{M} Amor Omnia Vincit [Ashen and EerieWillows]

[EerieWillows]

[The following roleplay is rated mature for reasons that may include but are not limited to strong language, suggestive and sexual themes, violence, and possible drug use. Reader discretion is advised.]
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Rain. Rain didn't even begin to describe the maelstrom that pounded down upon the hooded figure, soaking her and her draft steed. The lantern hanging on the driver's hook had long since perished, the flame drowned in the witch's travels . This couldn't go on, But there was no rest for her, not until she found a place to hide from the storm. Her sturdy cart brought no comfort, a recent run in with a pair of dangerous louts left her canvas with gaping holes in it, she'd barely been able to stop the floor from becoming water logged, never mind her belongings. On terrible nights like this, she was thankful for inns and taverns, and the refuge they provided. She would have to find somewhere to rest, and fast.

Soon the forest gave way to fields, then to sparse homes of people far wealthier than she. They grew taller, slimmer, and soon they merged into streets and alleys. Where was she? This town was not one she was familiar with, nor did she think she would find something other than a small, country side inn. Yet her she was, winding through streets to try and find some sign, a declaration of the town or even just the word 'TAVERN' Yet in the foggy haze and dark streets, she found no such thing.

The golden gaze of the stranger wandered about as she sought a place to rest her weary body. Each window was dim with no sign of life inside. Was it really that late? Had she driven through the night? Her map was stowed away for it's own safety, but something wasn't right. She knew these roads. It was not her first time traveling them . Yet this town was not where she had expected. Had she taken a wrong turn? A chill forced her attention back to the task at hand, She was freezing. Shelter. Fast. Regardless of where she was, she wouldn't last much longer.

As the streets became less and less discernible, they opened to reveal what must have been a town square. Nothing but fog at first, but then, a dim light! Her grip on the reigns tightened. Was this salvation? Guiding her great beast further into the mist, she tried to keep her eyes on that glimmer of hope. It was mere moments later that the towering form of a simple church was all that could be seen through the haze. She grimaced . It wasn't the best option, if she was being frank it wasn't an option at all really. Her kind were not welcome in such places, but perhaps she could bite her tongue and make the best of this.

Slowly bringing her cart to a stop beneath one of the church eaves, She slipped off the riding bench and found the ground beneath her was little more than a thick, muddy porridge. Oh. Joy. She clicked her tongue in annoyance. Once she'd secured her things as best she could, She made her way to the door, muttering to herself as she climbed the narrow stairs. Grasping the latch, her displeasure only grew. Great, It was locked. Her first slammed into the wood, her frustrations echoing through the interior. She wasn't going to give up on this. Not with the weather like this.

The girl reached out a heavily jeweled hand, it's strange, Pendeloque hand piece glimmering in the dim light from the nearby window. Focusing upon her core, She went about as she usually would. Exhaling a hissing breath, her golden eyes began to glow. As if guiding the magic through the strange jewelry, she began to amass what she would need. What was that spell.. what was it? It seemed to come to her from within, her smirk present for but a moment before the single word fell from her lips.

"Resero."

A burst of light passed through the door. It slammed open as the lightning crashed outside. Her silhouette creating an imposing figure as she stood there in shock. Well, that had been more than she anticipated. Looking at the smoking handle on the door, she hoped that the priest was a forgiving sort. Slowly, she let herself in, completely silent as peered through the pews. What light had she seen? Where was the one who owned this church. Surely the racket she'd caused would bring someone out.

[Ashen]

A downpour raged outside the window, its waters crashing on the half-paved streets of the town he'd grown to call home. The locals would say it was raining cats and dogs, but Kay'zha just thought of the strange phenomenon as an inconvenience. He had never seen rainstorms before he'd arrived in Devaduta, several years ago now, but whenever they came, he always knew he'd never get any sleep. The echoing roars of thunder triggered his migraines, and beyond that, he didn't know how the whole town could sleep through the sound of the pounding rain. The priest sat up in his bed, tucked away into the sanctuary in the back of the chapel, and he sighed. There was no use just sitting around trying to sleep, he reasoned. Pulling on his dirtied boots and thin cloak, Kay'zha left the chapel in the middle of the night. Unlike usual, he closed the door behind him, reasoning that he did not want to make a mess of the church he spent countless hours polishing. Making sure no one in town was awake and watching, the priest headed south, towards the vast mountain range.

Kay'zha didn't know how long he'd spent out in the rain. The mountains were soothing, and even if the paths only he traversed were slippery with precipitation, he enjoying walking through them. He lost hours to the company of the mountain, somewhere in meditation and prayer. When he started back for Devaduta, the stars still shone above him. His boots and rags were absolutely drenched. He thought of the fire he'd start when he got back to the sanctuary. Perhaps he could brew himself a nice tea and snuggle up with a nice book and some blankets. He busied himself with thinking of his plans for the night when he noticed something. Stepping past the gate of Devaduta, he caught a glimpse of a figure atop a horse. At this time of night, Kay'zha could only assume they meant trouble.

He paused and watched as the hooded figure looked around. The priest gave them the benefit of the doubt; maybe they were just looking for a place to lay their head for the night. He slunk behind them, reasoning that he would help them the second he learned they were not going to attack him if he tried. The figure made their way to his chapel, where they hopped off their horse and tried to open the door. To Kay'zha's surprise, the place was locked. Had he accidentally locked it when he'd gone? He reached under his robes, to an interior pocket where the key rested, but he soon learned that was entirely unnecessary. This figure--this woman--she was a witch, and with one short word she had the doors to his chapel flying open.

Kay'zha stood, dumbfounded, for only a moment before heading in after her. It'd been a while since he'd seen a witch; they often avoided his line of work entirely. Once inside, Kay'zha cleared his throat so as not to alarm the traveler. "Salutations," he said in a quiet, tired voice. "Are you seeking guidance at this hour, wanderer? Here, allow me to invite you to the altar."

The priest made his way to the back of the church and shuffled around some ornaments on the altar. Using a candle that was always lit, the candle that probably attracted the mage in the first place, Kay'zha lit several others. The altar, sufficiently lit, was now clearly visible. Papers and tomes were scattered atop its surface, and odd-looking trinkets decorated the surrounding area. Kay'zha stepped out from behind the altar, motioning for the stranger to follow him, and only then did he realize how he might have looked.

The rain had sufficiently dampened his clothes, but it couldn't remove the array of stains in the priest's robes. The browns and blacks were normal--dirt and mud and soot--but a curious red spilled from the collar of his robe down to his chest and dripped in large droplets to the very bottom. Noticing this, Kay'zha stepped back behind the altar. The priest himself had tanned skin, darker than any of the townsfolk, though it was unclear whether he had been born with such a hue or whether he spent much time outside. His golden hair was tied back in a messy braid which he threw over his back. Dark brown eyes suggested they belonged to a wizened old man, despite being on a twenty-seven-year-old's face. Kay'zha knew he looked threatening, so he kept his distance from this girl and spoke slowly and gently so as not to scare her.

"My name is Kay'zha," he introduced. "I am the priest of this town, Devaduta. This chapel can provide you sanctuary, should you need it. I am terribly sorry to appear like this, but like you, I just came from quite the downpour." He turned to the stained glass in the chapel, hanging on the wall opposite the altar. "You are free to stay here as long as you like. The storm should be lighting up soon, I'd think." He turned his attention back to her. "How may I guide you?"

[EerieWillows]

With her water logged hood, she hadn't heard the cleric clearing his throat, but the voice suddenly calling out behind her sent her heart racing. Her panic was clear in her actions, spinning about and into a fighting stance for but a moment. Some priest was there, or so she thought from the way he was dressed. The hood kept her from seeing much more than that. She wasn't face to face with some law keeper, about to take her to the local prison for breaking into the church. The girl was relieved. Was it really a relief? Not really. The witch stood and straightened herself out as best she could, the water dripping onto the floor along with the mud she'd tracked in. The relief was short lived, soon he was beckoning her to the altar. Oh wonderful.

Exhausted and uncomfortably wet, the young woman approached the altar. Her wet and muddy boots squelching beneath her feet audibly. She was silent, watching the priest go about his usual preparations. He was just as soaked as she was. What was a man like this doing out in the rain? Not that she had any sort of right to ask. She'd essentially broken into his church and had been soaking the floor with her own drenched clothing. As he stood before her and introduced himself, the witch sighed softly, rubbing the back of her head.

