Elegy for a Star

Joyona pulled herself off of Scirocca’s bed, hearing the wood creak as it was relieved of the giantess’ weight. She snatched up her underwear and pants, beginning to get dressed once more. Scirocca, already dressed, was pouring through a book as she smoked from a long pipe of a substance that smelled vaguely of ammonia. Joyona didn’t like it, but who was she to tell Scirocca what to do in her own room.

Fastening her trousers and cinching them with her belt, Joyona wore her emotionless mask, not wanting to give the Sphinx the glee of a smile from her. It was difficult to hide the pink color she had on her cheeks, however. In truth, she was ashamed.

“Meant to tell you before,” Scirocca commented with a dull expression much like Joyona’s, “But you’ve got a great body, Joy. You should show it off more often.”

“No,” Joyona replied with a gravelly voice.

“In truth, though,” Scirocca switched topics with a wave of her hand, sending the smoke in an upward spiral, “I’m surprised that you came to me. I’ve been wanting to talk to you anyway.”

Joyona was fastening her heavy breasts into her bra when she looked up at Scirocca. She didn’t speak. Scirocca would tell her if she wanted to. Besides, this was awkward enough. She didn’t want to show her embarrassment. She definitely didn’t want to show her excitement, but it was considerable.

Scirocca waited just a moment for Joyona to respond, but she must’ve detected that she wouldn’t be asking. “You know,” Scirocca sighed, “I know we both have the quiet and mysterious bit going on for us, but I am really hoping to have a more engaging conversation with you. Can you do that?”

“Okay.”

“Right,” Scirocca gave an amused smirk, “So, I wanted to talk to you about your blood, actually.”

“What about it?” Joyona asked, adjusting her breasts within her bra. What troublesome things they could be at times.

Scirocca took a slow breath of that foul-smelling stuff, exhaling it with her statement, “Well, it’s giant blood. I could do a lot with that.”

“Like what?” Joyona asked, “I’m not a blood bag.”

Scirocca must’ve ignored the blood bag comment, “Research.”

“Pava did research,” Joyona replied calmly.

“Then allow me the time to give more details,” Scirocca said, holding her free hand up, palm out, “You have some real strength in that blood, but given your stunted height and strength compared to most giants, it is a unique sample.”

Joyona listened quietly as she pulled her shirt over her head.

“I believe that there is power in that blood, within the channels of your bones,” Scirocca explained.

Joyona wasn’t sure exactly what she was talking about, but she could follow well enough. She stayed quiet and focused on her boots. She wouldn’t reply to that. She didn’t want to sound stupid.

Scirocca added, “I could design a ritual to unlock that power.” The Sphinx added, “Bring you to your full height. Your full strength.” She took another inhale, walking around the room and inspecting the items as though she hadn’t seen them in years, “Besides that, we could give others the same fortitude and strength that you possess now. It would be an immense boon to the entirety of the Corps.”

“Mm,” Joyona grunted, pulling her boots to the bedside and taking another seat. The bed struggled noisily.

“Joyona, I understand the discomfort and the invasion of the sovereignty of your body,” Scirocca added with a reassuring tone, “I of course won’t do it without your say-so.” Scirocca ceased her pacing and added, “But who knows what I could do with it? Developing new rituals is an exciting prospect for me. Consider it a hobby.”

“I won’t donate my blood for a Wyrden’s hobby,” Joyona spoke, attempting to hide the way she was rattled by Scirocca’s words. Was this woman much different from Pava? Kinder, consenting perhaps, but is that how it starts.

Joyona hoped not. She liked Scirocca. She liked Scirocca a lot. The giantess pushed the thought to the back of her mind.

“Thank you, Joyona,” Scirocca said, inclining her head, “I was ready for either response, but I am glad for your consideration at least.”

Nodding, with her boots laced, Joyona stepped toward the door and left wordlessly.

How was she going to tell Mairaela? The thought made her feel sick. She thought Mairaela would understand, but who could say for sure? Joyona wasn’t good at mentioning news that people may not like, though. She wasn’t good at conversations in the first place, let alone conversations that she had to lead. Even worse, it was with Mairaela. She wanted the Summer Fey to like her.

She was probably just going to the Ball with Joyona out of pity.

Maybe she was just mad at Scirocca and didn’t want Joyona going with her. That would make her explanation so much worse.

Oh gods, she was going to hate Joyona, wasn’t she? What had she done? She should’ve talked to Mairaela first. This had been such a terrible idea.

She was a damn idiot. A fucking moron! What was she thinking?

Joyona shook the thoughts away just in time to see Maupoissant approaching. Joyona gave her a nod, stepping aside to walk past her, murmuring, “Captain,” as a respectful greeting.

“Oh, Joyona,” Maupoissant said, turning before she walked entirely past her, “I had something to talk to you about.”

Joyona stopped and turned, nodding her head. Conversation was a good way to distract her from these haunting thoughts.

“Your team put in quite a good word for you in their statements,” Kofi explained, “Miren especially. She wrote that you saved her life in a hurricane.”

Joyona nodded her head, but the thought of Miren putting in a good word for her only sounded like the Winter Fey was trying to make amends. Even though it was technically true, Joyona didn’t like the idea that she was being celebrated for more than she actually did. She did what anyone would have done.

“Mairaela’s review was exceptional, as was Tess’,” Kofi continued, “But Gwen wrote-... gods, how did she put it? Exceptional leadership, possessing integrity, courage and mental fortitude that Gwen herself would never be capable of.”

Joyona knew that Tess and Mairaela would put in kind words. She knew that she and Gwen were good friends, too, but what had she done to deserve those words? Leadership? Joyona was not a leader. She barely spoke. Gwen was their leader; It was clear.

Kofi explained, “We’ll be going over commendations and awards on the day after the Ball. I wanted to ask-...”

“A commendation is not necessary, Captain.”

“No,” Maupoissant shook her head, “How would you feel about a promotion?”