The events of the 16th of Moonstone, 1065
The last of the worshipers filed in to the Temple to Zefon, the bells still ringing in the tower. Dodik-Come-Lately stood at the foot of the bridge, staring up at the large stained glass window arched with the roof. Her hands were clasped in front of her, her hip resting up against one of the support posts for the wooden entrance bridge.
"Madam Dodik, a pleasure to see you," Vash called from behind her, "Will you be attending us for service?"
"It's been quite a long time," Jools added pleasantly, "So nice to see you, ah, above ground."
Dodik turned and smiled at the pair, her eyes finally falling upon Maester Kuli slowly trailing behind him. He was in his best dark robes, the Book of Zefon under one arm, along with the notes for today's sermon. He gave her a polite nod, and gestured towards the doors with his free hand. "You should hurry, ma'am. It warms my heart to se you... ah, decide to join us once again. We've been concerned by some of your choices."
"Oh, but you shouldn't," Dodik-Come-Lately said, smiling. "I've just been so busy, as of late. I apologize, I won't be attending your service today, as lovely as I'm sure it is. I have work to do, and a meeting very shortly - I just wanted to come take a look at this temple. So often I'm underground, working to keep our friends entertained, that I don't get to look upon ... such majesty."
Kuli's mouth drooped down into the hint of a frown. "I think, ma'am, that it might be best if you spent a little more time praying, and a little less entertaining. Zefon has love for all, but She can not reach those who don't ask for her love."
"I understand, Maester. And I appreciate your concern, and that is the reason I keep a shrine in my room, so I may pray for her mercy before I get in bed,"
Vash fidgeted where he was standing, acutely aware to how chilly it had grown outside. Kuli tightened his grip on his book and notes, giving a curt nod. "We need to head inside now, lest the service be late. You're welcome - and greatly encouraged - to come and join us."
Dodik-Come-Lately started to speak, but broke into a smile, waving to someone behind them. Jools turned to look, and saw the newest fishery-leader of Fountainspring Fisheries, Dastot Rinsesilver, tromping towards them. She was dressed simply in rough-spun coveralls and a button up a shirt, a wide, flat hat pulled down low.
"There's my afternoon meeting," she said politely. "Please, have a good service. Oh, Miss Rinsesilver!"
Rinsesilver ambled over slowly, her thumbs hooked into the straps of the overalls. She gave a nod to the Zefonist trio, and said in a quiet drawl, "I apologize, but there are business matters that... need to be discussed with our favorite little entertainer. You'll... excuse me, if I take her now?"
When she was greeted with silence, Rinsesilver smiled and gave a little jerk of her head, towards the stairwell. "Come, the others are waiting in the dining room. They're quite interested in hearing what sort of... business arrangement you have in mind."
"Of course, let's go! Goodbye, gentleman!" With a wave of her fingers, Dodik-Come-Lately swished after the fisherdwarf, leaving a scowling Kuli and his nonplussed assisstants standing in front of the church, watching the pair leave.
***
OOC: Sorry about the lapse! My mom came into town this weekend earlier I expected, pretty much knocking me offline. I was going to knock out an entry on Thursday, and she shows up at the door 5 hours early. Now I feel bad, because I spent a week cleaning my house and get told that it's "just not clean enough." And the yard needs to be better tended. And I need to take the trash out more, and, and, and...
At least I got great meals out, for waaaay too much money.... such as the one meal where I ate caesar salad, escargot, sweatbreads (read, raw anchovies, snails, and lamb brains) and washed it all down with tawny port. Now that she's gone, we're back to your regularly scheduled broadcast.