"You have my apologies, father Kay'zha. I am not here for guidance. I was simply trying to find shelter from the storm. The people here seem to keep their buildings dark at this time of night. It's so foggy I couldn't see and I've been riding in this nearly the whole day," A sneeze broke her from her train of thought. A strong enough one that she was left with goosebumps all over her arms and back. A hand moved and gestured towards the candles in front of them as the other pinched the bridge of her nose . "The light from your alter, it seems, drew me here. If I could stay the night... In the morning, you could point me to one of the local inns. I would be ever so grateful. I am in need of cart repairs. It'll probably keep me here for at least a few days. I'd hate to take shelter for that long when there are others that need it far more than I. "

Feeling the water drip down her back, the girl hissed a few curses in a foreign tongue and struggled with her hood. Soon the lovely little thing was revealed, her thick, nearly black hair sticking to her pale, nearly translucent skin. The roundness of her face was contrasted by the intensity of her strange, golden eyes. Her plush lips were pursed in a pout. It was pitiful. She looked like a drowned rat. "Perhaps a spare robe as well? My supplies are soaked through thanks to a few no good bandits." As she finished her request, she bowed softly to Kay'zha. Despite her disagreements with the practitioners of this faith, or any other, she was not one to be rude to a host and challenge them. Especially when she'd been caught in such a situation.

With her hood removed, she could see clearly now. This priest, his had a striking presence. It wasn't... terrible however. Most were old men or dull middle aged ones, but he wasn't. Far from anything she was use to seeing. Those eyes were tired, yet there was more to them. She was pulled away from her observations as her boot squish under her foot once again, grimacing in disgust at the sensation. Turning to look behind her, she was acutely aware of what she'd done. The mess. The MESS! Oh gods she would have to deal with that in the morning. Her face flushed vibrantly as she turned back to the preacher.

"Ah, I can clean that... and fix the door. My deepest apologies. I should introduce myself." She stopped to pull her hair back and out of her face, tying it in a simple knot before drying her hand and offering it out to him. A weak smile graced her face. She was still so flustered from the whole encounter. "Call me Saoirse, thank you for your hospitality this evening, Father Kay'zha."

[Ashen]

Kay'zha was acutely aware of the way large droplets of rain puddled on the floor around this stranger. She'd tracked in mud and leaves and all sorts of things to render the priest's cleaning attempt from just a few days ago pointless. He'd brought in some of the storm with him too, but this wanderer, he guessed she'd been out for a long while, bringing with her all sorts of things from wherever she'd come from. She wasn't from Devaduta, and she certainly wasn't from Devaduta's only connection to the outside world, the Eastern City, a few days away by horse. She was from a foreign land. What, he wondered, brought her to such a quaint town?

He listened to her talk, trying and failing to place her accent. As she pulled back her hood and introduced herself, Kay'zha realized he couldn't even place her age. Tragically bad at assuming things about other people, he decided to go along with whatever this was. If this witch were just looking for a place to stay, he could grant her that. He took her hand in his and gave it a stern shake. "Just Kay'zha," he corrected. "Father Kay'zha makes me sound like something I am not." He stepped away from her, once again hiding himself behind his altar. He turned his attention towards the sanctuary. "I can start tea for you," he offered. "And I can gather some cloths. The priests before me left far more robes than I could wear alone." He looked at her, judging her size. She were maybe just bigger than him... "Yes, feel free to leave yours on the pews for now." Before he left, he began removing his own robes. A foreigner, Kay'zha often forgot the customs of this land, the taboo that came with human bodies, and as such he forgot to shield his own. Throwing his dripping robe over his shoulder, Kay'zha stood before her with only his loincloth covering his waist and upper thighs. His thin, almost emaciated body was the same bronzed color as his visible skin, a trait from birth. From underneath his loincloth, bandages poked out, obviously wrapped very tightly around his hip. Poking out from those was a curious black mark, a tattoo of sorts. Unaware of what the wanderer might think of him, he bowed lightly to her. "Do excuse me," he said, and he slunk away into the small back room.

Kay'zha did not need light to move around the small room he called home, but he was aware of the woman's presence in his chapel, and how she might follow him. Wanting transparency, Kay'zha lit a candle and set it atop a small bookshelf in the sanctuary. On it were several things other than books; carved wood sculptures, decks of cards, dying plants, and discarded scrolls rested between various leather-bound titles in a tongue not native to here. A few books were in the land's language, though they looked less worn than others. Turning away from the bookshelf, the priest turned his attention to a small fireplace. He lit the fire and prepared water for tea. Then, Kay'zha walked to a small wooden closet already open and picked out two of the robes from within. He mentally measured one, wondering if it would be a good fit for the woman in his church. It was clean, stainless, like most of the robes he had not yet touched. Tossing the old one to the floor, Kay'zha put on a fresh one and returned to the main room of the church.

He looked over Saoirse again, judging her frame, before handing her the dark robe. "Forgive me if it might not suit you," he mumbled. His eyes traced over the muddied floor and he sighed. Urging his eyes back to those of his guest, Kay'zha noted how pretty she was. Her eyes had their own charm, and her skin... Had he been born with skin so pale, he wondered how many issues could have been avoided. "You might be surprised to know the owner of the inn in this town is a woman by the name of Rose. She took over the business after her husband passed away, and she is the most ambitious woman I know. Perhaps that would make you more comfortable staying there. Devaduta does not see many travelers. We are only connected to the Eastern City, and few people stop here for extended periods of time. Is that from where you come?"

Suddenly, as Kay'zha watched the woman take the robe and stand still with it, he realized his prior mistake. She'd want privacy, just like he should have when he changed. Awkwardly looking away, he mumbled something about checking on the tea, and that they would continue this conversation when he got back. He returned in a few minutes with two cups of steaming liquid, and he handed one to her. "I fetched the herbs myself," he explained. "I will not be offended if it is not to your liking. Ah, where were we?"

[EerieWillows]

The surprising hospitality the priest offered and his calm tone were a luxury the girl didn't often have. Smiling softly, she nodded and apologized for the 'insult'. It wasn't often that a priest wished to be called anything other than father, or at least in her experience. This land was strange, but not in an awful way. As he mentioned tea and fresh clothes, the girl was nearly in shock. Really? Such a kind man this Kay'zha was. She bowed softly to him, her hands holding the heavy fabric of her skirt tightly in her hands.

"You have my thanks. I really appreciate this. I'll make sure to lea-" She cut herself off, hearing the rustling of fabric and more water dripping on the floor. For only a moment she had looked away, and yet, there he was. The priest practically naked, his lean form on display before her in the most wonderful of ways. He was practically glistening in the dim candlelight. The rain had obviously soaked him as well. Oh gods be damned. Her cheeks felt red hot and her heart racing as she gawked for a moment. What a body, what a presence. He was a blessed treat for her weary eyes . Tracing the line of his figure, the woman found it hard not to simply stare.

The woman nearly whimpered as he mentioned for her to leave her own clothes there and excused himself. This really was a strange situation, watching a barely clothed holy man slink off into the darkness. his robes slung over his back and a candlestick in his hand. Any apprehension she felt was completely forgotten as she watched him walk off a little too intensely. It was hard to focus on what was going on when he... No! Shame on her for thinking like this about anything of the sort! Shaking her head vigorously, Saoirse tried to regain some form of composure.

She regained herself, confused and alone, she looked about the chapel. She was alone? Was she suppose to follow? The sway in his step had distracted her so much that she'd simply stood there like some sort fool. Well, this would certainly be an interesting way to end her miserable day. He seemed to take a fair bit of time, so she busied herself with unwrapping her thick cloak, setting the drenched pieces to the side. She would need to change quickly, the chill was setting in terribly fast. Soon she was left there in her tunic, an underskirt and her corset, the strange jewelry she wore still upon her hand.

Soon the Priest re-emerged from the darkness, unfortunately in full dress. The robes in his hand looked to be in fantastic shape. Were they new? What a charity. The girl was humbled by this, thanking him softly as she took what he offered. She would look after them as best she could. Acutely aware of his eyes drifting to the floor, then to her, Saoirse soon found herself under his scrutiny. Her eyes still wide as she simply held the robes a little away from herself. Did he expect her to undress before him? She listened as he spoke of the locals, quite distracted and obviously so. He seemed to take the hint eventually and briskly went to attend to their 'tea'.

She was shaking from the cold by this point, eagerly stripping herself to the point she'd nearly fallen over the pew in front of her as she threw her heavy skirt aside. Cursing to herself as she struggled out of her water logged shift, soon she was standing there for anyone to see. Bare as the day she was born. Looking over the robes, she rushed to cover herself. They restricted her only a tad bit, the belt helping keep it above the floor so that she didn't trip. Tying it like a girdle gave her at least the tiniest bit of a figure. She felt... rather under-dressed. But, at least it was a warm and dry. Collecting her many pieces and parts, the girl set them beside her, waiting patiently.

He didn't keep the little witch waiting long. Kay'zha soon returned with the piping hot tea he'd gone off to retrieve. She could have wept with how enticing it looked. The rich herbal smelt hit her nose and warmed her cold and achy bones. She took her cup and inhaled deeply, exhaling in a deep, relaxed sigh. His comment caught her ear as she reclined into the pew. He was nervous she wouldn't find it to taste? A soft chuckle escaped her.

