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Post by Miska on Oct 16, 2015 17:10:16 GMT
There. Miska had survived his first night in this strange organization. The room he got to be his living quarter was not very large. But it was comfortable, with its own bathroom and windows which of course he kept shut all the night for his own good. The wind here was extremely evil. Yesterday she had a chance encounter with two interesting people, one so tall she could only look at his chin and the other with glasses who seemed decent enough. Faintly, she understood that the people gathered here were all with their own problems, although for now it was still a hunch rather than a knowledge. Still, maybe she would not be bullied too much here… That thought made him somewhat light, and he diligently cleaned his room before coming out for breakfast. But soon she found herself walking alone in the snow outside, her spirit dampened. This morning was Sunday morning, and she had prepared herself for the usual Service. However, after analyzing the vague answers she got from some staffs and studying a little of the compound map she understood that there had been no Services held, nor would there be any in the future. Miska was not an overly pious individual, but some things do calm her soul. And Sunday morning was one of them. All of her family regularly attend services. Miska was no exception. Unsure of what to do, he took the path once again to where the clearing with the dead pine trees were. He was not sure why but he probably would spend his time more outside than inside. His breakfast was still neatly packed and folded in an aluminium foil to keep it warm. He had found himself not very hungry this morning, and so decided to keep his breakfast until after Services. Who knew he would be bringing it with him now. Her walking took her to the once-familiar path, but by chance she arrived at a different place. A little further was a small bench covered in snow, seemingly having stood there for quite some time. Some marks on it smooth surface told Miska that someone sat here some hours ago, but the bench itself seemed forgotten. She guessed that one of the previous workers in Chaldea had put it there and then forgot it somehow. It was beautiful though, sitting proudly where there were only featureless snow around. Like a hallowed altar to an unknown Greater Power. And suddenly Miska had an idea. Excitedly, he unpacked his breakfast. There were an egg and some salads, along with two rather large slices of bread and a bottle of milk. White, good plain milk. It wasn’t the best but they might do. One by one she picked the bread and the bottle of milk and daintily placed them on the bench, after spreading the aluminium foil below them. She could not quite copy what she had in mind, but God forgave her if she tried. She didn’t have to, yes. But she tried. Packing her other foods back, she stood and walked two steps backward to see her work. ‘Only missing something, I think.’He looked around until he found a small twig buried in the snow. It was old and damp, and when he tried to use it to draw on the frozen bench the ice was too hard for the twig. It was ineffective at all. But that wasn’t a problem for Miska. “Improvements, begin.”
Soon, the makeshift altar was completed. There were two slices of bread and a bottle of milk to the side, will in the center was a crude cross carved into the ice. The morning sun shone one the offerings as if examining them one by one. Miska smiled a little. This was all she could do. No Father. No books. No instruments. Only her and her faith, born from “understanding”. Kneeling on the cold snow, his long mantle draped around him, Miska Kopparsvard brought his hand together and prayed. "Lord, we thank you for the night, And for the pleasant morning light. For rest and food and loving care, And all that makes the world so fair.
Help us to do the things we should, To be to others kind and good, In all we do, in all we say, To grow more loving every day..."*** Come ye faithfuls! (No one said a Magus can't have faith, right?)
