Mira held the sword out towards Sunodagh. He swung his axe down at her blade with a vicious grunt. When their weapons collided, he celebrated the sight of her sword breaking at a weak point.
“Ha! Still got it!” He cheered as the shaft of his weapon rested against his shoulder.
“Do you want to continue practicing?” She studied the broken blade before she looked back to the orc, “I do not need a new weapon.”
“No thank you,” He wiped the sweat from his face, “Your summoned weapons are stronger than anything I can make. I just wanted to test out my new axe.”
Mira handed the broken weapon to him, “You’ve come a long way in you smithing. Your axes are stronger.”
“Spar with me next!” Pallik waved from the picnic lunch.
The five enjoyed an afternoon meal before the weekly temple ritual was set to begin. Jonen learn that the hobby blacksmith often saved weapons to test when Mira visited. Sunodagh also sourced most of the temple’s shields and weapons. The only time he could find to have her test them was in the early morning or late at night. With visitors coming into Vimgraunt, the priestesses suggested practicing behind the temple during the day when the sounds of the forge could be heard.
“No, Pallik,” Mira walked to the three of them situated on the blanket, “You’re too weak right now and I do not know if your usual routine will be enough to keep up my strength.”
“Yeah!” Tella stuck her tongue out at him.
“I was talking about with Sunodagh!” He scoffed, “He would at least let me feel like I had a chance to win.”
“Ladies, let’s focus on lunch,” Jonen chuckled at the boy, “Poor Pallik won’t catch a break between the two of you.”
Mira untied the knot at her knee to release the bundled fabric of her dress. Watching the frilly white layers unravel and fan out made Tella smile. She sat on the blanket next to her and scrunched her hand in her hair. The girl put her hands on her hips as if she scolded her.
“Your hair is all messed up! Let me fix it!”
“Please do,” Mira held still while Tella stood and placed her hands in the tangled mess of curls.
Jonen watched them as if he hadn’t seen the young woman just spar with a giant orc. Or hadn’t murdered a dozen bandits days prior. Right now, Mira looked like any normal woman preparing for temple –and he enjoyed that. He never imagined he would see her in a dress. The simple gown was nearly identical to what they wore in the crypts, only fitted to her. The billowy blouse had a high neck to hide her enthrallment brand. The skirt of the gown cinched snuggly at her waist. and flowed to the top of her boots. The modest look suited her, Jonen thought, and made her look like a doting older sister to the children.
Jonen had borrowed clothes for the sermon as well but looked more like himself. The britches and light buttoned shirt was something he would wear if he wasn’t in uniform. As Tella wrapped Mira’s hair into a braided bun, Pallik cleared his throat.
“Mira,” His voice cracked in nervousness, “You’re the most beautiful woman at the temple today.”
“You are sweet,” Mira waved his compliment away, “But, by conventional standards, High Priestess Nara or Healer Irae are far more attractive. Their faces have closer symmetry and less scarring than mine. Their curves are ample and more desirable as well. Although, they are too old for you as well.”
Pallik rolled his eyes and Jonen patted his shoulder with a snicker. Tella took one of the green ribbons from her hair and tied it around Mira’s bun.
“I wish you would just let me compliment you,” The teen grumbled, “You always let Tella compliment you.”
“It’s because I make her prettier!” She grinned proudly, “You’re very pretty, Mira!”
“Thank you,” She touched the ribbon, “You always do my hair nicely.”
“If you came to visit more, I could teach you!” She sat next to her and leaned her head against her shoulder.
Jonen remembered how the woman delicately braided the dwarf’s beard in preparation for his burial. He wondered if she often let the girl teach her things like that or if she already knew and wanted Tella to be entertained. Something told him it was a mixture of the two.
“I come visit when I can, Tella. My master does not like my absence,” She rested her head on top of the girl’s, “If I visit too often, he will investigate.”
Pallik crossed his arms and mumbled aggressively about what he would do if that happened. Mira ignored his statements.
“What happens if he’s dead?” Jonen asked, “It’s been nearly three weeks. What if he was killed or captured?”