"Pardon me, but I'm sure It'll be the best cup I've had in a long time. Your charity is remarkable. You have my thanks, Kay'zha. You're a very generous priest." Replied the young with with a soft voice, feeling the strain of the weather on her throat. Carefully, she sat herself back down. Her legs crossed as she tasted the offering she'd been given. It was definitely strong and herbal, but not as offensive as she had thought it'd be. She sighed once again, closing her eyes and reveling in the warmth that traveled down her throat. She was quiet for a moment, unaware of the world around her as she savored it's warmth. She was aware of his eyes upon her again however, looking up at her gracious host as he remarked about continuing their conversation.

"If you don't mind my probing, Devaduta? Is that the name of this place? I've never been through here before. I was heading north from the Southern Islands. I was finishing some, ah, business there. Unfortunately, I found myself lost in the roads, running from bandits.. I've seemingly lost my way. Perhaps in the morning it'll become clear on my maps. If they haven't been destroyed by this storm." Her last words dripped with frustration. "I'm sorry. I should be thankful I arrived here alive. And for what you've given. I'll do my best to leave what I can for your kindness.

[Ashen]

The old priest kept his eyes on this stranger, but he made a conscious effort not to stare. Now, in a pastor's cloths, with her belt tied so slightly, Kay'zha could trace a womanly figure. There was a charm about this woman, even in his clothes, with her drenched and sticky hair, her dripping skin, her shaking form. Even in the way she sat down with her tea, the way she crossed her legs and eagerly drank from the cup... She was different from the women around here, the women who were ever cautious of how they appeared to others, to men. This witch, this Saoirse, she looked entirely unflattering at that moment, and yet, she didn't seem all that bothered. Kay'zha felt that that only added to her beauty. He looked at her for only a moment longer, instead seeing another woman, one he had been apart from for many years.

He only bowed lightly at her compliments, not liking the attention he was suddenly getting. "I am a priest," he muttered by way of explanation. He believed it his duty to offer refuge to any and all who needed it. He was just glad she seemed to like his tea. Kay'zha took a seat beside her, keeping his distance so as not to alarm her. As she spoke, he tried again to place her accent. "Aye," he responded when she'd finished speaking. "Devaduta is home to few, though we see some passersby because of this very church. The Southern Islands... are far, are they not?" In truth, Kay'zha didn't know where such islands were. He knew there was an ocean far beyond the mountains; had she come from all the way down there? "Have the bandits followed you? I can fetch a guard if it would make you feel more comfortable. You are safe here."

Kay'zha took long sips of his tea, enjoying the hot liquid seeping down his throat. He hadn't realized how cold he was until he felt this warmth. "You need not thank me," he mumbled between two long swigs. Kay'zha put his cup down and reached for his hair. The braid was drenched, so he began removing the strands, unwinding his hair until it fell in waves. He wrung it out, watching as more droplets fell to the floor. "So excuse me," he said, motioning towards his locks. "I'm sure you know how absorbent long hair can be." When his hair was as dry as it would get, he began braiding it again. It was tangled and, in many places, even dead, but it still had an attractive sort of shine to it. He tied it off with a band from around his wrist. "How convenient it would be had we an invention for drying hair more quickly, mm?"

He returned to his tea and looked over Saorise again. "You are welcome to stay here for as long as you wish," he told her. "I live here alone, back in the sanctuary." He motioned towards it with his chin. "It is a quaint little place. If you would prefer more privacy, I have no issue sleeping out on the pews." Kay'zha wondered if he would sleep at all. He was tired, and his headache had calmed down some, but the rain was still so loud. "At sunrise I will have to start services, should anyone come in. Daily service is in the evening, right before supper. I would welcome you to join us, but I am told your kind doesn't take a liking to religious affairs." He shrugged his shoulders and finished his tea. "In truth, neither do I."

Kay'zha set his cup aside and stood again. He thought of cleaning the floors again, but he figured he would wait until Saoirse was away from the main area. He noticed she was shaking, and Kay'zha cursed himself for not noticing before. "Oh, excuse me," he murmured, and he touched his fingers to her forehead. His touch was gentle though his hands were coarse. He mumbled something under his breath, and suddenly Saorise would feel a light energy course through her, warming her. Kay'zha stepped away from her. "Albia watches over you, regardless of your beliefs or abilities." He motioned towards the sanctuary. "It is rather late. If you have come from so far, perhaps you should get some rest. We can discuss details on the morrow. I think I will be up for a minute yet."

[EerieWillows]

The priest taking the time to sit next to her and talk quite politely was.. foreign to her. He wasn't trying to convert her, yet he was still offering all the services he could. He was kind and courteous, giving her some space and watching her with not so.. indecent eyes. She shifted slightly and continued to sip at her tea. Oh she had never been so thankful for something. It was just the right warmth to take the bitter cold out of her. He seemed quite comfortable talking with her. Wonderful, considering her previous run ins with his sort. There had to be more to him than the guise of a simple man of faith.

"Ah... yes they are, but I was only visiting there myself. " Remarked the girl. "It's been a long time traveling, that's for sure. Don't worry yourself about the bandits either. I've taken care of them enough that they don't know where I was heading. Thank you though... for your considerate thought." Remarked the girl, swirling the last of her tea before finishing it. How lovely it was to have something in her painfully empty stomach. She was quite distracted, but looked over in time to see him let down his hair and wring it out. Her face was flushed yet again.

Really, such a strange priest he seemed to be. Saoirse found herself looking him over a tad more than she'd intended to. He was quite gaunt, some would call him intimidating. As far as she was concerned it was quite the opposite. There was a strange warmth to him. Maybe that was simply because of his actions. Regardless, His warmer skin and light hair were... rather dashing. In need of a bit of attention, but somehow still maintaining at least a little luster. Stopping herself before her mind could wander any longer, she laughed softly at his comment about a device to dry hair. What a strange man.

"Maybe one day we'll have something up to the task, but for now, a sheet of cloth seems to at least speed the process. Or that's what I've found. Especially a thick wool that's been dried by a fire." Remarked the young witch, resting her chin in her palm as she gave him a sweet smile. As he spoke of his living situation, the girl nodded, leaning back into the pew and trying to keep herself from showing just how cold she was. There wasn't much warmth to a church. When he offered the privacy of his little home, the girl was quite shocked.

"I wouldn't dream of taking your bed... A simple blanket will do for me. I'll do my best to clear out of the church before daybreak. Ah... after I clean up the messes I've made. I'll stay at the inn. Though I really do appreciate the offer... Kay'zha." His name rolled off her tongue quite pleasantly. She was about to remark about his 'dislike' of his own sermons, but a hand to her forehead caught her off guard. A small gasp passed her lips as the girl stared strait forward with wide eyes. The calloused fingertips earned a nervous gulp from her. Some part of her seemed shaken until the warmth seemed to rush through her.

"T-thank you... F... Ah.. s-sir." Remarked the young witch, her hands in her lap as her gaze wandered towards the altar before them. "Y-yes... I suppose so. I'll stay here in the pews. I'll make sure to put a few coins into the coffers tomorrow for your gracious hospitality. Sorry about the trouble." Now that she'd calmed herself just a bit more, she managed to stand up, adjusting her robes to be a tad longer on her. Covering her feet would be of importance if she wished to keep warm in this chapel.

Bidding her host goodnight, the girl settled her clothing over the pews, doing her best to dry them. She would need to be careful and not sleep too long. Watching the priest retire to his sanctuary, she laid herself out, using the smallest bit of magic to dry her cloak and roll it to be a pillow. It wasn't hard to get settled, having slept of far less pleasant places. Little Saoirse was curled up in the farthest pew, her soft breath ringing through the stone walls.

Thankfully, this night she had no terrible dreams to speak of, only darkness. An all consuming darkness that seemed to vanish all too suddenly with the crow of a rooster. Shooting up from her spot on the pew, Saoirse looked around in near-terror. Where was she? what in the world was going on? Oh... Oh Yes. The memories of the night before came to her. She'd broken in, and the preacher had been kind enough to let her stay. Groaning softly, the little witch ran her hands back through her hair. How could she face anyone after doing such a stupid thing. She would repair what she'd broken and clean up a bit to show her gratitude.

Looking about, there was not a soul to be seen. Good... She could change out of the robes if her clothes were dried. A quick glance assured her she'd be fine to do so. With her clothing properly in place, the lingering chill in the air no longer able to reach her in her many layers. Now... She had to find something to clean with. Hopefully the father was willing to point her in the direction of the inn after she fixed the door. He seemed like he would be courteous enough to do so.

[Ashen]

Kay'zha noted the way the little witch responded to him. She seemed very shocked at all he was doing. True, he had been told he was more generous than other priests, but had she really never been shown any level of kindness? It startled and saddened the man, but he knew there was little he could do beyond try to undo whatever cruelties had been done to this woman. At least for now, he could ensure she would truly be safe that night.

