Fallon|| TreowePriestess || Protector TraineeThe sun hadn't yet begun to set, but Fallon was already pacing outside of her cave. She had spent the rest of the afternoon in silent contemplation, begging for guidance from their ancestors. There had been a whisper of an answer, but it wasn't quite enough for her to make out. She had decided that they would build a spirit fire, and Fallon herself would stand in it and plead with her ancestors. If she was still unable to hear their voices, she would have to go ahead and make the decision on her own. The tribe couldn't sit around and wait for direction while they slowly died off.
"Priestess? You look troubled. Might I offer my assistance?"Fallon turned and faced Treowe, the newest member of the tribe. He had joined roughly a quarter year ago, and not everyone in the tribe trusted him fully yet. However, Fallon herself had been told by the ancestors that he would become a powerful member of the tribe, and that his loyalty would be proven not only to the tribe, but to Fallon herself. She would have gladly shared this information with the rest of the tribe to ease their anxiety about the Lavamancer, had she not been instructed to allow them to come to trust him on their own. Most of the tribe was already accepting of him anyways. He was another strong male in a tribe that was now mostly consisting of females - a great asset in times of trouble.
"I'm afraid there is no way that you can help me, Treowe." Fallon watched as he nodded respectfully and turned to leave. Suddenly needing companionship, she quickly added,
"But I would be grateful if you would stay. My heart is heavy, and my thoughts chaotic. I...I realize that I shouldn't ask this of you. But I cannot stand to be alone in this moment."To Fallon's great relief, Treowe turned towards her again. He sat beside her, close enough for her to feel the warmth from his body which seemed to chase away the chill that had pierced straight to her core. It may not have been the proper thing to do, but Fallon couldn't help but lean towards him ever so slightly. The warmth was so pleasant and inviting, and when Treowe raised a wing to drape it over her, she sighed comfortably.
Studying his leader closely, Treowe could easily see the conflict within her.
"To be a leader...it's a great responsibility, Fallon. But I think you take it too seriously at times. You seem to think that to be a leader is to be alone. Your tribe respects and reveres you, and that is right. They love you, and would give their very lives for you - this is also right. But I feel as if they often distance themselves from you out of a false idea of what respect really is." He paused.
"If I'm being too bold, please, stop me.""No," Fallon shook her head emphatically.
"I believe that you are exactly right. I couldn't have worded it better myself. With everything else I've been worrying about I haven't really had the chance to notice how my relationships within the tribe have changed. I've been trying so hard to be a great leader that I forget why I first accepted this responsibility in the first place - out of love for the tribe. I've focused on my responsibilities, and it seems that I've given others the idea that they must treat me as some sort of god, to be worshiped from afar." When she spoke again, her voice was barely above a whisper.
"You know, few members of the tribe still call me by my name. Your doing so just now...it brought me great comfort. You see me as more than a leader. You see me as a Paragon, a member of the tribe.""You have forgotten one thing, Fallon." He paused for emphasis before continuing.
"You are also a female. And while you are the strongest female I have ever had the honor of knowing, your heart is delicate. You crave companionship just like any other female, and you need comfort and encouragement as well."Fallon stared at the male in amazement.
"You seem to see right into my soul, and to speak directly to my heart. I am glad that you have joined our tribe. Surely, we will have suffered a great loss should you ever choose to return to your old life.""I have no old life." Treowe's voice was firm, but not harsh.
"This is my life, Fallon. These Paragon are my family. I will shed both tears and blood for the tribe."The Priestess, for all her wisdom, could think of nothing to say in answer.
"I...I must get ready to address the tribe." Gently shrugging his wing away, she stood. However, she lingered close by, having more to say.
"I am grateful that you spoke to me. I would like to speak again like this, if you are willing.""I am forever at your service, Priestess. I am never far away, and will always be honored to speak with you." His words were formal, but his voice was gentle.
"Fallon, I've enjoyed our talk as well. I also look forward to speaking again."Fallon smiled as she turned away, preparing to address the tribe.