Legends of Mirandis Academy

Chapter 19: Preaching to the Choir

It was wholesome to hear some cheers of excitement on the way back down the stairs. Iridia didn't often get praise for her work, mostly because it wasn't often she did something like this, but a part of her felt gratified. Her arms were already beginning to feel sore from repeatedly lowering and lifting Kelam—he wasn't dense per se, but it was still a whole person's weight—especially so many times. Regardless of the physical cost, Iridia was relieved to see a beaming Shreeavara waiting at the bottom of the stairs, even with three Clef brothers looming behind her.

"Thank you so much!" Shreeavara happily squealed and darted to Iridia, arms open for a hug. Iridia lifted her arms, allowing the smaller girl to embrace her torso, and actually decided to hug her back. Lightly, at least, as the brothers all narrowed their eyes at her. "I'm so sorry all this happened, but now the gathering can continue! Josiah, can you set up the piano? You always play Go Tell it on the Mountain so beautifully."

Iridia could have sworn he blushed as the girl spoke. He nodded and went back to the sanctuary, where Iridia could hear conversation resuming. "You're welcome," Iridia said to Shreeavara. "Happy to help."

"Oh, I could not be more relieved. Thank the Lord for your attendance, I can't imagine what we would have done without you!" Her smile was so genuinely bright, her sparkling teeth contrasted by her dark skin. "Well—" she turned to the boys behind her, "shall we continue then? I should warm up my voice for the hymns!"

Cyrus dutifully followed her out, but Samson lingered behind to give another sour stare at Iridia.

"You're lucky we're in a church."

"You're lucky your lights are on," she spat back. "You're welcome." He growled and followed Shreeavara, not letting her get too far. Iridia would have crossed her arms for emphasis had her biceps not screamed at her for even attempting the motion.

"Wow." Brielle chuckled and handed back Iridia's jacket. "Look at you go."

Iridia had to really force her face not to get warm, especially at such a simple comment. She had more resolve than that, right?

"So what now? Do we just... go back in?" Kelam asked.

"Well, we shouldn't just leave." Brielle turned from Kelam to Iridia, looking her over. "Oh, you are dreadfully covered in dust."

Iridia didn't have much time to prepare—physically or emotionally—for Brielle reaching out and brushing off her shoulders and arms. Brielle eyed her the same way Iridia eyed a machine when trying to locate any further adjustments needed. A small smirk tugged at her cheek as she reached forward and straightened Iridia's collar, taking her time to smooth out the fabric. Yeah, Iridia couldn't hide her blush now.

"Better."

Out of the corner of Iridia's eye, she could see Luna's slightly dropped jaw. Iridia gulped and hastily put her jacket back on. "T-thank you."

"Well," Brielle said as she clapped the dust off her own hands, "whether or not all of the other attendees enjoy our presence, we were invited regardless and should thus be good guests." It should be illegal, whatever Brielle was doing to her psyche, as she slid her arm into Iridia's so she could walk alongside her. She prayed Brielle couldn't feel her wildly racing pulse from where she held on. Even through muscle, she feared her brachial artery could reveal everything.

Kelam put his hand on Iridia's other shoulder—she immediately tensed, not expecting the touch. "You were great up there. Yet again saving the day." He chuckled and sauntered in the sanctuary before them. Iridia frowned. She had rearranged some wires, plugged things in, and flipped a switch. She wasn't a miracle worker—they were in a church, would she be allowed to call herself that anyway?