“My brand would break and disappear if he died,” She played with the high collar of her dress, “It hasn’t broken yet, so I know he’s alive. If he’s captured… I assume I will hear word of it. Then, I will go rescue him.”
“What if you stayed with us?” Tella grinned, “He wouldn’t be able to find you! You could be our big sister!”
“No,” Pallik and Mira said at the same time.
Jonen covered his small laugh, “I don’t think that’s how it works.”
She frowned, “You take care of us. Why couldn’t you just join the village?”
“If I could join the village, I would most likely be a hunter and tutor,” Mira winked at the girl, “And we both know you don’t like any lessons I give.”
Pallik rolled his eyes, “You’re always worried about our future.”
“I want you to be prepared,” She paused, “Your parents and I will not be around forever.”
“Momma was a herber,” Tella looked to her brother, “Daddy led the caravans. Momma Relya and Daddy Delpho are farmers. We could always do something like that.”
“You’re going to be a healer,” He laughed, “Or Mira will haunt us both.”
The group laughed. Mira shook her head.
“I told you both not to worry about it for now,” She tussled Pallik’s hair before leaning to Tella, “Besides, Relya and Delpho take care of you both. You won’t have to worry about it for a long time. Practice your skills for now.”
The large metal bell above the temple chimed. The four stood and dusted themselves off before they walked into the temple. As the children ran inside, Jonen grabbed Mira’s arm to pull her back.
“Do they know that you’ll be… moving soon?” He whispered, “Because it seems like—”
“Pallik does,” She nodded stiffly, “Tella does not, and will not. I don’t want to upset her before I’m gone.”
The two joined the children in the pews at the back of the room. The room filled quickly as the priestesses prepared the front of the temple for the ritual. Every person was dressed in white for the temple ceremony –as was the custom in Zrud. Jonen’s own temple clothes were back at his brother’s place in Hangral.
After the final bell struck, the choir at the front of the temple sung praises to the Goddess in each language. Each race sang in their native tongue and harmonized well with the rest of the singers. Once the choir’s praises finished, they hummed soft undertones. Irae walked behind the pews and followed the violet runners. She held a large hydria against her hip and blessed the water before flicking it towards the pews.
“May Her light cleanse and replenish us.”
When the water speckled Jonen’s face, he felt the enchantment take place. The healer’s caramel braid flowed over her shoulder, and she plucked flowers from it to add to the hydria during her walk. He felt the minor healing affects drying flecks of dirt and scabs from his face. As he touched the drying spots, his skin felt softer. Mira smiled politely to Irae as she walked past.
Jonen had never seen another half-elf in such a prominent position, especially during a temple ceremony.
“Thank you for joining our prayers today. Goddess bless each of you,” Irae announced and bowed, “High Priestess, Nara Voltain, shall be our Goddess-Speaker today.”
The bronze elf stepped through the entrance arch and bowed deeply in each cardinal direction. The flowing white dress trailed behind her with lacy detailing one could expect on a wedding day. Her large golden bangles clanked together like pleasant bells as she pressed her palms together. The high ponytail caused her sleek, blonde hair to bounce and wave with each step.
“Goddess, bless each person here with us today,” The woman bowed at each pew and spoke, “Thank you all for coming.”
Jonen wasn’t used to the temple atmosphere like this. It was intimate and engaging, unlike the strict rituals in Vanora. Most peoples in the pews around him clapped their hands together and shook them to the High Priestess. When she reached the podium at the head of the room, she smiled at her audience.
“We are blessed today to host our weekly ritual prayer with the temple filled with so many faces,” She looked between the filled rows, “Now, we shall celebrate our Goddess. Priestesses, please prepare your flowers.”
Her hands waved towards the choir and the women pulled flowers tied into their hair. If their hair wasn’t long enough, they plucked one from Irae’s braid as they approached. Irae placed the hydria at the foot of the podium and each woman dropped their flower into the vessel’s mouth. Some kissed their flowers softly before letting them go.
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“Priests, please bring your herbs,” Nara motioned to the row of men standing at the entrance of temple.”