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Post by godfreya on Oct 21, 2015 14:49:25 GMT
Godfreya recalled the night where she watched the snow rain. It was beautiful and reminded her a long of things. She didn't leave that night. She chose to stay in order to continue watching the snow. It was a rare spectacle for her which she should get used to. After all, she'd expect that it'd snow here a lot. Definitely a big difference when she was in Jerusalem. This place, although just a little, reminded her of home. She opened her eyes as she laid on top of a bed of snow. Servant didn't need sleep and they weren't affected that much by the weather. But, Godfreya chose to take a nap in this cold environment. Not due to homesickness or recklessness but for the experience of feeling it. She prayed a lot during that night and time did not seem to pass as she knelt on this soft cushion while reciting a sweet prayer. "What time is it?"She raised her body and gazed at the sky. She seemed to be unable to perceive the Sun's location but she can feel the heat. Looking around, she moved her head from left to right, hoping to see someone pass by, but to no avail. Eventually, she decided to stroll around before heading back inside and get a cup of coffee. As she passed by a clearing, she noticed a familiar red head that she met yesterday. She was on a prayer and Godfreya could discern that she was faithfully focused with the act. It was refreshing and admirable. To meet someone in this era that would pray and have such faith other than Godfreya herself, was rare. Although she was a magi, she seemed to possess faith. Which made Godfreya acknowledge her existence as " definitely not a heretic but someone I will get along with". She, as much as possible, quietly walked beside her and knelt as she too went into a prayer.
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Post by Miska on Oct 21, 2015 17:02:53 GMT
“…Amen.”With the making of a sign of the cross, Miska’s prayer was finished. It was short, not even including of The Word. For one he never did remember the words that the priest would say. And another he felt slightly ashamed having to substitute wine for milk. But his father once said that the most important of prayers is our remembrance to Him. So, he remembered Him, and by that he hoped that He would continue to protect him and all those dear to him. Unwillingly, tears formed at the edge of her eyes as she lifted her head and gazed at the 'altar'. There were fond memories of exactly this kind of activities, the memories that in Miska’s mind were always colored bright gold. But he was right: she definitely needed to start growing up. As he stood up, he felt a presence behind him. He turned around to find the charismatic lady from last night kneeling behind him, also deep in prayer. Her golden figure, with spotless armor and the sign of the cross proudly adorning her neck seemed so natural in that kneeling state, as if her whole image was made to fit the concept of “praying”. Gone was his irritation from last night. Gone was the patronizing act that wounded Miska’s pride before. Her solemnity, her solemnity only made all that worthwhile, even though her prayers sounded somewhat foreign to Miska, like an archaic version of his own prayer. So Miska stood there, transfixed, her eyes glued to the very perfect figure of a Servant of God. The expression in her eyes was of utter admiration. *** Godfreya so fits in this scenario! Blessing: godfreya
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Post by godfreya on Oct 22, 2015 2:52:10 GMT
Godfreya committed herself on a brief prayer. It was meant to give thanks for this day and for this moment. To her, every moment is a blessing from a God. Therefore, every moment should be given a part in one's prayer. After all, a prayer is not meant to seek favor from the Lord but rather to talk to Him. To listen to His sorrows, to His requests and in turn, you will be able to receive His guidance. It was her way of being faithful that she followed the moment she was born until her death.
"Amen."
She ended her prayer the same way how the person beside her did. She opened her eyes and suddenly felt that someone was staring at her. It was the young girl beside her. Realizing this, she glanced at the person and then decided to fix her eyes unto her. She was young. By Godfreya's estimation, she couldn't possibly over 20. Of course, there are people who you may appear different from what they actually are. Just like herself, although she looks so young, as she was summoned in her prime, she was over 20.
"Hello, little one. I apologize for intruding but I couldn't help myself in joining a prayer. It's a habit of mine."She addressed with a gentle tone. And then, her nose caught something intriguing. It was a smell of food. Egg, salad, bread and milk, these were common breakfast combinations for anyone. Godfreya suddenly felt reminiscing her past once again. The bread and egg she and her brothers used to fight over when they were young. "Hahaha. . .how memorable."It was a giggle like that of a little girl and it was made so loud that it would not have been impossible for the one beside her to have heard it. "Were you dedicating a prayer for this meal?"
tagged: Miskayes, she fits this scene quite nicely.
