Meeting Eos

Alexis found herself standing in an elegant yet imposing office. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings and celestial symbols, dulled as if their light had been long extinguished. Behind an ornate, darkwood desk sat a stern older woman with lavender skin. Her graying black hair was coiled into a precise bun atop her head, and her gray eyes held the weight of countless centuries. This was no ordinary being—Zazela radiated an aura of authority and quiet power that could only come from an upper demon, one who had once stood among the celestials.

Before her stood a younger Fidelisa, appearing no older than eighteen or nineteen. The imp’s youthful energy was barely restrained as she faced the imposing figure before her.

Zazela spoke, her voice calm and deliberate, each word carrying an almost divine resonance despite its flat tone. “Mistress Fidelisa, you have shown remarkable promise throughout your internship. Your diligence, competence, and unwavering patience have not gone unnoticed. I am confident you are prepared to assume the role of a full tutor.”

The young imp’s face lit up, her joy barely contained as she bounced slightly on her heels. “Oh, thank you, Headmistress Zazela! I promise I won’t let you down.”

A faint smile tugged at Zazela’s lips, though her eyes remained discerning. “I trust that you will not. Now, let me introduce you to your first charge. She is a very special child, and one I expect you will find both challenging and rewarding. Remember, Fidelisa, you are not alone. Myself and the staff will be available should you require guidance.”

With that, Zazela pressed a button on her desk. The soft buzz of a chime sounded from the adjoining room.

Moments later, the door opened, and the atmosphere shifted as another presence entered the room. Metis stepped inside, her regal grace undeniable. Clad in a flowing silk dress that shimmered like captured starlight, the fallen celestial moved with an elegance that seemed both effortless and commanding. Behind her, a small girl—no older than four or five—clung shyly to the folds of her dress, half-hidden in its silken cascade.

Zazela rose from her seat and bowed her head slightly in deference. Fidelisa, catching the gesture, quickly dropped into a deep curtsy, her impish tail curling politely behind her.

“Mistress Metis,” Zazela greeted, her tone respectful yet familiar. “It is an honor to welcome you. Thank you for coming in person.”

Metis inclined her head, her celestial beauty tempered by an air of melancholy. “Of course, Headmistress. This is my daughter we’re discussing. I trust your judgment, but I could not entrust her care to another without meeting the one who will oversee her education.”

Zazela nodded, a hint of pride glimmering in her otherwise stern expression. “Understandable, my lady. Allow me to reassure you—Miss Fidelisa has proven herself more than capable. Your daughter, Lady Eos, will be in excellent hands.”

As the headmistress spoke, Fidelisa knelt down, her warm smile aimed at the timid child who clung to her mother’s leg. “Hello, little one. My name is Fidelisa Puellia, and I’ll be your tutor from now on. May I ask your name?”

The child peeked out from the folds of Metis’s dress, her wide golden eyes—so similar to her mother’s—filled with uncertainty. Her voice, soft as a whisper, trembled as she answered, “Eos.”

Fidelisa’s expression softened further, her own golden eyes sparkling with genuine affection. “Eos? What a beautiful name, my lady. It suits you perfectly. I hope we can be friends. Would you like that?”

Eos blinked, her small brow furrowing slightly as though the concept was foreign to her. “Friends?”

Metis reached down and gently stroked her daughter’s hair. “It’s alright, my love. Mistress Puellia will take very good care of you.”

Encouraged by her mother’s touch, Eos took a hesitant step forward, releasing her grip on the silken fabric. Fidelisa clapped her hands together in delight. “Wonderful! Tell me, Lady Eos, is there anything you especially love to do? Something that makes you happy?”

The girl hesitated, then spoke a little louder, her voice gaining confidence. “I like to read. We have a big library at home, and I love it. I want to read all the books.”

Fidelisa giggled softly. “Then you’re in for a treat, my lady. We have a magnificent library here as well—one your mother herself designed. Would you like to see it?”

The child’s eyes widened with curiosity, her shyness giving way to excitement. “Really? Can I? I want to read every book there too!”

Metis smiled, a rare warmth breaking through her usual poise. “Go on, dear.”

Fidelisa extended her hand, and after only a moment’s hesitation, Eos placed her small hand in the imp’s. “Come with me,” Fidelisa said softly. “We have all the time in the world.”

With that, the two left the office, the door clicking shut behind them. Metis and Zazela exchanged knowing glances before turning their attention to a quieter conversation.

As the memory dimmed, Alexis felt the scene dissolve, the warm atmosphere giving way to the faint stirrings of another vision.