Chapter 94: Meeting the Priestess

The party spent most of the rest of the day relaxing around the palace. They had all been through a lot in the last few days and hadn’t had a chance to just do nothing for a long while. They needed the break. Lucia and Bren had returned later than the girls did, noting that Wendyl’s shop was closed for a while when they got there. They’d waited, since they needed to get those enchantments ordered and ready before they left.

They took a late lunch back to the sitting area near their rooms, and had spent the time playing cards, reading, or just napping. Ann learned some new games they’d come up with over the last few thousand years, and she taught them poker and old maid. Rosalyn turned out to be very good at games of chance, while Bren took them to the cleaners once he figured out poker and old maid. Ann couldn’t read him at all. He and Lucia almost got into a fight after one game of old maid, accusing the other of using their Bond to cheat. They cooled off after a bit and apologised, but Lucia refused to play any competitive games against Bren after that despite his swearing he didn’t use their connection.

The emotional link they shared intrigued Ann. It was almost on the level of being an empath, but according to them only gave each other a sense of strong emotions from the other. Bren had, throughout, been very careful about not telling Lucia to do anything. Requesting seemed to be fine, but an order would compel her to act.

Eventually, they all shuffled off to their rooms to get some sleep.

Ann woke up slowly. She took a deep breath in and hummed with contentment as her nose was filled with the smell of Kat’s hair. She cracked her eyes open and found she’d fallen asleep on top of her princess. They didn’t go particularly hard last night, but the relaxed vibes of the evening had eventually led to her being hilted in her favourite girls.

Rosalyn was snoring softly to her left, fingers interlaced with hers. Gods, she loved how affectionate that girl was. Always wanting to be touching either her or Kat. Too fucking cute.

Ann felt her tail swishing gently behind her as she started to wake up more and rolled off Kat. She scratched behind her ears, feeling them flick almost like a cat’s as she rearranged the hair inside them to not be as annoying. She was really used to the extra bits she’d gotten at this point, she realised, as she started grooming her tail with her claws. Who would have thought she’d be some half animal lady? Getting to be more animal, too, she thought as she looked at the fur that had covered her knees.

She sat there for a minute thinking on that. It was weird that her body was changing out of her control. The things from the Warped skills were still her choice. She chose to be able to change her hair and eyes, to be able to turn off and on her ability to make babies. This was a bit different. Well, not much different from when she’d woken up like this. Where was it going to stop, though? Was she just gonna progressively get furrier and furrier? Would she have a muzzle when it got there? Would she still have her hair? Oh gods, would she still be bipedal and be able to speak by the time she was done? That last thought scared her the most. Losing the ability to talk and communicate with Kat, Rosalyn, Bren and everyone else would be hell. Maybe it wouldn’t go that far, but she might have to prepare for that down the road.

Her mind wandered to Bren and Lucia as she continued to groom herself. What a weird situation. Lucia had essentially forced herself into servitude. There was that weird implication that the Thrundol had been enslaved through these debts in the past that gave her some conflicted feelings. Bren was an all around stand-up guy, and she trusted him not to abuse or misuse the power he’d been granted, but why had Lucia been so forceful with the whole thing? Demanding that he take the Life Debt? Ann wasn’t about to pry, but it did confuse her.

There was one thing that interested her, though. That emotional bond. Like, she was pretty damn good at reading Kat and Rosalyn, but that differed from a magic tattoo that told you what the other person was feeling. It would be kinda nice, but maybe also a bit like cheating. It was fun figuring out what made her girlfriends tick in good and horny ways. Ok, with Kat, maybe to annoy her too, but that usually ended up with Kat on top of her, which she’d never complain about. Maybe they could get some enchantments to at least mimic a little bit of that. Or like a GPS to each other. She didn’t see them splitting up anytime soon, but it would be nice to know where they were and if they were ok. Eh, that’d be a later thing. On the list it went.

Speaking of lists, man, Rowena was today. What was she going to do with her? She had expected the punishment Orenous had tasked her with being effective. She knew the priestess better than anyone. What Ann didn’t expect was how that had possibly developed. Ugh, she was just going to deal with that when they got there. It was their first thing in the morning, so it wouldn’t be long.

Ann stood, stretching. She was naked, as she always was in the mornings. Their nights really didn’t leave much room for clothes. She took the time to run her hands over her body. She didn’t like thinking about it much, it felt conceited, but she had to admit at times she was sexy. The way her breasts overflowed her hands just enough to be fun but not in the way, her flat, muscled stomach, her wide hips and ass. Every bit of her olive skin was flawless, and she was seriously appreciative of Orenous that she’d done for her what she did.

Even the cock. She was still surprised how much she’d come to love the new anatomy and stroked it gently as she made her way to the bathroom. Being able to make love to Kat and Rosalyn in pretty much every way was a gift worthy of a lot more than she could express. Maybe one day she’d use those for their real purposes. Not any time soon, though. Too much to do to slow down and raise kids. She’d be damned if she was ever going to be an absentee parent. She’d had plenty of friends who were in that situation and she wouldn’t inflict it on her own.

