The Scholar

Elijah hid his disappointment well. If there was ever a woman that could be so relentless in her determination to make his life that bit harder it was Josephine. Somehow, he wouldn’t change a thing and perhaps that was an earnest speak on his character. Maybe working on Atlantis was lonelier then he thought it’d be. Regardless of his motives, Elijah massaged his temples slowly, not sure what he might or ought to say to her. “Josephine…” He feared if she ever attempted to come for confession he might roast in that tiny box. Her sins would drown them both in the lord’s ire and that would be the end of his mission. Elijah, in the end, shrugged. “You are honest. I must give you that.” He only wished it might be put to better uses.

“Satan is not out to get me.” If he were then the devil had certainly made its home in Atlantis. The island was a sanctuary for debauchery and the most inhumane, unspeakable, acts. The sooner the treaty was signed the quicker life would return to the norm. He might finally be free from his jinn. “I am well, and pray tell me are you fine Josephine?” He imagined she would be, and would come with tales of her latest exploits from reading, or worse, drinking. It was not a habit that suited anyone. Man or woman, it was an ugly affair. “I can’t imagine you’re here for mass,” and besides she’d missed it by at least an hour. Elijah hummed and leant his walking stick against the pews, feeling strong enough to stand around without it. “Something you need?”

He had long since given up hope that Josephine would be a convert, she liked to bicker too much and read a great deal more. Nevertheless, she still visited him. Quite regularly so. People crossing the threshold into church felt like an achievement in itself. “Because I was going to take a walk around the markets this afternoon, unless you are preoccupied with your scheduled sinning? You might like to come with me.”

She’s been in the church for barely a minute, and already the priest was rubbing his temple in, what Josephine thought it must’ve been, exasperation. She’s been in his presence for less than a minute, it must be her new record. “Is that admiration I hear if your voice, Elijah?” She teased him, relentlessly, but with the innocent smile only an infidel can muster. While she wasn’t as nearly as bad as some people out in the world, it didn’t make her any close to sainthood as it did them. If she weren’t so hell-bent on driving the poor priest nuts, she reckons they could’ve had a lovely friendship; but, annoying him was simply too good to pass, even if it earns her a seat in one of the circles of Hell. What would be the punishment of annoying a priest, exactly?

Even if annoying him was the very purpose of her existence, or so it sometimes seemed, it was all in good heart, and she was pleased to hear he was doing well. But, that didn’t stop her from further testing his patience - after all, patience was a virtue, and Elijah was surely a virtuous person; if he weren’t she would’ve been quite impressed, if not only a little pleased by it. “I don’t need anything in live other than a good book and a tall glass of brandy late in the evening before bed, but I suppose you can say I’ve come here to check up on you. It’s been a rather long while since we caught up with each other.” It was only half a lie; all the teasing aside, she had to admit that she was somewhat fond of the priest, though she’d rather walk herself to Hell than admit it.

His offer quite caught her by surprise, but her reply came in form of a soft smirk. “I’d be delighted to join you, actually. The sinning can way for a day. Besides, I’m too curious to hear what sort of debaucheries you had to forgive since we last talked, and it might convince you how my sinning is not nearly the worst one out there. I’m sure reading a book can’t exactly compare with murder or, Lord forbid, adultery.” While she wasn’t exactly innocent of the latter, she wasn’t guilty, either. Her late husband, God rest his soul - or more likely Devil, and she had an agreement that their marriage was of the more intellectual kind and, while they did occasionally lay with each other, they were also free to lay with other people; he wasn’t innocent of it, and neither was she. But, she reckons if she were in a faithful marriage, she would’ve been faithful, too. Having more than one partner was extremely vexing. Thankfully, Elijah didn’t know about that, since it happened long before they met, and it wasn’t a thing she’d go around telling everyone; even a priest.

The queen smiled, bowing her head in acceptance of her words, instead of a nod. She was pleased that the woman decided to help, and she was content with the way her afternoon’s passed. Since they’ve already discussed things about law, she wondered if it were of any use to stay further in library. Josephine could easily be invited to the palace to offer her council on the lawful affairs. “Thank you, Josie. If you would like, you can join me for lunch tomorrow and we can further discuss the matter in a more suitable setting? I can send my chaperone to fetch you, if you’re not otherwise engaged?” She offered.