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Post by Miska on Oct 22, 2015 14:52:48 GMT
Again, Godfreya took her off guard. She was watching her in awe when the golden lady gently turned her head and smiled at her. Miska was about to answer when a thought crossed her mind. The lady might consider her to be impolite for blatantly staring at her like that. So, he shifted his gaze a little to her shoulder when answering. Miska was at his best demeanor in the morning, and now that he had seen Godfreya in a different light she didn’t seem to be the patronizing adult he once thought to be. She just might be a high-aired but caring big sister. “Good morning, lady Godfreya. I do not mind at all…. Please, do continue. Like Father Olaf said to me… umm… … … ‘The doors of The House of God are never closed to His Children.’ ”
And she said the last part while unconsciously imitating the said Father, complete with a clerical gesture and a priestly smile. But rather than being serious, it instead gave an almost comical effect. It was entirely out-of-place. Looking at Miska like this, one could not deny that deep down, she was just a little child. A bright, well-mannered child that sometimes let her childish side showed. Then, Godfreya asked whether he was dedicating a prayer for the meal. Another faint blush appeared in his cheek as he found himself embarrassed by the question. He shook his head in an almost panic denial. “I don’t –dare-, milady. This –this-“ she could not bring herself to say “Altar”, “-arrangement is nothing worthy for dedication to His name....”
Truthfully, he had done quite a good job. But the pressuring charisma of the golden lady made everything simply faded in comparison. The makeshift altar was for Miska reverted back to an old decrepit bench it was. Unlike last night, however Miska was in good enough spirit to find the fun side of the situation. She tiptoed to the bench and gently lifted the loaves bread and the bottle of milk on the aluminium foil. Then, she turned to Godfreya with a naïve smile, holding the things. Her gesture was sweet and pleasant, but it was also obvious that she was not joking in anyway. She was honestly roleplaying. “But I think I did it quite right, didn’t I? Umm… ‘He who eats my flesh...’ ” he lifted the bread, “ ‘...and drinks my blood...’ ”, and the milk was also lifted, “ ’...has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day…' ”
***
Now Godfreya can teach Miska the proper Catholic rites~ Tagging: godfreya
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Post by godfreya on Oct 23, 2015 7:27:28 GMT
"Was this Father Olaf the one who taught you that prayer?"
Godfreya curiously asked the young girl. It also gave her curiosity how a member of a family of magi obtained faith. Normally, it should be taboo in both ways to have faith and to practice thaumaturgy. If Miska wasn't the religious person she saw and knew she was a Christian while being a magi, she would have condemned her for heresy. "Oh, and please, do not call me Lady. It's. . . .an insult to my honor. I am a Knight after all."
Her mother would have loved hearing someone address her as Lady but that was in the past. In spite of her Mother's sorrow, Godfreya followed her heart as it was the just and righteous action to take during her time. Eventually, her mother accepted Godfreya's faith and entrusted Godfreya to God. Likewise, Godfreya doesn't and will never regret the choice she made. It was what made who she was after all. "Simply call me Saber or Godfreya, if you don't mind."She said with a gentle gesture. She then noticed the young girl to be embarrassed by the small food arrangement that she prepared to which she had dedicated a prayer to. To this, Godfreya replied with a smile and interrupted Miska's explanations with words of advice.
"Little one, even if you offer only a crumble of bread to God's plate, He will accept it. He will never reject anything that will come from us. He is forgiving. He is accepting. He embraces everything. Even those that had once rejected Him, He tried to embrace them, but in the end, the fools were left to themselves as they continue to forget His presence and glory. So do not be afraid to give even the tiniest offering to the Lord. I know He will be happy by it so long as. . ." She raised her hand and placed it on Miska's small chest. ". . .it came from your heart."
After a moment, she removed her hand on the young girl's chest and smiled at her as she recited John 6 verse 56 while imitating the scripture with the food she had prepared. Godfreya shook her head after she heard her asked her if she did right with the prayer and the verse. "You did, not quite right, but much splendidly."
tagged: MiskaOOC: Do you have skype?
