The Warlord and The Priestess

[Morigan]

Melia frowned slightly at Ithet's words. "I guess I just thought it was normal at first...but now...perhaps you are right, and I never will. I will concentrate harder next time- maybe that will help."

 

[4Chiri]

"Is it safe?...you did go to the doctor didn't you?" she asked.

....Melia

​

"I know Mother Dyona must be very worried...I wonder what it all means...."

...Melia...

​

"I'm always here for you if you need to talk." Ithet smiled.

 

[Morigan]

"I did, he said it wasn't physical...I guess there is nothing to do about it. But yes, Mother Dyona does worry, but that is what she has always done," Melia said with a small laugh. "If she wasn't worrying, I would be worried."


"Thank you Ithet," she answered with a smile.

 

[4Chiri]

"Of course..." she sighed. After a few long hours of riding, the carriage finally slowed to a stop...somewhere to camp.


"...ah....shit.." Moganthe grumbled after demounting his horse. Ithet took in a breath.


"Well...should we help him set up camp? I wonder what he's complaining for?"

 

[Morigan]

"I guess we should go find out," Melia said as she covered her face again and opened the door to exit the carriage.

 

[4Chiri]

They exited . Moganthe stood near the side of the coach, staring down at one of the wheels with slight frustration.


"...it's cracked. Which means...I'll need to replace it soon....like now." he said. "I don't know how long it will take." he sighed and began sifting around in the back wagon for the spare wheel.


"...what should we do, warlord?" Ithet crossed her arms.


"Ithet....you could set up the tent for you and the priestess. As for the priestess-" he started. "do nothing."

 

[Morigan]

Melia narrowed her eyes. "I'm not useless you know. I have hands, I can help," she said. She turned towards Ithet. "Here, we will do it together."

 

[4Chiri]

"...that's not what I meant." he mumbled and removed all of his armour. Though it wasn't the best idea...it would be hard to work with tools being so stiff. He wore a plain tunic and plain pants.


He grabbed some tools and began replacing the wheel...it could take hours...

 

[Morigan]

Melia helped Ithet get the tent set up, though she kept stealing glance at Moganthe as he worked, careful only to look when Ithet was turned away. It didn't take long to get the tent and blankets ready, but the fire was a different matter. "Ithet, we should get some wood I think."

 

[4Chiri]

"There's already tinder and a bundle in the wagon, but I advise against it." He said over his shoulder.


Ithet sighed, "why not, its going to get cold tonight! How will we stay warm?" she shivered already.


He stood up and pointed over a hill towards a distant cluster of trees.


"I saw a pack of wolves earlier. A fire would only attract them." he said.

 

[Morigan]

"Oh, very well then," Melia said. "We will survive one night, I think. Let us get some food out at least, though nothing that needs to be cooked I suppose," she said as she went to unpack some food. She found some bread, dried fruit, and a large wedge of cheese. "Here, this will do I think." She began to divide the food into three portions. "Ithet, here you go," she handed her a plate. "Warlord, do you wish to eat now?"

 

[4Chiri]

"No thank you priestess." he said, while still dealing with the wheel. The horses were left to graze however. At the moment things were quite peaceful in the countryside.


Ithet lay out a large blanket and sat down with a sigh.


"...This is....relaxing." she said. "sort of...I know you've got most of the pressure, Priestess...but....I feel like for some reason, so many people are depending on us."


Moganthe glanced over for a thought, but decided to say nothing and continued working.


Ithet took a small bite of bread and brushed some brown hair from her face as a cool breeze whipped by. "...How did you feel when Mother Dyona told you about becoming priestess?"

 

[Morigan]

Melia came over to recline next to Ithet. "Many do depend on us, yes. But we will not fail them, don't worry." She took a small bite of the cheese on her plate. "It was such a whirlwind, really, when she told me. Everyone kept saying what an honor it was for me to be chosen so young, so I guess I just tried to feel like it was a blessing. There really wasn't anyone who cared what I felt about it, so I just didn't think of anything besides trying my best and honoring the decision that had been made."


She sighed a contented sigh in the cool breeze, and took another few bites of her meal.

 

[4Chiri]

"You're very brave..." Moganthe said...barely a whisper on the breeze.


Ithet looked towards the northern horizon from whence they came. She could no longer see the palace spires...


"I've never been this far away from home before...." she sighed.

 

[Morigan]

Melia glanced quickly at Moganthe, barely certain she had heard him speak. He thought she was brave? Locked behind doors her whole life, always being watched and protected by other people...that wasn't brave. What he did was true bravery- fighting the enemies of their country, diving in front of attacks meant for her. Melia wished she could say that to him, but held her tongue.


Turning back to Ithet she said, "Neither have I, actually. It will be a new experience for both of us."

 

[4Chiri]

After Ithet finished her food she stood up.


"I think I'm going to take a small walk. Will you join me priestess, or will you stay here?" she asked.

 

[Morigan]

"I believe I will stay here and rest, thank you." she answered.

 

[4Chiri]

"Alright, I won't be far. I think I saw an apple tree just around that other hill." she said and walked off.

 

[Morigan]

Melia nodded at her and watched as she headed over the hill. She closed her eyes and lay back on the blanket again, enjoying the sound of the wind in the tree tops.

 

[4Chiri]

A few clanks. A grumble and a cuss here or there...the birds. The wind. The sounds of distant bugs. The afternoon sun was high in the air, and for now it was a simple day in the warmth of the upper sixties or such. But when night came, the plains would become frosted with the biting wind from the northern mountains reaching far into the frozen sky. A range that could be seen from nearly all corners of the world. The Atholas Mountains.


As a matter of fact, the Atholas river was nearby...though too far to hear it.


Another mumble of curses as he worked on the wagon-wheel, nearly done by this point. The horses sighed as they continued grazing in the distance. Existence at the moment was peaceful...nearly to where one could forget all earthly duties and expectations and just simply relax.

 

[Morigan]

Melia had fallen into a light sleep, the sounds of the birds soothing her worries for the moment. A muffled curse and clang awoke her, having been asleep for only a moment. She rose quietly and moved to stand near Moganthe. "Is there any assistance I might lend you?" she asked softly.

 

[4Chiri]

He sighed and rolled the cracked wheel just a few feet away before standing and brushing off his hands.


"...well..." he sighed. "I'm not...supposed to request anything from you milady. But thank you for the offer." he said quietly and walked back around to the storage wagon, sifting through a few bags.

 

[Morigan]

"You don't have to ask...I am offering," she said. "But I understand." She turned to walk back to the other side of the camp, but before she did so she said in barely more than a whisper: "I think you are the brave one."

 

[4Chiri]

He hesitated for a moment or two.


"....I'm nearly done with this....repair....." he sighed, unsure how to answer.

 

[Morigan]

Melia continued on to the tent. She would wait for Ithet here, uncertain of how to act alone with Moganthe anymore. He seemed so distant all the time lately.