The next day, Kavil was determined to visit the Holy District.

Yesterday had been fun, even more than Kavil had thought it would (and he had thought spending a whole day with Priscilla was going to be a great time). It was nice to get to explore the city with a competent guide and Priscilla curled next to him to fight off the cold, whispering excitedly when something caught her attention. The something was usually a food stall or restaurant, and Kavil took careful note of exactly what was being sold there so he could attempt to make it one day.

The highlight of the day had easily been seeing Priscilla in that final green dress. If Kavil hadn't known better, he would have thought his lungs had actually stopped working when he laid eyes on her. The first thing he noticed was that the green of the dress matched her eyes perfectly (a shade he was very familiar with since he often found himself staring into them). The second thing he noticed was the way the neckline plunged, making him very aware of just how attracted he was to Priscilla. She wasn't even fully dolled up, without make up and hair done simply in a ponytail, but she exuded the aura of a poisonous flower, brightly colored, tempting and tantalizing.

Kavil was glad that Lucilla had interrupted when she did because he didn't think he'd have the strength to look away without that. He was both excited and nervous to spend an entire evening next to Priscilla when she wore that, hoping that he'd be able to quickly build up a tolerance to the sight. No matter how exclusive the nobles may be, if they had eyes and an ounce of common sense, Kavil knew that the nobles wouldn't be able to resist speaking with Priscilla. Kavil looked nice enough in his clothes that he could stand confidently beside her, but he was looking forward to watching the way she dazzled the room.

Lucilla had insisted they pick out jewelry to match their outfits the next day, though Kavil hadn't fully committed to plans yesterday. One day of shopping had been fun, but when Kavil woke up this morning, there was a tug in his gut that insisted he go visit the temple of Gaelea today. He wasn't sure where it was, but Kavil knew he'd be able to find it once he got to the district.

"I trust your judgment," Kavil told Priscilla over breakfast. "Lucilla knows everything I got yesterday, and I know between the two of you, you'll pick out something nice for me."

Priscilla bit her lip as she thought, unknowingly drawing Kavil's eye there, but nodded. It was just the two of them at the table, as Illnyea and Arnold had left early that morning — Illnyea's face was grimly resigned, contrasting the excitement on Arnold's. Perry was sprawled next to a window by the front door, soaking up the sunlight pouring in.

"You should go have fun with Lala, then," Priscilla said just loud enough for Sulaiman to hear, who was approaching the table, "and bring him along so he can get some sun."

Sulaiman let out a deep, bone-weary sigh as he sat down, muttering, "Are you ever going to let that go?"

"I think it's a great name," Kavil said, his voice teetering on the edge of mischief and sincerity, "I even named my prized deer after it! I cuddle with him every night."

Sulaiman made a face like he wasn't sure how to feel about that while Priscilla snorted. Kavil didn't technically cuddle the deer, but he had set it up next to his bed so it could be the first thing he saw when he woke up. Everytime he saw it, Kavil couldn't help but smile as he remembered that day at the harvest festival and the way Sulaiman had solemnly held out the deer towards Kavil like it was a precious artifact.

"Don't call me that outside of the house," Sulaiman said, stabbing his eggs viciously with his fork, "but if you truly want me to join you, I suppose I can. Do you even know how to get to the Holy District?"

That was a good point and for a moment, Kavil floundered. Then Kavil heard the sound of dishes being placed in the sink and water splashing.

"Hans," Kavil called towards the kitchen, "would you mind guiding me and Sulaiman to the Holy District today?"

The water turned off, and then Hans stepped out of the kitchen, wiping his hands on the towel.

"Of course not," Hans said, "I would be happy to. Do you want to go by water or foot?"

Sulaiman made a face at the mention of water, so Kavil said, "Let's walk, if it's not too far."

Hans nodded, face thoughtful. "When do you want to leave?"

"When we're done eating?" Kavil suggested, glancing at Sulaiman, who nodded as he took a bite.

By the time they were ready to go, Priscilla had already gone off with Lucilla with a jaunty wave. The air was chillier than yesterday as they stepped out, which gave Kavil the perfect excuse.

