Notes: My workplace has requested I stay another week, I will end these stories on Evernote using a tablet and my cellphone. I intend to edit the stories at a later date using, you know, a proper keyboard, hehe...
Severa needed a new dress, or a dozen. Though it was hard to convince him, she knew her father could finance her shopping campaign in the nearby town. But when she found him in the prayer tent, kneeling beside her mother, she felt it wouldn't be happening anytime soon. Once he got started, Libra could pray the day away. What had Cordelia the Prodigy seen in a man so devout to anything but her was a riddle for the ages.
As they turned to a new page in the prayer book, her father explained, "We also have to do this part today."
"This one is new..." her mother said, trailing off.
Severa approached the kneeling couple. When they noticed, they gave her the warmest greeting, and she definitely did not get flustered, huffing and joining them even when she wasn't that much into Naga's faith.
Libra cleared his throat, and renewed his prayers, eyes closed. His daughter stole a glance in his direction, her mind full of thoughts of how her parents were oh so perfect, before she looked at Cordelia on Libra's other side and her mouth nearly dropped to the floor.
The redhead was frowning in frustration at the prayer book, and half muttered what she could imitate from her husband's even voice. Severa couldn't help seeing a bit of her own temper start flaring in her mother's eyes. They were so alike, and it made her feel so inadecuate again in comparison, but...
"Father, I actually come with a message for you," she started, interrupting her parents, both glancing at her worriedly. "You are required at the healers's tent. You can go now, I will stay with mother to finish the day's prayers." It was a lie, but it should be harmless.
Libra and Cordelia exchanged a look. "I will leave now," the priest said firmly, standing up. "Thank you, Severa, stay safe."
Severa kept her innocent smile on as her father left the tent, even if at the back of her mind, she thought his words were a bit odd. She turned to her mother, "Pass that book over," she demanded in a low voice, "I will show you how it is done."
Cordelia was a bit shocked by her offering of help, then relief soon washed over her face. "Thank you, Severa, I could use some help!" The gratitude made her uncomfortable, but she shifted over to kneel closer to her mother.
Taking the prayer book, she gave it a quick read to get the gist of it, before she started saying it aloud slowly and clearly, so Cordelia could follow. However, about midway down the page, she stopped. "Why are you and father doing this prayer?"
Her mother smiled sadly. "I'm pregnant, but I have been so ill, we are afraid to lose you," she whispered, tears coming to her eyes, and also to Severa's. "We have been praying for Naga's blessings, more and more each day. And I'm so bad at this, that..."
"It doesn't matter, mother. I love you. And I will keep helping you until you are better."