“Priests?” Jonen blinked.
He had never heard of a man taking to the Goddess’s calling. As the men trailed the violet runners to Irae, they smiled proudly. Sunodagh and many of the temple guards were among them. The large yellow orc took the end of the line. Each man dropped a bundle of herbs into the hydria. When Sunodagh reached the front of the line, he knelt to Nara and Irae and presented a large bouquet of herbs.
“Thank you, Uncle,” Irae whispered.
Uncle? Jonen thought.
As he looked at Mira, he noticed her straightforward stare move to him. She waited for him to speak. Jonen looked at Sunodagh with a gesture. Mira did not understand his question and looked back to the podium.
“Goddess, we beg for you to hear our prayers. May your light and grace guide us to the right answer,” Nara lowered her head, “Please, join me in a moment silent prayer. Let Her hear our needs and bless us all.”
Jonen wrapped his hands together and thought of what he needed in life: safety, direction, comfort. He asked her to send his fellow soldiers souls into the next cycle of life with good fortune. He prayed that Shayleigh would start her next life in good health. When his prayers were completed, he looked to Mira.
The woman’s eyes locked onto Nara as the elf prayed silently. He wasn’t entirely sure what Mira would pray about –if she did. Nara told him she only came to understand the goddess a few years ago. Would she want to be released from her enthrallment? Wish safety for Tella and Pallik?
As Jonen pondered, Mira felt his eyes on her and looked over to him. They sat next to each other, but most closed their eyes for the silent prayer. She silently quirked an eyebrow at him, and he looked away. She looked back to the podium and studied as Irae swirled the contents of the large jug in front of her. Because Nara was not magically talented, the half elf performed the magical duties in the High Priestess’s place.
Irae swirled the water to break up the flowers and herbs. The sweet perfume wafted through the temple’s room. When the additions were thoroughly broken up, she lifted her arm from the mouth of the jar and bowed lightly to Nara.
“Goddess, hear our prayers. Give us a sign that you will bless us today!” Nara raised her arms and turned to the stained-glass window.
A ray of light beamed through the central heart and warmed Nara’s skin. She smiled gratefully that their prayers were heard. Her own wishes were selfish, but she knew that the Goddess would do the best for her.
“Praise the Goddess! Our prayers have been heard!” Nara announced and turned back to the attendants, “Let us begin showing our thanks to Her. Children, please step forward and leave an offering.”
Tella shot up from her seat and skipped towards the podium. Mira elbowed Pallik lightly, and he begrudgingly followed his little sister. Dozens of children waited patiently in line to offer something to the blessed water. As Pallik approached, he dropped a torn piece of cloth. Mira knew it came from a stuffed animal back home. Tella offered the green ribbon from her hair that once belonged to a doll that Relya made for her. Nara placed her hand into the water and touched the forehead of each one.
“Now, any of marrying age, please step forward and place your offerings.”
Mira stood and walked past Jonen. It surprised him that she joined in the ritual. A small line formed as young men and women dropped their contributions into the water. Nara placed her hand in the water and tapped each one on the forehead with the scented liquid. As Mira approached, she pulled the green ribbon from her bun and dropped it into the basin. She curtsied to the High Priestess as the woman’s thumb pressed against her forehead. Jonen saw the wince she tried to hide as her brand seared into the back of her neck.
When the group returned to their seats, Nara smiled and repeated herself for the next group. The group of older men and women lined up and awaited their turns. Jonen leaned towards Mira when she returned to her seat.
“I did not expect you to join in,” He whispered.
Mira shook her head, “Generally, I do not. Tella informed me it would be impolite with the amount of people here today.”
“Yes, Jonen,” Tella narrowed her eyes at him, “Mira must be polite, right? Why didn’t you go?”
“My group has yet to be called,” He rolled his eyes.
After men and women returned to their seats, Nara bowed deeply.
“Now, those that join us with heavy hearts, have lost love, or do not want to announce their journey… Anyone else that wishes to be blessed by our Goddess today, please do so now,” Nara stood and looked across the pews.
