Ophilia stood atop the hill overlooking the church. She puled her robes more tightly around herself to guard against the chill breeze that had picked up. Normally, when she came up here with Lianna, they both had on their coats. But with all that had just happened – His Excellency-
The church lights shone cheerily into the semidarkness – a beautiful sight. Ophilia knew why this was Lianna's favorite place. As children, it had been a private place for them to play, and not bother their father. But as they grew, Lianna started to see it as a place where she could center herself – where she cold remind herself of her duty.
"I thought I might find you here, Fili."
Ophilia hadn't been so lost in thought that she hadn't heard the crunch of her sister's footsteps through the snow. "I just needed to… clear my head," she said, not yet turning around.
"I brought your furs," Lianna said, wrapping the weighty garment around her shoulders. "We can't have you getting sick, too," she murmured, almost to herself.
"Thank you, Anna," Ophilia said, finally turning toward her. Lianna's eyes looked sad, but the rest of her expression was neutral – maybe even bordering on happy. She was always good at concealing herself, at being a daughter of the church. When it was just the two of them, Lianna used to be able to just be herself, but lately…
The more they grew, Ophilia could see Lianna locking away parts of herself. What in the past she had hidden away in public was slowly disappearing from Lianna altogether. It can't be easy on her, Ophilia thought.
"The healers say he will make a full recovery." Lianna had moved to stand beside Ophilia, close enough to touch hands – though, of course, she wouldn't just then.
Ophilia nodded. "May the Sacred Flame guide his path."
There was a pause, wherein both girls looked at the church, lost in thought.
"How are you doing, Anna?" Ophilia asked, turning toward her sister. Her best friend. Anna…
"I'll be fine," she said after a moment's hesitation. In the lights from the church, she could see Lianna's eyes brimming with unshed tears.
"What can I do to help?" Of course, Ophilia already had a plan, but… it wasn't something she could do just then. She would set off for the lantern in the morning, after she had more time to prepare.
A tear slipped down Lianna's cheek, followed by others, though she stayed silent. Ophilia took her hand – both of theirs were freezing, but it didn't matter.
"I've given up… so much.. to be the kind of daughter… he needed," Lianna said haltingly, a catch in her voice.
"I know," Ophilia agreed.
"But what if… I'm not enough?" Finally, she turned to Ophilia and looked her straight in the eyes. "What if I… gave everything up… and I'm still not enough for them?"
"Of course you're enough, Anna."
"Fili, I..." Lianna took a deep, calming breath, which seemed to steady her. "There's something I've… given up… that I regret. But I know I'll regret it more… if I don't tell you."
"You can tell me anything."
They were already so close… when Lianna's lips met hers, Ophilia barely had time to react. She didn't immediately pull away—but she was too stunned to kiss back, either… at first.
Lianna's fingers entwined themselves with hers as their lips moved against each other's.
Reluctantly, after a time, Lianna pulled back. Ophilia rested her forehead against Lianna's, still holding her hand. "You'll be a fine cleric, Lianna. I know it."
"Thank you," she said. "I'll do my best."