Chapter 27: Scholarly Pursuits

The morning was much the same as the day before. Ann woke with Kat still snuggled into her. Their combined fluids had glued their hips together, and it was uncomfortable to separate as Ann stretched. Kat grumbled wordlessly to herself.

“Mornin’, sunshine,” Ann teased the drowsy Alf. “We really need to start washing up before we pass out if we’re going to be making this much of a mess.”

“Mmm, aye,” Kat agreed blearily, slowly sitting up. “Was really fun though.”

Ann got up and started the bath, helping Kat in when it was ready. They cleaned themselves, dressed, and joined Bren for breakfast.

Kat informed them she had more to do in the city. Performing and leading some training with the guard that was annoyingly expected of her, so she’d be stuck for the day.

“That does leave me an opportunity,” Bren said as Kat relayed the news. “Annita, if you would not mind, I would ask that you join me in visiting a couple of districts you have yet to see. Namely, the Temple Ward and what the Keep calls a library. The first, to better familiarize you with the major Deities of the world, and the second because I have questions regarding your experiences.”

“Sounds good to me,” Annita agreed as she chewed. “I’d need to see a temple to Orenous at some point. She expects me to be her avatar here, and not be quiet about it. Once we figure out how the higher ups want to deal with that reveal, I’m probably going to be real popular in the temple.”

“Yes, you most certainly will,” Bren chuckled.

They finished their meals, said their goodbyes to Kat for the day, and headed north towards the main Keep. Skirting the walls to the other side of the massive structure, they came upon a cluster of ornate buildings. Nine buildings stood in two rows of four with one at the end, along a wide central park, crisscrossed by walking paths.

“Welcome to the Temple Ward, Annita.” Bren introduced her. “As you can see, each of the major Gods and Goddesses has a temple erected in their honor. The largest building at the end is dedicated to the multitude of minor Deities.”

They made their way down to the park set between the large structures. The field itself seemed to be immaculately constructed and cared for. Noticing her glancing around, Bren cleared his throat.

“This open area is actually a temple itself. It is dedicated to Eas, God of the Wind and Speed. They are as formless as the wind itself, so a traditional temple structure does not fit as well as the other Gods.”

“Oh, interesting. I remember someone I bumped into cursing that name. Now I get why.” Annita laughed nervously.

“If you were going quickly, that does make sense. Moving on to our right at the end is Nerena. She holds domain over the oceans and all life within. She is actually fairly active in the world, according to her priests. The Warped and Seeds do not solely exist on dry land. Her servants in the seas constantly do battle with the Warped, maintaining control and providing safety to sailors.”

The building was made of wood in its entirety. One of the very few in the city to claim as much. Fountains dotted the grounds, featuring pools and statues of various sea life. The front of the building was fashioned to resemble the hull of a ship, with thick wooden doors leading further in. It seemed quiet, but Ann supposed that was due to the area being landlocked.

“A mutated seahorse has to be a sight,” Ann pondered as they strolled along a path. “All sorts of stuff down there that’s a nightmare even without being corrupted.”

“Yes, I am sure,” Bren chuckled. “Were people of your time familiar with the depths?”

“No, actually. We surprisingly knew more about up there,” she gestured to the sky, “than what was in the oceans. Like, we could get down there, but not stay any extended periods of time.”

“Fascinating. Then our time may very well know more than yours did. Moving on, we have the temple of Nylir. Goddess of the darker side of the emotional spectrum. She is in most ways the opposite of Orenous, and claims warfare under her umbrella as well. Many a warrior will pray to her in times of conflict, and she is popular with those going through strife in their lives.”

The building covered in columns of marble that reminded Ann a lot of the Parthenon. The priests that flitted to and fro were armed and armored, with clear markings of their Goddess upon their cloaks. It did not seem to be a warm place, but a place to test one’s self.

“Oh, I saw a statue of her when Kat and I were out on our date.” Ann interjected. “She’s pretty hot in a fully armored, can kill me in a second type of way.”

“I guess I can see the appeal?” Bren asked, not sounding convinced. “She was never a Goddess I took much interest in.”

“Yeah, that makes sense, knowing you. She seems more up Kat’s alley, to be honest.”

“Indeed, though I wonder if that’s changed.” Bren grinned at her slyly.

“No idea why that would be,” Ann said innocently, glancing anywhere but Bren.

