Narinder's prayer had been half-hearted. His devotion generation was slow, and rather pitiful in comparison to his neighbors. He had made a very meager contribution by the end of the day. Night had fallen once more, the Followers scattered throughout the ground began their trip back to the cabins. The cabins were in the southeastern corner of the grounds, illuminated by wooden posts carrying candle lit lanterns. Fireflies drifted into the air, emitting flashes of delicate light over the grounds. Narinder stood slowly and sighed, relieved that he could stop the ridiculous task. He looked back at Aym and Baal, ready to speak, but hesitated with the embarrassing realization that his servants surpassed his height by quite a margin. The two were nearly seven feet, and he stood at a measly five foot four. The forms that they had taken were hardly different than that they embodied in his Domain. Smaller, yes, but only just. Meanwhile, he had lost everything that made him formidable. Most regrettably, and more obvious now than ever, his height. He glared, causing worried expressions to appear on their faces as they obviously had no clue why he'd become irritated. Narinder shook his head.

"Never mind." Just as he was about to head towards the cabins with them, the jingling Narinder had grown to hate was heard approaching. Sure enough, the Lamb had left her temple to head them off.

"It is time everyone gets their rest." She announced. Narinder found this to be ridiculously unnecessary. He nearly smarted off over the comment, but she continued. "Your cabin is there." The Lamb pointed to the northeastern corner of the grounds. There stood a cabin, not unlike those the other Followers had retreated to. This one did appear to be larger though, red candles illuminated the windows, and a small porch was at the front, vines had wrapped along the railings, blooming with red and white flowers. "I've added two beds inside for your servants." She gestured towards Aym and Baal.

"Is that not your own cabin, Lamb?" Narinder asked, confused as to why it was larger and so far from the others. She shook her head.

"No, I sleep in the temple. That cabin was meant for my faith enforcer to use. Caxton was nonplussed when I informed him he'd be sleeping in his old cabin once more, but he put up no argument." She shrugged. "Go and rest now. I hold my sermons at the break of dawn." Narinder hadn't even considered joining in sermons and rituals. The thought made his stomach lurch in protest. But he didn't have the energy to argue with her. It was not the hill he would die on.

"Very well." He nodded and walked off towards the cabin, Aym and Baal at his heels. He turned the iron handle and it clicked as the door opened for them. The interior was surprisingly nice. The main room had a fireplace on the opposite wall to the entrance. A large bookshelf was against the eastern wall, filled with books the Lamb had collected on her crusades. In the corner, between the fireplace and bookshelf, sat a comfortable looking armchair with matching ottoman. To the right of the bookshelf was a small table with three wooden chairs, a vase sat at the center of this table, filled with Camellia flowers. Beside the vase was a water pitcher and an upside down cup. A doorway leading into a small kitchen was to the right of this table. A bed was on the western wall of the main room, dressed in hand sewn quilts. A wooden nightstand sat beside the bed, two more books sat on top. There were two more doors on the western wall. One led to a bathroom containing a compost toilet and a mirror, the second a small bedroom. The bedroom contained two beds, and a nightstand shared between them. Most surprising about this bedroom was the presence of two staves placed on either bed. One staff was red, wrapped in black leather and topped with a moon shaped blade, etched with red symbols. The other staff was also red wrapped in black leather, but it was topped with a red circle, small arrow-shaped blades sticking out along the radius giving it the appearance of the sun. These were Aym and Baal's weapons, and the three cats were shocked they had been included. It was expected that the Lamb would confiscate these weapons, maybe even destroy them.

"Why would she return these?" Baal asked, picking up his sun staff and examining it.

"I haven't the faintest clue." Narinder shrugged, walking off to inspect the small kitchen. There was a water pump over a large wooden bucket, jars of preserved foods sat on a shelf along with staple ingredients like bread, eggs, flour, and sugar. Burlap sacks containing rice, potatoes, onions, carrots, and cabbage sat neatly under the storage shelves. A woodfire stove with a kettle and pots sat at the center of the northern wall. More cookware hung above on iron hooks. A large countertop island was in the center of the room, allowing room for meal preparation. This was a rather nice kitchen given the Lamb's resources. Narinder couldn't help but be impressed by it. He turned to look at the southern wall, the only thing on this wall was a cross-hatched wine rack containing bottles of wine, mead, and ale. This was, in Narinder's opinion, the best amenity this cabin had to offer. He went back to the main room and took a final look around as he untied his robes. Baal peaked around the corner from their bedroom.