Josephine nodded, accepting the queen’s gracious offer. “I would be delighted to, your majesty. I’m not occupied tomorrow at lunchtime, and even if I were, I would’ve easily cleared my schedule for you. I’ll bring along with me certain texts, and together we can find the most suitable way to approach your situation.”

“There are even more.” Anna chuckled at Josephine’s surprise. Magic was sometimes a little confusing, with so many branches of it, so many things to be used and ways to do a ritual. She nodded in approval as she spoke of alchemy. “I think it’d suit you the most, out of all the things you have mentioned. Alchemy does look like the most up your alley.” She chuckled, smiling kindly to her.

Her eyebrows arched at the question that erupted from Josephine, and she laughed. “One by one, Josephine. One at the time.” She paused as she listened to the question, and then nodded as she gathered her thoughts. “I can tell you of things that interest you the most. When it comes to me, I do this and that, depending on my current needs. I am most comfortable with herbs, and crystals.” At the latest question, she didn’t know how much she could say, but she has decided to trust her. They knew each other for a while now, and she hasn’t given her any reason to mistrust her so far. “I was raised with it, but people choose magic. I could have easily ignored my upbringing, and my talents would fade.”

Josephine listened, attentively, as Annabelle explained. So, it would seem that alchemy really is something she’d be good from. It made her excited, and her smile widened. “Can you tell me more? About alchemy? Is it too late for me to start with it?” She questioned, before she remembered the mug of tea, at took a sip of cooling camomile.

She listened to her words, nodding in understanding as Anna continued to explain. Things finally started to make sense to Josie, and she kept smiling, feeling as if a great burden had been lifted off her chest. “So, what you’re basically saying is that I can do magic now, if I want to. How long will it take me to learn it? Will you tutor me? If you have the time, of course. I’d hate to impose on you.”

Annabelle laughed at her words. “Fair point.” She did have a point, but that was to be expected of a woman her education. “So you have said, repeatedly. And what is your field of interest, at the moment? I am rather intrigued to see what occupies you. Is it mythology, or is it something more scientific?” She questioned, with interest, as she smiled to her friend.

Without batting an eye, Anna retorted. “Ah, so that is what occupies you. Magic.” Her lips were pursed together in thought, as she regarded the other. Would it be terrible to let her in on her secret? It is not that she hides her magic, but she is not overly thrilled when people openly question her about it. “I can’t say I’m an expert on the field, but I can try to answer it the best I can.” She vaguely added, before her further questions taunted another smile from her. “Everything is wonderful, dear. Benny is good, the inn is prospering, and we are all very happy for it. I have been piled up with work, naturally, but that’s to be expected.”

“Magic,yes. I’ve been looking into some texts on alchemy, and I find it fascinating. Astral projections, crystals and healing herbs. I didn’t know there were so many fields to choose from. If I could do it, I’m not sure what I’d choose. Alchemy seems lovely and it’s just scientific enough to not raise suspicion.” She replied with a smile, lost in thought. she heard, once, that a person didn’t have to be born with magic, that they could easily learn it later in time. It was a lovely thought and she often thought about it. After all, magic was science too, but it had different laws of physics than the “natural” world.

“I’m pleased to hear all is well.” Josephine’s smile widened. “So, what can you tell me about all those fields of magic? What do you most like doing? Is it one thing or many? How did you find out you’re a witch? Did you choose it or were you raised with it?” She always asked too many questions, and while a part of her was a bit worried that Anna would get offended, she just couldn’t stop herself.

“So I’ve figured.” Elyris said with a sigh. The archives were always well hidden, and protected, and she shouldn’t have been surprised that the same thing transferred to Atlantis. Magic can only protect so much and for archives to be openly displayed would’ve been playing with chance. “It’s not an ancient text I’m looking for.” She shortly replied.

With another sigh, she’s decided to elaborate. “I’m looking for manuscripts of old families. Not native to Atlantis, dated three hundred years before today. I’m looking for a list of people perished in a battle and detailed information of the fallen men. More than that, I cannot say.”

