Ten years. It was hard to see it as being so long, and even harder to see it as some kind of triumph. Emmeryn had been just a child when she had been crowned Exalt, and she was still so young now. Yet here it was, her first jubilee. Bronze– the most meager of reign milestones, but since she had not been assassinated or executed as a girl, then really, it was quite a surprise.
It was traditional for the Exalt to seek blessings and formal prayers at one of the more prominent temples or abbeys before the grand celebrations began. Back in Ylisstol proper, there were preparations for a parade and small festival happening. Emmeryn had left instructions to keep it modest, she didn’t want a big to-do. Staying at the monastery required her to leave most of her usual traveling retinue behind. She couldn’t bring an entire squad of guards and ladies’ maids trampling through such holy grounds. The cloisters were meant to be quiet solitude.
Truth be told, though, she was glad to be here, mostly by herself, for a few days. It would be refreshing, and her personal guard was stationed in the small town just outside the abbey walls for safe keeping.
All in all, the prayer ceremony would take three days and three nights, she was told. First day to arrive and get settled, second day to begin the prayers and libations to Naga. Then one night of ascetic fasting and vigil kept. The third day would be the closing of the prayers, and then she got to sleep before traveling again, back to the castle.
As the process was described to her, she smiled and nodded attentively. Even though Emmeryn had already studied the process by now. He explained to her the ceremonies and then gestured to the monk standing to his side– a younger one of the cloisters, with long blond hair and modest braids. He looked rather nervous, a bit stern.
She stood from the chair she had been offered earlier at the introduction. He was to be her guard and personal attendant for her time here. It was generous of the monastery to provide her a guide.
She curtsied as the abbot told her his name, Libra, and left the room.
“It is an honor to meet you, Brother Libra,” she spoke in gentle sincerity.
He quickly blurted for her to follow him, and she nodded. “Oh, yes of course, I’m sure there is much to show me. I’ve always been rather inept at navigation.”
LIBRA was unsure if the glare the abbot shot him as he passed through the doorway was one of disapproval. He was well mannered, albeit anxious and soft spoken, but he didn't think he warranted any offense to be on the receiving end of such a stern gaze. Nonetheless, he was here now. The Exalt was kind and gentle-natured, just as he had expected. ( Though a sin, gossip was something that managed to slither it's way through these towering stone walls. It was DIFFICULT to turn his cheek when that was all he had heard for nearly a week, that so-and-so had seen Her Grace here or there, and that her smile was enough to ease the worries of a starving man. )
HIS role in the upcoming sermon was simple. The rites that had been prepared for him were ones he had studied METICULOUSLY since the week of his own arrival. If he wasn't mistaken, he had even heard the words uttered from his own mother when her hand wasn't across his cheek. This was the tongue of thanks, and contextually speaking it was spoken incorrectly by the common folk, portioned in a manner so that it was nothing more than a thanks for items of NECESSITY. The entire prayer was lengthy, recorded by hand for generations until it finally made its way to the printing presses loaned to the abbey. It was, perhaps, the only reason the ceremony was as lengthy as it was.
“ You needn't thank me, Your Grace. It is my honor to serve you for the duration of the event. ”
THE smile that crossed his lips was small. How odd that the Exalt, in the company of a lowly monk, should admit her own follies. He was not trained to respond to idle chatter, only the formalities necessary when it came to escorting Her Grace throughout the premises. A small chuckle rose from his throat, and he covered his mouth with a closed fist before bringing it down to his side. How… ODD. He hadn't expected his anxieties to dwindle as swiftly as they had.
“ The abbey is large, I'll admit. I'm sure you'll be able to navigate this humble abode in no time. ”
WITH that he beckoned her forth and exited the abbot’s bureau, leading her along the exterior quadrangle. Despite being a housing place for clergyman, the garth was taken care to be planted symmetrically at every corner. It was meant to be a meditative space, and served it's purpose well.
“ The abbot has prepared a room for you adjacent to his own chambers. If you would prefer, Your Grace, you can rest before we go on. ”