"Should we sleep as well, Master?"

"Yes. I can only assume tomorrow will be a nightmare. Sitting in on this sermon will be dreadful." He sighed as he slipped off his red robes, hanging them on a hook by the front door. Baal nodded and retreated back to their bedroom. Narinder climbed into his bed and laid down, his body had been so tense that it felt amazing to lay on the cushiony mattress. He gave into his exhaustion and fell asleep within minutes.

The temple bell rang out in the early hours of the morning. The sunrise had only just reached the cult grounds, cascading it in its golden light. Narinder regretfully opened his eyes and peered around the room. The fire had gone out in the night, and the warm sunlight shone through the windows. Rays sparkling with gently floating dust illuminated the room. He sat up with a grown, his muscles screaming in protest as they hadn't yet recovered from his time in the stocks. Narinder popped his back and stood, grabbing his robes off the hook. He looked into his servants room to find they were still sound asleep, curled up on their beds.

"Aym, Baal...!" Narinder called into the room, causing the twins to jolt awake. They sat up quickly and looked to their Master, their fur ruffled from sleep. "Get up. We must leave soon."

"Yes, Master." They said in unison as they quickly climbed out of their beds. They began pulling on their robes, and in the meantime, Narinder went to freshen up in the bathroom.

Once the three cats were ready, they left the cabin. There was a line of Followers entering the temple, all looked happy as they chatted to their neighbors. Narinder led his servants along the path to join the queue. The Followers looked at them with weary expressions, many of them eyeing Aym and Baal's staves. Narinder couldn't deny the slight smirk that grew on his face. It felt good to still demand respect, even in this form.

"Oh, hello...! You are Narinder, yes?" A surprisingly upbeat female's voice asked from behind them. Narinder turned to see a white doe with red facial markings had joined the line. A big, sweet smile on her face.

"Ah... yes." Narinder answered, puzzled by her apparent eagerness to speak to him. Everyone else had been avoiding him like the plague until then, and rightfully so.

"And these are your servants? Aym and Baal?" She asked, looking up to the taller, staff-wielding cats. The two nodded in assent, seeming just as confused as Narinder had been. "Wonderful to finally meet you! I've been so busy working, I haven't had a chance to greet you yet. I am Aurelia. And this..." She paused to pull over a black, male ox. He had a stern and uninterested expression, as if he wanted little to do with the conversation. "...is Attiscesus. He's my partner."

"I see..." Narinder nodded, unsure of what else to say. He had never been one to participate in casual conversation. Not in the last thousand years anyway. "A pleasure." He added offhandedly.

"I'm so glad you were spared, I think it was a wonderful thing for our Great Leader to do. She is so gracious." Narinder couldn't help but chuckle a bit at the absurd comment.

"I do not think 'gracious' is the correct term..." The doe gasped.

"Don't speak that way, Narinder! She has done you a great kindness by allowing you to live within this sanctuary. We are all safe here, and loved dearly by our Leader."

"Safe in the way cattle are kept safe as they plumpen for slaughter, perhaps."

"Heresy is forbidden, newcomer." Attiscesus spoke up out of the blue. "Our Leader may be willing to turn a blind eye as you adjust, but do not expect her leniency to last. I doubt she'd allow your blatant attempts to turn the flock. It will mean the stocks if you are not careful with your tongue." He warned.

"'Leniency'." Narinder scoffed, "Your Leader has shown me no leniency, or grace. This flock is delusional to believe she is merciful. I have already been met with the stocks."

"You would be wise to heed my warning, newcomer. There is worse to come if you choose to be contumacious." He gave his final warning and looked towards the lectern, the Lamb was standing there with the Doctrine held open in her hands as she prepared to give her sermon.

"Oh, Atti..." The doe sighed. Narinder turned his attention from the odd couple to the Lamb. He stood towards the back of the crowd, Aym and Baal standing closely behind as always. Once everyone was inside the temple, the Lamb raised a hand to silence their chattering.