"Sulaiman," Kavil said, just a bit of whining in his voice as he tugged on his friend's arm, "it's cold."

Sulaiman eyed Kavil from beneath the hood of his coat. Kavil was blinking his eyes in a way that he hoped was appropriately pathetic and begging like he had seen Priscilla do before. Sulaiman stared for a moment longer before he sighed, and let Kavil link their arms together. Warmth steadily radiated from Sulaiman and wrapped around Kavil.

Kavil let out a satisfied sigh, leaning his head against Sulaiman's shoulder as they followed Hans through the streets.

None of them spoke much as they pushed through the surprisingly crowded streets, aside from Hans' quiet comment, "The city gets busy around the tournament, so stay close boys."

Hans occasionally paused to glance at street signs as he led the way over bridges and canals into the Scholar's District. The buildings in this district had an older feel to them than the ones in the Artisan's District, most not made of wood but of smooth white stone. The streets were still made of wood, but Kavil could see that the scholar's buildings' foundations went deep into the water. Quotes and profiles from people Kavil thought were likely dead were carved into the stone archways above the doorways. People with a lofty air of the educated streamed in and out of the doors, their arms full of books and scrolls as they determinedly walked between the buildings.

"There's the Archimen Library," Hans pointed out, pointing towards one of the largest and oldest buildings they passed through a plaza. "It was built only twenty years after Kavendash was established by the first king. King Archimen Kavendash was rumored to have had dreams of going to Toleraan Academy before the war of unification, but he had to put those aside when he had to take the throne since you have to forgo any noble title to attend. A statue was erected in his honor."

Kavil's eyes lingered on the metal statue in front of the library. It was an odd green color Kavil hadn't seen before, all except the eyes that had been painted a striking blue, but the statue was obviously well cared for. King Archimen had a solemn expression, eyebrows furrowed as he stared over the plaza like he was its silent yet looming sentinel of knowledge. He wondered what sort of knowledge Archimen guarded even though Kavil didn't often go out of his way to read unless it was Frean or his parent's journals.

But speaking of those who liked to read…

Kavil glanced up through his lashes and saw the way Sulaiman was pointedly not looking towards the library. It was like Sulaiman refused to even consider entering, his jaw a little tight, and Kavil felt a pang of sadness as he glanced away.

Discrimination against Muloians would likely be worse in the capital, considering that the current king had been the one to lead their slaughter. Kavil felt stupid for not realizing that was why Sulaiman's hood was pulled so low, so that he didn't face any harassment.

But… Sulaiman obviously knew that.

He still chose to go out with Kavil despite the risks, and Kavil felt a rush of affection for his stoic friend, who never said the words, "I care for you," aloud but showed it over and over in his actions.

Kavil tightened his grip on Sulaiman's arm, knowing that hinting at any of that to Sulaiman directly would make the other man clam up. Sulaiman glanced down, eyes narrowed as he raised an eyebrow in question.

"I'm excited to see the temples," Kavil deflected quietly, smiling to cover up his conflicted emotions. "Which ones do you want to see?"

"I don't have any preference," Sulaiman said back, just as quietly.

"Not even one?" Kavil pressed. He had noticed that if Priscilla wasn't driving the conversation and the annoyance she inspired in Sulaiman made him reject her ideas, Sulaiman had the tendency to defer to what others wanted to do. It was like pulling nails with your fingertips to get Sulaiman to voice his true opinion.

Sulaiman glanced away, a pensive look on his face. Kavil, though he wanted to start throwing out different names of gods, stayed quiet and let Sulaiman figure out what he wanted to do.

"I'd like to visit the Shade Father," Sulaiman finally said.

"We'll visit them after Gaelea's temple," Kavil promised earnestly, and Sulaiman sent him an amused glance.

It didn't take much longer to reach the Holy District and the difference between it and the rest of the city was stark. The streets were easily the cleanest by far and made a grey stone, and the waters along the side gleamed as it lapped against the edge in a gentle babble. There was a weight to the air here, not an oppressive one, but Kavil knew immediately that this was a place that the gods paid attention to.

