it felt impossible to sleep in yet another different court, this one so strange and secretive. not to mention, she felt as though she was still reeling from the sudden winnowing into starlight. the temple was not exactly where she would go for comfort, after all, it wasn't her temple ⸻ this wasn't her rugs, her candles, her home. it was just as cold and strange as everything else; but at least nobody could question her reasoning for being here.
aurelia was on her knees before the alter ⸻ not properly kneeling, simply sitting there. praying, whispering, hoping. she didn't know what she was doing anymore, as long as it was something. would praying for a vision help? or would she see horrors that she would rather leave here unknowing? she sighed, her shoulders feeling heavier and heavier with each breath.
her eyes were shut, her mind focused elsewhere, until the sound of his voice broke her of her solitude. slowly, the priestess opened her eyes though she did not turn her head in his direction. " apologies, were you trying to find me? i cannot imagine why. " aurelia murmured, though her tone implied she was already exasperated by his intensity.
comfort? at his words, the brunette turned her head. her gaze narrowed, as if she was trying to figure it out. " ridicule you? " aurelia questioned, genuinely confused. " you have risen in rank, apollo, why are you asking for ridicule? why are you angry? " she wondered if it had to do with the means of his rise in power. a murder, of someone she assumed he at least held a shred of respect for ⸻ though she was well aware she barely knew him at all anymore.
now, aurelia stood, able to take him in fully. his sparring leathers were damp, his hair clinging to his skin. he truly was distraught by something. " did you . . wish to remain third in command forever? why not deny the promotion, then? "