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( lilith most often came back to greendale when it was late, when she could slip out for a few hours and have a moment to herself. when the hours were so that it was unlikely that anyone would see her.
she'd gone to the church, the place now named the church of lilith, first of its order on this new path of night. she hadn't expected anyone to be there, hood of her dark cloak up as she'd walked the streets but on seeing a light still on--
she'd been careful, moving through the shadows, keeping herself unseen. the queen so far had only shown herself to zelda that first time that they'd spoken, not having returned for weeks, nearing two months. hell had been-- busy and it seemed that zelda had also been very busy in restoring the church, in getting her houses in order since their conversation.
something she still seemed to be doing.
from the shadows, lilith watched for a moment and zelda may feel a sense upon her, the demon curious at what she's doing or rather why she's still here in the late hour. not a devotion, lilith would have known already but--
well, the simplest option was just to ask )
You've accomplished quite a bit in this time.
( she reveals herself into the light as she speaks, lowering her hood once her sentence is complete, steps taking her through the church towards her high priestess )
she'd gone to the church, the place now named the church of lilith, first of its order on this new path of night. she hadn't expected anyone to be there, hood of her dark cloak up as she'd walked the streets but on seeing a light still on--
she'd been careful, moving through the shadows, keeping herself unseen. the queen so far had only shown herself to zelda that first time that they'd spoken, not having returned for weeks, nearing two months. hell had been-- busy and it seemed that zelda had also been very busy in restoring the church, in getting her houses in order since their conversation.
something she still seemed to be doing.
from the shadows, lilith watched for a moment and zelda may feel a sense upon her, the demon curious at what she's doing or rather why she's still here in the late hour. not a devotion, lilith would have known already but--
well, the simplest option was just to ask )
You've accomplished quite a bit in this time.
( she reveals herself into the light as she speaks, lowering her hood once her sentence is complete, steps taking her through the church towards her high priestess )
[ Not a devotion, no - at least, not anything explicit as such. Perhaps, more accurately, it's just a bit of tidying up.
But Zelda enjoys being in the church at the start of this new, exciting era. Things are changing, and she is at the head of it all. While she used to be regulated to the pews, that isn't where she belongs anymore. With that comes responsibilities that she must embrace, new avenues she needs to explore.
Zelda feels something change, and she knows. It's no typical outside presence, and certainly no typical witch presence. So her face reveals little surprise when she turns to see Lilith step forward from the shadows. ]
Just because the church is desecrated doesn't mean it must look condemned. [ She smiles in greeting - this visit is hardly unwelcome. ] Besides, there are still energies to cleanse, leftover from Faustus' reign. Despite what Hilda might believe, a bit of burning sage won't do the trick in this case.
But Zelda enjoys being in the church at the start of this new, exciting era. Things are changing, and she is at the head of it all. While she used to be regulated to the pews, that isn't where she belongs anymore. With that comes responsibilities that she must embrace, new avenues she needs to explore.
Zelda feels something change, and she knows. It's no typical outside presence, and certainly no typical witch presence. So her face reveals little surprise when she turns to see Lilith step forward from the shadows. ]
Just because the church is desecrated doesn't mean it must look condemned. [ She smiles in greeting - this visit is hardly unwelcome. ] Besides, there are still energies to cleanse, leftover from Faustus' reign. Despite what Hilda might believe, a bit of burning sage won't do the trick in this case.
It won't.
( lilith wholeheartedly agrees in that regard. honestly, she wouldn't have blamed zelda if she'd set the building alight and started fresh but she does have to say that there's something refreshing in the witch repairing rather than completely building, perhaps a message to be shared.
she undoes the fastening of her cloak, sliding it from her shoulders and letting it lay over the back of one of the pews, red dress almost a brightness amongst the dark of the night )
And there are many ways to do so. How would you choose to?
( lilith wholeheartedly agrees in that regard. honestly, she wouldn't have blamed zelda if she'd set the building alight and started fresh but she does have to say that there's something refreshing in the witch repairing rather than completely building, perhaps a message to be shared.
she undoes the fastening of her cloak, sliding it from her shoulders and letting it lay over the back of one of the pews, red dress almost a brightness amongst the dark of the night )
And there are many ways to do so. How would you choose to?
