Axtons lip twitched as he stood outside Fionas chicken enclosure, seemingly trying to hold back a smile. A few paces away, Tori stared at her nieces prized rooster with a neutral expression. Every so often, she heard Axton let out a wheeze or snicker.
Her eyes narrowed. Just let it out.
No, no. Axtons voice went up and down with barely controlled laughter. He was wrong to say it. A half snort, half laugh left him, and Toris eye twitched. Youre much...prettier than the rooster.
Tori snapped her head towards him and glared. He doesnt give complints often! Hes still learning!
Axton held up his hands, as if to calm her down. That may be so, but hes never compared to a farm animal before.
Tori sneered and looked back in the chicken enclosure, where Fiona was introducing terrified chicks to a regal gray cat. Thats probably because he doesnt want to complint you.
Axton inhaled a sharp breath as his amusent vanished. He has complinted before!
Example?
He said Im...well, there was that ti he said...actually, no. Once he...wait, that wasnt .... Axton furrowed his brows and looked out at the distance, as if questioning his entire life.
Tori had heard Piers complint and praise Axton before, but it usually wasnt when Axton was present. She watched Axton grow flustered, his cheeks reddening as he couldnt rember a ti. His face fell and Tori sighed.
He said youre a good big brother, rember? Tori said with a heavy breath. Axtons face lit up again. Tori shook her head and looked back into the enclosure. She walked towards the gate and flipped up the latch. Fifi, youve already fed them. You need to get ready for your trifecta reblessing.
Fiona perked up and nodded. She pointed to the fence. Alexander, go! The big gray cat sohow managed to not only jump onto the fence, but perch on the narrow wooden planks before jumping down on the other side. Fiona nodded, satisfied, and looked back at the chickens. Hemmy, Drumstick, Wing, Cutlet, Dumpling, Nugget, Your Royal Highness Prince Piers, Fiona said as she nad all the chickens. Ill be back in the afternoon. Santiago, watch your family.
She gave the rooster a look of warning before turning around and slipping through the gap in the gate that Tori held open for her. She then took Toris hand, swinging it above her as she led Tori back inside.
Nanny Rey t them in the outer hall and Tori handed Fiona off to her to get dressed.
The trifecta ceremony for Fiona and Robert would take place in the familys private chapel within the original Fortress. For small and intimate ceremonies, such as trifecta blessings, the chapel was used instead of going down to the Basilica.
Grandpa Sophos once explained that the chapel was used historically for trifecta ceremonies because the children were usually infants, and it wasnt ideal to bring them out of the safety of the Fortress. Slightly older babies also risked becoming upset in an unknown setting.
Tori, her brothers, her father, his siblings, and pretty much every child of a Guevera Marquis had their blessing in the chapel.
Since there were guests for the wedding staying at the Fortress, there would be more guests than normal in the chapel. It would be crowded, but luckily Fiona and Robert were older and wouldnt be bothered by all the faces.
Tori changed into a cerulean and damask dress that clinched at the waist. The skirt wasnt too large, and the sleeves were relatively loose. Her hair was pulled into an updo, and a gold and white lace mantilla was placed over her head and pinned to her hair to keep it in place.
Her friends were waiting for her outside her room, and they headed to the chapel together. Robert and Fiona had invited them to attend and were one of the few non-relatives invited.
When they got to the chapel, it was already rather crowded. Ilyana and the others took their seats towards the back while Tori went to sit with her family. Their OTuagh relatives were there and waiting patiently in the pews as Kasen stood behind Robert, who was standing with a crutch, and wearing a handso white suit, and Fiona, in a fluffy white dress with yellow accents.
Toris mother was kneeling beside Fiona, carefully pinning a small, matching mantilla with so embroidered chicks on to Fionas hair. Roberts mantilla was resting over his shoulders, and he would put it over his head when the ceremony started. All the Guevera and Sophos won wore a lace veil over all or part of their head, including Auntie Lucia. The n had them around their neck and tucked almost unseen beneath their collars.
Instructor Ignatius, who also wore a white suit as a godparent, wore one over his head, as part of the ceremony. If the ceremony was happening in Horizon, he wouldn't wear one. The practice had been lost elsewhere in Soleil, but noble n and won still wore them in religious ceremonies in Sur. Idunn also had one draped over part of her head as she spoke to the Archbishop.