"Good morning, everyone." She smiled at the crowd. "Today I would like to formally acknowledge three new additions to our cult." With this, everyone turned their heads, looking at Narinder and his servants. Most with wary expressions, but a few, namely Aurelia, looked happy and welcoming. "I understand", the Lamb continued, "that this addition has been somewhat of a controversy amongst you. I do not blame anyone for questioning my decision, I am fully aware that many of you felt the effects of a Bishop's reign personally. However, I ask that you trust in me. I have full control over the situation, as I was forced to demonstrate two days ago." Narinder rolled his eyes at the comment, crossing his arms. He felt Aym rest a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Nevermind her, Master. She is only saving face." He said quietly. One of the Followers, a gray rabbit with red facial markings, raised his hand. The Lamb took notice of this, and called upon him.

"Yes, Caxton? You still have a concern, I presume."

"Yes, Leader." Caxton said in an annoying, matter-of-fact tone. "Why are those two permitted weapons on the cult grounds? Weapons are banned, or so I thought." The rabbit crossed his arms indignantly.

"I thought this might come up. Yes, I have permitted Aym and Baal to have their weapons. But you needn't worry. They are, of course, not allowed to use them unless they are off the grounds, on a crusade."

"Then why are the staves not being stored in the Missionary Building?" Caxton argued. The Lamb furrowed her brow, clearly becoming annoyed.

"Because I have decided it is safe to allow them to keep the staves for sentimental reasons. They are no threat to anyone now, I assure you."

"But, Leader...!" Caxton began in exasperation. The Lamb cut him off with a glare.

"Caxton, that is enough! I will not explain my reasonings for every decision I make. Your role is to listen and trust in me. Do you honestly believe I would do anything to jeopardize the safety of my cult? I said I have control over the situation!" She spoke in a stern, demanding voice. The Followers all reacted to this tonal shift, stirring anxiously. Caxton stopped his arguing with this, residing to listen quietly with the rest of the Followers. The Lamb sighed, calming herself before she continued.

"I know this is a lot for you all, but you must maintain faith." She pressed a hand to her chest, "I promise you, this will all be for the best. I can feel it. Please trust me." She gave an assuring smile. "Now, let us move on as scheduled." She flipped the pages of her Doctrine, and picked it up. As the Lamb began to speak, a soft white glow emanated from her body. "Liber Agni, Eight, fifteen. Love is unconditional, as is faith. Love is unyielding, as is faith." Narinder pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to drown out the sermon. The Followers were eating it up, chanting to themselves as they listened. Ghostly white wisps of devotion shot out of their bodies and directly into the Lamb. Their power caused her to float into the air, the Doctrine levitating in front of her. Narinder shook his head and glanced back at Aym and Baal who seemed every bit as disgusted as he was.

"She is making a mockery of my gospel."

"That she is, Master." Baal sighed, shaking his head. "It is deplorable."

"Wretched girl." Aym grumbled, his ears lowered in agitation. The three stood, listening in anguish to the entire sermon. Once it was finally over, the Lamb floated gracefully back to her feet, the Doctrine in her hands.

"Alright, that is all for today, I'm afraid. I will be leaving on a crusade shortly, I expect everyone to fulfill their roles as I had directed." She shot a very pointed look to Narinder, who glared in response. "I will have Caxton keep an eye on things while I am away."

"It is an honor as always." Caxton announced with a completely unnecessary bow. When he stood straight again, Narinder could have sworn he saw a smirk on the rabbit's face. Surely, a grim sign of what was to come. Narinder and his servants were the first to leave the temple, and eagerly at that.

"I cannot believe she bears my crown and has the audacity to speak such spineless dribble." Narinder seethed once they were free of the temple walls.

"It is abhorrent." Aym agreed with a solemn nod.

"A disgrace." Baal added, watching the Followers as they trotted out of the temple happily.

"I have never in my existence been so thoroughly insulted." Narinder growled and walked off towards his cabin. Aym and Baal shared a worrisome look and followed after him.

"Master, I think it unwise to neglect your prayers." Baal said hesitantly as he caught up to their Master.