His skin didn't quite crawl, the hair not quite standing on edge, but with each step he took, Kavil's body prickled with awareness as he looked at the temples lining the street.

Aunt Jeroinin had been a priestess of Gaelea, but she had made sure that Kavil knew enough of the other major gods who resided within Her pantheon so he would not disgrace Her name. It was easier to identify which gods and goddesses some temples were devoted to while others took a moment of puzzled scrutiny.

Yohr the merchant god had a temple that glittered in the low morning light, the glass donation bin in front of it filled with coins from parishioners who hoped to be blessed with good fortune. A cheerful statue of a mongoose, Yohr's constant companion, was curled around the donation bin. The goddess of sky and luck's temple was also easy to identify white the white clouds and jagged lightning carved into the blue stone, wispy clouds of smoke rising from the two braziers by the entrance. That was where prayers were burned so that they could reach Fortulum where she rested. Karthus' temple had a long line of devotees who looked like fishers who wished for a blessing from the god of sea, ships and tides. Their heads were anointed with a swipe of sea water before they headed out for a long day on the water.

The god of war and conquest's temple made Kavil's heart race when he saw it and walking past it made him shudder from the oppressive air that wafted from it. It was imposing, made of a black stone that sucked in every inch of light that touched it like it wished to hide within the shadows. Despite being far younger than Gaelea, Bellevic had ricocheted to major god status quickly after he ascended godhood because his domains made him popular amongst those with an insatiable greed for power. Gaelea had clashed often with Bellevic in mythology because of the destruction that was wrought upon the land as Bellevic fanned the flames of conquest. Bellevic and Gaelea continued to have a contentious relationship that was mediated by Fortulum and the Shade Father, and that mediation mainly consisted of keeping them far apart.

There was a temple dedicated to a few of the less popular gods in Kavendash, like the god of wine and trickery, love, and even one for the harvest goddess Fyuana, who Kavil and Priscilla had received blessings from the priestesses in Meadowyar.

At last, Kavil spotted a temple that could only be Gaelea's — his heart lightened at the sight of bright greenery crawling up pillars and the large leaves that hung over the archway. It was modest in size compared to the others, but Kavil thought it was breathtaking.

There weren't long lines of worshippers at Her temple, but Kavil walked faster the closer he came to the temple and Sulaiman easily kept up as they overtook Hans.

It was like all of Kavil's burdens washed away as he pushed past the leaves as large as him and stepped over the threshold. Kavil sighed with relief as the warmth of the temple invited him in further.

Next to the entrance was a shoe rack and a sign inviting worshippers to make themselves comfortable. Kavil didn't hesitate to shuck his boots and socks, sighing again as his toes felt the warm earthen floor. Along the walls was more curling ivy and vines punctuated with bright pink and yellow flowers, arranged in a way that it showed the story of Gaelea's ascension and Her bond with her first band of paladins who spread Her teachings across the world. Several of Gaelea's greatest tales hung upon the wall, the healing of the devastation left by the Corrupt Lord of Stone through Her tears, the ascension of a pear flower spirit to minor goddess who now served as Her confidant, and the slow and steady romance between Gaelea and the Shade Father. There were long, comfortable benches placed beneath the vine murals and pillows nearby on the ground for seating as well.

"Welcome to Gaelea's temple," a warm voice said and Kavil turned towards him.

It was a man about a decade or so older than Kavil, clad in loose fitting green robes with gold bands around his wrists and ankles. He too wore no shoes, and was there really any use for shoes when the earth was so soft and warm? The man's hair was long and a vibrant blonde and atop the crown of his head was a wreath of braided vine and leaves. His eyes were a gentle brown as he regarded Kavil.

"Were you looking to pray?" the man continued.

"Yes," Kavil said, taking off his coat, "but later. I mostly wanted to speak with you."

The man's eyebrows rose a fraction, and then rose higher when Sulaiman stepped forward to take Kavil's coat.

"You don't have to do that," Kavil told Sulaiman, frowning at his friend.

"I don't," Sulaiman agreed even as he folded it over his arm, "but I am so you can talk with the priest comfortably."

