Visiting the temple [Shona and Sébastien]

[Sébastien Fleury]

“I will be careful, you have my word,” I told her, bowing slightly.

[Shona Tertignan]

“I trust you,” I replied calmly, soothingly, as I went on. “Here, let us get the shoot for you,” I added as I led him to the shed, to fetch gloves and a small snipping tool.

[Sébastien Fleury]

“Oh, it can wait until after we look around,” I told her. “I would hate to damage it by not getting it planted soon enough.”

I looked at her. “Unless you need to go?” I hoped not, I was enjoying her company.

[Shona Tertignan]

“I just returned from serving outside the city,” I replied, smiling a little. “And in all earnest, I am famished – but there is plenty for two, and there is joy and honor in sharing. Would you join me in the refectory?”

[Sébastien Fleury]

“I would be honored, Sister Shona, thank you,” I replied, smiling.

[Shona Tertignan]

“This way, please,” I said to Sebastien before I led him down a pathway, towards the end of the courtyard. “Our fare is simple, but filling and healthy,” I said. “And I am glad to have your company – I do not like eating alone.”

[Sébastien Fleury]

“Simple is often the best,” I said, giving her a smile. “And I am more than happy to be that company. I do not like eating alone either. Food is something that begs for company, for the shared experience.”

[Shona Tertignan]

“It does, I agree,” I replied. “We usually eat all together, as you can imagine,” I said, waving at the long table lying before us. “But I returned too late, so thank you for saving me from a solitary dining experience.”

Just then, Sister Renee came out – her portly shape was graced by a wide grin. “Ah, Sister Shona,” she said as she hobbled towards Sebastien and I. “Do tell me that you didn't bring another dozen urchins to feed, aye?”

I laughed, and shook my head. “Not at all, Sister. This is Lord Sebastien Fleury – he will be dining with me, if it's not too much trouble. I reckon, you need go to the chirurgeon again, aye?” Alas, her eyesight was dwindling - thankfully, she had other graces to compensate.

“Not at all, not at all, well met my lord,” she bowed to him, brown robes wobbling around her.

[Sébastien Fleury]

“Please, call me Sébastien,” I said, smiling.“It is a pleasure to meet you Sister. I hope I am not imposing.”

[Shona Tertignan]

“Not at all, not at all,” Sister Renee replied hurriedly, “come now, sit down, the both of you, here, let me get you a little something before I fetch the stew, hm?”

Before Sebastien or I could say anything, she had zipped back to the kitchen, and I chuckled.

“Don't tell anyone, she loves having guests,” I said with a little smile.

[Sébastien Fleury]

“Then I am glad I could oblige,” I said with a smile.

I went to the nearest table and held a chair for Shona. This wasn’t a fancy place, but that didn’t mean I was going to forgo showing her respect.

[Shona Tertignan]

I slipped into the chair, accepting the courtesy with a touch of embarrassment. “-- thank you, Sebastien,” I said gently.

It didn't take long for food to be served, a hearty stew of root vegetables with a cold roast and some fresh water. The bread on the table smelled particularly good.

“Please, don't wait,” I invited Sebastien, smiling a little.

[Sébastien Fleury]

“Should we give thanks?” I asked. The meal reminded me of the fare at home and I felt a tugging deep inside.

[Shona Tertignan]

“The gratitude is know,” I said gently, “but we can be more formal, of course.”

Quietly, then, I recited grace, and after it was done, I smiled at Sebastien. “Would you like to add a word of your own?”

[Sébastien Fleury]

“No, that was lovely,” I said with a smile. “Thank you.”

With that I picked up my spoon and tasted the stew. “This is delicious,” I told her. “Reminds me of home.”

[Shona Tertignan]

I smiled a little, nodded. “I always find that Sister Renee's cooking --” I paused as she passed through the door.

“What about my cooking, Sister Shona?”

I laughed lightly, “It's lovely and worthy of a mother,” I replied, smiling.

“Is that so?” She seemed to look at Sebastian for confirmation as she placed some butter on the table, along with two small bowls with salt and pepper in them. A luxury, one I certainly owed my guest.

[Sébastien Fleury]

“It is, Sister Renee,” I assured her. “I was just saying it reminded me of home. Thank you very much.”

The elderly Sister made a movement like she was waving off my thanks, but I could see her smile as she turned away and headed back to the kitchen.

“I hope I haven’t embarrassed her,” I said to Shona.

[Shona Tertignan]

“Not in the least,” I replied soothingly. “She does have a little hint of pride.” Like most Azzalese, I didn't add, though it was no lie.

“Do you ever worry thus about everyone?” I asked, taking an interest in him.

It made me wonder if he had a lot of siblings.

[Sébastien Fleury]

The spoon stopped halfway to my mouth and I tilted my head slightly. "I guess I do," I said, smiling a little shyly. "I never really thought about it.'

[Shona Tertignan]

I smiled a little. “You have a kind heart,” I said gently. “Are you an older brother?”

[Sébastien Fleury]

“Yes, and a younger one as well,” I replied with a grin. “I am the third of five. And you, do you have siblings?”

[Shona Tertignan]

“The youngest of five,” I replied, smiling. “And the greatest troublemaker of them all, I'm sure you'd be told.”

I said this with my most innocent face – it was still good, even if I'd not bluffed in a year.

[Sébastien Fleury]

I had a feeling she was being humorous, and I chuckled. “Is that how you ended up here, in the temple?” I asked with a smile.

[Shona Tertignan]

I smiled mysteriously – it was a bit early to confide in Sebastien about the circumstances which had pushed me to leave Bryony and seek another life.

“Aye, you could say that,” I replied lightly. “Enough mischief, I suppose, is a good way to put it.”

[Sébastien Fleury]

I looked around. “There are certainly worse places to have landed. It really is peaceful here.”

[Shona Tertignan]

I laughed a little, nodded. “Aye, I could have landed in the military – and though I respect their work greatly, I would be myself a terrible recruit.”

[Sébastien Fleury]

“As would I,” I said with a chuckle. “I would spend far too much time examining every plant we passed on a march. I’d be left behind the first day.”

[Shona Tertignan]

“Perhaps for the best,” I teased then I went on, more thoughtfully, and added. “Sometimes the angels find ways to keep us where we are needed.”

[Sébastien Fleury]

Glancing up from my food, I gave her a lopsided smile. “That they do, as they put sent you to me so I didn’t walk around the temple looking like a fool and instead met a very nice and lovely Sister to guide me.”

[Shona Tertignan]

I smiled a little, colored despite myself. “Now you are just being too sweet,” I teased. And looking at my food, then at him, I added, “but I am glad indeed that you came today.”