"I have no desire to pray to that damn Lamb after the sorted atrocities my eyes have witnessed." He hissed and opened the door to his cabin, stepping inside. Narinder made straight for the kitchen, where he grabbed a wine bottle and a metal goblet off the counter.

"You have my deepest sympathies, Master. Truly. However, you surely do not wish to be imprisoned again so soon after your release." Aym frowned as Narinder filled his goblet. He waved a hand dismissively and shoved past them to plop down in his armchair. His ears were laid flat upon his head as he scowled.

"She will not do it." He insisted and sipped from his goblet.

"Master..." Baal pleaded, "I apologize, but you are mistaken. The Lamb will surely imprison you if you refuse to submit again. She did it so readily before."

"The Lamb is weak. I will easily persuade her not to imprison me. I need only agree to pray when she demands it of me." He shrugged, "Of course, that is neither her nor there, she is gone. I will have until she returns to try to enjoy myself."

"That Caxton though..." Aym muttered, leaning back against the wall and glancing out the window. "He will surely report you once she returns."

"That worthless minion? He is not worth my time." Narinder chuckled. "I'd sooner die than listen to a damn word the rabbit says. He may report me, yes, but I doubt anything of consequence will come of it. The most I will receive is a scolding. I am sure you noticed the Lamb was annoyed with his incessant whining. She hardly takes him seriously, that much we can agree on." He took another drink of his wine and glanced over at his cold fireplace. He gestured to it lazily. "Baal, light the fire."

"Yes, Master." The servant nodded and squatted down in front of the fireplace to light it. Aym was still watching out the window warily.

"Has the Lamb left?" Narinder asked, putting his feet up on the ottoman.

"Yes, she left moments ago. I do not believe she noticed your absence." Narinder smirked and shrugged.

"See? Nothing to concern ourselves over. Have a drink, Aym." Aym straightened with hesitation, glancing out the window a final time.

"If you are certain, Master..."

"I am." Narinder assured him. Aym nodded and went to the kitchen. He returned shortly with two more goblets filled with wine. Baal had just finished lighting the fire when Aym held it out to him.

"Thank you, brother." Baal smiled and took the goblet as he stood. Aym nodded and sat down on the edge of Narinder's bed. Baal sat down beside him, looking much more relaxed than his counterpart who was still rigid with paranoia.

"I will admit." Narinder began, leaning back and closing his eyes as he relaxed. "The mortal form has at least one practicality. Alcohol seems much more potent." Baal could not resist a slight chuckle as he agreed.

The conversation between the three had become increasingly more lax as they drank around the fireplace. Aym even managed to relax after a considerable amount of wine. It was nearly dusk when a knock sounded at the front door. The former Bishop raised a brow, looking towards the sound. He set his goblet aside and stood to answer it. Narinder cracked the door only enough to see the creature on the other side, he was not surprised to see Caxton. The rabbit had a determined look about him, his chest puffed up and all, with a small book open in his hands.

"Were you not assigned to prayer, Narinder?" He asked with the unmistakable air of someone who deemed themselves very important.

"I was indeed." Narinder answered, opening the door a bit more to speak with him properly. A smirk formed on his face as the rabbit's far too serious behavior amused him.

"Yes, and you haven't been at your post all day." Caxton glared and tapped a page littered with names and checkmarks. "I've been checking." He added with a triumphant expression.

"You are correct once again." Narinder chuckled. "Is there anything else you'd like to pointlessly announce, Caxton? I would prefer to go back to what I was doing."

"What were you doing?" Caxton asked, suspiciously trying to peer around him.

"If you must know, I was enjoying an evening of peace with some of the wine you so kindly left behind." He grinned. Caxton gasped dramatically, a hand to his chest.

"Drinking on a work day...?! Drinking my wine?!" He glared, "Oh, yes, I am reporting you and those- those servants of yours!" He said as he scribbled furiously into his book with his pencil. Narinder laughed a little as he watched him. Caxton's gray fur went pink with anger as he glared at him. "Yes, yes, laugh while you can, miscreant! Just you wait until our Great Leader returns! Ooo, she'll be furious!" He yelled, gripping his pencil so tightly it threatened to snap.