The priest started for his sanctuary, and behind him he heard Saoirse settle into a spot on one of the pews. He'd had no problems offering his bed, but somehow he knew the girl would not be taking it that night, so he did not bother to protest. He glanced over his shoulder at her, the wet little woman who'd stumbled into his chapel. There was something about her. Kay'zha saw it in her hair, in the way it curled into a frame for her rounded cheeks. He turned away, shaking his head. This girl was entirely different.

He sat on his small, lumpy bed in his sanctuary and looked around. What was he supposed to do now? With her sleeping in the pews, he would have a hard time cleaning without waking her. He'd wait until she was in a deeper sleep to try, perhaps, but for now... He thought back to what she'd said. On the run from bandits, all the way from the Southern Islands. He looked to the window, at the rain still raging outside. She had come in on a horse, hadn't she? Getting an idea, Kay'zha ripped a piece of one of his blank scrolls and began to write a note on it. He stashed it in an inner pocket of his robe and quietly padded through the church to the outside, once again drenching himself.

The horse was not hard to find. Kay'zha approached it warily, aware of his bad track record with animals. She had tied her horse under a wooden roof that was mostly keeping it dry. The priest cooed at it, and when the horse noticed him, he made sure to stay within its line of sight. "Hey, good horse," he muttered, though he felt ridiculous for talking to an animal. The horse didn't seem interested in him, so Kay'zha grabbed for its reigns. "Come on now," he said, pulling at the horse's ropes, but that just seemed to aggravate the beast. Kay'zha was cautious of the horse's hooves and mouth, steering clear of any stomping or biting. He'd been hoping for a pleasant horse, a compliant one, but of course the witch had a gigantic stubborn mule. Rolling his eyes, Kay'zha let go of the reigns and wandered into town, leaving Saorise and her horse to the church.

He returned a few minutes later with some apples and offered them to the horse. After too much coaxing and too many apples, finally the priest was able to move the horse to the stables of the town rancher. He left a note on the stable door explaining that the horse would not be there long, and that this was a favor for Kay'zha. The priest hoped that would be enough to allow the rancher to keep the moody steed for a while. With the horse out of the rain, Kay'zha headed back to the church, satisfied that he'd helped prevent sickness that might cripple Saorise's beloved animal.

By the time he returned, he was sure Saorise was asleep, so he busied himself with taking a rag to the floors of the church. He did a simple job, not wanting to wake the woman, and he promised himself he would finish the task later. With that done, he returned to his sanctuary and removed the blanket from his bed. He draped it over Saorise, hoping it would offer her just a bit more warmth. He went back to his sanctuary and tried to sleep, but saw little success. Exhausted and annoyed, Kay'zha sat up and instead plucked a book off his shelf. If nothing else, he could get some reading done before he hopefully dozed off.

The cock's crow came all too early, and Kay'zha sleepily looked up from his book when he heard it. He hadn't gotten a wink of sleep, but at least the rain had stopped. He'd be able to steal a nap at some point that day, assuming no one needed him. Getting up, he made his way to the front of the church, where he found Saorise just waking. She was looking around; was she seeking him? Kay'zha prepared to make a sound when he stopped himself. She... was stripping. He stared for a moment, tracing the curves of her body with his eyes. She had a fuller figure than he'd noticed before, an ample chest, a rounded bottom. The priest had to remind himself that she'd be greatly offended if she found him staring, so he looked away to offer her a now pointless privacy.

After a few moments, Kay'zha walked out of his sanctuary. "Good morning," he greeted with a gentle bow. "I hope you don't mind, but I took your horse to the stables this morning. I thought it would be drier there. You've a great beast, but I suppose that's fitting for the size of your cart." He walked to her, keeping his distance. "I hope you slept well. If you'd like, I can lead you to the inn. Rose will be glad to prepare a light breakfast for us. Traveling tends to bring about hunger, and I cannot imagine the appetite you might have acquired on your journey."

[EerieWillows]

The girl nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of his voice, the suprise clear as day in the way she rigidly stood still. Like a deer in the sight of a predator, the girl simply stared before the man bowed to her, sighing and looking down with a tinge of shame. She squeaked out her own morning greeting as her eyes fell to the floor. The mud, it was gone? Oh goodness he'd cleaned it himself? Oh how rude of her to have not stayed up to help. Saoirse had nearly forgotten her great beast, taking a deep breath to relax herself before bowing to him in return.

"You have my thanks.. I hope Rune wasn't too heady with you. He can be quite the opinionated horse. A stubborn old boy. But he's a good steed." Saoirse remarked, chuckling softly and giving the priest the gift of a cute smile, rustling her bouncy waves to loosen their tangled mess. "To be honest I believe he's more guard dog than draft. How did you get him to follow? Usually he'd snap at people if I'm not there. I'm quite impressed you got him to co-operate at all. " She did speak the truth. The steed had been with her through so much. He hardly listened to her when it didn't suit their best interests. Perhaps he realized what the priest was doing and behaved accordingly.

Looking back towards the pew where she'd slept, her eyes caught the sight of the blanket. She seemed to think for a moment, barely hearing what he was speaking. He looked tired... Moreso than the night before. Had he not slept? Had she taken his only blanket? Goodness she would feel terrible if that was the case. As he suggested a trip to the inn, she bit her lip and nodded. To refuse him would be rude.. but she couldn't let him overwork himself. Not for the kindness she'd been given. To most they would be small gestures, but when you had nothing, it was much more than that. SHe had hoped to make it to the Eastern port and off the mainland before winter had a chance to set in, but a day or so in this town wouldn't stop those plans.

"That... sounds wonderful. Ah, but afterwards, please. Allow me to fix the door and clean the floors. Perhaps there's other chores needing to be done as well? I can take care of them. It seems as if you haven't slept... I'd feel terrible taking your hospitality and not returning it however I could.. Especially if you've also taken care of Rune..." Questioned the girl, carefully folding the blanket and presenting it back to him. "Perhaps some tough washing? Difficult dusting? Tedious tasks that you'd rather not bother yourself with? Please, it would be my pleasure to help however I can. F... Kay'zha." It would take a bit before she was use to calling the man by his first name instead of the term most preferred.

Her questioning was stopped by her stomach however, a fearsome rumble and cramp that left her hunched over for a moment. She regained composure however and laughed in embarassment. He couldn't have been more right with how hungry she was. She hadn't eaten in a few days. It was hard to start a fire in the pouring rain, and she'd run out of smoked meat a while back. The grains she had were given to her horse, as his strength was needed, not hers. Perhaps it'd be wise to have a spot of breakfast.

"B-but a meal first... Y-yes... To the inn. Ah... If you'd please lead. I just need to grab my bag from my cart as we go." Her tone was nothing short of adorable, the flustered expression only served to add to that. She was doing her best to hide the discomfort, but failed utterly in doing so. Despite that, she maintained a pep in her step. Opening the door and taking time to investigate the lock. Really, the metal seemed fine, the door just needed a good scrub to get rid of the soot. Giving the other a nervous smile, she cleared her throat, nodding to him as she rushed to her cart.

For one so small, she easily lifted herself over the back of the cart and began searching inside. Much was ruined, it'd take to to replace what she could, but perhaps she could make a bit of coin in this town. Gathering her most important things into a ratty old pack, she rushed to meet Kayzha. Caution would be the girl's greatest lesson, as one foot in the mud left her falling forward, barely catching herself upon the stone wall of the church with a yelp. She found the other's eyes on her again, her own wide as she tried to laugh off her clumsy actions once again.

"I'm fine, Shall we?" Remarked the girl, taking a moment to make her way over to the preacher and accompany him on his journey towards the inn. She did her best to learn the way. If he needed her to do running about or if she felt like exploring, she could find her way back. It was fairly misty, but the sun did peek it's beautiful face out, the girl relished in the warmth. It'd been so long in the rain she'd nearly forgotten how warm she could be in the morning. Smile beaming as she followed, she did her best to quietly greet those they passed, ignoring the strange looks they gave her. She was accustom to such things, this was far from her first time in a foreign town. Besides, there was one thing and one thing only on her mind. Food.

[Ashen]

This girl was so curious. Kay'zha watched her bumble about as if she were ashamed or worried of something. Was she upset he'd stayed up all night? He shook his head, and to her questions about her horse he offered a simple explanation, asking for her forgiveness for feeding him so many snacks, but it was the only way he could get him to move. Guard dog or mule, that horse had a great distaste for him especially, or at least that was the sense Kay'zha got. Such a small girl with such a big beast... He figured, if he were in the girl's place, he would also want a huge animal to keep watch during the nights.

She practically begged him for some banal chores to do, and Kay'zha couldn't help the soft chuckle that escaped from him. "Don't worry yourself," he assured. "We can worry about what's left to do after we find a warm meal." The priest looked over his church again, and seeing nothing that needed immediate attention, he started off towards the inn, Saoirse in tow.

