Welcome

You feel someone push on your back and order you to move. The room smells of incense and it is dimly lit. It makes you feel uncomfortable but the guards are blocking the exits. You look towards each door and feel the walls are closing in on you. You have to escape.

Don't be so shy. You're a priestess you have to dance for the royal court. His voice is soft and soothing but there is an edge of pleasure in seeing your nervousness. You look up to see a kyrii sitting on a sea of cushions, his golden fur is glistening in the dim lighting of the lanterns. He gives you a smile that makes your cheeks bush. He is handsome and it is clear he knows it.

Yawn. Well this is getting boring. Either dance or leave. I cant stand waiting. He motions for a door to be opened you quickly seize your chance and take off towards it. Just as your feet are almost out of the room he speaks.

Oh before you go. See that? He points to a vase of white and gold. I own it. You gulp, not liking where this is going.

See way past the horizon, I own that too. He points out a window as your eyes gaze out over the desert dunes. Wondering how far away you really are from home.

Now take a look at your hands. You gaze down at them a little confused as you hear him get up. You feel him coming closer until he is behind you. He places a hand on your neck. And this, I own it as well. So either dance or not have a head in the morning!

coming soon stats

The Shinto Priestess

Ahhh this water is freezing! Who made this bath? The young kyrii's light blue eyes look around the room until they have narrowed down on an old frail aisha woman. She collapseese to the floor at his feet.

Oh, please, Young Lord forgive me! I shall draw a new bath for you at once!

I should have you beheaded for such a costly mistake. He raised his hand over her head as he watches her shake and cower in fear. But, I am feeling kind today, so I shall grant you a pardon. Just see to it is never happens again.

Oh thank you my Lord, you are so gracious and kind.

I know, I know, said the boy as he shook his head from side to side. It had been another boring day of studies and training to be Sultan and as much as he enjoyed the power he held he was tired of the same thing day after day. He needed excitement and adventure, no he needed something new to entertain him. Craning his neck towards the door he saw a young acara lad bow and approach him.

Your father has asked for your presence tonight at dinner. The generals will be talking of your future as the leader and the priestess with be dancing tonight.

Jerimiias groaned at the thought of having dinner with those old fools. You have got to be kidding me. Tell him I am not going.

But, My Lord, the Sultan is asking for your personally.

He can ask all he wants. Tell him I am not going. Now get out of here. I need to wash. Those stupid generals worked me like a dog today. Jerimiias said as he stuck his toe in the water. It was warm and soothing, now he just needed the servants to leave him be and all would be right with the world.

Knowing there was no way he was going to win the acara boy bowed his head and quickly scurried down the hall to deliver the message to the Sultan. Jerimiias watched the silly child round the bend and run right into poogle girl. Papers, scrolls, and leather bound books flew from her arms and landed all over the marble floor. Feeling dazed the acara quickly said he was sorry and ran off leaving the girl to clean up her own mess.

You would think people would be nicer in the palace but no, they wont even help a young girl. Don't you agree Anwe. She felt the little pet bird that was perched on her shoulder curl up and nuzzle her cheek. She continued to pick up her items until she she felt that she was being watched.

So, who might you be? The girl jumped back startled on seeing Jerimiias leaning against the wall. Had he been there the whole time. She could feel her heart racing as he moved a little closer. Suddenly he was right in her face as he reached over her and picked up one of the scrolls.

I have never understood the importance of these old artifacts. But you might? He waved the scroll in her face taunting her to reach for it. She looked up at him with her golden auburn brown eyes that showed confusion but also power. He licked his lips, those eyes made him nervous and excited. This girl was just what he needed to get his mind off is mundane royal life.

He watched as she reached out to snatched the scroll with such quickness and grace that it startled him, but he was faster. He moved it behind his head and stood up as he waved it over her. She crossed her arms, but not in contempt or annoyance but in a shy coquettish manner. Her fur was a burnt red and light tan tattoos detailed her body. Her hair was dark brown and it was pulled back in a pony tail and he was utterly smitten. He reached out and grabbed her arm, she tried to pull back but he was much stronger. My you sure are a cute one. Most of the Shinto's are really homely but you have a nice face on you. She felt her cheeks flush as she looked down at the ground. He knew he was having too much fun playing with her, but he could not help himself.

