CHAPTER 5

Date: February 15th, 110 P.A. / 2114 C.E. and March 15th, 110 P.A. / 2114 C.E.

A couple days after Arei had been presented to the priests, her god began to present her to the lead staff within the Temple. These hours went well and long, and many of the names she would forget and have no need to remember within the future. Yet one of the first of those she was introduced to was an olive-skinned, auburn haired woman named Marie—who, as Abaddon explained to her, was the head of her Handmaidens, and the second to Byron. As the priestess nodded to the thirty-some-year-old woman, the gesture was not interpreted oddly—and so, she assured that she had found the polite, respectful act to indicate acknowledgement to her subordinates, a thing which she was grateful of, not wanting to be a stumbler of social graces. Marie just gave her a kind smile, her onyx eyes twinkling. Arei immediately like her, for the expression of welcome was sincere, honest. She appreciated the fact that she might have found a friend in her. The older female seemed…nice.

She would surely prove an excellent guide for the clueless girl.

"I am pleased to meet you, Lady Arei." The voice was husky and warm.

Arei was about to return the words, but from around the corner came a man who she didn't like in the least. Messenger Craven. By this time in his life, the man could very well have graduated to a master level—but then, he would be running the messengers, not working as are. And in working as one, he could go places no higher-ranking servant could go, no questions asked. This was, he met useful people, picked up the threads of gossip that was the web of life. Certainly, the position had its downfalls—and yet, here he was, delivering news to the God and his priestess himself.

For now, he would remain where he was…but who knows how long he would have to continue to do so. With enough contacts, such a task might prove superficial. But as said, for now, until he could go no further, he was content to remain where he was. Until a better position presented itself, he was satisfied….

As he saw them, he smirked, bowing lowly in his long robes…it was not a thing Arei liked. It was as though he saw in her a tool of his use, a treat to satisfy personal cravings. As though she were in fact lesser, and her higher-ranking position a fraud, or false thing.

With equally false kindness, he greeter her pleasantly, and the holy female felt as though an icy finger had trailed down her back, her muscles tensing. From his low bow, he glanced up at their god, reporting to him of a group of followers from a neighboring territory had requested to cross into Abaddon's border to go converse with another God's people. The dark seraph allowed it, and told Arei to report that the riders would have to be out of the country within a fortnight, and that the eastern border would be the safest route for them. She repeated the message, controlling her voice and expression…but she could do nothing about her aura, which revealed all to her God. However, her aggravation did not appear to bother the telepathic at all. At least not that he allowed to be seen.

Again, Craven bowed, and smirked at her. "Thank you, my lord…my lady."

Instinctively, in that moment, Arei wanted reassurance that the man before her would not come near her, to have to opportunity to do whatever it was he wished of her. So, she turned to the only one who could promise her such protection, who she trusted, as he had always been there in her mind—Abaddon. She stepped sideways, closer to her god, and reached over to him discreetly, touching his fingers with hers. The reaction of the two servants was fascinating to watch—both pairs of eyes widened, but Marie's had currents of humor mixed with sorrow, while Craven's was one of displeasure and calculation. But all Arei cared about was that Craven swiftly darted away, as did Marie after she had bowed, and with considerably less haste. The speed of departure may have had something to do with the profession, however, when had a human's job every completely dominated their acts in life—especially when one could procrastinate about it?

At any rate, as they walked from the place, Arei noted that Abaddon had suddenly grown rather sullen…and so, she asked quietly: "Did I do something wrong, my lord?" She recalled then how he had placed his tail to the small of her back, yet perhaps, at his frigidness now, the act had been unintentional.

From his distant attitude, he seemed to come back to himself. "No, you did not…truth be known, it is you, and you alone who may touch me, as my priestess. However, such displays of our relationship are rare."

He went on to say, "I would not suggest doing it again…at least not publicly."

For some reason, those words hurt her somewhat…but that also made no sense. All the same, though her confusion, she said, "Very well."

She could hide the sadness. She could accept what he said….