--Aurelia—

Making her way through a tumble of children with practiced ease, Aurelia headed to her personal chambers for the noon prayer. Celio would lead the kids in their own more structured prayers, but being a high priestess came with some perks.

Besides, Aurelia didn’t actually like kids. I mean, she loved them; couldn’t have become a priestess to Lux if she didn’t inexplicably love them. But there is a great difference between love and like, and Aurelia only soldiered through her annoyance out of that love.

She closed the door behind her. Breathed a sigh of relief at the silence.

Her room had an altar to Lux in front of the window. The goddess looked serene and playful at the same time. Damn if Aurelia didn’t envy that expression, sometimes. Envy the way her goddess seemed to weather even the craziest turns of events, unchanged by bitter Time.

The high priestess knelt. She had a thick rug, specifically for cradling her old knees, right in front of the altar. It smelled of incense and holy oil, the scent baked deep into its fibers over the years.

“Our goddess,” she prayed, “I reach out to you now in hopes of guidance.”

Aurelia.

Lux’s presence was enlivening and relaxing at the same time, and that was at a distance.

How are you doing?

“You can read my mind, great one. I know you are always watching.” They’d found an odd balance, over the years. Lux would trip all over herself with affection, and her priestess ignore it with stiff formality, and somehow that suited them both just fine.

But I want to hear it all from you! And why haven’t you gone out with Silas, yet? You two would be perfect!

Aurelia choked. She’d hoped the goddess would drop the question as her priestess aged, but Lux had only nagged more. “Great one,” her tone was annoyed more than fervent, “I have already given you my opinion on that matter.”

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I worry about you, Aurelia. You are too far set on being alone.

“Other people annoy me. Why else would I stay in the Scoop?”

Because you love the children? Her goddess was amused, Because you love the way the orchard looks at sunset, all gold and red, and because, for all you deny it, you love helping the people around you.

Aurelia clicked her tongue in annoyance. “While you’re not wrong, that doesn’t mean I need to be paired up with Father Silas.”

Lux sent the impression of a shrug. That meant she’d bring it up again later. But, how have you been, lately?

“Well…” She sighed, “I’m worried about the dungeon. And the newcomer. And Celio’s health—he hasn’t gotten a class since that disastrous delve.”

Hmm. Lux thought for a moment. Nox is working with the lad who hurt Celio. I do apologize for not warning you about trying to [Claim] the dungeon, we’ve both been distracted lately. We are paying attention now.

Their distraction was almost certainly about Laurus. The old gods had grieved their son’s poor decisions, and the distance it put between them, like any other couple would and spent a lot of time trying to mend things.

“We are strong.” Aurelia said, in lieu of comforting a Being so above her. “And you helped when we needed you.”

Yes… But Celio should regain a class any day, now. His changed perspective is making it difficult for the System, but it will offer something as soon as he settles. As for your newcomer… Lux sighed again, this time in exasperation and pity.

“What about him?”

Oh, you’d better ask Celio. He’s already thick as thieves with him, and I do mean that in the most oddly quarrelsome-friendly way that thieves tend towards. It’s just a good thing Ira doesn’t have any romantic interest in Vanni.

Aurelia chuckled. “Is that so?”

Seriously! Lux huffed dramatically, changing to a gossipier tone, She’s still hung up on Celio, but would never admit it, and at least that makes sense unlike you and Silas—

Standing rapidly, Aurelia cleared her throat, strangely embarrassed. Which was silly, because she didn’t feel a thing for Silas, and never had, so it was entirely on Lux for nagging her. Entirely.

“I thank you for the benevolence of your attention, our goddess--” Aurelia said quickly.

And those young Beings haven’t even admitted to their attraction! Is it something in the water there—

“I will now retreat to reflect on your wisdom.” She ended her prayer, stepping away from the altar. Shook the blush off her face and glided into her Movements of Light routine.

--Lux—

“Rude!”

Nox looked over at his wife, who was pouting. Chuckled.

She narrowed her eyes at him dangerously. “You got something to say, buddy?”

He shook his head, still smiling. “Not a word.”