[ Zelda watches her for a moment as she slips out of the cloak, momentarily averting her eyes as if she glimpsed something more vulnerable.
It never occurred to her to do completely away with the building, and that is precisely why - to abandon this church for a new one risked forgetting the battles fought here and risked forgetting what they rose above. She wouldn't let the previous chapter of their existence determine the places of their devotion. ]
I haven't decided yet. [ She's been weighing the options, but she has yet to come up with anything that seems right. ] But I doubt I can do it alone. Although, Hilda and Sabrina will be happy to help. Ambrose, too, if I knew where he was.
It never occurred to her to do completely away with the building, and that is precisely why - to abandon this church for a new one risked forgetting the battles fought here and risked forgetting what they rose above. She wouldn't let the previous chapter of their existence determine the places of their devotion. ]
I haven't decided yet. [ She's been weighing the options, but she has yet to come up with anything that seems right. ] But I doubt I can do it alone. Although, Hilda and Sabrina will be happy to help. Ambrose, too, if I knew where he was.
Start with lavender.
( she walks until she hits the first row of the pews, taking a seat and giving a small gesture of her hand at the space beside her.
hilda wasn't wrong with sage but that would be for something smaller. the energies here-- lilith can almost feel them sitting on her, fautus' decisions. lucifer's. what she has in mind is a spell far older than what most witches would know, something dating millennia ago and mostly forgotten )
Light it, placed in five points across the building. There's a spell to go with it.
( on she'd be happy to share )
( she walks until she hits the first row of the pews, taking a seat and giving a small gesture of her hand at the space beside her.
hilda wasn't wrong with sage but that would be for something smaller. the energies here-- lilith can almost feel them sitting on her, fautus' decisions. lucifer's. what she has in mind is a spell far older than what most witches would know, something dating millennia ago and mostly forgotten )
Light it, placed in five points across the building. There's a spell to go with it.
( on she'd be happy to share )
[ This has Zelda's full attention and she joins Lilith at the first row, sinking onto the bench next to her. Learning a spell from such an ancient witch--the first witch--isn't a gift one snubs her nose at. Certainly not Zelda. ]
Please, do share.
Please, do share.
Yes. I think Hilda's seen to that.
[ She's pretty sure half their kitchen has ended up here by now. Zelda stands up and fetches some, bringing the lavender back to Lilith. ]
[ She's pretty sure half their kitchen has ended up here by now. Zelda stands up and fetches some, bringing the lavender back to Lilith. ]
( she stands, taking it from the witch before unbundling it, setting herself to work.
her eyes close for a brief second, moving back to the aisle before she lets her magic take hold of the lavendar in the air, separating the lavender into five seconds. and slowly, with careful direction does lilith send the bundles in turn into those five, equidistant locations around the church. her gestures are slight, gentle flexes of her fingers, sweeping motions with her hands that she does so effortlessly.
when the lavendar is in place lilith offers a hand towards zelda for her to join her, to blend their energies into the spell, for the younger with to learn from her.
the words that lilith speaks are softer, a different tone to their conversation but with no less confidence than any of her words portray. though whilst what she speaks is clearly a spell zelda will find that the words are foreign to her, not in english nor latin as their spells usually are. it's an old spell, spoken in a very dead language. the first language. the spell? one of lilith's herself )
her eyes close for a brief second, moving back to the aisle before she lets her magic take hold of the lavendar in the air, separating the lavender into five seconds. and slowly, with careful direction does lilith send the bundles in turn into those five, equidistant locations around the church. her gestures are slight, gentle flexes of her fingers, sweeping motions with her hands that she does so effortlessly.
when the lavendar is in place lilith offers a hand towards zelda for her to join her, to blend their energies into the spell, for the younger with to learn from her.
the words that lilith speaks are softer, a different tone to their conversation but with no less confidence than any of her words portray. though whilst what she speaks is clearly a spell zelda will find that the words are foreign to her, not in english nor latin as their spells usually are. it's an old spell, spoken in a very dead language. the first language. the spell? one of lilith's herself )
[ Zelda joins Lilith at her side obediently, more than thrilled to offer her energy but not quite sure how. The words Lilith speaks are unknown to her--and a bit of a blow, for a witch so keen in languages and so efficient in the ancient tongues--and she hesitates to even try to repeat them, worried that doing so would mangle the spell. Instead, she remains uncharacteristically quiet, her gaze locked on Lilith with a look that is filled with child-like astonishment and, perhaps, just a little bit of longing.