They were on the road for a couple minutes before this klutz of a woman once again made a mess of herself. Kay'zha was by her side in seconds, oddly lithe for his frame, and he prepared to catch her, but that proved unnecessary. The girl steadied herself and laughed it off. Kay'zha muttered something about being cautious of the mud and continued to the inn.

The road there was short. Kay'zha and Saoirse left the church and headed west, away from a small lake and waterfall that had been hidden to the darkness the night before. They passed several small houses lined up against a steep cliff that overlooked the northern side of the city. A few shops were scattered about the houses, though they were mostly still closed. Past the houses was a large, mansion-like building. Kay'zha motioned towards it and stopped in front of it. "This is Rose's," he explained. "Besides our waterfall and our stained glass in the church, this is the prettiest Devaduta has to offer."

The two slipped inside the building and were instantly greeted by the smell of simmering meat, a gentle woodwind tune, and the ever-loud voice of a large woman. "Kay'zha!" she said brightly. "You brought a lady friend!" The woman, the obvious proprietress, moved from her spot behind a long counter and rushed over. Her bronze locks fell freely over her already dirtied face. She had a rounded form, seemingly bigger under her many ruffles and frills. She spoke unashamedly with the accent of the town, the uneducated dialect that had her dropping the endings of her words and extending her vowels. Her warm green eyes looked over Saoirse before offering an enthusiastic hand. "I've never seen Kay with a lady friend before," she whispered to her behind a cupped hand. "Hello, welcome to Devaduta, the name's Rose and I'm the owner of this humble place."

Kay'zha tried not to roll his eyes. "I brought her here to get a warm meal," he explained. "She has been traveling--"

"I'll whip her up a hearty stew," Rose interrupted, already turning back to her counter. "The girl likes her meat, I can tell. Take some notes from her, would you, Kay'zha?"

And just like that Rose was disappeared into a back room. The clattering of metals could be heard every few moments, and Rose started to hum an old tune as she whipped up their food. Kay'zha sighed and took a seat at the counter and gestured for Saoirse to do the same. As he did, he was painfully aware of the eyes of the locals on him, on this new friend he suddenly had. He cast her an apologetic glance, wondering what she would think of the well-meaning townsfolk.

Rose returned just a few minutes later with a pair of bowls of steaming liquid. "Mystery recipe, you will love it," she said, placing one in front of Saorise. She placed the other in front of Kay'zha, though he immediately protested.

"Ah, Rose, you know I do not eat meat--"

"You need to," she said, rolling her eyes. "I held the meat for you. Please eat, Kay'zha. You and your lady deserve a nice meal together."

The priest pouted ever so slightly. "She is not my lady," he muttered under his breath. He waited for Rose to hand him a spoon, and reluctantly, Kay'zha brought the brown liquid to his mouth. "Thank you," he mumbled.

But Rose wasn't paying attention to him. Her eyes were on the lady in the room. "Is it to your liking?" she was asking before Saorise had even taken her first spoonful. I can add spices or more meat if you wish. Oh me, I forgot the bread--do you want bread? You can't have a good stew without bread." A bit of a scatterbrain, this motherly woman only wanted to make sure her guest was satisfied. The wide smile never ran from her face as she waited on the two, and even as her attention was pulled by someone across the floor, she always seemed ready and willing to lend her aid.

[EerieWillows]

The woman walked rather briskly, considering her stature, her wavy black hair bouncing about as they made their way towards the inn. It really was a quaint little town, now that it wasn't pouring rain. As they continued their little trek Saoirse did her best to keep her eyes forward. Though they wandered back to the priest from time to time. What was it about him? His tall stature? His strict face? She just couldn't help herself. He began to explain the building before them, but the girl couldn't take the time to really appreciate it. Her attention was immediately elsewhere. The smell of a well cooked meal and music to top it off. Oh gods this was to be her saving grace. Never had she been so thankful for her layers of clothing to muffle the rumbling of her belly.

The witch's bright and sparkling eyes wandered about the interior of the Inn. It was marvelously crafted. Though she didn't have much time to enjoy it before something came rushing towards them. The innkeeper. A stout woman with a strong grip. Her attention moved from her to Kay'zha then back to her. There was no time to reply before the two got to talking, leaving the poor little thing stammering before simply stopping. What a difference in energies.

She bowed to the woman as they were lead somewhere to sit, the girl watching her quietly, staying behind Kay'zha as best she could. She wanted no trouble, no sir she did not. The prospect of meat got her to perk up however. She could feel the dool pooling in her mouth. Swallowing hard, the witch took her seat beside the preacher. It was strange, sharing a meal with the man who's church she'd broken into the night before. It wasn't unpleasant though.

The eyes upon her were no matter, a bright smile turned towards the priest. This was not her first time in a foreign town. Of course, there was little time for conversation before the meal arrived. A chill ran down her back as she whimpered. Oh she wanted to eat. Now. It looked so good, and smelt even better. What were these spices that danced on her nose? She didn't have time to sample before the woman inquired about how it tasted. There were no words she had for her yet. There wasn't time to speak however, because soon she had taken off to get her some bread. A warm chuckle left little Saoirse as she turned to Kay'zha.

" She's so vibrant... Thank you, Kay'zha. I appreciate the meal." Thanked the girl, taking her spoon and finally taking a moment to enjoy the stew

As it hit her mouth she practically melted. Oh gods it was delicious. Maybe it was the hunger talking, but the spices seemed to tell of the innkeeper herself. Warm and soothing was what she would describe it with. The meat was tender enough that it practically melted. What meat was it? beef? Pork? Venison? She didn't know, but it was so good she was practically moved to tears. It was hard to keep herself from stuffing her face like a wild-man. She saw Rose return, looking up with glossy eyes and a flush face.

"This... this is amazing! Many thanks, Miss Rose! The spices, the meat! It's enough to warm me to the core!" Exclaimed the little woman, the smile upon her face sweet enough to hurt one's teeth. It remained for just a moment before softening. She bit her lip. "D-do you happen to have any rooms available? I have a little coin, and I need shelter while I repair my cart's oil cloth. A small, simple room if you have any available would be best..." Her inquiry was genuine. As much as Kay'zha had offered her to stay at the church, she left she was intruding.

[Ashen]

Kay'zha had a far less animated response to his meal. He spooned the dark liquid into his mouth, and true to the innkeeper's word, he could taste no meat in the vegetable-based stew. After a couple spoonfuls he looked to Saorise, who looked like she hadn't eaten in days. Perhaps she hadn't. Either way, he was glad to be seeing the small witch so excited at something so simple. Rose's stew, according to the locals, was one of the best dishes on this side of the continent, sure, but most seemed to like it for its homey feel and earthy taste. Kay'zha wasn't all that enthused; the thin man didn't eat much, and what he did consume was more for nutrition, not taste. Still, he was glad he could introduce this wanderer to something she so obviously loved, and--were those tears in her eyes? Kay'zha turned away, a happy little smile meeting his lips. What a curious woman...

Rose came back to give a piece of bread each to her guests, but she was surprised to find such enthusiastic praise coming from the newcomer. "You're too kind!" she said back, though it was clear the compliments were touching her. Her smile seemed to grow even wider and she glowed in the young girl's cheer. She listened to her request and nodded. "We always have rooms available, hun. Let's talk about that after you finish eating, yeah?" She turned to Kay'zha. "Have you taken her to Thomas yet? He can probably help with cart repairs of all sorts. I might even have some old cloths she could use--Ah, coming!" Rose was suddenly pulled away by another of the breakfast diners across the floor. She walked past a lone flutist providing the music for the inn. Rose smiled brightly at him as she walked by, and the flutist paused to smile back before continuing his song.

Kay'zha turned his attention back to Saoirse. "I do apologize," he mumbled. "Rose keeps herself busy. She means well, even if she does have too many things to tend to." He set his spoon aside and drank his stew from his bowl, not wanting to waste more time than they had to. "I do not mind you staying at the chapel," Kay'zha went on. "Though I do understand more comfort comes with your own room. You intend to be here long?" With another long swig, his stew was already finished. "Like Rose was saying, Thomas, he's our town toy maker, but he is good at fixing just about everything. It comes with the craft, I suppose. If you'd like, I can show you to his home after we finish here. He has a daughter, Anastasia, she's only two. I do hope you don't mind children."

Before long, Rose returned to the two of them, a book lodged under her arm. She pulled it out onto the counter they were eating on. "We've a few rooms available," she said, then turned away to fetch a quill from behind the counter. "Let's see here. You wanted something simple? We've got some vacancies on the third floor here, they're not expensive. I'd let you stay for free, but ol' Rose has a business to run, you know?" She laughed at her joke, then turned back to her log book. "Right, how about this one? It's a hundred silvers a night, if that's to your liking? I'll write your name here, ah, what was it?"