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Post by Miska on Oct 26, 2015 17:15:05 GMT
“Father Olaf?” Laughter was in Miska’s bright eyes. She shook her head vigorously. “Oh no, Lady. Father Olaf never taught us prayer. He stood there” –she pointed at an empty space a few steps away- “on a tall structure” –with her hand she gestured something vaguely rectangular- “And talk and talk and talk. He talked about Hell and Judgment Day and Crusades and Islam and…and… many other things. Sometimes I wonder why he always seem so angry when preaching…” she tilted her head a little, her eyebrows raised slightly trying to imagine the face of Father Olaf. She stopped short of chuckling. “But no, Lady. My Father taught me prayers. He especially told me to-“But at that time, he stopped. He looked towards Godfreya and then back again with his usual downward gaze. His smile was apologetic. *** ". . .it came from your heart."
Thankfully, Miska wore a very thick outfit this morning. Last night she was originally wanted to train, so she did not wear very much protection. Besides, she had not the slightest idea how cruel the winter here in Chaldea Compound could be. But this morning she wore several layer of long-sleeved shirts and jackets, not to mention her usual cloak. She was so thick she actually thought she would roll and unable to stop if she were about to fall. So, when Godfreya, with her cold armor-plated fingers touched him Miska could feel nothing on him. And neither could Godfreya, except perhaps how thick the fabric covering his form was. His lips parted a little as if wanting to say something, but then closed again and he simply nodded in approval. *** “But I think I did it quite right, didn’t I? Umm… ‘He who eats my flesh...’ ” Miska lifted the bread, “ ‘...and drinks my blood...’ ”, and the milk was also lifted, “ ’...has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day…' ”
Godfreya shook her head. "You did, not quite right, but much splendidly."The small, simple praise seemed to do wonders to the child. He put the two sacred items back on the table with a satisfied smile. Truthfully it did not feel like the usual Eucharist…but who cares? The devout lady said he was right! He turned back towards Godfreya and hopped near her. She lifted her head. “Say, Lady- I mean, God- umm, Sir Godfreya?” she was obviously unsure of how to call her. The lady’s request conflicted with her formal upbringing, “If I ask about who you were in life, would you…would you be offended?”He was walking on a thin line here. Miska still did not understand fully how Servant would react about their identity. Or how they would take it on them. But the lady seemed kind enough. And she was a Christian, so Miska felt safe that he could take his chances. “I’ve never heard any Godfreya before…” she continued ponderingly, but then hurriedly added, “But-but I have not read much so I am sure I am wrong. I think I- But there are so many stories to be read! Maybe you are not in stories or- No! Of course you are in stories. You are famous so…umm…”
‘Nononononono. She must be offended that I do not know her history!’ Inside her mind, the Bossy Miska had already lined up all the other personalities and gave them scathing words for their incompetence. *** I like Miska this way~ Tagging: godfreya
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Post by godfreya on Nov 1, 2015 8:07:13 GMT
Godfreya giggled as she observed the young girl's reactions. She was really innocent in the heart. That side of her reminds her of her older brother Eustance who would appear snotty but was actually pretty gentle within. But, what really surprised Godfreya was the latter's curiosity. She asked her about who she was. That there had been no Godfreya in history. Hearing this, she let out a smile. It wasn't an annoyed one. Though, it wasn't a pleasant one as well. She had experienced this dilemma before but it was only natural. She had cross dressed as a man in order to fulfill her mission. That was one of the many sacrifices she made for her faith, for her ideal and for God. "No, I won't be offended. Though this topic is usually the one I dislike talking about, well, if it's you I'll give an exception."
Godfreya winked at her with a teasing expression. She found a liking when someone wanted to heart about her. Not exactly her but the man that was carved into history as her. Her true name in history was never revealed but Godfreya doesn't regret it. Normally, it would be an insult to anyone but for her it still contained pride. What was important were the actions and the needs but not the name. . .that was her belief. "I am indeed Godfrey of Jerusalem. Yes, I was that man. But, I was also Freya, a daughter of the Duke of Lower Lorraine. I took the name Godfreya upon my uncle's death and adoption. Though, it was supposedly Godfreya, it seemed they mispronounced it."
