High Priestess and the sinners

Amphora?

They're even fiercer than the folk of fair Vеrоne,

Though they craft no lovely songs, 'tis true.

Sеarching for the good, wе lеarned to trust in wrong,

We're raised to trust where trust was empty flue.

V.R.

POV: Murderer

I'm here again to end her, then.

Ivy wore a brightly colored velvet top with a corset and airy lace sleeves, secured by satin ties on the sleeve. She wore suede shorts and boots with a heavy sole and velvety lining. She took a sombrero and headed to her saloon, determined to get drunk. It wasn't only for fun, though: cares came her way and she had to allow her friend could use the saloon's dance floor as a marketing platform for her new adult choreography group. Ivy said yes. Of course, she loved her friend and taking in older categories was a big leap. As she drives, streets were less crowded than during the day, but the saloon was still bustling with patrons seeking solace or celebration. So let's see what's next...

There was a rehearsal as she entered a low palisade. The music was already playing, and the floor was filled with dancers moving to the rhythm. She liked the fact dances were kinda fusion between modern jazz and traditional west. She walked straight behind the bar and made herself a shot of tequila. Warming it up in her hand for a bit, she was about to down it, looked around in search of someone to clink glasses with, then changed her mind and decided she could handle it just fine on her own. Here she is, tossing back the shot, and at that very moment she sees her "pub friend" hanging around with nothing to do. "Hey!" She lifted her head and whistled at him. He immediately recognized his new patroness and ran over. What was his name, by the way? Oops, I forgot... When he sidled up and stood on the other side of the bar from her, she rolled her eyes and grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragging him over to her and dumping him on the floor. She picked him up by the same scruff, dusted him off, sat down next to him, and covered them both with a sombrero.

"Ahem," she cleared her throat, a sour taste lingering from the wine she had imbibed. She was about to ask, "Listen, why are you..." when her gaze fell upon his face, contorted with a mix of wariness and terror, as if he were on the verge of wetting himself. A wave of mirth washed over her. "Oh, come on, I'm not going to whip you. Relax..." She paused for a moment, her head tilting to the side, before swiftly raising her hand towards him. "...Although it wouldn't hurt." Her laughter erupted at the way he flinched.

"I...I just don't want to mess up, Ivy. This Marco guy, he sounds dangerous, and I don't want to end up in trouble."

"Alright, alright, I'm feeling benevolent today. Just a little reminder not to get too comfortable. You're my ward now, aren't you?" She gave him a gentle nudge on the shoulder, and he nodded vigorously in agreement.

"Understood. I'll keep an eye out for any trouble."

"I told you I was being kind. Besides, I've already had a shot. Care to join me? Of course no, you still have work to do..." His eyes widened in question. "By the way, that's why I dragged you here. Phew, why am I hiding with you as if I'm not at home, haha. Let's get up! So, to the point: did I tell you last time that it won't be like with Marco, and you won't be hanging around here without purpose? Did I say that or not?"

"Yeah..."

"Of course, I did. Well, that's good, or else all sorts of troublemakers would be wandering around here, spreading rumors like, 'Romero brought a homeless child to the tavern! A little pig, a big rat!' Wonderful, isn't it? So, it's time for you to stop embarrassing me in front of guests and scaring them with your fleas. But you won't make a living on the backyard rodent hungry trash can with work! I have a corner for you..."