Cult of the Lamb : The Man in the Forest

Chapter 7: Bloody Blessings

Merida's mother needed a few days to recover before she was willing to listen to anything she had to say. The conversation went well, all considered. As Aym warned, she did not forgive Merida, and insisted that their trust was not going to be rebuilt overnight. But, she at least accepted Merida's apology and their relationship resumed as close to normal as possible. Her conversation with Nykka went surprisingly well. The mother forgave her easily, though that might have been due to her blaming Narinder for everything. She asked Nykka how Kenedra was transitioning, and Nykka bitterly admitted that she was doing well and did seem happier than she had been while living in the Bishop's Domain. This gave Merida a little peace of mind, and she was able to finally relax.

There were only three days remaining in her punishment. Seventy-two hours and she would be free to leave the temple, and free to do as she pleased. Lydie had become extremely giddy, to the point where it bordered on delirium. Her excitement was for their rapidly approaching birthday. She could not wait for adulthood, and seemed to think it would bring some massive change in their life as if they didn't plan on staying in the temple.

Merida was sitting cross legged on her bed, sharpening the blades on her staff in silent irritation. Lydie had been going through her love letters on her own bed, and periodically swooning, giggling, or squealing. She was doing her damndest not to argue with her sister, a task proving to be nearly impossible. Lydie finished reading her letters, and tucked them all away with a big smile.

"I'm going to make something to eat, would you like anything?" She asked as she opened their door. Merida shook her head.

"I'm fine..."

"Alright...!" She grinned and left the room, closing the door. Merida sighed heavily and set her sharpening stone aside to rub her temple. Yes, it was wonderful that Lydie was so happy lately. But the way she behaved drove Merida up the wall. After taking a few moments to relax her irritation, she picked the stone back up, and shifted to continue sharpening her blade. Just as she completed the first swipe, a noise interrupted her. It was a quiet sound, just a little tap against their window. Without looking, she knew exactly who it was.

"Damn it all..." She grumbled, setting her staff aside and getting up from the bed. She pushed open the window, and as she expected, Cassius was standing there. The white ox gave a little awkward wave.

"Hello..."

"She just left your cabin a few hours ago. What do you want?"

"I, uh... I actually wanted to talk to you. I've been waiting for Lydie to leave..." Merida narrowed her eyes.

"You've been spying on us?"

"N- No, I would never."

"Yes you would. Little creep." She grumbled and started to close the window, but he quickly pushed it back before she could.

"No, wait...! I really need to talk to you." He frowned.

"You haven't cared to talk to me since your balls dropped." She glared. "Ever since then you've been obsessed with Lydie. Why the Hell should I listen to you now?"

"Ah, well..." He laughed uncomfortably, "I'm sorry about that..." Merida rolled her eyes.

"Just spit it out."

"I wanted your opinion..." He began and reached into his red Follower robes. He took out a small, black box and held it up so Merida could see. When he opened it, a silver ring with a diamond set in the center was revealed. She actually burst out laughing upon seeing the ring. Cassius' brow furrowed as he looked between her and the ring. "...what?"

"You aren't serious." She smirked after capping her laughter. "You're going to propose?"

"Of course I am... I love her." He frowned.