"I am sure she will." Narinder shrugged and slammed the door in Caxton's face. He returned to his armchair and got comfortable once more, picking up his goblet. "Ah, you were saying?" He asked Baal with a devious smirk. It was fulfilling to invoke such rage in the pompous hare. Baal chuckled a bit.

"I was-" Baal had been cut off once again when the knocking persisted, this time louder and nearly constant. Narinder rubbed his temple, no longer amused. He sighed and looked at Aym who was undeniably the more intimidating of the two brothers. He had a scarred, blind eye and a torn ear, giving him a rather ominous look in comparison to his unscathed counterpart.

"Aym, take care of Caxton, will you?"

"I-..." He hesitated and stood up. "What would you have me do to him, Master?"

"I suppose you should intimidate him. That should be no challenge for you."

"Yes, Master." Aym nodded and grabbed his moon staff before answering the door once again. Caxton jumped when the door swung open, not expecting the significantly taller servant.

"Where is Narinder?" The rabbit glared up again, regaining his composure.

"He does not wish to speak with you." Aym said in his usual low, stoic tone.

"I don't give a damn what he wishes!" Caxton yelled, puffing out his chest again. "I am the appointed Faith Enforcer! Our Great Leader has tasked me with watching the grounds in her absence!"

"This means very little to me. I do not answer to your leader." Aym sighed with a small shrug. Caxton gasped, utterly appalled.

"I demand you bring Narinder to me! Now!" Aym's eyes narrowed and he stepped out onto the porch, staff in hand.

"I do not take orders from you. Be gone, pretentious creature."

"If Narinder refuses to speak with me, he will suffer the consequences." Caxton warned and made the colossal mistake of trying to push past Aym. The servant snarled and grabbed Caxton by the front of his robes, lifting him off his feet and slamming him against the wall. He pressed the moon shaped blade of his staff against his throat.

"How dare you threaten my master in front of me?! Are you bold, or merely a fool?!" Upon hearing the loud thud, Narinder decided to check on things. He stood from his armchair and walked out onto the porch.

"Damn." He grumbled upon seeing Caxton whimpering apologetic, begging words as he struggled under Aym's grip. "Aym, that's quite enough." Aym looked over at Narinder and nodded, dropping the rabbit who landed on his butt with a grunt. He scrambled away, picking up his book just before sprinting off in the direction of the Follower cabins.

"My apologies, I may have gotten carried away." Aym sighed as he watched Caxton's mad dash to safety.

"It will be fine..." He shrugged a little. "I do appreciate your loyalty." Narinder said with a smirk of pride.

"Of course, Master." Aym gave a small bow.

"Come, the night is still young." He motioned for Aym to follow him back inside.

The Lamb was gone for four entire days, it was midday on the fifth day by time she returned. Narinder had been sitting at his table, reading one of the many books from his new collection. Aym and Baal were laying on his bed, basking lazily side by side in the warm sunlight that streamed in from the window. The two spoke to each other in hushed tones, as to not disturb Narinder's focus. Without warning, the door swung open and the Lamb stepped inside. She was rather dirty from her crusade, bearing various cuts and contusions. Her once white fleece was stained with blood, and torn in a few places. On instinct, Aym and Baal jumped out of bed. They had almost grabbed their staves, but resisted the temptation the moment they saw it was the Lamb. Narinder looked up from his book and sighed, he hoped he'd have a bit more warning that she was back. Judging by her irritated expression, it seemed Caxton had already made his undoubtedly lengthy report.

"Is this what you've been doing all week, Narinder?" She asked, motioning to the empty bottles on the mantel. "Caxton told me you haven't been out to pray even once. Is this true?"

"It is..." Narinder nodded, closing his book.

"And Aym threatened him too?" She turned her glare to Aym, who stared back completely unbothered.

"On my orders, Lamb. Do not blame him." He stood and put the book away.

"Why do you still refuse, Narinder? Do you think I am a fool? Surely it occurred to you that I would find out."

"I needed a break." Narinder answered honestly, maintaining a cool composure. Something more easily accomplished after his time to himself.

"A break?" She crossed her arms with an incredulous stare. "You only prayed for one, single evening."