Josephine was about to give up, when she elaborated. Old families? What could she possibly want to do with that? It wasn’t her place to pry, so she didn’t, only shrugging in reply. “That sounds a lot like war chronicles. War chronicles and maybe look at family charts. Birth records are usually kept in churches, so it wouldn’t be here, and neither would death certificates.” She replied with a soft pout, thinking. “That’s all I can think of that would help you. Do you have an exact date, or battle? That would help a lot narrowing the proper chronicle down.”

The queen inclined her head in agreement. Indeed, that seemed to be the matter wherever she went. Men assumed and presumed, thought only of themselves and that they alone hold utmost value. It was only one of the reasons why she was regarded unfit to rule on her own, forced to branch out and seek a husband, if only to have a man beside her, while he should be behind her. She thanked her lucky stars that she found the scholar in Atlantis and that the said scholar was a woman, who understood her anguish better than any man ever could.

Maeve allowed herself a short laugh, an amused chuckle of sorts, to leave her lips, indicating the blooming kinship between the two women. “I can’t guarantee many things, madam, but that I can. I can guarantee it with such certainty that I’m willing to bet my crown and my freedom on it. If I am mistaken, then I shall abdicate and join a nunnery.” She had little worries of it ever coming true. Men were predictable, when it came to their underestimation of the “weaker sexes”. Her further words brought a happy smile to the queen’s lips. “I thank you, my lady. Your words bring joy to my heat and, please, for that thing alone,I insist you call me with my given name, Maeve, when we speak privately.”

Josephine smiled as the queen spoke, her smile soon turning into a chuckle. She was right, men were predictable and if it would please her, she could raise a fortune solely betting on their opinions and expressions. They rarely seem to evolve from their prejudice and ego, and if it hadn’t damaged everyone who weren’t them, she would’ve found it hilarious. She shook her head, her smile intact. “No need thanking me, I’m happy to help.”

Her smile widened when the queen asked her to call her by her given name, and she nodded. “Alright. You can call me Josie, then. It’s short from Josephine.” She always had to say her full name, because once a man thought her name was Jocelin, while the other thought it was Josette, and they argued for an hour about it until she corrected them. Then, they argued with her about it.

“When it comes to eating their food, the rule is don’t.” She had, sealing her into the court until they’d gotten bored of her and she’d escaped. “As for enslaving them, that’s not my style, and I’m not interested in hurting anyone.” She smiled, since she didn’t take offense. It was a good person to care about helping others, so she was inclined to like the woman. “No, I’m mostly interested in avoiding them. Protection."

She held out her hand, accustomed to the cultures of different people, and most on Atlantis seemed to shake hands, just as had been done in Gaul, outside the court anyway. Benin had been different, but she could live with different. Nothing ever stayed the same in life, so she’d learned how to be adaptable. "I’m Abigail. Abby.” She still held a title, technically, but she hadn’t used it in a long time. Especially considering the time disparity between the real world and the fae realm. No, she was not nobility in any way that counted to her, not anymore.

Josephine at first chuckled at her words, but then she grew curious, and her eyebrow arched in question. “Protection? I’m afraid you won’t find much help here. In my humble opinion, I would rather suggest you go see a witch. They’re crafty with protective spells and I happen to know one. Of course, she keeps denying it, but she’s a witch. If you’re set on avoiding faefolk, I think she can help you, or if she can’t, she could direct you towards someone who can.” She countered. She wasn’t certain if Annabelle could really do protective spells, she never really asked, but she figured she wouldn’t mind helping a person in need.

Her smile widened and she shook her hand. “Nice to meet you, I’m Josephine. Josie, for short.”

Elyris normally knew her way around thing, after all she’s been in Atlantis for years. It was easy to find her a correct path around the endless isles, but a tapestry she noticed hanging from the wall reminded her of her last kill as a valkyrie, and her thoughts wandered around the memory, making her oblivious to her surroundings, and pretty much everything else. She wasn’t careless, but she was distracted, and it showed. When a woman spoke, Darcy halted and looked up from where she paced, her eyes meeting that of a brunette.