When it seems like the spell has come to an end, Zelda opens her mouth as if to speak and then second-guesses herself, instead wetting her lips with the tip of her tongue and remaining quiet. ]
When it seems like the spell has come to an end, Zelda opens her mouth as if to speak and then second-guesses herself, instead wetting her lips with the tip of her tongue and remaining quiet. ]
( she'd reached for zelda's hand during the spell, a light touch gently connecting them and their power and zelda will feel a faint warmth on her skin from lilith's hand, from the woman's magic.
lilith keeps them in contact for a few more seconds before releasing her hand, head dipped slightly, words quieter when she speaks )
I'll leave the spell for you. Cast it again tomorrow evening to remove anything that may try to linger.
( there were few spells that she still cast that were so ancient. no, many spells she cast were but few used the first language -- she'd translated them through the years into some of the spells that were commonly known in latin or english, other witches creating others as magic evolved. this one though she had also translated it she'd used the first language for the power of it -- words were powerful and the original language held a different power with the meaning )
lilith keeps them in contact for a few more seconds before releasing her hand, head dipped slightly, words quieter when she speaks )
I'll leave the spell for you. Cast it again tomorrow evening to remove anything that may try to linger.
( there were few spells that she still cast that were so ancient. no, many spells she cast were but few used the first language -- she'd translated them through the years into some of the spells that were commonly known in latin or english, other witches creating others as magic evolved. this one though she had also translated it she'd used the first language for the power of it -- words were powerful and the original language held a different power with the meaning )
[ Zelda lets go of her hand, but not without disappointment. The warmth was nice, but not just in the way that is illustrated the power Lilith has. Zelda just liked how it felt, to hold her hand. ]
I will, diligently. Whatever clings to this place will be gone before we know it.
[ She can't help but have a fascination for what Lilith's just done - as someone who is so adept at language, her interest is held. ]
That spell must be quite ancient.
I will, diligently. Whatever clings to this place will be gone before we know it.
[ She can't help but have a fascination for what Lilith's just done - as someone who is so adept at language, her interest is held. ]
That spell must be quite ancient.
It was.
( there's a different tone in her voice as if for those few seconds she's caught in that past, not quite reminiscing but thinking to those times )
Back in the beginning there was little around but every place that rose up, some that fell--
( her head lifts slightly to look at zelda, voice shifting more normal again )
Everywhere has an energy, not all are beneficial to what you need to do.
( there's a different tone in her voice as if for those few seconds she's caught in that past, not quite reminiscing but thinking to those times )
Back in the beginning there was little around but every place that rose up, some that fell--
( her head lifts slightly to look at zelda, voice shifting more normal again )
Everywhere has an energy, not all are beneficial to what you need to do.
[ That tone is curious to her, and Zelda tilts her head thoughtfully. She feels as if Lilith is opening up to her, in a strange, vague, and not-very-open kind of way. But they share that much in common, that often their true feelings are not so easily accessed. ]
I would think, with enough power, one could bend any kind of energy to her will.
I would think, with enough power, one could bend any kind of energy to her will.
But she shouldn't.
( lilith moves to sit back on the pew, vaguely wishing that they were elsewhere with a drink but she pushed that thought away. they were here for a reason.
she holds a hand out to invite zelda to sit with her and later she'll wonder when she became so comfortable with the witch )
Negative energies do need dispelling, not solely for their interference but the health of the place. But there are energies that would cause more harm to dispel than good, ines that should be work around, embraced. A good witch will alter her spell rather than the place.
( a good teaching point. because zelda is an intelligent witch )
( lilith moves to sit back on the pew, vaguely wishing that they were elsewhere with a drink but she pushed that thought away. they were here for a reason.
she holds a hand out to invite zelda to sit with her and later she'll wonder when she became so comfortable with the witch )
Negative energies do need dispelling, not solely for their interference but the health of the place. But there are energies that would cause more harm to dispel than good, ines that should be work around, embraced. A good witch will alter her spell rather than the place.
