[center][h3]Chairs, Nightmares, And Gods[/h3]Livia and Fia[/center] After the bath, Livia took Fia straight to her home. It was on campus, towards the back of the Academy within its own little cut off Villa, close to the gardens. Livia's home was as one might expect. From the outside, one could see it was two stories and quite large. A few lamps lit the outside of the house, illuminating the front door. The building itself seemed to be made of smooth brick, likely polished with magic. The roof had red tiles covering it in a sloped fashion, so rain water would not collect in it. Livia paused for a few moments in the gardens, to let Fia get a good look at it if she wished, but didn't linger for long and made her way inside. As soon as they opened the door, Livia was greeted by one of her servants who offered tea, but she politely declined telling the man he had the rest of the night off. Looking around the room, it was sophisticated yet simple. The room they were in was a large, a plush violet carpet with sofas, chairs and a small table covering the floor near a fireplace some steps away. The floor itself was polished tiles, kept to a clean shine likely by the servants. A few decorative ornaments hung on the walls. Stairs leading up could be seen not far away to their left, and a hallway leading to the servants quarters was close by. Another hallway on the opposite end of the room likely lead to kitchens, a dining room, and maybe a few other areas. The stairs leading up, likely led to her and some guest bedrooms. [color=a187be]"Well, here we are little Fia. This is going to be your new home for a bit."[/color] The red haired girl wore a simple gown as she walked back, far superior to the rags she normally wore. As she looked around the gardens and the house, she realized how rich and powerful Livia must be to afford such grand designs. She took a look around the room, seeing a carpet that looked more comfortable than anything she had ever slept on, a well cushioned sofa and ... Immediately, Fia bolted for the door, only to realize it wouldn't open up after twisting the knob frantically several times. She looked at Livia with something akin to terror, eyes wide as adreniline activated within her. A second later, she dashed out of the room and straight into the nearest exit, and after fumbling with several doorknobs again realized none of them would open for her. Tired, exhausted, and scared, the girl simply found the nearest corner and started crying. It was going to happen. Again. She'd give anything not to be put in those again. The pain, over and over and over and again .... Livia was surprised to see Fia bolt like that. She had not expected that at all, but her own surprise was irrelevant. Something had upset the poor girl, and she had to find out what it was. If it was just something in the room, then that was something she was going to have to work towards fixing, as she was going to have to get used to it regardless. The headmistress quietly walked over to the corner of the room Fia had claimed as her own. She knelt down, making sure not to get too close to the girl and remain a comfortable distance away. [color=a187be]"Fia, dear. Whatever is the matter?"[/color] Fia looked up hopelessly into those kind eyes. The woman remained distant, and yet ... the crimson haired girl pointed straight at the object of her terror, soft words forming and then leaving her lips without sound, as if she had suddenly gone mute. After a few seconds too long of having viewed the object, the Phoenix simply brought her knees to her chest and hid her face from the world, trying to become small and insignificant. Finally, something audible left her lips. [color=salmon]".... please don't ..."[/color] Livia shook her head, sighing and inching slightly closer to her. [color=a187be]"Fia, I told you - I will not harm you, and I will not let anything harm you while you are here. If you don't believe me, that is fine. I hope in time you can grow to trust me."[/color] She let her words sink in for a few silent seconds for continuing. [color=a187be]"I won't do anything to you, and those...chairs will not harm you in any way."[/color] So she was scared of chairs then. That was...bad, but understandable. Unfortunately, she couldn't just make them up and leave. They were rather expensive and she really didn't want to get rid of them. As she spoke, she continued to give Fia a warm smile. [color=a187be]"So please, if you could stand..."[/color] Fia looked upwards, towards Livia, and saw the older woman's kind smile, warm like a small fire. But her eyes drifted downwards ... saw the object of her fear not too far away ... and cowered once again, hiding herself from the world. The phoenix's body shook as she sobbed once again, her mind drifting off to whatever past she had experienced. [color=salmon]"... I ... I can't ..."[/color] A long pause passed between the beginning and the end of her sentence. [color=salmon]"... give ... take ... anymore ... please ..."