Ever since he was a youngster his father had warned him to stay clear of them. The Shinto Priestess. They were very powerful religious beings, each one was meant to care for the house of one god. He had always been fascinated by them, for they lived in a hidden part of the palace. He had tried many a time to find them but he always seemed to end up right back where he started, as if he their was an enchantment placed over him to loose his bearings. He was unsure who this one was looking after, but he knew it had to be a powerful one, that look in her eyes was unlike anything he had seen before.

Sahyu? Sahyu are you here?

Jerimiias turned around to see a silver grey faced lupe walking over to them. She was wearing a deep rich blue dress and she wore the same air of enchantment and power as the girl. But no sooner had the lupe seen Jerimiias her expression changed to one of horror. She stopped in her tracks and looked around hoping no one else was seeing what she was seeing. Sahyu tried to pull her arm away from Jerimiias but he was not willing to let her go. Suddenly something flew at him. The little bird on Sahyu's shoulder flapped its wings distracting Jerimiias long enough for Sahyu to pull her arm away and take off running towards the lupe.

Coming Lady Gella. she called as Jerimiias turned to see Sahyu vanish from his sight. He was both annoyed at himself for loosing and also pleased that gripped tightly in his hand was a scroll. He knew he would see her again.

The priestess said nothing and just continued to collect her belongings. Jerimiias cleared his throat and tried again.

But up in a hidden part of the palace Sahyu was hoping she would never see him again. What in the world were you doing Sahyu? He is the Sultan's only son and heir to the throne of Evoi. You must never talk to him. It is forbidden that the Shintos mingle with the royals. Only when they call for our aid are we given the ability to speak to them. Gella said sternly as she place bells on Sahyu's ankles.

I never spoke a word to him. Sahyu desperately tried to explain but Gella did not give her the chance.

Never the less I saw the way you looked at him. Don't even consider it. He is already given to another and if you meddle in royal affairs you tongue will be the last thing you will have cut off. Gella's made a slicing sound as she place her hand at her neck.

Her words made a cold shiver take over Sahyu's spine. It was true, if a Shinto spoke or was seen speaking with a man of the royal family they would have their tongue cut out. It was a horrifying thought to loose ones ability to sing or speak or even communicate but that was the price one paid for breaking the rules.

The Dance of Fire

Later that night the Shintos were ordered by the Sultan to dance in front of the court and the generals. Only three were given the opportunity. Amam, Gella and Sahyu. It was only because they were the youngest Shintos. Amam was a lupe in her late thirties, Gella was exactly thirty and Sahyu has just turned sixteen.

Here let me put these one. Gella started to placed a set of round gold earrings on Sahyu's ears. Sahyu's heart was racing as Amam brushed her hair. It was clear Amam had a great dislike of Sahyu but because she was the youngest it was necessary for her to look her best.

No Gella she looks better with her hair down!

Absolutely not. It will be in a ponytail. I don't want her too aluring. Gella said as she eyed Sahyu who tried to avoid her gaze. It was true Sahyu did not look like the other Shinto's she had grace and poise of someone who could be allowed to sit at the royal's table. This is what made Gella nervous.

Shinto's are you ready? Sahyu looked up to see a tonu dressed in a white tunic with a red sash. The Evoi Imperial crest adorned his chest. He smiled at Gella who bowed her head as she looked back at Sahyu and handed her a golden red cloth, that was meant to symbolize the fire power Sahyu held. Gella's was white because she moved the winds and Amam's was blue because she manipulate water.

I think you gentlemen will agree that the Young Lord's horseback riding skills have certainly taken off and his ability to fight is truly that of the master class. You should be proud my Sultan. One of the Generals said.