Godfreya narrated with a short giggle at the end. "I am a woman. During those times, a woman shouldn't wield a sword. A woman, especially a noble one, should act like a noble and be a virtuous wives to produce heirs and to increase political power. But, that wasn't my calling. That wasn't my ideal. God had chosen and had prepared me for something else."
As Godfreya told her story to Miska, she gazed at the sky with eyes so deep as if it was swallowed by an ocean of feelings. Even from an outsider's point of view, it would appear to them that Godfreya's eyes weren't there but looking at somewhere else. Somewhere far far away.
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Post by Miska on Nov 1, 2015 9:35:08 GMT
Miska was simply glad that the knight didn’t take offense at his question that he accepted the answer as it was. ‘I see. Godfrey of Jerusalem. Duke of Lower Lorra- Godfrey of JERUSALEM?!?!’Reflexively, Miska’s fingers crossed her shoulders and then her lips in a hurried sign of the cross. She even immediately assumed a bowed position with her eyes not at Gedfreya’s face anymore but down at the sole of her shoes. What was she thinking? She was facing a genuine Saint, a Knight of The Lord Himself! As she spoke, Miska’s initial jovial tone changed to one vibrated with awe and reverence. And a little fear. “G-Godfrey of Bouillon!” she gasped, not daring to move her gaze from Godfreya’s boots, “The First Crusader! The-the-the-the-the Advocate of The Holy Sepulchre!” Great. Now she was paralyzed with fear. “Of course I know about you, Lady- I mean- Sir- no! Lord! Your story is told in Sunday classes! Forgive me for being ignorant- I hope you will forgive me- But I could not have known! - I mean- I am sorry once again. I hope Sir is not offended?”
His eyes were glued to the ground, unable to lift his unworthy chin. So this was the man whose exploits Miska had read so many times. Who braved the infidel lands and established the Kingdom of Heaven in Earth. He was actually a woman? Miska almost felt betrayed by his history books right now. How dare they made him mistook Godfrey of Bouillon! Either way, she found that she was unable to look straight at Godfreya like before. They said The Holy Princeps was so hallowed that he could burn evil just by his gaze. Miska was full of evil (she suddenly realized) so surely she will be destroyed by God’s Wrath soon enough? “Forgive me, God,” she mumbled silently under her breath, “ I would not yell at Father again. I would not play with my utensils again. I would not make dolls by wasting cafeteria tissues again. I will Read more than once a week. Forgive me, God. Oh, forgive me for my sins…“
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Post by godfreya on Nov 1, 2015 17:12:24 GMT
Godfreya gigled as Miska reacted to her identity. It was a natural reaction from her. A surprise could only be gotten from anyone knowing such a person in the history of Christianity to have been a woman, not a man. It seemed her story was told among Christians. She was proud and happy about that. After all, she wished that people would follow her example of serving God with utmost without any vices. Sacrificing themselves for His will, and His righteousness, and receiving His blessings in return, those were what she had done throughout her life. She received knowledge that she became the symbol of chivalry after head death. The symbol of the perfect Crusader who stormed the walls of Jerusalem, took it from the enemies of Christianity, and defended it until her death. That was why she was so proud, not of herself, but the purpose and the result of her actions. God had guided her throughout her life as she had followed Him as well until her death. That's why for her, just simply knowing that people knew of her achievements, could bring her so much happiness. "By simply knowing who I am, it brings me great joy, Miska. Is it alright for me to call you that?"
Godfreya asked as she smiled at her. "I already introduced myself during that night. But, it seemed you have forgotten. Can you still remember? The request I asked you that night?"
She addressed her while smiling.
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