[/color] The girl's amber eyes returned up to Livia, filled with water as they looked into hers, begging. Livia sighed. Well, that wasn't going so well. It seemed the only option here was to get rid of the chairs. So be it then. She would get rid of them...at least for now. She would have to try and get Fia used to them over the course of the week. But for now, it was too late and stressing the girl out any more wasn't a good idea. Livia stood and walked over to the chairs, waving a hand upwards causing the three of them suddenly started levitating, and floated out of sight down one of the hallways and quickly were removed from sight. Still this was going to be...difficult to take care of. They obviously weren't the only chairs in the house. ...well, she'd have her spirits take care of them. All of the chairs in the building were found, and suddenly put somewhere not in plain sight. While this was going on, Livia walked back over to Fia, kneeling once again next to the girl. [color=a187be]"See? All gone, nothing to be scared of at all."[/color] The crimson haired girl looked upwards after a few seconds, noticing the source of her terror disappeared. Fia simply looked around, blinking several times, looking impossibly confused at what just occured. She had seen magic, but that only consisted of small illusions and the such, not removing several large ... devices. Memories and dreams showever her visions of things much more powerful, a time when a whisk of her hand could curse thousands. But her former master never had such power ... and the other woman seemed to control only a few dolls. Fia's legs went slack, and using the wall to help she stood up, nodding slightly towards the older woman. The girl was curious, but she wouldn't press for anything else. The terrors were gone, and she could live with that. [color=a187be]"Curious as to how I did it?"[/color] She smiled softly. [color=a187be]"Well, maybe tomorrow if there is enough time I can show you something." Livia replied, standing up. [/color]"But it is late, and I am sure you've been through enough today and I myself am rather tired. So, come along upstairs and we'll get you settled in."[/color] With that, Livia made her way up stairs where the bedrooms were, making sure Fia was following and that there were not any chairs in any visible distance. Fia followed obediently, eyes drifting around the house as she walked through it. It didn't take long for her to reach the smaller guest room. She couldn't put her in the larger one, after all, that was meant for more...important people than Fia. The room was richly decorated as they all were, however, with a fine white carpet covering the area around the large bed where bright green covers decorated the bed. [color=a187be]"You, can sleep here if you wish, or you can sleep in my room with me if you are not comfortable sleeping alone."[/color] As Fia listened to Livia's words ... she yawned. As the headmistress offered her an option, she looked back and forth in her mind. The desire to be alone and distant fought against the loneliness and cold of many nights being locked away. And ... did she trust this woman? Amber eyes rested on those of the headmistress, trying to read into them. The woman had stated she would reveal things later ... and hadn't done anything to cause fear ... but ... A minute passed ... and another ... and another ... It looked like the girl would fall asleep before she made a decision, caught between two evils. Seeing the girls indecision, Livia smiled softly. She didn't want to rush the girl, but it seemed like she was about to fall asleep standing up. Considering this girls disposition she was surprised she was considering it at all, but she didn't want to rush things and have the girl have another episode. [color=a187be]"Well, for now how about you sleep here?"[/color[ Livia said. [color=a187be]"And if you need anything at all, little one - I will be sleeping in the room at the far end of the hallway. I shall keep it open, just for you."[/color] For a second, the girl paused, and wondered if this was some sort of trap. After a few moments, she nodded, heading slowly into the bedroom and scanning the place. Like the rest of the place, it was decorated for a king, although this place was significantly smaller. Once her quick search was done, she lifted the sheets ... and smelled them. The girl blinked a few times, surprised by the fabrics softness and almost sweet smell. Then she climbed into the bed, laid her head on the pillow, curled up slightly ... The sound of soft breathing was the only thing remaining in the room after a few seconds. The exhausted girl had fallen asleep before being able to say 'good night'. Livia smiled, and said nothing. She closed the door to the room, though left it open just in case. After a quick word to one of the servants that was still up and telling them not to clean the room in the morning for fear of possibly startling fia, she went to her room and quickly fell asleep. [hr] For a few hours, the house remained in peaceful silence, nothing aside from the low creaking of wood in any structure. Just as dawn hit the sky and long before the majority of the houses people awoke, a scream echoed through the halls in such volume that the entire house would find themselves startled awake. Fia found herself awake, ambers wide, shaking in the comfortable bed she had slept in. Sweat poured from her skin and tears ran down her eyes. The Phoenix still had difficulty comprehending what she had seen in her sleep ... love ... darkness ... the death of thousands ... no, hundreds of thousands in the blink of an eye. The waves crashing down, the fall of home. The feeling of inescapeable, indescribeable loneliness as she wondered through the channels of life. Zaliki. Who was that? Why was she called that? Livia woke too, of course, and within seconds she had already gotten a dressed in a simple blue robe that would be enough to dress herself with for now, until it was time to get to work. A servant was already outside of Fia's room, obviously following instruction of some sort but she quickly waved him off and told him to to make some small breakfast for the two of them. She doubted either of them would be going back to sleep anytime soon. For fear of startling the girl more, Livia knocked lightly on the door, slowly opening as she poked her head into the room. [color=a187be]"Fia, dear? Are you alright?"