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Scarlet Witch

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Chapter 2 – Holy Hour

Today was the 'Day of Prayer', and the village was busy preparing for this sacred time. Yuni stayed with Ashleen and Fenrir while her brother met with the religious leaders of the village to report in. It was Keit's first time back in a month. Ashleen got her errands done quickly, enjoying a rare, insult free visit as the villagers were too busy to pay her much attention, and because they didn't want to throw insults while Yuni was around to hear them. With Yuni there, she was even able to stock up of the few items she needed without much hassle. Then, Ashleen made sure the girl got home safely, only to see the one person she didn't want to run into, arguing with Keit.

"This is a sacred time when we're about to pray to Lord Kurmark." The woman said angrily. Lansia was the daughter of the town's baron, and the two were the religious leaders of the village. "And yet, even at this holy hour, you intend on going on a patrol like always?"

"We found a body that had been disfigured by a monster, and we encountered an extremely powerful monster on the way back to town." Keit tried to explain calmly. "It's precisely at times like this that we need to watch our borders with care."

This only infuriated Lansia further. "Still, this sacred time is supposed to be used for praying to our great God!" She yelled.

"Defending the village is my duty." Keit said calmly. "Lord Kurmark wouldn't want me to neglect my duties, or for the villagers to get hurt either."

Lansia clenched her fists, trembling in anger. "You're so stubborn!" She growled.

"He does have point though." Ashleen said, making the woman spin around.

"What are you doing here, Heretic!?" She snarled.

"Yuni was kind enough to help me with my errands, so I wanted to make sure she got home safely." Ashleen said unfazed.

Lansia glanced at Yuni, who was still riding Fenrir, and tightened her grip on his fur as the woman scowled at her. Yuni didn't want to show it, but she was scared of Lansia, and Ashleen knew it. Fenrir did too, and started growling softly when Lansia stared for too long. The woman flinched and turned back to Keit with a 'hmp'.

"Fine!" Lansia snapped. "Do what you want, but you know that I'm going to Lord Kurmark's shrine today, right? I need those three as bodyguards this time."

Ashleen frowned at that, but Keit still kept his calm. "But isn't the way to the shrine protected from monsters by Lord Kurmark's holy power?" He asked.

"Well, if the situation is as dangerous as you say, then I need to prepare for the worst." Lansia said smoothly.

"Alright. But not these three. I'll send some other guards with you." Keit said.

Lansia glared at him. "No. I want these three." She said sternly. "I don't want anyone else interrupting my prayer time with Lord Kurmark. You can patrol alone."

"…Alright." Keit said defeated. He had no authority to deny one of the religious leaders of the village, and Lansia turned to leave triumphantly.

She spared a glance at Ashleen, however. "May you burn in hell for your heresy." She said.

"Good day to you too." Ashleen said sarcastically.

"Sir, will you be alright?" One of the guards asked.

Keit sighed. I don't have much choice." He said. "I'd like to bring other guards along, but nobody else will come with me except you guys."

"That's probably why Lansia asked for those three specifically." Ashleen thought. She had a pit in her stomach, knowing Lansia was planning something, but couldn't do anything about it. Yet. "And I bet it has something to do with the strange build-up of energy; I better stick close to the village in case something happens."

Yuni hoped off Fenrir's back as the guards left to prepare for the journey. "Thanks for walking me home." She said smiling.

Ashleen smiled back and patted the girl on the head. "No problem. Be good for your brother, alright?" She said.

"I will."

Ashleen exchanged nods with Keit as she left. The villagers would surely chase her off if she dared to stay during their sacred time, but she would keep her eyes and ears open as she went about her day.

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