The day after him and Master Geriel had dealt with the fighting pit Daymin slept until noon. Strangely, he had not stirred early, as was his habit of waking with the sun and no one came to wake him. He only woke when his stomach twisted from hunger, only then did he realize how late it was.

He dressed quickly fearing the worst, the punishment he would receive would no doubt be harsh for such a transgression, and he raced to find master Geriel. Moving through the halls at a quicken paced he didn’t even stop to acknowledge the people who bowed to him as he passed by. Daymin had never been late be for, no doubt he would be in for some harsh penance.

Master Geriel was in the training yards watching as some of the temple guards sparred. Daymin raced to him and threw himself at his feet head in the snow begging forgiveness.

“Master forgive me.” He pleaded. “I don’t know what happened I have never slept this late in my life,”

“Rise lad.” His master spoke calmly, “She permitted you a great slumber to recoup from last night. You’re not used to that sort of killing, though you took to it like a duck to water.”

“Resting…” Daymin rosed to his feet. “Last night was a great victory for Her.”

“I saw to it that it can’t be traced to us.” Geriel explained. “Building burned, and no evidence left, there’s a fear in the slums now which is good. Her priests will offer salvation and her following will grow.”

“What’s next for us?”

“I have plans to make for our next outing. You have the next few days off.”

“Off?”

Geriel tossed him a bag of coins Daymin caught it and looked inside, there looked to be about 20 gold pieces inside.

“Go enjoy the city. You have earned a rest.”

“I haven’t had a day off in my life…”

“Well now you have 3. Spend them how you like. Just be back for mass.”

“Of course master Geriel.” He bowed.

“I’ll suggest trying the pastries at the market. They are quiet good.”

“Yes master Geriel.” Daymin bowed and hurried off.

********

His master was right, the pastries at the market at least smelled really good. He’d passed by the stall about four times now just taking in the sights and sounds of the market, trying to blend in with this see of sinners. Time off from training sounded so strange to him, he hadn’t had a day of in nearly 30 years, and now he had gold in his pocket and freedom to roam about the city.

This had to be a test, he thought, to see if he could stay true to his goddess amongst all the temptations of this city it had to be. Gold and pastries were marks of greed and gluttony. The east sins to fall into; even Baz had wandered a bit when sweets were involved. No, Daymin would watch and wander this place and nothing more.

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Though the sweets did smell good…

His feet absently drew him closer to the stall. Looking at all the gem like confections that lay before him. The smells of fresh baked dough and chocolate filled his nose. They did look good.

“You know what you want?” the woman working the stall said breaking his concentration.

“What?” Daymin looked up at her and blinked. She had long raven black hair and deep olive skin, she looked at him with a polite but annoyed look, her dark eyes fixed on him.

“You gonna stand there all day or are to buy something?” she crossed her arms and tapped he foot.

“Ummm… I don’t know…”

“Cherry and cheese turn over then.” She picked on off the table and handed it to him. “2 copper.”

“Uh thanks…” he took the treat and reached for his money handing her a gold coin. “All I have is gold, is that okay?”

“You’re lucky I’m nice or I’d be taking that at not giving you change,” she laughed handing him back some sliver and copper pieces.

“That would be dishonest though.”

“And you would have been a sucker,” she smirked, “But you are one of the Vengeful, probably better if I didn’t get on your bad side.”

“The Vengeful?”

“Followers of Galaidia, we deliver the temple’s bread I’ve seen your pretty face around.”

“Yes I live there.”

“My family goes to mass there.”

“And yet you were tempted to cheat me?” Daymin frowned a bit.

“Just warning you. Most here aren’t so nice and would gladly take that gold off your hands.” She smiled passing him another cherry pastry. “I’m Annabelle.”

“Thank you… I am Brother Brightstar,”He bowed.

“Is brother your first name then? Because that’s a shame if it is.”

“Its Daymin…” he frowned again, “No one calls me that though.”

“Well of course someone does.” She winked.

“What?”

“Me silly.” She laughed, “Now go enjoy that pastry, and if you’re still feeling hungry come see me again alight.”

“Yes Miss Annabelle.” Daymin nodded, watching as she looked him over. She was just like every other woman in this city, taken in but his perfection, but she went to mass at the temple, she served just as he did. She had to be an acceptable interaction.

*****

Daymin found a spot on a bench out of the way where he could people watch along the main thoroughfare, eating the pastries he had gotten from Annabelle. They were sweet and tart with just a little bit of creaminess from the cheese. Baz would love these.

By Her Grace did he miss him…

It couldn’t be much longer could it? With the exception of last night, Daymin had barely slept since Baz had left, enough to solider on but not a true rest. It wasn’t the same, he tossed and turned without him there, worrying if something had happened to him or not. Would they tell him if something had. Theirs was a life without attachments, maybe he’d never be mentioned again… just gone.

Daymin shook such a thought from his mine. Baz would be back he knew he would be. He had the Goddess’ protection, even if something had, Master Geriel would tell him, the old angel blood knew what it was like to lose a partner, he wouldn’t let Daymin suffer.

If Baz could have only seen him last night, cutting down those sinners without the slightest hesitation. Finally, Daymin had found his stride, even been rewarded for it. But the whole thing felt empty without his partner there to share in it all. But Baz was surely off doing great things… greater that Daymin.

Daymin breathed in the cold winter air and made his way back to the temple, it was nearly time for mass and he had to change from his common clothes into his formal dress. He had freedom but mass was mass, and he was not about to let this small taste of the world allow him to stray.

“Daymin.” a hand tapped his shoulder.

Daymin spun around to see Anabelle behind him.

“Miss Annabelle.” He bowed. “thank you again for the pastries.”

“No trouble,” she smiled. “on you way too mass?”

“Yes.”

“Me too.” She smiled. “We can walk together then.”

“I can’t be late.” Daymin replied turning to go. “but I will look for you at the service.”

“A gentlemen would escort a single woman to mass.” She poked him.

“I am a soldier, Miss Annabell.” Daymin’s brow furrowed.

“Then you should be a both warrior and gentlemen.” She replied. “We are both going the same way just walk with me.”

Daymin sighed and nodded, she did make a good point what was the harm in walking the same direction.

“Did you like the pastries?” she said after a few paces.

“Yes very much.”

“The blueberry ones are nicer. But you came too late in the day, so they were sold out.”

“My loss it seems. I don’t really eat sweets.”

“If you come early tomorrow, we will have some of that are lemon too.”

Daymin didn’t reply, he had no intention of going back again. Why would he? Needless indulgences. But it was innocent talk as they neared the temple.

“Where do you sit?” Daymin asked as the began to climb the steps.

“Usually in the far left corner,” she told him, “with most of the other merchants.”

“I’ll see you to your seat, then I need to go. I have to attend the priests and priestesses.”

“Shame I would have asked you to sit.” She said as they walked through the pews

“As her faithful servant my place is at Her alter.” Daymin showed her to her place with a bow.

“Well then enjoy the mass.” A familiar huff to her voice.

“You as well.” He nodded turning to leave, finally that was the end of that.