( a good teaching point. because zelda is an intelligent witch )
[ Zelda moves to join her, and it also crosses her mind how strangely... casual this all is. Part of her is suddenly struck with fear because this isn't something she's used to. The Dark Lord was never like this.
Annoyingly then, she finds herself trembling as she takes her seat. ]
And then where will those energies go? Surely if they aren't altered, they don't just disappear. One cannot destroy energy.
Annoyingly then, she finds herself trembling as she takes her seat. ]
And then where will those energies go? Surely if they aren't altered, they don't just disappear. One cannot destroy energy.
They don't disappear.
( and that was the point. here they'd tried to affect them because the energies were harmful to the health of the church, detrimental to those that would seek to worship here )
There are energies that have promoted growth, healing. Would you wish those so quickly dispelled? Build on them, accept them -- use them to further your needs. Such energies I would hope would be built here. Security, sanctuary. Somewhere your coven is safe.
( and that was the point. here they'd tried to affect them because the energies were harmful to the health of the church, detrimental to those that would seek to worship here )
There are energies that have promoted growth, healing. Would you wish those so quickly dispelled? Build on them, accept them -- use them to further your needs. Such energies I would hope would be built here. Security, sanctuary. Somewhere your coven is safe.
All I want is for my coven to be safe. They've been through so much, these last few months.
[ The girls especially. Blackwood had dragged them down and then betrayed them. Had it not been for Prudence's rebelliousness, the whole of them might have perished.
But the coven remained intact, largely thanks to the women the High Priest underestimated. ]
You didn't have to come here, personally, to assure it. Such an act of interest is... [ She pauses, trying to find the right word. Something not so familiar, not as affectionate as she feels. ] Unpresidented.
[ The girls especially. Blackwood had dragged them down and then betrayed them. Had it not been for Prudence's rebelliousness, the whole of them might have perished.
But the coven remained intact, largely thanks to the women the High Priest underestimated. ]
You didn't have to come here, personally, to assure it. Such an act of interest is... [ She pauses, trying to find the right word. Something not so familiar, not as affectionate as she feels. ] Unpresidented.
I'm not our Dark Lord.
( something that was more than obvious but lilith was trying to use it as an excuse, to say that whilst it may have been unprecedented for him, that much of what zelda expects no longer is trur in her rule.
truthfully lilith didn't need to be here, not with such a capable witch like zelda spellman at the reigns. but she wanted and not solely because of the connection she felt to witchkind )
To not oversee such a thing, to not know how my chirch is-- it would not make me the ruler I am.
( but it's a slightly weak excuse and she knows it sounds it )
I wanted to be here, Zelda.
( something that was more than obvious but lilith was trying to use it as an excuse, to say that whilst it may have been unprecedented for him, that much of what zelda expects no longer is trur in her rule.
truthfully lilith didn't need to be here, not with such a capable witch like zelda spellman at the reigns. but she wanted and not solely because of the connection she felt to witchkind )
To not oversee such a thing, to not know how my chirch is-- it would not make me the ruler I am.
( but it's a slightly weak excuse and she knows it sounds it )
I wanted to be here, Zelda.
Of that, it is clear.
[ At some point in their interaction, a small lock of hair has fallen loose from Lilith's perfectly coifed curls. Zelda considers how extraordinarily beautiful she is.
It's easy to get lost in the distinction of such a visit, but that isn't quite what Zelda feels now. She knew Lilith, even before she knew she was Lilith. Before either knew of her destiny as the Queen of Hell. Even in her utter devotion to her new queen, something older stirs within her.
Without thinking, Zelda reaches out and smooths away that stray lock of hair. ]
If I am to be truthful, I wanted you here as well.
[ At some point in their interaction, a small lock of hair has fallen loose from Lilith's perfectly coifed curls. Zelda considers how extraordinarily beautiful she is.
It's easy to get lost in the distinction of such a visit, but that isn't quite what Zelda feels now. She knew Lilith, even before she knew she was Lilith. Before either knew of her destiny as the Queen of Hell. Even in her utter devotion to her new queen, something older stirs within her.
