The Warlord and The Priestess

[Morigan]

"Easier, politically...maybe. But I would not have you leave. Not unless you wish to, on your own." She frowned, though it was hidden. "I am sorry if I have made you uncomfortable. I wished only to be honest. I shall go pray for forgiveness, excuse me." She bowed and turned to leave.

 

[4Chiri]

"Wait." he spoke softly and stepped towards her.


"perhaps...I should escort you. Maybe we can both confront Ithet and ask her about the letter?"

 

[Morigan]

"As you say," she answered. She was glad her veil his her face, because her embarrassment had stained her cheeks red. She had thought being honest was best, but perhaps she had been wrong.


As he escorted her to the Basilica she remained quiet, lost in thought.

 

[4Chiri]

"Priestess..." he voiced. "...you needn't be embarrassed." he smiled softly.


"...As I said before," he turned and faced her. "even if I wasn't the warlord, I would still keep you safe. You can always trust me." he said as they stopped in front of the basilica.

 

[Morigan]

"I...Thank you," she said. She led them through the doors, seeking out Ithet to speak to her.

 

[4Chiri]

Most of the oracles buzzed around busily in silence. Ithet was nowhere to be seen however, probably not in the basilica..


"...maybe she's not here?" he shrugged.

 

[Morigan]

"I wonder where she would be?" Melia said, confused. "I assumed she'd be here today. Shall we look in the city square?"

 

[4Chiri]

"of course," he said .


once both in the market square, it was still busy, as it was the last day of market week, mostly a day for shopping.

 

[Morigan]

Melia wandered slowly about, her eyes scanning for Ithet as she did.


She began to think about the night she had spent here, not more than a few days ago. She had been free, unknown, and she deeply wished she had asked Moganthe to dance with her that night. However, there were no second chances in life, especially the life of the Priestess. Shaking these thoughts from her mind she turned to Moganthe.


"Do you see her?"

 

[4Chiri]

"No...but stay here for a moment," he said and walked off.


a few minutes later he came back with a small paper bag. He placed it on a low pedestal nearby.


"take it."

 

[Morigan]

Melia looked at him curiously, before taking the bag from where he had set it. She let her questioning gaze drift down as she opened the bag and peered inside.

 

[4Chiri]

Inside was a small, pair of crochet needles. decorative though, since they were glass and not for use.


"...you lost your other pair when we left the carriage behind. I couldn't find a....usable pair...or afford anything better." he said and looked down.


"I know it's inappropriate, ill just say it's my 'donation' to the gods." he chuckled lightly, and looked away.

 

[Morigan]

Melia smiled at the gift. And at the fact that he had given it to her.


"They are lovely, and perfect. Thank you," she said sincerely. She wanted so badly to reach out to him, to make contact of any kind. The restriction of her role felt burdensome, especially now.


"I will treasure them always," she said as she looked into his eyes for a moment.

 

[4Chiri]

He stared back for a moment, then turned away before his face changed to a shade of red.


"I'm...glad." he sighed. To just see her face...if only the smallest bit of contact, it was a burden, even to him. A distraction at this point..


Ithet came out of one of the nearby shops and stopped when she noticed them both.


"...Priestess? Moganthe?" she came forward with bags in her arms.


"...what are you two doing out here?"

 

[Morigan]

"Looking for you actually," Melia said, tucking her own bag inside her robes. "We have something we would like to discuss with you. Your letter..." she said meaningfully.

 

[4Chiri]

she blushed.


"I was only reporting everything like I was asked."


she said immediately defensive.

 

[Morigan]

"Is that what you honestly believe?" Melia asked. "Do you know that your 'report', with its embellishments may have Warlord Moganthe removed? Has people questioning my authority more than they already were?"

 

[4Chiri]

she paused and looked around for a moment.


"I didn't mean to upset you milady. I was only doing my job. I was just...reporting from my point of view, t-that's all." she said and kept her eyes down.

 

[Morigan]

Melia sighed, sensing she was not making Ithet understand what her jealousies had done. She looked to Moganthe. "Could you try to explain it to her?"

 

[4Chiri]

He nodded.


"You made it seem as though the priestess and I were forming an inappropriate bond - only because your own advancements were rejected." he said plainly.


"all three of us are to maintain a professional relationship. Writing those false claims because of jealousy was highly immature of you. It could cause me to be reprimanded or wrongly punished for something I didn't do." he explained.


Ithet paused for a moment, a bit of anger in her eyes.


"'Twas inappropriate sir, you should not have offered that flower to the priestess." she huffed. "that could be seen as an act of attraction."


"it's my duty to maintain the priestess' well being, physical as well as mental. it wasn't for any other reason than such."


He stood straight, staring into Ithet's eyes.


She took in a breath.


"Very well...Priestess if you need me, I will be in the basilica chambers." she said and rushed off.

 

[Morigan]

"Well, that didn't go as well as I could have hoped," Melia said to Moganthe. "I think she does feel very strongly about you, however."


She paused for a moment before she continued walking. "Although I had thought...ah, nevermind. It does not matter."

 

[4Chiri]

"I don't have feelings for her." he said quickly.


However now they stood with nothing to do.

 

[Morigan]

"Well perhaps it is wrong of me, but I am glad," she said.


"Should we continue around the square?" she asked Moganthe.

 

[4Chiri]

"of course." he spoke quietly. "if there's anything you want, I can get it for you."


People eventually stopped noticing them; and as the day went on, the square became more and more busy and the food stalls all began to open.


foreign foods, delicacies and local treats scattered all around.


Moganthe bought an entire meal from each stall, eating everything without getting the least bit satisfied.


Eventually they walked to a quieter place, a small garden area with shade and benches.


"do you need to sit?" he asked.

 

[Morigan]

"That would be nice," she admitted. "I like seeing all the sights, but my feet are a bit tired."


She moved to sit on one of the benches, enjoying the shade and quiet.