Kay'zha didn't want to pry, but with Rose so close to him, he could easily see what she was proposing. The room she was offering was at a discounted price already. Perhaps, he noted, flattery would get this little witch somewhere. He knew Rose would want to write in the girl's name, and he also knew the self-taught literate woman would have no idea how to spell it. He smiled softly at that. When the women were done discussing their business, he turned to Saorise. He motioned towards his bread, asking if she would like it, and told her he was ready to head out whenever she was. Before they left, he would leave a few silvers on the counter, though he knew Rose would not ask for them.

[EerieWillows]

The girl's eyes lit up even brighter as the woman mentioned a room, her bright eyes seemed to grow even brighter. Ahh this city wasn't as dreary as it seemed! What a place she'd stumbled upon. Before much could be spoken she was done her meal, completely stuffed. Oh by the gods that was the stuff. She could feel the hunger pains slowly replaced with a warmth that she hadn't felt in a while. She'd subsided on jerkies and broths for a while, too many bandits around to do a proper hunt. She was about to thank the woman before she had run off again. Saoirse was left there like a stunned bunny, Kay'zha apologizing for the woman's busy schedule left her even more confused..

"N-no no, no need to apologize at all. This is what most inn's I've been to are like... and she's far kinder than most I've dealt with. Would we be able to make that next visit later? Kids are fine but my cart can wait. I need to clean the chapel floor and fix your door before anything else. I appreciate you being patient enough to sit and have a meal with me..." Replied the little witch, running her hand back through her fluffy black hair. Now that it was dry, it seemed to have a life of it's own, waving and curling about everywhere." After perhaps? If you aren't busy. or tomorrow if that suits you best. I can start the patching myself. "

She was quite contently mopping up the last of her stew with her bread, humming to herself rather contently before Rose came back with news of a room. Of course, Saoirse was all smiles as she reached into her purse and fished through her coin purse. What a fantastic lady she was, offering her a room for so little. The little woman had been saving for a while, and with any luck she could do some street singing and earn some gold or silvers to keep herself going on her way. She looked over the book and smiled, noting the room she was writing her down for.

"It's Saoirse, S-A-O-R-I-S-E." Replied the girl, doing her best to be helpful as she thanked the priest and set the small bit of bread in her bag. It'd be a good snack later, who knew what she'd still have in her cart. Or if any of it had surived the storm. She moved close to the desk, counting out her silvers and setting four hundred or so down for the woman, along with a few extra for the meal. "This should cover four days?" She bowed softly, smiling towards the priest and turning. "ah, I have some things to do down by the church, I'll return soon. Thank you again for the meal Ma'am! And for the room!"

[Ashen]

Kay'zha watched the little witch in his company, continually baffled by her surprise. She truly seemed as if she were experiencing kindness for the first time. He wondered where she came from, who she was. Just what had he gotten himself into taking in a stranger like this? Regardless, he wouldn't regret a thing, not until Saoirse proved to be a foe. For now, though he would not admit it, he enjoyed watching this curious girl.

The priest assured Saoirse she did not have to worry about the chapel, that he would tidy it later, but somehow he knew she would not tolerate this level of hospitality. He only shrugged softly, not wanting to argue. If fixing up the floors and the door would make her happy, who was he to stand in her way? He was silent as the women communicated and silver was exchanged. Despite Saorise's attempts, Kay'zha knew all too well that Rose would still spell her name wrong, that the poor woman probably did not know the names of the letters, but that whatever she would scribble down would make sense to the innkeeper anyway. Bowing his farewells to Rose, he ensured Saorise was ready to go, and the two of them headed away from the inn.

Back outside, Devaduta was beginning to open its sleepy eyes. More people were moving about now than before, and a few waved or smiled at Kay'zha. The priest returned each of their greetings without breaking his concentration from Saorise. "We may go to the chapel," he said with a nod. "Really, though, do not worry yourself about my chapel. As a clergyman, I have quite a bit of free time always, and I really do not mind occupying myself with common chores. Though if it would make you feel better..." He led her back to the chapel, though he walked more slowly in case she changed her mind and they had to change direction.

On the way back, Kay'zha thought to ask Saoirse about her past. "I was hoping to learn a bit more about you," he started, though he followed that up with, "if you are willing to share, of course." He paused before deciding on his questions. "You seem quite joyous to be receiving such hospitality. Is that not common where you are from? Ah, I hoped we might discuss more of where you are from, after all." He looked to her, studying her gaze. "I've never been much further than the Eastern City, in truth. I've heard stories of beyond that, and of course, we do see our share of travelers from all around, but... I suppose I just wonder what someone like you would be doing somewhere like this." He looked forward again to see that they were already in front of the chapel. It was empty, thankfully; there was no one to tend to just yet. He had chores still; in addition to the work Saoirse had caused, Kay'zha had to prepare for the day, setting the altar and preparing the ornaments, praying to his god and various other menial tasks. Those could wait, however. He wanted to learn more about this girl, he wanted to help her, and even if he wouldn't say it, he was interested in her.

[EerieWillows]

He seemed so insistent that she forget about the damage to the church, did he not want her to fix what she had broken? That was unacceptable! To her at least. Her smile was bright as she turned to face the priest, walking sideways to keep up. She was klutzy, and seemed to forget that in the moment, easily keeping pace.

"Really, I do want to fix it all up. I mean, What sort of person makes a mess and doesn't fix it? To the best of their abilities at least." Remarked the girl, once again at his side and walking normally. It was quiet for some time, leaving her to enjoy this peaceful walk. To watch the sleepy town wake, it was hardly the same cold place she'd seen the night before. Distracted and waving to those who bothered to do the same to her, his question nearly stopped her dead. Her step faltered as she stared up at him with flushed cheeks.

Why would he want something like that?! What about her was interesting? Nervous and flustered didn't cover just how adorable her reaction was. The confused girl continued to walk and figure out how to reply to his questions. Nervously fidgeting as they walked, she nearly walked into him. They had returned to the chapel before she'd realized. Her nervous giggle was followed by a soft apology for bumping into him.

'S-sorry. It's not often people ask about me. I'm not all that articulate in answering." Explained Saoirse, her eyes flicking to the side. "No... Kindness isn't common to beggars and travelers in this world. In most places at least. And you're unlike most preachers. I've been chased out of town because I turned one down in the past. I really appreciate it." Genuinely she did. "I was headed to the Eastern coast. There's a port there that'll take me to a nearby island. I've heard the markets there are fantastic. I don't really have much more than that to say." She took the time to move towards the door, letting him in before kneeling and looking at the damage to the wood and metal.

Really, It wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. She just needed some supplies. Her attention returned to the priest. "Ah, If you don't mind, Do you have any wood polish? A scrub brush and water? I'd love to get down to work." Really she wanted to make a good impression. Hopefully, if she fixed it up she could make a better impression than the one she'd made the previous night.

[Ashen]

Kay'zha immediately took note of the way her demeanor changed. He was asking too much, he realized, and he prepared an apology, but before he could say anything, the klutzy little witch was nearly walking into him. Was she so distracted by his inquiry? He'd thought his questions simple enough; was she trying to hide something? It was none of his business, and he regretted asking, but the girl was talking before he could try to take his words back.

He listened to her reply and watched the way her body language spoke. Was she ashamed of her past experiences with unkind people? He shook his head softly. "I hardly think travelers and beggars should be afforded any less than any other person. They are no different." He shrugged his shoulders, though he believed her. He heard about it all the time; people whispered vicious gossip about those far and wide. Kay'zha heard the stories, he saw the broken fragments of victims; he knew the pain of living in this world of hate.

The priest turned his eyes to Saoirse, now examining the lock of the door. Kay'zha stood by her, amused at her words about her destination. "You were trying to get to the eastern coast... by traveling west?" He motioned towards the distant mountains south of the town. "Devaduta has nothing to its west but a desert. It's entirely uninhabitable, so you had to have come from the east. If you're seeking a coast, there's one to the northeast, is that what you mean? That's a couple weeks away by horse, I'd think. Unless you did come through the desert? It's said no one has ever come out of that desert alive. Beyond that is a port city, but people just get there by sea. It's as if a toxic wasteland splits this continent."

It pained him to talk about the desert like that. Kay'zha knew what he was saying was untrue, but he knew there was no use in explaining the truth. The desert had been home to people banished from society, but now, they were all dead. The racism and cruelty that wrapped that story were not sentiments he wanted to currently explain to this cheerful little witch.

Saoirse asked him for some supplies, and it was then that Kay'zha snapped out of his daze. "Of course," he replied and headed into the chapel. He found polish, a brush, and a bucket in his sanctuary and brought them out to her. "I will fetch water from the waterfall," he told her, motioning towards it. "I'll be but a minute."