What sort of drink is this? The Sultan muttered as he sipped from a golden goblet. He seemed uninterested in talk of his son.

I believe it is from the new grape vineyard that we just amassed in Tugan.

Oh yes. This must be a gift from the Emperor. I believe he is seeking your hand Jerimiias. The Sultan laughed as he smiled at his son, but Jerimiias paid no attention as he nibbled on a roll of bread. He was still unsure why he had chosen to accept his father's invitation. But when he caught the glimpse of a red fabric flutter in the entrance way to the great hall he knew why.

Oh looks like our new Shinto has arrived. I hear she is the Priestess of Articoal. Jerimiias seemed completely in his own world as he picked up an olive and mashed it between his fingers. The world of wealth and power fit his appearance perfectly but he was tired of hearing about Emperors and Dukes wanting their daughters to nonchalantly visit Evoi. Yes, he would have to choose one, one day but not now. Now he was only interested is something new and foreign to him.

Gella squeezed Sahyu's hand telling her not to even consider looking at him, it was a hard task, seeing as he was the only one that would not look up from his meal. Yes, he was going to make her think he did not know who she was, it was an evil trick and he knew it would annoy her.

Quickly they walked into the room as the bells jiggled on their feet. Suddenly music engulfed them as Gella looked at Sahyu and she knew it was time to dance. They raised their hands and spun around but during this time Sahyu noticed that Jerimiias was not even looking at her. She tried to do creative twists and turns with her hands to catch his attention but he seemed more amused with the mindless babbling of the Sultan than her.

Really, Father this is from Tugan? My we must send them our regards, I have never tasted such a drink. Jerimiias sipped his drink carefully. You see me don't you Sahyu? I know, it is driving you crazy that I wont even cast a glance at you. Poor little thing. He thought to himself.

Why I had no idea you cared Jerimiias. The Sultan was beside himself with excitement.

Why certainly Father, why would I not care for excellence. It is only fitting that a son of royalty know when its his place to comment on such delicacies. Sahyu could hardly stand listening to him, he was such a pompous brat. How could he act like that. She wished the music was louder so she could drown him out.

Well you know he has a young daughter. Fairest in all the land of Tugan. What is her name? The Sultan rubbed his chin as one of the generals spoke up.

Lady Tosea? But she is only 12 years old. Certainly Jerimiias would care for someone older.

Nonsense, Tosea is from a girl family and she is an empress. The connections would be perfect. Also, she is said to have grace and poise like no other in the Isle.

That's right Sultan she even has been compared to a Porcelain Doll. That was it. Jerimiias could take no more. He wanted out. He had acted the part of a good son but the moment a princess was involved he wanted nothing to do with it. He cast his eyes over to were Sahyu was sitting with the other two Shintos. She was completely exhausted, he could see she she was short of breath and his shoulders were shaking from dehydration.

Excuse me can we at least bring them something to drink? The room went dead silent. Sahyu looked up as she saw an aisha woman run over to Jerimiias.

What would you have me bring like Young Lord?

Oh, whatever. I don't care, something that will sooth them. Jerimiias looked over to see the Shintos bow their heads to him in gratitude as he opened his mouth for a second time. On second thought, bring them some mint and lime water, that should help them regain there strength long enough to dance for a few more hours. He felt a sly grin over take his face as he leaned back and listened to the musicians played a light tune. He caught a glimpse of Sahyu's aggravated face as she whispered something to Gella. Awe you thought I cared about your well being. Silly little girl, don't you see everything in this palace is under my spell. They say my Father is the ruler but if he only knew.

Yes it was true. In a few weeks time his father would be off the throne and Evoi would be his. He had already talked the doctors into agreeing the man was ailing. Not to mention Jerimiias was already being invited into military meetings and his ideas were being used. Oh yes, his simple father would not control the show for much longer. Soon everything on the whole Isle would be his.

I heard there was an attack in one of the desert villages. If I am not mistaken the leader lost his daughter and only son? They are asking for our help in locating the girl. One of the generals said causing Jerimiias to return from his dreamland and back to reality.