Ann shook herself from idle thought, feeling her train of thought spiraling into the speculative. Who the hell knew where she’d be next week, much less years from now? She still had to make the announcement that she was Orenous’ Chosen. What a mess that was going to be. Rowena said she’d make things easier on that front, but the pure political shitstorm she was about to enter, there wasn’t going to be anything easy about it. She’d probably rival the royal family themselves in sway when she made decisions and appearances. Maybe her ties to Kat would help dilute some of that, but she doubted it.

In that moment, she understood Kat a bit better. That feeling of wanting to run away. To just be no one welled up inside her. She couldn’t, no matter how much she wanted. It was her duty, her task to figure out what was happening with the Warped, and she needed the religious and political backing to do that more freely.

Sighing, she stepped into the pool-like bath. She just let her mind go blank. It was no use worrying about the what ifs. For now, she just had to handle, no, deal with Rowena, then whatever for the rest of the day. Then they were headed back to the Seed to get Kat and Lucia vengeance and further her own quest. She could blow off some steam there, and hopefully not have another flashback.

Ann flicked her ear with a claw, drawing a little bit of pain, and a hand caught hers.

“No hurting yourself,” Rosalyn said softly, sliding into the bath. “You know Kat would get mad.”

“And you?” Ann asked, closing her eyes again and soaking.

“I kind of get it? Guessing that was for bad thoughts?”

“Yeah. Just worrying about stuff.”

“Gods,” Rosalyn laughed softly. “That’s an area I feel I can call myself an expert in. A little advice?”

“Yeah, go ahead,” Ann nodded.

“Just don’t let it get to you. Accept it. I’m still bad at it, but I know that’s what I’ve gotta do. You help. Kat helps. So does Bren. Lucia, well, maybe she’ll get there?”

They shared a laugh at that.

“Yeah. Guess I got stuck looking at the big picture,” Ann said, chuckling. “One day at a time. Just gotta keep moving forward.”

“Yeah. That’s a good one. One step at a time.”

They laid there in quiet companionship. Eventually, Kat decided she was done with the bed and joined them. It was a calm morning. No overly flirty comments or touches. Just being with each other.

The day did have to get started, eventually. They took breakfast in the usual dining room, gilded with all its finery. The rest of the royal family had already scattered to various duties, though news was passed on that Junia would be there in the next week. Apparently, the eldest princess had made it a point to stop by several smaller towns on her way back from Thalten, which had delayed her return.

Once they were finished, Bren broached the question. “So, do you want us with you for this meeting?” He indicated Lucia sitting beside him.

“Honestly, yeah,” Ann admitted. “I’m a little worried about what we did to Rowena, and would like to have a bit of a buffer there. Figure we can have the official meeting, then whatever else she wants to talk about can happen after you leave.”

“That sounds fine with me. I can go visit the Qu’Sella temple while you finish up, and you wanted to visit the Bryltia temple, Lucia?”

The Thrundol nodded.

With that decided, the party made their way to the Temple District. It was a decently long walk, but the time to think before meeting with Rowena was appreciated. Ann still hadn’t figured out how she’d approach what she feared would be an awkward discussion. She did want to start with addressing more details about how she’d announce herself. How proclamations or announcements of this kind were handled was a glaring blind spot for her. She’d probably have to make a speech.

Eventually, they arrived before the beautiful white temple; the marble glistening in the light from the lanterns in the ceiling. Last time she’d been here, there were far fewer people there to greet her. This time was the same. Just because the Chosen was visiting didn’t mean the priesthood could ignore their duties.

Promptly, they were greeted and guided back through the Temple. This time, it was to Rowena’s office, not her personal quarters, which Ann felt a bit of relief over. At least she wasn’t that far gone.

They entered the door after being announced.

“Oh, Champion!” Rowena almost squealed as she saw Ann. The older woman had a look of giddy glee that you’d expect on someone a quarter her age. “Praise be you have seen fit to accept my invitation! It is wonderful to see you and your lovers once more. Ah, Bren and a new face accompany you as well! Come in come in, sit!”

Bren gave them a look, asking what the hell they did, then went to sit. Rowena cast Ann a longing look, but retreated to her desk, settling down in her chair.

“I must admit, it is good to see you all healthy. Who is your new friend? Another conquest, Champion?” Rowena asked.

Ann coughed, covering her mouth as she recovered. “No, no. We picked up Lucia in the Seed. She was one of the mercs who were stuck there.”

“Oh my, how terrible!” Rowena cried. “If you ever need to talk to someone about your experiences, the Temple of Orenous is at your service.”

“Uh, thanks,” Lucia replied, looking incredibly uncomfortable in her chair.

