Teach Me to Whisper
By SMYGO4EVA
"Can you hear me?"
The nun, Esther, asked aloud, moving closer to the woman before her. She who called herself Shahrazad curled into herself, shielding her form, shivering. The rafters of the church were the sanctuary she needed, and where to keep herself safe, far from any wicked, wandering eyes. Her wings were stained with blood, curled over her form, over her head.
Shahrazad huddled in the corner, under the window, where the moon shone through the splintered glass. Esther stopped in her tracks, kneeling down so that her eyes would meet Shahrazad's, who lifted her head towards the nun. pounding in her chest, not from fear, but from curiosity and concern.
The nun made sure to move herself slowly and surely. She knew that she would find the angel here, in the sanctuary of the church. The night was cold, the winds biting, and this place of worship was empty, except for Esther.
Shahrazad let her wings unfurl for a moment, to uncover her exhausted, relieved face, and she moved forward to Esther. Her wings arched beautifully, even as blood dripped from them, scarlet dotting the floorboard. She shifted forward, and then wrapped her arms around Esther, who could not help but feel her heartbeat quicken.
Esther was stunned, but she in turn let her arms hold Shahrazad close to her, an embrace warm and soft. She hadn't prepared for such a gesture, though she had seen the woman in her dreams, or perhaps, visions, nor did she expect them to become reality.
"Yes, Esther, I can hear you, I can see you too." Shahrazad spoke, her voice light and weary, burying her face in the crook of the nun's neck, tears flowing from her eyes again.
Esther felt her cheeks grow warm, but she smiled, resting her head on Shahrazad's shoulder, the wings glowing and the blood dissipating into thin air. Shahrazad's wings brightened, even more beautiful, and then lowered, a canopy over them.
"Shahrazad, I'm glad you're safe, and that you're here with me." Esther replied gently, soothingly, and in her heart, she knew Shahrazad was too.