So do they know where the bandits are that took the girl? Jerimiias said finding this topic of conversation much more intriguing then the fair Lady Tosea. The Generals however were shocked to hear the Prince take an interest in such a trivial manner.

No. So far. There are no leads Young Lord. We only know that the leader is asking for us to find his daughter, since his son lost his life protecting her.

I see and there are….

Oh enough! I dislike this talk of death and such. If they can't protect themselves then that is their problem. Bring out the Shinto's, we need more dancing and music. The Sultan snapped interrupting his son. Jerimiias watched as his Father shoved a fig into his mouth. He quickly looked around the room and noticed just what he wanted. The Generals were whispering. His ears wanted nothing more than to catch every single bit of their conversation but when he caught sight of Sahyu and I noticed steam emanating from her glass he sat up. His eyes fixated on the small swirls of white steam that floating around her face. Was she making that water boil?

Quickly, he excused himself. For one he was tired of his Father's bantering of princess and two he wanted to make Sahyu uncomfortable. No sooner had he left her got him wish. Sahyu was in a state of utter panic one realizing Jerimiias had seen her us her fire powers. It was a great sin for the Shinto's to display their gifts to mortals. As she watched him leave she him placed his hand to his mouth. She could tell her was thinking about something, and she more than anything to know what it was.

The Flame

For the next few weeks Jerimiias kept his distance from Sahyu. He knew he already had her under his control. Now he just had to wait for the right moment. He spent his days doing his school work and learning his lessons. He trained with the guards and the young soldiers of the military with gusto. Finally, he knew he had waited long enough. Yes, tonight he would see her.

However, Sahyu on the other hand was so over welled with work she had forgotten all about Jerimiias. She had been given many scrolls to read and memorize so that one day she could hold prayers in Articoal's temple, and that was all she was thinking about. Not to mention it had turned out that Articoal had not had a priestess in a long time and the temple was a disaster. After her early morning of studies she would spend the rest of the day and the remainder of the night maintaining the temple and making sure the fires and lanterns were lit. She would stay late into the night cleaning and organizing the holy artifacts for the God of Gods. Yet in the stillness of the night her thoughts would travel back to the real task that was at hand.

Yes, there was a reason she was so elegant and so beautiful. There was a clear difference between her and the other priestess in looks and power alike and that was because she was Articoal's true Daughter. The thought of actually having once been a goddess confused and bewildered her. Yet, she knew perfectly well it was true. Now all she needed was to find the Holder of the Sacred Flame and kill him or her and she could go home.

She wondered what kind of Goddess she would be and if one day they would build temples for her. However, her thoughts were interrupted when she heard the sound of a horse galloping close by. She dusted off her dress to prepare to welcome the person and explain why the temple was in such distress and need of repair. But no sooner had she turned around she stopped herself for there he was in the moonlight of the cold night. His golden fur shimmered and anyone could tell he was of royal birth just by the way he walked up the steps to the temple. There was nothing she could do as he walked towards her, but just when she thought he would talk he turned and headed towards the large statue of Articoal.

Pretty night; is it not? Jerimiias did not turn around and it was then she understand he was trying to talk to her without actually talking to her. Yes he was sly and he had figured out the loop hole to actually be able to communicate with her.

I love the cold nights here in Evoi. They were much colder in my birth place in the desert. She continued sweeping but moved a little closer to him so she could make out the words he was now whispering. He looked as if he was praying but she knew that was not the case.

I see. So you were born in the desert, just like the girl that was taken from her home. I thought you seemed out of place here. He turned to face her as she tried to get away, knowing if Gella caught them she just might loose her tongue. But all Jerimiias could think about was how he was sure she was the girl that bandits had taken. There was no doubt about that reaction the other night.

So you are a desert flower. Jerimiias said, his eyes completely on her. She wished more that anything he would not look at her. She turned to get away, she had to. But just when her back was too him he grabbed her arm. What's your name?