"I can have our acolyte bring your companions refreshments if you think the talk will take long," the man said, glancing between Kavil and Sulaiman with an unreadable smile.

"That would be most kind of you," Hans said. "If you acolyte desires, I am sure we would enjoy learning more of Gaelea's doctrine while we wait."

The man's expression brightened. "Solare! Come, we have guests — bring refreshments."

After a moment, a sleepy looking man with an unruly head full of curls came from a door in the back holding a tray of cheese and grapes and a pitcher of water.

"Welcome to our temple," Solare said, less enthusiastically than the priest had.

The priest gestured for Kavil to follow him, quiet footsteps leading out a second door. More greenery bloomed across the walls, depicting more of Gaelea's adventurers and several of Her most famous paladins, including Kavil's favorite, the Paladin of Joy, Izzan of Harith.. Kavil had always begged his aunt to tell him of the Paladin Izaan when he was younger because the paladin's upbringing was the closest to his own. Before she set out on her journey to complete the mission given to her by Gaelea, Izaan had been a simple girl who lived in the countryside who liked to make others smile.

"It is not often we receive a quest in the Earth Mother's temple," the priest said, drawing Kavil out of his musings, "especially from one so young."

"I was raised by a priestess of Gaelea," Kavil said, his voice hushed and reverent, "and I found myself wishing for comfort and guidance."

The man's blonde eyebrows raised again, brown eyes stealing a glance. "Is that so?"

The conversation lulled as they pushed past a straw curtain that had a beautiful woven illustration of Gaelea embracing the world below her.

Hidden in the depths of the temple was a tree with brilliant, verdant leaves that sparkled beneath the glass roof. It was not tall, but thick around the middle, so thick that Kavil knew that it had to be hundreds of years old. Fat, round red fruits that Kavil thought might be a pomegranate, Gaelea's favored fruit, dotted the top of the tree. A semi-circle of comfortable cushions were arranged before the tree.

"How does it grow in the salt water?" Kavil asked, amazing.

The priest chuckled. "By Her grace and blessing, our tree flourishes all year as proof of Her love."

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Kavil bowed his head and closed his eyes, clasping his hands together as basked within the holy magic he now felt pulsing from the tree. It wrapped around his shoulders as surely as Sulaiman's warmth had earlier, like a mother welcoming home a lost child.

He hadn't known until this moment just how much he missed his village, how much he missed being amongst people who truly believed in Gaelea and what She stood for. His friends thought highly of Her, but that was because Kavil believed in Her. To feel Her presence, to feel Her acceptance of him despite everything he had done, despite the fact that he had killed people with a smile, it was enough to bring tears to Kavil's eyes. He knew that Gaelea was a kind goddess who did not judge Her children as harshly as others did, but confirmation was sweeter than honey for Kavil's soul.

"May You bloom forever," Kavil whispered a prayer he had etched into his heart, "and Your roots never know rot. Let kindness infuse Your leaves and Your grace spread throughout the world, leaving us all the better for it. I beseech You to flourish, Gaelea, and I offer You my heart and strength as You offer me Your comfort and love."

With a deep breath, Kavil opened his eyes to find that the priest was staring at him with a considering look.

"I am Priest Vespera," the man said.

"I am Kavil McCue."

Vespera nodded and turned to look at the tree. "Was it the priestess who raised you that taught you that prayer?'

Kavil nodded, unsure where the priest was going with this.

Vespera hummed, the expression in his eyes turning thoughtful.

"Did you know," Vespera began carefully, tone neutral, "that prayer is only taught to acolytes who priests believe will one day become paladins?"

Kavil's jaw dropped open and his eyes went wide.

"What?" Kavil stuttered. "A paladin? I mean, of course I've dreamed about it, like everyone has, but, but I'm no fighter and — "

"A paladin's duty is more than fighting, young Kavil," Vespera said, turning to face Kavil fully. "Their duty is one of kindness and devotion. No where did it say that a paladin must wield a sword to achieve that. It does make it easier if one encounters resistance, but She would never ask one with a kind heart to do anything against their nature."

