The Warlord and The Priestess

[Morigan]

Melia quailed under Moganthe's forceful tone. She should have realized she could never truly be free. She allowed herself to be led by Ithet, saying nothing and staring at her feet the entire way back to camp.


She saw her life pass before, as if she'd already lived it: alone, a hollow figurehead to be pressured and controlled by others, constantly on parade in the pubic eye. The finality of it left her colder inside than the chill of winter air ever could.

 

[4Chiri]

Everyone was quiet once they reached camp. Ithet once again covered Melia with her cowl, robes and gloves.


and helped her into the carriage while Moganthe cleaned up. He'd left in such a hurry he hadn't done so earlier.


about an hour later, the ride continued.


"here...some hot tea..." Ithet said offering a cup.

 

[Morigan]

Melia silently shook he head 'no', refusing the tea and sitting in silence, her eyes far off, staring at nothing. She sat in silence for the hours that followed, barely moving at all.

 

[4Chiri]

Soon they crossed into the province of Jedes...after two more days......


"We've reached Kenwyte City," Moganthe called.


Ithet perked up.


"This is where the temple of Karamina is milady."

 

[Morigan]

Melia nodded slowly, to indicate she heard Ithet. She opened the carriage door and descended, not waiting for anyone to accompany her.


"You there," she called to the nearest city guard. "I am the Priestess- take me to the Temple that I may pray," she said with cold authority in her voice.

 

[4Chiri]

"I...am sorry...but...the temple is closed off! I...haven't the authority to open it...only count Ramon does.." he said.


Moganthe and Ithet shared looks while stable hands took their carriage.

 

[Morigan]

"Very well then, take me to the count immediately. I have no time for dawdling," she snapped. She crossed her arms and stared the guard down.

 

[4Chiri]

"O-of course..at once!" he shivered and led the three to the counts manor in the center of town.


Once inside the count greeted them in surprise. already a crowd gathered outside the doors.


"Ah, priestess! Welcome to Kenwyte!" he bowed many times. "We are truly honored!"

 

[Morigan]

"As any city visited by the Priestess of the Gods should be." She inclined her head regally.


"I have come to make my prayers at the Temple. I am told it is closed. Certainly you can see this is unacceptable. I am come to you to have this...fixed."

 

[4Chiri]

he gulped..he'd heard the priestess was gentle...perhaps the rumors were wrong...


"my lady...please forgive me...The Temple of Karamina has been desecrated...her hands were removed...surely you cannot pay homage to a broken statue?...how am I to find that which has seemingly disappeared!?" he bowed.


"I have guards looking for the pieces in Hurnathus' Graves now m'lady...please forgive me.."


he bowed at her feet, head touching the floor.

 

[Morigan]

Melia sighed and relented. "Very well, I will be shown to a room, where I will pray until the Temple is restored. Please call for an escort to show me the way," she allowed some of the hardness in her voice to soften. Her life was not this man's fault. He had not chosen her, used her, foiled her escape. "Forgive me Count, I have had a trying journey."


She turned to Ithet and said neutrally, "Pleae move our things to our rooms." She waited for the Count's escort and ignored Moganthe completely.

 

[4Chiri]

"I understand milady...the temple will be restored soon, I promise." the count said. Two guards then escorted her to one of the master guest chambers.


Ithet rushed silently gathering up her things and met her upstairs..


Moganthe simply went to the stalls to tend to the carriage...


"here are your things...milady." Ithet said emotionless and neatly placed Melia's things in the corner.

 

[Morigan]

"Very well. You may entertain yourself however you like. I will be here praying for the restoration of the temple. Please have all my meals sent up here to the room," she asked.


Melia then went to kneel, beginning her prayers.

 

[4Chiri]

Ithet stared for a moment.


"...as you say milady." and left Melia alone. there was idol chatter outside surrounding the manor...but as the hours passed their gossip died down.


Ithet then brought up dinner.


"Here you are milady." she said blankly.

 

[Morigan]

Melia took it silently, before asking, "Any progress on the Temple?"

 

[4Chiri]

"...I'm not told." she said quietly. "but...there's one more thing...." she said and placed a small flower next to her dinner plate. it was just a simple daisy...


"....Moganthe...wanted me to give that to you. He says he saw one of your embroideries....one with flowers...so."

 

[Morigan]

"I..." she didn't know what to say, she had been left speechless. "Thank you Ithet. That will be all for the night. I will see you at the morning meal."

 

[4Chiri]

Ithet felt a knot of jealousy well in her gut.


"...you know that's not allowed. I should throw it away for you." she said and took back the flower, heading for the door.

 

[Morigan]

Melia opened her mouth to argue, but knew Ithet was right. "Very well." She returned to her prayers, intending to pray straight through the night.

 

[4Chiri]

Ithet smiled to herself and rushed down to the stables once again. Crushing up the flower as she did so.


Finding Moganthe quite easily she cleared her throat.


"Sir...she refused your gift." she said and stuffed the crushed flower back into his hand.


She felt guilty ...but so satisfied...


He stared down at the flower for a moment and dropped it to the ground.


Without a word he turned back towards the carriage.


Ithet grinned, went back into the manor and found her own room to sleep in....

 

[Morigan]

Melia had prayed as long as she could, no more words would come to mind. Restless and not at all tired, she ventured from her room. She wandered about for a while before she found herself near the stables, where her carriage was being kept. It was late, she wasn't sure if anyone was out beside the night watch patrolling the city. "Moganthe?" she called softly, hoping that he had not yet gone to bed.

 

[4Chiri]

Moganthe stood near the end of the stable where the carriage was resting slightly above the floor, lifted as he busied himself replacing the rest of the wheels. working in only his slacks, he turned quickly to the sound of her footsteps.


"Priestess." he bowed immediately. "what do you wish of me?"

 

[Morigan]

"I just came to thank you, for your gift I mean. Even though Ithet was right to take it away...I suppose..." she trailed off uncertainly. "I am not allowed to have any gifts...even ones that won't 'corrupt' me- according to the rules. But I am glad you were so thoughtful. Especially since I have been so cold the past few days." She sighed and turned to look up at the night sky.


"I know what I did was wrong, you were just doing your duty, making me come back. I just couldn't stand it any longer that night. But I will keep myself under control from here on out. Anyways- thank you again, and I am sorry." She turned to leave.

 

[4Chiri]

"I thought you threw it away." he said. "Ithet came to tell me you didn't appreciate it. I thought I'd upset you even further." he sighed and looked down at his scars. Some he couldn't remember why he had them, or when he received them. But he would never forget the lashes on his back.


He knew he would obtain more, but it didn't bother him...because he knew they would come from protecting her.

 

[Morigan]

"What? No...I wanted to keep it..." She turned back, confused. "Maybe she misunderstood. But I am sorry for the implications. And I am sorry for the difficulty I have brought into your life, truly."