Without thinking, Zelda reaches out and smooths away that stray lock of hair. ]
If I am to be truthful, I wanted you here as well.
( her expression turns a little wary as zelda's hand moves closer, relaxing slightly when she realises what the witch is doing. it's unexpected, the action, her words following it feeling a little affectionate and lilith--
well, she doesn't really know what to do with affection. lucifer had made her feel loved but that had all been turned disastrously, lilith having closed herself off millennia ago. there had been others throughout her years, brief lovers but she'd never truly even opened herself up to them.
and then there'd been adam. he'd begun to heal her wounds until they'd been ripped open again even more painfully than before. zelda's company certainly was pleasant, she had a respect for the witch that few others could hold, an admiration for her strength and even an enjoyment of her conversation. but going past that-- lilith didn't know what this was. didn't know how to respond to it.
she forces herself to keep her attention forward, not letting her head dip or gaze avert from zelda, though it might be noticed that she stiffens slightly with the witch close to her )
I've-- appreciated the conversation. It's been some time since I've had a capable witch to talk to.
( sabrina aside but the girl was young, inexperienced and certainly not in a position of power )
It's certainly an indicator of what to come, how well we'll manage this world.
( this little section of it )
well, she doesn't really know what to do with affection. lucifer had made her feel loved but that had all been turned disastrously, lilith having closed herself off millennia ago. there had been others throughout her years, brief lovers but she'd never truly even opened herself up to them.
and then there'd been adam. he'd begun to heal her wounds until they'd been ripped open again even more painfully than before. zelda's company certainly was pleasant, she had a respect for the witch that few others could hold, an admiration for her strength and even an enjoyment of her conversation. but going past that-- lilith didn't know what this was. didn't know how to respond to it.
she forces herself to keep her attention forward, not letting her head dip or gaze avert from zelda, though it might be noticed that she stiffens slightly with the witch close to her )
I've-- appreciated the conversation. It's been some time since I've had a capable witch to talk to.
( sabrina aside but the girl was young, inexperienced and certainly not in a position of power )
It's certainly an indicator of what to come, how well we'll manage this world.
( this little section of it )
[ Zelda feels her stiffen and she pulls away quickly, knowing that she misjudged the interaction. While Lilith has been an ally--perhaps, in a strange way, a friend--Zelda knows not to risk crossing her, not now with the power she holds.
Doing so would risk Sabrina, as well as Hilda and Ambrose. Zelda's pride is important, but her family must and always will come first. ]
Of course. As have I.
[ Appreciated. That clarifies things. ]
I hope to continue to learn more from you, if you'll allow for it.
Doing so would risk Sabrina, as well as Hilda and Ambrose. Zelda's pride is important, but her family must and always will come first. ]
Of course. As have I.
[ Appreciated. That clarifies things. ]
I hope to continue to learn more from you, if you'll allow for it.
( shit. the tone, how quickly zelda moves-- she finds that she already misses her being close even if it's strange to her, that this witch would want to do so.
which is why rescuing it is important. lilith doesn't want to have any awkwardness between them when they'll be working so close but also-- she likes zelda. the woman had become an unexpected friend and now--
her hand moves across the pew to rest on zelda's, her gaze staying on the witch's )
I feel that we have things we could learn from each other.
( though what lilith learns from zelda will be far more unconscious.
a thought flickers through her head, an impulse. when this doesn't matter, when sex is just a step on her plan to getting what she wants lilith has no hesitations, a capable seductress in her own right. but this-- it's personal and lilith finds that it means something. she remembers when adam had taken those first steps how her reactions had been. and then the short-lived nature of their relationship. that she doesnt want, for something to happen and zelda to be in danger.
but the dark lord can't hurt them. yes, lilith fears for if he'll ever break free of his prison but she refuses to be dictated by fear.
which is why she moves now on impulse, living her own life with the freedom that she's granted for herself, taking the things that she wants. that impulse culminates with a kiss, soft lips finding zelda's, something only brief (for now, she hopes) but stating her true intentions. her real feelings )
which is why rescuing it is important. lilith doesn't want to have any awkwardness between them when they'll be working so close but also-- she likes zelda. the woman had become an unexpected friend and now--
her hand moves across the pew to rest on zelda's, her gaze staying on the witch's )
I feel that we have things we could learn from each other.
