The Warlord and The Priestess

[Morigan]

"I...have no experience with men, to offer advice for you," Melia said quietly. "I am afraid I am only really qualified to guide in matters of faith, and little else."


Melia opened the door and descended out of the carriage into camp, with Ithet close behind.


"What can we do to help?" Melia asked Moganthe as he set up camp.

 

[4Chiri]

"Nothing." he said blankly, having quickly set up the tent. He then moved, clearing a spot in the grass, kicking some snow to the side, collecting tinder and other things to start a fire with his flint.


Each spark lit his eyes and hair with a strange glint, only once did he glance up at Melia, then back down as the fire caught its feed and burned brightly.


He then sat in place, keeping it roaring high and hot.


"A-are you sure you need no help, warlord?" Ithet asked him. He looked up at her for a moment and sighed.


"Go off just about that hill there, and collect some summer grass from beneath the snow. Just about a handful." he said. "Bring it to me and I'll brew you and the Priestess some tea to keep warm." he said.


She nodded and ran off.

 

[Morigan]

At his cold "Nothing", Melia moved to stand by the side silently. She watched him strike up the fire, her gaze never wavering, even when he glanced up from his work in her direction. When Ithet asked again he grudgingly gave her a task and off she ran, eager to please him.


Melia walked over near where he sat and came to a stop across the fire, it's light reflecting in her eyes. "Have you no task for me, Warlord?" she asked in a neutral voice, mirroring his own tone earlier.

 

[4Chiri]

He stared up at her for a few moments, the fire reflecting in his eyes, only a mirror of the fighting spirit within him.


"...It would be disgraceful of me to ask anything of you, my priestess." he said quietly and continued with the fire until it was well on it's own. The sky was clear and bitter with cold; fall nearing its end.


"You should stay inside your tent where it is warm, you do not want to catch illness." he said, behind his stoic tone was something of concern, but he hid it well. He had to.

 

[Morigan]

"As you say," she answered. She turned and went to the tent. It was clear that he wished her presence removed from him, so she obliged. Once in the tent she removed her cowl and veil and began her nightly preparations. Once she had finished those tasks she began her prayer recitations. She prayed extra prayers to Ceru, feeling like she needed forgiveness for her actions and feelings lately. In fact, she seemed to be praying to Ceru a lot more frequently these days.


She waited up for Ithet's return.

 

[4Chiri]

He felt another twinge deep inside him somewhere, in a place he'd ignored for a very long time. It was hard to understand and even harder to accept. And the guilt that came with it was almost unbearable. That was until Ithet came back with a handful of smooth looking grass.


"Here you are, did her ladyship already go to bed?"


"I would assume, and thank you." he said blankly, taking the grass and tossing it uncaringly into a pot of now boiling water.


She could sense somewhere in his demeanor....that now may not be the best time.


"...is everything alright sir?" she asked.


"I'm fine."


"You seem more disconnected than usual...and for you, that's....a lot." she mumbled crossing her arms at another breeze.


"...I'm fine." he repeated. "You don't need to worry yourself."


"You're our protector...you're well being is as important as our own you know." she persisted. He stood up to this and dusted off his hands, staring down at her. She cringed a little under his shadow, trying to hide a severe blush.


"Maiden." he said, "as your protector...I strongly suggest you go assist the priestess should she need it. You both need your rest."


"So do you! Not once have I seen you eat, or sleep....or anything! I'm worried....I mean, the priestess worries about you...you should reassure us more often." she said, fumbling over her own tongue.


Perhaps she should not have done this..


"I take care of myself when I need to, whether you see it or not, isn't your concern. I am not your concern, you, personally need to keep your attentions on the priestess, she is the only thing I need to...." he stopped.


"what..?"


"Ithet." he said sternly. "Go."


And to that she paused and bowed , then hurried into the tent with a less than pleased look on her face.

 

[Morigan]

Ithet came into the tent with a dark look on her face.


"Ithet, what has happened?" Melia asked her quietly. "Was there no grass for the tea? It is fine, I do not need it. Come, let us sleep. I'm sure Moganthe will want to get on the road again early tomorrow."

 

[4Chiri]

"Yes. He will." she said with little emotion and simply lay on the floor.

 

[Morigan]

Though Melia was confused by her demeanor, she shrugged and lay down as well. It seemed everyone was in a poor mood this night. Perhaps a good rest would restore good humor. Melia fell asleep almost immediately, hoping to rest undisturbed by the voices on this evening.

 

[4Chiri]

By the time Melia woke up, Moganthe had nearly everything already packed and ready to go. He didn't bother disturbing them...whether it was to avoid them or let them sleep, he wasn't even sure.


Ithet still lay there under the thick fur blankets, probably the best sleep she's had in a long while.


He looked out towards the horizon, just a few more hours and they'd reach the city, one of the only places he felt like he could relax.

 

[Morigan]

Melia awoke well rested and saw that Ithet was still asleep. She was loathe to wake her, but Melia knew they had to get going again. She reached over to gently shake her awake. "Ithet," she said softly. "Morning is upon us, we must depart once more." As the girl woke and dressed herself, Melia set out to fold and pack up all the furs and blankets again. She exited the tent with a large stack in her hands and headed to the carriage to put the back in storage.


