on to another generation.
Someday soon, the Helikeians would wipe all degenerates off the face of the planet and there would be only one master race.
The Helikeian.
***
Rumors clearly moved as quickly through Illuminists as they did among the social elite beyond the walls of the Solitary Chamber. By teatime, Sophia was thoroughly frustrated with just how easily she blushed.
Because you spent the night in Bion’s embrace.
Maybe so, but that was all she’d done.
At least the afternoon allowed her to retreat to the vast library the Solitary Chamber afforded its students. Most of the people in it were Novices like herself. She headed for one of the alcoves hidden in the arches that supported the wall. Here she might turn down the light and be more comfortable, a very nice accommodation made for Navigators.
You mean a convenient place for you to hide from Bion.
She scoffed at her own thoughts and removed her glasses. Bion would seek her out no matter where she went if that was his desire.
Are you hoping that will be the case?
She ground her teeth and had to swallow a grumble. She had gone her entire adult life without dwelling upon matters of intimacy. Why couldn’t she dismiss them now?
Because ye spent the night in Bion’s embrace…
She was still innocent, for heaven’s sake.
Are you frustrated that he was there or that you did not learn more about what passes between lovers?
She knew what happened when the wicks were turned down. At least, she had a basic understanding of the mechanics. But she had to admit that she’d had no clue as to just how easily her emotions might overwhelm her. Every little sensation was magnified. Her head ached and she rubbed her temples now that she was removed from the curious looks she’d felt aimed at her throughout the day.
“You will become more at ease with it,” a female voice assured her. “Abandoning that slumped shoulders and downcast eyes posture you have adopted will likely speed things along.”
Sophia looked up, realizing she’d been doing exactly what Decima Talaska had accused her of. Sophia straightened her back and looked the veteran Illuminist straight in the eye. Guardian Decima moved into the alcove and studied her.
“Well done,” Decima remarked playfully. “I was concerned.”
Sophia laughed, earning a flutter of eyelashes from Decima. The female Guardian had emerald green eyes and looked delicate, but she carried herself with more confidence than any woman Sophia had ever met.
“You doubt me?” Decima purred softly.
“Not precisely,” Sophia answered slowly, while trying to decide just what it was about the other woman that fascinated her. “I believe it is more a matter of wondering just what your remedy might be if I confessed to needing assistance.”
Decima laughed, a low sound that was oddly knowledgeable. Her gold Illuminist pin was secured to the lapel of her vest. Once, on a night that seemed very long ago, Sophia had seen Decima in a ball gown at the Brimmer spring party, but she never wore even a skirt inside the Solitary Chamber walls. She favored cycling pantaloons and only put on a skirt when she was heading outside. She was a Hunter, a classification of Guardian who searched for members of the Order who had broken their Oaths of Allegiance.
“You doubt I would offer you a kindly shoulder to whimper on?” Decima’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully for a moment. “A wise judgment of my character. You have promise.”
“That isn’t meant to imply that I find you lacking in feminine graces,” Sophia offered.
Decima locked her hands behind her back and sent her a stiff look. “I will have you know, dearest Sophia, that I take great pains to ensure that every feminine grace is banished from my behavior.”
“You haven’t succeeded,” Sophia declared solemnly.
Decima stiffened. “I’m suddenly tempted to wrinkle my nose at you.”
“Which is my sister Cora’s favorite response to any argument I ever made to her.”
Someday soon, the Helikeians would wipe all degenerates off the face of the planet and there would be only one master race.
The Helikeian.
***
Rumors clearly moved as quickly through Illuminists as they did among the social elite beyond the walls of the Solitary Chamber. By teatime, Sophia was thoroughly frustrated with just how easily she blushed.
Because you spent the night in Bion’s embrace.
Maybe so, but that was all she’d done.
At least the afternoon allowed her to retreat to the vast library the Solitary Chamber afforded its students. Most of the people in it were Novices like herself. She headed for one of the alcoves hidden in the arches that supported the wall. Here she might turn down the light and be more comfortable, a very nice accommodation made for Navigators.
You mean a convenient place for you to hide from Bion.
She scoffed at her own thoughts and removed her glasses. Bion would seek her out no matter where she went if that was his desire.
Are you hoping that will be the case?
She ground her teeth and had to swallow a grumble. She had gone her entire adult life without dwelling upon matters of intimacy. Why couldn’t she dismiss them now?
Because ye spent the night in Bion’s embrace…
She was still innocent, for heaven’s sake.
Are you frustrated that he was there or that you did not learn more about what passes between lovers?
She knew what happened when the wicks were turned down. At least, she had a basic understanding of the mechanics. But she had to admit that she’d had no clue as to just how easily her emotions might overwhelm her. Every little sensation was magnified. Her head ached and she rubbed her temples now that she was removed from the curious looks she’d felt aimed at her throughout the day.
“You will become more at ease with it,” a female voice assured her. “Abandoning that slumped shoulders and downcast eyes posture you have adopted will likely speed things along.”
Sophia looked up, realizing she’d been doing exactly what Decima Talaska had accused her of. Sophia straightened her back and looked the veteran Illuminist straight in the eye. Guardian Decima moved into the alcove and studied her.
“Well done,” Decima remarked playfully. “I was concerned.”
Sophia laughed, earning a flutter of eyelashes from Decima. The female Guardian had emerald green eyes and looked delicate, but she carried herself with more confidence than any woman Sophia had ever met.
“You doubt me?” Decima purred softly.
“Not precisely,” Sophia answered slowly, while trying to decide just what it was about the other woman that fascinated her. “I believe it is more a matter of wondering just what your remedy might be if I confessed to needing assistance.”
Decima laughed, a low sound that was oddly knowledgeable. Her gold Illuminist pin was secured to the lapel of her vest. Once, on a night that seemed very long ago, Sophia had seen Decima in a ball gown at the Brimmer spring party, but she never wore even a skirt inside the Solitary Chamber walls. She favored cycling pantaloons and only put on a skirt when she was heading outside. She was a Hunter, a classification of Guardian who searched for members of the Order who had broken their Oaths of Allegiance.
“You doubt I would offer you a kindly shoulder to whimper on?” Decima’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully for a moment. “A wise judgment of my character. You have promise.”
“That isn’t meant to imply that I find you lacking in feminine graces,” Sophia offered.
Decima locked her hands behind her back and sent her a stiff look. “I will have you know, dearest Sophia, that I take great pains to ensure that every feminine grace is banished from my behavior.”
“You haven’t succeeded,” Sophia declared solemnly.
Decima stiffened. “I’m suddenly tempted to wrinkle my nose at you.”
“Which is my sister Cora’s favorite response to any argument I ever made to her.”
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