He started off towards the gentle waterfall just east of the chapel. This cascade, known as Angel Falls, was the most interesting thing about the quaint town. Its waters tipped from the cliff overlooking the town, and the water trickled from the main pond southwards towards the mountains. The sight brought travelers to Devaduta, but the townsfolk took it for granted. As Kay'zha approached it with his bucket, he sighed. Even if it did keep him up at night, the damn thing was pretty.

Bucket filled, Kay'zha returned to Saoirse and set the water down for her. As he did, he could feel a pain bubble in his stomach, an angry protest to the food he'd eaten. He closed his eyes for a moment and thought of how exhausted he was, how irritated his body. He needed to get some rest, but... Opening his eyes, he saw the little witch, and he smiled. The girl deserved some kindness. As well as he could, he would make sure she got that.

[EerieWillows]

“I came from the west, skirting around southwest coast and passing through the smallest parts of it I could find. Rune doesn't do well in such arid climates, but he managed. I’ll be doing my best to avoid it in the future.” Remarked Saoirse as she nodded to him. “I’m heading North east, towards the northern port. There’s small communities up that way, and I’m no stranger to the cold...” Her smile changed but for a moment, a flicker of sadness flooding her. Quickly shaking it off, she nodded as he left to get the things she’d asked for. Really, such a kind priest she’d found. There were certainly none like him in the world.

She took the brush and polish, taking off her cloak and tearing a small square off to help with the polishing of tiny areas. Taking a small knife from her waist, she chipped away some of the soot and charcoal, leaving the wood just a bit carved out. While it wouldn’t be a perfect fix, the door itself seemed relatively unharmed. She used the pommel on her blade to beat the iron back into place, minding the edges and keeping it lined as she worked. She was fast, and obviously understood enough to fix just a little bit on everything. Handy little thing.

By the time Kay’zha returned, the girl’s cheeks were streaked with soot from touching her face, her little hands practically black. She turned, smiling towards him. It didn’t last. He looked... pained? Rushing to her feet and dusting herself off, she took the bucket from him, waiting a moment before speaking. Her face was filled with concern, those strange golden eyes sparkling ever so slightly

“Are you alright? Fa... I mean, Kay’zha? You look like you’re uncomfortable. Did I keep you up too late? Do you need some rest?” Questioned the girl, She could tell he was hiding it behind his smile. And while it was a charming one, the concern remained. “I’ve got this taken care of if you’d like to even just rest for a few moments. Really.”
She even gestured towards the cleaned area on the door, showing him just how much she’d already managed to do. Confident in her work, she explained what she would do from there. Letting him lean in and investigate the repairs so far, Saoirse was given time to get another good look at the preacher.

He was even more handsome in the daylight. His golden hair and caramel skin were beautiful and unlike anything she’d seen close up. Despite his gaunt frame, there was something... intriguing about him. The memory of seeing him practically bare the night previous came to the front of her mind and her cheeks tinged with color. She couldn’t help herself, continuing to watch him more than the door.

[Ashen]

When Kay'zha returned to the chapel, he was surprised to find just how much Saoirse had finished in the short moments he'd been gone. She was cleaning the old lock as well as fixing it, and residue from it caught on her porcelain skin. The poor girl would need a good bath after this. He smiled at her, surprised to see such a handy female, and complimented her work. The witch was a rarity alright, a cheery little mage who knew how to take care of herself. Kay'zha was intrigued by her, and though he wanted to know more, he knew she was only here to bide time until she left again.

But suddenly, she seemed concerned for him. Kay'zha shook his head, silently cursing himself for letting on that he might be any less than alright. "I'm fine," he assured, though his words were empty. The distant ringing in his ears, the throbbing behind his eyes; oh gods, was this happening now? He felt it slip into his consciousness slowly, and then it was there, obtrusive, pestering. "I'll be fine," the priest corrected under his breath, but not if he stayed here. Desperate brown eyes looked around, counting the bystanders. Why now? "I'm sorry," Kay'zha said, trying his best to keep his voice level. "I have a swift errand to run. I should be back soon. Feel... free to make yourself... at home..."

His breaths were ragged. In another few moments, he was going to pass out. Kay'zha started away at a brisk walk, praying to Albia and Ater that the witch would not follow him. He mumbled something under his breath, a language no one here would know. The priest left the town, heading south towards the mountains, going as fast as his quivering legs would take him. Finally, some distance from town, into the mouth of a cave shrouded from view, the exhausted man fell to the cold, stone floor.

He'd awake in only several minutes, panting and sweating profusely. Wiping at his forehead, he realized he wasn't only sweating; blood was trickling down a new gash across the side of his head. His vision was blurred; where was he? Saoirse, had she followed him? Was she still at the chapel? Kay'zha tried to stand up, but his legs clattered beneath him, two shaking toothpicks that could not support his small weight. He fell to the ground again, this time catching himself and preventing another wound. He turned his eyes to the outside, where sun was blanketing the mountainous paths. It was still morning. Kay'zha gave himself a few minutes before trying to stand again. Once steady, he hobbled back to Devaduta, trying to wipe the blood from his face.

By the time he reached his church, his face was flushed. His hair held the specs of scarlet he tried to hide. Besides the pain from his new wound, his body seemed oddly at ease, if not tired. Kay'zha looked around for Saoirse, already wondering how he would explain himself. The town priest, the miracle worker, the rock that helped everyone get on their feet; Kay'zha could barely keep on his own.

[EerieWillows]

As soon as she prodded just a tinge about his state of being, he seemed to clam up. Oh, she had poked too far. Damn. She looked down at the door again, not watching him as he mentioned leaving for a quick moment. He sounded strange. Had she really offended him so? Well... She would try and mend that when He came back. The witch simply bid him a concerned goodbye as he rushed away. Leaving the girl alone to mind his church. Anyone else might have used the time to snoop and abandon their task, but she had something to do! She had to repay him for what he’d done. Single minded was she in her tasks.

Why she was being so insistent was a mystery to her. Usually she would rush to get things done to move on and get to earning some money entertaining. Not today, she wanted to make sure that she did this right. Working hard, the door was soon repaired and tended to, and the floor was well on it’s way to being polished. That would impress the preacher, or so she hoped. Tea... maybe she would bother him for a little tea.

The swift errand seemed to take a while, the girl had made great progress when she spotted someone approaching. She set her work aside, deciding to approach the stranger to let them know the priest was out. Concern once again gripped her however as she realized who it was. Kay’zha? He had returned? Why was he walking like that? The witch rushed over, her concern soon turning to horror as she saw the state he was in. He smelt of blood and sweat, and his stance. He was wobbly? Had something happened? The specks of blood in his golden hair only made things that much worse.

She didn’t allow the man to speak as she took one of his arms and put it over her shoulder, ushering him back to his church and inside. Saoirse knew better than to interrogate someone outside. They could run. Something very bad had just transpired and her meddling, caring nature didn’t allow her to simply let things slide. Once inside, she settled him on the closest bench. Soft hands moved over him quickly as she tried to see what was wrong. She spotted the gash across his head and gasped.

“What happened?! Kay’zha, you’re... You’re soaked with sweat! And bleeding! Oh goodness we need to get you to your sanctuary. Where do you keep your medical supplies?!” Yelped the girl, her golden eyes wide as she looked over the man. She bit her lip, realizing that it would be terrible for anyone else to see him in this state. He would clam up, she could tell. “Can you walk? Help me get you to your chambers okay? Please...”

Her eyes continued to plead with him as she tried to meet his gaze. Who had done this to him? Had he tripped and fallen? He had been running and errand, or so he said. Some part of her felt like this had been her fault for prying so much, but there was no choice! He had been kind to her, and she would repay him ten fold. That was how you did things. It was only fair!

[Ashen]

Kay'zha located the young witch walking towards him, but she seemed to notice his state and quickened her pace. An arm draped over his body, Saoirse rushed him back towards the chapel. Kay'zha tried to assure her he was okay, but his words came out too quietly and too shakily. No one would believe them, and he scolded himself for publicly lying, even if it was to prevent her from worrying. He allowed himself to be led inside, absolutely loathing the attention he was getting but knowing better than to fight it.

But then she noticed his head. Kay'zha flinched as Saoirse fussed over his wound. "I can walk fine," he replied, trying his best to keep his voice aggravation-free. He slowly made his way to his sanctuary and sat on his bed. Finally, he could sit down for a little while, relax, let a bit of time pass. He sighed before turning back to the worrying witch. "Please, calm," he murmured. "I'm fine, I'm fine. I... I haven't medical supplies. Albia grants all I ask of her, benevolent as she is." He hadn't intentions of asking the god for help, but he knew Saoirse would not leave him alone like this. "Ah," he murmured, "grant me a second..." The priest closed his eyes and spoke freely in a different language. It was a strange tongue, unlike any in any surrounding area, filled with harsh sounds and a melodic sort of pitch. He stopped speaking, and in a moment his wound seemed to heal itself, closing but leaving a scar. Perhaps some day Kay'zha would pray the scar away too, but for now, he knew he was on thin ice with his gods.