“You know, now that we are on the subject, I do approve of the two of you.” Bren continued, keeping his steady pace and staring straight ahead. “My harsher words the other day were to warn of my protectiveness. Like I have said, she is a sister to me.”

“Yeah, I get it. Was the same with my siblings and the friends that became family back home,” Ann sighed, stuffing her hands in her pockets as she kept pace.

“Then you also likely understand the feeling when they find someone for themselves. The small pang of fear that they will be hurt, the joy that they have someone who brings them happiness, the fear that you will grow apart.”

Ann stopped suddenly at the last part. “Hey, I’ve got no intention of getting in the way of you two staying close. Just for the record.”

Bren, to his credit, laughed and waved away her concerns. “No, I know. Still, the irrational fear creeps in, unbidden. Life is frustrating like that. All of that being said, yes, I do enjoy how well you two are getting along. I feel she sees a kindred spirit in you. Someone who is out to help those around her, and will bring her places and show her things she might never have before. Also, undoubtedly, freedom from the yoke of her birth. Being royalty has long weighed on her, even if she tries to hide it.”

“She tries to hide it?” Ann asked incredulously, remembering Kat’s behaviour at the gate. “Seems like she was letting it be pretty well known.”

“Oh, to us, certainly. You did, however, see how she handled the nobles. Dismissing them quickly, but politely. It is a skill she has practiced for many decades now, and I daresay she is an expert at it.” As he spoke, they came to a bench, which Bren took a seat on, staring up at the next temple. “I hope she finds the life she has sought with you, Annita. I harbour doubts that our meeting in that old mansion was mere coincidence. Not when the Gods are at play.”

“You and me both,” Ann nodded as she took a seat next to him. “I know Orenous talked about not being able to be everywhere, and the gods seem to be pretty fallible considering the whole apocalypse they caused, but she felt like she was playing matchmaker there.”

“It does seem to be consistent with her personality. Which, by the way, I was not expecting to be so… free.”

“Yeah, she’s strange, right? Kinda motherly, but also really horny, then super sweet and caring.” Ann laughed, remembering her encounters with the Goddess.

“Indeed. I always expected the Gods to be proper. Avatars of might and propriety. To speak like the enlightened beings they are. She is far more human than my mental picture.”

“Probably because of her domain. Gotta be down to earth to deal with everything happening when someone falls in love. I dunno. I’m just glad she’s friendly. Helped out when I was dealing with the whole coma thing. Just wandering in an empty void for what felt like forever, to find someone so comforting? It was exactly what I needed.”

“I can imagine. So, yes, I have stated my feelings about things. I hope we can get along as well.”

“No complaints here, man. You’ve been a solid source of information, healing, and just a reliable guy so far. Feels good to have you around.” Ann elbowed him gently.

Laughing, Bren righted himself. “Good. Sometimes I can overlook social cues and need to speak on matters to make sure. Shall we continue the tour?”

“Yeah, who’s next in the pantheon?” Ann asked, offering a hand and helping Bren stand.

“The Deity that I most identify with, actually. They are an interesting existence and Orenous mentioned them in our conversation. This is the temple of Qu’sella. They are a dual god, focusing on magic and knowledge. Since the domains are so closely intertwined, Qu and Sella had become two in one. Qu takes the form of a wizened witch and is the matron of magic. She guides all of humanity’s mages in their endeavours and seeks to prevent the misuse of the arts.”

“Sounds pretty neat. I’m guessing the left portion of the temple is hers? Looks more, I don’t know, magicy.” Ann said as she looked at the building before them.

The left side was structured like a tower, but with several extensions jutting off it at angles that should not be possible, and must be magically suspended. Through the windows, she could see many people moving back and forth, going about their duties and studies. The right was more austere. It honestly looked like her old university’s main building. The black brick work and clean white trim made up a four storied building with windows and balconies scattered across its facade.

“You would be correct,” Bren confirmed. “And the right side belongs to Sella. He is the master of knowledge. Patron of researchers and scholars of all kinds. All academic knowledge flows both to him and from him. I have spent much of my time in the libraries stored within his temples.”

“Was that where you holed up yesterday?” Ann asked as they began to walk again.

“Yes, it is the best place to perform historical research in this area. Sadly, not much was found in my efforts. Anyway, up next is Illdall. He is the god of valor and protection. Another that Kat has an affinity with. More than the others, I’m certain.”

“Gotta always have one of those Gods, huh?” Annita mumbled.

