Author's Notes: after a long writing sprint, this story is complete. I will post one chapter per day, and try to keep author's notes short.


"Why do you cover your hair?"

The rogue looked more reserved this morning. He had pulled open his injuries yesterday afternoon I had learned, and had been reprimanded by the head priestess to stay in bed, for Elune's sake, unless he wanted to meet Her personally. Someone else had taken the task of re-bandaging him: I had spent the entire rest of the day in prayers and meditation until my heart rate stayed at a reasonable level. I was determined to remain clear-headed and focus today.

"It is a sign of modesty. It is not required, but it is comfortable."

He simply nodded, and I was grateful for the silence. The second day of healing was always the worst, when you discovered all the aches and pulled muscles you didn't realize you had. If he stayed still, we were to try more healing spells that evening, and he would be in far less pain then.

"What color is it?"

"I don't see how that is at all your business." I delivered the line without looking up from my folding. In the back of my mind, I congratulated myself on my detachment.

He laughed that quiet laugh that seemed to be characteristic of him. "Always so secretive, Love."

Just that quickly, what he said got under my skin without my meaning it to. "I would prefer to not be called that."

"Oh ho ho!" His laughter was louder now, triumphant. I set my mouth in a line and looked up at him. His silver eyes fairly danced with mischief. "Well then Love, as soon as you give me another name to call you, I'll be happy to stop."

I set down the blanket that I was wrinkling further and just short of glared in his direction. "I did. You may call me Priestess."

"That is not a name, Priestess. It is a title, and as anonymous as you try to be. Therefore any name will do. You should be lucky it is a fair one, and not something horrid."

He was sitting up now to mock me, and with a great effort, I redirected his focus.

"You should lie still, so that we can try to heal you this evening. Another tear, and you might not survive it."

"Your concern for me is touching, Love."

Regardless, he followed my advice, and lay back against the pillows. As I passed by him to put the blankets on the shelf, I thought I saw a flicker of anticipation cross his face.