Jonen stood and walked to the short line. Women dressed in mourning black, disfigured men, and a mismatch of people made the short group. As each one dropped their offering into the hydria, Jonen fumbled the letter in his pocket and the piece of cloth from his knight’s tunic. He wondered which one he should offer. As he stepped forward, Nara sensed his hesitation.
“If you think you would miss it,” She whispered, “Please keep it. There should be no regrets in our gifts to the goddess.”
Jonen nodded thoughtfully before dropping the blue square of cloth into the water. If he never saw Mira again, he would have his scar and the note to remember her by. When he left, he hoped she would be able to write to him. If he could keep communication open between them, then maybe he could save her from Isaan. As he returned to his seat, Mira smiled softly at him.
Once all the contributions were given, Irae cast a spell to churn the water. A low, perfumed flame glowed within the basin as the spell took place. The powerful odor of herbs and flowers washed the room. Irae stepped back and Nara picked up the hydria.
“Goddess, we thank you for hearing our pleas and guiding us on the right path,” She turned to face the window again, “Thank you for showing us the way. Thank you for blessing us with a moment of your presence today. Thank you for easing our transitions from lives and healing our souls when needed.”
“Praise the Goddess!” The priestesses and priests shouted together.
A brilliant, warm light illuminated the stained-glass window for a brief, dazzling moment. Wind whipped through Nara’s hair. She smiled softly and thought of Prophetess Renda. She placed the hydria on the ground. It shook violently before a plume of smoke formed a swirling heart in the air and blocked light from the window.
Nara turned back to her congregation and lifted her arms to raise everyone to their feet.
“Thank you all for joining our ritual this week. If you have healing needs, please see Irae, Gimma, or a number of our students. If there are any questions weighting on your conscious, please see any priest or priestess to confess what troubles you,” She curtsied as the people stood, “As always, a small stand with crops and handmade meals are outside for those who need it. Have a wonderful day and blissful week. I hope to see everyone at the Harvest Festival in a few days.”
Jonen walked from his seat towards the temple entrance. The warmth of the day calmed him, and he took in the fresh air. He hadn’t felt this relaxed in years. As he thought about the more modern ritual he had just witnessed, a small hand grabbed his wrist and tugged lightly. Tella smiled up at him and he knelt down to hear her speak over the bustling crowd.
“Should we wait for our friends to get some treats?”
“Mira joins High Priestess Nara in her office for some time after temple,” Tella shook her head, “Sunodagh wanted to talk to you about training.”
“Lead me to him, then.”
Tella weaved through the crowd and around the temple. A small smithy on the other outer edge of the courtyard lit aflame. Sunodagh stretched with his hammer and tongs before placing a sword into the roaring flame.
“Elf-boy!” His tusks and lower teeth showed in his smile, “Blessed day to you. Thank you, little one.”
“Just remember you said you’d make Pallik a new sword!” She said in a singsong voice as she skipped back towards the bustling crowd at the temple’s entrance.
“Yeah, yeah. Go join the other kids!” He called after her, “High Priestess shared you’re a part of the Traveling Knights?”
“Yessir,” Jonen proudly grinned, “I’ve been stationed in Vanora, and now Zrud.”
“Would you be willing to train some of our men in basic techniques? Most have only swung a scythe to cut grains. If we’re lucky an archer comes by to teach us a few things,” Sunodagh picked up the glowing sword and placed it on the anvil, “We need to boost the town’s defenses in case we are ever attacked.”
“There have been more monsters in Zrud than normal,” He agreed, “That’s why my squadron was deployed from Hangral. I can teach them a few thing, but I’m by no means an expert.”
“Most men don’t show up because they’re afraid I will crush them,” The ping of Sunodagh’s hammer echoed, “My tribe already knows everything I do. A new, friendlier face may give us better training.”
“You think they’re scared of you?” Jonen chuckled.
The yellow orc threw the sword back into the flame and pointed at the deep scar on his face, “I was a bit rowdy when I first got here. Got into a knife fight with the tavern owner. I at least kept both of my eyes.”