[/color] The crimson haired girl stared downwards for just a bit longer, until she heard a knock on the door. Fia practically jumped, then looked around as panic set in. Where was she? That lady at the door wasn't her master?! Who ... who was that? Standing on the bed, she wondered why she was able to move. Did the mage forget to tie her down? A few soft words ran past her ears, but the girl didn't seem to pay them any heed. She grabbed a vase, ready to use it to defend herself. Obvious confusion went over her face as the girl gradually calmed down, and after a minute she was able to recollect a majority of the previous day's events. Of course. She had been removed from her master, and brought over to this school. This strange woman and her had made a deal. Eventually a stammering, quiet voice left the crimson haired girl, amber eyes looking towards the well decorated carpet. [color=salmon]"... n-nothing ... y-yes ..."[/color] Despite her usual timidity, it was easy to tell the girl was lying. Eventually, she placed the vase down where it belonged, returning it to the table. Livia chuckled quietly. Well, she really shouldn't be laughing but she always had found timidity somewhat endearing. She ignored the girls behavoir for the most part. Chances were she was still recovering from last night and had difficulty recalling everything at once, so there was no need to majorly worry about it. Instead, she walked into the room, quietly closing the door behind her and quietly locking it behind her. Livia walked calmly over to the bed, taking a seat on the edge of it - hopefully the girl wouldn't mind this distance too much. [color=a187be]"You know, its not good to lie, Fia."[/color] She said softly. [color=a187be]"If something is troubling you, its perfectly alright to talk about it. I can understand if you do not want to tell me, so if you are adamant about it I won't push it."[/color] She chuckled softly again, looking over to the vase. [color=a187be]"Perhaps you'd feel more comfortable telling your new friend there?"[/color] Fia realized she was still standing up on the sheets, and eventually took Livia's cue and sat down on the opposite end of the bed. Her face was flushed slightly as she realized how ridiculous her defensive items were. A book and a vase ... Of course, the headmistress wanted to know what was going on. Fia picked up the vase off the nightstand again, looking at it as she spoke. [color=salmon]"... Dreams .... Zaliki ...?"[/color] She wasn't a person of many words, and most likely neither the vase nor Livia would understand what she was saying. Still, she was curious if the headmistress knew anything. It was entirely possible though that this was part of their deal about her attending the school. The crimson haired girl wasn't quite sure. Zaliki?...she had no idea what that was. It sounded like a name. Perhaps Ancient Egypt in origin? Sounded Mesopotamian or at least around that area, perhaps. She had no knowledge to help Fia here, but now that the name had been brought up she would definitely do some research. Perhaps she could help with the dreams somewhat, however. It wasn't too much of a stretch to say the girl was likely having either nightmares from her time in captivity, or those relating to her previous life. She would need to ask and get a bit more information if possible. [color=a187be]"I can't say I know what or who 'Zaliki' is...but Dreams?"[/color] Livia replied, still speaking softly. [color=a187be]"What sort of dreams, if you don't mind? Nightmares about...your previous master?"[/color] The girl still looked towards the vase, spinning it slowly in her hands just simply to have something to touch. After a few seconds, she shook her head. As the years went by, they had gradually grown more coherent ... but still, the 'scenes' within them changes so frequently that they were hard to track. The quiet voice left Fia's lips once more. [color=salmon]"... No ... Bloodless Death ... Waves ..."[/color] Amber eyes looked over towards Livia, trying to see if she had any answers. So, dreams about her past life then. She didn't want to lie to the girl, but this did in fact pertain to the deal they had made last night. That said, she had no idea why dreams of her past lives would trouble her so. Certainly the Phoenix probably did some less than reputable things at times, but she couldn't fathom why they would distress her, but it wasn't important. [color=a187be] I will admit...I do have some knowledge of this."