( though what lilith learns from zelda will be far more unconscious.
a thought flickers through her head, an impulse. when this doesn't matter, when sex is just a step on her plan to getting what she wants lilith has no hesitations, a capable seductress in her own right. but this-- it's personal and lilith finds that it means something. she remembers when adam had taken those first steps how her reactions had been. and then the short-lived nature of their relationship. that she doesnt want, for something to happen and zelda to be in danger.
but the dark lord can't hurt them. yes, lilith fears for if he'll ever break free of his prison but she refuses to be dictated by fear.
which is why she moves now on impulse, living her own life with the freedom that she's granted for herself, taking the things that she wants. that impulse culminates with a kiss, soft lips finding zelda's, something only brief (for now, she hopes) but stating her true intentions. her real feelings )
[ Zelda's mind clouds with confusion but then, something else. Lilith's lips are gentle against hers and she stills for a moment, enjoying the closeness of another, their hands touching, Lilith's breath against her mouth. She parts her lips slightly, not enough to deepen the kiss, but enough to encourage it.
She's not sure what she's doing. When things happened with Faustus, her motives were more clear. At first, it was merely the physical, leaving her feeling rejuvenated and excited, like a teenager discovering the deeper intensities of passion. Soon, the lust for sex was replaced with a lust for power, a necessary need, to heighten the Spellmans in the eyes of the coven and put her at the right hand of the High Priest.
But Faustus was a warlock. A horrid one, but not indestructible. Lilith is different. She is the Queen of Hell.
And when the Lord of Hell came calling on her wedding night, Zelda was prepared to submit, even as her stomach soured and her throat tightened. To turn her back on the Dark Lord was a death sentence, a surefire way to burn in the mortal Hell for eternity. So she would submit, to save herself, to protect her family.
Was this the same? Would Lilith demand of her what the Dark Lord did, in his reign of fear and subjugation?
Zelda worries she might, but her stomach isn't restless, nor her breath short. The only thing she can feel is the flutter of her heart in her chest.
And to offer affection to Lilith, whether it be in a pew or in her bed, would assure Zelda's position in the hierarchy. The Queen of Hell and the High Priestess - such an entanglement only makes sense.
So Zelda reaches up, brushing her fingers gently against Lilith's cheek, an impossibly tender touch from such a woman seemingly made of stone. Then, she pulls away. ]
It would honor me to teach you whatever it is you desire, Lilith. [ Zelda smiles, sweetly, but the light in her eyes make is obvious that she isn't offering mere platitudes. ] As my role as your High Priestess and... as your friend.
She's not sure what she's doing. When things happened with Faustus, her motives were more clear. At first, it was merely the physical, leaving her feeling rejuvenated and excited, like a teenager discovering the deeper intensities of passion. Soon, the lust for sex was replaced with a lust for power, a necessary need, to heighten the Spellmans in the eyes of the coven and put her at the right hand of the High Priest.
But Faustus was a warlock. A horrid one, but not indestructible. Lilith is different. She is the Queen of Hell.
And when the Lord of Hell came calling on her wedding night, Zelda was prepared to submit, even as her stomach soured and her throat tightened. To turn her back on the Dark Lord was a death sentence, a surefire way to burn in the mortal Hell for eternity. So she would submit, to save herself, to protect her family.
Was this the same? Would Lilith demand of her what the Dark Lord did, in his reign of fear and subjugation?
Zelda worries she might, but her stomach isn't restless, nor her breath short. The only thing she can feel is the flutter of her heart in her chest.
And to offer affection to Lilith, whether it be in a pew or in her bed, would assure Zelda's position in the hierarchy. The Queen of Hell and the High Priestess - such an entanglement only makes sense.
So Zelda reaches up, brushing her fingers gently against Lilith's cheek, an impossibly tender touch from such a woman seemingly made of stone. Then, she pulls away. ]
It would honor me to teach you whatever it is you desire, Lilith. [ Zelda smiles, sweetly, but the light in her eyes make is obvious that she isn't offering mere platitudes. ] As my role as your High Priestess and... as your friend.
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