"Yes, Lamb, a break. I was in a considerable amount of pain after our battle, more so after my time in the stocks. I was exhausted and I required a break. I could not bring myself to pray for you while in such physical distress." He hesitated a moment before continuing, "For my mental welfare as well. I have never struggled so badly to contain my anger until I arrived here." The Lamb considered him for a moment, and it seemed she was willing to accept this.

"If you needed rest, why did you not simply ask?" She asked, exasperated. Narinder stared at her dumbly. The thought of asking had never crossed his mind. The Lamb stared in return, and her stern expression faltered. Then, something truly remarkable happened. She broke into a full smile and began laughing. Narinder's brow furrowed, he glanced at his servants for context. They seemed just as confused, Baal even shrugged. "Of course you didn't ask..." The Lamb sighed, shaking her head once her laugh died down. "Well... Next time you need a break, ask me." She insisted with a smile. "And honestly, I understand Caxton can be a bit... unbearable at times. But please do not threaten him again. Understood?" She looked at the three cats with her hands on her hips. The group nodded, still in a state of confusion. "Thank you. Now, go pray." She said as she stepped aside for them to leave. Narinder walked out of the cabin, Aym and Baal following behind with their staves in their hands. Narinder took the only open seat at the shrine, coincidentally beside Caxton. The rabbit smirked a little.

"What is your punishment?" He asked quietly. Narinder grinned devilishly.

"I have no punishment." He answered and gestured towards Aym. "He has no punishment either." Narinder chuckled before bowing his head in prayer, finding it much easier today.

"Wh-!" Caxton looked between them and grumbled angrily to himself. The Lamb had approached Narinder only minutes later. She kneeled down to be eye level with him.

"Narinder?" She asked softly as to not disturb the others. He lifted his head and looked up at her.

"Yes...?"

"Might I borrow Aym and Baal? I am in need of some assistance." Before Narinder could answer, Caxton looked at her.

"Oh, but Leader, I can help! I'm more than willing to assist with anything you need."

"Uhm, thank you, Caxton... But, I'm afraid you won't be able to help me with this." She looked at the servants with a smile, "It will surely be a welcomed break from standing here all day, yes?" Aym and Baal glanced at each other, but did not reply.

"Yes, yes, you can borrow them for the time being." Narinder agreed with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Aym, Baal, assist the Lamb with whatever this task of hers is."

"Yes, Master." They answered in unison.

"Wonderful." The Lamb smiled, "Come along." She walked off, Narinder's servants following her in slight apprehension. Narinder looked at Caxton, who appeared heavily crestfallen, his ears flopped down to the sides of his head. He rolled his eyes.

"Oh, come now. You will be fine."

"Everything was fine before you came along." Caxton glared at him. "Our Leader trusted in me, and my judgment. She asked my opinion, and she often listened to my suggestions. Now, she hardly pays me any mind at all. She has even befriended my attacker. It is not fair."

"Who knows what she needs him for, perhaps she's going on another crusade and requires a skilled ally. It is hardly a friendship. And might I remind you, Aym only attacked you because of your persistent badgering. Had you left well enough alone, that would not have happened. You think too highly of yourself."

"I think highly of myself because our Leader thinks highly of me." Narinder raised a brow, reminded of the Lamb's earlier comment, but he refrained from bringing it up. "She used to trust me." Caxton pounded a fist on his thigh, and his eyes began to water. Narinder scoffed at this.

"The Lamb still trusts you, Caxton. There is nothing to cry over."

"You do not understand. You despise her, you care not for her love. I have worked tirelessly since I arrived to achieve the love and respect I have come to appreciate. And it feels as if it's suddenly all slipping away because of her fondness for you." He glared, "You have done nothing to earn it, you've been working against her since the day you met."

"She has no fondness for me." Narinder said flatly. "You are emotional, and delusional."

"You are the delusional one. You think she spared you for the simple sake of sparing you?"

"No, I think she was fulfilling her promise to free me." Narinder shrugged. Caxton shook his head.

"She is fond of you. I am sure of it." Narinder didn't respond, he only went back to his prayers. It was a pointless argument, and Caxton was clearly too stubborn to see reason anyway.

