𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 ✦ 𝘳𝘦𝘻𝘦𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘭

-12

The temple conducted its annual general meeting at a lecture hall, not far from the palace. The giant building had been adorned with large stone pillars from each side. Looking around the
room, scored with light that came from the half-shuttered windows, you
felt a sense of kinship with the crowd.
Middle-aged men, most of them, some of them slender and stiff in their
mahogany chairs, some of them plumply overlapping the small, square
seats. There was a sparse peppering of women, the youngest of them
exactly twice your age. There was also scholars around sent by the magic tower.
You knew that they all didn't have the same motivation for being
there. Although some shared your passionate beliefs, others were there merely because it was a popular political concern. But that didn't matter, as long as they were working together for an important cause.
Feeling someone's gaze on you, you looked at the young man with a narrow face and lively dark eyes that was walking towards you. While you exchanged a discreet smile, you tried to remember his name. Hayden, or maybe it was Harry. You had spoken once or twice before. If you remembered correctly, He was known as the youngest priest in the temple.
"This way, lady y/n" you nodded before following him to your seat.

The meeting progressed through several speakers. There was a great deal of rustling paper as the members took notes or prepared their own
speeches. The wooden chairs squeaked as legs were crossed and uncrossed.
Once in a while there were interruptions as members sought to clarify certain statements or information. After the fourth speaker, it was your turn. As you were asked about charity work you've been responsible of so far, and your mouth went dry.

"Gentlemen, I have brought the proposed revisions for the homeless children protection manual. It has been rewritten according to many wise and helpful suggestions from the distinguished individuals. If the manual is found to be acceptable, then a large-scale printing will be ordered and distributed to the public."

An elderly priest near the front of the room spoke up. "Would Lady y/n care to describe the nature of the revisions?"
You gave him a brisk nod, your shoulders relaxing a little. "Of course. The manual gives a more detailed explanation of the procedures for making complaints about children abuse. Certain evidence must be gathered at the time of an offense in order to conduct a successful prosecution. The public
is well aware of the children being abused in the streets...we've all seen
them beaten with whips... being tormented. Many people are distressed by the cruelty they witness, but they don't know what they can do
to stop it. The manual contains guidelines for recognizing an offense, and procedures for reporting criminals to the proper authorities."

To your surprise, the young priest asked a question. "Lady y/n, what about the financial ressources of this project?"

You nodded explaining "Yes, that is exactly the role of the manual- i have made mention of this subject within..."
You would have continued, but something drew your eyes to the back
of the room, a familiar flash of gold, a man's form swathed in dark clothes.
It was Rezef Hill. Even at this distance, the navy shade of his eyes was vivid. Confusion seized you. You were barely conscious of the priest agreeable response to your previous suggestion, the motion being made and seconded. Somehow you managed to rip your gaze away from Rezef. You handed the manuscript to the secretary of the person in charge. The men in your row stood politely as you made your way
back to your seat.
The meeting lasted another hour. You kept your gaze pinned on the back of the chair in front of you, unable to concentrate. Somehow you resisted the temptation to glance back at Rezef.

A few concluding remarks signaled the end of the meeting, the assemblage rose to leave. You made your way to the end of the row and found yourself in the company of the young priest. A smile lurked in the depths of his dark eyes.
"Lady y/n, I'm going to suggest that your name be included in the manual as recognition of the splendid work you've done."