“Well, understandable,” He nodded, “Why not ask Mira?”
Sunodagh laughed and grabbed the sword again. He spent a minute pounding a small bulge from the blade and dipped it in oil. The steaming weapon was then thrown onto stone blocks to cool.
“My men are orcs,” Sunodagh raised an eyebrow, “Have you seen the woman fight?”
Jonen pursed his lips, “You’ve got a point.”
“I’d rather them focus on the lessons,” Sunodagh shook his head, “Besides, dwarven men don’t listen to women about fighting. Too proud. A knight, they’d listen to.”
“Well, when do we start?”
“Tomorrow, after we tell the High Priestess,” The orc grinned and walked towards the temple entrance, “If you’re still interested.”
The smell of meat pies and warm bread filled the air. The ritual’s aroma mixed nicely. Jonen grabbed a small roll to snack on as they walked down a long corridor. As they approached Nara’s office, the door was ajar. Sunodagh didn’t knock but swung the door open. Nara intensely leaned over her desk towards an apathetic Mira. The amber eyed mage didn’t look away from the elf as she described her transgressions. She didn’t even flinch as Nara shrieked in fright.
“Between thirteen and fifteen, I believe,” Mira tapped a finger on her chin, “I did not think to count them. I did not see a need to. Should I next time?”
“Sunodagh! Jonen!” Nara exclaimed and stood, “Why didn’t you knock?!”
“The door looked open,” The orc lowered his head in shame, “Apologies, I will come back.”
“They can enter. This isn’t anything I am unwilling to share,” Mira crossed her hands and waved indifferently, “I am having issues with guilt. I speak to Nara about them to understand.”
“Everyone feels guilty, sometimes,” Jonen offered.
“My heart remains empty from culling the lives of the bandits that attempted to rob us,” Mira turned her gaze to Nara, “According to the books you gifted me, this is unacceptable. I should feel remorseful.”
The elf stressfully rubbed fingers against her temples, “Mira, we shouldn’t bring others—”
“They were going to assault you,” He pushed past Sunodagh to enter the room, “You were protecting yourself. You protected us. In my eyes, they deserved it.”
Mira considered his words and looked over him closely. His sparkling sapphire eyes did not waver from her. She hadn’t thought of it that way.
“Is that true?” Nara asked.
“I may have been able to immobilize them instead of killing them. After Pallik was attacked, I lost my temper,” She kept his gaze, “I decided to end the rest of them before I reached the point you suggested I stay away from. I have been struggling with it recently.”
The elf wiped a hand down her face as the woman in front of her recounted killing dozens of people as if she swatted away a fly from her dinner.
“Then, you are forgiven,” Nara sighed, “We all act out because of our emotions. All living, breathing things do. If you kick a dog, it should be expected to fight back. You kept your anger in check, that is what matters.”
Her eyes left his silently as she turned from them, “My next confession I do not feel comfortable speaking of in front of them.”
“Very well. Sunodagh?”
“Jonen agreed to host lessons,” He nodded firmly, “We will take our leave now.”
He grimaced as Mira lowered her head in shame. He wanted her to open up to him. He would understand and help. If she had simple questions like that, he could offer advice. As he stepped from the office and closed the door behind him, Jonen took a deep breath and tried to calm his beating heart.
Nara walked to the door and locked it. She returned to her desk and looked to the young woman with the lowered head. Mira looked up and grimaced.
“Is it about Jonen?” Nara whispered, “I am not the best at dating advice, but –”
She smiled softly and shook her head, “He is handsome and kind, but I am forbidden from romantic encounters.”
“I see,” Nara frowned for her, “Then, what is it?”
“I do have questions revolving around the Goddess and him.”
“Oh?”
“I plunged a blade into his spine. I felt the crunch of bone when I returned to make sure he was dead. I severed it completely.” She stated plainly, “Yet… he woke up. He walks. He breathes. I do not understand.”
“You… what?” Nara blinked, “I’m sorry? Did you just admit to—”
Mira anxiously placed her hands on the desk and looked up to Nara, “I killed him, yet he lives."