Oracle of the Sea

[Junoix 2301]

Oh, I shall have to stay here for a while

In glassy water, in a seaweed net,

Until this fact and I are reconciled:

I wasn’t loved, it’s as simple as that.

- Ophelia, 1962

 

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=-=

 

It called to her like a siren’s song, rousing her from her dreams. Her body already knew the path, vision a haze as her feet met sand and eventually sea. The Princess knelt within the approaching tide, seafoam clinging to her skirts.

 

The full moon shone brightly above the pristine beach, stars glimmering in the clear night sky and bioluminescence glowing within the waves. And yet, all this beauty was left unappreciated by the blinded lady.

 

There is no other logical reason for your lack of understanding. It is simply a choice.

What are you doing here?

You are so blinded by your grief, your pain.

This loyalty you speak of is a disservice to all that she is.

 

“Arrogant fool.”

 

The Sea Elf’s balled fists crashed into the tide, saltwater spraying across her features. Her dark brows furrowed as she squinted in the dark, unable to make sense of the various shapes dancing across her vision.

 

“Is this punishment for insulting your lover? Have you taken back the gift you have given me?”

 

The Priestess scoffed out into the open sea, her fingers now clutching at the front of her gown for something to hold on to. Her heart hammered widely in her chest, breathing difficult as her lungs constricted; she began to wheeze.

 

“He left you, you lovestricken fool! He left you and then killed himself in an attempt to return! You deserve better. We deserve better.”

 

Tears had begun to roll down the woman’s cold cheeks, landing within the rolling waves. Silence had fallen upon the beach save for the crashing waters, no animal daring to disrupt the unfurling scene.

 

“Fine, cast me out. Drown me in your waters as Faunus once did. I am unwelcome at every turn, so return me to what I once was.”

 

Her pleas were met with nothing, so the blinded Princess had resigned herself to her fate. As she prepared herself to be washed out to sea, something warm touched her cheeks. Still unable to see, the Sea Elf leaned into that sensation; akin to a gentle caress.

 

Sweet pearl, why do you cry?

 

A gasp left the Priestess’ lips, her shoulders falling at the sound of that voice; lovely and lulling, multifaceted and layering. It washed over her, the sadness and relief at being answered. She couldn’t help the sobs that assaulted her chest.

 

“I am lost, I am forgotten. For every step forward, there are so many steps back. I can never be happy, never be content. I am so starved.”

 

Starved of what, Priestess of mine?

 

“I don’t know. Everything. So much was promised to me, so much has been taken. I thought faith could fix me, but even in that I am ridiculed; denied.”

 

I have done no such thing.

 

“The village has.”

 

The village is not your Goddess.

 

The Sea Elf fell silent, temporarily robbed of words. That warm caress wiped away her tears, salt left sticking to the woman’s cheeks.

 

You are a Daughter of Almenor. They can never take me from you, for I am your birthright. My waves are in your blood, my salt in your bones, and my song in your heart.

 

The warmth began to spread from the Princess’ face down to her limbs, something strange buzzing beneath her skin. In patches of seafoam, her vision began to clear, leaving her with the view of a peaceful night over the still ocean.

 

You shall see through my eyes, and you will speak with my voice. Then all will know you for what you are, Princess of the Sea.

 

The moon and stars overhead glistened within the dark waves, their reflections dancing amongst the water’s surface. Together with seafoam and bioluminescence, visions and prophecies did they begin to play out. The budding Oracle drank up the sight of her Goddess’ message, her starlit gaze filled with the swirling depths of the Sea.