The Warlord and The Priestess

[4Chiri]

He nodded and herded everyone into a line, with a disagreeable look however.


"as you say, milady..." he sighed.


soon the people formed a line leading all the way out into the road. it was late morning, however it would probably be no later than the evening before she was done.


children, the elderly, sick and healthy...even the mayor..


Moganthe stood there giving irritated glances with his arms crossed.

 

[Morigan]

As the people came before her one at a time, Melia listened to them and blessed them each. The sun rose high and began descending again before the line even appeared to get shorter. Even the Mayor of of Windspeak came before her seeking blessings.


Every so often she would glance at Moganthe. His scowl stayed in place for the duration and Melia felt terrible for making him stand there while she saw the people. Because of his position, he could not rest while she was seeing the public. She wished there was something she could do, but her duties took priority above all. She sighed with relief when the final person was blessed and had left, though the light of the day was almost gone.


"Thank you, Warlord," Melia said and she turned to go back to her room.

 

[4Chiri]

"priestess...I," he began and paused, figuring the words before he would say them...changing his original statement...


"I was wondering where your handmaiden went..."

 

[Morigan]

"Surely she told you?" she asked, though she felt his hesitation strange. Perhaps he had planned to find Ithet in the town while she rested. Melia had noticed Ithet's interest in Moganthe but she assumed it was only a crush. She instantly felt guilty for ruining his plans for the day, and a spark of something else within her that she could not bring herself to identify. "She went into town for the day, though I thought I told her she needed to make sure you said it was safe."


Melia had no idea that Moganthe had become interested in her hand maiden. "Perhaps you can find her near the town market, Warlord," she said softly.

 

[4Chiri]

"I...only wanted to make sure I knew where she was. she's not my priority, but...I want to be sure she's safe. I can only assume since she's your maiden, you've become close."

 

[Morigan]

"I suppose as close as I will ever be with anyone," she said somberly. "I'm sure you're aware of the restrictions of my position..." she trailed off sadly, allowing her emotions to overwhelm her.


"If you wish to assure yourself of her safety, please do so. I will be in my room with the door locked, you needn't worry about me Warlord."

 

[4Chiri]

He shifted his weight uncomfortably for a moment and stared into her eyes again for a moment. Being priestess must be hard...maybe even harder than he thought. Though being warlord was also quite restricting; life revolving around the heat of battle and being out in the field, either that or always in his office back home in the city. He had little time for much else. If he was honest, this is the longest he's gone without really doing...anything.


"I am your protector, I have to be sure you are physically well...but, I'm sure if I were to present you to the Gentry whilst you look so upset, I'd still be chastised." he said slowly. "I am here to listen, as well as defend. Have you any worries, give them to me."

 

[Morigan]

"No, no. I'm just adjusting to the new life. Trying to purge old habits, get rid of inappropriate...desires," she said, her voice a bit shaky. "You guard my body, but I must guard my mind. I must avoid human temptations, lest I cause those around me to fall. I have spent most of my life at the Basilica, surrounded by others of the faith. There was never much time to just think about all the things in life I was giving up...but now..." she paused and shook her head sadly. "I am being ungrateful and selfish. I should go pray until I control my own emotions again. "

 

[4Chiri]

He paused, resisting to squeeze her shoulder reassuringly, the best he could do was try and relay his sympathies through his eyes.


"....The Emperor once asked Mother Dyona...a question about priestesses'...'twas before you were chosen for the position..."


he said and opened her door, he ushered them both inside and then proceeded to check the windows to make sure they were secure...


"...He asked her, Why would the gods bestow emotions upon those of which, should not show them? ... she couldn't answer." he breathed and turned to leave again.


"I suppose now I will let you rest," he said.

 

[Morigan]

Melia gave a small, sad laugh. "I must say, that makes me rather like the Emperor. I have also asked myself the same question. The gods have given me no answer. And I suppose I should rest now."


As he turned to leave she whispered his name, barely audible..."Moganthe..."

 

[4Chiri]

He paused at the door with his hand on the knob... resisting to look back he quickly exited, making sure it was locked behind him.


The sun had completely set under the horizon. The stars twinkled their best in the sky, filled with the bright, soft light from the double moons.