The magic from the tree grew stronger, a thick blanket now wrapped around his shoulders as if Gaelea was adding a physical weight Vespera's words.

"I, I don't…" Kavil tried to swallow, his throat suddenly dry as words failed him.

Aunt Jeroinin had never mentioned that specific prayer being one that only paladins spoke, and Kavil had thought it was something that everyone knew. Well, now that he thought about it, Kavil had never seen his aunt nor the other villagers saying that prayer after he was taught it. He wished he could write to his aunt and ask why she had kept that from him, but there was no easy way to get the letter to her.

Vespera smiled, gentle eyes crinkling. "There is no need to have a response at this moment. I simply wished for you to know just what prayer you were saying before Her tree. Speaking the prayer aloud is not making a commitment to Her, and you are not obligated to become a paladin just because you know the words. The prayer is taught to signify one's potential, not to lock you onto a certain path."

Kavil nodded mutely, still trying to process the information.

"Let us share a pomegranate," Vespera said, turning and plucking a fruit from the tree, "and then I can perhaps provide you the guidance you were searching for."

Vespera's movements were practiced as he tore the pomegranate into two halves and offered one to Kavil. He gestured for them to sit on cushions in front of the tree.

The sweet yet tart pop of the seeds in Kavil's mouth was refreshing and fishing them out of the fruit helped calm him.

"I've put myself on a path where I think I'm going to face the worst humanity has to offer," Kavil said bluntly like one delivered a shot to a child when they were distracted.

Vespera's eyebrows rose again. "Is that so?"

Kavil nodded, eating another seed.

"It's a path I'm choosing for myself," Kavil said, "and I don't regret it but… based on what I've experienced so far, I think it's going to get really bad, like entire villages being slaughtered just because they have the misfortune to be far enough from the road that no one will find their bodies for a long time."

Vespera was quiet for a long moment as he ate another seed.

"Are you afraid of what you will see," Vespera asked, "or who you might become once you've seen such horrors you were not able to prevent?"

Kavil chewed his cheek. Vespera had cut right to the heart of the matter.

"I think it's a mixture of both," Kavil said quietly, fiddling with a seed before eating it. "I know that death happens all the time and the Shade Father welcomes all, but what I've seen was just senseless violence. People were terrified and terrorized for no other reason other than the fact that they were easy victims, and… they suffered, so much, Priest Vespera. The wounds that I had to heal were horrible and I couldn't do anything about the mental trauma they're going to have to deal with for the rest of their life."

There was so much blood during the deer attack, so much that sometimes Kavil still thought it might be coating his hands. He literally held a man's guts together, desperately pumping magic into him so he might live. In the fens, infection had sunk deep into some of the prisoner's bones, and magic couldn't heal malnutrition, no matter how much Kavil wished it could.

"But you were there," Vespera said gently, "and that is something they will never forget."

That was true, Kavil supposed as he let go of the memories with a small sigh. He picked at the pomegranate's skin.

"It doesn't feel like enough," Kavil confessed.

"Sometimes," Vespera said, voice wistful, "all we can do is our best even if it is not enough. Gaelea knows that we are imperfect beings who sometimes struggle as hard as we can just to fail, and still, She loves us. Know that She is watching you, Kavil, and that every person that you can help is one more person whose life you have bettered with your own two hands.

"We cannot save everyone," Vespera continued, catching and holding Kavil's gaze, "and you cannot blame yourself for those who suffer due to another's cruel intention. You have chosen a noble path that is hard on the body, mind, and soul, and still, I can tell that your heart has never wavered."

Kavil felt tears prickle his eyes again and his mouth twisted.

"But it has," Kavil whispered, "I… I've killed people."

"Were they who were harming others who would only live on to ruin others' lives?"

Kavil nodded, not trusting his voice.

"Did She not welcome you when you entered these halls?" Vespera asked, voice holding a gentle reprimand. "It is not a sin to protect the innocent, Kavil, and from the fact that you find yourself agonizing over this is proof enough that your heart is filled with pure intentions. She is proud of you, I know this as surely as I know my name."