Tori had worn one for her goddaughters trifecta ceremony, as her mother had told her to. Shed gotten a lot of complints.
Tori squeezed past Gramps talking to Grandpa Sophos, and stopped as she noticed who was seated at the end of the pew. Her eyes narrowed.
Why are you here? She didnt an to sound rude, but she really didnt know why Gideon was there. Piers, who was seated next to Gideon, could be explained as he was invited. Fiona and Robert knew Piers and even addressed him as uncle.
Gideon looked affronted. Am I not invited to this ceremony?
No, its for family and close friends. Gideons face fell at the implication that he was neither family nor a close friend, but Tori didnt know what he expected.
I asked Senior Kasen for permission to bring Gideon, Piers said. He wished to accompany .
And you let him? Tori asked with crinkled eyes.
Why is he in my seat? Axton appeared on the other side of the aisle and looked down at Gideon.
What do you an your seat? I got here first, Gideon said with a frown. And why are you here? Guevera said this was only for family and close friends.
Fifi invited , Axton said, as if it were obvious. Did Fifi invite you?
No....
Did Robi?
Gideons lips tightened into a line. No....
He has permission from Senior Kasen to co, Piers said. He looked at Gideon and then looked towards the end of the pew. Gideon sighed and scooted to the very end, allowing Piers so room to scoot over and give Tori so space to sit. Axton relegated himself to the row behind them.
Tori took her seat and a few monts before the ceremony started; Ava climbed on her lap as if it were the most natural thing to do. Tori held back a laugh. Ava mustve known that Fiona would be busy and couldnt occupy her ti.
The sound of a bell ringing from behind the sanctuary indicated that the ceremony was about to start. Those who were standing took their seats. Despite the fancy clothing, the trifecta blessing itself was rather simple. The Archbishop ca from around the sanctuary and waved around an incense holder before handing it off to Sebastian to hang. Usually there were altar boys and girls to help, but as this was a private family chapel, the duties fell on one of the family mbers.
Robert, Fiona, and Kasen sat on the left of the aisle while the godparents sat on the right. The Archbishop of Presidio opened with a standard prayer, then welcod everyone and told them what they were there for.
Then ca the blessing of fine quartz dust in a gold-plated bowl. Sebastian then picked up the bowl and followed the Archbishop to the front of the altar.
Robert Benedict de Guevera de Rivere. The Archbishop called the boys na and Robert carefully stood up with the help of one crutch. He stepped towards the Archbishop and bowed his head. Who is the godparent for Robert?
I am. Instructor Ignatius stood up and walked towards them, standing to form a triangle with the Archbishop and Robert.
The Archbishop dipped his finger in the quartz dust and pressed his finger over Roberts left brow, then slid his finger to his forehead and used his finger to write a character. Tori narrowed her eyes. She could feel a trace amount of energy moving. It had been the sa at her own goddaughters trifecta blessing.
Saphira, Goddess of Protecting the Ho, Family, and Children, blesses you to strengthen your bond with your family. The Archbishop dipped his finger in the quartz dust again and pressed it over Roberts right brow. Zoara, Goddess of Logic and Reason, blesses you to think thoroughly and without distraction so that you may make righteous decisions. He drew another symbol over Roberts head. These are the two gods your father has selected for you. Will the godparent proceed with their blessing.
Instructor Ignatius seed to take a deep breath and stepped forward. I am Benedict Arron Ignatius and to bless my godson, I have chosen Karsar, Goddess of Fortitude, so that you may always have courage in pain and adversity. He carefully drew a character on Robert's forehead.
The energy that Tori felt faded, but not before she saw a slight glow coming from her nephews forehead.
Blessed water was sprinkled around Robert along with closing prayer. Then it was ti for Fiona.
She seed excited. As soon as the Archbishop called her na, she jumped off the bench and scrambled up a wooden step stool ant to make her taller so the elderly Archbishop could reach her forehead without bending too far down. Fiona seed to try to remain calm with her little hands grasping the sides of her dress as big, sparkling brown eyes looked at the Archbishop.
