Fidelisa's Mindscape

As Alexis slowly opened her amber eyes, she gasped at the grandeur of the large palatial circular room as stood within the threshold. A domed ceiling stretched high above, painted with murals that seemed to symbolize important moments and events in Fidelisa’s life. A young blue skinned imp, sitting in a field with an open book, surrounded by children of various demonic races, all gazing up to her excitedly to hear what happens next. Another scene depicts the imp on her knees reaching out to a pillar of flame, in which a young girl is trapped her head tilted back, eyes open and agape as she seems to accept her fate. Others depicted the imp with another man, they hold each other tightly and she is dressed in a flowing white lace gown, and many others, often showcasing children behaving mischievously.

To her left and right sides, floating staircases wrapped leading to the second level, where polished oaken selves circled the walls, each filled with countless leather bound tomes, the lettering in a shimmering gold.

Beneath her feet gleamed a marble floor, with a mirrored sheen, its rich black veins stood in contrast with the alabaster stone. At the heart of the room stood a magnificent fountain, it’s azure waters bubbling with an otherworldly shimmer. Perched a the peak of the fountain, and rising out of the parting waters, a life sized crystal statue of Fidelisa strode forward, her gaze locked upon something in the distance. Dressed in flowing robes and a scroll caressed lovingly in one hand, as the other hand and fingers were held outstretched reaching for something just out of reach. Light reflected through the crystal, allowing rainbows of light to dance across the surfaces of the room.

Spaced around the room oak desks, each paired with a high backed chair tucked beneath, rested in perfect order only awaiting someone to review the memories and dreams within. The serene space built as a testament to it’s purpose of preserving memories and thoughts of elegant woman, Fidelisa.

Alexis could only inhale deeply taking in the opulent grandeur of the room, the warm stale air, giving her reassurance and comfort, protecting those from the chaos of the outside world.

The imp’s sing-songy voice echoed through the hall, as slowly from the clear waters of the fountain Fidelisa, although she seemed younger than the woman Alexis was used to. “Hello dearest, welcome to my inner sanctum, this is the representation of my inner self.”

Offering her maternal tutor a soft smile, “It’s so beautiful here, Aunty Lisa, how did you ever build it.”

The imp smiled, “Thank you dear, but it is only modeled after the great study within the cathedral of Gehenna, where Lord Belphegor lives.” Sighing deeply, a sadness fills her eyes. “I formed it in memory of a student I once taught, the study was always her favorite place when we would visit her father.” Her voice cracking slightly as she finished those words.

Alexis blinked, concern for the woman who always seemed so kind to her, and she bit her lower lip unsure of what to say. That is when out of the corner of her eyes, she noticed something glowing. Turning her head slightly she noticed in a small alcove a podium, with a book shimmering atop it beckoning to her.

Slipping away from Fidelisa she made her way to the podium, the gold lettering across the soft leather cover read, “Eos, Innocence and Bravery.”

Taking a moment to glance up from the book she noticed the small oil painting on the wall of a young girl, with straight black hair, her sunkissed flesh and deep green eyes with golden specks. Alexis sighed again, taking a moment to glance back at the imp across the room.

Fidelisa stood frozen, staring at where Alexis was standing, wishing to call out for her, but no words came out. As a single tear rolled down her cheek, as she could only think of Eos’s smiling face as she had discovered a new book, and the curiosity at what she would discover within.

Alexis failed to notice the tear and turned back to the book, placing the palm of one hand on the cover, the warmth of memory washing over her body. Her delicate fingers slowly open the cover to the first page of the book, and the memories contained within washing over Alexis and allowing her to experience them.