Kavil couldn't help but truly start to cry. Vespera said nothing, simply gathering Kavil into a warm embrace, letting Kavil stain his robes with tears of relief. Vespera was not his aunt, but he exuded the same calm, kind presence she had and Kavil took comfort in the priest's arms.

He wasn't sure how long he cried, but when Kavil pulled away, he felt a great deal lighter than he had before the crying session.

"How long will you be staying in the capital?" Vespera asked as he held out a handkerchief for Kavil.

"I'm not sure exactly how long," Kavil said, wiping at his eyes, "but me and my friends will be here until at least the end of the tournament."

Vespera hummed, his expression thoughtful once more. "If you have the time and desire, I would invite you to join our temple for prayers once a week. You may speak of anything troubling you, or we can sit in peaceful silence eating pomegranates as we appreciate Her grace."

"I would like that a lot," Kavil said. "I don't know exactly what my schedule will be, but I can at least do that."

"I look forward to seeing you again, Kavil," Vespera said, drawing Kavil to his feet. "As much as I've enjoyed your company, I do believe that your companions have been waiting long enough. Let me get some water to wash your face and rejoin them."

Kavil chuckled. "I doubt either of them mind, but you make a good point."

They walked back to the entrance of the temple. Solare was animated despite the dark circles under his eyes, using his hands to punctuate his point as Hans listened dutifully. Sulaiman had his arms crossed and head cocked in interest, but the moment Kavil entered the room, his black eyes locked onto him.

Sulaiman's eyes narrowed as he took him in and he stood up without glancing at either of the other men.

"Are you alright?" Sulaiman asked, sending a suspicious glare towards Vespera. Kavil realized that he probably hadn't been able to hide the evidence that he had been sobbing as well as he would have hoped.

"I'm fine, Sulaiman," Kavil said, stepping forward to squeeze his friend's arm. "I just got emotional as we were talking, and honestly? I feel a lot better after sobbing all over Priest Vespera."

Sulaiman's glare didn't let up as he studied Kavil's face, eyes darting quickly as if he was searching for a hint of deceit. Grudgingly, he crossed his arms and turned the glare fully toward Vespera without saying a word.

"Don't take it personally," Kavil told the bemused priest, "Sulaiman's a tad overprotective."

Sulaiman grunted but provided nothing else to the conversation.

They bid their goodbyes to the priest and acolyte and redressed themselves for the chilly sea air.

"That Solare fellow was quite a charming storyteller," Hans said as they entered the street. "If you come back here, Kavil, I think I might come with you as he didn't quite get to tell me what happened to Paladin Toya."

"I'll be sure to let you know," Kavil promised, looping his arm with Sulaiman's again. Kavil barely had time to turn his pleading face towards Sulaiman before warmth wrapped around them both again.

Hans was able to quickly lead them through the district to their next destination.

The Shade Father's temple was in the shadow of the castle. Despite it being made from a dark grey stone that radiated a somber atmosphere and the surrounding areas being perfectly silent, Kavil actually found it to be quite welcoming.

That was probably because the Shade Father was the god that Kavil knew best after Gaelea. The god of death was one of the gods who remained eternally nameless because He was simply a father to all living beings. When Gaelea ascended to godhood, the Shade Father was one of the first gods who accepted Her presence amongst them. It was said that the two of them were endlessly drawn to each other, one being an aspect of life and the other of death, yet never clashing like some might think.

Gaelea was the tree that attempted to welcome all who wished to rest beneath Her great canopy to know a moment of peace. The Shade Father rested amongst Her creations, embracing them gently when they laid down for a final time amongst Her rooms. They were two halves of a whole, one giving comfort to the living and the other to the dead — She was the mother who helped give life and He the father who accepted all Her children when time demanded it.

Kavil had always thought their love was a quiet one, a comfortable yet unshakable bond grown over eons as they understood each other best in the world.

The door was made of heavy black wood but Sulaiman didn't seem to struggle as he held it open for Hans and Kavil to enter.

