CH 240: Blue Bulls
Claire walked straight into the carriage and to Toni for a nap. She lay her head on the startled singer’s lap and let herself relax. She’d let her party take care of the explanation; she was far too tired now.
Elsie wanted to get her mind off the battle, so she decided to explain to the other party. She, with Ana and Hannah, explained Claire’s Goddess and her mission. She also explained why Heather guided them here and Anka’s connection with Claire’s Goddess. That led to Hannah pulling Heather to the side to tell her about Toni’s presence here.
Hannah knew the importance of Anka’s Revered to her devotees, and that a woman of faith would want to meet him. It was her way of thanking the party for helping them in their fight. She gently knocked on the carriage door to make sure the two were decent.
“Master Toni,” Hannah spoke in a serious and respectful tone. More similar to how she used to speak around him. “I have one of Anka’s priestesses here.”
“Come in,” Toni said after adjusting his veil. It suppressed the urge women had, but not as well as the full cover.
Hannah opened the door for Heather and followed the woman inside. The woman quickly kneeled before Toni and bowed her head. She knew the effects of Anka’s blessing and didn’t want to offend Toni.
“Master Anthony,” She said in a mix of bewilderment and excitement. She did not expect to meet such a person in the middle of nowhere. “It’s an honor to meet you so closely.”
Toni took a moment to readjust. It’d been a while since he’d been around Anka’s priestesses. “Um, thank you, Miss Heather. It’s always nice to meet priestesses.”
“It’s Misses,” Heather said in almost a whisper. She raised her hand to show off the ring on her finger. “Clara, the gruff-looking fighter, is my wife.”
“Oh, my apologies!” Toni giggled. He peered out of the carriage in his boredom every once and awhile, so he did know the woman she was talking about. “Misses Heather, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Thank you, Master Anthony,” Heather finally dared to look up. She was taken aback by his natural beauty, but was largely unaffected by his blessing. She stared deeply into his blue eyes, fully understanding why her Goddess chose him.
“Please, call me Toni,” Toni moved closer and held out his hand to her.
She hesitantly took it. She placed his hand on her forehead and repeated a whispered prayer to Anka. After she was finished, she stood up. “That is far too personal a title. I believe I am unworthy of calling you by a nickname.”
“Nonsense!” Toni giggled. It’d always fascinated him how stiff his Goddess’s priestesses were compared to Anka herself. He expected them to be far more relaxed like Her, but they weren’t. They were quite serious. “You may call me Toni from now on. I grant you permission.”
Heather’s knees went weak, and she nearly fell to the ground. Both Claire and Hannah caught her before she fell. She steadied herself with their help after nearly passing out. “Th-thank you. It is an honor…”
“This is almost nostalgic,” Hannah joked as she watched the priestess. Toni used to visit Anka’s temples every year or so, but his blessing started to cause issues the older he got. “Reminds me of my first year on your guard.”
“Ahh,” Toni thought back to those days. When his dancing and singing were put on hold to visit temples. “I do think we came this way back then. Did we meet before?”
Heather nodded enthusiastically. “We did! When I was first starting as a priestess. You came to our temple and met with the orphans we took care of. It was one of the highlights of my life to see you play with them.”
Toni giggled. He vaguely remembered that day. He was in an oddly rebellious mood and tired from travelling, so he chose to play with the kids instead of the adults. “Mhmm, I remember being so cranky and fed up with adults that day. I just wanted to play.”
“It was precious and made their entire month, if not year.” Heather’s smile widened as she relaxed. “Some of our former orphans still talk about it during ceremonies.”
“Glad I could help,” Toni smiled brightly. “I often forget Anka’s decision to look after lost children. It’s not one She gets too much credit for…”
“Indeed,” Heather nodded. It was something she herself was passionate about. “Most people assume She’s just a beauty Goddess. But that is part of Her charm. Her big heart for those less fortunate and those forgotten.”
Claire furrowed her brow. It was starting to make sense why Anka involved Herself with Claire’s Goddess. “I didn’t even know She took in orphans.”
