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Vidament smiled politely, yet shifted uncomfortably as he took in her curled horns and deep red-orange eyes. “ Ahem , a pleasure to meet you all, welcome, yes, welcome. What brings you to our Temple?”

“We wished to extend a greeting from the Council of Rhyanaes. It has been many years since any of the Council met with delegates from Avanis, and I believe none of those delegates have ever represented the Temple of Enos. It seemed to the Council like it was time our two groups communicated directly. Especially given the High Priestess’s station of influence with King Evander. ”

“From Rhyanaes, of course. I myself am not a politically affiliated delegate of the High Priestess–– ahem ––but work under the Temple in service to our Lord Eros and the Divine High Priestess as a Herald.” He enunciated his words as if he’d read them from a scroll he had just unrolled and held grandly in front of him.

“Therefore I cannot necessarily grant you any political meeting or act as a spokesperson on the High Priestess’s behalf. ”

He paused, but El didn’t take the invitation to speak.

“However–– ahem ––it is my rudimentary understanding that the Rhyanaes Council acts as both the spiritual and political leaders of Rhyanaes, and the Sourcerers of all Elvik, so if it is matters of spiritual balance you wish to discuss, I may be of service.”

“It seems that spiritual and political balance are more heavily intertwined for ourselves and your High Priestess,” Byrgir said. “Lucky for you, you get to skip the politics.”

Vidament chuckled. “Ah, ha ha! Quite right, lucky indeed, Mister Ulfarsson. I find matters of the spirit far more vital, and much more fulfilling.”

Men in this city spoke more easily to Byrgir than to El or myself. I was not sure if it was because we were fae-touched, or simply because we were women.

“As you guessed, we’re here for both the spiritual and the political, since they are becoming more and more inseparable by the day,” El said.

“A member of the old faith and a trusted ally of the Council was arrested and taken from her home by force two months ago. We’ve requested more information on her situation through letters and have received no reply.

We’re here to ascertain her charges and diplomatically resolve what has certainly been a misunderstanding.

Could you tell us who we should speak to? Perhaps the High Priestess herself?”

“ Ahem .” Vidament cleared his throat and shifted in his seat.

“High Priestess Zisorah is quite important–– ahem ––to both the function of this Temple, and to the kingdom and His Highness, King Evander. As such, she is quite busy. A meeting with her Deacons could perhaps be arranged in a few days, if you’ll be in Avanis for a while. ”

“As soon as possible would be preferred,” El replied. “There are individuals whose health and wellbeing depends on timely negotiation.”

“Again–– ahem ––there are many others beyond myself that need to be consulted and involved in these decisions. Including said Deacons. I am not able to make appointments on their behalf, but I can request one.”

“Forgive my ignorance,” I said, “but could you explain to me who the Deacons are? What their role is within the Temple and to the High Priestess herself, I mean.”

“Of course. The Deacons are the second highest station in the organization of the Temple. They are the High Priestess’s most trusted advisers. They oversee the workings of the Temple, and we Heralds work directly beneath them.”

“Excellent,” El said. “A meeting with the High Priestess and her Deacons would be a showing of good faith, and a strong start to the peaceful future between the venerable Paragons of the Light and our own people.”

“ Ahem , very well. I shall issue a request for a meeting on your behalf.” The Herald shuffled through a stack of papers and retrieved a clean sheet. He began taking notes. “Where are you staying?”

“The Bronze Blade,” El replied.

“And how long will you be here? Before you return to–– ahem ––Rhyanaes?”

“As long as we must be,” El answered, “although, like I said, a meeting as soon as possible would be greatly appreciated.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Vidament said, scribbling notes.

“I’ll have word delivered to you at the inn when the meeting is set.

In the meantime, I encourage you to wander the grounds and attend a service at the Temple.

They are both beautiful and uplifting. The next one is at noon in two days’ time.

Ahem . Now, if there is nothing else I can help you with–”

“Actually, there is,” I cut in, to the surprise of everyone in the room. “The anchorite who brought us here…”

“Lanette?” he supplied.

“Yes, Lanette, and some others. Their mouths...” I faltered, unsure of exactly how to ask what I needed to ask without offending him. “Are they... alright?”

To my relief, he chuckled softly, then coughed and cleared his throat again.

“Yes, they are just fine. Their decoration is a form of voluntary asceticism. The piercings are given if they choose to walk the path to priesthood. The lock is added when they choose to forgo food and speaking in a show of dedication and trust to their High Priestess and Lord Enos himself.”

“Trust?” I asked.

“The High Priestess Zisorah holds the keys to their locks, keeps them safe.” The air of pride and reverence in his voice increased as he spoke.

“The anchorites choose for how long they will fast at any given time, and relinquish their key to her. When their requested time has passed, she unlocks their chains and feeds them their first meal with her own hands. Ahem . It is a beautiful rite.”

“And it’s voluntary?” El followed up.

“An entirely voluntary practice. The asceticism brings them closer to Enos and their High Priestess,” Vidament answered.

“Well, then we wish them the best on their chosen path,” El said with a smile. Her sharp teeth flashed.

“You can tell her yourself. She’ll be happy to escort you out. Or to give you a tour of the Temple grounds, if you wish,” Vidament said, standing and gesturing toward the door.

El stood and stretched her hand across the desk to shake his. “Thank you for your time, Herald.”

To his credit, he shook it.