๐๐๐, ๐ ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ป๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ค๐ฅ
"Come closer child." The High Priestess beseeches, her voice low and soothing.
Her hand extends From the black mass of fabrics she wears, her long spindly fingers reaching out to gently caress. Her fingertips are stained black, the ink fading into swirling marks as they travel up her limbs. Another marker of her status, a reminder of what the future will hold.
Those black inked fingers touch her cheek, the appendage surprisingly warm. It's a loving gesture, similar to how the mothers would wipe smudge off a littles cheek.
Anzi stares at her in awe, her curiosity overpowering anxiety. The veil conceals the Priestess eyes but Anzi can feel the weight of her gaze.
"I can see in your eyes you have no fear." The Priestess states.
"What is there to fear when I walk on the mothers path?" Anzi questions earnestly.
The High Priestess hums pleased.
"Wise words from one so young." She withdraws her hand, settling it back into her robes.
"I only wonder, where you got them from?"
Anzi tilts her head, a confused expression upon her features.
"I heard them of course. Through the roots and on the wind." She thinks for a moment before bringing a small hand up to whisper conspiratorially.
"Don't tell anyone but I often find I hear things that others cannot."
The priestess leans forward, lifting her veil. Exposing Black stained lips stretched wide into a soft smile. sunlight filters past the trees illuminating the area and concealing her visage to all except the child before her.
She whispers with glee.
"How curious. I often hear the same."
The Priestess allows her veil to drop and extends her hand once more this time reaching palm out towards Anzi, a choice.
"Perhaps it would benefit us both to share what we have heard with each other, yes?"
Anzi nods, face glowing with relief and joy. She accepts sliding her palm into the Priestess larger one, An offering.
The priestess guides her away, deeper into the jungle.