“Sorry? I do not believe I understand your meaning,” Bren asked, a quizzical look crossing his face.

“Oh, right, just this kind of God is really common in stories from my time. God of the just, the glorious protector, heroes and whatnot. Usually really stuck up and righteous.”

“Ah, that would make sense. Who better to inspire the children than the paragons of virtue.”

“Eeeeh, virtue could be debated there. Some were self righteous pricks, so convinced they were doing the right thing they didn’t listen to others. Though, yeah, there were plenty of stories about the good guys, too.”

“How I wish I could read some of the texts from your time. The stories, the histories, the fictions. Just a whole different existence and those who perceived it.”

“Yeah, there was a lot to read, for sure,” Ann sighed. “We had a system set up to let people share information globally, almost instantly. We called it the internet. Anyone could access pretty much anything in history at any time. You know what a lot of people did with that? Wrote porn.” She chuckled. “The gift of all the knowledge we’d accumulated, and people were just focused on getting off.”

“That is not something that has changed over the millenia, I admit. There is no shortage of rag publications that appeal to the carnal side of people. Some even sanctioned by the temple of Orenous, which is actually that one.”

Bren pointed to another building. This one was, fittingly, a gorgeous building. Black stone rose and curved in arches that held a roof over a wide garden. Low hedges wound in patterns around patches of snow, and benches lined what Annita assumed were walkways. Statues of nude men and women decorated the grounds. Looking through them, Annita was happy to see that all races seemed to be represented in various couplings. Men and women embraced, two women, two men. The church clearly did not judge someone’s orientation.

Past that was a building of the same black stone, more curving arches, but walled in this time. Annita assumed this was the main building.

“Mind if we go in for a minute? I want to see what the actual temple looks like.” Annita asked as she began to make her way toward the building.

“Let’s.” Bren said with a smile as he followed along.

Pushing the wooden doors open, Annita was greeted with a warm rush of perfumed air. Moving inside, the entryway was brightly lit with several glowing crystals, casting a warm yellow light over the dark stone. Hooks were set up on the walls to hang coats and hats, and benches for resting were provided. Seated at the reception desk ahead, a priest flipped through her records. Her robes were well fitting, from what Annita could see over the counter. They accentuated her body, hugging her curves, and had a deep cut neckline showing off her ample cleavage.

“That normal? The outfit?” Ann asked Bren quietly.

“Yes, it is for this denomination, at least. Goddess of love, beauty and sex. The mental portion is understated, at least to a casual observer. I would not be surprised if that tome contained studies on behaviour and the like.”

“Smart and sexy, nice,” Annita said with a grin as she approached the counter.

“Good morning! Oh, my, you are certainly easy on the eyes,” the priestess gasped as she took an obvious look up and down Annita. “Can I help you with anything?”

Blushing slightly at the attention, Annita cleared her throat. “Not really. I’m just looking around. Could I see the rest of the temple?”

“Absolutely!” the priestess said with almost too much enthusiasm as she stood. “My name is Britt, short for Brittany. I can show you around if you’d like.”

“That’d be awesome, thanks.”

Britt led them through a pair of double doors into the next chamber. It was large, with a sweeping, arched ceiling. Two rows of benches led up to a pulpit, an altar, and a large statue of what Annita assumed was the temple’s interpretation of Orenous. She was depicted as an Alfhindur this time, with a prodigious bust, wide hips, and a sheer cloth barely preserving her modesty, though it seemed to make her more enticing. Along the sides of the rooms, several doors lead off into other wings.

“So, welcome to the main chamber for worship. We’ve got sermons scheduled regularly, one in the mornings, one in the evenings. You’re late for the morning and it’s way too early for the evening,” Britt said with a bubbly energy. “You can obviously see the statue of the Goddess. Off to the sides there, through the doors, are other wings of the temple. Private prayer rooms, housing for the priesthood, and records storage. We do offer private sermons, and have plenty of privacy for any more sensitive matters people wish to discuss with our members. Being a temple dedicated to love, beauty, sex, and the other aspects of Orenous, we regularly hear the prayers of those looking for love, or to deal with their libidos. Not really things that people like to be spread around, so privacy is key. It’s an odd gathering here, but we’re tight knit and do our best to spread the word of our Goddess.”

Annita listened passively, scanning around the room as Britt laid out the functions of the temple. “I get the whole love thing. Praying for a partner of some kind. How’s the sex part factor in?”