The temple was a single, large open space with private cubicles with dark curtains available for prayer for those in mourning. Candles lined the walls, casting long but not eerie shadows across the room. The entire back wall was taken up by an enormous stained glass window that depicted a hooded figure holding out an outstretched hand towards the viewer. There were two large, beautiful displays of flowers along the walls that Kavil knew were available to be burned as a sacrifice, as the Shade Father favored flowers because of Gaelea.

A lone woman stood in front of the window in long white robes, her head bowed in prayer. Kavil knew that priests and priestesses of the Shade Father only wore white as a way to honor the Father's purity of spirit.

As the door closed behind them, the woman turned towards them, her eyes closed. She looked to be well into her seventies based on her wrinkled brown face, but her braided hair was still as black as a starless night.

"What brings you to our humble temple?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kavil glanced toward Sulaiman, who was lightly frowning but saying nothing. It struck Kavil then that Sulaiman may have never actually been to a temple before this. If Sulaiman was being run out by common businesses, the likelihood of him visiting a place of worship in a country that despised him may never have crossed his mind.

"We just wanted to visit," Kavil said. "I worship Gaelea and thought it was only right to honor her partner as well."

The priestess tilted her head. "I am Ymir, the sole priestess who tends this temple. We may not have much, but what we do have is always available to share."

Kavil glanced at Sulaiman and they both nodded.

"Do you mind if we pray with you?" Kavil asked, nodding his head towards the stained glass.

"I would be honored," Ymir said, turning back towards the window.

Kavil, Sulaiman, and Hans stepped forward and picked a flower from the displays. They dropped the flower into a brazier Ymir lit and clasped their hands. Kavil closed his eyes as he always did during sincere prayer and bowed his head in deference.

Normally, one only prayed to the Shade Father if they were in dire straits and hoped that He might provide them comfort as they passed. Kavil had, when he was younger, occasionally prayed to Him to give thanks for making Gaelea happy, but it took a moment for Kavil to decide what he wanted to ask of the Father today.

The Shade Father was the one who presided over all who passed, accepting them with open arms. But there was another responsibility He had, and that was of the Judge. The Father decided where a soul deserved to rest for eternity with the help of his faithful servants who then ensured that the unworthy served out their punishments.

I pray to the almighty Judge, Kavil prayed as his fingers tightened, and I beg You find my plight worthy. This is a kingdom built upon the backs of innocents and an insidious cult has spread its influence. I am here to determine if there are nobles within this kingdom who are aiding the cult to harm their own citizens and, if they are, disrupt their plans. I beg You to guide my steps as I try to bring the sinners to justice and ensure that no more are delivered into Your embrace before their time.

Kavil felt a queer sensation on his head, like the caress of something featherlight against the tips of his coily hair, but when he looked up, there was nothing near him.

Ymir's head was turned towards him now, however, her expression was severe despite her eyes staying closed.

"What have you asked our Father?" Ymir whispered, the candles' light flickering with her words. Sulaiman and Hans opened their eyes, surprised at the silence being interrupted.

But Kavil knew that question was for him and him alone.

"To help me find justice," Kavil said, willing his voice to remain steady despite the shiver that now went down his spine. Even with her eyes closed, Kavil felt like Ymir was exerting an intense pressure.

Sulaiman looked caught off guard by the answer, staring at Kavil with a slightly furrowed brow and parted lips.

Slowly, but surely, Ymir's wizened mouth stretched into a smile.

"I think," she whispered, "you should visit our temple again, young one."

Kavil swallowed but nodded.

When one reached the age that Ymir did while in the service of the divine, their requests were not treated lightly. Especially not a servant of the Shade Father whose clergy were required to serve until death and be rewarded for their devotion in the afterlife.

"Go now," Ymir said. "Young ones like you must have much to do."

They weren't exactly shooed, but they quickly found themselves outside the temple.

"Well," Kavil said, blinking, "did you enjoy your visit, Sulaiman?"

Sulaiman closed his mouth, like he had just been about to ask a question but was caught off guard by Kavil speaking first.

"I think I did," he said slowly, "though it was not exactly what I was expecting."

"Would you go again?" Hans asked as he straightened his coat. "The Shade Father's temples are usually quiet, and the priestess seemed friendly enough. You might be able to bring a book there and enjoy the view of the stained glass."

