The Chronicles of Venexia: THE SOLEMN PARTING~ Gracy's Story ~

THE SOLEMN PARTING

By: Pasha Braveheart

I met Gracy all those months ago when she came to see me in the early stages of her pregnancy. As her dottore, I advised her on what the experience would be like for her, mentored her on how to eat and drink, and prepared herb mixtures for her to take with her tea to give her strength and energy. What I couldn’t do for Gracy was to coach her on how to give up her precious babies to be raised by the Daemonicans when the time was appropriate. This obviously troubled her from the time of her very first appointment with me and I so wanted to help her in some way. However, each woman must deal with this on their own terms. It’s inevitable, unavoidable, for the protection of the children and must be done. Yet, when that day comes to hand over those babies, it’s a sorrowful time and in Gracy’s case, it was no exception.

We gathered there at the water’s edge, just behind the Basilica, waiting for Gracy to appear with her adorable twins. In attendance were the Heirophant Mariyah and Scribe Connor of the Daemonican Order, who stood by silently, the hooded High Priestess Skarlet waiting to take the babies, Ember, the oarsman of the waiting gondola, Paesani friends of Gracy, as well as the interested and the simply curious citizens of Venexia. The day was a bit overcast as was the mood of the crowd as we remained in silence awaiting the mother and babies.

Finally we caught sight of Gracy, holding her babies, and walking slowly, Alessandro at her side. As they near the waiting gondola, Gracy stops in her tracks, frozen, holding tightly to the babies. Allessandro pushed Gracy closer toward the gondola, his gaze determined and commanding.

A collective murmur from the crowd was heard, in particular coming from the area where Gracy’s Paesani sisters were standing. Tears could be seen streaking down the faces of her sisters as well as the other human women present.

It was pathetic when Gracy began to move forward again and stumbled a bit,

catching herself while still holding tight to her babies.

As Skarlet approached she was heard whispering to Gracy,

“This must be done”.

Sobs could be heard from the direction of the Paesani sisters, as Skarlet spoke to the crowd “I ask that we bow our heads for the blessing of the newborns”. Gracy stared down at her twin girls who Gracy named Lotta, meaning struggle, and Vittoria, meaning Victory. I remember Gracy telling me that she hoped her daughters would live up to those names and someday be able to return to her.

In a soft voice, Skarlet delivered the blessing of the twins, “New blood was endowed to this city. May we endure together peacefully. May we enjoy each lifetime as it comes. May we benefit each other as we better ourselves. May we always find one another in every time and in every place, to share this companionship and to celebrate this bond.

We are the shepherds and we are the wolves.

This is our essence. This is our life in darkness and in light.”

Skarlet reached out for the twins at this moment, as a chill was felt through the crowd. Gracy hesitated for a moment bolstering her strength, then she smiled down at the girls and kissed her babies as they could be heard cooing and their little hands reaching for their mother’s face. Gracy then handed one child and then the other to the waiting arms of Skarlet.

Holding the babies in her arms, Skarlet chants “Oh Dark One, bless our road that calamity may not overtake us as we travel. Oh Veiled One from the world of shadows, may we reach our destination guided by your hand.” Carefully boarding the gondola, Skarlet settled herself for the trip as Father Connor was heard to say “Have a blessed trip, My Lady” and High Priestess Mariyah called out “We will await your return. May you dance in Darkness and stand defiant in the Light.”

As the gondola begins to move Skarlet glances down at the babies and is heard to say,

“Time to meet destiny.”

As the crowd turns to leave the solemn event, sniffles from the women can be heard as Gracy hangs her head, obviously feeling powerless. A glimmer of some hope remains as Gracy was permitted to give her daughters each a bracelet that she hopes one day will be the way that she will recognize them when they are returned to take their place in Venexia once again.