Try not to worry too much, Lis. It’ll only give you wrinkles.
Tristan.
Aloisia rolled her eyes, a smirk pulling at her lips. Though he had said they could make a plan come morning, it seemed his words had been more of a lure to get her to rest. And, Divines bless him, he was creating a plan himself.
Even so, Aloisia felt restless. What would she do until then? Remaining still was not an option. If she stayed in one place for too long, images of that night would surge forth. And if she did nothing, it was only time wasted. Every moment counted, and she did not wish to waste any when there were answers still to be found. Anything to help Fynn.
She set the letter down and secured her weapon belt around her waist. A knock at the door called her attention.
Mavka waited on the other side of the door. “Good morning.”
“Mavka. What do you need me for?”
“The blessing, child. Our kills from last night need to be taken to the Temple.”
Aloisia pinched the bridge of her nose. “Of course. How could I forget?”
“Do not be hard on yourself. You’re trying.” Mavka placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “They are preparing the cart now. Would you care to help load the kills?”
“Sure. Lead the way.”
She followed Mavka to the storehouse, where the other huntresses had already begun piling the deer into the cart. The lead huntresses had secured their own mares to it in preparation for the ride into Littlewatch. Aloisia headed to Morgan and helped her lift one of the does into the wagon. The huntress said nothing as they carried out their job. Once the doe was placed, she clapped her on the shoulder and gave a sympathetic smile. It seemed since Fynn’s trial, none of her sisters knew what to say to her.
Once done, Aloisia saddled her own mare and joined the others in riding into the town. With the cart, they had to ride slower than they ordinarily would. It was certainly easier on the horses. The huntresses arranged themselves around the wagon – two on either side and Aloisia bringing up the rear.
As they rode through the outskirts of Littlewatch, Kaja kept turning her attention to Aloisia, trying to catch her eye. Still angry at what she had said last night, Aloisia purposely ignored her attempts.
Though it was still early, many townsfolk came to their doors to greet and celebrate the huntresses. Aloisia wasn’t sure if she was imagining it or not, but she felt the judgemental gazes of the townsfolk as she passed. How many believed Fynn’s guilt? How many were letting this tarnish their view of her? How many deemed it not her place to involve herself in the trials? All the same, she held her head high, trying to maintain an air of nonchalance.
Finally, they made it to Temple Green, where five priests awaited them. Aloisia was a little sad to see Tristan was not among them. He likely wouldn’t be from now on. Only fledgling priests were assigned to this job.
Mavka and Dhara presented the four deer to the priests. The other huntresses watched from afar as the priests accepted them and blessed their bounty. With the load lightened, Mavka detached her mare so Dhara could lead the cart back to the guild herself. As the huntresses headed out of Temple Green, their duties complete, Aloisia lingered behind. With the sun still low in the sky, she had several hours before she was to meet Tristan here. Of course, Mavka noticed her hesitation and made her way over.
“Are you joining us?” Mavka asked. “We are gathering in the hall to break our fast.”
Aloisia’s stomach growled in answer, and she realised that, like the other huntresses, she had yet to eat. She gave a nod and followed along behind Mavka, casting a forlorn look towards the Temple. Part of her wished she were in there, too, pouring through the books for the answers they sought. But, alas, she was not a priestess, so was not permitted within the Temple Library.
Cobblestones turned to dirt tracks as they reached the edge of town where the guild lay. Once in Mavka’s hall, Kaja settled herself on the bench beside Aloisia, making it increasingly difficult to ignore her. Mavka’s household staff rushed around them, some handing out plates laden with fruits, breads, cheeses, and meats, whilst others passed around tankards of weak ale.
Aloisia ate in silence, trying – and failing – to ignore Kaja’s stare. She peered her way, giving in, and raised a brow at her.
Kaja grinned, dropping her head onto Aloisia’s shoulder.
She groaned under her breath.
“I’m sorry,” Kaja said. “For everything I said. It was insensitive.”
“It was.”
“To be fair, I had just been attacked by a bear.”
“And who saved you from that bear?”
“Thank you for saving me from the bear.”
Aloisia breathed a laugh.
“Are we good?” Kaja held out her pinkie finger.