She managed to get them put away quickly and saw that Ithet had emerged from the tent as well. Melia signaled to her, then climbed into the carriage without a word.

 

[4Chiri]

Moganthe put the rest of the things away and started off.


Ithet was quiet, staring down in her lap without a word.

 

[Morigan]

Once they had departed Melia, too, was silent. She was thinking of how to approach the Emperor and when to tell Moganthe that he would soon be free of her. These concerns worried her and before she realized it, a few hours had passed in silence. When she realized it, she became worried about that as well- Ithet usually always said something while they traveled.


"Ithet, clearly something is troubling you. Will you not tell me what it is?" she asked quietly. As she waited for an answer she began working on her needlework again, though concentrating was difficult. A stern pair of blue eyes kept coming to her mind, distracting her over and over again.

 

[4Chiri]

She sighed deeply, eyes heavy with tempted tears.


"I think I've upset the warlord. Perhaps you should get rid of him...he clearly doesn't want to be here...you were right."

 

[Morigan]

"What do you mean you've upset him? Did he do something?" Melia asked concerned. She couldn't imagine Moganthe doing anything to this girl, but Ithet was very upset, her eyes filled with tears close to spilling. Something must have happened.

 

[4Chiri]

"I don't know...I just...was speaking to him and I suppose I was too pushy. maybe he's stressed or..I don't know..." she said shakily holding in her tears. but whatever happened she didn't want to speak of it anymore.


After a while they were on the city road. even from here they could hear that some celebrations had already begun.


This cheered her up a little. "I think this will be a good way to ease our tension..." she murmured, and once they passed through the city gates in the afternoon, the sounds were loud, the crowds were noisy and the air was filled with the smells of decadent foods.


she peeked out the window in awe.


"I really hope you consider going." she sighed.

 

[Morigan]

Melia saw in her expression that Ithet did not wish to speak of it any longer, so she let the subject drop.


As they entered the city the sights, sounds and smells of the celebration made her deeply wish to attend- to be someone else for a night. What would it be like to just be a regular woman? Her day dream began to run wild until she heard Ithet speaking once more.


"Perhaps you are right, and this will ease everyone's stress," she said. When Ithet once again implored her to consider going Melia opened her mouth to again deny it, but a seed of doubt entered her heart and she decided to say nothing. Would it really be so terrible? she wondered.

 

[4Chiri]

The carriage stopped outside of the Basilica. But Ithet did not wait for him to open the door. she did it herself and led the priestess out.


"come priestess, I'm sure you've missed your room." she said quickly.


Moganthe huffed, "what about speaking to Palme about the--


"We will later." she cut him off and quickly took the priestess inside.

 

[Morigan]

Melia silently followed Ithet into the Basilica. They headed up to her room immediately and Melia motioned for an Oracle to attend them.


As the young Oracle approached Melia said quietly, "Please send for an Imperial messenger to arrange a meeting for me with Historian Palme of the University, as soon as he is available."


The Oracle nodded and scurried off, leaving the two women alone again.

 

[4Chiri]

Ithet moved over to the window and looked down at the road below, people were everywhere...everyone smiling.


"...so when should we go out?" she asked with a promiscuous grin. "I can't wait...we don't have to tell anyone, it can be a secret, just between you and me."

 

[Morigan]

Melia sighed. "I must meet with Palme today. I do not think it would be prudent to go out in the daylight..." She trailed off. She really wanted to go to the market festival, but the fact that it was forbidden terrified her. She had never broken a single rule, and to ignore something so serious...it would take her time to get up her nerve.


"Why don't you go ahead, and if I decide to join you...I'll meet you in the square after dark..." she trailed off uncertainly. Who knew what would happen if she was caught? She wasn't even sure anyone had the power to punish her now that she was the Priestess. Maybe the Emperor did. Melia knew if she kept thinking of the consequences she would talk herself out of it, so she turned her focus to the meeting with Palme.

 

[4Chiri]

"Okay, but should I attend the meeting with you?" she asked. "I'm supposed to be with you at all times you know..."


She sighed , continuing to look out the window at all the people scurrying about, having fun.


"I'd feel bad if I went without you, I can wait..."


An oracle then knocked and let herself in.


"Milady, the historian said he'd meet you in the artifact room of the University whenever you're ready. Shall I call an escort to take you, or will your warlord take you?"


"I'm sure we can walk there ourselves, right priestess?" Ithet asked.

 

[Morigan]

Melia pulled Ithet aside, out of earshot of the Oracle.


"Truly, you may go now if you wish. To the festival, I mean. I can easily have the soldiers escort me. Given the trouble over the past couple days, I should probably take them with me anyways. I saw you looking out the window- I really do not mind if you want to go. I understand."

 

[4Chiri]

"Okay...I'll see you later." she Ithet stated and left.


The oracle came in behind her and bowed.


"Milady, should I call an escort?"

 

[Morigan]

"Yes, I suppose you should." She sighed wearily, knowing it was better to be safe than sorry, especially since people seemed intent on either kidnapping or killing her lately.


She exited her room as the Oracle went to call for an escort to take her to the archives room. Melia considered Ithet and hoped she would enjoy the festival and forget whatever had upset her so much earlier.