Heather turned towards Claire with a warm smile. “It is a tale not often told in schooling. Anka also tends to be more outward with Her beauty-related aspects. It’s what fascinated me when I was a kid. How someone so seemingly vain and self-obsessed was actually a selfless Goddess. She uses Her beauty and influence to benefit others.”
“It’s okay, Claire,” Toni tugged on her armored sleeve. “Even I forget that aspect of Hers since I embody Her aspect of beauty.”
“Well, also Her generosity,” Hannah added.
Toni tilted his head in thought. “Do I?”
His knight rolled her eyes and nodded. “Should I repeat your sentiments from Lady Lloyd’s estate? Or the times Maeve’s done overtime because of your selfless whims?”
“You’ve been to her estate?” Heather’s eyes widened. “Why would you ever go near such a-”
She stopped speaking to take a deep breath as she was nearly yelling. She calmed herself before continuing. “Lady Lloyd is not someone any man or boy should be around. Let alone someone like you, Master Toni.”
Toni smiled weakly. “You can drop the ‘Master’ title, too. And, I’ve been told that many times. I needed to see what I saw at her estate. It opened my eyes to my own naivety.”
Heather nodded slowly. “I thank Anka she didn’t get her hands on you…”
“Does anyone like her?” Hannah joked. “I’ve yet to meet a single person who even respects her.”
“Hard to with all the boys’ bodies I’ve seen come from her estate,” Heather scowled just thinking about the abuse that woman puts her harem boys through. She shivered and then centered herself. “From what I understand, that is your mission, Miss Claire.”
Claire nodded. “It is. My Goddess wants male liberation, and I want my brother back.”
“Ahh,” Heather took a deep breath. “So that’s why you were guided to her estate?”
“It was,” Toni nodded. “I was able to find her brother there. Though I didn’t know it was him at the time.”
“Interesting,” Heather clasped her hands together in deep thought. “If Lady Anka guided Toni to you, then you are one I can trust.”
“That’s good to hear,” Claire smiled. She had a lot of thoughts swirling in her mind. Thoughts about Her gift and expanding their party beyond what it is now. They seem more than trustworthy, and Claire should start spreading it more. It would be something to discuss later. “We will need allies very soon. Your wife and teammates proved themself today. And, a priestess like you will be helpful.”
Heather tilted her head. “Oh, right, your Goddess.”
Claire nodded. “We have a church built in the village we come from. But I have no real idea how to run it or what to do with it.”
“Hmm,” Heather pursed her lips. “If Anka wishes, I can help. I worry about my duties back home, though.”
“We just need guidance, at the moment. We have completed one ritual for Her so far, and that’s it.” Claire explained to the priestess. “We’re doing our best to spread Her word, but we have to be careful. Not many people in power would want Her change.”
“Mhmm,” Heather glanced at the ground. “Lady Lloyd would hate to lose her harem…”
“We’re from a village called Restol,” Claire smiled at the priestess. She understood their situation. “You’re welcome to see the church. Hopefully you come when we’re in town.”
Heather pursed her lips. “If Anka wants us to meet, we will.”
Their conversation was interrupted by a knock. Lily’s voice spoke through the door, “Ursa’s back already. Wolfpack is with her.”
“Jazz,” Claire mumbled. “Sorry, Heather. We have a party member looking for someone.”
“I heard about that, too,” Heather smiled. She grabbed Claire’s hand and clasped it between hers. “I wish you good luck in your mission. We’re from Havenwood, so not far from here. We can stay in the area to help, if need be.”
“Thank you, truly,” Claire smiled. “I hope Anka brings us together again.”
Heather nodded. She rolled her eyes back and almost sounded annoyed when she spoke. “Or, just look for the Blue Bulls.”
“That… is not the name I thought you’d have,” Hannah couldn’t help but giggle.
“My dear insisted on the bulls as our animal of choice. I thought it was far too cheesy.” Heather sighed. “And the opposite of what Anka would want.”
“Well,” Claire smiled brightly. “At least it’s easy to remember.”