The sun had set by time Narinder caught sight of his servants once more, they were heading towards the cabin. Baal was smiling as he spoke to his brother, Aym seemed content, though not nearly as bubbly as his twin. Narinder stood up from the shrine, but just as he was about to approach them, the Lamb appeared. She had been following behind them, but broke off to walk towards the former Bishop. She looked up at the shrine and grinned upon seeing that it was overflowing with devotion. The Lamb, seeming rather excited, rushed over to stop in front of Narinder who was taken aback by her sudden cheerful disposition.

"Done for the day?"

"Yes, I believe so..." Narinder watched her warily.

"Good. I have something to show you. Come along." She motioned for him to follow.

"What of my servants?" He asked as he followed her hesitantly.

"They will wait for you inside the cabin."

"What did you need them for?"

"You will see." She smiled back at him, seeming very proud of whatever this was. She led Narinder to the cemetery on the left side of the temple. "Here it is." She said, stepping aside so Narinder could see. His eyes fell upon four statues that had been recently erected at the head of the cemetery. Each statue stood at shoulder height, each was a carved replica of his sibling's crowns in stone, sitting upon matching stone pedestals. The first to the left was Leshy's crown, with a glowing, green eye at the center. The pedestal had golden rings at the base and center ring, with camellia flowers growing in vines over it, as well as an intricate carving in the base just underneath the crown. The second was Heket's crown, the eye glowing a warm orange. Its pedestal matched, but it was decorated with menticide mushrooms instead of camellia. Third was Kallamar's crown, this crown had a single point with a glowing, blue eye at the center. Shimmering oceanic crystals dazzled against the stone's matte surface. Lastly, Shamura's crown. Their crown had a purple crescent moon at the center opposed to the eyes every other crown bore. Delicate webs of spider silk clung to it, draping its grooves like a vail. Narinder felt as if someone grabbed hold of his stomach at the sight of Shamura's crown. The intense wave of grief overtook him suddenly, and he felt tears well in his eyes. He hadn't allowed himself to think about the deaths of his siblings. He had assured himself it was the right thing to do, but now he wasn't as confident. He had been particularly close to Shamura, and something about seeing their grave cut him deeply. As if a grave made their death final, irrevocable. Narinder clenched his fists as a desperate attempt to maintain his composure. The Lamb's smile had faded as she leaned over to look at him.

"Narinder...?" She asked tentatively, he looked away from her.

"Did... Did Shamura weep when you killed them? Did they know it was their end?" He asked quietly, and his body began to tremble.

"I..."

"They were once the brightest of us. Their mind was gracious, strong. It-... It was anyway." The Lamb frowned and approached him carefully.

"Oh, Narinder..." She muttered, seeing the tears that began streaming from his three eyes. "I had no idea these would affect you this way. I can have them removed." She offered carefully. Narinder shook his head.

"No. No, they deserve to be honored this way." He huffed and tried wiping off his face in vain, the tears would not cease.

"Shamura loved you, Narinder." The Lamb assured him as if it would help matters. Narinder simply shook his head in disbelief, unable to speak properly. "They did, honestly. They spoke of you before our battle. They regretted everything that happened between you and your siblings, they blamed themself for tempting you." With this, Narinder lost the battle for his composure. The weight of the grief, and the guilt proved too much for his legs to handle. He fell to his hands and knees, gripping the grass in great clumps.

"Wh- What have I done?" He sobbed, his body quaking with every shaky heave of his chest. "Shamura did not deserve such a fate" He pounded his fist against the ground, feeling fury at his inability to bring them back. "Damn, I am a fool!" He couldn't force away the memories that flooded into his head. Memories of endless hours spent in Shamura's library, listening to them as they read from their books. Worst of all, the memory of the night he betrayed them. The sight of Shamura's face as he split their skull in two, thus permanently damaging their once wealthy mind. The regret was too painful, and he sobbed violently. The Lamb sat down on her knees beside him, placing a hand against his back, rubbing it gently to soothe him. She leaned over, putting her arms around him in a warm embrace, allowing him to cry against her shoulder instead. Narinder was in far too much pain to reject this. Everything he had experienced this last millennia seemed to be pouring out of him. All the trauma was bleeding out at last, as if it had been a festering wound within him. From the betrayal of his siblings, to his imprisonment in his domain, and his loss at his last bid of freedom. The bitterness, hurt and anger had reached its limit at long last, spilling out in the form of tears. The Lamb held him tightly, rubbing his back and muttering soft words of consoling every now and then. Narinder gripped her fleece, comforted by her touch though he'd never admit it. Once his sobs had calmed down, the Lamb gently pulled away from him and stood. She offered her hand to help him stand.