"So, darlings, I wanted to speak with you about the upcoming announcement. I have been working around the clock to prepare for your ascendance into the position worthy of your blessings,” Rowena said. As she spoke, she fixed Ann with a gaze of such intensity that she squirmed in her chair. “All that is needed is the time you wish to make the declaration. I have procured permits to have you an audience, letters and criers to go throughout the city and beyond. We will have a stage worthy of your greatness. Is there anything else your holiness might want?”

Holy shit, she was laying it on thick. Ann was hoping Bren and Lucia would help with the barely contained flirting, but apparently not. She sighed. An audience would be important, yeah. That was a good thing.

“So, security,” Bren spoke up first. “Ann is still a fairly low level, as are we all. Have you discussed the protection of your, ehem, Champion?”

“Oh, that is a good point. We believed that working in concert with the city guard would be best. They know these streets better than our paladins. I will be requesting that any of our Temple with a martial persuasion return with haste upon knowing the date. Not all of them will be able, as duties to our followers are paramount, but most should seek the opportunity to bask in the Champion’s glory.”

“Putting aside that… comment,” Bren said with a sigh, “that is good to hear. Now, who will be in attendance? I would prefer the royal family, at least those that can be present, be at the foreground of the proceedings. Establishing that there is unity between Ann and the established government will be important.”

Lucia and Kat both groaned. Kat buried her face in her hands while Lucia just looked up at the ceiling.

“No, he is right, dearies,” Rowena tutted. “Of course, Queen Orlana and King Kremdol are invited and placed in positions of honour. Then the nobility, then the common folk.”

“Hey, got a question on that,” Ann said, raising her hand. “Any way to, I don’t know, not have that split up? Kinda seems like I’m pandering to the rich people and that’s not my goal here. I mean, yeah, it’d be good to be on good terms with them, but it also seems kinda shitty. Well, besides the king and queen, since royalty and security.”

“Hmm,” Rowena hummed, thinking. “I think there will be a way to find a middle ground. How about there be stands, allowing the nobility to be out of the way and more comfortable with whatever guards they bring, and then the commoners up to the stage? We will need security between you and them, just as a precaution, but that may work.”

“Don’t blame me if I hop down into the middle of ‘em,” Ann warned. “Definitely don’t want to be seen as this thing above people.”

“Ah, but,” Ann could see Rowena bite back the ‘you are’. “Yes, holiness. As you say. I will make it so. Of course.” Rowena bowed even seated in her chair, her forehead meeting the desk.

“Alright, so now tha’s outta the way,” Kat intervened. “We should talk about the when. Gonna probably want it in the next week or so. Got a midwinter festival comin’ up soon, and what better way tae kick things off?”

“Oh, yes, the Everfrost Festival!” Rowena exclaimed. “It would be perfection! All the lights, oh we can get a good amount of them in purple, string them up, create true ambiance.”

“Maybe we can do that with vines? Give it a bit of a natural thing?” Rosalyn suggested. “Er, wait, no, winter festival. Hmmm, could do them in ice lanterns, right?”

“Yes! That would fit the theme of the year, showing respect for tradition while also calling attention to our Champion. I believe that can work. Thank you,” Rowena nodded.

Rosalyn beamed at her suggestion being used and sat back. Ann couldn’t help a smile. Shy little Rosalyn helping out with decorations. She would probably be good at it, from what she remembered of the cottage the Druid lived in.

The discussion continued from there, and Ann was soon neck deep in preparations. She was to have a full gown, with flowing silks and ostentatious as fuck jewelry. She insisted the collar Kat had gotten her be a part of the ensemble, which Rowena protested at first, but wilted as soon as Ann expressed displeasure.

Lucia abstained from any comment, and at some point fell asleep sitting up. Bren nudged her, but then let her rest. This really wasn’t her thing.

After an hour of going over plans, layouts, schedules and outfits, Rowena closed the notebook she’d been using to record the meeting. “Well, I believe that is all we have to discuss on that matter. Now, Annita, I would appreciate a more private conversation?”

“Kat and Rosalyn stay,” Ann demanded flatly.

“Of course, of course. I just wanted to be considerate,” Rowena said, wringing her hands nervously.

“Though, Bren and Lucia, might be time to clear out?” Ann suggested.

“Oh, gladly,” Bren said, taking the hint. Lucia wouldn’t wake up to his prodding, even when he shoved her. He sighed, and grimaced. “Lucia, wake up.”

Lucia’s eyes flashed open in an instant. She looked around, on full alert. “What happened?”

“You fell asleep,” Bren explained, patting her shoulder. “Everything is fine, I just could not wake you. I used the Bond and I am sorry.”

“Oh, that? No worry. A fine use,” Lucia shrugged. “We’re leaving?”

“Yes. Shall we visit Bryltia’s temple first?”

“Sounds nice,” Lucia nodded. The two left quietly after saying goodbyes.

As soon as the door shut, tension filled the room as Rowena stood, eyes locked on Ann.

“Oh, Annita, my Lady’s Champion, I am so glad to see you again,” she crooned.