomfortably so.

"Really, no repayment is necessary. But if you wish to go somewhere else, it would be my honor to accompany you."

“True… but it doesn’t hurt to have another’s opinion agreeing with you,” she retorts with a polite smile before taking the woman’s hand, feeling the uncanny coldness to her skin and the grip of a hardened fighter, which impressed her in many ways, but made her wonder in others, “Interruptions are rude at the very least and as such I decided to intrude while I knew someone was present here and wanting some alone time. If you honestly do not mind, then I appreciate it. Perhaps I can get you something if you’re thirsty and maybe come back here to talk. I do not want to take you all over the place and make you uncomfortable.”

Taisie didn’t mean it in the sense of simply repaying debt, but if the woman wasn’t busy she would certainly not mind hearing more of what the woman’s culture was. She was always a curious little girl at heart and wanted to know of different cultures and styles, especially when it came to supernatural things.

Releasing her hand for a moment, she nods in agreement that this all seemed a bit forward at the very least. “I understand. Most of the time, example would be here, is to question a person’s intentions for something so frivolous as to ‘repay’ for a disturbance… but it is my way of doing things in a business sort of sense. If I could happen to give you company and talk a bit I would like to hear a little of your culture and this Skadhi you seem quite attuned to. I’m afraid I’m a rather curious person and at the very least I always look to learn of cultures to better understand people’s views compared to my own. It’s been a sort of… weakness of mine to be pushy for information so I do apologize for being forward.”

Aurora smiles at Taisie, and lets the kunoichi lead her from the lounge area. "If I truly cared to be alone, Taisie, I could have done so in my room. I do not mind going with you at all, as I am enjoying our conversation - and you will find that very little makes me uncomfortable. We can go wherever you would like."

"As for drink though, I have my own." she says as she looks around as if expecting someone to be hiding around them, and pulls out a flask and offers it to Taisie. "Care to try some? The best translation for its name is honey-drink - it's honey and water mixed with a number of herbs. You might think of it as unfermented mead." She leans in and whispers in Taisie's ear, "If I could figure out how to heat it up to ferment it without getting caught, I would." she says with a little giggle that seems to send air to tease against Taisie's ear and neck.

If Taisie tries it, the drink will be just what Aurora describes - sweet with honey, but more fluid in consistency. There are a number of herbs in it that give it both an earthiness and a spiciness rather like a chai tea or coffee would have.

"As I said, there is no need for repayment, but I am always willing to discuss culture and faith.. especially with someone who has a true interest in learning and is open to new ideas."