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The Gift

Richard's (SF) Storyline, Chapter 3.4

copyright comidacomida 2018

It was so much more obvious with the Lion than the Ram that he quite visibly glowed at the attention he was afforded by the congregation; his eyes were particularly luminescent, shining all the brighter whenever an "Amen" or similar exclamation was issued up from the crowd. I stayed far less time in the second church than the first and Jack followed me out, making no move to stop me; the preacher stopped his sermon once again to condemn me for leaving early but I ignored it in favor of a quick escape. Once we were outside and I was sure we were alone I turned to the Gryphon and asked "What was that?"

He cocked his head to the side, keeping pace with me as he responded with a question of his own. "To what are you referring, Richard?"

I didn't really know where to begin, so I gave into curiosity. "I want to go back and speak with one of them-- well... the Ram I think-- not the Lion."

Jack nodded, about-facing and heading back up the street. "Is there any reason specifically why the Ram appeals to thee more than the Lion?"

Personally, I'd figured that the reason was obvious but I offered up an answer anyway. "He was a lot more pleasant, and I think he would probably be more willing to talk to me."

The Gryphon continued nodding thoughtfully. "In my experience, most holy men are always willing to speak with those who have questions."

I remained quiet for several seconds as we were passed by some fellow pedestrians and then I asked my question quietly. "About religious matters, sure, but how willing would they be to answer questions about spirits?"

Jack came to a stop and, once I did as well, he circled around me so he was facing me on the sidewalk. "Richard... the curators of the two separate churches we visited are not spirits and could not answer thy questions in this regard."

His statement didn't seem reasonable. They had been spirits; I'd seen it myself. "How can they NOT be spirits? I saw them-- a Ram and a Lion."

Although I got the feeling he had the answer to my question ready to go the Gryphon didn't just tell me, rather, he made me figure it out on my own by leading me through a series of questions of his own. "The parishioners of each church could not all be Seers, and yet they were able to see, listen to, and interact with them."

That much was true, but I had another point to argue. "But they could obviously tell I was different, and it looked like they could see you."

He nodded, and slowly turned around, continuing to lead me on down the street toward the first church. "Yes. That is true, Richard."

I was quiet for several more steps before I realized that my brain had failed to get any further. "Then... what was it we were seeing?"

As if the simple act of asking him that question was all that was required for an answer, the Gryphon turned back to me. His eyes glowed a muted gold and explained. "Richard, I felt it important for thee to learn about an aspect of Spirits that most do not wish to divulge to Humans. What you were seeing were Humans who were inhabited by a spirit."

"They were possessed?!?"

Before I realized it, I had all but blurted out the question in the middle of the sidewalk, in which a church congregation was in the process of filling. I felt myself blush horribly but, rather than lower my head, I quickly held my hand up to my ear, pretending that I was in the middle of a conversation using a Bluetooth ear piece. "Oh, no-- I haven't seen it yet. Thanks for spoiling the ending."

Other than getting a few exasperated looks everyone moved on with their day and I found myself facing the open doors of the church. Standing at the entrance, saying farewell and shaking hands was the Ram. I continued to watch him as he listened to those who came up to him, offering an ear followed by a heartfelt goodbye before addressing the next in line. Jack moved up beside me and hovered a talon over my shoulder; although he couldn't actually touch me the gesture felt as though it was supposed to be comforting and it did almost feel that way. He spoke quietly. "What thou dost see is a Human who is being guided by a Spirit."

I mumbled under my breath "But not possessing him?"

He flexed then folded his wings, still, for some reason speaking quietly. "In a possession the Spirit takes over completely and chains, then ultimately replaces a Human's soul... this is different. They are united and yet still separate; the man is still in control, and yet the Spirit acts as an unseen hand, providing him guidance and direction, not unlike a conscience or, more likely as he feels it, divine inspiration. Still, the Human is not aware that he is joined by the Spirit, so he would not understand what you mean were you to question him."

It made sense in a strange way, but something else had caught my attention. I continued speaking quietly, rubbing my nose to hide the movement of my mouth to avoid attention "Why are YOU whispering?"

The Gryphon slowly began to walk up the steps toward where the Ram was finishing with the last of his parishioners. "The Spirit portion of this union can still see and hear other Spirits even if the Human cannot. He is aware of me and of who thou art by my presence."

After saying farewell to the final congregation member the Ram looked to me and smiled. "Hello there. I saw you stop by earlier. I'm glad you came back."

His voice was mid-toned and welcoming in a way I'd seldom heard; it was like a teacher and a doctor rolled into one, but without the sense of required respect or ivory tower professionalism. He sounded relaxed, and, in turn, it made me feel a little more relaxed. "It's been a long time since I went to church and I... I guess I just--"

I saw a tell-tale glint in the Ram's eye. The man smiled, taking a seat on the steps of the church. "And you were curious?"

Jack motioned to the man or, more specifically, the Ram. "The Spirit is Meloi. I have known him since the early 1400s."

It took me a moment to separate what the Gryphon was saying and what the pastor was saying but I answered the pastor first. "I suppose so."

There was a strange blur as I saw the Ram nod his head in greeting even as the physical body didn't do likewise and, for a half-second, I got the impression of a thin, black-haired, late 20s guy before they became one again. The pastor motioned to the steps beside him. "I have been told that the best way to satisfy curiosity is to ask questions. I have plenty of time if you think there's a chance I can help you find answers."

I remained there for several seconds trying to figure out whether I wanted to sit with him or if it was all just to weird. Jack took the opportunity to speak as I considered my options. "The Spirit joined with the Human spiritual leader down the street is Maahes. I met him almost three hundred years ago."

In the end, I decided not to take the pastor up on his offer and shot a glance at Jack. "No... thank you. I think I'm looking more for perspective than for answers."

The Gryphon took a step forward even as I took a step back. "Meloi-- my Seer is still learning about Spirits. Coulds't thou aid me by having thy Bonded Human raise his right arm?"

As I stepped back the pastor stood and, as I watched, he reached up and ran his right hand through the curled wool atop his head. "Well, if ever you change your mind I'm here most every day."

I shot another glance at Jack; he'd raised his arm, true, but did it count? "Thank you, Fath-- uh... Broth-- um... what-- how do I--?"

The Ram laughed, holding out a hand. "Jon."

Looking down at the furry appendage with thick, dark black, hoof-like nails I held out my own hand and exchanged a firm shake; I was surprised when it felt entirely Human with no hint of animalistic nature. Jack, two steps behind me spoke. "If thou dost have questions for the Human cleric thou mayest speak them, Richard, but tis far more difficult to interact with a Spirit so bonded."

The Ram nodded, once again creating that strange distorting haze over their joined form. Realizing I was still holding the man's hand I quickly disengaged. "Thank you, Jon. I'm Richard."

"Nice to meet you, Richard. I mean it; please feel free to stop back if ever the need strikes you. I'll be here."

We each said our pleasantries and I quickly left the Church. Once I was back on the sidewalk I turned West and headed toward home. We walked in silence for several blocks before I--