The town was alive and bustling, marketers shouting left and right as the White Priestess made her way through the bustling streets. Life was active; the street buzzing in a flurry of movement and color. The houses on either side had their windows thrown open, airing out the mysterious disease that had started to choke the life of the capitol. As Haru made her way deeper into the castle walls she noticed that the street slowly became cleaner, the air clearer and the smell better. She soon found that she could remove her hand from around her nose and mouth, green eyes blinking open in amazement as she finally stumbled her way into the market. The smell of baked goods and cooked meats flooded her nostrils and a sudden wetness flew into her mouth. Haru blushed and took another deep whiff of the air, her mouth again responding as well as her growling stomach. She would have to visit whomever was creating such a masterpiece of smell after she had checked around the other stalls, she thought as she began to move to the left. Weapons masters were gathered in the square, gathering crowds only to send them off to where their forges and shops were. Women sold beads and jewels. One vender was selling herbs and potion making materials, his harsh bark echoing out as he held up a red liquid. Haru stopped for a moment along with some of the other shoppers, their baskets filled with trinkets and other anomalies. This âPotion Masterâ claimed he had the elixir to youth, taken from Elisa herself. Haru laughed, turning away after a while and heading further up the street, past the inner wall and closer to the smell that was leading her on.
After a while she came to a stop outside a house that belonged to a well-known member of the New Religion and a very good friend of Haruâs. With a small knock she opened the door, allowing herself inside. There she was greeted by a maid, the women smiling as she led the way to where the family was gathered.
âHello Nakatashi,â she said softly as the man, dressed very formally, rose from his seat and quickly motioned for another seat to be brought in. Though hunger had long since left her body, the scent of rabbit still made her body quiver in delight and sent her mind whirring. Warm rabbit leg, smeared with butter and rosemary, cooked so that the meat would melt tenderly in her mouth. Or rabbit stew, filled with bits of finely sliced meat, cooked to ribbons and boiled with carrots, potatoes, rosemary, celery, and potatoes. Had she already thought about potatoes? Or rabbit liver, drizzled in marrow sauce and with a side of hot potatoes sprinkled in cheese. Add milk, maybe a splash of mead. Parsley. Mix it with freshly slaughtered venison. Her stomach lurched. She wanted it. Just a nibble. Just a tiny mouthwatering nibble.
âHow is the White Priestess?â he asked, pushing in her chair behind her as she took her seat opposite of his wife, âAny news from the north?â
âEverything is alright,â she said, watching as he made his way back to the head of the table, motioning again as his servants rushed forward to place a plate and silverware in front of her, âWe have a couple of new converts even in the guards stationed on the lines. I was able to heal a couple of men when I was there. But itâs still too early to tell who might win the war.â
âAs it is with all wars my dear,â he said, raising his glass to his lips. Liquid, red as blood, stained his lips as he lowered the glass, earthy eyes locked onto her face as the afternoon meal was placed before her. One deep sniff told her she had been right about it being rabbit. However, she hadnât expected a small tart to be placed on her plate. Her brow quirked, her mouth watering as she picked up her fork and cut into the flaky golden crust. Steam rose from the insides, spilling out onto her plate with an array of orange, green, gold and white.
âCarrots, peas, corn, a few onions and garlic,â he answered lazily, popping another bite into his mouth. Haru didnât hesitate and before he had finished swallowing she had taken her first bite. It was like heaven. The gravy spilled like fire over her tongue, the soft pop of peas and corn flooding her mouth with a new flush of taste. The meat melted like butter on her tongue and the onions left a sharp crisp on her breath as the crust cleared her pallet and left her lips parted in a soft moan. It was so elegant she had to take a second bite, the same results driving her to ooze down into her seat as her host chuckled.
âI take it you havenât eaten in a while.â
âNot like this,â Haru giggled, eyes flashing as her tongue ran soft along her lips, âIs that thyme and rosemary?â
âYouâve got an intriguing sense of taste,â he said with an approving nod, his eyes smiling as she dug into the rest of her pie like a starving creature. âSuch delicacies can only be found within oneâs own home now a days. What, with this war and now this plague. People are in distress. Vladar should be long dead in a few monthsâ time. Iâm honestly surprised that heâs survived this long.
It is a sad thing to see one lost like a sheep among wolves. Such is the way with the Old Religion. Donât worry my White Priestess. I will take good care of you in the times to come. After all you have done so much for me. You showed this family the light, the truth of Elisaâs words. Well, I admit we were fools to doubt her in the first place after sheâd smitten my son so, but now, it is no wonder. All women of the New Religion are gifted with such beauty. If only I hadnât been so blind in Vladarâs false light. Perhaps I could have,â here he paused, looking over Haru with hungry eyes, âAlas, it is too late for me.â
âItâs never too late,â Haru said with a small lick of her lips, her inner child showing as she licked each of her fingers, the pie too good to waste, âYou must move on, to live anew and treat each day as your last.â
âIndeed.â
Haru smiled, pushing back her chair as she rose, rinsing her hands in the bowl provided. Then, she pulled on her gloves, pulling them up past her elbow as her nose wrinkled as she smiled. Her cheeks flushed, eyes fluttering down under long black eyelashes as she looked down at the empty plate.