“No, I know my way around, but thank you anyway.” She declined, but after a moment she wondered if there were any archives in the library. She had his name and she was curious as to who he was before she sent him to Valhalla. “Actually, you can help me. Where are the archives?”

Josephine nodded as the woman declined; she couldn’t force anyone to accept her help if they didn’t want it. She was about to return to her work, when the blonde spoke again. Josie looked up form her scrolls, her eyebrow arched in question at her. “Archives?” Her head was tilted in curiosity. “They are here, but at the back of the room. Why do you need them for? Is it an ancient text you’re looking for, because most of them are at the back, hidden from direct sunlight and weather.”

Rarely people wanted the archives. Most of the visitors in the library, went to more popular sections, like the literature, poetry and, often, medicine. Archives held more fragile texts, hereditary, old manuscripts, and various other things. She’s only ever been there once, when she was looking up more in-depth information on Atlantis.

The queen had an urge to chuckle, but it wasn’t deemed lady-like, nor monarch-like, to chuckle. While she was fairly certain that the woman in front of her was not nobility, she still couldn’t risk being so open with her expressions. She did sympathise with her rant and if it were any more private setting, she would have returned her words with a rant of her own, fully agreeing to what the scholar said, but it wasn’t a private setting and in every place in this world the walls had eyes and ears; undoubtedly, majority of those eyes and ears belonged to her cousin, who just waited for an opportunity to undermine her rule. “I agree, my lady. Men are presumptuous when it comes to women.”

Tsking to her words, the queen found herself shaking her head in disapproval. “I will never understand why men deem us unfit for rational thinking. Many good layers I’ve met in my lifetime were mostly women. It isn’t unheard of a woman to be a lawyer in Albion and, since I’m their ruling monarch, I can very well decide who gets into courtrooms and who gets out of it.” Maeve briefly added, determined now more than ever, to make this woman her official lawyer. She seemed to have sufficient skill and it was enough for the queen. “That’s perfectly alright, I need a scholar. Scholars are more knowledgeable about things beside the law and I need that kind of knowledge. It’s only an added bonus if we manage to abhor every single person at court.” Maeve allowed herself a short, amused chuckle, as the thought flashed in her mind.

Josephine had took a strong liking to the queen of Albion, if only because they shared an opinion on how women should be treated, and regarded, as equally as men are in this world. Atlantis was all the much better for it, more tolerant, and more enjoyable for someone of her antics. She could be a scholar here, at peace with herself and the world, and no one dares to side eye her, like they did back home in Albion. “Honestly, I think men are presumptuous when it comes to everything, not just women in general.”

Hearing the queen’s words, Josie laughed, both amused and impressed with what she said. “You’ve successfully swayed my opinion, then. If you can guarantee people, and by people I mean men, will be speechless, mortified and paralysed with surprise, then I accept your offer, with my entire heart.” Her smile widened, nodding to the latter. “Yes, the scholars must know everything of value. I’m sure we will win your case without much ado, or opposition.”

Arching her eyebrow, Annabelle rolled her eyes in reply. She liked the banter with the younger woman, the teasing words they shot at each other. it was a welcome step out of the everyday chores. “Yes, bottled love is what everyone desires. It is not real, Josephine, and sooner or later, people tire of pretense. Or are you looking to buy one for yourself?” Her comment served to elevate the sharpness of her previous remark.

Anna’s face softened, as Josephine spoke, and she smiled to her. “I am pleased to see you, whichever the reason.” Her smile widened, and she shook her head. “No, I am not that busy. You know I can always make some time to chat with you. Tell me what is new in your life? It has been a while since we talked.”

Josephine chuckled at Anna’s retort. “Very funny. I’m not searching for normal love, do you really think I’d be looking to by bottled one? I found love in my books, and it’s a lifelong affair.” Her chuckle turned into a teasing smirk as she spoke. It wasn’t entirely true; everyone looked for love, one way or another, but unlike others, she wasn’t bothered not having it. If she never finds it, it’ll be okay. She does have her books, and nothing is more fulfilling than a hard day’s work as an academic.

