[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/yxK9VOX.png[/img][/center]
[sub]Location: Walking about Town[/sub]
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Céline’s heart felt like it was bursting out of her chest, the feeling further exacerbated as Orion’s footsteps fell in tandem with every other beat. The man had listened to her passionate tirade with quiet contemplation and as he stepped forward Céline felt something different about him. He continued to wear his face still as stone, but something seemed more lax in his posture, as though she wasn’t perceived as an uncertainty any longer.

“[color=#0054a6]You don’t sound terrified.[/color]”

Her eyes widened at his unbidden commentary, not entirely sure of how to respond. Orion seemed like the type to carefully choose his words, but just now they came across unabashed and honest. Her cheeks felt flush, her face suddenly feeling hot under his gaze.

Her eyes averted from his, but her smile remained just as soft, [color=60cf11]“I suppose it’s difficult to feel afraid when I have such an understanding guardian by my side.”[/color] Céline’s words flew out just as honestly, she felt at ease around him, this calming moor amongst a tumultuous sea filled with fear and regrets, sorrow, joy and anger, all the colors of the rainbow. 

For months she’d been under scrutiny by those around her, wary eyes and stern hearts were what she was used to. Where she had expected slammed doors and freezing winds, she was greeted with the kindness of Priestess Tingara who stressed daily in her attempts to ensure Céline was comfortable. Where she had expected scorn and words of blasphemy she found an avid pupil in Aurora. Where she had expected rejection and expulsion, she had found a man with an open heart and mind. Orion had listened to not just her words but the meaning and origin behind them and now he was putting his trust into her.

He believed her to be brave, he was willing to vouch for her ability to live here, it was time to return the favor and put her faith into him.

Céline breathed deeply, [color=60cf11]“I appreciate your candor, Orion and your willingness to put your trust in me. I know this isn’t the final hurdle, but I hope not to disappoint you,”[/color] her eyes softened, lids lowering just slightly, [color=60cf11]“which is why I feel I need to reciprocate that honesty in kind.  I didn’t just arrive here today, I came just before the storm had set in…”[/color]

Céline explained the events of the past week, how she’d arrived at the temple of Aelios, how she took a moment to appreciate the springs, how the void of negativity from that woman caused her to almost do the unthinkable. She also told him of the kindness of those there that day, how Tingara had taken her in and housed her during the storm. Briefly she spoke of Gadez, hoping the incarcerated man was being treated well, though she couldn’t offer much insight on him. She then spoke of her abilities…

[color=60cf11]“I’ve only been a blightborn a few months now, my abilities allow me to sense the emotions of others and use that sense to… help replenish myself. For the most part I’m able to control myself, pick and choose emotions like they're grains of rice. It..is not satisfying, but it’s what I do to survive,”[/color] the words felt bitter on her tongue, she felt like a hypocrite saying them. [color=60cf11]“Depending on the intensity of the emotion, I feel a stronger pull towards it, which is why that woman felt like such a beacon to me,”[/color] she closed her eyes, remembering the abject terror on the woman’s face just before she lost consciousness, [color=60cf11]“I hope I can see her again, I’d like to be able to apologize…somehow.”[/color]

Her eyes returned to meet Orion’s, [color=60cf11]“I can fully understand if you reconsider your stance, however I’m still willing to live here and if I do I’ll certainly do my best to gain control over these…urges.”[/color] Céline smiled, feeling much lighter than before. Whether or not Orion changed his mind, whether he allowed her to stay or exiled her, she could at least know she had the confidence to not hide the truth about her. [color=60cf11]“If I may, though, I do have an unusual request. I did not know the guard who died, but if it’s all the same I’d like to go and pay my respects. I don’t want to take up all of your time though, I’m sure being advisor to the prince has its multitude of duties.”[/color]
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[sub]Interacting with Orion [@Qia][/sub]