Achilles, a child of only twelve, stands at the doorway to the Swans quarters. A shadow, capable of making his way through the halls of the house as though he'd grown up here, of going by so unnoticed that it was almost natural to belong. Through his blurred vision, marred by a screwed up expression, and pain stricken features, he can just about make out a figure stood in the hall. There's long hair, a blurred facade -- is it mother? -- and what he can just about make out to be a cheshire grin ahead of him. “ This place is wrong, Gaya. I don't understand it but something is happening to . . . ” The back of a cotton sleeve arm rubs across his face, smearing the blood leaving his nose across his own cheek. But it's not Gaya who stands before him, it's the twin, with her permeating stare, and obsession with studying him. How could he have confused them? What was wrong with him? He's always known that she watches him. On many occasions he's noticed her studying his behaviour in contrast and comparison to the others, his reactions to the situations they are placed in throughout training and beyond - and he knows she's studying him even now. He knows he shouldn't have said a single thing, but Achilles doesn't feel fear. Achilles doesn't recognise any emotion of his own. He blinks, expression once again blank, all traces of pain hidden behind cold eyes. It's almost Schrodingeresque, he both knows they've done something to him, but he also can't know, and so he doesn't. “ ... shouldn't you be out with Headmistress Libitina? ” ( A treat for Kaeleena, aka the one (and only) time Minwoo had a strange breakdown as a child - prime Kaeleena diary material. )
Kaeleena tilts her head slightly, the movement slow and deliberate, as if she is savoring the encounter. Her eyes, a contrast to Achilles' lost gaze : a mix of curiosity and something deeper and unsettling. “Achilles,” she begins, her voice a silk whisper that cuts through the air. Her smile widens, but it doesn't reach her cold eyes. “Headmistress Libitina and I have different priorities today. Buy my oh my. My sweet... Are you feeling quite alright?” Kaeleena’s gaze is indeed studying every flicker of his expression, every subtle shift in his demeanor. The words he spoke are disturbing to her : this is a first for him. Where is it coming from, a memory? A feeling? Perhaps a trigger then, what was it? This is such a treat that the white swan is willing to ignore the insult of Gaya being the one he was actually calling for. She reaches out, taking a step to meet him, bending, her eyes softening. "Let us get you cleaned up, yes?" She gently offers, her hand warm and steady, guiding him down the hall. Her smile is kind, motherly even, as she leads him toward the nursery. Inside the nursery, Kaeleena moves with ease, where she helps Achilles to lie down on one of the bed, her movements smooth and reassuring. “You can relax.” she instructs. Then, she gathers a cloth, dampening it with warm water, then dabbing at the blood on his face. As she works, she hums the soothing tune of a lullaby she has written herself, her eyes never leaving his features. The act of care is actually genuine, her attention focused entirely on his well-being. Mother Libitina has told Kaeleena no less than a year ago that she wanted her as her successor - Libitina warmed the young swan : the road will be long until she is fully ready. A Mother Supreme cares for her swans and crows, a Mother Supreme tends to them, a Mother Supreme heals them. And well, Libitina knew Kaeleena inspired more fear than reassurance, Kaeleena knew she had to work on that for, in 10 years from now, become the perfect Headmistress Kaeleena. “You’ve had a long day, haven’t you, my dear?” Kaeleena’s voice is tender, brimming with empathy. She lets the silence fills the space, she lets him slow and calm down. “Being a Crow of Delivrance is an honor, as is being a Swan of Misericorde. Yet both roles are demanding, carrying the weight of our legacy, us, the chosen ones. The responsability is heavy, I know... I understand.” Her fingers brush his hair back from his forehead, as it got in the way. “But you must know, this house is your sanctuary, the place that will always welcome you, even when the prophecy of a new world comes to pass,” she continues, her tone probing yet casual. “I often found myself wondering : am I truly worthy? Worthy of being chosen, of being saved by the Church of Misericorde, rather than being left to the disastrous fate I should have suffered if nobody came for me? Me and Gaya, both. We have both been left to die in the cold by the Biological Monster who gave birth to us.. " A silence again. Her eyes following the cloth she washes in the water now. " When I was younger, all these questions lingered, casting a shadow of doubt, making me feel out of place, undeserving. It ended up making me feel bad, and lost. I had faith though, and trust, in Headmaster, in Mother, in my sisters... I had faith in the meadows, in the sun that rises above my head, in the food I have in my plate every day. That faith made me understand that yes, I am exactly where I am supposed to be, in my home, with my family." Kaeleena’s movements are gentle as she finishes cleaning his face, her expression contemplative. " A nosebleed is typical of the summer season, it is a natural reaction to the air turning dry and you have been exposed a long time, probably thinking a lot, Little Sir. I believe we all grapple with existential questions. I have told you mine. What have been yours, Achilles? This place, why would it be wrong for you?" Her eyes search his, seeking any flicker of understanding. She maintains her caring facade, her smile warm and encouraging. “I’m here to help.”