Josie’s smile was honest as she regarded the brunette, before she shrugged. “I can’t say anything gloriously new happened. I’m spending most of my days in the library of Alexandria, reading old texts and learning new things. I’m also trying to find something on alchemy and witchcraft, but I was hoping you could help me with the latter.” She threw an innocent look Annabelle’s way, before asking; “And how have you been, Anna? How’s Benny? The inn?”

The queen listened the woman’s tale attentively, nodding when it was appropriate and to indicate she was listening. Everywhere was the same - women were overlooked for men, even if sometimes they had all the ideas and ambition to change the world for the better. She scoffed at the end of her tale, nodding; “Men are terribly vain. To think we are dependant on them makes me so mad sometimes.” She honestly spoke, something in the brunette making her relax her rigid stature. “We do things as well as they do, even better at some cases, and yet we are given zero to null credit. But, when we need to be married off or to give birth to their heirs then we are invaluable. I loathe the double standards.” She sighed; there was nothing she wanted more than acceptance and recognition. She wanted for her cousin to be her cousin, not her enemy.

As the woman spoke of her claim, Maeve found herself smiling in relief. “That is good to hear. You have put my mind to rest now and I thank you for it.” She gently spoke, regarding the other. She is her countryman from Albion and it made Maeve pause in thought as she subtly raked her eyes over her. The thought had crossed her mind and she wondered should she ask the question. The queen briefly considered and then asked, deciding she could ponder about it later with Constance. “I was wondering if you have any experience in law and courts? When I return to Albion I will need someone to present my case and I’m reluctant to have a man defend me, for obvious reasons. Would you be interested in representing me? You will be well compensated for your efforts.”

Josephine nodded, almost furiously, as the queen spoke. “Yes. Yes. Exactly my opinion. It’s as if we don’t exists, unless it benefits them. As if the world revolves around them, just because they have an appendage more than us. Take that away, and there goes their self imposed value right out the window. I mean, when it comes to our thoughts and opinions, we’re as valuable and good as them. But, are we valued and accepted? No. And why? Just because we’re feeble female. Excuse my rant, but what’s feeble about us? We bring another human being to this world, yet somehow, we’re the weaker sex. Please.” She scoffed, happy to have found someone who thinks the way she does. It was a welcome change.

“No thanks needed. I’m happy to help.” Josie replied with a shake of her head. Whenever someone needed academical help, she was there to provide it. The queen’s question made her arch her eyebrows in surprise, and question, and she bit her lip, pondering the answer. “Not directly, no. I was never allowed in a courtroom, as no one wants to listen to a woman.” She sighed, then collected herself. “I would be interested, of course. I do know the law, and I can find my way around it, if need be. But, are you certain you want me? I know that, as a fellow woman I can comfort you, and you know I won’t work against you no matter what, but someone with more experience might serve you better. I am but a mere scholar, your majesty.”

Josephine: I think you mean an epiphany.

Drunk!Niamh: No… lightning has just struck my brain.

The queen relaxed at the other’s acceptance of providing her help. She wouldn’t be able to find her way around the library on her own, it was too different from what she was used to, in Albion. Their library was a lot smaller, differently organised and didn’t have the rare and extensive texts that Alexandria did. The peace treaty provided her with an opportunity to dig deeper into her case as queen of her kingdom. “Thank you.” Her thanks were quiet and polite, inclination of her head respectful of the help.

Maeve didn’t want to say too much, she seldom trusted anyone these days; what if the girl was a spy for her cousin, or if duchess Alexandra sent her? She couldn’t think like that, and she waged her words carefully for a moment before she spoke. “”I am looking to put my mind, and those of my courtiers and countrymen, at rest by solidifying my case as a legitimate ruler of Albion. There is another candidate for the throne, and his only solid case is that he is a man, and my older cousin.” She didn’t think his case was too solid; yes, he was her father’s brother’s son, but her father was king, not his brother, so her claim was stronger. It would be even stronger if she would marry and produce an heir before her cousin does. How pressuring life was of a queen.