“Oh that’s simple. Issues with intimacy, conception, too high, or too low libido are frequent concerns brought before the Goddess. We do the best we can to help either through our Paths or through alchemical means. Everyone should be free to love who they love and enjoy their bodies to their fullest.”

“You have a horny priest?” Annita asked incredulously.

“Oh, that’s a bit of a crass way of putting it, but yes. We do have a few members, myself included actually, who can stoke or sooth one’s libido. The effects are temporary, but it is something that is a frequent request.”

“Huh,” Annita grunted, recognizing the similarity to her own Stoke the Flames. “So, none of that stuff happens here in the temple though, right?”

“I… wouldn’t say that…” Britt said hesitantly. “It’s kinda part of the Goddess’ whole thing. And these robes?” She tugged at her neckline. “They really do show off our best features. We’re all people, and we’ve been given these desires for a reason. That being said, precautions are taken to make sure things stay harmonious. Consent is everything and no one is to do anything they do not wish to. Anyone caught in such a situation is excommunicated from all temples of Orenous, along with an immediate report to the local authority.”

“Well, that's a relief. Sounds like free love is all the rage here, huh?” Annita asked as she meandered around the building, looking into the side rooms.

“Oh absolutely. Whoever wants to love another, however they would like. We support all types and all combinations,” Britt giggled. As she walked, Annita couldn’t help but notice Britt’s gait was doing something amazing for her ass. The tight robes hugging her every curve, and her hips swaying seductively. “All combinations.” Britt winked over her shoulder.

Bren hiked an eyebrow at the obvious flirting, eyes darting between the two.

“Britt, girl, you’ve got a great body, and if I was more available, I’d take you up, but not the case anymore.” Ann said, scratching behind one of her ears.

“Aw, that sucks,” Britt sighed, disappointed. “Well, if you’re ever in the need for a priestess who knows what she’s doing, you know where to find me.” As she spoke, the bright smile returned.

“I’ll keep it in mind,” Annita chuckled, drawing a bit closer to Bren for reassurance.

“Anything else you want to see?” Britt asked.

“Nope, I think that’s all I needed for now,” Annita said as she turned to the door.

“Then may Orenous keep you happy and healthy! Good luck with your relationship!” Britt called after them as she waved enthusiastically.

Outside, the pair stopped for a moment. “I dare say she thought we were the couple,” Bren burst out laughing.

“Gods, she probably did, didn’t she? Oh, that’ll be fun if Kat and I ever come back here for whatever reason.”

“Oh! So that’s who you were with! Now I get it!” Bren said, imitating Britt’s high-pitched voice between laughs.

“You ever get told you’ve got a weird sense of humor?” Ann asked as they resumed their walk back to the main field.

“Frequently, however, it is who I am. I can not do anything about it. Thankfully, I have people in my life who enjoy it.” Bren sighed, looking up at the sky as he walked. “I know I am strange. People do not speak the way I do, I can come off as distant. It has been how I have been brought up. To embrace my differences, for that is what makes me unique. Interesting. I admit there are times where I wish I was more of the social type, like Katlyn, but I think she makes up for both of us in that arena.”

“Yeah, she sure does. But, also, once you get past the cold outer shell, you’re pretty cool to be around, too. Really different, for sure, but fun in your own way,” Ann said with a grin, wrapping a long arm around his shoulders, pulling him in for a chaste hug.

“I’m here for you, too. You and Kat are the only people I know in this world. Well, the longest I’ve known in this time. I’d be a damn fool to let you go.” Ann grinned, looking over the shorter man’s head.

“I appreciate the gesture. Truly. Though I really do need to start meeting women my age sometime.”

“I never thought of that,” Ann laughed, releasing him. “I’m what, five thousand twenty three? Kat is in her fifties? Need to find you a twenty something.”

“There is no urgency, I assure you,” Bren said smiling brightly as they walked.

“Oi, hold up!” they heard a shout coming from behind them.

Running up to them, Kat braced herself on her knees, panting. “Thought I’d find ye two here. Feck, one sec.” She took a minute, catching her breath.

“Looks like plans tae go meet the witch lady ‘ave been moved up. Reports o’ a major warped in the area came through. Urgency o’ the request was increased. Longest we can delay is tomorrow.”

“Well, at least I’ll get my armor before that,” Ann sighed.