Sulaiman pursed his lips in thought. "Perhaps."

If one didn't know Sulaiman well, they would only see his anger and frustration by the tightness of his jaw and furrowed brows and the way his shoulders were tense and high. But Kavil knew his friend, and there was something terribly sad and lost about the way Sulaiman's eyes stared at the ground.

Kavil wondered just what Sulaiman had prayed for, but that was something private. Kavil wondered if Sulaiman had even prayed at all, or if his life had enough suffering in it that he might not even believe that a prayer is able to reach a god's ears. It was a sad thought, and Kavil thought it may be close to truth based on Sulaiman's expression.

"I think it's time for lunch," Kavil said, looping his arm with Sulaiman's. "Praying is fun and all, but it can't be a date unless we go get something to eat."

That snapped Sulaiman out of his thoughts and his gaze snapped down to Kavil. A brilliant red blossomed high on Sulaiman's cheeks as his jaw fell open, body going suddenly stiff.

Getting this expression out of Sulaiman always made Kavil feel strangely powerful. The normally stoic and dry young man being so openly flustered by just a little flirting or a genuine compliment was a view Kavil could watch all day. Priscilla had barely even blinked at the joke, bantering right back, but Sulaiman's reaction filled Kavil with the same sort of satisfaction that he thought a hunter might have when prey stumbled into their trap. Sulaiman had never pulled away before even though he was so clearly affected by Kavils' words, and he didn't pull away now.

"I — what?" Sulaiman said, his voice a croak. "Are — Are you seriously considering visiting holy temples a date?"

"Why not?" Kavil said with a deliberately casual voice as he leaned his head against Sulaiman's shoulder to look up at him. He knew his smile was a little too smug right now, but he couldn't help it.

"We aren't alone," Sulaiman hissed, glancing at a very amused Hans who was pretending he wasn't paying attention to the conversation. Good man, Hans. "Mr. Ordan, he's right there, and, and he's been there the whole time!"

"Is that your only objection?" Kavil teased, enjoying the way that Sulaiman's face grew steadily redder. "You seem the proper type who wants a chaperone."

"You — " Sulaiman looked away at the sky, his body tense. "You are a menace."

But he didn't even try to pull his arm away even though his face was doing its best impression of a tomato.

Kavil chuckled and decided he had probably pushed as much as he could.

"Where's good to eat in this city, Hans?" Kavil asked, acknowledging the former butler finally. "Preferably something quick — I'm starving."

Hans' eyes danced with mirth as he raised an amused brow at Kavil with the hint of chiding for doing this in front of him. But his face was politely blank when Sulaiman looked at him with the sort of franticness of a drowning man searching for a topic change to cling to.

"I know of a place in the artisan district," Hans said, "over in the food sector that allows us to order food to be taken to our home to enjoy. It's known for its extraordinary deserts."

"Let's go with that," Kavil said, risking one more squeeze of Sulaiman's arm as he looked up at him. "What type of pie do you want? I've had boysenberry, strawberry, and raspberry before and those fancy savory mini pies from Meadowyar, but I want to try whatever your favorite is."

Some of the tenseness faded from Sulaiman's body as he swallowed, the harsh edges softening as the red faded into something more dusky across his cheeks. Sulaiman hesitated, and then pat Kavil's hand on his arm, his hand covering Kavil's completely. A steady warmth flowed over Kavil once more, enveloping him in a toasty bundle of air. Sulaiman's hand lingered for a moment before he put it back into his pocket.

Kavil was so glad that his skin was too dark to show a blush, because that moment of tenderness from Sulaiman made his heart flutter. The weight of Sulaiman's hand made Kavil desperately wish that he hadn't elected to wear a pair of gloves or even a coat today so that he could feel the pressure of Sulaiman's skin against his own.

"I like apple pie," Sulaiman said quietly, "with a dollop of whipped cream if it's available."

"I can't wait to try it," Kavil said, proud that his voice was steady. Sulaiman's mouth quirked into a half-smile as they made the trek back to their lodgings.

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