Josephine smiled, and nodded, to the queen. She liked helping others, especially on her own turf, and she regarded the library as her own territory, given how much time she’s spent there. “I’m happy to help.” She replied, guiding the woman towards the law section, as she began speaking. Josephine listened intently, nodding attentively, and then she huffed.

“Lord forbid a woman can govern a nation on her own. Say no more, I’ve heard that loud and clear before, myself. Not the governing part, of course. Men resent when a woman has a brain of her own. You wouldn’t believe how they can twist the law to work to their advantages, but so can we.” She spoke, almost through gritted teeth, as her own past flashed in memory. “i’m from Albion, originally, too, but I left when my husband died. I was always more academically inclined, and he was the only one who allowed me to be myself. His colleagues, and friends, tollerated me for his sake, and his sake alone, and when he died my opinions, thoughts, and ideas were no longer welcome. So, I packed up and came here. Atlantis doesn’t discriminate, for the most part.” She found herself opening up to the queen, as she guided her to the texts.

“In my opinion, and I’ve studied the texts on law, your claim is the strongest if you father, or mother in some lands, was a ruling monarch prior to your ascension, or if your ascension is clearly stated in the will of the then-ruling ruler. If that is the case, then there’s no need to worry. Law is stronger than a man’s desire.”

The queen was lost. Not in the literal sense of the word, nor was she lost in thought. Her lack of direction relied solely on her lack of knowledge and it was the thing that vexed her in the very moment, trailing the long corridor that led to one of the bookstands. The library of Alexandria had various texts, scriptures that she needed if she wanted to make her case as queen more valid. Whilst she knew her late father’s authority to name her his successor and place a crown atop her head was undeniable, Maeve still worried. Her cousin desired the crown far too much, but she had hoped to appease him, in one way or another, find a claim that would cool him down from insisting that she gives him her position.

She hussed in a very graceless manner as she turned around herself, dazed by the vastness and beauty of the library, when a woman’s soft voice diverted her attention. The queen smiled a shy smile before she caught herself and forced her face into a royal rigidity. “Yes.” She cleared her throat, “Yes, please. I am looking for texts on law. Canon, common, succession and hereditary. Can you point me in their direction?” A polite smile formed on her lips.

Josephine was a scholar, but she didn’t have to be one, to spot that the woman talking to her was royalty, in some way or another. Her smile was quick, before a mask of rigidity fell into place, and Josie felt her heart tighten. It must be so hard for a woman to be queen. It was hard enough that women weren’t allowed to have any academical inclinations lest they wanted to be ridiculed, or scoffed upon, but being a queen seemed like much worse option. She smiled to her in return, nodding at her request.

“Of course, they are under v for νόμοι. If you’ll be so kind as to follow me, I can show you the proper texts.” Josephine offered, getting up form her seat, and motioning for the woman to follow her. “What do you need them for, if you don’t mind me asking? It might help me narrow down the texts best suited for your case. Not every law is the same, nor are they suited for all occasions.”

Hearing the Seelie court was somewhere here on Atlantis had worried Abby. Although she’d gotten her freedom, she didn’t entirely trust Oberon not to decide he wanted to kidnap her again when he heard her singing for Benin’s court. Rather than just fret about it, she’d decided to do some research. Surely, someone somewhere had to have written down something about how to avoid fairies.

But she was not a scholar.

The Library was large and confusing, and Abby was sure she’d never find her way out when someone spoke to her. Gratefully, she smiled. “Oh, thank you. I’m looking for information on fairy-kind. The Seelie court, specifically.”

Josephine smiled kindly to the woman, asking for help. The fae folk? What can one possibly want from them, or with them? It wasn’t her place to snoop in on other people’s secrets, unless that person was Annabelle. But, that was different, they both knew that Anna was a witch, only the other didn’t seem keen on admitting it and they danced around he topic, teasing one another with assumptions. This woman she didn’t know, and it wasn’t her place to ask too many questions.

“There are quite a few tomes about the fairy folk. Is there anything in particular about them that you need to know? There is an entire volume on how to best consume their food, then another on how to enslave them, then on how to harm them. I hope you’re not searching for the latter two.” She added the latter in a joking tone, but she was serious. Josie hated seeing anyone suffer.