“We still have much work to do. Our rehearsals for the Ritual to the Huntress, for one.”
Aloisia and Kaja groaned in unison.
“Rituals are priests’ work,” Kaja muttered.
“Right?” Aloisia murmured back. “There’s a reason I did not join the Temple.”
“Girls.” Dhara fixed them with an icy stare.
“Sorry, Lead Huntress,” they said in chorus.
Mavka grinned. “I understand your hesitance, ladies. The Ritual is not my favourite part of this job, either. But it is our duty. An ancient practice, much like our offering to the Temple after every hunt. It is an honour to partake in this Ritual to the Huntress, to venerate Her and how She looks kindly upon us, aiding us in providing for this town.”
“Precisely,” Dhara said. “We will participate in the rehearsals at the Temple on the morrow. We will leave bright and early, so ensure you are awake and fit to join us.”
Aloisia and Kaja shared a glance. They certainly would not be in any fit state early the next morning.
“Onto the next matter: beads,” Mavka said. “Today’s harvest is definitely one worth marking.”
Again, the huntresses clanged their plates and cups in accord.
“Aloisia, can we entrust this task to you once more?”
She bowed her head. “Of course. I’ll speak with my brother.”
The men in Aloisia’s family had been blacksmiths for generations. Her father, grandfather, and great-grandfather had all served the Hunting Guild, not only by fashioning weapons but in forging the delicate engraved beads adorning their hair. With her brother in charge of the smithy, it fell to him to provide this service. And, for the Hunting Guild, having the sister of the smith among them was a direct line to said service.
“Where am I going to fit another bead?” Kaja tugged at her short, golden braids.
“I’m sure we’ll fit another in,” Aloisia said. “Otherwise, grow your hair out a bit.”
“And risk ruining how well this compliments my jawline?”
“In a few years, your head is going to be nothing but beads if you keep your hair so short.” Aloisia chuckled.
Mavka held out her dark, waist-length braids. “True enough, there is a reason most huntresses wear their hair long.”
“Start braiding on the right,” Aloisia said. “Then you won’t be lopsided too.”
Kaja balked. “Lopsided? This is called ‘style’, I’ll have you know.”
Dhara rolled her eyes and scoffed.
“You will find your way, child.” Mavka laughed. “For now, there is plenty of space for one more.”
“But they’re even right now,” Kaja muttered.
Aloisia elbowed her in the ribs. “Earn more then.”
“Eat your fill, huntresses,” Mavka said. “You have worked hard for it. We shall go again on the morrow. Perhaps an evening hunt?”
Dhara nodded. “Good idea. Vary our harvest.” She waved them away. “That is all.”
Dismissed, they all began talking amongst themselves.
Kaja leant in closer. “What’s the plan for Tristan’s Name Day?”
“Don’t you ever pay attention?” Aloisia nudged her. “I’ve only told you a million times. You even helped me with the planning!”
