Seth reached for Mirany's arm as she walked past. She felt his soft but firm grip and turned, looking up at him through the slits in the mask.
"Can I talk to you for a moment?" he asked.
Mirany turned back quickly and watched the rest of the Nine file out with a pang of guilt. She should be with them, but as Speaker, they would have to wait for her anyway. Looking back, she nodded at Seth, and he pulled her aside.
"Mirany," he said softly. She could tell he was trying to say something, but couldn't get the words out.
Flustered, he muttered, "Would you take that mask off so I can tell I'm actually looking at a person?" Annoyed, Mirany sighed and undid the binds of the mask behind her head. She brought it down and held it loosely in her hand. Seth looked into her eyes; he could see the wear of her journey and its toll on her spirit.
"Mirany," he began again. "We've both been tested, time and time again. I now know what it's like to have the god speak inside of you," he smirked. Nervously, he ran his hand through his hair. "But, I've never been as scared as when you entered the Underworld. I'm just…I'm glad you're back."
He pulled her toward him and held the priestess in a tight embrace. She was surprised by the suddenness of his actions, but happy. Closing her eyes, she rested her head against his chest before gently pulling away.
"Seth, the scribe, scared?" she asked quizzically with a grin.
However, since he looked so serious, she let her smile fall from her face. Why was he being so serious?
"When you left, I wasn't sure you would ever return. We're supposed to trust the god, but Mirany, I had my doubts. No one had ever returned from the Underworld," he said.
"Seth, I've learned to trust in the god. It wasn't always easy, but you should believe in Alexos after all that's happened."
"I do now," he replied. Then, he gently lifted her chin upward and kissed her full on the mouth. She dropped the mask, brought her arms around his neck and melted into the warmth of the blissful moment.
Wondering what was keeping Seth, Fox went up the steps and came upon the two together.
"Well," he smirked, "looks like the scribe didn't do too badly for himself," glancing back at the Jackal who was following close behind.
The Jackal reached Fox's level and also saw them. He smiled to himself while walking back down the steps. Show off. Telia and Oblek climbed the steps to the Oracle. Telia responded to the scene with a giggle while the formerly drunk musician grunted approvingly. The two pulled apart, realizing they were being watched. Seth grinned sheepishly while Mirany felt her cheeks become hot.
"Come on, lover boy. Get over here and help out," Oblek shouted. The scribe lingered a moment before reluctantly going over. Telia ran over to Mirany and grabbed the priestess's hand.
"I told you he liked you," she giggled, and led the Speaker down toward the rest of the Nine. "Things would be different now," Mirany thought.