But her sleep was only peaceful for so long before the whispers returned...barely there, and this time, soothing voices...gentle calls and loving sighs.


Then suddenly stopped when there were voices in the hall.

"...where have you been?"


"I'm sorry, warlord...time escaped me."


"You know we are leaving in the morning...I need to know where you are at all times, maiden, lest you could be in danger and I cannot leave the priestess' side. I would not be able to help you."


"I know, I'm sorry...I won't let it happen again...I didn't mean to worry you."


"...I wasn't worried."


"as you say, warlord."


"...don't disturb the priestess, use my bed...I've slept enough."


"are you sure? I..."


"I'll be downstairs preparing to leave...in a few hours."


"...yessir,"
​

 

[Morigan]

The voices had wakened her, though this time they weren't agitated. She stirred from her bed and retrieved her comb from the bag. As she began to comb through her long blonde hair, enjoying having it undone for once, she heard voices in the hallway. She walked closer to the door, listening to the voices she recognized as Ithet and Moganthe. He told her to sleep in his bed and Melia gasped a tiny bit. Is that...allowed? She wondered to herself. She almost opened the door, barely stopping with her hand on the doorknob.


"This is none of my business," she said to herself. She resolved to get back in the bed and ignore it. It didn't matter to her, so long as Ithet was safe and everyone was able to fulfill their duties. She sat back on the edge of her bed, silently continuing to brush out her hair.

 

[4Chiri]

Moganthe stood just outside the inn making sure everything in the carriage was set and prepared for when the sun rose. He began to care less and less for the protocols and rules...he wasn't trained for this...


"I'm a warlord...not some swordhand to be pushed around by those stuffed, backward...." he stopped. Feeling quite sorry for the woman who was now priestess. Her name...Melia....it was beautiful and simple...it only made him even more sick of the Mothers and Archbishops...having to protect a woman of whom he didn't know what looked like. All he knew was that her eyes were the clearest green. No one knew what she looked like...


"what an entire load of--


"Moganthe?" said a woman, she jumped from her own carriage once it came by and she hopped down, two children sitting inside the wagon, playing in the fruits she was carrying. She was a merchant woman, wearing a simple wool dress and layered scarves.


The sun just then beginning to rise.


"Ira...? What are you doing here? This is far from your way." he was finally able to release a smile as did she, and hugged him.


"You know...selling things. I'm on my way back to the coast. Decided to stop here so the kids could take a break." she pointed back to the children who waved and grinned. However his own smile faded.


"You shouldn't be traveling the road alone...it's dangerous, especially nowadays." he warned. But she shook her head and waved her hand.


"Oh stop it, Moga...I've been doing this for years, you know that. I heard about your new duty. You must be bored...hehe, can't be fun babysitting some robe, now can it?" she asked.


He thought for a moment and shook his head. "Well...it's trying...mostly because those all-too-self aware dignitaries." he huffed.


"You never really did like the religious types."


"No...not really. and being a warlord I never had to deal with them. I think Lermesian placed me here as a joke."


"Don't say that!" she pinched him and they both chuckled, "I should go," she said and they said their goodbyes as she left.

 

[Morigan]

Melia had just come downstairs for the morning, ready to continue their journey when she saw Moganthe speaking with a merchant woman. She moved closer, heading to the carriage with Ithet right behind her when she overheard their conversation. A deep sadness sat within her heart when she heard of Moganthe's true unhappiness with his post.


She climbed in and took her seat, leaving the carriage door open until they were ready to depart.

 

[4Chiri]

Ithet climbed in after her quietly with a small twinge of red in her cheeks and Moganthe shut the door.


Slowly the carriage pulled off, exiting the town again, back on the open, long road.


"How was your sleep milady?" Ithet asked upon the growing quiet.

 

[Morigan]

"It was...as well as it could be I suppose. What about you, how was your day in the village? I hope it was relaxing. Gods know these last days have not been easy on you." Melia said to her hand maid.


"When we get to the city, will you please send for an Imperial Messenger? If the Warlord is so unhappy with his post, I will of course release him upon our return and ask the Emperor to appoint someone who does not find me so...distasteful." Melia focused on keeping her voice completely neutral as she spoke, though in her mind she replayed the things Moganthe had said the night he walked her back to the Basilica. She was very confused and it was clouding her mind and judgements. She would not let it go on any longer; she realized this is why the Priestess could have no relationships or friends.