[/color] Livia replied, smile fading somewhat into a more serious expression. [color=a187be] "But...unfortunately it pertains to the deal we made the previous night, and as such I am afraid I am unable to speak of it in detail. However...I will say that perhaps in the coming semester that you will maybe grow to understand these dreams a bit. Until then...if you keep having these nightmares, please, do not hesitate to ask for my help, Fia. I will help you as best as I can."[/color] At this point the girl paused for a few moments. But a few precious seconds passed, and the girl realized that these nightmares ... they had been getting worse. Periodically something cheerful would come up, or something that made her feel ... strong. Usually though they rounded in a circle of pain, tourture, and heartache. They had driven her mad on more than one occasion, and even threats from her master couldn't calm her panic. Perhaps Livia had some sort of magical power? [color=salmon]"... help ...?"[/color] [color=a187be]"I certainly can. I am quite skilled with things relating to the soul. In some circles dreams and the soul are quite closely related."[/color] She replied with a friendly smile. [color=a187be]"Though...It will require physical contact for me to perform this."[/color] Fia blinked a few times, and cringed slightly at the thought. But this woman had bathed her earlier, and it hadn't hurt too badly. [color=salmon]"... contact ...?"[/color] The phoenix wanted Livia to elaborate. If something could help, she wanted to know what it was. [color=a187be]"Nothing too serious, Fia I promise."[/color] She continued to give her a gentle smile. [color=a187be]"Nothing intrusive. Just a small touch. All I'll need is your hand."[/color] Livia held out her own hand for Fia to take. Of course, if she could directly touch the girls chest or head, the process would be easier and much faster but it would do. Fia had let her wash her back easily enough, but it was clear she was still uncomfortable with it. After taking a small breath to gather her courage, the red haired girl extended her hand towards the woman. She wasn't sure what to expect, but she closed her eyes and tried to relax. However, her muscles remained tense. It was odd, she was willing to let someone mess with her soul who she was uncomfortable touching. After a second, the girl nodded. Livia gently took the girls hand in the palm of hers, and gently placed her other one over it. Compared to hers, Fia's hands were incredibly small, but also warm. Like a little fire unlike her cold ones. She was actually doing this for two reasons. For one, she really did want to help Fia with the nightmares. If possible she would love to do that. However...she also wanted to get a good look at this creature known as the 'phoenix' soul. So she would. She wouldn't do anything aside from observe for a few seconds, but with her skill a few seconds would be all she needed unless it was something incredibly complex. Livia closed her eyes, starting the process. As far as Fia was concerned, she wouldn't feel anything at all at the moment. Livia would suddenly feel herself pulled into a void by some unspeakably powerful force, as if god gripped her within his grasp, pulling her downwards into whatever abyss it felt like. A deep feminine voice would suddenly speak slowly, echoing against nothingness. "State your intentions, heiress." It's voice was not threatening, but rather ... curious. Almost amused. Well, that was interesting. Powerful voice aside, this was certainly...some sort of godly presence. Amusing...and also infuriating for her. This...nothingness. What was it? Something having to do with her Soul, most likely. Looking into the soul of the Phoenix certainly carried its risk but this was outside the realm of her calculations. [color=a187be]"My...this is interesting."[/color] Heiress? What did that even mean? She put her own questions on hold for now, though. The voice was far from threatening, but that didn't mean it wasn't. One always had to be on their guard against a being such as...whatever this was. She wouldn't let herself be fooled by some negligent god again. [color=a187be]"Heiress? I am curious as to what you mean by that...but I shall save that for later. My own curiosity of this soul aside, I am simply attempting to help a frightened girl to get a better nights sleep."[/color] If one could feel the cocking of a single eyebrow, Livia would feel it. Then laughter followed, becoming louder and louder and louder as if it sought to overwhelm the mind. The darkness suddenly cleared, and Livia would find herself suspened in an endless sky, clear blue extending for eternity in all directions. A large grey heron, wearing a strange egyptian crown flew before her. Two women appeared nearby, one with dark skin and the other almost glowing. A second later, the three were consumed by fire which threatened to overwhelm the invader. The fire eventually came into the form of a majestic bird with a wingspan easily over a hundred feet. "Help her ... sleep? Did she wake up early ...?" Either this was the worst alcohol induced dream she was having or something else was going on here. Livia honestly had no idea what was going on, but she kept calm for the most part. When the large fire, she went on the defensive, thinking this might be an attack by some otherworldly creature. Even when it turned into a giant bird, Livia was still on edge. It was obviously a holy being of some sort, and one she didn't entirely approve of. That Heron she saw was some sort of connection to Egypt. What, she couldn't be sure, but it was definitely a point she would make certain to remember so she could research more. [color=a187be]"I am...unsure what you mean by that. I just know she is having nightmares and trouble sleeping. Perhaps about her previous lives."