With his task complete, he opened his eyes and turned back to Saoirse, wondering what she would thing of the feat. Kay'zha was hailed as a miracle worker across the lands, though he hated the attention the title brought. As far as he was concerned, he was only doing his job as a priest.

From the corner of his eye, he saw the scarlet tinting his golden locks. He tried running a hand through his hair, but the waves were beyond tangled, fallen from their braid sometime during his "errand." He looked over Saoirse again, at the rust and soot covering his skin. "Forgive me if this comes off the wrong way," he started, knowing that the people of these parts were more sensitive about such things, "but would you care for a nice bath? I often go to a lake to the east of Devaduta. You might have seen it when you came in, though it's a bit far from the paths travelers take here. It's said to be a burial ground for a goddess. Never mind that; it's shrouded by brush, and I find it an excellent location for bathing. If you'd care for it, I have soaps, and it might help to remove the residue of my lock from your skin." Kay'zha absently looked around the room. He did have soap, didn't he? Somewhere?

Kay'zha turned back to the witch. "I can hardly deliver gods' grace looking like this," he muttered with a soft smile. "So... the offer is there." But just as he finished speaking, he heard a low, echoing voice from the entrance of the chapel. Looking back to his hair, Kay'zha swore under his breath. "Excuse me," he said, and he threw off his cloak. Naked for only a moment, he grabbed a spare, dry robe and threw it on, then met with a man waiting for him.

"Ah, Thomas," Kay'zha said with a bow. "What brings you in this morning?"

The man looked over the priest. His red hair was cut short, his beard kept close to his chin, and his brown eyes sparkled with an excitement that hadn't been present in months. This excitement wavered when they spotted the blood in the priest's hair, but he shook it off. "Kay'zha, you won't believe it," he said cheerily. "Anastasia, she's started talking."

Kay'zha's own eyes adopted that excitement. "Really?" he asked. "Why, Thomas, that's wonderful."

"I was wondering," Thomas continued, "if you might be able to send a prayer up for us? It's just, I'd like to thank her, and to ask for more progress like this."

Kay'zha nodded and took the man's hands in his own. "I'd be happy to help," he said. He closed his eyes, and Thomas did the same. The priest said a few words of thanks to the god, then asked for further guidance. The prayer did not take long, but by the end Kay'zha looked exhausted again. He returned to Saoirse with an apology. "Thomas is our leatherworker," he explained. "He lost his wife earlier this year, and their daughter stopped talking altogether. I am glad she is starting to heal." He turned to the door of the chapel, praying no one else would need him for a little while. "Ah, sorry, where were we? Were you interested in such a soak?" Silently he urged her to answer before anyone else wandered in.

[EerieWillows]

With how much he was fighting things, Saoirse couldn’t help but wonder just how the hell he got by day to day if a quick walk had resulted in being bloodied up. And how he got by without any medical supplies would have been an even greater mystery. Well, had he not gone about healing his wound with what seemed to be relative ease. He practice d magic in this sort of way? Wow, It wasn’t often she witnessed such incredible things. Most church magic was simply smoke and mirrors or potions that helped with healing, but this was nothing short of a minor miracle!

Suddenly the witch was all to aware that her fussing had been nothing but obnoxious, her hands clenched together in front of her as he showed that he truly was fine. Oh no, She’d gone too far. But who could blame her? He’d come back from a supposedly brief errand like that! About to reply to him, she was suddenly cut off by his rather risque suggestion. Once again the girl was stunned, her eyes wide and jaw slack.

It was clear upon her face that she didn’t know how to answer, cheeks flushed. This really was a strange series of events. This town was strange, but not terribly so. Of course, All considerations for his offer were completely derailed as he changed nonchalantly. Oh, this man was going to give her a heart attack. Even as he excused himself, all she could do was try and collect her scattered bits.

Trying to regain herself, she cleared her throat and glanced to the door. Someone was out there. Good, time to think of how to reply to his offer. If it was only to get the soot off of her, she would have denied and just used water from a nearby trough. But... he had blood on him, and was a bit of a mess. Perhaps it was the only way to get him to do so. Settling herself down on a nearby stool, the girl went about dusting her skirt a tinge. Well.. there was no harm in a quick bath. Who knew, maybe it’d be a good way to relax after her last few weeks of tough travel.
Right, She would agree to it.

As he entered and explained who the man was, Rune came to mind. She needed to replace the leathers on his cart. Maybe she’d stop by and visit the leather worker another day, when she’d earned a bit of cash. At his urging, the girl once again cleared her throat and turned that bubbly, sweet smile of her to him.

“A bath would be good for the both of us I think. No sense in me looking like anymore of a vagabond than I am I suppose. Please, lead the way. Can I help carry anything? I assure you despite my... footing not being the best, I can very much be of help.” Replied the girl, her sweet tone practically dripping honey as she moved towards the door. “Just... allow me to stop and get my nightshirt. I believe it’d be best to clean my clothes while we’re at it.”

She didn’t give him a chance to answer, rushing out to her cart and going through what she had. Flinging the canvas back, the girl let out a depressed sigh. Between the holes and the damage to the cart, it'd take a while to fix things to the point of being livable again. While it wasn’t in the best of shape, most of her important pieces were dry. A silver lining of sorts. Gathering a nightshirt and older, ratty skirt, the girl jumped out, nearly slipping once again. Thankfully, no one had seen, or so she hoped.

[Ashen]

Finally, things were starting to calm down. Kay'zha sighed lightly when Saoirse replied to him. So, they would be going to the lake after all. The priest had to admit, he needed the quick moments of relaxation it would afford. But, he wondered if the bubbly witch might make his relaxation a little less pleasant. He still didn't know much about where she was from, but he knew most people who had grown up where he hadn't seemed so self-conscious of their bodies. Was suggesting a bath too bold a move? Did Saoirse have the wrong idea in mind? And if anyone were to see them, the rumors, the incessant questions and badgering and--

Just like that Saoirse was gone. It was too late to take anything back, and besides, they both needed a rinse, at the very least. With the traveler retrieving her clothes, Kay'zha searched his sanctuary for the soaps he must have had... right? He too gathered a clump of robes and cloaks, figuring some soap and water would be good for his dirtied threads. Finally he found his soaps, simple bars that smelt of common flowers or spices. Hoping they would be to Saoirse's liking, he packed them and his clothes into a satchel and exited the chapel.

Kay'zha found Saoirse outside with her own pile of clothes. He greeted her with a small bow of his head. "It isn't far," he assured her, and he began to lead her out of town. Beyond the fence of Devaduta, Kay'zha turned left, following a worn dirt trail. They hadn't been walking for more than ten minutes when a wall of trees and ivy came into view. Pushing past that, Kay'zha revealed a lake just barely hidden from the path. The edges of the lake stretched towards the brushes and brambles surrounding a cliff to the north. Mosses blanketed the lake, but beneath them were various sparkling lights. Translucent fish wriggled under the surface, their scales like pearls. Far down shone shards of color, shells or corals or some sort, or discarded treasures from long ago. "I'm sure you can see why people call this place a goddess's grave," Kay'zha said as he placed his bag beside the water's edge. "We should be unbothered here."

He set the soaps out for her, offering to her whichever bar she liked best. Kay'zha then hesitated, unsure of Saoirse's comfort level. Could he just strip down now? He had before, hadn't he? He hadn't been thinking then, but now all he could do was think. What if she thought him some kind of predatory villain, driven only by a primal need to dominate? Deciding he was overthinking things, Kay'zha shook his head and slipped out of his robe. Again he revealed his emaciated form, the bumps of his ribs, the sharp points of his bones. Scars lined his skin, now far more visible in the sunlight. He was a mess of light pinks and whites, permanent marks from battles he would never talk about. Only hesitating a moment, Kay'zha removed his loincloth, revealing a set of bandages underneath. Unraveling those, finally, he stood bare, back turned to Saoirse. Even from that angle she'd be able to see the deep black ink along his hip, a tattoo of some word in some language she wouldn't be able to read. Suddenly aware of his brand, Kay'zha prayed she would not ask about it, and he dove into the lake.

The cool water felt calm on his heated skin, and Kay'zha relished in its comfort. He surfaced only moments after his dive, his hair spooling out around him like a mermaid's. His eyes met Saoirse's, questioning. Would she join him? Should he make elaborate efforts to prove to her he wasn't staring at her chest, her behind, her curves? Should he act normal? But what was normal with this girl? Frustrated at his warring thoughts, the priest sighed at himself and dove under again, convincing himself it was to better wash the blood out of his hair instead of to give Saoirse privacy if she might want it. Never had he felt so uncomfortable bathing before, and later he would laugh about it. Maybe this land's people had assimilated him after all.