"Come on..." She spoke softly. "Surely you'd be more comfortable inside." Narinder took her hand and stood, wiping his face off on his sleeve. She led him inside the temple, at the back of which was her room. The Lamb opened a door and ushered Narinder inside to give them a bit more privacy. He sat down on her bed and buried his face in his hands. His sobs had finally ceased, but he couldn't stop shaking. The Lamb sat down beside him and resumed stroking his back.

"I am sorry that you're hurting so badly." She said softly, "In truth, I had no idea their deaths affected you so..."

"I didn't realize it either." He sighed, holding his throbbing head. "They truly were not as bad as I would have you believe. We got along well at one time. But I... I became greedy, and cold. I betrayed them, maimed them." Narinder shook his head, looking off. "Why should I get this chance, Lamb? I have done nothing to earn such a privilege. They are the ones who deserve to live on. Especially Shamura. They were innocent above all." He looked at the Lamb. "You were right. I am selfish evil." She frowned and shook her head.

"No, Narinder, you aren't... I never should have said that. I was angry."

"It is true. I betrayed my siblings despite their repeated attempts to have me see reason, I betrayed you, one of my most loyal Followers. It is as Heket always claimed, I am a monster."

"I will agree you were, yes." The Lamb sighed, "But no longer. Everyone can change, Narinder. You can as well. I can see it in you, it is why I spared you. You deserve a chance at redemption." He looked off a moment, considering this.

"I... do not believe I can change, Lamb."

"You have begun to already, would you have been willing to sit with me speaking so vulnerably before now?"

"I suppose not." He answered, looking at her. The Lamb nodded, smiling gently. She reached over to dry the fur of his cheeks.

"Shamura would be proud." Narinder stared at her a moment, and the very faintest of smiles grew on his face.

"You have my thanks, Lamb."

"You can call me Mir̃alai. It is my name after all." She grinned.

"Very well... You have my thanks, Mir̃alai."

"It was my pleasure." She stood up from the bed, "Come, I'm sure Aym and Baal are wondering what is taking so long." Narinder nodded and followed her out of the small room.

"What did they assist you with?"

"Oh, they helped me erect the graves." She said, looking at him, "To do it quickly I needed their brawn. I also requested their help with the decoration, I wanted the graves to be designed in a way that would both honor them and please you."

"I see... You should tend to Caxton. He is rather distraught after your interaction with him. He seems to believe you favor us over him now."

"Oh, my. He is a handful." She sighed, "He means well, and I try to appease his eagerness, but it is strenuous. He seems to have an opinion on everything I do. There was a time when I found it extremely helpful, but now it is just bothersome."

"His role as Faith Enforcer means a great deal to him. Honestly, it was impressive to see him stand up to Aym, foolish as it may have been. Aym is quick to anger, and fastest to draw his blade in an argument. While it was me who suggested intimidating Caxton, I didn't realize the fool would be so reckless."

"I am only glad no one was hurt." Mir̃alai sighed. "I'll advise him to take more caution. He need only report incidents to me, he has no obligation to act in my place." They soon approached Narinder's cabin. Mir̃alai accompanied him onto the porch and smiled up at him.

"I am very pleased you opened up to me, Narinder. I only hope you continue to speak honestly with me. I desire your happiness." Narinder gave a faint nod.

"I will try... It is not easy."

"I know, that's why I am so proud of you." She said softly. Narinder felt a twinge in his chest at this. An unnaturally tense silence fell between them, the seconds dragging on as if something unknown was begging to be said. He finally managed to break the quiet as he bid her farewell.

"I will see you tomorrow, I am sure. Good night, Mir̃alai." He managed a feeble wave before entering his cabin.