She gulped there was nothing she could do. She tried to calm her nerves and think of a way to talk to him without doing so. Yes,… Articoal your loyal Priestess Sahyu is here to serve you. Quickly he let her go. He wanted to start laughing. She was so awkward and uneasy, he could hardly contain himself.

So you hold the power of fire? Ha ha. It was too late he could not hold it in. He went into a laughing fit. She faced him wanting nothing more then to slap him. She had clearly lost control of the situation.

Whats so funny?… I mean Articoal what is so funny? This only made Jerimiias hit the ground. He was leaning against a pillar trying to catch his breath.

You. He laughed. You are too awkward for words. Desert flower, yeah I am sure you are. Your just a country girl from a poor village. He wiped his eyes as he tried to steady himself.

Well at least I am not a over pompous brat like you. You think you are so smart coming here baiting me to speak to you. He looked up at her as her eyes glowed like to embers in a fire.

Oh and you think everyone does not already know what you are thinking. Trust me we all know you want your father dead so you can take the throne. Everyone in all of Evoi knows, so its not a secret! Suddenly she regretted her words for Jerimiias had lunged at her and pushed her back up against a column.

So they know that do they. He watched her shake as she looked down at the ground. You hold the power of fire, right? I was sure my studies told me that only Articoal's priestess can hold such a power. Sahyu's head was spinning as she nodded her head. She wanted to burn him, to make his body into ash. She could feel her hands were heating up and small vines from her fire flowers were starting to emerge from her palms.

You want to kill me don't you? I can see it in your eyes, they are burning with rage. I bet you even have a special kind of fire. He leaned in closer as he grabbed her chin forcing her to look at him. Go ahead show me!

He took a step back and spread out his arms. Come on Sahyu you hate me. Show me how much! That's right, come one, let me see how powerful you.

He watched as Sahyu's just looked down at the ground. He was about to say something else when he noticed steam was billowing around her. Slowly it grew bigger and bigger until all her could see was two glowing eyes in the mist. Suddenly fiery orange and yellow vines shot out and wrapped around his arms and legs. He was being pushed back against a wall as he saw Sahyu step out of the mist. Her hair was flying around wildly and she looked like she was possessed. He had never been so scared in his life. His father was right, the Shinto should never be messed with. Frankly, he was unsure he even liked the idea of them being in the palace or alive.

Sahyu smiled as she saw some buds start to appear on the vines around Jerimiias; body. Your scared, aren't you. You think I am going to kill you. She moved closer to him as his heart raced. Aww you really are frightened. Her eyes were glowing and he was sure there was no way she could be mortal.

You see this? She pointed to the vine was inching up around his neck. I own it. He gulped, as she continued. Oh and you see this beautiful temple with it's pedestals' and columns' made of marble and stone? She waved her hands around as she forced the vine to make him turn his head. "Its mine too. She narrowed her eyes at him and then place her hand at his neck. And this? Well, it can belong to me as well. Then with that she released him. He felt his body snap inside as he fell to the ground. He rubbed his neck as he watched her turn away, sure this game was over and she had obviously won.

Ha ha that was a good trick. Now you want to see mine. Suddenly he snapped his fingers together. I burst of blue fire appeared as if his finger tips were the wick of a candle. The fire swirled as Sahyu turned around when she noticed a light blue light dancing on the walls. Her eyes lit up as he shot a fire ball at her. It swirled around and would not go out and soon it was charging at her face. It was impossible, her back was to the wall and there was no time to get away. She covered her face, hoping the fire would not burn her. Then it was gone.

She blinked her eyes looking around confused and wondering where Jerimiias was. But he was no longer there. She could hear the soft gallop of horses hooves off in the distance as she felt her body crumple to the floor. There was no way, the holder of the Flame. The one she would have to kill was no ordinary mortal but the Prince of Evoi, the Young Lord Jerimiias.

Personalty coming soon

Petpet coming soon

Friends Coming soon