~Memories~

By Ola

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A/N~ oh oh, did I write the disclaimer? I forgot. Anyway, for now all the characters are mine, although the setting is not. (I made up the town's name because I don't have a book or map handy). There will be heralds much later on, first on the horizon being the guards. I'm so happy you all liked this fic!! Wow. I'm sorry that I took a while uploading, but I don't think I'll be able to post any sooner later on, but keep checking bout once a week.

Enjoy the story, and please review!

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Part 3~

"Micolanea! How dare you say such things about the Rifnal boys!"

I knew it! It was bound to fail. They both have her in the bag, like the proverbial cat; like they do everyone else for that matter.

"Maybe if you didn't act like a savage, you could have found yourself another young man. I went to all that trouble for you. I found you not one but TWO young men, with money in their pockets, and you are still dissatisfied? Ingrate little thing!"

It went on for some time, Mrs. Sephardi glaring at her daughter, and Mico thinking waspy things to say back, but not wanting to break total hell on her head by uttering them out loud.

Fine men? Did you see what they do as their favorite pass time? You went in search of them? They probably couldn't find anyone willing to marry them! And what will you do if I just walk out of this room while you ramble on?

Suiting actions to thoughts, Micolanea quickly stood up from the parlor chair and left, feeling at last satisfied to have shocked the words out of her mother.

If she won't listen to me, then neither will I listen to her. Fair is fair. I just wish I could see her face right now, she thought as she stepped out of the room, from which not a sound emanated.

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"You will repent your faults, and spend the whole day and night there if that is what it takes. I thought you a better daughter than that little Mico. I never thought that you would shame your mother so. Perhaps the Lord will put some sense into you," Mr. Sephardi finished in a deep and calm voice.

And I thought you were a better dad! Micolanea thought bitterly as she was unceremoniously dragged toward the temple.

It was a large, rectangular stone building with massive wooden doors. On both sides of the main entrance were statues of people with smiles on their faces and open arms, inviting everyone in. not that I have a choice, do I?

Compared to the heat outside, the temple itself was only dimly lit by a few candles and as cool as an autumn evening. It took some time for Mico's eyes to adjust to the semi-darkness, and when she was finally able to distinguish individual benches; her father had left her in favor of an acolyte, probably to explain why he had brought her here. After a few minutes of whispering while Mico looked at the high ceiling, lost in arches that crisscrossed themselves, her father came back to confirm her thoughts. A minor priest would assist her in her repentance, and send a message to her parents as soon as she was done. Shutting the door behind him with a clear finality as he left, Mr. Sephardi plunged the temple into heavy silence, making her ears ring. The acolyte came to the temple's altar and started moving things around, as preparations for the evening gathering.

Mmm, maybe I can make this quick, before all those people come. I really don't feel like listening to them sing, and wait until they are gone to be able to talk to the guy again.

The acolyte was young and didn't seem overjoyed at his new task. Mico was about to take him out of his misery; and hers, of course. She schooled her expression into one of piety and repentance, slowly rose, gripping her dress, and moved to the fore with her eyes downcast in proper respect to one who was the envoy of the Lord.

"I wish the Lord's forgiveness," she whispered, kneeling on the steps leading to the altar. It took a moment for the acolyte to respond.

Thinking I would stay back there all night?

"It is not so simply done, young lady," he finally deigned to reply with an air of arrogance that made Mico silently grit her teeth. Young lady! I bet I'm older than you! Little brat! And how dare you have this tone of voice with me! You're an acolyte! You're supposed to be a humble servant of the Lord! Not a young jerk who suddenly has visions of grandeur! But the acolyte went on, unaware of the girl's thoughts.

"…a respectful daughter to your loving parents. The Lord loves all human beings, and forgives all, when forgiveness is due. You must understand the wrongs you committed and repent them. In your case, it is your duty and your honor to obey your parents in every way. You are to look up to all of your male relatives as examples of good conduct, and live your life as a humble and obedient daughter or housewife…"

The coldness of the floor began to creep up Micolanea's knees. It hurt. She felt like strangulating the boy, right there and then, and not only because of the slight pain.

"…recite the Lord 's Prayer ten times and abstain from consuming food or beverages until the rise of the Lord's glorious sun. You may rise now, young lady, daughter of the Lord."

She did so, stiffly, mumbling something under her breath. The acolyte took it as an affirmation, and went back to his preparations with a smile on his face. Mico's lips also curved up, but for a different reason, as she hurriedly made her way out of the temple, not bothering to keep her "good girl" appearance.

Outside, the sun was still bright, and she had to wait a little in the shade for her eyes to adjust. It hadn't taken as long as she thought it would, and she had plenty of time for herself. She kicked a stone and watched it bounce against the solid outside wall of the temple, then she went on her way.

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A/N~ how did you like it? A new character will appear in the next chapter, and in the one after that, you will meet someone very important =) but please review, and tell me what you think, so I can change or fix things if they are wrong.

~Ola~