The Archbishop chuckled and drew a character on her forehead. First was Saphira, like her brother. Then ca the second gods blessing and Tori could see a slight hesitation on the Archbishops face.
Kekorei, God of Dosticated Animals. The Archbishop drew the symbol. Blesses you to be compassionate and diligent to animals.
Fiona nodded with a glint of determination. And to beco a beast master, she whispered. It was almost unheard, but Kasen frowned.
Fifi.
And to beco a master and friend of beasts. The Archbishop just went with it and Tori gave him credit for doing so. Idunn stepped forward to bless Fiona.
I am Idunn Freyjadottir Nordursin and to bless my goddaughter, I have chosen Noasha, the Goddess of Creation, so that you may bring life to everything you do and everyone you touch.
Fiona gasped and her eyes widened more so. Like a necromancer?
Tori cringed and covered her face with her hand. This child couldnt figure out how to say sacrifice, but knew how to say and what a necromancer was? Was this her fault? Did she ss up Fionas early education?
Fiona. Kasens stern dad voice sounded, and Fiona stood up straight.
The final blessing was given, and the two children were presented to the family with their new trifecta blessings. Various mbers of the family and their guests ca to greet them, touching their heads to symbolize strengthening the blessings with well wishes of their own.
Afterwards, they had a large lunch in the dining hall and Tori noticed that Fiona was unexpectedly sitting in place. Furrowing her brows, Tori approached her niece who sat on the patio, staring blankly out at the garden. Ava, who was still following her, followed Toris gaze.
Shes suspiciously quiet, Cousin Tori. Did she get sick? Ava asked.
Im not sure...do you mind if we go ask if sothing is the matter? Tori asked, looking at her little cousin. Ava let out a low, resigned breath, but nodded.
I suppose so. It is the duty of a big cousin to check on a little cousin, she said benevolently. She went ahead of Tori and out onto the patio. Hey, she said as she stopped beside Fionas chair. Whats wrong with you?
Tori and several adults nearby winced at Avas choice of words. Fiona turned towards Ava. I dont know. She answered truthfully and Ava wrinkled her nose.
Are you tired? Tori asked as she knelt down. Do you want to go to your room and take a nap? She raised her hand and cupped Fionas cheeks.
Fiona shook her head. Auntie, I dont think I can do this.
Do what?
Fiona sighed, as if the weight of the world were on her tiny shoulders. I don't want to be a necromancer.
Tori stared at her for a mont with her lips in a tightline. ...Why do you think youll beco a necromancer? She supposed she had other questions to ask, or better yet, reassure the child that she, in fact, did not have the ability to raise the dead. But Tori wanted to know her nieces reasoning.
Robi said that necromancers bring dead things back to life and then control them, but I dont want to do that. The nuns said that sotis, its only when soone dies that they are at rest. Wont I bother them if I make them alive again?
Before Tori could wrap her head around her nieces concerns that shed be inconveniencing the dead, Ava let out a snort.
Of course, you wont bother them! The dead that co back to life cant feel things. They cant even think. They only follow the directions of the necromancer that summoned them, Ava told her confidently. Havent you read the guidebook?
Fiona blinked. I cant read well.
Ava shook her head with mild disgust. If you dont read, youll be ignorant.
Fiona looked at Ava and then looked at Tori. Tori sighed. Ignorant ans that you are lacking knowledge.
Oh.... Fiona looked down. I will ask Robi to read the guidebook again. She looked at Tori with uncertainty. Are you sure that I wont bother the dead?
Fifi, you cant raise the dead, Sebastian said behind her. He walked over and raised a brow as Idunn giggled beside him. Thats only sothing done in those fantasy gas. That cant happen in real life, so you dont have to worry about being a necro..person.
For a mont, Tori stared at her brother. Those are bold words from the man who resurrected the dead in the ga....
Fiona furrowed her brows and seed to think for a mont before hopping off the chair. Youre right. It wont happen.
Tori let out a sigh of relief. Good-
I wont let it happen. Nanny Rey says I have to have self-control. No summoning the dead. I can build my own army. With a determined look, she scurried back into the building, yelling for her father and shouting that shell make her own army.
Tori drew her lips inward. Beside her, Ava huffed, but nodded with satisfaction. Her hands went to her hips.
At least she has the right attitude.
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