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Sneak Peek
🕑 Added 2024-02-08 17:36:05 +0000 UTC"Where did you learn?" Hadrian leans in with his elbows over his knees to peek at her work. "Your craft, I mean. You didn't just take it up from your grandmother."
Salina stops mixing the green paste to slowly raise her head at Hadrian. Candle-light dances on the whites of her eyes and glints off the relief of her scars.
Hadrian, almost uncharacteristically, doesn't heed the warning of her stare. He doubles down. "I wasn't sure before, but, uh. I had my guesses. But now this" — He gestures to the stacks of dry herbs above your heads. "— this confirms it."
Hadrian's words have a weight to them. You realize there's more to what he isn't saying than what little he is.
You cannot see Salina's expression. "Pain and suffering are the kiss of God," she speaks, the tone lower than a whisper and filled with something you can't yet name.
*(if Low Religion)
The words make no sense, but Hadrian seems to have found his answer. He nods and settles back down, face grave, but you spy a pleased twinkle in his eyes.
1) "Hadrian?" you ask, puzzled. "You understood that?"
2) You click your tongue. "Someone mind filling me in? Or is speaking in riddles the new craze?"
3) You say nothing.
4) "The hell does that mean?" you gruff out.
5) You laugh. "Then the Lord can keep His lips to Himself."
- - -
The group is ready. Lance is at the door, blue hair clinging to his wet forehead. Alessa is right behind, scowling at the sky, and Hadrian rests his wrist on the pommel of his sword as he watches the awakened market.
The bard's eyes meet yours. "Coming?"
You would. The problem is, you told a golden-haired guard that you'd meet her at a secluded garden.
-
*if Clues true
And she has a lot to answer to.
*if Clues false
And you're already late.
*choice
1) "Go ahead," you say, keeping back. "I've got a promise to upkeep."
2) Vallen be damned. "Yes," you answer, moving to follow. "Let's go."
Comments
Allie
That’s pretty much what I was getting from that sneak peek as well. There seems to be an understanding between her and Hadrian that implies she was involved with the Church in some capacity.
Warpotato
My guess as to what Salina means is something to do with the Church. The way Hadrian seems to have a glimpse and her quote “Pain and suffering are the kiss of God” have me thinking she was owned by the Church, much like Hadrian and Lance I think she was a holy healer who became disillusioned with the Church. Or, if we take the more interesting route (imo,) she was a flagellant, someone tasking with inflicting pain to release the burden of sin, and healed them afterwards, either to repair or to continue
AndrasteN7
What Nessy just said has got me thinking too now🤔 What Salina says, is somewhat close to what mother Teresa once said. She said "Pain and suffering have come into your life, but remember pain, sorrow, suffering are the kiss of Jesus — a sign that you have come so close to Him that He can kiss you" is this in order to draw a parallel between the two? Salina certainly gives off Mother Teresa vibes. Caring and healing everyone. Or is this just a coincidence that Ana had someone like Salina say that? The silent understanding between the two is the only certainty. Also, I wonder what an MC with high religion will think/understand and in general make of this exchange 🤔 maybe that will help us understand this a bit better?
Nessy Lovegood
Ok I'm re-reading this again trying to figure this silent understanding between Salina and Hadrian. I always love that you put things such as these little mysterious unsaid riddles between certain people. It makes me like to guess. Uh for some reason a quote comes to me it's from George R. R. Martins first GoT book "A Song of Ice Fire" "you either play the game of thrones or you die." ~Cersei Lannister
AndrasteN7
Salina? Are we going back to further treat the cheek wound? Ana please tell me I didn't mess up by cleaning up the wound in the demo. I thought it would be a good idea to keep it clean. I don't want the scar to be too prominent 😭 is there a guide on how to do that?🥹😂
Anathema
That's not what happened. He was saying her skills wouldn't be learned from a grandmother or someone else who takes care of you. She learned them from elsewhere
Nessy Lovegood
So Hadrian leanred his tutelage from Salina's grandmother? Eep I can't wait to read the chapter!!!! I'm currently drawing Hadrian and my Romanus dancing in my HC at the ball..... Most of my drawing references is oh that's Hadrian and Lexi! Oh wait no that! No that!!! I have a ton of drawing references that I intend to use for Hadrian and Lexi.....