[/color] A few seconds passed as the firey bird brought it's head in closer, it's beak ending within a foot of Livia's head. "... Your heart would not weigh well on the scales, but I shall assist you." The bird backed up to a more comfortable distance, before coutinuing to speak. "There is one solution you know of, and the other you do not. While she sleeps, maintain contact with her. Experience it in her stead, and inform her of what you learn. Do this well, and no nightmare will touch her. You are capable of this, at least in magical terms." Heart would not weigh on the scales? The scales that Anubis used to weigh the heart as described in Egyptian mythology? Interesting. She simply stared up at the bird, obviously still not intimidated, though her expression had changed to one of displeasure. She was frowning, eyes narrowed into a slight glare as it was becoming more and more obvious she was indeed, dealing with some sort of deity here. She was of course, not opposed to experiencing the dreams in her stead. It wasn't like she was going to be frightened by such a thing. However... [color=a187be]"Hmph. I care not for how some haughty negligent...[i]god[/i] judges my soul."[/color] She replied showing zero respect for the entity before her. Her own voice was arrogant, condescending, and downright rude. She cared very little should it decide to retaliate in some manner. She was quite certain she was capable of defending herself from it should it decide to have its selfish pride hurt. [color=a187be]"However, I am certainly capable of such a task...though it would be...somewhat difficult for me. I have already made a deal with the girl to tell her all that I already know after a certain amount of time has passed. Fia - the girl, has...had a rather difficult life until now. I would rather not go back on that deal as it might come off as somewhat suspicious, and I would rather not cause the girl any more undue stress. So if your deal is to immediately tell her these things, I will decline, creature. However, if you allow me to hold off on telling her until this time has passed...I will do it gladly."[/color] The creature, oddly, seemed to laugh slightly. A bright light from a sunless sky suddenly grew brighter, and whisps of sand billowed forth. "If you are honoring something with us, then I accept. Go forth, heiress." As Livia returned to the room, Fia's eyes would appear to be obviously fading from a bright light to her normal amber. A few seconds passed as she regained recollection of her surroundings. [color=salmon]"... what ...?"[/color] She hadn't experienced the vision, and instead had only seen and felt ... nothing. Not darkness, but the abscense of anything. It was as if time skipped, but she was aware of it's passing. It was rather obvious the girl was confused. Fia was not the only once to be confused. Damn these gods and their damnable playing around with mortals and damn their damn damn damn it... The fact that they thought they could play around so easily with the life of a mortal, or anyone really, was simply appalling. Her irritation and displeasure would only show for a few seconds on her face, however, as she was quickly brought back to reality at hearing Fia's soft voice. She cleared her throat. Well, at least she accomplished something here, if that thing could even be trusted, and she doubted it. No 'god' could be trusted. Not in the slightest. [color=a187be]"I have a solution to your dream problems."[/color] She replied with a friendly smile. [color=a187be]"Though, you may find the method a bit less than...desirable. You will have to sleep in the same room as I...and maintaining physical contact is also a must."[/color] The girl waited a few seconds, before nodding. To her, these nightmares were self-destructive, and maddening. She'd do anything to be rid of them, and if a little discomfort was the price she would accept it. Fia had contemplated commiting suicide more than once because of them. It seemed that was settled, and for once Fia gave off a slight smile of relief, a single hand running through her hand. Her daily tourtures were done with ... as were her nightly ones .... hopefully. [color=salmon]"... thanks ..."[/color] For a moment she wondered what would replace them, but she could not wonder for long. Livia smiled, in obvious relief herself. [color=a187be]"Excellent. Now, get up and get dressed!"[/color] Livia said with some excitement. [color=a187be]"Breakfast first, then I shall give you a tour of the campus before I get to work and [i]you[/i] get to learning reading and writing."[/color] The girl waited for a few seconds before nodding ... then a look of confusion went accross her face as she looked down at the nightgown she was wearing. She pointed towards it, truly not understanding. [color=salmon]"... dressed ...?"[/color] It was going to be a long day for Livia, with lots of one or two word questions.