 

[4Chiri]

She looked on confused.


"...what happened? What do you mean...distasteful...? what makes you say that?" she asked a bit worried. "You're a wonderful person!...you're stressed aren't you? Perhaps I should ask him to stop so we can rest some more...are you hungry or thirsty?"

 

[Morigan]

"Oh, it is nothing for you to worry about. I just overheard his conversation with a merchant...apparently he does not approve of..."robes" I believe we were called. It just goes to prove the proverb: Eavesdropping helps none, but hurts many. It is to be expected, I have gotten him almost killed twice already and it has been not even a week." She paused for a moment to think.


"I think we are all stressed. I will be fine, I do not need anything. We will continue on, please say nothing of what I have told you. I likely should not have said anything at all."

 

[4Chiri]

She nodded.


After a few hours, it was night again. The cold seeped in through every crack between the wheels of the carriage, Ithet again was becoming weary...before that is, she thought of something.


"Milady...did you know, in the city, Market Week starts tomorrow?? I had almost forgotten! I can't wait!" she smiled.


Market Week.


Merchants from all over the country came to the Imperial city to the market square to show their goods and produce. Tactilers, tailors, blacksmiths, chefs, fortune tellers...carpenters, leather workers. All walks of life would come for the week long celebration that was, appreciating relations with the Emperor's allies around the world.


The city would be decorated. the Emperor would make rare public appearances and firey lanterns would be hung from the Basilica. then the last day, after 5 days of feasting and partying, would be the road dance, music would be played, games would be shared and then the dancing, everyone dancing in the market square all throughout the night.


Something the oracles and acolytes were never allowed to attend...


"You should go with me." she said, "I know it's wrong to even think of...to desire but...don't you at least want to have a bit of fun. You wouldn't have to drink anything alcoholic and...it would help relieve stress."

 

[Morigan]

"Oh Ithet, that sounds wonderful. To go out at night, see the lanterns...to dance," she said wistfully, her eyes taking on a far away look as she imagined what it would be like. Realizing what she was considering, she shook herself out of her daydream. "But it's impossible, especially for myself. When we arrive I will...be able to attend to myself in the evenings...you may,uh, spend the evenings however you like." she said meaningfully. She hoped Ithet understood that Melia was allowing her to attending Market Week at night and she would not say anything about it to anyone. "I hope you will enjoy your free time," she said softly.

 

[4Chiri]

"Oh but you should! you could remove your robes and your cowl! no one would know it was you because...well, no one knows what you look like!" she smiled.


"Please...please come with me, I hate seeing you so sad.....and you know, the Emperor is going to make an appearance...and that means Moganthe will be there. I will be too nervous to approach him by myself while he's off duty."


she blushed.


"You don't want to be stuffed in the basilica again for that whole day do you?"

 

[Morigan]

"But it is a sin for anyone but you to see me now, let alone touch me...I could not bear it if someone found out and people were punished because of me..." She said, until the rest of Ithet's words sank in.


"You wish to approach Moganthe?" she asked in a somewhat strangled voice.

 

[4Chiri]

Ithet blushed and looked down.


"...Well....yes. I like him...he's quite handsome...and ..." she trailed off. She could still feel the sensation of his arms around her when they were first attacked, when her ankle was too hurt to walk. She knew it was incorrect for her to do so...but under his armor...his skin...everything.


"...you aren't upset with me are you?"

 

[Morigan]

Melia was speechless for a moment, but tried to recover quickly. "Of course not, you are not bound by the rules like I am, so relationships are not off limits for you. Does he...return your feelings?" she asked, though she was dreading the answer and wasn't even clear why. She should be happy for Ithet, not feeling...this tight knot in her chest.

 

[4Chiri]

She paused and thought things over.


"...not really...I showed concern...but he's so stoic...he barely even looks at me." she sighed.


the carriage came to an abrupt stop, as their conversation had lingered into the night.


"Time to set camp, ladies." Moganthe's voice came through the thick doors of the carriage as he began to unload their packings.'


Ithet crossed her arms..."I don't think he...ever will."