âSpeaking of our Lady, may I bring her one?â
âOf course. Take as many as you desire.â
Haru nodded and turned her back, heading briskly towards the kitchen where she found dessert as well. Strawberries and cream were a much welcomed treat and soon the chefs had packed her a basket full of the rabbit pot pie tarts and a bowl of fresh strawberries. Haru waved, lips stained red from the berries as she turned and made her way up towards the castle walls. People stopped as she walked past, waving as she smiled back, stride confident. Whispers of the White Priestess had begun to spread here in the castles inner walls, the most protected place of the structure so it was no oddity that the guards posted at the gate recognized her from afar.
âPriestess!â
âHello Alfonse, Eric,â she said with a wave, their heads bowing softly as they turned to follow her deeper inside. Almost immediately their places were taken by two slightly nervous newcomers as Haru laughed. âNew people?â
âOf course Priestess,â Eric said with a small chuckle, moving to walk alongside Haru before jumping on ahead like an escort. Both Eric and Alfonse were converts of Haruâs, their loyalty to the King as well as to the New Religion. They were, perhaps, the greatest assets she had ever converted, that is if converting people were meant to be strategic. Now the two gate guards were happy to let her in and out as much as she pleased, whereas before it was always a fight to reach the inner sanctum. Eric took a sudden turn, leading Haru towards the back doors and to her favorite place, the stables. Horses had always been Haruâs favorite animal. Their big soft eyes and velvety noses was something she had fallen for as a child, while today Haru recognized the power and beauty behind their strides and great muscles. Horses whickered from the stables, their musky smell filling her nose as she paused a moment to take it in. Though sheâd never been lucky enough to actually own or ride on a mount, she was overly hopeful that one day she would find herself on the back of one of these magnificent beasts.
Haru let out a little sigh. One day. With a cheerful grin she again took up stride beside Eric and Alfonse, their blatant chatter going in one ear and out the other as she walked. The halls inside the palace were somewhat familiar as her eyes wondered over the magnificent floors and beautiful pieces of artwork. Each step was more stunning than the last and quietly Haru mused if she would ever be able to find herself living in a place such as this. Eric brushed against her shoulder, grabbing her arm as he gently steered her in a different direction.
âSheâs in the throne room Priestess,â Alfonse added, watching with a small laugh as her eyes went wide, âDonât worry. Youâll be just fine.â
The doors opened and Eric entered briskly behind her, taking on a more serious stance as he stepped forward.
âThe White Priestess, Haru is here for her Lady Elisa as her companion,â he announced, nudging Haru forward as she did a little curtsy in front of the king before nearly skipping all the way to Elisa. She was so regal, so beautiful and commanding in the way that she held her own presence, a gilded lady. There was another man in the room. Armor as black as night. The man towered well above anyoneâs head, including her own. Her lips parted in a small gasp, eyes widening as she had to nearly crane her neck back to look into the manâs face. His blonde hair fell against the back of the armor in such a striking contrast that it was nearly impossible for her to take her eyes from the color of his hair and his skin. Could he break a tree in half, she wondered, closing her jaw with a click as she remembered her place and turned towards the boy king.
âSorry for interrupting, my King,â she said quickly, bowing her head in acknowledgement, âI was healing some of your sick soldiers and lost track of time. Priestessââ
âThe White Priestess, yes. Iâve heard much about you,â he answered back almost too sharp, Haru flinching slightly as she pulled the basket full of food against her chest, âIâm sorry. I didnât mean to come off so harsh Priestess.â
His tone softened and Haruâs lip stopped quivering, her eyes blinking away the little tears welling at the corners as she gave a small respectful nod. The boy king smiled.
âYou have done much in the name of this kingdom though in the name of a false god,â he added softly, eyes twinkling, âThank you.â
âIf I may, your majesty,â Haru blushed, blinking quietly, âbe so bold as to point out that false knowledge is more dangerous than ignorance.â
For a moment the room went silent, at first there was little movement as all eyes flicked to the boy king as he rocked back in his chair, placing a hand under his chin as a small twinkle caught his eye.
âYou know,â he said, smiling, âMy father used to say that all the time.â
âHe was a wise man,â Haru said with a smile as the king looked over her once more before shifting his weight forward again.
âI was just talking to Elisa and the Lion here about the next journey. Are you going?â
âIâI hope that I will, my king. For the past few years Elisa has refused me.â
âRefused her? Why on earth would you do that Priestess? By far the White Priestess has the best name in your religion. Is there some,â he paused, a small smirk on his lips as his eyes flashed, âreason, that you wish that she stay behind? How many times has she refused you?â
âIâve been with her for four years, my lord.â
âFour years! Come now,â he exclaimed, âSurely something this beautiful deserves to see her god like all the others. Why do you keep refusing her company, Priestess? Is it because itâs too dangerous?â
âNo!â
The king stopped, his eyes flickering back to Haru as she blushed.
âN-no my king. See, only those who are truly devoted get to make the journey. I hadnât offered myself fully to Him. Not yet. Therefore I wasnât ready. Priestess Elisa knew this and so she denied me so that I would become a better person, I hold no ill will towards the denials.â
âI see,â the boy king frowned, âBut what about this year, White Priestess? You are widely recognized around these parts.â
âI will ask High Priestess Elisa in private if I may accompany her on this yearâs pilgrimage. Then, if you so desire, I can report back to you,â Haru said with a small blush.
âI donât see why not. Though I would like to know nowâŠ.â