Chapter 153: Black And White, Lights (1) (1/2)
The next few days were a blur for Vivian Lex. As the head of Mystic Tower she had a plethora of things to deal with. Aside from Zero's weighty words, she also had to consider the fate of Guiding Light Chapel. In the end, the chapel was disbanded. This was according to the wishes of the last surviving member, Dealla.
”I don't think I have what it takes to be a leader. Besides…” Dealla said as she stared down at the pendant in her hand, ”there's nothing there for me anymore.”
Vivian offered the dragon-kin a place at Mystic Tower, but she also declined. Seeing that there was little else to be done, Vivian offered her a place to stay until Dealla got on her feet. She then turned her attention to settling affairs of the departed.
It would be three days later when everything was finally sorted out.
A loud knocking at Agni's shared room alerted her to the fact that it was time to go.
”Are you guys ready?” She said as she looked herself over one last time in a nearby mirror. Instead of her usual garb, adventurer's gear or casual wear, Agni was dressed in black and white.
*This is my first time wearing a dress. I have mixed feelings.*
This was something new to Agni as well, emotions. Layers upon layers of feelings that mingled with one another, twisted up and required constant untangling. Today there was a mix of melancholy, sadness, anxiety and strangely enough pride.
*I look good.* She thought as she ran her fingers along the fabric of her two toned dress. Even her hair was done up, elegantly in princess ties which held her hair well. Despite the self admiration she also felt...guilty. For even thinking such a thing, given the situation.
Her makeup was another matter. In the end, she had to rely on Katrin to apply it. Black lipstick, crimson eye shadow made her look more bewitching than usual. It was delightfully dark -- and she liked it.
”Yep.” Shula said, in response to the earlier question. Agni gave her appearance a once over as well. Today she was also draped in black and white. Unlike Agni's more sleek, form fitting dress which reached to just above her knees, Shula was wearing something more different. Her dress was mostly black, with white frills along the edges. A single white ribbon tied around her neck accentuated the style. Shula's normally unruly hair was styled into a ponytail which made it appear much shorter than it actually was. Katrin also took the liberty of doing something simple with Shula's makeup, mirroring Agni's as well.
”Mhm.” It was Katrin's voice, she sounded less chipper than usual. Distant even, as if she had something pressing on her mind. Agni could relate. By contrast to Shula and herself, Katrin was wearing mostly white, a modern style all in one dress, sleeveless which reached down to her ankles. Her shoes, and several other stylish adornments on the dress were all black. Aside from this, she wore a pair of black satin gloves which extended just above her elbows. A white hat further accentuated the look -- complete with a black veil that hung downwards. Due to Katrin's natural shape the outfit was quite alluring. Rather than dark makeup, she simply opted for lipstick. Simple, elegant and water resistant.
It would be sexy, if not for the occasion.
After a brief pause, a few more raps across the door were met with an answer. Three women stood within the room, facing Vivian Lex, though two of them averted their gazes for various reasons.
”Yea. We're ready.” Agni said as she offered a smile. Vivian too, was also dressed for the occasion. She wasn't heavy on make up either, and her style of dress was more traditional. She wore a long length yukata, black with white floral design. Her hair was done up, held in place by a black and white floral accessory that doubled as a hair pin.
The Doyenne led the way to their destination. She only made two other stops, the door across the hallway and another room nearby. With everyone in tow, they made their way out of the chapel. Their destination was central Grenvale, to be specific the town square.
As they walked there wasn't much to say, the mood didn't allow for it. Agni ventured a glance at each of their expressions, while the others were lost in their own thoughts.
*I wonder what Shula is thinking about?* She thought inwardly, and then realized it was the only time in recent memory that she wondered such a thing. Shula's thoughts were usually so apparent to Agni. Today all she felt was a lingering sensation of sadness.
Soon those gathered people were joined by others, all dressed in varying degrees of black and white. Some seemed more talkative, others despondent or distant -- but all headed towards the same place.
Soon a small gathering grew into hundreds of people packed into the square. Agni and the others managed to arrive early and thus had a better view than most. This particular place was one she'd passed dozens of times. Whether to visit the General store or traveling to Sprim Row, she never really paid much attention to the strange statue in the town square. Until now.
A familiar face stood next to the statue, along with several others. Sypha, a Light Weaver she'd first met at Mystic Tower, was among them. He was dressed in black and white as well, mostly black with a suit that resembled something you'd see at a funeral.
*Ah. I used the word.* Agni thought to herself.
She nodded, acknowledging his presence and he did the same before Agni continued processing her thoughts. Her eyes were drawn to the statue once more. It was large, so large that it could almost be called a monolith in some aspects. It was made of stone, with a large base and near the top a hollowed, circular hole. Along the length of the statue were various etchings, now that she looked closer. The area around the statue had several smaller statues which she recognized as shrines.
”Ah!” The sound of Shula's voice caught her attention. This, followed by the imp hitting the ground as she was knocked over, caused Agni to redirect her full attention.