FE 2024 Prompt Table 1 Fill #18 - Refuge

[innitmarvelous_og]

"Thank you for seeing me on such a busy day, Commander," Chief Priest Vizait said as he entered the private office.

"Of course, Chief Priest, you are always welcome in my home," Hlvea said, gesturing to a small nearby table with seats, "Won't you join me for refreshment? I have some Ember Glow tea and j'va cakes."

Vizait smiled and arched an eyebrow, "As always, Commander, you know my weakness. I would be delighted to join you for refreshment."

He took the seat across from Hlvea, his expression pensive as he accepted the warm cup of the Ember Glow tea accompanied by a j'va cake from her.

"Thank you." He inhaled the steam from the tea, and then took a careful sip, releasing a sip before he said, "It's been quite a day, hasn't it?"

Hlvea nodded, her eyes reflecting the weariness of her great office, "Indeed, it has. I spent many years at Gex's side watching him attend to his duties but I must admit, I never understood how much the affairs of our people are ever demanding as well as never ending."

"Especially in time such as these I should think," Vizait quipped, his expression sobering,  "With tensions ever on the rise with the Temerturians and then there is the looming threat that the Cult of Maruk presents in perpetuity, our people are looking to you for guidance and strength." 

Hlvea sighed, her shoulders tensed up with the weight of her role as Commander, "I do everything that I can, Vizait, but sometimes it feels like it is never enough."

"And you are doing admirably, Hlvea," the Chief Priest assured her, "But even the strongest tree to be found needs to have the support of its roots."

She managed a small smile at the analogy, "Thank you, Vizait. Your words bring me encouragement and comfort."

The Chief Priest nodded, "It is the least that I can do. Now, tell me, is there anything that I can do to assist you today?"

As their conversation continued, Vizait finally guided it towards the reason for his visit, or so Hlvea thought.

Her daily visits to the temple's chapels.

"Perhaps Commander," Chief Priest Vizait began gently, "You should hold your devotions within the Commander's residence."

"Perhaps Commander," he began gently, and Hlvea did not fail to notice he had switched back to using her formal title again, "You should hold your devotions within the Commander's residence."

Hlvea could not help the look of shock that crossed her face as she said, "What are you suggesting, Chief Priest? That the temple is not safe?"

Vizait sighed, and finally nodded, "Yes, Commander. It is what I am saying."

"But all of my life, I have felt safe whenever I have been underneath Jelvok's sheltering canopy! It has always been a refuge to me!" Hlvea exclaimed. 

"I am sorry, Commander, but with the  Temerturians seeking to harm you, you must stay where the Lightsworn will be able to best protect you. And though it may hurt, I believe that is within the walls of the residence."

"And what of Jelvok himself, Vizait?" she countered, adding, "I cannot and will not live without practicing my faith! I need to have my devotions to Jelvok in the temple, and not within the confining walls of the Commander's residence!"

Vizait regarded her with sympathy and concern, "I understand your devotion and need to worship Jelvok within his refuge, Commander, But the truth is, we are in times of danger, and after what happened to our beloved former Commander, we must prioritize your safety above all else."

Hlvea's brow furrowed in frustration. "I cannot forsake the temple, Vizait! It is the very heart of our people's faith, and I will not be afraid to set foot in it even in the face danger!"

The Chief Priest nodded, "And I do not ask you to forsake the temple, Commander. But I implore you to exercise caution. We could try to make the temple even more secure by placing more guards around the temple, but I believe to do so would be disruptive to others." 

He sighed, and continued, "I am sorry, Commander, I know I am asking a great sacrifice for you, but it is one for the greater good. The Temerturians have no regards for the sanctity of our temple, and if they would violate its holy grounds if they see the chance to slay you."

Hlvea sighed, her shoulders slumping with resignation, "Very well, Vizait, I will acquiesce to your counsel and I will from now on hold my devotions within the Commander's residence. For now and not forever. I will not forced to keep away from the temple by those who think they are our masters."

Vizait nodded, "I understand. A wise decision, Commander, one I think is for teh best. And if you wish, I and or other priests from the temple may come here to pray and worship with you."

With a nod, made her best effort to smile as she said, "Thank you, Chief Priest. I would be grateful."