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A few priests made a point to greet them. Others simply smiled. I was pretty sure most of them recognized the wife of the baron who was tied to our temple. Maela and Tath had a portrait hanging somewhere, or so I'd heard, but I'd never seen it myself. I also knew that most Priests of the Body interacted with high society enough to have been introduced at one time or another. I had a feeling Maela simply hadn't been aware that the "friend" with one of her peers was a little more than that.
Eventually, we reached the dining hall. Shalsa and Amerlee chose a table in the back corner. It gave Maela the largest view of the daily lives of so many priests, but also kept us somewhat private. Irila gestured for me to join them and then vanished, only to return promising a full tea service, thanks to the Priests of Obligation.
Maela's eyes were huge. "This is amazing," she breathed. "It's like a more casual version of Sandrest House."
"So, less terrifying?" I asked.
She giggled. "I'm starting to think so. I just hope Tath won't be furious."
"Why would he be?" Amerlee asked. "You were simply returning something that Nari left over the holidays, right?"
"And we've become such close friends," I added. "Or could be."
"I'd..." Maela looked between the three of us. "I'd honestly like that. In truth, I've felt a little isolated since I got married."
I lifted a hand before Amerlee or Shalsa could say anything. "In Sandrest, it's nothing but Ranndors. Talin's mother and sisters. They're very close, andveryopinionated. I was only there a week, but felt like everything was moving just a little too fast for me to relax, let alone get to know them."
"Exactly," Maela agreed. "My father's household was more like this. Everyone knew everyone else, and company always passed through. I think the only real friend I have in Sandrest is Yamina, and she's not even seventeen!"
"She's impressive, though," I told Amerlee. "The girl would've made an amazing priestess."
"She wishes she'd been allowed to join the temple," Maela explained. "She's fascinated by the words of Zeal, and she says it's proof that women weren't created to serve the whims of men."
"I have a feeling I'd adore her," Amerlee said, pausing as a priestess made her way over with a rolling tray packed with pastries, tea pots, and other dainty things for a formal tea. A nod of Amerlee's head thanked the woman, and then she picked up right where she'd left off. "Should I assume you don't know Talin well?"
"I do, actually," Maela admitted. "When their father passed away, Talin spent a year with us - or most of it. Unfortunately, Tath is convinced that he's a lazy, good-for-nothing young man. I'm ashamed to say that I believed him - until Nari showed up. Then I got to see a completely different side of him - and also my husband."
Making a thoughtful sound, Amerlee turned to Shalsa. "Are your weekends usually free around lunch?"
"Typically," Shalsa agreed. "Although the first day is often easier than the second. Why? What are you thinking, sweetie?"
"Nari doesn't have classes on the weekend, I can easily change my scheduling, and it's a proper time for ladies to spend with their friends." Amerlee looked like she was warming up to the idea as she spoke. "There's that new restaurant across the street, and I don't know about any of you, but a chance to get outside and just relax for a while?"
"I can make sure your schedule is clear, Shalsa," Irila promised. "I've been making a few adjustments already."
"It would have to be next week," Shalsa said. "I do have someplace to be tomorrow in the early afternoon, so that wouldn't work, but next weekend will."
"Next week would be perfect," Maela told them. "I don't think I've had an afternoon with the ladies since before I was introduced to society. And I honestly wouldn't mind doing this more than once."
She was beaming with excitement. It was adorable, in all honesty. This woman was so kind, and so very gentle, but something about her visit made me realize that she was also stronger than she knew. After all, she'd come here on her own. She'd allowed her curiosity to tempt her, and now she seemed thrilled to find other women she could talk openly with.
Which was when a group claimed the table beside us. Looking over, I recognized Jamik's back, and Talin took the chair across from him, facing us. Only a split second later, a hand gently touched my shoulder.
"We don't want to interrupt." It was Ela, and he'd bent over to my ear. "The guys were just a bit tense with all of you on your own, so I figured I'd let you know that your protection has arrived."
"Thanks," Irila teased him.
Eladehl simply lifted his hands. "Just relaying the message." Then he looked over at Maela. "Lady Ranndor, it's honestly a pleasure to finally see the woman my partner has talked about."
He let his eyes run down her body. Not that he could see much with the table shielding her, but the gesture was still obvious, yet subtle enough to not be rude. The interesting thing was that Maela simply smiled back, her eyes holding his with a bit too much interest.
"Sir," she said softly.
"Priest Eladehl," he introduced himself, offering his hand. "I'm a friend of Talin's as well. I'm sorry I missed you on the Darkest Night."
She finally glanced away, her cheeks lifted with the smile she was fighting. "Um, my husband was worried that it might be shocking."
"In the best of ways," Ela promised her. "And I do know all the dark places to hide those blushes from prying eyes." Then he kissed the top of my head. "But I don't want to interrupt."
